DuPage Winter Tennis League

The DuPage Winter Tennis League is a private indoor tennis club based at the Pavilion of the DuPage Fairgrounds in Wheaton. Founded in 1966, its name is actually a misnomer; it should be the DuPage Fall, Winter and Spring Tennis League as it now operates from September 1 through May 31. Open to all ages, the 160 of us average about 65 years as we include many retirees, headed up by a 95 year who received a lifetime membership on her 90th birthday. Now playing there 5 times weekly my two hour match cost is under a buck due to a reasonable annual fee and no court costs. Other members include one who has been playing there since the club's inception 48 years ago, and another playing on his second heart. When I asked him how his new ticker was doing he replied, "A lot better than yours since mine is only 20 years old." Only one issue with the venue. The Pavilion wasn't build for tennis and huge arched wooden beams which support the roof are anchored perilously close to the back of the courts. I've smacked them with my noggin twice, the second time going full tilt for a overhead lob (tennis lesson: not always good to keep your eye on the ball). The beam didn't budge; I did, straight on my back. After a 10 minute recovery with an ice pack I completed the match, but not with my usual peppiness. A quick trip to the ER for a cat scan of my brain revealed nothing. My wife's comment: "I could have told them that."