Switch it! Change it! Rearrange it!

by Jenna Wright

If you intend on beating Byron Sturgis by attacking his backhand, you better resort to plan B and FAST! Byron Sturgis is one of a kind here at Cooper Creek Tennis Center. His life changed 40 years ago when he was in a match and a shot was hit very wide on his left side. The only way he could reach that ball was to release his right hand and hit a left handed forehand. From this point on, he never hit another backhand again.

Byron grew up with equal amount of usefulness in both arms, but each arm is used for different types of activities. His left arm is used for activities involving mostly wrist action, such as, eating, ping pong and writing. His right arm is used when an activity requires full arm swings, such as, throwing, batting and serving. Since tennis usually requires a lot of arm movement, he originally thought of himself as a right handed player. He had a one handed forehand and a two handed backhand. This lasted for twenty years. Byron is relieved that he discovered his left forehand because he is positive it has improved his game tremendously. Not only does this method work best for him, but it is immediately a ticket to having an advantage over any other player.

Byron’s life didn’t stop getting interesting after he became ambidextrous on the tennis court! Four years ago he actually had a steady doubles partner (John Wood) who also switched from his left to his right hand during matches. Needless to say, they had a very strong record.

Byron Sturgis has now been playing tennis for 63 years, and still going strong! He has been heavily involved in the Peachtree Tennis Center since it first opened and participates in 10-13 leagues every year. The leagues include USTA Seniors, Adults, Mixed Adults, Mixed Seniors, Super Seniors 60s, Super Seniors 70s, Combo Doubles and ALTA. On top of participating in tennis, he enjoys volunteering his time to help make all the tennis programs around the state even better. He was the coordinator for Combo Doubles for three years, and is currently the coordinator of Southern Crescent Super Seniors, which is comprised of Fayette, Coweta, Henry, Clayton and Spalding Counties. Some of his teams also appreciate him volunteering to take on the role as the team captain. He currently captains a Senior men’s Wednesday morning team.

Byron resides in Peachtree City with his wife, who works at the tennis center. She is also participating in the Senior League State Championships this weekend with her 4.0 women’s team. The two have lived in many different places, but have decided that Georgia is the best when it comes to the tennis league programs. Thank you Byron Sturgis for all of your hard work and continuous participation with Southern Crescent Tennis Association and USTA Georgia.