Blue Gray National Tennis Classic in Montgomery Hosts College Players with Local Families

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – College tennis players from universities across the country are in Montgomery this weekend for the Blue Gray National Tennis Classic, staying with local host families who open their homes and show them classic Southern hospitality. The tournament runs through Sunday at Lagoon Park.

While athletes compete on the court, families like George and Mildred Wakefield provide a home base. The Wakefields may not be tennis players themselves, but the sport holds a special place in their hearts.

George Wakefield said the experience is a lot of fun, adding that the athletes who come in are amazing, work very hard, and are polite.

Host families bring athletes into their homes and make them part of the family for the weekend, sharing meals, providing a place to rest, and cheering them on during matches.

Mildred Wakefield said that sometimes they made more of a connection with some of the players than others. She recalled that her daughter was really interested in following one player who later played in the NCAA tournament, so they drove to Athens, Georgia, to watch him play, which was fun.

Some athletes who have stayed with the Wakefields have gone on to win major titles at the professional level.

George Wakefield said many host families stay in touch with former players through social media and follow their careers. Right now, he said, they are following a couple of players who have stayed with them in the past and are playing on the WTA circuit, including Erin Routliffe, who has twice won the U.S. Open women’s doubles title.

Mildred Wakefield added that Routliffe got to play Serena Williams.

Though the tournament lasts just a weekend, organizers and host families say the relationships often last a lifetime.

The Blue Gray National Tennis Classic continues through Sunday at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.

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Blue Gray National Tennis Classic Montgomery Lagoon Park Host Families Erin Routliffe Wakefield College Tennis

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