Second Annual Larry Cantine Memorial Tennis Tourney Set for July 29

The Second Annual Larry Cantine Memorial Milbank Alumni Tennis Tournament will be held on Saturday, July 29, during Farley Fest weekend. The tournament will be played at Cantine Courts and is expected to last from 9 a.m – 2 p.m. 

An optional warm-up time is scheduled  from 8:30 – 9 a.m. Players are invited to come early and practice hitting. A group photo will follow. The first matches start at 9 a.m. sharp.

The all-doubles tournament will feature 24 alumni of the Milbank tennis program from the 1980s to 2023. Each player is guaranteed to play three matches. Each match consists of four games. Whoever wins the most games will be crowned the champion. Hattie Muellenbach claimed the title at the inaugural event in  2022.

Players participating in the tournament include: Kevin Cantine, Greg Cantine, Scott Cantine, Alex Cantine, Rhianna Cantine, Zach Waletich, David Waletich, Ron Waletich, Tom Waletich, Josh Anderson, Tyler Keller, Travis Buttke, Ryan Hepper, Steve Hamman, Sam Jarman, Benett Street, Hallie Essington, Jim Dahl, Jeff Kurtz, Matt Kurtz, Wyatt Kurtz, Aaron Nelson, David Gulck, and Will Muellenbach. 

Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Milbank Area Community Tennis Association (MACTA) for all who attend. Each player in the 2023 tournament will also receive a free t-shirt, courtesy of  Valley Queen. 
Z. Waletich, a 2012 graduate of MHS and a P.E. teacher and tennis coach in Owatonna, Minnesota, said, “I’m thankful this alumni tournament has become an annual tradition in Milbank. When you think of Milbank Tennis, Larry Cantine is the first person who comes to mind. He built the tennis program in our community.” 

Waletich continued, ” It’s now up to us to keep his legacy and love for the game alive in Milbank, and this is one small way we can do that. It was an absolute blast last year, so I can’t wait to get everyone back together and pack the courts again for some great competition while honoring Larry from above.”

Z. Waletich encouraged everyone to show up and show their support. “The more the better. Let’s make it a great day for Larry. Don’t miss the all-Cantine match up!”