Ronan camp teaches basics

RONAN — Thanks to two grants from the United States Tennis Association, Lake County children enjoyed a free four-day tennis camp in Ronan last week.

Mike and Stacey Ellis of Ronan organized and instructed the camp that hosted 50 children, aged 5 to 18.

Mike Ellis, an avid tennis player, is on the USTA Montana board and heard that the nationwide foundation was looking to add diversity. He said the camp’s location on the Flathead Indian Reservation was key in getting the grants to pay for the camp.

Both Ellises teach in the Polson school system, where Mike is the track and field coach at Polson High School, and both enjoy working with children.

“We see so many kids that don’t have much they enjoy doing,” Stacey Ellis said. “My kids like to play and they don’t have anybody to play with.”

The couple was also looking for a chance to bring use to the tennis courts at Ronan High School.

“You have six beautiful courts here and they’re hardly ever used,” Mike Ellis said.

They set up smaller courts and played with larger modified tennis balls to help the kids learn technique and accuracy, a USTA initiative called “Quick Start Tennis.” Mike introduced a game called “Bop It,” in which the children simply hit the ball over the net to their partners, the goal being to keep the rally going as long as possible.

“The more they can hit it back and forth, the more fun they’re having,” said Mike Ellis, whose three children were all participating in the camp. “Otherwise it just becomes them chasing tennis balls, and they don’t have as much fun.”

Maggie Todd was one of many beginner players at the camp getting her first taste of real tennis instruction.

“I like tennis,” the 10-year-old said. “I haven’t gotten involved with it until now. It’s a very active sport.”

Todd, who lives in Polson, is a fan of tennis superstar Serena Williams.

The Ellis family also incorporated some physical wellness education into the camp. Dennis Johnson, a friend of the Ellises and an employee of the Lake County Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, visited the camp on Thursday to talk to kids about the harmfulness of tobacco use.

They fused the education program with the camp by creating “Ciggy the cigarette butt,” made of garbage cans, plastic bags and art supplies, and used the character as target practice.

The Ellises hope that the camp’s success will help it become an annual event and generate more long-term affinity for the sport.