TEXAS The President’s advantage Presented by: By Ben eshleman texastennishotels.com USTA Texas Section Staff President, USTA Texas Section 512-443-1334 Office Ext. E-mail My Last Serve Executive Director Ken McAllister x201 [email protected] Well, it’s the end of the match for me, and time for review and reflection—thinking Administrative Department over some points I lost, and a few lucky Director of Administration Rhonda Lindsey x204 [email protected] net cords I got also. We all know, generally, Office Manager/Awards Coordinator you don’t win your matches without some Pam Jaeger x216 [email protected] luck too. Controller, Executive Director Tennis & Education Foundation Larry Eichenbaum x222 [email protected] I leave the court with a solid team in place and growth in many areas; while we didn’t just serve aces—we Community Development Department still won points. Sportsmanship, a huge effort by all volunteers, Director of Community Development tournament directors, officials and staff made gargantuan strides Mike Carter x207 [email protected] getting on the radar screen—but still poses future challenges. This Community Development Coordinator/Program Marketing texas section Kristi Hotz x219 [email protected] won’t go away, and any progress, no matter how small, is progress, Junior Team Tennis Coordinator and should be continually pursued. Eric Clay x212 [email protected] Given the current economic challenges, budgets in every depart- Collegiate, Adaptive and Wheelchair Tennis Coordinator Todd Carlson x208 [email protected] ment will be under pressure. While we’ve begun to address self- MP/NJTL/Adult Programs Coordinator sufficiency, this area, no doubt, will stay on the front burner. I Marcos Valdez x218 [email protected] believe your Budget and Finance Committee and department heads School, After School and Beginner Programs are watching the ball closely and will provide positive results. Katy Rogers X215 [email protected] Tennis Service Representative-North Central Region The mission is to grow the game; no doubt we have served Laura Gilbert [email protected] aces here. Our Texas Section Professionals, Community Develop- Tennis Service Representative-Northwest Region ment Committee, and Communications Committee continue Amanda Shaw [email protected] to push the ever-growing Quick Start tennis program, while also Tennis Service Representative-Southeast Region Cindy Benzon [email protected] promoting tournaments and leagues which remain the backbone Tennis Service Representative-Border/South Texas Region of the USTA. Rene Garcia [email protected] Our CTA Expansion Plan, the guts of my match, continues to Tennis Service Representative-Northeast Region Robin Readicker [email protected] show progress throughout the state. Each community is different, but the goal is the same: a stronger local CTA will help tennis, and Competitive Department lead to growing the game. This is a simple plan, which should lead Director of Competitive Tennis Steve Cobb x210 [email protected] to big gains in our sport statewide. Adult & Senior Competitive Coordinator Finally, the people. What a fun, great group of people to get Nancy Perkins x217 [email protected] to know, from Section volunteers, to players throughout the Junior Competitive Coordinator Melissa Chambers x220 [email protected] state, to the professional staff in Austin. It was my honor and Junior Competitive Coordinator privilege to have been your President, and I wish everyone the best Bonnie Vona x209 [email protected] in the future. Junior Competitive Coordinator Paige Schumacher x211 [email protected] See you around the courts, Section League Coordinator Sue Johnson-Maurer 361-906-1432 [email protected] NTRP/Assistant League Coordinator Tosha Smith x231 [email protected] TEXAS SECTION Marketing Department Director of Marketing December Stephanie Arena x206 [email protected] Communications Manager Granger Huntress x202 [email protected] 2008
18 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Kenny Mc’s Presented by: corner By Ken Mcallister Executive director, usta texas section
Two Mules Redux “We have heard so much in recent years about changing the court dimensions, revising the scoring system, limiting the server to one serve, the one-bounce rule, the two-bounce rule, and changing the ball pressure. All of that is hogwash in my opinion. There is nothing wrong with the game that the players cannot cure. The answer to the big serve always has been and always will be the return of serve – not a rules change.” This is not a recent quote – though it could be. When Vic Seixas wrote that, New England was the largest section in what was then the USLTA. Player Development was the US Junior Davis Cup program. John Pickens of Rice University was on that squad. Can you guess the year? 2008 In that same year, the Honor City of the Month of February in Texas was Falfurrias because of