USTAnorthernNEWS Recreational Coach Workshops: The Key To Growing The Game

hen 60-year-old Tim Garvey retired five years “RCWs are the art of making tennis fun,” Garvey said. ago from his fundraising job, he debated about “The model of an RCW is the same as the USTA model – try, Wwhat to do with all of his impending free time. A play, learn and compete. I focus on that in my daily teach- teacher by trade before moving into the consulting business, ing. We have a stroke and skill of the day. Parents also love Garvey knew he wanted to give back to the community and it because we are teaching the same things they are trying to kids in some way, but exactly how was still up in the air. instill in their children at home.” A lifelong recreational tennis player who played USTA Garvey is proof than anyone can attend an RCW and make leagues (at a 4.0 level) and NTRP tournaments, Garvey a difference in growing the game in their local community. wondered if he could combine his passion for tennis with his Past attendees of RCWs include parents seeking the basics teaching pedigree. in coaching and organizing Jr. Team Tennis; Park and Rec, After consulting as well as high school and seasonal instructors like Garvey; with the USTA existing coaches who are looking for updated techniques Northern office and training and current players who are seeking part-time on what was teaching jobs. available to him, With the expansion of Garvey’s program, he has had to Garvey attended a rely on additional instructors ranging from retirees to local local Recreational high school players. He encourages each instructor to attend Coach Workshop an RCW before the start of summer. (RCW) put on “RCWs are the rite of spring in my mind, sort of a coming by the USTA. out for tennis,” Garvey said. “They are also very important Tim Garvey Five RCW’s later, for young people who need to make the transition from Garvey cannot player to coach. RCWs let the tennis player change his or her wait for the next one and his dreams of combining tennis viewpoint to tennis instructor.” and teaching have now become a reality. Sandra Knight and Kim Shoe-Corrigan, who are the A Recreational Coach Workshop is an interactive, on-court Co-Directors of the Rosemount Area Athletic Association’s training program designed for tennis teachers and coaches Tennis program, also sent all of their instructors to an RCW working with players at the recreational level. Given by a last May before the start of summer programming. specially trained, certified teaching profession, an RCW covers “We found a number of our attendees were new instruc- teaching large groups, using the games-based approach to tors between the ages of 17-23 that had been hired to teach coaching, running effective team practices and demonstrat- youth tennis lessons, Parks and Rec programs, community ing games and drills every tennis coach should know. initiatives or in athletic clubs. We sent our own employees to “An RCW is great because it employs teaching methodol- the RCW so they had the latest materials and fresh ideas for ogy,” Garvey said. “It focuses on number, activity and court teaching tennis to our youth players. We also offered the management skills. The biggest challenge when teaching program to our volunteer parent coaches. The RCW gave our a group is how to manage as many as 25-30 people at one new instructors the support and confidence they needed to time, while keeping everyone engaged in the task at hand.” successfully begin teaching tennis. It benefited our program, After attending his first RCW in 2002, Garvey launched the new instructors and the youth we were teaching every his “Tennis Is For Life” mantra and started worked with the day,” Knight said. St. Paul Urban Tennis summer program at St. Paul Central To learn more about the RCW program, the dates of one High School. Six months later, he became a certified teach- coming to your area or to host a workshop, please contact ing professional by the PTR, and in 2003, he directed a joint Becky Cantellano at venture initiative for the park districts in Mendota Heights cantellano@northern. and West St. Paul, Minn., launching a summer youth tennis usta.com or call her at program for kids ages 8-14. In 2004 he started, “Little (952) 358-3291. Tennis,” a program for youth ages 4-7. Currently the junior varsity tennis coach at Visitation Convent High School in Mendota Heights, Garvey also teaches private lessons and volunteers for a number of community tennis groups including the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center’s Saturday Program and the local chapter of Special Olympics. All told, Garvey has worked with more than 550 aspiring tennis players at all levels during his “retirement.” Anyone can attend an RCW and help grow the game of tennis.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 1 Darren Iverson Latest Addition To USTA Northern Staff

1001 West 98th Street, Suite 101 STA Northern Executive Director Mike Bloomington, MN 55431 Goldammer announced the hiring of (952) 887-5001 • (800) 536-6982 Darren Iverson as the new Community Fax: (952) 887-5061 U Events Coordinator for the section in August. In his new role, Iverson is responsible for many spe- cial events in USTA Northern including Tennis STAFF DIRECTORY Block Parties, Welcome Back To Tennis gath- Kristi Bushinski (651-337-0618) erings, the Tennis Month celebration at the Adult and Junior Tennis Assistant Mall of America in May and all of the commu- [email protected] nity outreach events associated with the USTA Christine Buysse (952-358-3290) Northern Women’s Professional Tournament Community Tennis Assistant/Jr. Team each February. Tennis Coordinator Iverson comes to the USTA with a wealth of [email protected] tennis and community experience. He is currently Becky Cantellano (952-358-3291) the varsity boys and girls tennis coach at Shakopee High School in Shakopee, Minn. Community Development Specialist [email protected] During his tenure at Shakopee, he has served as the site manager of the Region 2AA individual tournament the past three years and has been the Section 2AA coaches’ Pat Colbert (952-358-3283) representative to the Minnesota Tennis Coaches Association since 2000. Assistant Executive Director and Junior Competition Specialist He was also the Director of Teams and Tournaments for the Shakopee Youth [email protected] Tennis Association. In this position, he saw to every aspect of the Association’s Patty Egart (952-358-3292) events including the year-end tournament and the 10th Anniversary celebration Corporate and Collegiate Tennis Coordinator in 2004. [email protected] A graduate of the University of Minnesota with a degree in speech commu- Mike Goldammer (952-358-3284) nications in 1999, Iverson is also a Finance Supervisor at Mystic Lake Casino in Executive Director Prior Lake, Minn. Before that, Iverson was owner and operator of Darren’s Family [email protected] Restaurant in Truman, Minn. Darren Iverson (952-887-5001, ext. 133) “I’m very excited to be able to work so closely with the game I love and I look Community Events Coordinator forward to experiencing tennis all over the Northern section,” Iverson said. [email protected] Nancy Lundberg (952-358-3286) Community Tennis Assistant Advantage Track & Tennis [email protected] Karl Monson (952-358-3285) Sponsors 2006 Community Adult Competition Specialist Tennis Workshop [email protected] Lisa Mushett (952-358-3282) Director of Marketing and Communications STA Northern would like to extend a special thank you to Advantage Track [email protected] & Tennis, sponsors of the 2006 Community Tennis Workshop November 3-5 TBA (952-887-5001, ext. 110) at the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center in St. Paul, Minn. Administrative Assistant U tba Specializing in high quality sport surfaces, including tennis courts, Advantage Track & Tennis offers expert installation, resurface, repair, maintenance and acces- James Poehler (952-358-3281) Administration Director sories giving sports surfaces new life. When it comes to tennis, Advantage Track & [email protected] Tennis excels in quality construction, maintenance and finishing touches such as lighting, fencing and accessories. With its expert design, engineering and project Kara Schmitz (952-358-3287) Twin Cities Area League Coordinator management, Advantage Track & Tennis can make any court “fit for a King.” [email protected] Knowing that all tennis players are not alike, they provide a selection of surfaces Hayley Horning Shibley (952-358-3295) to customize the court, taking into account such things as speed of play, player Tennis Service Representative comfort, custom colors, and landscape issues, creating a truly unique product. [email protected] Advantage Track & Tennis stands behind its quality statement, spoken by William Sandy Smith (952-358-3288) A. Foster, in everything it does. Director of Membership and Sales “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere [email protected] effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of Tony Stingley (952-358-3289) many alternatives.” Multicultural Specialist For more information about Advantage Track & Tennis, please visit its website at [email protected] www.advantagetrackandtennis.com.

