NJTLT to honor longtime contributor Jack deGrouchy
Tennis allows options, as a person can participate as a singles player or find that perfect partner who can overlook mishits and double faults.
Such arrangements make tennis a lot like life, especially for Jack and Janet deGrouchy who reached almost 50 years of marriage before she passed away in April.
The deGrouchys had a love game that eventually peered down the road with a realization that together they could impact positively the lives of young people.
The New Jersey Tennis Learning of Trenton honors Jack deGrouchy as the city’s rejuvenated Capital Cup tennis tournament plays in several venues.
Jack deGrouchy, 95, may stand alone but he will certainly feel Janet looking over his shoulder.
“I have not written any words yet, have not given that much thought. And I’m not much of a public speaker that’s for sure but, yes, no doubt much of what I have to say will include thoughts about Janet,” deGrouchy said.
deGrouchy and Janet got in on the ground floor as part of an introduction of tennis to Trenton-area youth via the New Jersey Tennis League.
“And then a year after that we got involved with some people who helped connect us with the NJTL. It’s amazing how far this program has come. I mean, this year alone we’ve helped six young people enter college including one headed to Yale. That’s impressive,” deGrouchy said.
“My wife had always been a great tennis player. We had always hoped that we could improve the quality of life and make a difference.”
The NJTLT will honor deGrouchy with the establishment of a scholarship endowment fund to be administered by the Princeton-Area Community Foundation.
PACF (pacf.org) supports local nonprofits with grants, advocacy and professional guidance.
Trenton Country Club will host matches, lunch and a dinner to shine light on the deGrouchy foresight that offered inspiration to a NJTLT organization that offers chances and opportunity for youth through tennis and education.
The Capital Cup plays at Trenton Country Club, Bucks County Racquet Club, Cadwalader Park, Hopewell Tennis & Swim Club, Pretty Brook Tennis Club and The College of New Jersey.
Approximately 85 player will compete in several singles and doubles division events while a day’s highlight features tennis players teamed with NJTLT youth.
Support local tennis initiatives by sending donations to the NJTLT 949 West State St., Trenton, NJ 08618.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com. Follow him on Twitter laparker6.