Running Hawaii’s premier tennis tournament – the Blue Moon Men’s Night Doubles – makes for a busy summer for Kailua Racquet Club general manager Bruce Nagel.<\/p>\n
As the tournament progresses toward Saturday night’s finale, Nagel won’t be without his normal responsibilities this week. But with everything in place, he’ll be able to enjoy the event himself – much as the multitudes do who annually mark the tournament in their own calendars as a must-see event.<\/p>\n
“The two weeks before the tournament are actually the busiest time,” admitted Nagel, who has been with the club for 22 years.<\/p>\n
Under Nagel’s guidance, the tournament has continued to flourish through the years, and complacency never set in when it came to making the 2012 version fan-friendly. Entertainment, door prizes and fine food complement the impressive field of players. Admission is free, and matches start at 6 every night (except the Thursday make-up day).<\/p>\n
Nagel recently took some time out to visit with MidWeek<\/I>‘s Windward Islander<\/I>.<\/p>\n
What is your earliest sports-related memory? <\/B>I remember my dad, who was a football coach (at the University of Iowa), telling me to quit football. I was in fifth grade, and I’d been practicing for about a week, and he didn’t even know I’d been going to practice until he saw some of my equipment. He said, ‘You don’t want to do that, you’re too small … you’re better suited to tennis.’ That was way too insightful.<\/p>\n
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? <\/B>My mom (Shirley). She was just very gracious, and that part of her always served as an inspiration to me. She also was a great host, which is kind of what my job is here. We look at the tournament as if we are hosting a big party.<\/p>\n
What has been the most enjoyable aspect of being part of Kailua Racquet Club through all these years? <\/B>Getting to know all of the members.<\/p>\n
What is most challenging about planning the tournament? <\/B>To be able to work with our more than 100 volunteers. We try to make sure we don’t offend anyone or make them mad.<\/p>\n
What’s the most memorable match you’ve witnessed at the tournament? <\/B>The one that sticks out involved a team of brothers, Skip and Buzz Strode. They were in the finals many years ago, and it was a fifth-set tie-breaker. Both teams were two points away from winning the match. Every point was critical. On one point, Buzz ran up to get a short shot and just hit it over, and the other team played it. They thought it may have been a double-bounce and said so. Buzz thought about it and said, ‘I think you are right.’ A double-bounce is the call of the person who hit it, and it made the difference in the match. It was impressive.<\/p>\n
What’s your favorite dish prepared by club Chef Dave Kaminski? <\/B>Eggplant Parmesan. He also makes an amazing hamburger.<\/p>\n
When you have free time away from tennis, how do you spend it? <\/B>I enjoy surfing and spending time with my wife (Beverly). I try to get out surfing often in the early morning.<\/p>\n
What film could you watch over and over? <\/B>Being There <\/I>or The Rocky Horror Picture Show<\/I>.<\/p>\n
What one thing could-n’t you live without? <\/B>Water or air.<\/p>\n
Who is your favorite musical artist? <\/B>Keb Mo.<\/p>\n
What is your favorite spot on the island? <\/B>Diamond Head or the North Shore, because I like to surf.<\/p>\n
You’re stuck on an island and can have only one food. What would it be? <\/B>Papayas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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