Observer Challenge coordinator credited for invaluable 25 years

By Dana Kampa
| 3:50 p.m. January 20, 2025

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Coordinating a large-scale tennis tournament for 25 years is no small task, but Tennis Center Manager Kay Thayer has been stepping up to serve every year since its inception. Participants took the opportunity to share their appreciation for her efforts at the kickoff of this year’s tournament on Thursday at the Spike ‘n’ Tees restaurant at the Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Matt Walsh, CEO of the Longboat Observer, offered his commendation of her efforts with an award, customized bracelet and subscription to a craft beer service.

The tournament took place Friday and Saturday, modified to avoid potentially stormy weather on Sunday.

As Thayer delved into the details of this year’s updated tournament format, attendees cheered at no longer needing to compete in singles matches, made possible by playing mixed doubles after the first round of matches.

But their even more boisterous applause went to Thayer.

"People don't realize what it takes to put on an event like this," Walsh said. "But she's done a great job, all 25 years, and I thought it was appropriate for all of us to recognize the job that she has done."

He also fondly recalled the tournament’s origins, a form of an “olive branch” between Walsh and tennis enthusiasts who established the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center. John Mrachek and Dick Schlorf offered the inspiration.

Walsh joked that though he’s only won his division once in the 25 years he’s played, the tournament is always a great time.

The Friends of Tennis Inc. Director Rich McGrath, who also coordinates a senior men’s tennis tournament, said Thayer “has done a magnificent job of running the Tennis Center.”

McGrath said this year marked the highest fundraising in the tournament's history.

Taking top prize

Teams vied for the ultimate prize of having their names inscribed on the tournament trophy, which is housed year round at the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.

But the division winners also had the opportunity to enter a drawing for dinner for four at Maison Blanche, lauded as one of the top restaurants on the Key that specializes in modern French cuisine.

The prize ultimately went to the Division Two winners of Mike Langlois, Irene Langlois, Dobs Gibbins and Jackie Gibbins.

Kay Thayer receives recognition for her 25 years of service organizing the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament.

Kay Thayer thanks Rich McGrath and attendees for their recognition of her 25 years of service to the Observer Challenge tennis tournament.

Rich McGrath and Matt Walsh thank Kay Thayer for coordinating the Observer Challenge tennis tournament for the past 25 years.

Matt Walsh commends Kay Thayer for her work coordinating the Observer Challenge tennis tournament for 25 years.

Matt Walsh and Rich McGrath thank Kay Thayer for coordinating the Observer Challenge tennis tournament for the past 25 years.

Observer Challenge tennis tournament participants hear details of the new format for the tournament this year.

Attendees at the launch of the 2025 Observer Challenge tennis tournament review their brackets.

Kay Thayer explains the new format for the 25th annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament.

Matt Walsh reads the award given to Kay Thayer for her 25 years coordinating the annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament before giving it to her with Rich McGrath.

Matt Walsh and Kay Thayer smile ahead of this year's 25th annual Observer Challenge tennis tournament.

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.