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Volume 9 No. 2 A publication of the USTA/Midwest Section Winter 2009 www.midwest.usta.com *Based on Sports Marketing Survey (Jan – Sept 2008), Yano Keizai Research (May – June 2008) and other available global sales data for all equipment ©2009 CO. (WILSON.COM) ELITE ™ E E. SIX.ON PRECIS ] K [ Y . STEAD com 2009 . 14 16 17 18 20 21 22 usta . inter W west mid . www Adult Players Community Spotlight Community Feature Resource Area Feature Pro Corner Facility News 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 ontents C of

able TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE ADVERTISING RATES players News and reach approximately 70,000 tennis Advertise in Midwest Tennis rates, contact us at 317-577-5130 or e-mail john@ and families. For advertising midwest.usta.com. MIDWEST TENNIS NEWS Section. by the USTA/Midwest News is a publication produced Midwest Tennis permission from the Executive Content may not be reproduced without prior written Director Mark Saunders or Editor Kathy Dalla Costa. Street, Suite 100 Section, 1310 East 96th USTA/Midwest Indianapolis, IN 46240 www.midwest.usta.com members residing in the USTA This publication is mailed free of charge to current News cannot be forwarded. Midwest Tennis Section as of October 15. USTA/Midwest of address at 800-990-USTA. regarding a change Please notify the USTA President’s Message President’s Hall of Fame Winners Award Feature Foundation Junior Players Healthy Tennis Officials and returns professional tennis to Cleveland after an extended absence. and returns professional tennis to Cleveland Congratulations to Midland and Cleveland! on report that our Tennis On the collegiate side, I am very excited to the seams. I had the pleasure Campus collegiate program is bursting at have led their respective of meeting some wonderful young people who program is exciting because universities in establishing programs. This college-age players, and keeps it provides a relevant tennis format for our one thing years. If there’s them interested in tennis in their post-collegiate consider contacting your you can do this year to support tennis, please help. These students will local college or university to see how you can passion and sportsmanship toward each amaze you with their creativity, Some teams have even expanded into campus outreach activities other. including group charity work. Outstanding! will surely agree with me that we live in a time of change. With that in You mind, we plan to convert this publication to an online format in 2010. This will allow us to keep the content and photos more up-to-date, and expand our selection of feature articles on individuals and organizations working hard to grow our sport. As I conclude my two-year term as president, I want to extend my thanks to you for playing, supporting, and growing the game of tennis in the USTA/ Midwest Section. I wish you a happy and healthy future with tennis. Sincerely, Doug Wenger 3 / T / essage M

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It’s time to reflect on another year of tennis – both in both – tennis of year another on reflect to time It’s the around and nationally, Section, USTA/Midwest the thrills of year another provided 2009 in Tennis world. excitement. and on the world stage – how about the US start Let’s once again, economy, Open? Despite a challenging The US Open put on a show to remember. the USTA

2009 Tennis Year Review Year 2009 Tennis 2009. This expands the number of professional events in our Section, circuit side, Cleveland, OH, was awarded a USTA Pro Circuit tour stop in circuit side, Cleveland, OH, was awarded a USTA a roof, they would have ‘raised the roof’. On the professional tennis a bus trip to the US Open to attend the ceremony. If the stadium had a bus trip to the US Open to attend the ceremony. Stadium during the US Open. The tennis fans from Midland chartered MI, won the USTA’s Best Tennis Town award in a ceremony at Town Best Tennis MI, won the USTA’s Two Midwest communities recently received very good news. Midland, Two caliber event as well, showcasing many rising US stars. Indianapolis Men’s tour stop continues to work hard to provide a top- tour stop continues Indianapolis Men’s a combined Men’s and Women’s event as well as facility upgrades. Our and Women’s a combined Men’s announced a major investment in Cincinnati that will eventually include entertainment at a very competitive price. Earlier this year, the USTA the USTA entertainment at a very competitive price. Earlier this year, three Series events in our Section. These events provide world-class sports summer months. The USTA/Midwest Section is very fortunate to have summer months. The USTA/Midwest The Olympus US Open Series rolled across the United States during the information on our Foundation, check out the article in this magazine issue. magazine this in article the out check Foundation, our on information and players to further their tennis and educational pursuits. For more more For pursuits. educational and tennis their further to players and organization that provides financial support to grassroots programs programs grassroots to support financial provides that organization The Midwest Youth Tennis and Education Foundation is an outstanding outstanding an is Foundation Education and Tennis Youth Midwest The Foundation gaining success in their tennis and educational endeavors. endeavors. educational and tennis their in success gaining Foundation Midwest tennis events or programs, and have received support from our our from support received have and programs, or events tennis Midwest It’s also gratifying to see some of the players who have participated in our our in participated have who players the of some see to gratifying also It’s Indianapolis, IN. quarterfinals), Courtney Dolehide of Hinsdale, IL, and Brooke Austin of quarterfinals), Courtney Dolehide of Hinsdale, King of Chicago, IL, Lauren Davis of Gates Mills, OH, (who reached the King of Chicago, IL, Lauren Davis of Gates Boys’ Singles Finals. Other Midwest juniors competing included Evan Boys’ Singles Finals. Other Midwest juniors Chase Buchanan of Columbus, OH, who advanced to the US Open Junior Chase Buchanan of Columbus, OH, who advanced In US Open junior action, congratulations to Midwest junior player In US Open junior action, congratulations to on the men’s side. on the men’s Russell of Detroit, MI, and Tim Smyczek of Milwaukee, WI, participated over Smyczek of Milwaukee, WI, participated Russell of Detroit, MI, and Tim Chicago, IL, competed in the women’s side of the draw while Michael Chicago, IL, competed in the women’s doubles division with rising star Melanie Oudin. Laura Granville of doubles division with rising star Melanie Oudin. the US Open event. of Carmel, IN, partnered in the mixed the US Open event. Rajeev Ram of Carmel, The USTA/Midwest Section had several players in New York competing in competing players in New York Section had several The USTA/Midwest sports world. to enhance the fan experience, and keep it at the top of the professional and keep it at the top of the professional to enhance the fan experience, strength. The USTA national leadership has many ideas that will continue national leadership strength. The USTA sponsor, and broadcast support are vital to ensure our long-term financial and broadcast support are vital to ensure sponsor, is the primary financial support mechanism for tennis in our country. Fan, support mechanism for tennis in our country. is the primary financial

*Based on Sports Marketing Survey (Jan – Sept 2008), Yano Keizai Research (May – June 2008) and other available global sales data for all tennis equipment ©2009 WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO. (WILSON.COM) ELITE ™ E E. SIX.ON PRECIS ] K [ Y . STEAD Hall of Fame

