ASHLAND — The numbers may be slightly down, but enthusiasm for the Big Al's Tennis Tournament is still strong as the event kicks off its 31st year.

The tournament begins this morning at 8:30 and runs through Sunday. More than 300 matches will be played on tennis courts at Hunter Park and Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

"It is a little smaller this year," says tournament operations manager Steve Sacks. "It usually varies year to year. The numbers may be down now, but they could go up next year or the year after. You never know."

Big Al's is a non-sanctioned event in which participants usually come from the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The competitors don't play for money, but instead compete for pottery trophies designed by Al Dockwiller of Stoneware Designs.

Divisions range from 3.0 to open skill level in men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

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The open divisions lack a number of former champions but do boast a strong contingent of local talent.

The top open men's singles player, Ari Zaslow, and second seed Evan Schleining were Ashland High doubles partners three years ago when they advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals.

Defending women's open singles champion Gail Patton, the Southern Oregon University women's tennis coach, returns for what she estimates is her 20th Big Al's appearance.

It won't be a long and arduous journey to the final for Patton, with only two other competitors — Erin Young of Fairfield, Calif., and Eugene's Shantel Giarrusso — signing on for open singles.

"Some years the draws are down," says Patton, who has alternated between open singles and women's 4.5 singles over the years. "Maybe it's because of the heat at last year's tournament and people feel it's too hot to play."

"I have absolutely no idea who the competition is this year," she adds.

Patton admits to not being in tournament shape.

"I usually try and get in a tournament before (Big Al's)," says Patton, who also teaches tennis at Southern Oregon Tennis Club. "I couldn't do that this year. I've been teaching a lot, so I think my stroke is there.

"Mentally, I have to stay pretty tough. It's just a matter of being mentally strong."

Patton believes the scenic Rogue Valley and friendships formed at Big Al's over the years are what keeps the tournament running.

"People come here with mountain bikes strapped to their cars, or they have plans on going to a play or to Crater Lake," she says. "It's an event where people come back and see old friends. Everybody always seem to enjoy themselves."

Zaslow, a senior-to-be at Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, advanced to the finals in 2004 before losing to seven-time champion Todd Stanley.

Schleining, who will play tennis for the University of Portland, lost in the semifinals last year and looks to navigate the eight-person field for a possible showdown with his former teammate in Sunday's final.

Schleining and Zaslow will team up to form the men's open doubles top seed, while Medford's John Benson and Ashland's Leo Young are also in the four-team field.

"I think people like to see some of these local guys," says Sacks. "We don't have a big name, someone who's recently won a title, but we'll see what happens."

Men's open singles matches begin at 11 a.m. today, with open doubles starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Women's open singles kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The tournament is sponsored by Supporters of Tennis for Ashland Youth (STAY), Ashland Parks and Recreation Department and Southern Oregon University. Proceeds go to tennis programs and lessons for Ashland youth.

Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483, or e-mail kgoff@mailtribune.com.