Local students host USTA-sanctioned tennis tournament to support Latham

The third annual Latham Open was a great success! High school students Rufus McCleery and Oliver Prantis planned and executed the USTA-sanctioned tournament for the benefit of Latham Centers on August 15th and 16th at the Harwich Community Tennis Courts at Brooks Park. Over 25 players of all ages and rankings participated in the tournament. In 2019, the first annual Latham Open was launched by Rufus, a rising junior at Nauset Regional High School whose brother is a student at Latham, and his good friend Oliver, a rising senior at Sturgis West.

“Oliver and I are proud to help Latham, and we are so glad to see this tournament becoming an annual tradition,” Rufus said. “Latham is a great school, and they have helped my little brother so much.” Rufus also noted that he is grateful to the Harwich Recreation Department for donating the court time for this fundraising event. “The Harwich Recreation department has really supported us; especially Eric Beebe, Sue Fraser, and Lee Ames, for allowing us to use the Brooks Park courts in Harwich.”

This year’s tournament welcomed players from across Cape Cod and several European players vacationing on the Cape this summer. “After a challenging year with few opportunities to meet new people and get together for tennis or anything else, it was a lot of fun to welcome so many to our tournament,” Latham Open Co-Founder Oliver Prantis said. Matt McCleery, Rufus’ father and a Latham parent and Board member, commented on the camaraderie enjoyed by all of the players over the weekend.“There was great tennis and great sportsmanship all weekend long. I want to be sure to thank Brandon Cutter for his help in organizing the event, and all of the players and their families who came out to support Latham.”

We’re so grateful for your efforts, Rufus, Oliver, and Matt!

 

Photo Caption(s): Pictured, Oliver Prantis (left) and Rufus McCleery, Co-Founders of the Latham Open event which raises funds for Latham School in Brewster, as well as Matt McCleery.

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