Midwest Tennis Hall of Fame Enshrinees Congratulations to Billy Martin of Los Angeles, Ca., (formerly of River Forest, Following her retirement in 1988, Mascarin Keane was the assistant Il.), Susie Mascarin Keane of Grosse Pointe Shores, Mi., and Woodie Sublett tennis coach at UCLA while earning her undergraduate degree in Walker of Newburgh, In., on their induction into the 2009 USTA/Midwest Communications. Upon her return to Grosse Pointe, she worked with Section Hall of Fame on December 12 during the USTA/Midwest Section’s nationally ranked juniors, local high school players, and started both middle 116th Annual Meeting at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, In. school tennis teams at St. Paul Catholic School. Mascarin Keane continues to play competitive tennis. She has won three Billy Martin competed on the ATP Tour, and national doubles tennis titles in the 40 and over age division. reached a career high singles ranking of No. 32 in 1975. He was named the Rookie of the Year Woodie Sublett Walker has worked as a in his first season on the professional tour. certified official for more than 40 years. She During his collegiate career, Martin won served as the USTA Chairman of Umpires from the NCAA title as a freshman at UCLA in 1975. 1985-1989, serving also at that time as Chief He posted a perfect 19-0 dual match record en Umpire of the US Open. Walker serves as Tour route to an NCAA team championship. Martin Referee/Supervisor of the USTA Professional was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Women’s Circuit, Assistant Chief Umpire for Association Hall of Fame in 1996. the US Open, and Chief of Officials for major As a junior tennis player, Martin captured professional tournaments. She assisted in the the 1973 and 1974 singles titles at Junior Wimbledon, the Junior US Open and development of the rotating crew system for Junior Orange Bowl tournaments. He also won USTA National Championship umpires used around the world. She is currently titles in the 18, 16 and 14 age groups. Martin was an Illinois High School working with the USTA Umpires in developing a new computer program. State Champion his freshman year. Her accolades include the following: 2004 International Tennis Martin has served as the UCLA Head Men’s Tennis coach for the past Federation Award for Services to the Game, 2003 USTA President’s Award for 16 years. He was named the Intercollegiate National Coach of the Year in lifetime of achievement and contributions to tennis, 1996 Chief of Officials for 1996. Martin led UCLA to the school’s 16th NCAA men’s tennis title in 2005. the Olympics, 1995 USTA McGovern Award for officiating, 1989 induction into During his 16 seasons the team has finished in the top five at the NCAA the Evansville Tennis Club Hall of Fame, 1982 USTA/Midwest Section Frank Championships. Prior to his current position, Martin was an assistant coach Dowling Award for officiating, 1980 USTA/Midwest Section Cap Leighton Award at UCLA for 10 years. for contributions to her community, 1975 USPTA Midwest Professional of the Year, and 1971 Central Tennis Association Family of the Year. Susie Mascarin Keane competed on the At the USTA/Midwest Section level, Walker was a member of the USTA/ Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour, and Midwest Section Nominating Committee and Umpire Committee. At the reached a career high singles ranking of No. District and local level, Walker was President of the Central Indiana Tennis 32 in 1986. She won her first professional Association (CITA) from 1975-1976. She was the CITA Umpire Chairman. singles title at age 14, and qualified for Walker was instrumental in founding the Evansville Area Tennis Patrons, an and competed in the first of ten US Open organization devoted to promoting youth tennis. She served as Executive Championships that same year. Director of the Evansville Area Tennis Patrons from 1983-1984. Mascarin Keane reached at least the quarterfinals in more than 20 professional “Billy Martin’s current success as a collegiate tennis coach and singles and doubles tournaments including achievements as a collegiate and professional player as well as a junior the , , Swiss Open player in the Midwest and Nationally, Susie Mascarin’s achievements as a and US Clay Courts. She was a member of two World Team Tennis teams, the professional player and accomplishments as a junior player in the Midwest Miami Beach Breakers in 1986 and South Florida Breakers in 1988. and Nationally, and Woodie Walker’s contributions to the sport of tennis for the As a junior tennis player, Mascarin Keane won numerous tournaments past 40 years as a USTA certified official and volunteer service at all levels of including five National singles championships and four National doubles the USTA, make them excellent additions to the USTA/Midwest Section Hall of championships. She was the 1980 ITF World Junior Champion following titles Fame,” stated USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame Chairman Ronald A. Brooks. at the Easter Bowl, US Open, Italian Open and Orange Bowl Championships.

The USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame Committee is seeking names to add to its ‘Pool of Candidates’ list. Anyone can nominate an individual at any time during the year. In addition to submitting a name(s), please include applicable biographical information. Please send information to USTA/Midwest Section Hall of Fame, 1310 E. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

Winter 2009 4 5 Awards www.midwest.usta.com

Midwest Honors Fall Award Winners The USTA/Midwest Section has an incredible number of individuals and Family of the Year— organizations dedicated to growing the sport of tennis. Congratulations to the John Sommerville following 2009 USTA/Midwest Section Fall Award winners honored at an awards Family of Dearborn banquet on Saturday, December 12 in Indianapolis, In. The special ceremony is Heights, Mi. held each year in conjunction with the USTA/Midwest Section Annual Meeting. The Sommerville Family has supported USTA Mel Bergman Award junior and adult tennis Janet French of Elmhurst, Il. within the USTA/Midwest French has been a USTA/Midwest Section Section and Southeastern volunteer for more than 20 years. At the Michigan Tennis Association (SEMTA) for more than 40 years with their time Section level, French served on the Adult and energy. Ranking Committee, Sanction & Scheduling John has been an avid tennis player, enthusiast and supporter. He served Committee, and Adult/Senior Competition as SEMTA President in the 1980s. John worked as a volunteer with the SEMTA Committee. Junior Qualifier tournament for several years. He was a member of the USTA/ In addition to serving on various Midwest Section Adult/Senior Competition Committee from 2003-2005. Jack committees, French is an active tennis player. introduced his children to tennis, and all of them played at the high school and She has played in numerous USTA/Midwest collegiate level. Several of his grandchildren are now taking up the sport. Section Senior Team Championships, represented the USTA/Midwest Section Daughter Sharon played high school tennis, was a member of her on Senior Intersectional teams, and won a bronze ball in the 2003 USTA high school state championship team, and played collegiate tennis at the National Mother/Daughter Championships. University of Michigan. Son Robert played high school tennis, and was a At the District level, French served as Executive Director of the Chicago member of his college tennis team. District Tennis Association (CDTA) from 1976-1990. She was also a member Son David was ranked in the USTA/Midwest Section as a junior player, of several District committees. played high school tennis and competed on the Western Michigan University tennis team. He served as team captain for two years, and was named to the Conference All-American team. Daughter Susan was also ranked as a USTA/ Submit a Nomination for 2010 Spring Awards Midwest Section junior player, was a member of her high school tennis team, won the high school state championship singles title three times, played The USTA/Midwest Section is seeking nominations for the following collegiate tennis at Duke University, and competed in USTA Challengers and awards to be presented at the 2010 USTA/Midwest Section Spring Circuit tournaments. Susan was a two-year college team captain, and named Meeting in April: Stanley Malless Award, Cap Leighton Award, Frank an ITA All-American player. Susan achieved a WTA ranking after college, and Dowling Award, Fred Burns Award, Helen Shockley Award and Wallace R. today works as a teaching professional in the Ann Arbor area. Holzman, Sr. Award. Anyone may submit a nomination, and forms along with award descriptions are available at www.midwest.usta.com.

NJTL Chapter of the Year – NJTL Chapter of the Year – Milwaukee Tennis & Education National Junior Tennis League of Foundation Indianapolis The Milwaukee Tennis & This year marked the 36th anniversary Education Foundation (MTEF) of the NJTL of Indianapolis program. Its summer program serves approximately NJTL Chapter started in 2003, and 1,600 children from 7-18 years of age. Youth are taught the fundamentals of has steadily grown and expanded tennis and life skills such as responsibility, respect and integrity. programming. During 2009, MTEF served a total of 3,000 children in The summer program consists of beginning, intermediate and advanced play all its programs. This year, QuickStart Tennis was introduced to 900 at more than 25 locations in the Indianapolis area. In addition to instruction at youth at the Milwaukee Public School’s Community Learning Centers. each location, participants also have the opportunity to travel to other NJTL sites A new feature this summer was the introduction of weekly Jr. Team around Indianapolis where they meet and play with other kids. Tennis matches at different sites. Also, MTEF introduced a healthy As part of its educational component, books are distributed to the living curriculum to this year’s summer program. Children learned NJTL youth through a bookmobile program. In an effort to create a healthier about proper food choices and healthy lifestyles. community, a partnership has been created with the American Heart Association. MTEF services a number of children in its First Serve after- NJTL of Indianapolis supplements its summer program with a winter school program. Also, MTEF is actively involved with the USTA/ program available at four indoor sites which includes instruction and match play. Midwest Section in numerous activities and events, especially the Also, NJTL of Indianapolis started an after-school program in 2005. NJTL Regional Rally. This year’s event was hosted by former tennis professionals Luke Jensen and .

