Angel on Our Racket

SCTANewsletter JUNE 2001 Angel On Our Racket Arlene Barco AAF/NJTL is all about kids. Jeff Bliss spent 15 years making Kristy McNichol is part of the the program special. AAF/NJTL effort. SCTA executive director Henry Talbert, SCTA/NJTL director Arlene Barco, AAF vice-president Patrick the president of the organization and an deal with others. The SCTA is fortunate to Escobar, and SCTA president Bill Rombeau. International Olympic Committee vice-presi- have had such a rewarding long-term partner- Photos: Arlene Barco. dent, and vice-president Patrick Escobar for 16 ship with the AAF, which also sponsors other years; 12 of those years as the program direc- local sports programs for youth. For the past 16 years, an angel has tor. During that time, I have seen many suc- This summer’s AAF/NJTL program, been looking after the Southern cess stories. The one story that has received which begins July 1, offers 24 hours of California Tennis Association’s National the greatest attention is Venus and Serena instruction at 140 locations, for children Junior Tennis League. This angel, the Williams playing in the program at East between the ages of 8 and 17.There are also Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Compton Park. There are many other inter- 20 locations with year-round programs Angeles (AAF), is again involved with the esting stories including how John Lansville, the which will begin in September and run program. Over 100,000 youngsters from manager of Player Development at the SCTA, through May 2002. disadvantaged areas, (some of whom are began his tennis career in AAF/NJTL. Registration for the program is $10. at-risk), have learned to play tennis, thanks I am proud of the fact that the program Scholarships are available for those in need of to the $2 million provided by the AAF. gives kids an opportunity to learn tennis; teach- financial assistance. For further information On the personal side, I have worked with es them about sportsmanship; increases their about the AAF/NJTL’s summer activities call AAF/NJTL and people like Anita DeFrantz, self-esteem and helps them develop skills to (310) 208-3838 Ext. 234. Richard Williams thanks Arlene Barco and the AAF/NJTL for giving his girls their start. Photo: Mark Winters. Up To The Challenge Arlene Barco When was the last time your program, he Challengers Boys and Girls organization, club, park, community tennis Club of Los Angeles at 50th and association or tennis team underwent a bit T Vermont is a winner. During the of self-analysis? past 14 years, the organization has run Currently, members of the Southern the Amateur AthleticFoundation/National California Tennis Association Board of Junior Tennis League with great success. Directors and staff are working on the 2001- During the last 5 years, Challengers has 2006 Strategic Plan. Our scheme is a slimmer been one of the AAF/NJTL year-round version of the USTA’s Strategic Plan which, locations with 650 youngsters in the when completed, will look like a telephone program. book. The USTA effort plots outcomes over In late March, the Los Angeles the next 5 years for the Davis and Fed Cup, Recreation & Parks Department spon- Player Development and Professional Circuits, sored the inaugural Doubles Tennis the Internet and other issues. Our plan will Tournament. The Challengers had 17 examine the Mercedes-Benz Cup, tennis in teams participate, Carlos Negrete/ Byronne Turner and Barron Avery 12-18 doubles schools and public parks and how to increase Terrance Austin were the 10-12 winners champions. our numbers in key programs such as USA 1-2-3 and USA Team Tennis. and Barron Avery/Bryone Turner picked In this issue, we are asking for your up the 12-18 trophies. input. Please complete the questionnaire As excited as the Challengers’ mem- that is on page 16. It is an opportunity for bers were about the victories, they are you to tell us the direction we should take even more excited about the fact that in the coming years. land has been purchased and a tennis Both the SCTA and USTA agree the top complex is going to be developed at the priority is Community Tennis development. Boys and Girls Club facility. “Our tennis The topic is huge, encompassing everything program is growing in a positive direc- happening on your block and in your city, tion,” said tennis director Andre including grassroots tennis instruction, mul- Thompson. “We are taking the next ticultural participation, building new or step and getting the kids ready to com- refurbishing tennis courts, fundraising and pete in tournaments. We thank the other matters. Terrance Austin and Carlos Negrete, Southern California Tennis Association The USTA Annual Meeting, which con- 10-12 doubles winners. for its continued support.” cluded in April, had a surprise or two. Alternative Formats, code words for ............................... shortened sets and the Match Tie-break, for a third set, look like they are here to stay. The “Match Format” was the new terminology voted in because Alternative Wheelchair Stars Format sounded too experimental. Sections have been encouraged to use Match Super Camper award and received a new Formats in events counting for rankings. Quickie