NOT TOO many local sportsmen can boast a world championship title but the Independent's Jetstar Shooting Star Award winner for this week can.
Geelong Lawn Tennis Club secretary Doug Jeffery's list of sporting achievements spans several pages but, like all Shooting Star nominees, it's his off-court contribution that really sets him apart.
On any given day Doug can be found buried in the club's balance sheets, editing its newsletter, organising tournaments or fostering junior talent.
But that's just part of the reason club president Bob Spurling nominated Doug for the award.
In 1998 Doug represented an Australian veterans .team that won a world championship in California.
" As far as world titles go it doesn't really rank but we were pretty happy about it," Doug says.
He has served as president, secretary and treasurer as well as winning too many club, inter- regional and Country Week championships to mention.
In 1972 Doug managed to ace tennis legend Frank Sedgman during a Warrnambool tournament.
He even squared up against Wimbledon champion Neale Fraser in a 1967 exhibition match.
Doug's love affair with tennis began 53 years ago at the age of nine.
In 2004 he was named Tennis Victoria's male volunteer of the year.
The same year he received Tennis Victoria's highest commendable service award and was also made a life member of the Geelong Lawn Tennis Club.
Doug says he devotes so much of his time to the club because he likes to see it run smoothly.
"I just love helping about the place, I always have," he says.
"My mother was involved in volunteer work and I suppose you get to the point where you want to get involved as well."
As this week's Jetstar Shooting Star Award win- ner, Doug will receive seats for two in a private enclosure at Skilled Stadium to watch the Cats play.
He will also have a chance to win the annual prize of a Jetstar holiday package with return flights for two to Brisbane.
To nominate someone for a shooting star award, write in 250 words or less why they deserve to win and send it to: Jetstar Shooting Star Nomination, Geelong Football Club, PO Box 461, Geelong 3220; or email info@gfc.com.au with Jetstar Shooting Star in the subject line.