5 Winter 2009 Feature

Midland Named ‘Best Tennis Town’; Nominate Your Community in 2010 Did you know the “Best Tennis Town” is located right here in the USTA/ Midwest Section? The town of Midland, Mi., was named the winner of the USTA’s inaugural “Best Tennis Town” search. This search was the USTA’s initiative designed to identify and reward American communities (from small, rural towns to large, urban metro areas and everywhere in between) that best exemplify the passion, excitement, spirit and impact that tennis brings to the local community. The official announcement was made during the 2009 US Open at a special ceremony during September in Arthur Ashe Stadium. As America’s “Best Tennis Town,” Midland received a $100,000 grant from the USTA to be used for community-wide tennis programming or facility enhancements. “Being named Best Tennis Town has created a huge sense of pride, a belief that we are a strong and passionate community, and can unite and accomplish big things,” stated Mike Woody, Executive Director of the Midland Tennis Center. Midland residents took a bus trip to the 2009 US Open The community’s enthusiasm for tennis was evident at the 2009 US Open, as a tennis road trip bus full of 60 town residents made the trek from “Being named Best Tennis Town has created a huge sense of Michigan to New York to support Midland in hopes of winning the honor. The pride, a belief that we are a strong and passionate community, Midland entourage wore the brightest and can unite and accomplish big things. We shirts, made a lot of noise, and left its do our best to exemplify the community spirit footprints in New York City, and at the US Open. Midland even brought its own which is at the heart of the USTA’s mission.” mascot–Tennis the Menace–who invaded Times Square. “The ‘Best Tennis Town’ competition set out to find “We do our best to exemplify the a town that is committed to the sport and its growth in community spirit which is at the heart of the community,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, the USTA’s mission,” commented Woody, Community Tennis, USTA. “We were overwhelmed by the who received the trophy and $100,000 enthusiasm of all of the entrants and are pleased to see grant check on behalf of Midland at Midland, a community that exudes such spirit and passion for tennis, take home the title and the grant to continue its the 2009 US Open. “We must thank the Official announcement and check presentation on September 5 entire community, and acknowledge the dedication to tennis in the community.” great support we get from our people, our public schools and all the local Midland beat out a total of 56 cities in the USTA’s businesses and partners whose efforts really made this honor possible.” nationwide search to identify America’s “Best Tennis Town.” The national How exactly does Midland plan to use its $100,000 first prize? Midland competition began in May, when tennis communities from across the country has created a committee which includes City, School, Dow Chemical submitted their entries for consideration on www.besttennistown.com. Company, Dow Corning Corporation, and Midland Community Tennis Center After carefully reviewing each submission, a panel of judges selected 10 representatives. The money will mainly be used for schools, community communities as finalists. The USTA profiled the Top 10 contenders on www. courts, community programs, and special needs. besttennistown.com, and hosted a nationwide online balloting period from You might wonder how a city such as Midland with a population of July 16-26 to determine the 2009 “Best Tennis Town.” 41,685, has more than 10,000 local players who play on their community The city of Ojai, Ca., the first runner-up to Midland, won a $50,000 courts every year. “We have 78 tennis courts, Midland has a nationally community tennis grant from the USTA for their local tennis programs. ranked college Division II tennis team, tennis is currently taught in all the Second runner-up city of Independence, Ks., received a $25,000 USTA grant. schools in the physical education curriculum, and the Midland Community Woody has practical advice for other communities just getting tennis off Tennis Center has over 3,500 that play on an annual basis (seasonally, the ground. “You must have a leader who has passion and understands the recreationally and competitively),” stated Woody. need to connect all groups and involve the community. You need to create a Woody believes there are a number of key components which result in community that has a vision of tennis excellence that delivers the mission successful tennis programming in any community. “Success comes from with dynamic, accessible, affordable, and expansive tennis programs, dynamic, passionate, and hardworking professionals/individuals who will do products, and support. To get it off the ground you need to be smart, nimble anything to get people involved and staying in the game of tennis. Establish and move quickly. You also need to link all aspects of the tennis world a program that is cutting edge, meets the needs of all your customers, (USTA, USPTA, PTR, TIA, sporting goods distributors, WTA and ATP).” and make it very accessible. It’s crucial to sell, promote, market, and communicate all that you do. Make it loud, make it strong, and make it focused on your customers and players—not on yourself.” Think you live in the best tennis town? For more information about the 2010 competition, please visit: http://www.besttennistown.com/stay_informed.php.

Winter 2009 6 Foundation www.midwest.usta.com

Saturday, December 12, 2009 Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis

6:00 p.m. Cocktails & Silent Auction 7:00 p.m. Dinner 8:00 p.m. Evening Program & Live Auction

All proceeds from the Charity Gala benefit the MYTEF. Its mission is: ‘to develop the life skills of youth through tennis and education.’ A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Live & Silent Auction will include memorable packages: • Autographed racquets and memorabilia • 2010 US Open/President’s Suite The USTA/Midwest Section will honor three distinguished Hall of Fame inductees: Billy Martin, • Professional sports tickets Susie Mascarin Keane and Woodie Sublett Walker. In addition, our Midwest Youth Tennis & … and more Education Foundation will host a Charity Gala that evening. The USTA/Midwest Section will also present its Mel Bergman Award, Family of the Year Award, and NJTL Chapter of the Year Award. This evening will be a special night, and is being held as part of the 116th USTA/Midwest Section Please visit www.midwest.usta.com/mytef Annual Meeting. for more information.

MYTEF Granting Access to Tennis One of our funded programs, the National Junior Tennis League The Midwest Youth Tennis & Education Foundation of Indianapolis in Indianapolis, In. (MYTEF) is dedicated to supporting youth tennis programs ($5,000 grant), sent the Foundation and activities throughout the USTA/Midwest Section. The this letter: “The MYTEF’s generous MYTEF is the charitable and philanthropic entity of the USTA/ grant supported the expansion of Midwest Section. this past summer’s program at two Funding generated from this year’s charity gala will additional sites. The children had the help the MYTEF continue to provide financial assistance to Black River Falls School District opportunity to experience tennis, life high-level players in need of funding to travel and compete in skills, and healthy living instruction.” tournaments, as well as players who participate in local programming. The Another program, the Black River Falls School District in Black River Foundation has assisted some former Midwest junior players who are now Falls, Wi. ($1,000 grant), provided these comments: “Our grant was used to competing on the tour including Rajeev Ram and Lilia Osterloh. Some of our purchase equipment which will be used in the continuation and expansion of juniors receiving funding this year sent these notes: the program. Many parents noted their children participating in the program “The MYTEF grant has significantly helped me this year in my tennis found a ‘fit’ which they hadn’t found in other sports. Also, several children allowing me to play higher level tournaments. I won the USTA/Midwest Section started playing tennis with parents and/or siblings outside of our program.” Junior Open Girls 18 doubles title. I’m grateful for the chances I have received An additional program, Portland Area Tennis Association in Portland, Mi., because of this grant which has allowed me to prove myself at some important ($2,000 grant) sent this note: “The Foundation grant enabled our association tournaments.” Irene Ng, Michigan to purchase age-appropriate equipment for our target audience (3rd-5th grade “The funding you have given me the past few years has provided the kids) which made a huge difference in each child’s success level. Our program opportunity to increase my playing ability, compete in national tournaments, saw a significant increase in kids ages 8-10, and their siblings also showed represent the Midwest in a team event, and improve my ranking.” Brandon up in larger numbers.” Debot, Wisconsin In addition to supporting junior players, the MYTEF distributes funding to If your child or community program is interested in applying to our grassroots programs in communities across the Midwest. Foundation, please visit www.midwest.usta.com/mytef to access the 2010 application deadlines, grant guidelines and grant application.

7 Winter 2009 Junior Players

No-Cut Tennis Program Gets Everyone in the Game When I started coaching the Munster High School team seven years ago, I said I would not cut anyone. My philosophy is that a No-Cut program is good for the game. Our family is involved with tennis 363 days a year (we take a break Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). My obsession in life is tennis, and I believe that is a good thing. Because of my love for the game, I refuse to turn away anyone who wants to play. So for the past seven years at Munster anyone who wants to play is part of the team. Certainly, we have girls come out who play year- round, and are competing at the highest level. Then, we have girls join just to get their picture in the yearbook, Munster High School girls tennis team (photo courtesy of Dave Russell) because they love the uniforms, so they can list a sport might end up playing collegiate tennis, others join a club tennis program in on their student profile, and spend more time with their friends. Whatever the college, and still others become future USTA adult league players. My hope is reason, we welcome them all, and guess what? Our team has finished as one that these kids will continue to play the game I love after graduating, and a of the top three teams in the state the past four consecutive years. large reason for this is because they weren’t cut from a high school team. At the beginning of each season, I let the team know that we are not there to actually teach them how to play tennis. However, I also tell them they will improve as the season progresses because we will have them playing “My philosophy is that a No-Cut program is good for matches everyday. At each practice we set up a match against another player the game. Our team has finished as one of the top three on the team. After doing this everyday for eight weeks each girl improves, and it does not deter us from working with the varsity players. teams in the state the past four consecutive years.” We are fortunate to have a great facility. Our team has access to 20 If you are a No-Cut coach or an individual interested in learning more about the well-maintained courts including ten courts at our high school and another program visit www.usta.com/nocut. You will receive assistance, and the rewards will ten courts at an adjacent park. We often use the courts at the park during be worth the effort. practices. You just never know the type of players you are creating, and how a No- Bob Modesto is the Munster High School girls tennis team coach. Cut program shapes a team member’s outlook on life. Some of our players