2 tennislifemagazine december 2006 northern northern northern USTA Northern Women’s Tournament - section February 11-18 At Fort Snelling section

on’t miss your chance to see the best women’s tennis players in the world at the seventh annual USTA Northern Women’s Tournament Dpresented by KSTP-FM “Today’s Best Variety” February 11-18 at the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center in St. Paul, Minn. World-class players, from around the globe will participate in the eight-day extravaganza. Last year, 27 countries and territories were represented in the tournament. The 32-woman qualifying singles tournament starts Sunday, Feb. 11, while the doubles begins on Monday. Four women from the qualifier advance to the main draw in singles and two teams in Ahsha Rolle plays in front of a big crowd at the Fort doubles. The main draw of both the singles Snelling Tennis and Learning Center. and doubles tournaments begin on Tuesday and conclude with the finals on Sunday, Feb. 18. The main singles draw is 32 players and the doubles draw is 16 teams. Last year, 21 players in the 2005 and 2006 tournaments qualified for the singles or doubles main draw at the 2006 US Open including Milagros Sequera of Venezuela. Sequera won both the singles and doubles titles at the 2006 USTA Northern tournament. Other top players who Milagros Sequera won both the have come to St. Paul in previous years include the world’s number-one ranked doubles player singles and doubles titles in 2006. Samantha Stosur, U.S. Fed Cup players Jill Craybas and Laura Granville, 1997 French Open champion Iva Majoli, 10-time Grand Slam tournament doubles champion Anne Smith and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalists Ting Li and Tian-Tian Sun of China. Tickets for this great event start as low as $8 ($6 if you are a USTA member) during the week and $16 for the semifinals and finals ($14 for USTA members). All tournament passes are also available for $30 ($25 for USTA members). For more information about the tournament, or to purchase tickets, please contact Lisa Mushett at (952) 358-3282 or at [email protected].

SMITH BARNEY KIDS Kids of all ages have a TENNIS BLOCK PARTY great time at the Smith FEBRUARY 10 Barney Kids Day. Meet many of the players in the 2007 USTA Northern Women’s Tournament at the third annual Smith Barney Kids Tennis Block Party on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center from 4-8 p.m. Kids ages 8-13 are invited to enjoy an evening filled with tennis, food, games, arts and crafts, prizes and more. Admission is free for all kids who RSVP in advance. For more information, or to RSVP for this great event, please contact Darren Smiles are the norm for the kids Iverson at [email protected]. during both the on-court and off- court activities VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT WE NEED YOU! USTA Northern is looking for volunteers to assist in a number of areas including Kids Day, transportation, hospitality, crowd control and scoreboards at the 2007 USTA Northern Women’s Tournament February 11-18. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities available, please contact Nancy Lundberg at [email protected] or call her at (952) 358-3286.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 3 Section’s Best Honored section At USTA Northern Annual Awards Banquet

northern STA Northern honored 10 of its best at the 2006 organization whom has promoted the growth of tennis for Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the juniors and served the junior tennis community in USTA UHilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport in Bloomington, Northern. Paukert is the long-time tennis coach at East Minn. The festivities began with a social hour and enter- Grand Forks High School. For over 20 years, he directed the tainment, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. boys and girls teams before taking a leave of absence. He The following are the 2006 winners: then served as an assistant coach at Grand Forks Central for eight years before returning to East Grand Forks, coaching Albert Teeter Adult Sportsmanship Award the boys the last three campaigns. A promoter of the No- Pam Sommer (Circle Pines, Minn.) – Pam Sommer won the Cut Policy as a high school coach, he has worked as a volun- Albert Teeter Adult Sportsmanship Award given to the adult teer organizer of a summer tennis program for high school player who best displays fairness, is generous, is a good loser kids allowing them to participate in drills free of charge to and a gracious winner. A long-time USTA League Tennis learn the necessary skills needed to play high school tennis. and tournament player, Sommer has captained numerous He also strings racquets and gives free individual lessons women’s and mixed doubles teams who have qualified for for all local players. The Minnesota Class A High School National Championships including a women’s 5.0 team in Coach of the Year in 1991-92, Paukert’s teams have been 2006. She is also a multiple winner of the Pine Tree Apple well represented at the Minnesota state tournament in both Tennis Classic with partner David Nash. the team and individual draws. Paukert is also a volunteer site director for the Grand Forks Classic Challenger I junior Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award tournament and is a board member of the local Community BJ Flynn (Brookings, S.D.) – BJ Flynn is the boys winner of Tennis Association which built Registar Tennis Complex. the Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award given to the junior player who not only displays the finest qualities of Frank Voigt Professional of the Year Award sportsmanship during tournament play, but who demon- Jeff Nelson (Sioux Falls, S.D.) – Nelson is the winner of the strates exemplary conduct away from the court. Flynn, a Frank Voigt Professional of the Year Award, which goes to senior in ’06, has played on the Brookings High School a tennis teaching professional who demonstrates leadership varsity team the past five years and competes in a number of skills on and off the court. Nelson is the head tennis pro at junior tournaments. Flynn placed third in both singles and Westward Ho Country Club in Sioux Falls, and was the head doubles in the South Dakota Boys State Tournament Flight tennis coach at the University of Sioux Falls. While at USF, One Championship in the spring of 2006 and is ranked 31st Nelson’s teams made six NAIA appearances. He was named in Boys 18s. He has also served as a tennis instructor for the Region IV Coach of the Year in both 2003 and 2004, and Brookings summer tennis program the past two years. was the GPAC Conference Coach of the Year from 2002-04. Niltooli Wilkins (Burnsville, Minn.) A USPTA and PTR professional, Nelson has coached many – Wilkins is the girls winner of the Jerry of the great names in South Dakota tennis while also being Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award. She very active in the community. has been ranked #1 or #2 in the Section Nelson has served on the boards of both the Sioux Falls for a number of years and has competed and South Dakota Tennis Associations. He has also spent in National, Sectional and local tourna- countless hours in organizing and implementing tennis ments and events. She has also partici- programming in Sioux Falls and was the state director for Jr. pated in multicultural programs through Team Tennis in 2006. His 18-and-under intermediate team the Section office, as well as Standing qualified for the Jr. Team Tennis National Championships Tall Tennis and the American Indian in October. He has served the Section as a National Coach Center in Minneapolis, volunteering her time teaching for junior players and an NTRP verifier. tennis to Native American youth. Wilkins was a finalist at the 2005 Minnesota State High Jack Dow Adult Development Award School Tournament in singles and the consolation champion Brian Christensen (Rochester, Minn.) – The Jack Dow Adult in 2004. She also won the 16s championship at the 2006 Development Award, which honors the individual whose Peachtree National Tennis Tournament and was the doubles efforts have had the greatest impact on improving adult and mixed doubles champion at the 2003 Native American competitive and recreational play for that year, went to National Tennis Tournament. She is currently ranked 42nd Christensen. A teaching professional at the Rochester nationally in 16s singles and 30th nationally in doubles. Athletic Club in Rochester, Minn., Christensen is instru- mental in establishing adult leagues, while supporting Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award existing teams. Over the years, he has taken 10 teams to Terry Paukert (Grand Forks, N.D.) – The Ward C. Burton USTA League Tennis National Championships, includ- Junior Development Award is given to the individual or ing three teams in 1999. This year, the RAC is sending a

