'We pass tennis on': Robinson Tournament showcases the sport's legacy in Port Huron

PORT HURON — Some had been playing for decades. Others weren't even a decade old. But everyone there shared the same passion.

Athletes of all generations convened Sunday for the finals of the 67th Francis J. Robinson International Memorial Tennis Tournament at the Port Huron Tennis House.

"We had great weather and fabulous tennis," tournament director Jason Go said. "It really is a great community event. Because it's a celebration of our tennis community."

Roughly 360 people competed in the six-day tournament. Hundreds — if not thousands — more came to follow the action throughout the week.

"Everybody wants to participate," assistant director Kristy Kinney said. "Whether they're working to help make it happen or just here to play or to watch. This year, we had around 65 additional people play in the tournament."

Mark M. Walker, the Tennis House's general manager, wasn't one of them. Instead, he decided to watch his children and grandchildren take the court.

"It's super satisfying," said Walker, who's been with the Tennis House since it opened in 1976. "To watch these kids grow up and play tennis in the atmosphere and the community that it's created has just been fantastic. This is such a great environment for kids and families to be around."

Families aren't only around the Robinson tournament, they're also a major part of it.

Scott Cummings, the boys and girls tennis coach at Croswell-Lexington High School, and his son, Matthew, won the mixed doubles championship in flight seven. Sisters Lily and Kate VanHowe, of Port Huron, teamed up to the capture the girls doubles title in flight one.

But for cousins Debbie Bunch and Francine London, the tournament is about much more than just tennis. Because it's named after their late uncle.

"It's huge for our family," London said. "I just remember, growing up, my grandparents being so involved (with the tournament) and how much it meant to them to keep their son's memory alive."

Francis J. Robinson, a lieutenant in the United States Air Force, died on July 16, 1958, when his fighter jet crashed during a practice mission at Elgin Air Force Base in Florida. He was 24.

An avid tennis player during his life, the Francis J. Robinson Memorial Tournament was established that same year in his memory. With the exception of 2020, the event has been held ever since.

"To have this still continue, oh my gosh," Bunch said. "I usually break down crying because we never dreamed 67 years ... it means so much to us to still have this going."

On Sunday, they both presented awards during the closing ceremony.

"We feel very honored that they ask us to do that," Bunch said.

"It's kind that they still include the family," London said. "It's very cool."

What was once a just local competition has morphed into something much larger. Participants of this year's tournament came from all over Michigan and across the United States. A handful of players even made the short trip from Canada via the Blue Water Bridge.

"I don't think anybody thought it would grow into what it's (become)," Walker said. "People come back that haven't played for awhile and can always get in it. It's just really rewarding and satisfying to see."

"We have a great tennis community here," Go said. "We have a lot of volunteers — our high school kids have been great. They help out with the matches and watching the younger kids. We have great parents that donate their time, tents, tables and a lot of different things. (This event) is very special here in town."

That was apparent Sunday, when the tournament's most-prestigious prize, the Francis J. Robinson Sportsmanship Award, was given to Nancy Pfieffer. Her emotional acceptance speech garnered more applause — and more tears — than any other accolade.

"We have a super special situation here," Kinney said. "We pass tennis on, which is why we keep going 67 years into the Robinson."

Contact Brenden Welper at bwelper@gannett.com . Follow him on Twitter @BrendenWelper .

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 'We pass tennis on': Robinson Tournament showcases the sport's legacy in Port Huron