By DAVID ERICKSON Whitefish Pilot

Tim Torgerson, former Montana men's Class A singles champion for three consecutive years beginning in 1981, is back on the local courts. He's not competing this time, but coaching kids for the Whitefish Parks and Recreation summer tennis camp.

Torgerson, now a professional guitarist, says he didn't plan on coaching when he returned to Whitefish last year from Las Vegas.

"I called up the parks and rec department to get my son Joseph in on some lessons," he said. "There was a pause on the other end of the line, and he said, 'Oh, so you're not calling about the tennis coach position?' So he kind of talked me into it."

Torgerson looks at ease on the courts, and it's easy to tell he still loves the game.

"Yeah, good shot," he cries as he hovers by the bench as two of his pupils duel it out. "Ace!"

"It's been totally fun, the kids have been great," he said. "I thought about coaching over the years, but I never got around to it."

Torgerson is a nationally recognized musician, however, and he says music is the main focus in his life, along with his wife and children. He has a new CD out as well.

The tennis camp runs Monday through Thursday at the Grouse Mountain Park tennis courts. A limited number of spaces are available through Whitefish Parks and Recreation. For more information, call 863-2470.