4 tennislifemagazine december 2006 6.0 mixed doubles team to 700 players. They also run six adult tournaments and are northern Nationals. home to numerous USTA League Tennis teams and the Twin He is also crucial in Cities Area and Sectional Championships. forming teams with new In addition to its college commitments with the University members of the club. He of Minnesota, Baseline Tennis Center finds time to work with

offers promotional lessons local small colleges and high schools, as well as playing host section getting people interested to the Honeywell Corporate League. They have also staged a in tennis and often creates number of big events including the 2002 and 2006 Big Ten new leagues, including a Championships, the 2003 NCAA Men’s Tennis Regional, winter mixed doubles offer- the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games, a Nick Bollettieri Tennis ing in 2006. Fundraiser for InnerCity Tennis and the USTA Northern Collegiate Intramural Championships. Wolfenson/Ratner Community The facility also offers a full-time instructional program Service Award with both junior and adult lessons scheduled year-round. Susie Neet (Minneapolis, Minn.) – Neet was the winner of They also run seven weeks of summer junior tennis camps the Wolfenson/Ratner Community Service Award given to that are at capacity in only their fourth season of existence, the person for his or her outstanding fieldwork in recre- as well as physical education classes as part of the University ational tennis. It is also awarded for significant contributions curriculum. in developing community-based tennis programs through USTA Northern community centers, schools, parks and Community Tennis Associations. A long-time volunteer at the Fort Snelling Family of the Year Tennis and Learning Center and the Reed Sweatt Family The Perry, Ann, Matt, Tennis Center, Neet was the girls tennis coach at Minneapolis Brad and Beth Christensen Washburn High School. Currently, she is highly involved in Family (Owatonna, Minn.) the Teen Girls program at Fort Snelling, working with the – The Christensens, of participants in both on-and off-court activities. Owatonna, Minn., are A winner of the 1993 Albert Teeter Adult Sportsmanship the 2006 USTA Northern Award, Neet is an active USTA League Tennis player and has Family of the Year. The been a member of many teams that have qualified for National award honors a family that has been outstanding in Championships. She also oversees over 200 volunteers at the promoting tennis both on and off the court. Perry and USTA Northern Women’s Professional Tournament each Ann have been tireless volunteers for the Owatonna Tennis February, is a member of the USTA Northern Multicultural Association (OTA) for the past 10 years, serving on the OTA Tennis Council and serves as a Hennepin County guardian ad Board of Directors for the past eight years in many capaci- litem representing the best interest of children going through ties, including membership chairs, high school liaisons and child protection and the foster care system. interim President. All five members of the family participate in competitive play as Ann has been a USTA League Tennis USTA Northern Member Organization captain for five years, while Perry and Matt also play League of the Year Award Tennis. They all play in adult and junior tournaments and Baseline Tennis Center (Minneapolis, Minn.) – The Baseline Brad is currently a member of the University of Rochester Tennis Center is the 2006 Member Organization of the Year (N.Y.) men’s tennis team. recognizing its outstanding service and setting the stan- They also have been involved in many of the fundraising dards in which all organizations should strive to achieve. efforts of the OTA and have recruited numerous volun- The Baseline Tennis Center, on the campus of the University teers over the years. Perry was instrumental in Owatonna of Minnesota, has done that and more to support all levels becoming a Tennis in the Park community, meeting with of USTA programming. The facility plays host to over 25 city officials and the Owatonna Foundation in planning a USTA junior tournaments per year, including the Junior comprehensive update regarding lights and resurfacing of Sectional Championships in June and the four-day Jr. Team all public courts in Owatonna. Tennis Championships boasting more than 70 teams and A staple of high school tennis in Owatonna, Matt (class of ‘03), Brad (‘06) and Beth (‘08) have led Owatonna High School the past eight years. They have all been sub-section (1AA) champions, section finalists and Beth competed in the 2005 Minnesota State High School Tournament. 2006 Media Excellence Award Pat Ruff (Rochester, Minn.) – Ruff was the winner of the 2006 Media Excellence Award given to a newspaper, television or radio person who has provided exemplary coverage in the Section. Ruff is a sports reporter for the Rochester Post Bulletin in Rochester, Minn., covering tennis at all levels in the city. He has done numerous stories on junior, high school and collegiate players from the Rochester area, as well as provided coverage on up-and-coming professional player Eric Butorac who hails from Rochester.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 5 section