their tennis tourna- ments. S.R. Bumann was President of the Texas Tennis Association. It would be another couple of years before Texas hired its first Executive Director, Warren Zimmerman of Dallas, on a part time basis. Chuck McKinley donated the $100 he received when he and Dennis Ralston stumped the panel of “I’ve Got a Secret” to the TTA for junior development work. Cliff Richey was ranked #1 in Boy’s High School Singles, John McCabe in Boys 18 Singles, Jill Philbrick was #1 in Girls High School Singles, and Billie Domingue in Girls 18 Singles. Oh yeah, there was also a kid named Mike Estep ranked #1 in Boys 14’s and Mary Lowden was #1 in Girls 14’s.Have you guessed yet? “Why this title? On my commute from far south Austin to work, I pass by a small farm at the corner of Brodie Lane and Highway 71. Outside the barn (and I assume inside) are two mules. I often check to see whether they are there. When I don’t see them, I feel concerned. I notice other commuters doing the same thing. You see, our part of Austin has grown enormously in recent years, but spotting those mules on a farm is somehow reassuring. Reassuring of what? Reassuring that everything changes as everything stays the same.” Seven years after I wrote this, the mules are gone and the farm is now an upscale shopping center. In tennis, we are now introducing one day tournaments that will count for rankings. We have already allowed for tie-breaks in lieu of third sets in matches. We have built shortened tennis courts for beginners with shortened rackets and soft tennis balls. Sampras is out, Nadal is in. The mules are somewhere. And to keep up with the latest in tennis, keep reading TennisLife or go to our website at www.texas.usta.com. But to recall where we have been, visit the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame in Waco or connect to its link on our website. Note the article on the latest inductees to the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in this issue. Consider a donation to TTMHOF if you are among those who wish to preserve our history. Oh, and what year was that? 1964.
2009 Texas Community Development Workshop
You’re invited to attend the Annual Community Development Workshop, January 17-18, 2009 held at the Austin Airport Hilton Hotel. Contact Kristi Hotz for more information at [email protected]
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 19 US Open
Texans Have Another Great Showing at the Open
It was another great year Fowler clawed his way for Texans participating through the qualify- at the U.S. Open. ing to make the main We had great results draw and a chance to from professional Texans face Italian Alessandro like Austin’s Andy Giannessi. In what was a Roddick, who reached the long and trying match, quarterfinals, and Liezel however, Fowler fell, Huber, who now lives in 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (3). Houston, and won the Christian Harrison’s women’s doubles. first Open experience texas section Roddick put up a was a bit surreal. The great effort after a tough younger Harrison was year, falling to Novak waiting on court for his Djokovic in the quarter- first round opponent, Christian Harrison finals in four long sets. who eventually was Ryan Harrison Huber and Cara Black determined to be a no defeated Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur, 6-3, 7-6 for show. Eventually a new opponent was found and it was good the title and essentially clinch the top ranking for the year friend and roommate for the week, Alex Llompart of Puerto on the women’s side. Rico. The two friends fought it out, with Llompart eventually A new Texan, Austin Krajicek, who moved to Bryan with winning, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. his parents a year ago to attend Texas A&M, was given a wild Ryan had a more traditional experience. In the first card into the Men’s main draw after winning at Kalamazoo. round, he defeated Adrien Puget of France, 6-3, 6-2. His Krajicek fell to Agustin Calleri, 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in the first second round match was a bit tougher, as he topped Japan’s round. Hiroyasu Ehara, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2. Ryan then fell to fellow In the juniors, three Texans were able to get into the main American, Rhyne Williams, 6-7, 7-5, 6-3. draw of the U.S. Open Boys’ Championship. Despite the loss, the week was an eventful for one for Brothers Christian and Ryan Harrison of New Braunfels, Ryan. On Tuesday of the second week at the Open, Harrison as well as Houstonian Harry Fowler got a chance to play on was asked to practice with eventual men’s champion, Roger the big stage. Federer. Officials at US Open The USTA Texas Section would like to recognize all of the officials that represented the section so well at the 2008 U. S. Open. We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the sport.
