But Saturday, in an attempt to spread their love of the sport, the Homer Tennis Association is sponsoring a round-robin tournament at the Homer High School courts.

"It's a great sport," said Will Files of the association. "And the main thing that's different about it is that it's highly active, unlike golf, but at the same time it's a lifelong sport."

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday a small group of enthusiasts of all ages gather at the high school courts to play.

And the main thing they all have in common is their love for the game.

"There's no generic or typical tennis player," said Files. "They're fishermen and retirees and housemoms, students and summer folks that have businesses here. It's quite an eclectic bunch."

The annual tournament is one of several tennis outreach programs the association has sponsored during its first three years of existence.

Last year the group held a youth program. But it was scrapped this year when the instructor had to work elsewhere during the summer.

Files said the group is looking for instructors and hopes to start the program up again next year.

"Mostly what we've been doing here is offering regular play for adults Monday, Wednesday and Friday," he said. "We're always looking for people that have instruction skills or coaches."

Files cited several United States Tennis Association statistics that point out a resurgence of tennis in the Lower 48. In Homer, the sport has a small but loyal following.

"Tennis has been an up and a down program here," he said. "It was active up to the mid to late '90s, but some of the (organizers) moved on. The program has been on hold for a number of years, but last year we saw a resurgence with the youth program. Hopefully we can get back on track next year."

Kay Robertson said the tennis association hopes Saturday's tournament will get more Homer residents to the courts.

"We like tennis, and we're an easy group of people," she said. "We just want more people to play."

The tournament signup begins at 9:30 a.m. with play beginning at 10 a.m. It will be a mixed doubles, round-robin format, where everyone will get to play with and against everyone else. There will be trophies for the top teams with a barbecue to follow.

There is a $5 entry fee, and organizers ask players to bring a new sleeve of tennis balls if possible.

For more information, call Files at 235-2443.

Ben Stuart can be reached at ben.stuart@homernews.com.