USTA NORTHERN NEWS, ACTIVITIES & HAPPENINGS

northern FUND STARTED FOR TENNIS FRIEND PRINCETON REVIEW OFFER NEW SAM REIMNITZ MEMBER BENEFITS The South Dakota Tennis Association has set up fund Attention USTA Northern to aid in the recovery of longtime friend of tennis Sam members! You can now Reimnitz (Corsica, S.D.), who was seriously injured in enjoy a discount from the a motorcycle accident. Send your donations to the Sam The Princeton Review just Reimnitz Fund, c/o SDTA, 2120 Southeastern, Sioux Falls, for being a USTA Northern S.D. 57103. There was also a one-day doubles tournament Member. All USTA Northern October 14, in Mitchell, S.D., benefiting Reimnitz and his members will receive a 10% discount on SAT & ACT prep family. classes through The Princeton Review. To receive your discount, just click on their logo located on the Member Benefits page of the USTA Northern website at www.north- ELBOW LAKE HOLDS TENNIS BLOCK PARTY ern.usta.com. TO CELEBRATE NEW COURTS About 40 kids and 15 adults came to JON RYDBERG COMPETES IN WHEELCHAIR celebrate Elbow Lake’s DRAW AT 2006 US OPEN two newly resurfaced Jon Rydberg (Roseville, Minn.), tennis courts at a lost in the first round of both singles Tennis Block Party in and doubles in the Wheelchair August. Many of the Division of the 2006 US Open. adults signed up for In singles, Rydberg fell to Ronald tennis lessons, while Vick of the Netherlands in the invi- the kids registered tational tournament 6-3, 6-0. The for the new NJTL Netherlands’ Robin Ammerlaan program just started in the Minnesota city of 1,200 people. won the title with a 6-7, 6-3, 7- 5 win over France’s Michael Jeremiasz. In doubles, Rydberg STILLWATER PLAYS HOST TO TENNIS and partner Larry Quintero of the BLOCK PARTY United States lost to Shingo Kunieda of Japan and Taduesz People of all ages had Kniszelnicki of Poland 6-2, 6-2. Kunieda and Kniszelnicki a great time September lost in the finals to Ammerlaan and Jeremiasz 7-6, 6-1. 9 at a Tennis Block Party in Stillwater, Minn. Over 70 people attended the ERIK DONLEY AND MEGHAN DONLEY- event which featured KIMBER WIN PINE TREE food, on-court tennis APPLE CLASSIC games and music. For Erik Donley (Duluth, Minn.) and more information about Meghan Donley-Kimber (Duluth, tennis programming in the Stillwater area, please contact Minn.) won their first title at the Susanna Gorodisher at [email protected] or 21st Annual Pine Tree Apple Tennis Dusty Dennis at [email protected]. Classic August 13 at White Bear Racquet and Swim in White Bear GENERAL MILLS, BOSTON SCIENTIFIC AND Lake, Minn. The unseeded team defeated Kevin Werwie (Lakeville, Minn.) and Alex PTC ADVANCE TO WTT NATIONALS Seaton (Edina, Minn.) 7-5, 7-5 in the finals. In the masters General Mills, Boston Scientific and PTC advanced to the draw, the second-ranked team of Mark Miller (Eagan, World TeamTennis National Tournament in Indian Wells, Minn.) and Robin Coverdale (St. Paul, Minn.) beat top- Calif., in November after claiming their respective division seeded Darcy Jones (St. Paul, Minn.) and Curtis Wright titles. The leagues featured corporations based in the Twin (Eden Prairie, Minn.) 6-3, 6-4, while top-seeded Su Oertel Cities area. At the 4.5 level, the General Mills Cinnamon (Decorah, Iowa) and Ron York (Eagan, Minn.) won the Toast Crunchers, captained by Dawn Sieczkarek, will repre- grand masters draw with a 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 win over second- sent the Twin Cities, while Boston Scientific won the 4.0 seeded Bernadette McCann (Minneapolis, Minn.) and flight and the PTC Acers won the 3.5 division. Fred Budde (Eagan, Minn.).

6 tennislifemagazine december 2006 northern Billy and Tom Clayton Inducted Into South Dakota

Tennis Hall of Fame section

rothers Billy and Tom Clayton, and becoming a self-employed trader originally from Sioux Falls, on the Chicago Board of Options BS.D., were inducted into the from 1976-88. He returned to school South Dakota Hall of Fame on July in 1989 where he graduated magna 23, 2006, at McKennan Park in Sioux cum laude from Fort Lewis College. Falls, S.D., while Gene Heller and He then went to law school at the Darrell Gomarko, also of Sioux Falls, University of South Dakota. Today, won the 2006 South Dakota Tennis Tom practices law in Sioux Falls and Achievement Award. The Yankton has three children: Sarah (18), Laurie Tennis Association also received a (17) and Ryan (12). $1,000 grant from Love Serving Tennis Heller, from Sioux Falls, started that day. Yankton received a $1,000 Love Serving Tennis Grant. umpiring in 1958 at the Merio Cricket Billy dominated junior tennis in Club in Haverford, Pa. In 1985, Heller South Dakota during the mid 60s and early 70s. A two-time moved to South Dakota and, along with eight other people, state prep champion in 1969 and 1971, he was the leader of became a certified tennis official. He also took on the respon- the Lincoln High School team that won the first official team sibility of certifying South Dakota officials until he retired in title recognized by the South Dakota High School Activities 1999. In 1993, he won the Nicolas E. Powell Award at the US Association. That team won 37 straight dual matches. Open recognizing his outstanding work as a sectional chair A nationally-renowned attorney and author, Billy and his contributing at a local level. To this day, Heller stands as the wife, Sylvia, are parents to four children who are all accom- only South Dakotan honored in Friend at Court, the national plished tennis players. Oldest son, Christopher, is a sopho- tennis rules and umpire handbook. more at Harvard and was second-team All-Ivy League as a Since Heller retired, Gomarko has been the chief of offi- freshman. Alexander won the 2005 US Open Boys Doubles cials for the Eastern South Dakota group. He was recognized crown with Donald Young and is a hitting partner for the in 2002 by the Northern Tennis Officials Association who US Davis Cup team. Courtney is ranked #1 in girls 16s and presented him with its “Grass Root Officials Award” and he reached the quarterfinals of the Girls 18s at the Orange Bowl received the “Exceptional Service Award” in 2005. tournament this year, while Mary has won several state titles The South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame was started in in Florida and is nationally-ranked. 1991 to preserve the history and heritage of tennis in Billy received his undergraduate and law degrees at South Dakota. Its hope is to use the inspiration of the Northwestern where he played varsity tennis. He is currently past to inspire the future growth and development of an attorney with Greenberg Taurig, P.A. in Fort Lauderdale, tennis. Honored are athletes, coaches and others for Fla., and was named one of the “most influential sports distinguished involvement in tennis. The South Dakota lawyers” at the ABA Sports Lawyers Conference in 1998. Tennis Achievement Award was started in 1997 by the Tom also won two South Dakota singles titles as a junior South Dakota Hall of Fame steering committee to recog- and a senior at Washington High School. As a senior, he nize tennis achievements by families, individuals, tennis teamed with Keith Levy of Aberdeen, S.D., in forming the teams or tennis communities. Its purpose is to inspire number one doubles team in boys 18s for the Northwestern future growth of tennis by looking back in the state tennis Tennis Association (now known as USTA Northern). Tom history, recognizing distinguished levels of contributions also played tennis at Northwestern before leaving the school that impacted the sport in South Dakota.

Brothers Tom (left) and Billy Clayton were inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Darrell Gomarko (left) and Gene Heller won the 2006 S.D. Achievement Award Fame in July. for their officiating excellence.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 7 Having A Green section Thumb Comes In Handy At Wimbledon