Lee Ann Bain Austin Ken McCain Beaumont Susan Burns Houston Kathleen O’Conner Houston Eliza Cotner Dallas Gail Pennington Amarillo Ray Delcastillo San Antonio Roger Pennington Amarillo Carrie Hinueber Dallas Sammie Poulsen Odessa Alaine Hutson Austin Sue Pranke Grapevine Dianna Kondratowitch-Pierce Fort Worth Jim Robinson Belton Kevin Labor Dallas Margaret Smith Houston (Also won the national Jack Starr Award, recognizing an Richard Soukup Houston official for the first three Roz Tuerk Commerce years of service at the Open) Susan Wertenberger Grapevine
20 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Adult/Senior News
Texans at Worlds Texans Val Wilder of Fort Worth, Ross Person of Houston, Julie Cass of Austin, Michelle King of Austin and Kathy Langer of Rockwall were all selected to represent the United States as members of the U.S. international teams, which competed in Antalya, Turkey, October 19-26. Wilder is a veteran of international competi- tion, having participated on winning Dubler Cup squads from 2004-2006. This American 2008 team reached the final, earning the silver medal, but for the second straight year, they fell to Spain. Persons led the US Fred Perry Cup team in its efforts to regain the World Team Title. The Americans fell a bit short, capturing the bronze. The Fred Perry Cup is the senior men’s 50 and over equivalent of the Davis Cup competition. The team reached the final in 2007 and won the cup in 2006. Langer was part of the Althea Gibson Cup Team for women 70 and over. In a great effort, the team reached the finals, eventually bowing to South Africa in the final, 2-1.Cass Kathy Langer and King were two of a four women team selected by the USTA from the very best play- ers in their 35-and over age division as mem- bers of the Lenglen Cup Team. This year’s Val Wilder team had another fine showing, winning their group play, but falling in the semifinals to France and finishing fourth. Works Claims Double Gold
Shelly Works of San Antonio swept the singles and doubles titles at the 2008 USTA National Women’s 35 Hard Court Championships held at the Chamisal Tennis Club in Salinas, California.
The top-seeded Works defeated local favorite and second seed, Shelly Stillman-Scott, 6-0, 6-2 in the finals.
In doubles, Works teamed with Pam Dodman of Wiscasset, Maine. In the final, Works and Dodman topped third-seeded Californians, Pam Cooke and Debbie Croft, 6-4, 6-3.
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 21 League Nationals
Dallas, Tyler and Midland all had teams representing the The Tyler team lost to a team from Seattle, 2-1, in the USTA Texas Section that finished in the top-4 at the Adult Third Place match. Earlier in the day, the Tyler team lost and Senior National Championships held at various sites to a team from Salt Lake City, 2-1, in the semifinals. They across the country this fall. advanced this far by winning their round-robin flight. Dallas Ladies Fourth in 5.0 The team is captained by Charles M. Wilcox and features The women’s team Cliff A. Adams, Kent W. Deatherage, Joshua Mark Hill, from Dallas fin- and Todd Hillard Williams and plays out of the Hollytree ished fourth at the Country Club. USTA League pre- The top four teams in order of finish were: Salt Lake sented by Chrysler City (Intermountain), Gurabo (Caribbean), Seattle (Pacific 5.0 Adult National Northwest) and Tyler (Texas). Championships held Midland 4.5 Ladies Finish Second at the Indian Wells The women’s team Tennis Garden in from Midland fin-
texas section Indian Wells, Calif. ished second at the The Dallas team USTA League pre- lost to a team from Richmond, Va. 2-1 in the Third Place sented by Chrysler match. Earlier in the day, the Dallas team lost to a team 4.5 Adult National from Raleigh, N.C. 3-0 in the semifinals. They advanced to Championships held the final day of competition by winning their round-robin at the Randolph flight. Tennis Center in The team is captained by Kristin Fudalla and features: Tucson, Ariz. Clare Heineman, Helen Wilhelm, Stephanie Burnam, and The Midland Cathy Carlson. team lost to a team from Ann Arbor, Mich., 3-2 in the Tyler Men Fourth in 2.5 Championship match. Earlier in the day, the Midland team The men’s team defeated a team from Washington D.C. in the semifinals, from Tyler fin- 3-2. They advanced this far by winning their round-robin ished fourth at the flight. USTA League pre- The team is captained by Barbara Starnes and has team sented by Chrysler members: Kim Daughtery, Sureena Weir, Tibby Niehues, 2.5 Adult National Susie Girard, Holly Lindloff, Lindsay Lester, Kelli Edwards Championships held and plays at the Midland Tennis Club. at the Amanda & The top four teams in order of finish were: Midwest (Ann Stacy Darling Tennis Arbor, Mich.), Texas (Midland), Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.) Center in Las Vegas. and Mid-Atlantic (Washington D.C.).
