Fairview Coach Doug Kazarosian Revives Boulder Open to Strengthen Local Tennis
At a time when racket sports are flourishing, Fairview High School’s tennis coach Doug Kazarosian has revived the iconic Boulder Open. Once lost in the shuffle of local tennis events, this prestigious tournament is back, breathing new life into the community and providing a substantial boost to Fairview’s tennis program.
The Return of a Historic Tournament
After a three-year hiatus, the Boulder Open reemerged, now known as the Fairview Boulder Open. It wasn’t just another event, but a significant piece of Colorado’s “Big Three” tennis tournaments. With 264 participants engaging in thrilling matches, the tournament wrapped up with much anticipation on Friday with an exciting finale at Fairview High School’s newly reconstructed tennis courts.
A Tournament with a Purpose
For Kazarosian, the revival of the Boulder Open was more than nostalgia; it was a strategic move to fundraise effectively. The tournament’s success has already contributed thousands of dollars to the school’s tennis program. As Kazarosian noted, “We’re always looking for ways to fundraise for high school sports, and with eight brand-new, beautiful tennis courts, bringing back the Boulder Open was a no-brainer.”
Enhancing the Tennis Scene
The increase in tennis participation reflects a growing trend in racket sports, driven partly by the pandemic when socially distanced activities gained popularity. Yet, as participation grew, so did the demand for adequate playing spaces—a challenge faced acutely by Boulder after the Rocky Mountain Tennis Center’s demolition.
Denver East tennis coach Derek Since succinctly captured the essence of the shortage, stating, “In Denver, we lack court space. More courts could be built, especially in the Boulder area.” The reestablishment of the Boulder Open provided a timely solution, serving as a venue for passionate local players.
Building Community and Competition
The Boulder Open proved to be more than a competition. It rekindled a spirit of camaraderie and community. Matches featured local stalwarts, with finals spotlighting talent like Derek Since and Chris Birschbach in the men’s play-off and Sophie Hartman versus Dasha Whitney in the women’s category.
As Doug Kazarosian expressed, “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to present the Boulder and Colorado tennis community with a tournament of this magnitude.” His sentiment resonates, hinting at the event’s impact which extends beyond the courts into fostering a tightly-knit community.
As stated in Daily Camera, the event underscores a vital renaissance in local sports, marking a milestone in both community engagement and athletic development. The Boulder Open isn’t just back; it’s a cornerstone for tennis enthusiasts in Colorado to rally behind once more.
