Fourth Annual 'Woodbledon' a Hit Once Again

The annual “Woodbledon” tennis event proved to be a success once again. Put on by Lincoln’s Tennis Mafia group on December 18, 2021, this is the fourth time the popular event was held, and the first time at the Sid & Hazel Dillon Tennis facility, which is where the Husker men’s and women’s teams play.

“Nebraska Men's Tennis Coach Sean Maymi had reached out about getting more involved with the local tennis community and we gladly obliged to help each other out,” said Tennis Mafia organizer, Aaron Ogden. “Indoor courts this time of year are really hard to come by and we felt introducing local tennis players to their amazing facility was a great opportunity to have them see where we can support the teams.”

The event kicked off with an hour-long clinic put on by the Husker athletes where participants were able to take part in drills and other fun games. Following the clinic, players started the Woodbledon tournament where only wooden racquets were allowed to be used during the fast four, round-robin format. Many players also dressed up in accordance to the wooden racquet theme. Ogden said the tournament is about letting loose and having fun.

“We love being able to have people come out for a social tournament that's more about laughing, dressing up, and good times,” he said. “We also want to keep raising funds to be able to give back to the local tennis community through outreach, events, or scholarships.”