22 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Mixed Doubles 2008
6.0 Champions - San Angelo 7.0 Champions - Amarillo
Four teams claimed 2008 USTA Leagues Tennis presented by Chrysler Mixed Doubles titles in Corpus Christi October 2-4. San Angelo defeated NE Texas, 2-1 for the 6.0 title. NE Texas defeated San Antonio, 2-1 in one semifinal, while San Angelo squeaked past Lubbock, 2-1, with a 10-8 third set tiebreaker to decide the match at line one. Amarillo defeated Dallas, 2-1 for the title in 7.0 league play. In semifinal action, Dallas had topped Lubbock, 2-1 and Amarillo got 8.0 Champions - Dallas past Abilene, 2-1. Dallas beat Fort Worth, 2-1 for the 8.0 championship. In the semifinals, Dallas snuck past Valley, 2-1, clinching the match with a 19-17 third set tiebreak win at line two. Fort Worth topped Austin, 2-1 on the other half of the draw. Hometown favorites, Corpus Christi edged Wild Houston, 2-1 for the 9.0 title. These four champions will now rep- resent Texas at the Western Regional Championships to be held at the Gold River Racquet Club and Broadstone Racquet Club in Sacramento, Calif., November 21-23. 9.0 Champions - Corpus Christi
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 23 Seniors
The USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler Texas sneaking past Corpus Christi, 2-1 in the championship. Section Senior Championships were held September 19-21 Corpus Christi topped San Antonio, 2-1, in the other semi- at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels. The final. winning teams advanced to represent the Texas Section at Corpus Christi was not to be denied, however, as the the Senior National Championships to be held at various Senior Ladies 4.0 team from the “Sparkling City by the Sea” sites across the country this fall. captured the crown. Susan Frondorf captained the ladies In the Senior Ladies 3.0, Wild San Antonio exacted who defeated a team from the Valley, 2-1 in the finals. revenge, topping San Antonio, 2-1 in the finals. The team is Corpus Christi got past Wild Dallas, 2-1 in one of the semi- captained by Brenda Childs. finals, while Valley defeated Austin, 2-1, in the other. In Senior Men’s 3.0, NE Texas won round robin play Roy Salinas’ team from San Antonio took the Senior by virtue of more lines after tying with Wild San Antonio Men’s 4.0 championship. They topped Fort Worth in the and a 2-1 record. The NE Texas squad is captained by Sam finals and Austin in the semifinals by identical 2-1 scores. Hopkins. Fort Worth advanced to the championship after a 2-1 win NE Texas also captured the Senior Ladies 3.5 division. over NE Texas. Barbara Hart’s team swept past Austin, 3-0 in the finals. The Senior Ladies 4.5 championship went to Rox Ann They had also swept San Antonio, 3-0, in the semifinals. Schanzenbach’s Houston team. They went undefeated Austin advanced to the final, defeating Abilene 2-1, in the through the four-team round robin. texas section semis. A loaded Senior Men’s 4.5 from San Antonio swept The Senior Men’s 3.5 team from Lubbock took the title. through a tough field for the crown. Pressly Shafer’s men Larry Hertel’s team swept Austin in the semifinals before dropped only three lines in the five-team round robin.
