The Krammers make Slaughter Roofing Cancer Tennis Tournament … – Greeley Tribune

At the Slaughter Roofing Cancer Tennis Tournament, it's all about community support.

With all the money raised being directly donated to the American Cancer society, the tournament relies on sponsors and teams to keep afloat.

Nobody better represents that support than the Krammer family.

Along with being a food donor supplying competitors and spectators with breakfast burritos during Monday's matches the Cafe Mexicali owners entered a slew of teams in the tournament.

Between father Rick, mother Rosalie, children, Seth, Matt and Camille, and son-in-law Joe Stieber, the Krammers account for six teams in the field of more than 100.

"We always play to support it." Seth said. "It's for a good cause, plus it's a chance for some family competition."

And, despite that competitiveness, the Krammers have a support system most would love to have. That support was on full display Monday night, as the team of Seth and Matt played in the this year's opening match.

As they pushed through the wind and heat, the rest of the family was in the bleachers cheering them on, making water runs and making sure they had anything else they needed.

Mike Usher, who has been involved in running this tournament since its beginning 38 years ago, stressed the importance of families like the Krammers in keeping it as successful as it has been.

"There are so many more things today to compete for people's interest," Usher said. "People like (the Krammers), donating the food and putting the teams together, really keep this running and help us maximize what we can donate."

Carolyn Gattis, who also has contributed to the tournament for a number of years, echoed Usher's thoughts. She added how crucial not only the Krammers, but everybody who participates is to the cause.

"By the generosity of the community through donating food or money, or just playing, we are able to put every dollar to work," she said.

Though the Krammers play a big part in donating to the tournament, and being able to compete against each other, there is something bigger that has kept them coming back for the past eight years.

"It's a great chance to keep something we love doing together," Rosalie Krammer said. "As kids get older and get married and have children and have their lives, it's a great opportunity to spend some time together as a family."

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The Krammers make Slaughter Roofing Cancer Tennis Tournament ... - Greeley Tribune