Glenlea wins men’s State League tennis title, Memorial Drive three-peats in women’s competition

Glenlea’s Jack Schipanski is proud to have led his side to the men’s State League tennis title this month, while Memorial Drive claimed its third women’s championship in a row.

Glenlea State League men's tennis 2019 premiership winning team. (Back): Steve Clasohm, Josh Boots, Stefan Bianchet, Sam May, Todd Langman, Ben Mooney. (Front): Edward Winter, Tom Collins, Jack Schipanski. Picture: Breanna Hassam

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JACK Schipanski’s return to the men’s State League tennis competition following a stint in the US could not have been served up any better.

Schipanski rejoined his junior club, Glenlea, this season after playing college tennis for the University of Tennessee while studying commerce.

He returned to Adelaide a year ago but only made his comeback to the local courts this season and it was everything he hoped it would be.

Glenlea finished the minor round top and then went on to claim the title this month, beating Broadview at Memorial Drive.

Jack Schipanski, pictured ahead of the 2013 Asia-Pacific Tennis League, led Glenlea to the 2019 men’s state league title. Picture: News Corp

“I played for Glenlea when I was a junior but this is the first time since I’ve been back in Adelaide that I’ve played for the club,” the right-handed 24-year-old said.

“For us to win the grand final was a lot of fun and it was a great experience.”

Glenlea finished top of the ladder with a 10-3 record and earned a grand final berth after beating Trinity in the semi-final.

Schipanski, of North Brighton, said Glenlea had a good mix of youth and experience move in and out of the side during the season.

He said that was the key to maintaining strong form.

“We had an opportunity to get a few juniors who are playing in the competition below us to fill in and play a few games this season.

“Giving those guys a bit experience of playing against the best guys in the state was good for them as well.”

Memorial Drive claimed the women’s State League premiership for the third consecutive season.

The side was challenged by Pembroke before triumphing four rubbers, six sets and seven games to 2-5-4.

Memorial Drive State League women's premiership winning team. (From L-R) Jasmine Adams, Melissa Beadman, Alana Repanich, Melanie Clayton. Picture: Breanna Hassam

Team captain Michelle Leyden said the players’ average age was 40, making the win even sweeter.

“It’s great to win back-to-back-to-back because the competition is very strong,” Leyden said.

“We have by far the oldest and most experienced team in the competition.

“We have juniors come in and out of the team to down our average age a bit.

“It’s not easy as you get older and we don’t have as much time to train as we used to but we drew on our experience in the grand final.”