northern illiam Haselbauer, looking great. I also helped with who is a senior at the maintenance of the clay, shale W the University of and hard courts. Minnesota, had an interesting Q. Where did you live while you summer internship working with were there? the superintendent of Wimbledon A. I lived with my mom’s friend’s in maintaining the 19 champion- nephew’s cousin (got that?) and ship courts and 22 practice courts. his wife. We lived in Sutton, Starting on May 15, Haselbauer’s which is southwest of London. internship overlapped with The Wimbledon is about halfway Championships in July and ended between them. For the first two in late August. Here is a first-per- weeks, I lived in central London son account of his experience. in a hostile sharing my room with Q. What is your tennis back- seven other people. I was happy ground? to get out of there. William Haselbauer overlooks the green lawns of Wimbledon. A. The first time I played tennis Q. What was your role during was when I went to a Tennis and Life Clinic when I was in The Championships? fifth grade. when I was in fifth grade. Ever since then I was A. During the tournament I would cut courts 14 and 15 every hooked on the sport. I played for DeLaSalle High School in morning. During the day, I would have to stay on center Minneapolis and during the off-season at the Reed-Sweatt court, and if it rained, I would pull the cover. It only rained Family Tennis Center in South Minneapolis. My fresh- on the first Monday this year so I only had to pull the cover man and sophomore year at the U, I played intramurals. twice on that day. At night I would go and help cut the grass During my junior year I found out about the University on the 22 practice courts at Aorangi Park. During the trophy of Minnesota Tennis Club. I have been part of the club for presentations, I got to stand at the center court net. three years, serving as the First Aid Officer last year and the Q. What was the best thing about your job? President this year. A. I worked in such a great environment. Experiencing Q. How did you get the job at Wimbledon? Europe is something I will remember forever. I was able to A. I am a horticulture major with a turfgrass science empha- travel to Scotland, Ireland, Holland and France. The people I sis at the U. I was in an International Perspectives class that worked with were also great and it was kind of nice to meet took a trip to view the turf at Wimbledon. While there, all the famous people. Eddie Seaward, who is the superintendent of Wimbledon, Q. What famous people did you meet? gave the tour. So with the help of my professor I asked A. I got pictures with Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Venus him for a job. I sent him letters and my resume showing Williams, Tim Henman, Maria Kirilenko, James Blake and that I really wanted to be a part of his team and that I had Andy Roddick. The week before the tournament, it was our experience in turfgrass management. They hired me last job to set up the nets when the players came to practice so I December and I started work on May 15. was able to stand on the tennis court with pretty much every Q. What were your job responsibilities? ranked professional. I also talked to Venus and Serena’s dad, A. I was a member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Richard Williams, for a while when Venus was practicing. I Croquet Club Ground Staff. I helped with daily maintenance ate lunch in the broadcast center every day so John McEnroe on the 22 practice courts and 19 championship courts at became a very familiar sight. I also sat on Centre Court with Wimbledon. I did things like mowing, edging, marking out Brian Earley, who is the head referee for the US Open, and the tennis court lines and anything else to keep the courts talked to him for a while. Q. What do you want to do after you graduate from the U? A. I am looking for a job in the Sports Turf field or the Golf Course Management field. I love being outside working on grass. Hopefully I can continue to play tennis for the rest of my life. As for now, I will finish up my school, and Eddie has invited me back to work another year at Wimbledon. I am very excited and can’t wait to go A perk of the job, meeting Roger Federer! Haselbauer made sure the courts were perfect for back. So watch for me on TV when it The Championships. rains next year.

8 tennislifemagazine december 2006 northern Getting To Know Geoff Young… section

Name: Geoff Young Age: 34 Born: Marion, Ohio College: Northwestern, ‘94 Family: Wife, Dana Young (formerly Peterson) and two kids, Gavin (3) and Karin (2)

Q. How old were you when you started playing tennis? I was 7 years old when I started playing tennis. Q. How did you get involved in playing tennis? I had two older brothers (9 & 10 years older) and they played tennis regularly. They would then hit with me for 5 or 10 minutes after they were done. Q. What is your earliest tennis memory? Winning the 12-and-under tournament at my tennis club when I was 8 years old Q. What is your greatest tennis accomplishment? Earning All-Big Ten honors two years in a row Q. What is your tennis coaching philosophy? To maximize one’s strengths and minimize one’s weak- nesses in an atmosphere filled with energy and fun. Q. What is your favorite part about coaching tennis? Being around college student-athletes, with opportunities to make a difference in their lives n July, University of Minnesota Athletics Director Joel Q. Who is your favorite tennis player and why? Maturi announced the hiring of Geoff Young as head Roger Federer because of his attitude and apparent ease Icoach of the Golden Gopher men’s tennis team. A native at which he plays of Marion, Ohio, Young spent the last six seasons as the Q. What do you like to do when you are not playing head coach of the University of Denver men’s tennis team. tennis? During his tenure with the Pioneers, Young posted a 71- When I’m not on a tennis court I like to play golf (I have 68 (.511) overall record. In 2006, he led Denver to a 13-9 a 12 handicap). record, a program-best fourth-place finish in the Sun Belt Q. Any tennis superstitions you might have? Conference and a final Intercollegiate Tennis Association I can’t tell, sorry. ranking of #66. Young served as the head women’s tennis Q. Who are the people who have influenced you the coach at Denver during the 1999-2000 season and during most? the fall of the 2000-01 campaign. Prior to coming to My parents, my former coach during my teenage years Denver, Young was as an assistant coach at the University and my family of Alabama for three years. Q. What are your hobbies outside of tennis? During his playing career, Young was an All-Big Ten selec- I have one hobby…golf. tion as a junior and senior (1993 and 1994) at Northwestern. Q. Where is the best place you have traveled with A co-captain during his senior year, Young collected 83 tennis? career singles victories. He graduated from Northwestern in La Jolla, Calif. 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Q. If you could have dinner with any three people, who During his junior tennis career, Young was ranked first in would it be? singles in the USTA Midwest Section 18-and-under division 1) My wife, 2) Jimmy Connors, 3) Michael Jordan in 1989 and No. 1 in doubles in 1990. Q. What is your favorite movie? Young is married to the former Dana Peterson, a four- Miracle or Scent of a Woman time letterwinner with the Golden Gopher women’s tennis Q. What is your favorite song? team from 1993-96 and an assistant coach with the Maroon Daniel by Elton John and Gold from 1997-99. Dana had coached the Denver Q. What is your favorite TV show? women’s tennis program the last six years. The Young’s have 24, although I never watch it until it comes out on DVD, two children, Gavin (3) and Karin (2). then you won’t find me for a couple days

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 9 USTA Northern section League Tennis presented by Chrysler Section Champions

northern The months of August and September were busy as USTA Northern held its USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler Section Championships for adults, seniors and mixed doubles. Winner will now travel to either Hawaii; Las Vegas, Nev.; Palm Springs, Calif., or Tucson, Ariz., for their respective USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler National Championship tournaments in October and November. Congratulations to the following teams: Adults

4.0 Adult Women – Eau Claire (Captain: Terry Winter) Suzanne Dow, Linda Erickson, Jane Hilgedick, Kimberly Hill Phelps, Molly Hunt, Jill Jacobson Bratberg, Kathleen Kishaba, Kathy Ann Kryzenske, Kathy Litscher, Tali Lee, Jane Matelski, Bobbi Watson, Terry Winter, Kristin Wogahn and Diane Wolfe

2.5 Adult Women - Twin Cities (Captain: Patty O’Connell) Janice Bornhoft, Patty Brandt, Barbara Dahlquist, Kathy Guiney, Sara Harris, Cyndi Meier, Christine Nordell, Patty O’Connell, Barbara Piotrowski, Susan Rasmussen, Michelle Ruffing, Susan Schenkenberg, Cathy Smithknecht, Barbara Stenerson and Sue Wick

3.0 Adult Women – Twin Cities 4.5 Adult Women – Twin Cities (Captain: Jennifer Wallace) (Captain: Kathy Shelgren) Kristin Donley, Meghan Donley, Grace Eichten, Ann Eliason, Jane Gehan, Tiffany Goldammer, Kim Brandser, Susan Feigenbaum, Liz Elizabeth Goldenstein, Erica Hanson, Elisabeth Hurlbert, Marni Heck, Allison Hlushko, Sarah Hurst, Flavin, Sharon Fuhs, Costanza Gaito, I Jin Lee, Bernadette McCann, Kady Monson, Kelly Schenck, Jennifer Wallace and Marlene Wilson Leticia Guadarrama, Lynne Kaufman, Lisa Prosser, Patricia Romanaggi, Kathy Shelgren, Roseanne Simpson 5.0 Adult Women – Twin Cities (Captain: Pam Sommer) and Lynn Stokke Kathleen Bjornson, Laura Haske, Elyse Rabinowitz, Katie Resch, Anne Schmidt and Pam Sommer