3.0 Ladies Senior Champions - Wild San Antonio 3.5 Ladies Senior Champions - NE Texas 4.0 Ladies Senior Champions - Corpus Christi
4.5 Ladies Senior Champions - Houston 3.0 Men’s Senior Champions - NE Texas 3.5 Men’s Senior Champions - Lubbock
4.0 Men’s Senior Champions - San Antonio 4.5 Men’s Senior Champions - San Antonio 24 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Combo
The Texas Section Combo Doubles Championships were of the Ladies 7.5 Combo Doubles Championship. Courtney held October 17-19 in Dallas. Teams from around the state Edward’s team topped NE Texas in the semifinals. Fort competed for a chance to claim one of the seven section Worth Tournament won the battle of Fort Worth, winning titles up for grabs. 2-1 over Fort Wort League, in the other semifinal. Combo Doubles is three lines of doubles where the team- In Men’s 7.5 Combo Doubles Championship action, SE mates’ ratings are ‘combined’ to reach the desired level of Texas, captained by Claude Guidroz, defeated Fort Worth 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 or 8.5. Tournament in the finals, 2-1. They swept Waco, 3-0, in Christina Noland’s “No Love” team out of San Antonio the semis, while Fort Worth Tournament snuck past San snuck past NE Texas, 2-1, for the Ladies 5.5 Combo Doubles Antonio, 2-1, on the other half of the draw. Championship. The “No Love” Ladies had swept though Dallas won the Ladies 8.5 Combo Doubles Championship their round robin to reach the finals. with a sweep over Corpus Christi in the finals. April Durboraw’s Amarillo swept Dallas to capture the Ladies 6.5 Combo squad snuck out of pool play, breaking a three-way tie over Doubles Championship. Kendra Reeves team defeated Wild San Antonio and Fort Worth League by one line. 2008 San Antonio earlier in the day to advance to the finals. In classic big city duel, Dallas got past Houston, 2-1 to Dallas bested Abilene in the other semifinal. win the Men’s 8.5 Combo Doubles Championship. Wesley Fort Worth Tournament won a wild Men’s 6.5 Combo Pickett’s team advanced to the final after tying with Lubbock Doubles Championship. Robert Thomas Fambrough’s team in pool play. Both team were 2-1, with five line wins. They finished tied with Lubbock and Dallas at 4-1 in the six-team were also even at the next tiebreaker, with nine sets lost. round robin standings, but claimed the title by virtue of two The champion of the bracket was decided by a mere three more winning lines. games and Dallas’ fewer games lost, 86-89, pushed them Abilene edged Fort Worth Tournament, 2-1, in the finals into the title match.
6.5 Men’s Combo Champion - Fort Worth Tournament 7.5 Men’s Combo Champion - SE Texas 8.5 Men’s Combo Champion - Dallas
5.5 Ladies Combo Champion - San Antonio 6.5 Ladies Combo Champion - Amarillo 7.5 Ladies Combo Champion - Abilene
8.5 Ladies Combo Champion - Dallas Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 25 Lone Star
On October 25-26 at the Dominion Country Club in San Antonio, the USTA Texas Section hosted the 2008 Lone Star Fall League Section Championships. Five teams, including Dallas, North Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Wild San Antonio all competed for the title. In the end it was Dallas coming out on top, edging North Houston for the championship in the round robin. Lone Star is a league for players who are new to tennis and are competing for the first time. They play three lines of doubles, two out of three sets, with a Coman tiebreaker for the third. texas section
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26 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Regional Tennis on Campus