The Coaches Commission Corner— The process first started with the USTA selecting the Midwest network of facilities through a system conducted by the USTA’s Martin Blackman, Bobby Continuing to Lead the Nation Bernstein and Tom Jacobs with final approval coming from Patrick McEnroe. The It has always been the goal of the Midwest Coaches Commission to Indianapolis Tennis Center was named the main Regional Training Center. Score provide training opportunities to all of our top 10-and-under players as well Tennis and Fitness, Libertyville Tennis and Fitness and Midtown Tennis Club in as their coaches. This past April, the Midwest Coaches Commission and the the Chicago area were named as Midwest network facilities. There will be three USTA National Office partnered in the Regional Training Center initiative being camps held in Indianapolis, and one each held at the other three facilities. The conducted throughout the country. The Midwest has created a network of first camp was held October 16-18 in Indianapolis for the following juniors: facilities and coaches to make training for our top juniors and coaches more Sophia Abelson, David Beasley, Kiersten Carlson, Tyler Gargas, Eddie Grabill, accessible. In all other USTA Sections only one facility is being selected. Lukas Greif, Matthew Harvey, Marybeth Hurley, Alyvia Jones, Christina Jordan, Samuel Kornis, Meg Kowalski, Robert Krill, Sameer Kumar, Michal Kusznerko, Players and coaches attending the first Indianapolis camp Isabella Lorenzini, Ally Miller-Krasilnikov, Davina Nguyen, Connor Polender, Olivia Rohrbacher, McKenna Root, Alisa Sabotic, Alexandra Sanford, Johnathan Small and Danny Thomas. The second part of the process was getting as many of the top Midwest coaches together for a brainstorming session on the project. The following coaches attended a September 26 workshop with USTA staff Martin Blackman and Jose Higueras: Mark Bey, Matt Dektas, Robert Chonoles, Mark Faber, Spencer Fields, Leah Friedman, Marcy Hendricks, Steve Herdoiza, Barry King, Paul MacDonald, Matt McClure, Bo McWhorter, Armand Molino, Bryan Nibert, P.A. Nilhagen, Gilbert Rincon, Kathy Risacher, Bryan Smith, Jeff Smith, Butch Staples, Oliver Stephens, Erik Tofleland, Troy Toole, Tom Walker and Will White. The workshop provided great feedback and steps to continuing the (continued bottom of page 9)

Winter 2009 8 Junior Players www.midwest.usta.com

QuickStart Tennis a Success with Parent Leadership West Central Indiana Community Tennis Association (CTA) President The QuickStart Tennis format includes modified court sizes, age- Scott Riggle was looking to get his seven-year-old son started in tennis earlier appropriate tennis racquets and balls, modified scoring system and net height. this year. He heard about the Midwest Youth Team Tennis program which Also, each youth participant receives a team uniform. And, just like other incorporates the QuickStart Tennis format for children under 10 years of age. popular youth sports, QuickStart Tennis stresses the importance of play and Unfortunately, there wasn’t a program being offered in his local area near team competition. Greencastle, In. Riggle contacted a few other CTA volunteers to discuss the West Central Indiana CTA needed help paying for the tennis equipment possibility of starting a program, and this past summer the CTA kicked off a and offering participant scholarships. The USTA/Midwest Section provided a summer program with 57 kids. diversity grant, and the Central Indiana Tennis Association offered financial The Midwest Youth Team Tennis program was held at the Greencastle assistance. Park and Recreation tennis courts and DePauw University tennis courts. In Based on this past summer’s success, the West Central Indiana CTA is order to ensure all youth interested in the program could participate, the CTA offering a fall indoor program which kicked off the end of October. DePauw offered scholarships to those with financial hardships. University is donating its courts so the program will not need to pay court fees. The CTA is already working on next summer’s program, and is excited about introducing the sport of tennis to more children. “Parent leadership and support were key components in the success of our Midwest Youth Team Tennis program,” stated Riggle. “I was looking to get my son started playing tennis, and along with a couple other parents, decided to get a program off the ground in our area.” The Midwest Youth Team Tennis program can be incorporated year-round at indoor facilities including YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs. The program is a perfect compliment to other sporting activities being offered at indoor facilities during the fall, winter and spring months. Grants may be available for facilities interested in offering Midwest Youth Team Tennis which need funding with equipment or other expenses.

If you’re a parent or facility interested in learning more about Midwest Coach Scott Riggle talking tennis with his young junior players Youth Team Tennis, please visit www.midwestteamtennis.com.

(continued from bottom of page 8) progress of our program. Coaching Education will become a huge part of our program. Our goal is to educate the coaches that work with the players, and allow all our players to continue receiving top coaching in their own backyard. We will hold USTA/Midwest Section education programs as well as create one-day education programs for all coaches attached to our one-day camps for the players. The third part of our program is the continuation of our State Camps. Many of you have participated in the camps over the past few years. With the completion of the camp in Indiana, we have now conducted a 10-and-under camp in every state in the Section. Our goal is now to expand these camps with each state holding a minimum of one 10-and- If your facility or community is interested in under camp, one QuickStart camp, and one camp for each state’s top 12-and-under and increasing its spring and summer program 14-and-under players. Along with these expanded or continued camps, we will be asking registration along with parent participation, host a our coaches to host a state versus state team competition. All of these events will be very youth registration event. cost effective and only last one day. Also, we will be using these camps as a scouting tool for future Regional Training Center camps. Be a part of the largest youth tennis recruitment As you can tell, this program will be very beneficial to all our junior players. We realize effort – USTA Youth Registration. You choose the the key to the success of this program is creating a solid team of Midwest Coaches. The day that works best for your facility and community Midwest Coaches Commission will oversee this awesome team of coaches to help produce from February 26-March 1, 2010. You will receive the best training and coaching for juniors in any USTA Section. If you have suggestions of promotional tools and nationwide marketing support. coaches that we should consider to join our team, please e-mail USTA/Midwest Section staff Andrea Calvert-Sanders at [email protected] or Mark Faber at [email protected]. Go to tennisnight.com for more information, and to Mark Faber, a USPTA teaching professional from Toledo, Ohio, is on The Midwest Coaches register your facility today. Commission. The commission writes a regular column in issues of this magazine, serving as a source of education and communication for you - junior players, parents and coaches.

9 Winter 2008 Healthy Tennis

Improving Fitness for Tennis As a tennis player, you’ve decided to devote a certain amount of time during • Chest (Bench press, DB bench) the week to work on your physical training for tennis. Now you’re ready to determine • Hip Flexors/Quads (i.e. Squat) how much time should be allotted for each workout, and what machines/workouts • Arms/Forearms are best to improve your fitness. Components including a player’s age, years he or she have been playing tennis, and player’s competitive level will heavily influence Four-day a week example: If you are scheduling your strength training four days per the type and duration of physical training. In addition to these factors, there are week it increases the options about how to structure the program. A four-day per some important areas to focus on when designing your weekly schedule. week program will require you to incorporate some tennis specific endurance, Tennis is a sport that requires a solid foundation of strength, power, speed, agility and flexibility in each session. Here are some of the most popular methods agility, flexibility and balance. All of these areas need to be trained in some form to structure training: during a training week. Structuring a weekly schedule to ensure that all these com- ponents are appropriately addressed can be challenging. It is recommended that you Upper Body/Lower Body Split: Listed below is a typical four-day a week schedule with consult a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has experience training three days of recovery. These “recovery” days are time for other components to be tennis players and will go through extensive training in planning and implement- trained (speed, agility, flexibility, etc.) ing programs to maximize performance. A periodized program is important to vary • Day 1 – Upper Body volume, intensity, frequency and duration of exercises. As space is limited in this • Day 2 – Lower Body response, the main focus will be on the strength training component of the physical • Day 3 – Recovery program. There are some great resources available on the USTA Player Development • Day 4 – Upper Body website that go into more detail about structuring physical programs for tennis. • Day 5 – Lower Body • Day 6 – Recovery Machines versus Free Weights • Day 7 – Recovery Inquiring which machines to use is a common question in a large fitness center Push/Pull Split: because you may have access to over 100 different pieces of equipment. The ben- • Day 1 – Pushing Movements efits of strength training machines are that they have a stable movement plane and • Day 2 – Pulling Movements isolate certain muscle groups. This is traditionally a little easier to use and reduces • Day 3 – Recovery the learning curve of the exercise. The negatives to machines are that they are not • Day 4 – Pushing Movements typically using movements and combination of muscles similar to that seen during • Day 5 – Pulling Movements tennis play. Also, stabilizing muscles are not trained as well by using machines as • Day 6 – Recovery opposed to free weights. The positives of free weight exercises (dumbbells, medicine • Day 7 – Recovery balls, etc.) is that the athlete can go through motions that mimic movement pat- terns seen on the tennis court, and it requires smaller muscles to help stabilize the Five and six day a week programs are also possible, but these need to be coordinated larger muscles when performing different exercises. with a certified trainer and the tennis coach to devise a program that will allow for appropriate training while limiting the likelihood of overtraining. Deciding on Types of Exercises When performing strength training exercises it is important to make sure that all the Listed above are some general examples about structuring a weekly strength important muscles and movements that are needed in tennis are trained. A focus training program. It is important to take into account the goals of the player, time of tennis training needs to be on the posterior (back side) of the athlete. Tennis play available, strengths, weaknesses and time of the year in the athlete’s competitive lends itself to the development of anterior (front side) muscles. To ensure muscle schedule. Please consult a certified strength and conditioning specialist to help symmetry and to reduce the likelihood of injuries, it is important to incorporate train- assist in the development of a structured periodized physical fitness program for ing focused on the muscles of the upper back and posterior shoulder muscles as well improved tennis play and the reduction of injury. as the important hip extension muscles such as the glutes and hamstrings. The examples above are based on an adult tennis player. It is important to understand that young tennis players may require different training programs How many days per week based on their developmental needs. As athletes age through their developmental It is possible to physically train for tennis successfully 2-6 days per week. However, years (6-20 years of age) certain time periods need to be understood to help focus it is important to vary your daily workouts to achieve the greatest improvements, training and make the most effective use of training time. Please see the Progres- while also limiting the chance of overtraining and the chance of injuries. sive Development of the High Performance Tennis Player Poster produced by the Three different strength training programs USTA at www.playerdevelopment.usta.com which provides general recommenda- tions for physical training based on different ages and stages of an athlete’s Three-day a week example: If you structure your strength training three days per week, the most appropriate format is a total body workout that focuses on all the major development. muscle groups. A three-day per week program allows other areas to be trained on those non-strength days. This allows you to work on your tennis specific endurance, Mark Kovacs, PhD, CSCS, is the USTA Manager of Sport Science and is a tennis agility and flexibility in separate distinct sessions. Here is a list of the major areas researcher, certified strength and conditioning specialist, and certified tennis that need to be focused on during training: professional. He was a former tennis All-American and NCAA champion. The USTA • Lower Back/Lower Body (i.e. deadlift) Sport Science department is responsible for testing, training and tracking top junior • Upper Back (i.e. seated row, cable row) and professional tennis players as well as producing, evaluating and disseminating sport science and sport medicine information relevant to tennis.