Match Point tennis chair. Medel has Nick Bollettieri and Dennis van der Meer, been coached by Dee Henry at Biola two old masters, were asked their opinion University, where he participated in the on the state of the game and development AAF/NJTL program. Along with Vicki of America’s new crop of tennis stars in a Sarantakos, who also took part in Henry’s lively session before 400 delegates. AAF/NJTL, he played in the Collegiate Consider-ing that Nick and Dennis have Regional Wheelchair Championships in long been involved in academy-type training, Tucson, Arizona. their inclusion at the Annual Meeting could Henry’s mission is to help physically signal a change in Player Development for challenged individuals learn about the the 21st Century. Randy Show and Eddie Medel. opportunities and the fun that can be found playing tennis. For more information about ddie Medel attended the recent the summer AAF/NJTL program at Biola Henry A. Talbert USTA/PVA Wheelchair Tennis Camp University call Dee Henry at (562) 944- Executive Director - E in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned the 0351 Ext. 593. Southern California Tennis Association 2 Mercedes-Benz Cup Agassi, Sampras, Gambill, Chang, Safin, Kuerten, Norman & Rusedski Head Powerful Lineup Ashe, Pancho Gonzalez, Jack Kramer, Don Budge and Fred Perry were three-time winners. Other champions include Chang, Sampras, Agassi, Jim Courier, Michael Stich, Boris Becker, Richard Krajicek, Stefan Edberg, John McEnroe and Rod Laver. The past champions will be honored in cere- monies during this year’s tournament. One of the highlights of the tournament is “A Night At The Net”, a charity spectacular to which Agassi, Sampras and Safin have commit- ted. It will be held Monday evening. Comedian and Monday Night Football commentator Dennis Miller, three-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman, Chang and Australian star Mark Philippoussis headlined the 2000 event which benefitted MusiCares, the charitable foundation of the Recording Academy. All proceeds generated were donated to that community- Andre Agassi Pete Sampras based charitable organization. The Southern California Tennis Associa- ournament director Bob Kramer 2000 finalist Jan-Michael Gambill. tion is the only section to own a profes- has put together a powerful lineup "It is indeed fitting that our diamond sional event. Because financial support is for the celebration of the 75th anniversary tournament be graced by such provided the SCTA, time between the daily T year of the Mercedes-Benz Cup, an outstanding group," Kramer said. "The and evening matches is used to showcase presented by Balance Bar. Five-time Grand tournament is shaping up as one of the various SCTA programs. Youngsters from Slam winner Andre Agassi and 13-time most memorable in the 75 glorious years of the Amateur Athletic Foundation/ National champion Pete Sampras head the draw for one of the sport’s premier events." Junior Tennis League and USA Team Tennis, the July 23-29 tournament at the Los Since its birth in 1927, the Mercedes- to name just two, along with adults who Angeles Tennis Center-UCLA. Joining them Benz Cup single’s crown has been won on participate in League Tennis and other pro- in the spectacular competitive field are U.S. 50 occasions by 25 different individuals des- grams, are given an opportunity to hit on Open champion Marat Safin of Russia, col- tined for the International Tennis Hall of the Stadium Court with the pro who won orful Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten, Swedish Fame. Remarkably, a Grand Slam singles the match just played. stars Magnus Norman and Thomas Enqvist, champion has won the tournament on 60 Season tickets are on sale at the popular British stars Tim Henman and Greg occasions. Jimmy Connors, Roy Emerson, Mercedes-Benz Cup tournament office on the Rusedski, defending champion and two-time Vic Seixas and Frank Parker captured the UCLA campus. For information, please call Los Angeles winner Michael Chang, and prestigeous single’s title four times. Arthur 310-824-1010 or toll free at 877-LA TENNIS. ................................................ Mercedes-Benz Cup Pre-Qualifying Events Reach Into Local Communities ere is an opportunity for you to following Pre-Qualifying during the week 483-2600); California State University Los play your way into the Mercedes- of July 9th. Angeles, June 4–8 (Contact: Tina Karwasky H Benz Cup quallifying. Pre-qualifying events will be played at: Harvard (323) 343-3094); Bakersfield Racquet Club, The two singles finalists from each Recreation Center, May 29–June3, (Contact: June 9–5 (Contact: Teri Lynott (661) 325- event, along with the doubles winners, Don Bly (310) 412-5407; Fallbrook Tennis 8652); Industry Hills Tennis Center, June 18–24 will be entered in the Mercedes-Benz Center, June 2–3, 9–10 (Contact: Dorothy (Contact: Pam Austin (626) 854-2360); Los Cup Wild Card Tournament to be held at Roth (760) 728-1100); Oxnard Tennis Center, Angeles Tennis Club, July 9–15 (Contact: the Los Angeles Tennis Club immediately June 2–3, 9–10 (Contact: Julien Heine (805) Annette Buck (310) 208-3838 Ext.

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