LIMA – The past four years, former Lima Central Catholic multi-sport athlete John Kidd made a name for himself on the tennis courts at the University of Findlay.
Upon graduation this spring, Kidd decided to take a little break from the game he loved so dearly.
However, after a small hiatus, Kidd has returned to the familiar local tennis courts at the University of Northwestern Ohio, for this weekend’s Lima Area Tennis Association City Singles Tournament, which started Friday and runs through Sunday.
It’s a tournament Kidd has played in several times throughout his career.
In fact, Kidd has played in the finals the previous three years, winning the title twice.
Last year, Kidd lost to former UNOH standout Jeff Brown in the championship match 6-4, 6-2. Brown serves as the tennis pro at Westwood Tennis and Fitness Center. He also is the tournament director of the City Tournament.
In Friday’s first-round action, Kidd had little trouble in defeating Wapakoneta standout Jeff Adkins, 6-1, 6-0.
“This is the first time I’ve picked up a racket in two-and-a-half months, since the season ended. I finally picked one up a couple days ago,” Kidd said. “I’ve been golfing actually more. It’s easier on the body. I just took some time away from tennis, and tried to get refreshed and get back into the swing of things.
“The guy I had tonight is going to be a sophomore at Wapak. It looks like he has developing strokes, and I only see him going upwards. It’s nice to see the competition out here, with the next generation coming up. It will be nice seeing them grow and develop in the coming years.”
Kidd wrapped up his collegiate career in strong fashion, earning first team all-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association honors. At Findlay, he was a three-time GLIAC all-academic selection. Kidd graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.
“My senior year was my best year, by far. I played No. 1 singles, No. 1 doubles,” Kidd said. “I put in the time and the effort. I was glad I was able to end on a high note.”
For Kidd, playing in the annual City Tournament is something he always looks forward to.
Ultimately, Kidd would love to get an opportunity to play for the championship again. However, he realizes it will not be an easy trek.
“It would be great,” Kidd said. “It would be the fourth year in a row. But, I know there is a lot of great young talent here – juniors and seniors (in high school) and some that are going to be freshmen in college. The competition is definitely up this year. I have to make sure I’m ready to play.”
Brown will play his first match of this year’s tournament this morning, when he takes on Riley Werling.
When it comes to the City Tournament, veteran Mary Lou Roush has been a longtime staple. This weekend marks Roush’s 43rd appearance in the annual tournament.
The 68-year-old Roush looks forward to playing in this tournament every year.
However, winning titles isn’t at the top of Roush’s list.
“The most important thing is the people that I have met over the years,” she said. “The girls I encourage to go to college, usually end up with some scholarship money for tennis. So, that’s the main goal – for us to pass on the legacy to the young kids coming through.”
Roush is playing in the 30-and-over division, which features five women, with a round-robin format.
Last year’s overall women’s champion, Spencerville grad Kaylee Davis, will play her first match of this year’s tournament this morning at 10 a.m. against MaKayla Schroeder. Schroeder won her first-round match on Friday, slipping past Meghana Chanamolu, 6-3, 7-6(4).
Davis will be continuing her tennis career when she attends the University of Findlay this coming school year.
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