Dr. Pacifico Dorado hopes the fall will help the tournament rise.

The 18th annual American Cancer Society Lawrence County Unit Benefit Tennis Tournament has been shifted from the summer to the fall. The tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15, at Beechwood Park.

Dr. Dorado, an Ironton surgeon who is the only chairman the tournament has known, said the tournament will be held in the memory of A. G. "Sonny" Spriggs.

Spriggs was a lifelong tennis player and supporter of the American Cancer Society.

"This is the first time for a fall tournament," Dr. Dorado said. "Our hope is to have even larger participation than in the past."

The tournament begins at 8 a.m. each day. Dr. Dorado said the event has gained its popularity because of the round robin format and division of skill levels.

Competition levels offered are novice, intermediate, and open classes for singles and doubles for men, women, and mixed.

Entry fee is $15 per person for each event. Anyone interested in this tax-deductible event should call 740-533-9274 for more information or to register.

Dr. Dorado said the tournament's success in the past has been due in large part through the contributions on continuing sponsors such as Dow Chemical, Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Cumberland Cardiology and Dr. Paulus, Spriggs Distributing Charitable Trust, Ironton Physical Therapy, Premier Therapy Health Centers, Wal-Mart Super Store, and Heritage Bank of Ashland, Ky.

"Without their contributions we could not continue to bring this event to Lawrence County," Dr. Dorado said. "It also gives everyone participating the opportunity to contribute to the American Cancer Society.

"The ACS is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and services." Jim Walker/The Ironton Tribune