Eugene Woods, age 63, refutes many of the stereotypes of being an older parent and shares his feelings about parenting a young son.

Older parents (40 and over) are sometimes charged with having little get up and go. You might start snoring during the middle of dinner and you are certainly too tired to ever play with your young child. This hardly describes the energetic Mr. Woods and is an absurd rationale in general.

Most Islanders know Mr. Woods as the easy going manager of the Tennis Stadium for the past decade. He has been a tennis professional for the last 25 years and has taught at some of the Island's top hotels such as the Southampton Princess and Elbow Beach. Where ever he goes he surrounds himself with positive energy and smiles easily.

This accounts for his popularity and numerous friends. Many small children consider him a champion tennis teacher while his youngest son, Ryan age 11, thinks of him as a hero.

"My Dad helps me do a lot of stuff and we have fun together. He is my hero.

When I grow up I want to be a parent,'' says Ryan.

Mr. Woods feels more capable of being a father with Ryan than he did with his three older children born during his first marriage. Those children are ages 39, 37, and 30.

"I love being a father to Ryan. I am older and more mature the second time around. I have always had an appreciation of children. I feel very responsible and I try to maintain my health so Ryan can have a father as he ages,'' explained Mr. Woods.

He laughed when he mentioned he has the distinction of being the oldest father in the PTA.

Mr. Woods is viewed as a role model by the community and hopes his son sees him in this light.

"Ryan likes tennis, it is my favourite sport. Ryan is better at tennis than other sports. He enjoys boating and sailing. I encourage him in soccer but sometimes we get into trouble with my wonderful wife, Whilma Jean, when we set up soccer in the kitchen,'' Mr. Woods explained with a chuckle.

Having a young son motivates Mr. Woods to be the best he can be. He feels Ryan inspires him to go the distance in many ways. Mr. Woods doesn't have time to doze. He coaches tennis six days per week and during peak summer times he averages six hours a day on the courts. Off the court he is out messing about with his boat, fishing and doing activities with his family and friends.

"Exercise is the key to good health along with good nutrition. I am fortunate to have a low stress job centred around exercise. It enhances the quality of my life and that of my family,'' he said.

Mr. Woods considers himself to be a devoted husband and father. "I cherish my marriage with my second wife of 18 years and we have a great relationship. We have always complimented each other. We are both independent, I have my friends and she has her friends. The important things we do together. I love our son. I am devoted to both of them,'' he shared.

It is Mr. Woods' belief that one of the most important aspects of being a devoted father is showing positive behaviour and spending quality time together.

"When I was younger I was oblivious to the importance of being around for my children. It is a necessity for a good relationship.'' Mr. Woods believes in parental discipline. "I speak to Ryan so he will listen and I listen to Ryan so he will speak. He takes me seriously and I take him seriously.

"We have general conversation daily. Occasionally, I spoil him. It is a natural parental process to do as much as you can for your child.'' The Woods enjoy family vacations each year because they appreciate being together and spending quality time with one another.

When Mr. Woods was asked about his favourite idea for a family vacation he said with a broad smile, "We have a variety of favourites. We love going to Toronto to shop and eat. We love family cruises where we relax, have fun, sightsee, wine and dine and eat some more.'' Mr. Woods concluded with saying: "I hope Ryan will remember me as being a loving father, and a father who was a community role model.'' Role model: Tennis professional, Eugene Woods, with his young son Ryan, age 11. "I speak to Ryan so he will listen and I listen to Ryan so he will speak.'' SENIORS SR