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Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 24, 2005

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f0fs24 cf0 Belle Terre to host tennis camp

LAPLACE—New ownership at Belle Terre Country Club is promising an amazing list of improvements to the longtime local club.

But one thing that doesn’d5t need to change is a strong tennis program, headed by one of the top tennis pros in the region.

Former Southeastern Louisiana University head tennis coach Leif Olsson will continue leading that program there, and is offering a top notch summer tennis and swim camp that will be offered for several sessions throughout the summer.

Beginning with Camp One the week of June 6-9, the camp is open to boys and girls, age 6 to 15, offering classes and plenty of fun for beginners as well as more experienced players.

The camp will be held Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the following dates: June 6-9, June 13-16, June 20-23 and July 5-8.

With a pro like Olsson, bringing vast playing and coaching experience to Belle Terre, those involved in the camp will be getting the best of both worlds.

‘d2We will make the camp fun, but we want to really help those who want to really improve their game as well,’d3 Olsson said. ‘d2And the new ownership here at Belle Terre is already promising some upgrades to our tennis program, especially in the facility, as well as the service we provide. I think this is going to be a big lift for many things here at the club.’d3

Olsson is one aspect of the Belle Terre program who is a mainstay from the past four years, and is an asset the new ownership is undoubtedly happy to have on board.

He was a college player for Southeastern, and then was hired as the head tennis coach at the school following his playing career. He moved on to become head pro at Ormond Country Club for eight years before Belle Terre brought him to LaPlace in 2001.

He works with local players as well as top college players from the region, as evidenced by his work this past week with a top prep player, as well as Marcia Alcantara, a former East St. John graduate who is now playing on full scholarship for Northwestern State.

Sign up for the summer camp is now underway and costs only $105 for members, and $125 for non-club members. There is a $5 discount for a second child enrolled. Lunch is included and all campers will receive a participation trophy.

After camp care is even available until 6 p.m.

For more information on the camp, or to sign up, contact Olsson at 652-9094.