USTA MIDDLE STATES
Winter 08-09 • Volume III • Issue 3
AA ChampionshipChampionship JourneyJourney USTAUSTA LeagueLeague captainscaptains swapswap talestales ofof successsuccess
Jr. Team Tennis National Championship Recap Inside! ADVERTISEMENT UNITED STATES PROFESIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION INVITES EVERYONE TO THE 2009 MIDDLE STATES TENNIS CONVENTION
Reversing The Pyramid
Friday & Saturday February 6 & 7 Hempfield Recreation Complex 950 Church Street Landisville, PA HIGHEST LEVEL AND RELEVANT EDUCATION NETWORKING WITH USPTA PRO’S AND FRIENDS OF USPTA MS
HEADLINE SPEAKERS LEARN ABOUT... •Sustaining success through •Seeing the big picture reversing the pyramid •Technology •Creating connections •Opportunities knocking •Challenging assumptions •Diversification •Customer Service •Specialization •Expanding your career …ALONG WITH NEW DRILLS AND ON-COURT TRAINING WITH ATTENDEE PARTICIPATION Stan Oley Jack Groppel, Ph.D. Bill Mountford “2 days you won’t want to miss”
For more information on USPTA Middle States Convention and to receive a conference Bill Kurtain Ed McQuillan Bruce Levine brochure contact Tim Irwin at 610-730-0042 or e-mail [email protected]. USTA MIDDLE STATES
Winter 08-09 • Volume III • Issue 3
08 Cover Story 16 Jr. Team Tennis Departments A Championship Journey Making memories in Mobile. Five Jr. Seven USTA League Adult and Senior Team Tennis (JTT) teams represented 04 President’s Message teams finished in the top four of their the section at the JTT National respective divisions at the 2008 USTA Championship this fall. Find out how League presented by Chrysler National the teams fared, and what went down 07 Tennis Shorts Championships. A few of the team in The Port City. captains share their team’s approach to the season, and also, why they believe they 11 Membership were successful. 20 College Tennis Two section-based collegiate tennis 19 Junior Competition teams learned the true meaning 13 Diversity of “teamwork” at the Division II The Woodford Tennis Club (WTC) National Championships Festival. 24 Adult Competition celebrated a golden anniversary this fall. Learn what off-the-court experience The first African American tennis club left a lasting impression. on the East Coast, WTC has provided 25 Professional Tennis tennis opportunities to neighborhood children in Philadelphia for 50 years. Tennis On Campus 23 28 Districts Lehigh University once again played host to the section’s premier • A tennis club in AMD aids the 15 Community Tennis On Campus event – the 2008 fight to Go Green! Development Campus Championship – Middle States. Pennsylvania State University • CPD tennis enthusiast Tom Two USTA Middle States members Sweitzer honored nationally received the prestigious Eve Kraft punched its ticket to Nationals, Community Service Award. The but it wasn’t the only team making • DD tennis resort honored by individuals have been honored headlines. TENNIS magazine for their commitment to serving underprivileged youth through • Several EPD members have a fall to remember
the game of tennis. NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 • NJD volunteer retires after 21 years of USTA service
• PATD teens compete at the JTT National Championship
[email protected] 3 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 4 President’s Message
Malcolm Riley With gratitudeand humility, growth oftennis.” our mission, “To promote and develop the leadership team as we continue to fulfill I know you will support Jeff and his President,capable new Jeffrey Harrison. I am proud to pass the baton to our very Although my tenure is over, I will continue to support the section as a member of the Board of Directors. positively so, how we are perceived nationally. Her kudos. impacthasbeenlaudableandshedeserves Marlynn Orlando. Not only has she madeFor thelastyear andahalf, ourstaffhasfunctionedundertheaccomplishedleadershipof Executive Director positive changes within the section, she has also changed, tennis lovers. mysincerethat, Ioffertoeachandeveryone appreciation forallowing metoleadsuchagreat caliberof was theentire USTA Middle States teamthatmadetheselasttwoyears undermytenure- asuccess.For to USTA Middle States. I’ve humbledby thesekindwords. becomevery There isno“I”in “team”, forit expressed when people speak to me about our dedicated Tennis Service Representatives and their valuefor theprograms andactivitieswe provide. Iwouldberemiss ifIdidnot acknowledge thelove thatis As Itravelattheexpressions around ofgratitudeIhave the section,Imarvel received from ourmembers regardlesseveryone, ofage,background orability. tireless ensure andbeyond-the-call-of-duty dedication.Theirefforts we are abletoencouragetennisfor volunteers, theCommunity Tennis Associations,andtheDistrict andSection leadershipfortheir There are numerous peoplewhoplayed a role intheseaccomplishments.Iwouldliketothankthe the sectionhave adopted. and