Winter 2009 10 Officials www.midwest.usta.com

Summer Road Trip 2009 When I started officiating in 2005, I never thought I I left New York City on Labor Day. I would have a summer quite like the one I had this year. wanted to stay longer, but I had to get From June to August I traveled around the USTA/Midwest back to Ohio University for the start of Section calling lines and sitting in the chair, enjoying the classes. sun, and watching good tennis. Being from Ohio, I knew from the beginning I would have to get on the road to get This summer was one that I will never the work done, so that I would be properly prepared for forget. I was fortunate to travel and the US Open at the end of August. officiate in cities such as Decatur and Kalamazoo which I never thought I’d I started out at a USTA Pro Circuit Men’s $50K in Winnetka, do, and had the privilege to travel to Il. It was a good challenge to start my year with players New York to represent the USTA/Midwest like , , and other world class play- Section as an umpire for the US Open. ers at the tournament. From Winnetka I traveled out of The past five years have been a great the USTA/Midwest Section to Pittsburgh, Pa., for a USTA experience. Pro Circuit Men’s $10K. I was especially excited for this tournament. It was the first professional tournament Greg Allensworth is a USTA certified where I was assigned as a chair umpire. Needless to say official from Ohio. If you’re interested in I was a little more nervous for this tournament. From learning about officiating opportunities Pittsburgh I strayed out of the USTA/Midwest Section, throughout the Midwest, contact and went down to Lexington, Ky., for a combined Men’s USTA/Midwest Section Officials and Women’s $50K, the only Challenger in the United Chairman Alan Steinhauser at States that is a combined event. Lexington is always [email protected]. a great event to work, and the community supports the Greg officiating at the 2009 US Open event better than most venues. After Lexington, I made my return trip to the Midwest and the Men’s $10K in Decatur, Il. Then from Decatur it was off to Kalamazoo, Mi., for the premier junior event in the country, the USTA Boy’s 16 and 18 National Hard Court Championships (winner receives a wild card into the US Open). I was fortunate to be selected to chair the Boys 18’s doubles matches. Kalamazoo was a good final tune-up for the US Open. Unsure about the After putting over a thousand miles on my car, and countless hours on the court, best way to care it all paid off, culminating in working at the US Open. The thought of ever working for, repair, or at the US Open was never really in my mind when I first started officiating five reconstruct your years ago. Yes, my friends would joke around with me, saying, “Greg you’re going to go to the US Open.” Then two years ago, I discovered it really was a possibil- tennis court? ity, and this year I made it. It did not hit me that I was at the US Open until the second day when I was involved with a very contentious match. The court was packed with fans, and the atmosphere was unbelievable. As an official in the match, you had to make every call, no matter how far out the ball was on each point. The hard work I put in over the summer paid off when the staff extended my assignment through the first week of the main draw. It was a sad day when Tennis Court Evaluation and Maintenance Programs (TCEMP) Eliminate the Guesswork A TCEMP helps you set court maintenance priorities and Have a Rules Question or Topic Request provides an annualized maintenance/reconstruction budget. Evaluation includes geotechnical data, court access and for an Official? orientation, surface thickness and condition, topographical maps, lighting photometrics, net posts, fencing, and court and Send us your inquiries on rules you have about the player amenities. To learn more, or to view a sample TCEMP, sport of tennis, or specific topics you would like an contact ASBA-Certified Tennis Court Builder Fred Kolkmann: official to write about in a future publication. [email protected]. Contact us today at [email protected]. Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport Surfaces, LLC phone: 262.685.7507 • web: www.kolkmanncourtbuilder.com

11 Winter 2009 What is USTA Jr. Team Tennis? *Largest youth tennis program in the country. *Helps girls and boys 6-18 years old get on the court, play team tennis, have fun and make friends. *Co-ed teams with at least 6 players (3 girls and 3 boys) based on skills and ages. *Opportunity to advance to District, Section and National Championships. Are You In? midwest usta jr. team tennis www.MidwestTeamTennis.com 12 K gets kids thinking big. Like understanding the science behind a tennis player’s overhand smash. Or appreciating the pure poetry in motion of a figure skater’s double-axel. That’s thanks to K12 and our award-winning curriculum, individualized to bring learning alive—be it science, language arts, and more—one child at a time. Every subject is delivered online, with hands-on experiments, plus books and support from expert teachers. when kids get into learning, learning gets into them.

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K12.tennis.FP4CJan09.indd 1 1/21/09 9:44:53 AM Adult Players

On the Road to the USTA League National Championships Each year, approximately 32,000 match win against the USTA/ USTA League players throughout Southwest Section. Our win the USTA/Midwest Section start over a very strong USTA/ out participating in their local Florida Section team in the league season. It’s a great championship match was one way to make new friends, play of the most exciting moments with existing friends, get some in all of our lives! Winning great exercise, improve your a National Championship is game, and more. Following the definitely a ‘team’ effort, and local league season, there is everyone contributes in their an opportunity for some teams own way. They might not play to advance to the district, every match, but they are state, section and national supporting and cheering their championships. teammates.

During the 2009 league season, The USTA League program a few Midwest teams were is an opportunity for players fortunate enough to reach the National Champions - 4.5 team from Arlington Heights, IL of all levels and abilities to national championship level. compete in a structured and One Midwest team, the 4.5 senior women from Arlington Heights, Il., came competitive environment. You will learn all aspects of match play, and meet out on top capturing the national title. Captain Mimi Paffrath provided the new players (many will become friends) along the way. The first time you following remarks. advance to a local league playoff is so exciting. Nothing can prepare you for the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with your first playoff match. “During the USTA/Midwest Section League Championships in Indianapolis, a The more familiar you become with the local leagues and tournaments, number of our matches were decided by third set tie-breaks. We have been the more you want to get involved. I know I speak for my whole team in in this situation before, and tie-breakers can go your way or work against encouraging players to sign up and participate in the USTA League program you. This was our year for winning tie-breakers. In our last match, two of (you won’t be disappointed).” our players were on the deciding court which would determine which team advanced to nationals. Our doubles team lost the first set, was down four If you’re ready to start playing, there are seven divisions in the USTA League match points in the second set, and managed to get the second set to a tie- program offered in the USTA/Midwest Section: adults, seniors, mixed doubles, breaker. They won the second set tie-breaker, and then managed to win the combo doubles, super seniors, senior mixed doubles and tri-level. third set tie-breaker to advance our team to nationals! Contact your District USTA League Coordinator by visiting www.midwest. At the USTA League National Championships, we were holding our own in usta.com/leagues to determine which of the divisions and levels of play our flight, but it was very close. Then, as more match results were posted, are available in your local area. Then, sign up, head to the courts, and join we realized if we won our last match, we would not need the wild card spot in the fun. Next year, we could be writing about your experience competing in given to one team, and would win our flight. We had a very good semifinal the USTA League National Championships.

Compete in One-Day Midwest Showdowns The USTA/Midwest Section is excited to offer Showdown tennis tournaments which only require a player commitment of three or four hours.

Benefits for players to participate in one-day format tournaments: • Limited time commitment – multiple matches in 3-4 hour span; • Non-elimination – guarantees the same number of matches for all participants; • Lower cost for players – no hotel fees or work or school time lost; • Grows tennis – Provides play for the population that cannot commit to entire competitive weekend or league season; • Social impact – Friendly environment cultivates camaraderie and sportsmanship in a predictable time frame.