3.5 Adult Women – Twin Cities (Captain: Carol Thies) Patricia Baughman, Sonja Cheng, Jeanne Elert, Anne Grande, Elizabeth Grimmer, Melissa Gross, 3.0 Adult Men – Twin Cities (Captain: John Mariano) Ann Leming, Kari Mack, Jennifer Miller, Stacey Petersen, Carol Rothe, Andrea Ruhland, Cynthia Jeff Ambrus, Dale Broadhead, Scott Bushinski, Brian Hauge, Paul Jilek, Erik Larsen, Bob Schultz, Beth Spoonland, Ann Stauch, Carol Steiger and Carol Thies MacDonald, John Mariano, Vinh Nguyen, Rick Sveen and Don Witthans.

10 tennislifemagazine december 2006 Seniors northern 3.0 Senior Women – Twin Cities (Captain: Elizabeth Johnson) Jeanne Arntzen, Janet Cheney, Mary Edwards, Muriel Hackney, Elizabeth Johnson, Rosemary Knutson, Carol Landry, Rita Stenson and Fran Zisman section

3.5 Adult Men – Twin Cities (Captains: Al Isackson and David Jensen) Guillermo Arriondo, Troy Black, David Brauer, Keith Clepper, Peter Hanson, Darren Hovland, Al Isackson, David Jensen, Grant Logan and Jason Ostrowski

3.5 Senior Women – Twin Cities (Captains: Judee Leffelman and Marilyn Randall) Diane Andersen, Diane Gordon, Judee Leffelman, Bonnie Melin, Kelly Menth, Lori Olson, Marilyn Randall, Judy Stocker, Sheila Student, Nancy Tyra-Lukens and Michele Weddle

4.0 Adult Men – Twin Cities (Captains: Frank Garcia, Gunnar Nelson, Eric Narvaez) Juan Carlos Angelats, Frederic Bonvillain, William Boyd, Sachin Chauhan, Gary Conda, Kasey Conda, Robin Eggum, Chad Engel, William Jamieson, John Jerlow, Del Kauss, Txue Lee, Dave Lindstrom, Andrzej Malewicz, Alan Mangold, Justin Miller, David Narvaez, Gunnar Nelson, Todd Spicer, Jeff Schurrer, David Stein, Gauray Thamman and Bob Wilson.

4.0 Senior Women – Duluth (Captain: Beth Buchanan) Karen Anderson, Beth Buchanan, Liz Donley, Kirsten Haller, Mary Lawson, Kris Sheldon and Kris Teberg

4.5 Senior Women – Twin Cities (Captain: Georgia Kaiser) Pat Allar, Joan Baker, Jackie Faegre, Sue Furtney, Deb Hedlund, Laurie Helling, Georgia Kaiser and Susan Tilsch

4.5 Adult Men – Twin Cities (Captain: Eric Gleason) David Augdahl, Geoff Basham, Mark Benson, Dan Boulay, Tom Boulay, Pablo Equez, Eric Gleason, Nick Hansen, Matt Heimstead, Peter Heunisch, Joel Hickman, David Holt, Sean Kangrga, Matt Keesey, Kirk Lithun, James Narr, Matthew Narr, John Shelander and Andrew Tulloch.

5.0 Adult Men – Twin Cities (Captain: John Duffey) Gary Aasen, Brad Anderson, Brian Biernat, Dan Boulay, Glenn Britzius, Brian Brown, Andrew 3.0 Senior Men – Twin Cities (Captain: Patrick Ledray) Bryan, Roy Bryan, Jr., Fred Budde, Kenneth Cychosz, John Duffey, Peter Erickson, Steve Errington, Jason Hall, Marc Miller, David Nash, Steve Paulsen, Bill Sternard and Curtis Wright. Cary Bowers, Robert Brenden, Don Burkman, Brad Eggen, Ronald Kopp, Dale Korpi, Richard Larson, Patrick Ledray, James Lewis, Thomas McMullen, Vinh Nguyen, Tom Philipich, Ken Sundstrom and Richard Williams

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 11 Mixed Doubles section northern

3.5 Senior Men – Twin Cities (Captain: Fred Biederman) Fred Biederman, Eldon Brightbill, Louis Colson, Patrick Eckelberry, Duane Hoecherl, Balu Iyer, Jerry Kneisl, James Winter and William Zell 6.0 Mixed Doubles – Rochester (Captain: Joe Colaiano) Sarah Christensen, Joe Colaiano, Rosa Diaz, Holly Gander, Graham Glass, Tiffany Halan, Gordon Harms, Brian Larson, Michael Levy, Paul Roach, Lisa Rothschild and Richard Vile

7.0 Mixed Doubles – Bismarck (Captain: Brian Reinowski) Brian Dever, Tim Hill, Carol Kapp, Jim Lennington, Cheryl Loerch, Scott McPherson, Brian Reinowski, Diane Roller, Sandy Wald-Clooten and Nancy Walz

4.0 Senior Men – Twin Cities (Captain: Eric Narvaez) Gerald Benson, Dennis Berthiaume, Brad Biddle, Robin Eggum, George Hart, William Jamieson, John Jerlow, John Loken, Gary Opperman, Michael Schneider, James Rick, Jeff Schurrer, Don Smith and Robert Trompeter

4.5 Senior Men – Twin Cities (Captain: Dave Kubes) 8.0 Mixed Doubles – Twin Cities (Captain: Mike Johnson) Charles Berquist, Fred Budde, Tim Butorac, Dave Kubes, Dan Halvorsen, Robert Lange, James Kristen Abbott, Diane Drake, Lois Eickhoff, Jeff Falk, Brook Hartzell, Jeff Johnson, Mike Johnson, Morton, Riley Washington, Richard Yates, Ron York and John Zech Chris Kawaters, Jay Knutson, Brittney Lockner, Mark Micus, Andrea Muellner, Joe Sisco, Jennie Soderholm, Sonja Tengdin and Kathy Waletzko

9.0 Mixed Doubles – Twin Cities (Captain: Karen Berg) Karen Berg, Grace Eichten, Jodi Jenson, Elizabeth Goldenstein, Doug MacGibbon, Dan Shannon, Marc Stingley, Scott Swanson, Toni Terhaar, Marlene Wilson and Dave Wolden

