Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 159, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1920 — VETERAN TITLEHOLDER HOLDS YOUNGSTERS AT BAY [ARTICLE]

VETERAN TITLEHOLDER HOLDS YOUNGSTERS AT BAY

With the coming of the summer months the lover of out-door sports invariably turns his attention to tennis. At least such is the case in Rensselaer, and the present year is no exception. With the conditioning of two splendid courts the interest this year in local tennis circles seems to have reached a higher pitch than ever before. Likewise the crop of high class racquet wielders appears to be the greatest ever and the battle for the city championships in the various classes in August will no doubt witness many hard fought matches. For years Dr. I. M. Washburn has reigned supreme among the Rensselaer tennis world and from present indications it appears that he will continue to do so for many years to come, despite the fact that he is no longer a youth of the twenties. However, for the past three years there have [been several of the younger generation stubbornly challenging his right as the titleholder. Foremost among these are Harry English, Lloyd Parks and William Babcock. Should any one of these three catch the champion off color they might lift his crown. But they will have to be going at top speed if such a thing is to happen. For a period of thirty years Dr. Washburn has been one of the leading exponents of the net game in this section of the state. His amazing wizardry with a tennis racquet has been a revelation to those who have witnessed his play. The dash and comet-like play that have characterized his game have always served to keep his opponents on the defensive, and on the few rare occasions where he himself has been placed on the defensive he has presented an impenetrable defense that has been a source of much discouragement to those who would lift his title. During the present season the titleholder appears to be playing the greatest game of his career! and has been defeating his opponents with great regularity, and if he continues his present pace there is no reason why he should not again be returned the winner in the August classic. Father Time will see to it the Dr.’s title is lifted eventually, but we believe we are safe in predicting.that no aspiring youngster will turn the tnck in the year 1920 A. D. Youth will be served but he will have to wait in this instance.