For more information on Showdown tournaments in your area, please visit www.midwest.usta.com and select the Adult Tennis button.

Winter 2009 14 Adult Players www.midwest.usta.com

Midwest Open Series Spurs Participation and Prize Money Did you catch any of the Midwest where the professionals were practicing in preparation for their matches. Open Series action this summer The most memorable moment for me was playing in the Midwest Open Series showcasing the finest men Doubles final in Cincinnati while was playing his final match and women ‘open’ level tennis about 50 yards away. I can’t wait for next year.” players? The season included qualifying events in Downers “Most players who competed in this year’s Midwest Open Series love its Grove, Il., Indianapolis, In., concept, and want to see the series continue to grow,” stated tournament and Columbus, Oh. Players earned points from each tournament, and the director Karen Montavon. “It was a thrill to have our championship top eight point winners for men and women advanced to the Midwest Open matches played right along the courts used by the professional players. Series Championship event held August 21-23 in Cincinnati, Oh. All the tournament participants received grounds passes for three days of the tournament. I had a lot of Cincinnati players stop by the courts during Players earned more than $20,000 in total prize money this year. The series the championship matches, and inquire about the Midwest Open Series. of prize money qualifying tournaments culminated in the championship I think the Midwest Open Series will continue to expand, and I look forward event which took place during the Western & Southern Financial Group to next year.” Masters in Cincinnati. The Midwest Open Series was patterned after the highly successful US Open “I really enjoyed playing in the Midwest Open Series,” commented doubles Series. Plans are underway to enhance the 2010 Midwest Open Series. winner Adam Morgan. “This was a wonderful opportunity to play competitive Whether you’re a player considering competing next year, or a tennis tennis at a high level, and get to watch the best players in the world at the fan interested in attending the tournaments next year, check out www. same time. It was a good feeling to play my matches on the same courts midwest.usta.com/mwopenseries.

College Students Rave about Club Tennis Experience College students across the Midwest are becoming a part of exciting co-ed tennis action that keeps their competitive fire burning and offers some serious fun. If you’re a college student who played tennis on your high school team and miss the competition, or if you’re new to tennis and looking to meet some friends at your college who share the same interest – this is it!

Currently, there are 44 USTA/Midwest Section college club teams. Week after week throughout the year, teams play against one another in a league. Each spring a USTA Campus Championship-Midwest is held for teams competing in the league. After competing in the section event teams may advance to the USTA Campus Championship. The 2010 event will be held in Surprise, Az., and you could be one of the participants.

Following are a few college students sharing their club team experiences: University of Wisconsin Tennis on Campus players “I have made some of my closest friends by playing in our club tennis program. The opportunities it gives college students to meet new people “Wisconsin Club Tennis has helped ease my transition from high school to is an amazing experience. If you sign up for a club team, and are one of college. Joining the club team made it possible to balance everything that is the fortunate members to travel to other schools, it is incredible. The team important to me: school, tennis, and social life. Our matches and practices bonding is awesome, and the genuine fun that you have is unforgettable. A are played at a very high level, and it is fun to see everybody improve player’s skill level isn’t important, everyone wants to have a good time, and throughout the year. Also, only practicing twice a week gives me plenty of students enjoy playing a sport they may continue throughout their life.” Alex time to get all of my work done and prepare for exams. The social events Shusis, Illinois State College Club Tennis President and road trips are definitely my favorite part of being on the team, and I have memories that will last a lifetime.” John Smits, Wisconsin Club Tennis Team “Tennis on Campus is a great release from all the stress of college. The club program has been one of the best experiences of my college life. It’s also an If you’re an individual looking to join the program at your school, or a club opportunity to continue all of the excitement tennis has brought to my life.” tennis team looking to set up a match against other teams, visit www. Ryan Tracy, Ferris State University Club Tennis Team midwest.usta.com/tennisoncampus. If there isn’t a program at your school, we’ll help you set one up. Contact USTA/Midwest Section Collegiate Coordinator Steve Wise for more information at [email protected].

15 Winter 2009 Community Spotlight

Muncie Expanding Opportunities for Wheelchair Tennis The Muncie Tennis Association (MTA) started its wheelchair program in wheelchair tennis class 2005 with one player. The following year it launched the McCann Memorial at its indoor facility once Wheelchair Open, a USTA sanctioned tournament in honor of a local player a week. Aly Ferguson McCann. Some of the best wheelchair tennis players from “Wheelchair tennis around the Midwest come to small town Muncie to play in this tournament, players are some of the and also brand new players who get their first taste of competitive tennis. greatest people in the This year, the MTA introduced its first junior player to wheelchair tennis. world,” added Wegener. Zach is 11 years old, and played in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis league using “I am amazed by the the QuickStart format this past spring. “Even small towns need a wheelchair strength of mind, the tennis advocate,” stated MTA member Joy Wegener. “I happen to be that positive spirit, and the person here, and from the moment I first saw wheelchair tennis played, I incredible patience I see knew it was a great thing.” in them. These attributes Muncie wheelchair participants Most recently, the MTA has worked with the Muncie Park and Recreation are developed in everyone Department to promote tennis in the park and accommodate wheelchair who plays tennis, but even more so among wheelchair players.” tennis. The MTA provided the labor and paint to repaint two city courts with The USTA/Midwest Section is looking for more communities around QuickStart lines. The city put in a sidewalk and took out a curb making it the Midwest interested in growing wheelchair tennis. If your town has a easier for wheelchair players to access the courts. YMCA, ask if they would apply for a USTA grant to start a wheelchair tennis Grants from the USTA and private donations have provided funding program. Or, start your own Community Tennis Association, apply for the for the MTA wheelchair program in the form of lessons, adult and junior grant, and run a wheelchair program of your own. Visit www.midwest.usta. sport chairs, tournament and membership scholarships, travel expenses to com/wheelchair for more information. Midwest sanctioned events in Ohio and Michigan, and the McCann wheelchair tournament. Also, the local YMCA, in conjunction with the USTA, now offers a free We Want to Feature Community Stories The USTA/Midwest Section is excited to highlight some of our USTA Member Organizations – Community Tennis Associations, Park and Recreations, clubs, individuals, etc., who are Genesee Schools Introduce working hard to promote and develop the growth of tennis in their communities. Let us know what your organization is doing to promote the sport for a lifetime and bring more people Hundreds of Youth to Tennis into tennis. E-mail us at [email protected] with the details. Hundreds of youth are being introduced to tennis thanks to the efforts of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) and USTA. Earlier this year the USTA grant is also part of the Genesee Intermediate School District’s 21st District worked with USTA/Midwest Section Tennis Service Representative for Century Community Learning Centers program, where tennis will be offered Michigan Sue Selke, and applied for and received a $25,000 USTA Recreation as part of the curriculum in after-school and summer programs. Grant. The GISD didn’t waste any time putting the funding to good use. The This is an exciting partnership because students from diverse majority of the grant is being used to purchase QuickStart Tennis equipment backgrounds will be exposed to the game of tennis. Genesee County for 40 schools. has suffered from the decline in manufacturing jobs, and as a result, During this school year, tennis is being offered as part of the physical unemployment and poverty rates are increasing dramatically. The county education curriculum in all of the 40 participating schools. In addition, is experiencing an unemployment rate of 17.4%, and more than half of the every school will offer QuickStart Tennis in an after-school program. The participating schools are serving students in poverty. “Many of the students in these schools will be exposed to the game of Genesee School District children being introduced to tennis tennis for the first time in their lives,” said Gloria Bourdon, Director of GISD Health Safety and Nutrition Services. “We’re excited to bring this opportunity to Genesee County students.” If you are a physical education instructor interested in getting tennis integrated into your classes, or a teacher or administrator looking for a great after-school program, the USTA School Tennis program is a perfect match. The USTA/Midwest Section has a package available for each school which includes: 20 junior racquets, two dozen foam balls, USTA curriculum guide, one-year USTA organization membership, and a three-hour in-service training session. The package only costs $150, and includes everything listed above.

For more information on getting started contact USTA/Midwest Section Junior Recreation and Teams Coordinator Greg Boyd at 317-577-5130 ext. 236 or [email protected].

