Ready...set...

   Deep inside the gym at Huron Oaks, the "court elves" have been working overtime to prepare the court in time for tomorrow's first serve. While it might be one (or two for us "vertically challenged folk") lunges for the players, it's one giant task for our crew.
     Assembly began Tuesday with the floor and the lights. Luckily, the court elves were better prepared than the amateurs and didn't wait until the last minute to think about the tournament.
     For the rest of the week, we truly had friends in high places as cranes and scaffolding moved in to start piecing together the glass walls. With the help of "Legs", our real-live transformer crane and our wonderful friends at Lambton Glass and Mamoet, all 36 panels of glass were safely installed.
     While the hardworking men may be remissed that several days of work is neatly summed up in two paragraphs, a shoutout must also be given to our friend Pat for the AV set up. Pretending to be the "Great and Powerful Oz" behind the black curtain, Pat has ensured that our players and spectators (both near and far) have a truly wonderful experience. And we can break into a disco at a moment's notice. Can't beat that.
     Back to the star of the show, the glass court. Once all of the glass panels were installed, the elves were hard at work keeping the court true and taking away any sketchy nicks and with it, this writer's chance at winning any points in her match tomorrow.
     High on scaffolding and potentially diesel fumes from "Legs", our court elves cleaned every inch of the panels and the floor got a steam clean. Last but not least, the part of the court everyone loves to hate - the dear tin - was installed, leaving Gary and super-volunteer Ross just enough time to enjoy a... chocolate milk?
     While the pros are nestled all snug in their beds, the court elves are finishing up all the last minute details to have everything looking good as new. Action kicks off tomorrow afternoon and we can't wait to see you there!