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Virtual Reality Tennis

East Montpelier, Vermont - March 22, 2008

High school teacher Kenny Saxe has played his fair share of racquetball, but not even his time on the racquetball court could prepare him for a match quite like the one he played on Saturday.

That game Saxe was playing is called Nintendo Wii. Players use a remote control and the flick of a wrist to swing tennis rackets on a TV screen, a virtual reality version of the real game. The tournament held Saturday, ironically, was a fundraiser to help build four "real life" outdoor tennis courts at U-32 High school. "We've got a foot of snow outside. We can't have a tennis tournament. A lot of these people in here like tennis and gaming but wouldn't go to an indoor tennis tournament so it kind of gets both people in here," said U-32 Athletic Director Amy Molina. "Tennis players are actually trying to take big, long strokes and the gamers are taking tiny, little strokes and most of the time the gamers are winning today."

Kenny Saxe was one of those unfortunate teachers who just couldn't seem to beat the younger, experienced gamers at the tournament. While the teachers hated losing to their students, the students weren't too excited about losing either. "I just beat two of my teachers actually. It felt pretty good, but I just hope my grade doesn't sacrifice," said U-32 student, Brinton Parker.

Regardless of victory or defeat, everyone seemed to have fun at  the tournament and helped raise money for a good cause. Organizers have vowed to hold a another tournament next year, giving young and old folks alike, a chance to practice up before meeting once again.

Keagan Harsha - WCAX News