Interview with Tennis Pro Brian Wilson
I attended the Annual Ojai Tennis Barbecue last night at Lower Libbey Park. There were a lot of youngsters in visors brandishing racquets and feasting on tri-tip and chicken. George Conrad, Chair of the barbecue, told me that this annual tradition for “The Ojai” was catered by Ojai West Rotary.
The food was great, but the action on the courts was even better. When I arrived, Brian Wilson of the pro tour (left in photo) 
and Hank Pfister, pro tour retiree (right in photo), were taking on top seed, Sam Querrey of Thousand Oaks and our own Bozhidar Katsarov of Ojai. There was a lot of cheering and banter from the crowd, not your usual somber spectator etiquette happening. Players acted as their own line judges and sometimes relied on the crowd to call the shots. It was all in good fun.
After the match, I sidled up to pro Brian Wilson for a quick interview. I asked him what brought him to The Ojai.
“I love the area. It’s just so laid back.”
Wilson has a long history with The Ojai. He took 2nd in the 14 & unders, then 1st in the 16 & unders. As a junior and senior, he trained with Mark Weil of the Weil Tennis Academy, right here in Ojai. After graduating college in 2004, he turned pro and joined the tour.
I addition to the lure of the community itself, Wilson cited the prize money as a big draw, and the fact that he can improve his ranking.
“And they gave me a hotel room!” Of course, he was talking about none other than the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. Accustomed to staying with hosts or in the dorms, he’s really enjoying the luxury of a first-rate resort. “It’s one of the top 3 hotels I’ve ever stayed in.”
Look for Brian Wilson today at noon on the Ojai Valley Inn courts as he challenges Robert Yim in the Men’s Open Quarterfinals.
Related posts: Tennis and Tea, Tennis Anyone?
| Permalink | author bio | 
Comments (2)
Tennis and golf should be an interactive spectator sports, especially in America. I could see furry mascots, fans waving giant fingers (Shrapanova #1!), the wave, and body painting - wouldn't Brian Wilson be honored by a row of pot-bellied middle-aged men spelling out W-I-L-S-O-N on their chests? Whoo hoo!
Comment #1 Posted by: Tyler | April 29, 2006 09:50 AM
And a streaker thrown in for good measure!
Comment #2 Posted by: Lisa Snider | April 29, 2006 06:55 PM