Kansas Section Championship Updates

Despite the setbacks of COVID-19, USTA Kansas is proudly supporting safe adult league play. The USTA Missouri Valley 65 & Over Section Invitational was hosted on Sept. 26-28 at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan. Bob Bundy and Jim Bauserfeld both led their teams to qualify for nationals in the 7.0 and 8.0 categories respectively.

Bauserfeld says the players have been doing their best to keep up with tennis practice while social distancing.

"In the spring, we met in Lawrence every Tuesday and played a few sets together.  Most of us have played together for many years, some 40 years and counting," Bauserfeld said. "Our team continues to play several times a week and will do so until nationals."

The men will head to Surprise, Arizona in January to compete in the national tournament.

"The competition will be very tough, with many of the matches decided by tie breakers," Bauserfeld said. "But we cherish each trip to the nationals and know that we can compete with the best teams in the nation.”

The Women's 65 & Over Sectional is set to take place Nov. 7-8, followed by the Tri-Level Sectional Nov. 13-15. Both events will be held in Wichita.

"I feel so fortunate that the Kansas District was able to step up and make these two sectional events happen," said Amy Mathew, Kansas district league coordinator. "It has been an amazing process of individual districts collaborating with the section, sharing information, and really working as a team to make the planning process work."

Regardless of the setbacks caused by COVID-19, Mathew is proud of the work she and her team have done to make these events possible.

"Safety is our main priority," Mathew said. "With a few more precautionary measures put into place, a little more patience, and a positive attitude, we can keep our players on the court."

Visit the USTA Missouri Valley 2020 Section Championships page for more information about these events.