12 tennislifemagazine december 2006 northern Racquet Ramblings with

Greg Wicklund section

Random Reflections on the 80s…Tijana Koprivica, Gopher freshman from Serbia, US Open – At the outset who won the Gold bracket at the Gopher Invitational… of the 2006 US Open, Minneapolis Star-Tribune Athlete of the Week Dana Van which I attended, a Bruggen of Buffalo who has played #1 since eighth hearty tribute was made grade for Buffalo High School… Mollie Meldahl of Edina to Billie Jean King who who won three straight tournaments (14s) this fall… said, among other things, Ann Eliason, Minnetonka, and Bernadette McCann, “I was taught to think Minneapolis, who won the Women’s Open doubles title at for myself.” Later, a the National Public Parks Tournament in Flushing, N.Y.… tribute was also made to Jennie (Moe) Coughlin, Edina and Gopher star, is now Martina Navratilova, in the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame… also elected to the who looked nothing like a EHS Hall of Fame is Martha (Goldberg) Aronson, who woman who turned 50 in October. (Most of the people played doubles with Moe … Gustavus players Roy and I talked to thought highly of the USTA for giving up Andy Bryan, Edina brothers, are new members of the All- millions of dollars in naming rights to dedicate the center Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference team for 2006. to King.) More “Overheards” at the Open: “If a World TeamTennis • When you are attending the US Open, you really player gets hurt and can’t play, is his replacement called begin to see how hard and fast the players hit the a designated hacker?” ball and what those balls sound like tearing through She: “Does tennis require any particular application?” the air. He: “No, BenGay or liniment – one’s as good as the • Minnesotans at the Open: Mike, Peggy, Justin, Megan other.” and Jamie Gaard; Peter Erickson; Paul Lillie; John Duffey; Curtis Wright; Jerry and Jane Noyce; David Another “Ole and Lena” (who were not at the US Open): Lena Wheaton; Bob Larson, Larry and Mike Eastman; was talking to her friend Gerda on the subject of playing Lee and Bonnie McGrath; Doug, Willie, Doug Jr., tennis with husband Ole – “Ole and I never leave da and Madeline Eden; Ted, Jane, Whitney, Lauren courts mad. Ve usually hang around and argue.” and Ashley Taney. TennisWatch: Former Gophers coach David Geatz is now • Agassi Applause: A special round of applause was given in corporate real estate with the Staubach Corporation to Andre Agassi upon his retirement. Andre is the in Minneapolis… Chris Laitala, ’90 Minnesota State A only man in the last 37 years to win all four Grand Champion, is now in medical sales in Greenwich, Conn.; Slam singles titles – and on three different surfaces! sister, Rachel, who also played for Blake, works for a New • Arlen Kantarian: He’s the man responsible for changing York public relations firm… Paul Lillie is the new Benilde- the Open courts from green to blue last year. He told St. Margaret’s tennis coach – his assistant will be Justin reporters the change was a “no-brainer.” Gaard, former Edina star… former Gophers assistant • Minnesota Nice: By far the most creative tennis outfits coach Adam Cohen is the new coach for the men’s and were worn by former Rochester, Minn., resident women’s team at Binghamton University (the “Bearcats”) Bethanie Mattek, who teamed with Jelena Jankovic, in New York… Andrea Pintar, former Minnesota Class losing in the third round. AA Champion, recently graduated from Cal-Santa Barbara and has been teaching tennis at the Beverly Hills Country • The Fantastic Federers: One of the highlights of the US Club… Rob Warn, former ’95 Minnesota State Class Open for me was meeting Roger Federer’s father. Mr. A Champion, graduated from Notre Dame and is now Federer exuded a casual and genuine friendliness and an accountant with Deloitte & Touche… Alex Seaton, agreed that his son was playing well, “Working hard” former Edina and Colgate University star, transferred and “enjoying” tennis. Much like his son, Mr. Federer to the University of Minnesota…Other new coaches in was naturally congenial…like father, like son. the Section include Dr. Jessie Daw at Northern State Overheard at the Open: Tennis-playing folksinger to University which is starting a women’s program in 2007 his doubles partner – “This court was made fer yew ‘an and women’s coach Toby Palmiscino at UM-Crookston. me…” Court Creed from Glen Eckenrode: “I’ll continue playing Courtside Congrats to: John Sherman, Sun Newspaper tennis until my sight grows dim and my serve has lost sportswriter, for his in-depth tennis articles… ditto for its power and my vigor’s lost its vim. When I am slow Rick Shefchik and Mike Fermoyle, Pioneer Press tennis of foot and weak of heart and plagued with a wheezing writers, for their articles… new Gustavus Adolphus Hall cough, then I will purchase an electric cart and take up of Famer Deanne (Sand) Johnson who played in the late playing golf.”

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 13 You Never Know section What You Will Find In The Garage

arren Gibbons and his stepson were playing tennis a reel of string and northern at Tintes Park in West Fargo, N.D., when they noticed Courts Plus Tennis Dan audience forming outside the fence. The faces in and Fitness strung the crowd, all different in color and immigrating to the them for free. United States from places such as Kenya, Sudan and Bosnia, The first lesson watched in amazement as the two kept hitting the ball to saw Baardson, all parts of the court. As the kids zeroed in on the fence, Shibley, Gibbons Gibbons and his stepson invited the group to join them. and his wife, Amy, After looking at each other, the kids sheepishly declined say- introduce the kids to ing they did not know how to play and needed racquets. tennis basics, while Seeing the disappointment in their eyes, Gibbons ran playing some fun home and grabbed some old racquets that had been collect- games. After the free ing dust in the corner of the garage. He gave them to the lesson, the kids enthusiastically thanked all of them and kids who instantly starting whacking balls all over the court. rode their bikes to their neighborhood homes. With every stroke, whether it was in or out, the kids’ tooth- Now the boys come on their bikes every Monday night less smiles grew wider and wider. Gibbons knew he needed at 5:30 and play tennis for an hour. What started out as 12 to do more for these kids. boys from all around the world has grown to include some He decided to call Vern Baardson, a local tennis teacher of the neighborhood girls as well. The Gibbons also bring and coach in the Fargo-Moorhead area, seeing if there was lemonade for the kids each week. any type of tennis programming they could offer these “The whole program is really great,” Shibley said. “Many kids from lower-income backgrounds. Baardson agreed of the kids wanted and needed something to do, while to volunteer his time, and in turn, called USTA Northern others played soccer and wanted to try another sport. All of Tennis Service Representative Hayley Horning Shibley them are pretty good players and could play on their middle hoping the USTA could contribute to this start-up program. school or high school teams in the future. It has been a very USTA Northern donated 12 racquets, while HEAD gave rewarding experience for everyone involved.” NIKE TENNIS CAMP

at University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Because Tennis is Serious Fun!

