Mission Bay High School (MBHS), by nature, is a revolving door. Freshmen come in and seniors go out each year. But there’s one class on campus that has remained intact for 22 years, and the pupils — ages 39 to 89— are looking for new members. Sessions, in the form of informal mixed doubles, are held at the MBHS tennis courts every Saturday at 8 a.m. “Let me tell you how it started,” said Marian Karpisek, a 13-year participant. “It was a community education class. They started out at Mission Bay High School taking lessons from Pat Newman, who is still with us, although not in the same capacity.” A MBHS coach eventually took over, and while not official, the on-campus association gave the group rights to the courts. “At that time it became more just playing and some instruction, with more of a just fun group,” Karpisek said. Later, the group was without a coach, but the players continued to show up. A sign established their time slot. “When Mission Bay High School re-did the courts, they took the signs with all the rules on it down. But because we get there earlier than most people want to play, we’re able to get them,” Karpisek said. “There are six courts. In the summer, we’ve been doing just two, which is kind of sad, and why we need more members.” Ten members of the original group still play. The majority of the players, both men and women, are in their 70s. “For the most part, younger players are probably not interested in playing with people our age because we don’t play quite as hard,” Karpisek said. “But age doesn’t matter to us. We just want to have fun and go out there and hit the ball. Nobody keeps track of who wins and loses.” Match decisions do help move the games along. After 16 points, winners move up a court and losers move down. Both sets of partners (casually selected each week) are split up. The skill level of the group is also mixed. The group welcomes everyone, but feels beginners might feel uncomfortable. Karpisek describes a non-beginner as, “somebody who can keep the ball in play and knows a little strategy.” For those straddling the net, Karpisek offers this advice: “Just come and try it. I think you’ll like it. It’s such a friendly group. Nobody is going to criticize how you play. Nobody is going to make you feel bad. Come and have fun.” There’s also an option for those who might view a regular Saturday commitment daunting. “You don’t have to come every Saturday,” Karpisek said. “You don’t have to tell anybody. You just don’t come. You never know who’s going to be there. If we have an odd number of people, we take turns sitting out. We just try to be as inclusive as possible.” Interested players can simply show up to MBHS on Saturday at 8 a.m. For more information, call Barbara at (858) 945-2370 or Marian (858) 277-4242. No dues are required.
