by senior contributor Brendan Kownacki
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
“We’re gonna have some good tennis and some not so great tennis,” touted Kastles owner Mark Ein at the 3rd annual Kastles Charity Classic. There was Team Stars and Team Stripes, but it was universally agreed upon that the big winner of the night was going to be the 4 charities being supported.
Kastles owner Mark Ein
This year’s causes were Food and Friends, DC Public Education Fund, Best Buddies, and T.A.P.S. In fact, every dollar from ticket sales was set to directly benefit the charities.
This year’s lineup of players was diverse and full of talent. Members of Congress and media—these powerhouses brought some major clout to the court. Also on hand was veteran broadcaster Jim Vance who would serve as a guest umpire for the evening.
“I don’t have a clue [what I’m doing], but I’m gonna have a helluva fun time doing it,” joked Vance.
Hitting the court this year:
Team Stars: Congressman Mike McIntyre, Congressman Jim Costa, Bret Baier, Ed Henry, Joyce Beatty, Congressman Kevin Yoder, Rocky McIntosh, Josh Wilson, Congressman Bobby Scott, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Murphy Jensen, Bobby Reynolds & Martina Hingis.
Team Stars
Team Stripes: Congressman Cheri Bustos, Congressman Timothy Bishop, Jonathan Karl, Peter Cook, Gene Sperling, Mark Ein, Congressman Erik Paulsen, Congressman Tulsi Gabbard, Darrell Green, Brian Mitchell, Congressman John Delaney, Congressman Shelley Moore Capito, Anastasia Rodionova, & Leander Paes.
Team Stripes
Team Stripes took the trophy last year during a sweaty and soggy mess but it was anyone’s victory this time around, especially in the cool climate of the Kastles’ new home at GWU’s Smith Center. Team Stars came out to an early lead at the half and the action was everything you’d want. Lobs and volleys, returns and aces—and even a little excitement when Mark Ein barreled over a cameraman trying to make a critical return across the net.
In the end, the luck still lay with Team Stripes who narrowly stole the win by a score of 47-46. Fierce fun was had by all, and in the name of charity of course.
The Kastles’ season continues this week as they run closer to another league championship for the 4th year in a row. For schedule, visit Washington Kastles
