Southern retains Keith Donoff Challenge Cup

USTA Southern successfully defended its 2022 Donoff Cup/Men’s Intersectionals Championship by capturing the 2023 event at Cooper Creek Tennis Center, Columbus, Ga. It was Southern’s eighth straight triumph.

Southern beat back challenges from teams from other USTA sections. Florida, Midwest, New England, Southwest and Southern California sent teams with the goal of upsetting Team Southern in its defense of the Donoff Cup.

Led by Southern Tennis Hall of Famers Steve Duffel and Tom Smith, along with 2024 HOF inductee Keith Richardson, Southern captured every age division, 35s, 55s, 60s, 65s, 70s and 75s.  

Southern’s 55 and over age group fought back a significant challenge from a strong Southern California team which included former ATP Tour professionals.

The Donoff Cup/Men’s Intersectionals is an annual event bringing together some of the top adult/senior players in the U.S. to compete in a team format. USTA Southern’s team was made up of the top players from nine Southern states.

Southern was captained by former USTA Southern President & CEO Steve Duffel and Vice President Drew Meyers.

ROSTERS

M35

•         Inus Daneel

•         Mauricio Roveri

•         Brad Sceney

•         Danie van den Heever

•         Adrian Ooi

M55

•      Taylor Hamilton

•      John Hanna

•         Pat Guerry

•         Eddie Gonzalez

•         Stephen Enochs

M60

•         Russell Buchi

•         Brian Redmond

•         Calvert Bibb

•         John Valastro

•         Al Cannon

M65

•         Scott Shepherd

•         Ken Koelling

•         Stewart Jackson

•         Drew Meyers (Captain)

•         Chris Bussert

•         Danny Carlson

M70

•         Keith Richardson

•         Dennis Engelbrecht

•         Padg Bolton

•         Erik Witten

•         Tom Smith

•         Roger Pearce

M75

•         Al Yearwood

•         John Walton

•         Art Abbott

•         Joe Adams

•         Steve Duffel (Captain)