A dozen youngsters took advantage of a free tennis clinic offered last week by the Jefferson park and recreation department. They were also the first to use a new Lobster Elite tennis machine, just purchased by JPRD with memorial funds and donations from the family of the late Dr Robert Burke. The clinic was also funded in memory of Dr Burke.
Dr Burke was a lifelong tennis player. He passed away in March at the age of 89. Kathy Bravard, one of the coaches for the clinic, said she had played tennis with him in October.
The Lobster has a capacity of up to 150 balls. It is battery-operated and can be set for the interval between each ball, the speed of the ball, and the amount of spin on the ball. The Lobster is available for use at the Community Center. Call 515-3863412 for details.
Pictured are Bravard helping Natalie Heupel with her swing while taking balls from the Lobster, and coach Alex Hamilton (back to the camera) hitting balls for students.
With the Lobster are (front, from left) Lily Hinote, Allee Hinote, Sadie Gilbertson, Naphtali Hoyt and Gracie Cooklin; and (back, from left) Natalie Heupel, Kathy Bravard, Katrina Heupel, Gaige Buttler, Noble Hoyt, Alex Hamilton and Cody Gilbertson.