The first of nine Regional Tennis on Campus Championships Tournaments had been completed, with six more on the was held Saturday, September 27 at the Whitaker Courts on horizon. The East Texas (Tyler), Ea-Ho (Houston), Corpus the campus of the University of Texas at Austin. Over 40 Christi, DFW and Valley (Harlingen) Regional events were teams from 15 college campuses competed in the one-day scheduled for the late fall, with the Waco Regional sched- event, which guaranteed three matches per team using the uled for February 14, 2009. World Team Tennis format. For complete results, go to texas.usta.com and look for Texas A&M Maroon defeated Texas State-Gold in the the schedule/results under collegiate recreation, which is finals of the main draw by a score of 24-16. Teams from as under ADULTS. far as Lubbock (Texas Tech), Denton (University of North 2009 USTA Campus Championships - Texas Sectionals Texas), Laredo (Texas A&M-International) and Tyler (Tyler 2008 Junior College) attended the event. February 27 – March 1, 2009 Tennis On Campus consists of intramural teams and clubs San Antonio, Texas that are student run and organized. The USTA Texas Section McFarlin Tennis Center has shown great success on the national stage in Tennis On Campus competition. The University of Texas is the defend- 2009 USTA National Campus Championship ing national champion, while Texas A&M won the national April 16 – 18, 2009 title in 2002 and from 2004 to 2007. Surprise, Arizona As of press time, the Central Texas (Austin), West Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex Texas (Lubbock), We-Ho (Houston) and Dallas Regional
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 27 100686_WAT07318_USTA 6 Job#: WAT07318 L/S: 133 Size: 7.75 x 10.5” 11/20/07 8:24:19 PM Ad #6 Pub: USTA Magazine december Pro Circuits
Spadea, Isner Capture Texas Challengers WACO The enigmatic Vince Spadea turned back the time machine and youth to capture in the $50,000 USTA Waco Tennis Challenger at the Baylor Tennis Center. Spadea topped Joseph Sirianni, 6-0, 6-1. The self-styled battle rapper and unique personality showed the younger competition that he still has something left to prove at age 34. 2008 Former Baylor standout and NCAA Champion, Benedikt Dorsch, topped American John Isner, 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4 before a highly partisan crowd in the quarterfinals. Dorsch fell to Spadea in the semifinals Friday evening, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1. In doubles action, Texan Alberto Francis and his partner Nick Monroe fell to Alex Bogomolov, Jr. and Dusan Vemic, 6-4, 5-7, 10-8, in a wild and tightly contested final.
LUBBOCK John Isner served his way to the title at the Lubbock Challenger last week held at the McLeod Tennis Center on the campus of Texas Tech University. Isner outlasted Frank Dancevic of Canada, 7-6, 4-6, 6-2 for his tourna- ment win in over a year. After busting onto the scene in the summer of 2007 with two USTA Pro Circuit wins and a trip to the finals in only his second ATP-level event, Isner has struggled getting back into the form that vaulted him into the top-100. In five tournament matches, Isner played six tie-breakers. In the first round, Isner topped former Texas Aggie, Lester Cook, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 and later had marathon 7-6, 6-4, 7-6 quarterfinal win over Alex Bogomolov, Jr. In the doubles final, Roman Borvanov and Artem Sitak defetaed Bogomolov and Dusan Vemic, 6-2, 6-3. texas futures Southlake Austin’s own Ashley Weinhold, who is returning to play after battleing injuries for much of the year, fell to Jacqueline Cako in the final of the Fidelity-Southlake Women’s Pro Classic held at the Southlake Tennis Center. The amateur Cako defeated Weinhold 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to capture her first pro title. In the doubles final, Beatrice Capra and Rebecca Marino edges Mary Gambale and Elizabeth Lumpkin, 3-6, 6-4, 10-6. MANSFIELD American Michael McClune successfully defended his Texas 76ers $15,000 Pro Event title in a three-set thriller over New Zealand’s Daniel King-Turner, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield. In the doubles final, Australians Carsten Ball and Colin Ebelthite teamed to defeat Boris Micola Bakalov of Bulgaria and former Texas Tech star, Bojan Szumanski of Poland, 6-2, 7-5.