Winter 2009 16 Feature www.midwest.usta.com

Local Midwest Player Competes at Deaflympics Jenny Woyahn of Waukesha, Wi., represented the United States at the Woyahn was inspired by the other hearing-impaired athletes from 21st Summer Deaflypmics held in Taipei, Taiwan, in September. Woyahn around the world, especially the teams. She was especially was recruited to participate in the Deaflympics last September, and was impressed by the United States Deaflympics gold medal-winning basketball encouraged to try out by her University of Wisconsin team’s ability to communicate with each other, and Whitewater college coach Frank Barnes. work together as one cohesive unit. Woyahn herself After trying out in December 2008 and officially played basketball growing up, and eventually it making the team in January 2009 she recalled, “I became more challenging for her to follow the plays was very excited about the news!” Woyahn ended up and communicate with her teammates. raising $4,500 for her trip through donation letters. Describing the Olympic experience, Woyahn said “I am happy to have such wonderful friends and the people of Taiwan were extremely hospitable, family who were so supportive. I was very honored.” warm and welcoming. “The people in Taiwan were Woyahn traveled overseas for three weeks to so friendly, and we were treated like celebrities.” The participate in the Deaflympics, and competed in athletes marched in at the Opening Ceremony, which both singles and mixed doubles. “One of the most featured a lot of drums, so individuals could feel the interesting things was the friendships with the other vibrations of the music. athletes.” She met athletes from all over the world, Jenny Woyahn and her doubles partner Aaron Gomez Woyahn is considering competing in an and enjoys keeping in touch with them online. international tournament in the future, and is also Though she has moderate to severe hearing loss and uses an implant thinking about the possibility of the 2013 Deaflympics in Athens. She said, as well as lip-reading to communicate, she learned a lot from the other “It was an inspiration to see so many people just like me succeed at the athletes during her Olympic experience. Woyahn explained that a lot of the Deaflympics. I gained a different perspective, too, and motivation to learn athletes communicate using American Sign Language (ASL), which she ASL. I learned a lot in three weeks.” doesn’t know well. But, it was also challenging because other athletes from The USTA Adaptive Tennis goal is to promote and develop recreational different countries used different sign languages. Woyahn said she was tennis opportunities for individuals with differing abilities and circumstances surprised she did not speak very much during her Olympic experience. All of through inclusion, knowledge, and support, and by providing, where needed, the athletes are required to compete without hearing aids and implants. adaptive programming, equipment, and teaching techniques. For more information on adaptive tennis programs and opportunities to participate in the USTA/Midwest Section, visit www.midwest.usta.com/adaptive.

Giving Back to Tennis—One Volunteer’s Story Fresh off a USTA/Midwest Section Junior candy. Actually, the whole reason for giving out candy was so I could say good- Competition Committee conference call, Mary bye to the players.” And she continued to give away the candy, then gum, then Seelig from Highland Park, Il., joked, “I can’t gummy bears to say good-bye to the players, and also to take the focus off a give it up. It’s a compulsion. I should be packing loss. “I give gummy bears because you can’t reinforce enough that losing isn’t for our move to California!” After 44 years of everything, and in junior tennis the kids will learn it.” tennis service, Seelig is retiring. Seelig started her volunteer career as a Volunteer Official in 1965, later To many Midwest junior players she is becoming a certified Official & Referee when the process was established in recognized as the ‘Gummy Bear Lady’. Players 1972. She also has served on the Chicago District Tennis Association Board might be surprised to learn Seelig was an since 1993. She has served as a volunteer for the USTA/Midwest Section, official at the US Open in 1979 and 1981. She Chicago District Tennis Association, Chicago Tennis Umpires Council, and Mary Seelig was also an official on the Pro Circuit with the Chicago Tennis Patrons, and has worked with numerous committees. She has Virginia Slims Championships, Women’s Avon Circuit, and Men’s Volvo Circuit. received a number of awards and accolades for all of her hard work. Seelig Seelig has been a tournament director in the Chicago area for many said, “You realize volunteering is a fascinating way to watch an athlete years. She worked hard to make her tournaments professional, and hosted a develop, and if you contribute in any way, it’s the best feeling.” hospitality table for the players. She loved being around the junior players, and The USTA/Midwest Section and communities throughout the Midwest are being a firsthand witness to their growth and development as athletes and looking for individuals like Mary Seelig who love tennis, and want to give back people. She views her long career of volunteering in tennis as a result of being to the game by volunteering. Volunteers are crucial and perform numerous a tournament director. “It’s a byproduct of running tournaments all those tasks including working the desk at a tournament, assisting at clinics or years. It was a constant joy watching players grow, play and develop. At the special events, launching or operating tennis programs, and assisting with same time you watch the agony and ecstasy of it all.” office work. As to the gummy bear candy, Seelig explains it all started at a If you’re interested in finding about more volunteer opportunities, an tournament she ran just after Halloween. “I left out a big pumpkin of leftover interest form is available on our website at www.midwest.usta.com. Click the Halloween candy, and the girls would stop to say good-bye and take some Volunteer button to access the form, and then complete the online form today.

17 Winter 2008 Resource Area

2010 Professional Tennis Schedule USTA Online Video Instruction It was a great year with exciting finals matches at the 2009 Grand Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Would you like some Slam events. Tennis enthusiasts are already gearing up for the start of advice on how to hit your serve from ? How about some tips the 2010 season. Here is the 2010 schedule for all the US Open Series on your backhand from Serena Williams? Ever wondered how Roger Federer tournaments taking place in the USTA/Midwest Section, masters his forehand return? Watch the best players in the world execute events, and and Fed Cup action: various shots. The USTA offers an exclusive video library featuring over 200 video Grand Slam Dates teaching clips from 40 of the top players in the world demonstrating various shots including: serves, returns, ground strokes and complete points. The video • : January 18-31, australianopen.com clips were all captured during the US Open. You will not only have a front row • French Open: May 23-June 6, rolandgarros.com seat as you watch, but also the opportunity to manipulate the image, by slowing • Wimbledon: June 21–July 4, wimbledon.org it down and advancing it frame-by-frame, speeding it up or pausing it so that • US Open: August 30-September 12, usopen.org you can view technique perhaps in a manner that you have never seen it before. There is no software to purchase and nothing to download. For Davis Cup (first round only) more information and to start improving your game visit the USTA Player • United States vs. Serbia: March 5-7, TBA in Serbia, daviscup.com Development webpage at www.playerdevelopment.usta.com. Fed Cup (first round only) • United States vs. France: February 6-7, TBA in France, fedcup.com Grants and Scholarships Each year the USTA/Midwest Section and Midwest Youth Tennis & Education US Open Series Foundation offer grants and scholarships. Here are some of the available • Indianapolis Tennis Championships: July 17-25 in Indianapolis, In., grants and scholarships: tennisindy.com • Tim & Tom Gullikson Scholarship • Individual grant • Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open: • Program grant • Diversity grant August 7-22 in Cincinnati, Oh., cincytennis.com For more information on grants and scholarships as well as deadlines, please visit www.midwest.usta.com and select the Individual Grants & Scholarships and Program Grants buttons on the home page.

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Foundation Grant Recipients, Past and Present, Striking Success on the Court

The Midwest Youth Tennis & Education Foundation (MYTEF) is extremely proud of the role the organization has played since 1997 in the lives of youth. One of the ways the MYTEF has assisted youth has been awarding financial assistance to high-level players in need of funding to travel and compete in tournaments.

The MYTEF extends a heartfelt thank you to all our USTA/Midwest Section members and other individuals/organizations who have made a donation(s) over the years. Your support makes it possible for our Foundation to assist aspiring players. and finished No. 1 in each of the Boys’ 12, 14, 16 and 18 age divisions. During his collegiate career, Ram was a member of the winning University We’re excited about some of the recent success of former grant recipients of Illinois men’s NCAA team title. Ram displayed great sportsmanship on including Rajeev Ram of Carmel, In. Also, some of our current grant the court, and received the 2001 USTA/Midwest Section Wallace R. Holzman, recipients are experiencing great success on the court including Evan King Sr. award. of Chicago, Il., and Brooke Austin of Indianapolis, In. Evan King Visit www.midwest.usta.com/mytef for ways you can help our Foundation The 17-year-old King is one of the country’s top junior players, and this fall continue to help our Midwest juniors succeed on the court and in life. is a member of the University of Michigan men’s tennis team. This year he has competed in several ITF events, and reached the semifinals at the Bermuda Foundation ITF Junior event. Last fall he swept the singles and doubles titles at the Evert American ITF event.

King competed in the 2009 US Open Junior Championships where he won his first two singles matches and first doubles match. He also participated in both the French and Wimbledon Junior Championships this past summer. Earlier this year he won The Easter Bowl ITF Boys’ 18 Championships singles title.

King still represents the USTA/Midwest Section in team competitions. This past August he was a key member of the winning Midwest squad which captured the USTA Boys’ 18 National Team Championships in Urbana, Il. Another sportsman on the court, King was named the 2007 USTA/Midwest Section Wallace R. Holzman, Sr. award winner.

