Listed below are the major tournaments for Cook County. You may find out more about each one, open and print (if you like) the information form by clicking on the link in the "Info" column in the chart below. You can then register online at USTA Tennis Link by clicking in the "Online Registration" column.

History of the Fishermans' Picnic Tennis Tournament

This year marks the 34th annual Fishermen's Picnic Tennis Tournament. In1975 School District 166 built the original three courts by the school. The following year Darold Rosbacka, who was Athletic Director at the school and a member of the Grand Marais Lions Club promoted and conducted the first Fishermen's Picnic Tennis Tournament. In the boys division Ricko Maw defeated Don Malner for the championship. In the women's division Shirley Backstrom defeated Martha Rosbacka, Darold's wife, and in the men's division Bob Backstrom defeated Jerry Sweetham for the respective championships. Darold continued to promote and manage the tournaments until the early 1990's. The Cook County Tennis Association was formed in 1992 and in that year or in 1993 the association took over the huge task of promoting and managing the tournaments. Darold Rosbacka deserves a lot of credit for beginning the tournament and managing it for so many years.

By Gene Glader
March 2009