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 29 National Junior Tennis League
Founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Parcell and Sheridan Snyder the National Junior Tennis League program contin- Results: ues to provide tennis to all those who wish to experience 9 & Under 13 & Under Beginner the game. The program provides children with an opportu- 1st- Melrose Tennis Super Stars 1st- Bendwood Backboards nity to learn tennis and a means for learning good sports- 2nd- Cherryhurst Champs 2nd- Nottingham Aces manship and character. NJTL reaches more than 250,000 13 & Under Intermed. 14 & Up children nationwide. With over 25 chapters in Texas, the 1st- Zina-2 1st- Zina Unforced Errors USTA Texas Section has introduced over 13,000 children to 2nd- Zina-3 2nd- Z-1 the sport. For more information on the NJTL program in Texas, contact the USTA NJTL Coordinator, Marcos Valdez *Dallas Regional Rally, Aug 8-9 at [email protected]. 108 participants from Dallas, Austin, Midland/Odessa, and Cain Center in Athens experienced an exciting day of 2008 Regional Rally Round-Up doubles play in a team format. The participants were treated Three NJTL Chapters hosted a USTA Regional Rally this to a spaghetti dinner hosted by the Dallas NJTL, as well as meals and refreshments during play. The day ended with a texas section summer: Casa de Amigos of Midland, Houston Tennis Association, and Dallas Tennis Association. Over 300 NJTL pizza party at a local skating rink. participants took part in a day of fun, where food, prizes, and plenty of tennis made for a great tennis experience and Results: a chance to meet other participants from across the state. Division A Division B Division C 1st- Dallas 1st- Team Trilogy, Midland/Odessa 1st- Dallas *Midland Regional Rally, July 11-12 2nd- Dallas 2nd- Dallas 2nd- Dallas 50 participants from Midland/Odessa, Dallas, Dumas, and San Angelo enjoyed a miniature golf social event hosted The Texas Section would like to thank all coordinators, vol- by Casa de Amigos the evening prior to the start of play. unteers, parents, and participants for a successful Regional Participants played both singles and doubles, in addition to Rally season! fun games. The day concluded with a chance to win a prize on the “prize court.” Arthur Ashe Essay Contest To help commemorate the legacy of humanitarian and ten- Results: nis great Arthur Ashe, USTA/NJTL sponsors an annual essay Divison A Division B contest asking entrants to write in 300 words or less how 1st- Team Trilogy, Midland/Odessa 1st- Dumas All-Stars he/she exemplifies the ideals of Arthur Ashe. 10 National 2nd- Dumas Stars 2nd- San Angelo CVTA winners receive an all-expense paid trip to New York to be guests at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a daylong festival of kids’ *Houston Regional Rally, July 18 tennis activities that includes interactive games, musical 187 participants from the Houston Parks and Recreation, entertainment and free clinics. Zina Garrison All-Court Tennis Academy, and College The Texas Section submitted over 850 applications dur- Station NJTL competed in a round-robin doubles team ing the summer of 2008. Nacona Davis, a participant in the format. Food and refreshments were served throughout the Dallas NJTL program, received the national award for the day, in addition to a raffle drawing for over 100 prizes. The Girls 18s division. Her essay was chosen as the top essay of highlight of the day was a trip to Houston’s IMAX Theatre all the 17 sections throughout the country. in the museum district. The Texas Section winners are also liste, right.
30 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december
Arthur Ashe Essay Contest- Texas Section Winners:
Division Girl Boy 10 and U Haviland Blevins Orion Tse Dallas Tennis Assoc. Dallas Tennis Assoc. DeSoto, Texas Plano, Texas
11 and 12 Raven Bennett Ian O’Jon Dallas Tennis Assoc. Zina Garrison Mesquite, Texas Houston, Texas
13 and 14 Harmony McGlothlin David Ralph Dallas Tennis Assoc. Dallas Tennis Assoc Mansfield, Texas Duncanville, Texas
15 and 16 Jessica Riguero Reginald Walker, Jr. Dallas Tennis Assoc. Houston Tennis Assoc. 2008 Rowlett, Texas Houston, Texas
17 and 18 Nacona Davis Juan Suarez Dallas Tennis Assoc. Zina Garrison DeSoto, Texas Houston, Texas
NJTL Regional Tennis Leadership Camp The USTA Texas Section, in partnership with the University of Texas’ Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Texas State History Museum, Austin’s famous Barton Springs, hosted an NJTL RTLC at the University of Texas-Austin in addition to other exciting social events. The University of Thursday, August 14th through Sunday, August 17th, 2008. Texas’ Division of Diversity and Community Engagement Twenty-four participants representing USTA Texas, USTA provided participants with a tour of UT, a bowling night at Southern, and USTA Intermountain took part in this exciting the Texas Union. Dr. Leonard Moore, assistant vice president event. Camp activities included tennis, experiencing one of for the DDCE at UT spoke with the participants about leader- the nation’s top universities, Texas State Capitol, Bob Bullock ship and the importance of a college education.
Visit us online at: www.texas.usta.com 31