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Caroline Rout, 12, practices her backhand Tuesday during Henry Harris’ National Junior Tennis and Learning summer program at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Henry Harris coaches Tuesday during his summer league practice at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Lacy Welch, 12, walks by as Harmony Fleming, 12, backhands the ball Tuesday during Henry Harris's summer League at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Tennis players practice Tuesday during Henry Harris's summer League at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Tennis players help clean up after practice Tuesday during Henry Harris's summer League at Duncan Park. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

By TIM GUERCIO

THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT

NATCHEZ — The National Junior Tennis and Learning program kicked off Monday and will run through the end of August at the Duncan Park Tennis Facility.

The tennis program is organized and taught by Duncan Park Tennis Professional Henry Harris, who is teaching high school and junior high tennis players as well as beginners to the sport of tennis.

The June session started Monday and will run until June 31. The more experienced players will be on the court four days a week, beginners will be on the court two days a week Harris said.

“Our July session starts July 8 and ends on July 31. August starts Aug. 12 and ends on Aug. 31,” Harris said.

Harris, who has been a teaching pro since 1976 and the host pro and manager of the Duncan Park courts since 1985, started the local chapter of NJTL, which was founded by the late tennis legend Arthur Ashe and is now under the United States Tennis Association.

Ashe was one of the greatest tennis players of all time, having won 66 titles, including three majors; the 1968 U.S. Open, the 1970 Australian Open and Wimbledon in 1975.

Working with Harris this summer will be tennis coach Michael Wright, who will work with some of the best players, Harris said.

Wright will be applying his methods of endurance.

“I can teach 10 year olds to be professionals, and I specialize in my techniques of training and conditioning,” Wright said.

Cost to participate is $75 per player grades 3 through 6; $85 for grades 7 through 12. To sign up, call the tennis pro shop at 601-442-1584.

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