Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell Wins Midwest Sectional Tennis Championship, Advances to Nationals
ASHLAND, Ohio — Ashland County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Tunnell has added a major athletic achievement to his list of accomplishments, winning the Midwest Adult 40+ NTRP Section Championships in men’s 4.0 singles, held February 14–16 at the Western Reserve Racquet and Fitness Club in Streetsboro, Ohio. Following his sectional victory, Tunnell now ranks 25th in the nation, 2nd in the Midwest, and 1st in Northeast Ohio in his division.
A Lifetime in the Sport
For Tunnell, tennis is more than a hobby — it’s a lifelong pursuit rooted in family tradition. Tennis has been a family affair on his mother’s side; his grandfather was a ranked tennis player into his 80s, and his mother, aunt, uncles, and cousins have all played competitive tennis. Tunnell began playing as a child around age 3 or 4 and competing in junior tournaments at age 10. A graduate of Hudson High School in 1992, he played high school tennis before stepping away from the sport for several years.
He returned to competition during law school, participating on adult teams, before pausing again between 2012 and the end of COVID restrictions due to professional demands. He decided to resume play after COVID, and that effort has culminated in last weekend’s success.
In the past year, with the help of his wife Sandra, and Erin Habeck, a certified nutritionist, he has lost over 50 pounds which has “accelerated” his play on the singles court. “I was mostly confined to playing doubles and being completely gassed because I was out of shape. I’ve always been a better singles player, and dropping all the excess weight has allowed me to stay in the game. I’ve gone from sucking wind to destroying opponents.” He currently trains and competes out of Aspen Racquet Club in Wooster. He is also a member of Lakewood Racquet Club in Lexington. “There’s a program at every club for every level of player. Stop by, sign up, and have fun.”
Lessons From the Court to the Courtroom
“Tennis helped prepare me for a career as a prosecutor. You have to be competitive but ethical in the pursuit of victory. In both, you have be tough, but you also call your own lines. If the ball is on any part of the line, it’s in and you are required to recognize that fact, even if you are the only one who can make that call.”
He also emphasizes the sport’s lifelong and universal appeal: “The game is portable and for life. You can go to any tennis court in the world, regardless of the country, language, or customs, and find a friend. I’ve seen little kids play, and I watched a guy who was 94 play the game. The tennis community is a close knit and supportive group of people. I make new friends every time I play.”
Tunnell frequently encourages families to introduce their children to tennis and urges adults not to step away from the game. “It’s tough to come back after a decade of stagnation. But it is possible.”
Implications for the Community
Tunnell’s sectional championship not only highlights personal achievement but also brings positive attention to Ashland County. As a public official, his advancement to the national stage underscores the value of discipline, perseverance, and ethical competition — qualities central to both athletics and public service. With nationals in San Diego this April, Tunnell will represent not only Northeast Ohio and the Midwest Section, but also Ashland County, as he seeks a national title.
What the Title Represents
Tunnell competes in the 4.0 division under the USTA’s National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), a 1.5–7.0 skill rating system that evaluates players based on stroke dependability, control, and strategy. The 40+ designation means all competitors are at least 40 years old. The Midwest Section is one of 17 regional USTA divisions, covering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), founded in 1881, serves as the national governing body for tennis in the United States and oversees everything from local leagues to the US Open.
