Ivan Wiebke, in front, reaches for the ball in a friendly tennis match last Thursday, while game partner Charlie Harvey watches from the back. — Johnson Publications
It’s become a routine for guys like Marvin Skipworth to get out on the tennis courts for some lunchtime action at Holyoke City Park. — Johnson Publications
A love for tennis stands the test of time
While hobbies may come and go, tennis is one that has stuck around for a couple of Holyoke men. Charlie Harvey and Marvin Skipworth can often be seen at the Holyoke City Park tennis courts around lunchtime, fully engaged in a game of tennis that’s more about fun and exercise than it is about winning.
The two were in high school together in the ’60s and have many years of memories as adult tennis enthusiasts — especially through Holyoke’s heyday of tennis leagues and tournaments a few decades ago.
The men might not be quite as quick as they used to be and Harvey’s not using the first racket he got from collecting Wheaties box tops in elementary school, but then again, the court is also showing signs of aging after many years of use.
Ivan Wiebke began playing with them several years ago, and most recently, Scott Korte was added to the mix.