Brooke Austin Fourteen-year-old Austin had a great year competing in ITF events, USTA Rajeev Ram with his first ATP trophy competitions, and USTA/Midwest Section tournaments. She recently competed in an International Tennis Federation event in Atlanta where she Rajeev Ram advanced to the quarterfinals. Austin won the USTA Girls’ 16 National Clay Congratulations to Ram who claimed his first career ATP World Tour title Court Championships consolation in Virginia Beach, Va. on the grass courts of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships this past July. Ram won his first title with a 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-3 win over fellow Austin competed in the 2009 US Open Junior Championship Girls’ 18 American . Ram later teamed up with Jordan Kerr to defeat qualifying competition. She won the USTA National Opens Girls’ 16 singles Michael Kohlman and Roger Wassen 6-7(6), 7-6(7), 10-6. Ram is the third title in Lexington, Ky. She was also crowned the USTA Easter Bowl Spring player in tournament history to claim both the singles and doubles titles in National Championship Girls’ 14 singles winner. the same year. Austin still competes in several USTA/Midwest Section tournaments. She Ram grew up playing junior tennis in the USTA/Midwest Section. won the Midwest premier event, the Junior Closed Outdoor Championship He captured the prestigious USTA/Midwest Section Closed Junior Girls’ 14 singles title this past June. Austin didn’t lose a match en route to Championships, participated on the Midwest’s Intersectional and Junior her Central Indiana Tennis Association’s team championship at the USTA/ Davis Cup teams, was selected to several other Midwest team cup events, Midwest Section Boys’/Girls’ 14 District Team Cup.

Winter 2009 20 Pro Corner www.midwest.usta.com

The Box (by Mike Andrews)

I know we have all been there watching players try to hit some Recovery: Back To The Box ridiculous shot, five feet behind the baseline, in line with the singles line, After every shot if you can recover back to the and they try to hit a winner down the line. You think to yourself, I wonder box, you have a very good opportunity to get every why she hit that shot or why did he try that shot. After the match you may ball your opponent hits at you. You can get more question your student on why he or she hit that shot based on their position. specific when talking about recovery (left in the Many times they do not know where they are on the court. box, right in the box, up in the box, back in the I created “the box” to help players know that depending where they are box). Minimum recovery is back to the box. on the court, they can now focus on their shot selection and target. As you can see from the diagram the box is about 3 feet to the left, 3 feet to the right, and 3 feet behind the hash mark. Now create a box that runs up to the Baseline Play net, and do the same on the other side of the court. If you are inside the box you have the freedom Once you created the box now you can set some simple box guidelines. to hit to either corner of the court. You can There are five basic guidelines related to recovery, in the box, outside the box- hit crosscourt or down the line. Regardless of baseline play, outside the box-transition play, and outside the box-net play. your target, you are already in good recovery Under those guidelines there are more specific items you can discuss. position. Your targets should be target #1 or #2. If you are outside the box(x) during 1. Recover back to the box after every shot. baseline play your target should be either a a. If your opponent is stretched wide, recover up in the box. You may deep ball back into the box or deep crosscourt get a short ball opportunity and you can keep the pressure on them. to target #2. If outside the box and slightly b. If your opponent has an aggressive opportunity, recover back in the inside the baseline(y), your targets should be box to get a little more time. deep back into the box, target #2, or better players can hit the angle to target c. If you hit deep crosscourt, offset your recovery in the box. Stand #3. THE BOX: The safest shot and highest percentage shot will always be either left in the box or right in the box depending on which crosscourt hitting the ball in the box. ball you hit.

d. Pay attention to patterns your opponent might hit. If they continually hit down the line to your backhand, modify your recovery in the box. Approach Shots If inside the box, once again your primary 2. If you are in the box when hitting, you want to target one of the two targets should be #1 or #2. If outside the box(x) corners. For entry level or beginning players, you may have them hit the your highest percentage shot will be to hit the ball back in the box for consistency. approach down the line to target #1. You can a. Any box ball should be hit with your strength. hit to target #2, but realize you may not be able b. Try to target your opponent’s weaker side when you get a box ball. to get back to the box before your opponent hits. c. It is easier to pull the ball crosscourt than pushing it up the line. This means you have a lot of court to cover. 3. If you are outside the box when hitting and you are staying back on the Better players could hit the angle and try for baseline, you should target crosscourt. target #3. THE BOX: The safest shot and highest a. You may have to loop the ball more to recover back to the box. percentage shot will always be hitting the ball in b. You may have to play underspin if you’re pulled real wide. the box. 4. If you are outside the box when hitting and you are going to go to the net, Volleys you should approach down the line. If inside the box, once again your primary a. Keeping the ball in front of you is the highest percentage. You don’t targets should be target #1 or target #2. If have to travel too far to get back in the box. inside the box but closer to the edge of the b. Make sure you recover back to the box for the volley. box, you can hit the angle to target #3. If 5. If you are outside the box when volleying, you should volley back up the line. outside the box(x) your highest percentage a. Low volleys should be kept in front of you so you can recover back is target #1, especially if it is a low volley. to the box. Better players could hit target #3. If it is a b. Better players can try to hit the angle volley. high volley you could hit target #2 also. Just c. High volleys can be put away. Remember to recover back to the box. make sure you get back to the box. THE BOX: d. If balanced and in position, overheads can be hit to either corner. The safest shot and highest percentage shot These are typically hit harder and get off the court faster. If out of will always be hitting the ball in the box. balance and out of the box, play the overhead up the line to keep the Mike Andrews is a USPTA certified instructor, and USPTA Midwest ball in front of you. Division Past President.

21 Winter 2008 Facility News

League Play in the Park League Play in the Park is a program that may be easily implemented in USTA Recreational Grants a park and recreation setting, community center, or club. This program The USTA seeks applicants that are well-established, community-based is designed to introduce new players from diverse populations to the organizations or agencies that increase tennis participation, support League Tennis program. The program includes accelerated introductory tennis programming, and foster diversity with both participation and instruction followed by a short season of league play. A USTA Organization programming. The USTA will award grants to selected organizations that Membership is required for the park or facility to offer this program, present a clear vision for establishing community-based partnerships to but participants are not required to be USTA members. Grant money is meet these objectives. available for facilities to get the program off the ground. The grants are available to USTA Community Tennis Associations (CTA), For more information, please contact USTA/Midwest Section Collegiate USTA National Junior Tennis Learning (NJTL) Chapters and Programs, Parks Coordinator Steve Wise at [email protected]. and Recreation Agencies, Schools (K-12)/School Districts, Military Base organizations, and non-profit community-based organizations that support tennis programming and infrastructure in their local community. More Than Just a Game—Enrich Your Student’s Lives Through Tennis Please visit www.usta.com/grants to access the grant application.

When you bring tennis into your school, whether you work at the elementary, middle or high school level, the benefits transcend the boundaries on the court. Students may learn tennis in their schools through their physical education classes, as part of an after-school program, or at Start/Restart Tennis Program schools with a No-Cut program. The USTA offers the following resources to help grow tennis involvement among school-aged children: The USTA/Midwest Section offers a program for your facility to attract new adult tennis players and/or the 2.0 + adult returning to tennis. • Training—School Teacher In-Service Trainings, Recreational Coach Workshops Here are the features of the program: and QuickStart Trainings • Available to any member organization • Curriculum—An easy and exciting way to bring tennis to Physical Education • Program run on full court or optional 60 foot court layout • Equipment Assistance—New equipment that is age appropriate and easy to • Low compression balls available at low cost (limited quantity) use is available through deeply discounted programs and equipment grants for • Loaner racquets available for participant use qualifying schools. • Doubles only using a four-game short set with a seven-point • Staff Support—Technical expertise for program start-up and play formats, tiebreak in lieu of a third set along with recommendations for converting play areas for tennis. • Clubs can use the 1-2-3 teaching format in conjunction with • Coach Recognition—Recognition for coaches who offer No-Cut programs doubles play • Will provide feeder program for 2.5 USTA League For more information contact USTA/Midwest Section Junior Recreation and Teams Coordinator Greg Boyd at [email protected]. Facilities interested in offering the program should visit www. midwest.usta.com for details. School assembly being conducted by Midwest clinicians Joe White and Dora Hubbard at a Northwest Indiana High School Offer Midwest Showdown Tournaments The USTA/Midwest Section is excited to offer Showdown tennis tournaments. If you’re looking to bring more players to your facility, and want to run a tournament in just one day, the Showdown is for you. These tournaments are ideal for many groups including the following: novice to advanced, age group or level play, singles or doubles, busy young professionals to retirees. Several USTA Section tournament directors have reported a 140-300% increase in participation using the one-day tournament format.

If you’re a tournament director interested in organizing a Showdown tournament at your facility, contact USTA/Midwest Section Director of Adult/Senior Tennis Diane Ansay at [email protected].

Winter 2009 22 www.midwest.usta.com

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