Personally Directed by Tyler Thomson, head women’s coach

• Boys & Girls, Ages 9-18 • Resident & Day • All Ability Levels Welcome

All campers receive Nike Tennis Shoes USSportsCamps.com · 1-800-NIKE CAMP (1-800-645-3226)

14 tennislifemagazine december 2006 northern Volunteer Spotlight

Patricia Brown-Eagan, MN section

Name: Patricia C. Brown Age: 40 Born and Raised: Philadelphia, Pa. High School and College Attended: The Philadelphia High School for Girls, Philadelphia, Pa; American University, Washington, DC People Who Have Influenced Me The Most: Walter Collins - father, Hazel Collins - mother Family members: Husband: Greg Brown, Children: Alexis and Austin Hobbies: Tennis, Family Time Occupation: Pharmaceutical Sales

tournament in the Philadelphia area and being down 5-1 in How did you become a Tennis Volunteer? the second after losing the first set. I decided that I wasn’t I started as an extra pair of hands on the court with ready to get off of the court and came back and won in three the High Performance Multicultural Program. Tunde Abe sets over a two-day period due to rain. thought that a woman with college tennis experience What is the Most Fun You Have Ever Had Playing would be helpful for the kids, especially the girls. Tony Tennis? Stingley suggested that I consider certification through A couple of summers ago, the four of us had a “family” PTR. After completing PTR training, I volunteered as much tournament. It was hilarious as my husband, who played as time would allow. This gave me an opportunity to apply lacrosse and football, and my son who plays basketball, the PTR teachings in a real-life setting. thought they could win the tournament with sheer athletic What Is Your Involvement With Tennis Now? ability. Alexis and I beat them badly and then I had to teach In the past I have been a volunteer coach with the USTA’s the young girl (Alexis) a thing or two. We held this round- Saturday Multicultural program. I also volunteer, on an robin competition on several occasions, and my husband, as needed basis, for various clinics around the city (i.e., (bless his heart) really thought he had a chance. It was a Mexican Independence Day, Trent Tucker clinic, PEP grant lot of fun and when we went home at night, all of us were clinic). I am also the president of MECTA (Multicultural talking trash about what we were going to do next time. Community Tennis Association). To Make Tennis Better, We Should...? How Did You Get Started in Tennis? 1. Go after the kids. Right now baseball, soccer and basket- My father took up tennis late in life and on weekends he ball are all seen as being more fun than tennis. We are going played with some of his coworkers. I started as a ball girl for to have to grow team tennis for kids. I love the new transi- my father and his friends. One day, I just picked up a racket. tion balls and I think that kids should have fun with these I soon became involved in NJTL in Philadelphia and played balls and learn to compete in a fun environment before they on the tournament team. The coach was Billy Johnson and transition to the “big ball.” 2. Embrace diversity. most of us went on to play college tennis. Many of “Billy’s What Do You Enjoy Most About Volunteering? kids” are still working in some capacity with tennis. Seeing the excitement of new players when they can keep What Tennis Achievements Do You Have? a rally going, get a serve in or achieve some level of success Ranked in USTA Middle States as a junior player, nation- on the court. It doesn’t matter if it’s an adult or a child. ally ATA-ranked as a junior. I also received a four-year tennis What is Your Biggest Tennis Accomplishment? scholarship to American University. Probably being selected for this feature. Most other tennis When I am not Playing Tennis, I am...? accomplishments, I have been seeking (rankings, etc) and Working, cooking, cleaning, laundry, moving kids to and worked toward a goal. This would be an honor because from practices … smile. someone else noticed what I’m doing and thought it was What is the Best Thing About Tennis? pretty cool. It really is a game for life. The game doesn’t change. The What Can We Do To Get More Tennis Volunteers? pace and intensity with which you play might change but Court them....Identify people that you want to work with, that’s OK. My father used to play on Fridays with a group of even if the list is short, and let them know that you think seniors. We called them the Bionic Club. that they would be great as a tennis volunteer. Begin a Most of them had new knees, new hips, etc., but they dialogue and keep it going. When they become volunteers, were still playing. tell them thank you. People are pulled in so many direc- What is Your Earliest Tennis Memory? tions they don’t realize where they are needed or how they 1. Being an on-court participant in a USTA clinic and could make a difference. You have to let people know that the pro was Arthur Ashe 2. Playing a seeded player in a the USTA and their communities need them.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 15 Quad Cities For All section Truly Making Tennis Available to Everyone

northern he Minnesota cit- from pull tab sales to ies of Virginia, raffles in their fundrais- TEveleth, Gilbert ing efforts. and Mountain Iron are Jeff and Kerry Colley, all crazy about tennis. in conjunction with Ken Every winter, the towns and Mary Waschke, boasting approximately gave $20,000 in support 30,000 people located of the project. in the Iron Range in “I benefited so much Northern Minnesota from the tennis programs dream about that first – especially the friend- spring day when they ships they brought and can escape the piles the sportsmanship they of snow covering the taught me,” Kerry Colley ground for the beautiful said. “It’s wonderful that green boxes and white people of all ages will lines of the only ten- finally be able to play nis courts in the area tennis on a year-round – which happen to be basis.” outside. And play tennis they The wait will soon be over for the many do in the region during the summer months. tennis fanatics as four of the 10 outdoor Beginning in June, the Quad Cities spon- courts, which are often filled to capacity sors an NJTL chapter which runs six hours a whenever the mercury in the thermometer soars high day, five days a week and serves about 150 kids ages 8-18. enough that your fingers do not freeze holding the Adult programs presently available include non-sanctioned racquet, are in the process of being covered by a perma- men’s and women’s leagues and beginning adult lessons. nent structure. This facility will allow for year-round Once the facility is completed, USTA Leagues will become tennis for not only the high school, but for all players in high priority, as well as high school district and sectional this four-city region. championships, summer and winter Jr. Team Tennis, high The ringleader of this huge undertaking is George performance programs and tournament play. Erickson who took up tennis at the age of 62. A resident “These courts will not only help us provide year-round of Virginia as a child, Erickson’s father Emil Erickson tennis for residents of the East Range, but every tourna- taught at Virginia Junior College where he started the ment we hold will bring visitors and income into the school’s first tennis team and the first men’s league. Quad Cities,” Virginia boys and girls high school coach George Erickson spent much of his life as a dentist in Dave Gunderson said. Worthington, Minn., and retired in the Twin Cities where Unfortunately, the boys and girls high school teams he started writing books. His first book called “True will have to wait a little longer to play indoors. Hoping North: Exploring the Great Wilderness by Bush Plane” to have the facility ready to go this fall for the 2006 was a bestseller in Canada and his second effort, “Time girls season, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty just Traveling with Science and the Saints” was released in signed off on Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation 2003. Board funding for the project in early August and the bid Erickson soon moved back to Virginia 50 years later, process opened on August 28 for potential builders. With but to his dismay, there were no indoor tennis courts. groundbreaking now scheduled for the fall and the grand He started a fundraising campaign by kicking in $80,000 opening more likely in the spring of 2007, the slight of his own money, hoping to generate close to $700,000 delay has not dampened the excitement surrounding the when he was finished. community. “I cannot tell you what marvelous exercise and what a “Having an indoor facility will allow us to host tour- great social setting tennis is for seniors,” Erickson said in naments instead of always traveling elsewhere, and a 2005 Mesaba Daily News article. that alone will save thousands of dollars every year for Two years later, almost 200 entities including individu- our schools, coaches and parents who travel with the als, businesses and civic groups in the area, agreed with students,” Tom Prosen, Eveleth-Gilbert tennis coach, Erickson raising almost $500,000 for an indoor tennis said. “Having this facility will put us on an even playing facility. The project also received a Special Projects Grant field with the competition.” from USTA Northern for $35,000 in July. Besides all of the To follow the progress of the facility or to make a dona- private donations, Quad Cities For All has done everything tion, please visit www.quadcitiesforall.com.

16 tennislifemagazine december 2006