the positive response to the USTA No-Cut Program, which many school districts and coaches across QuickStart Tennis, the growth of the Tennis On Campus program and annual Sectiontime, we have celebrated manyaccomplishments,suchas–thelaunchandsuccessfulimmersionof Championship, It asyour President hasbeenanhonorandaprivilegetoserve forthelasttwoyears. During this To myMiddle States familyandfriends, Malcolm Riley Jeffrey Harrison Best Wishes, more peopleplaying.ThinkBIGin2009. tomeeting andworkingI amlookingforward withmanyofyou togrow thegame oftennisandtoget goal for my tenure is simple too – to get more people, all The missionofUSTApeople, Middle “ToStates issimple, on promote anddevelop thegrowthcourt. oftennis,” and the President, District President, Middle States CommitteeChairandnow, Iamthrilled tobePresident. thesectioninnumerous capacities–fromthen served staffmember, Community Tennis Association Middle States has been in my blood for more than 15 years. I played tennis at the University of Delaware, this encouraging trend. appointedBoardleadership ofthenewly ofDirectors, volunteers tocontinuing andstaff,Ilookforward bring. Recently, the section has experienced tremendousRiley growth and inthe many previous of its Presidents programs, and have with instilled. the I am excitedStates tocontinuingthesuccessthatMalcolm andIlookforward about the possibilities the next two years I’m honored to become the 42nd President of USTA Middle Greetings tennisenthusiasts, Jeffrey Harrison [email protected]
Malcolm andJeffrey Riley Harrison
Malcolm Riley Richard Rauenzahn Ann LoPrinzi Karen Jennings Monique Holloway Jeffrey Harrison Meghan Goodwin Andy Findlay Loretta DeWalt Brian Denis Kasey Connors Tom Benic Contributors Editorial Volume IIIIssue3 Winter 08-09 Published byUSTA MiddleStates Bruce Beckerand J.D.Young Bill Loercher, Bill Houseal, Mihail Anghel, Left to Right: Doug Rohrer, James Ressler, 4.0 SeniorMen–CentralPA District Photo courtesyofUSTA Cover middlestates.usta.com [email protected] (610) 935-5484(f) (610) 935-5000 Valley Forge,P.A. 19482 Suite 74,POBox987 1288 Valley ForgeRoad USTA MiddleStates www.bentleygraphics.com Pottstown, Pa. Bentley GraphicCommunications,Inc. Print &DesignProduction Ruth Roulston Treasurer Ellen V. Williams Secretary Patricia Weger Senior Vice President Jeffrey Harrison President USTA MiddleStates Officers Ben Zislis Carrie Rupp Marge McGann Nathaniel Harrison
District Guest columnist – Brian Denis Contributors
Allegheny Mountain Contributor
Tom Benic
Central PA Contributor
Richard Rauenzahn
Every year at about the same time in the Northeast, trees start to change colors and leaves fall to the ground. The days begin to grow shorter, Delaware and shorts and T-shirts are replaced with sweatpants and sweatshirts to Contributor keep away the brisk air that has quickly grown frigid. Not only does this imagery remind us that autumn is coming and winter is almost upon us, Monique but it is also an indication that the outdoor tennis nets will be put away, Holloway and the local indoor tennis facilities will be buzzing with patrons. Upon moving indoors, tennis enthusiasts will find quite a few differences in their beloved pastime that parallel the climate changes that are occurring outside. At first glance, these disparities may seem tough to manage, but after a short adjustment period, your rhythm will gradually come back to you. Eastern PA The biggest adjustment of playing indoors is the weather, or lack thereof. Playing outdoors, the Contributor wind, sun, and background scenery, can all wreak havoc on any given day. Although different lightings and backdrops take time to get used to when moving indoors, neither player has to deal Loretta with the elements Mother Nature throws our way. DeWalt Varying surfaces are another peculiar item that indoor players are confronted with. Indoor surfaces can fluctuate from carpet, hard rubber, softer rubber, and even hard courts. With the carpet and rubber surfaces, the pace and height of the ball bounce can be extremely dissimilar to the slower, higher bounce one may find on an outdoor clay or hard court. It is often said that everything moves a lot quicker when you play tennis indoors. In many instances the ball does bounce faster, but playing in an enclosed area is a constant reminder that it is essential to build some anticipation into New Jersey your game to keep up. Inside, the ball will not usually wear down as quickly, in comparison to the Contributor friction most outdoor courts possess. Ann LoPrinzi When winter rolls around, scheduling is a major factor as to how much tennis one might play. To explain, many locations experience a shortage of indoor facilities, leading to a delicate situation of trying to reserve court time. Hopefully there is a club nearby that, even with all the winter contracts, league play, and junior programs going on, can still provide ample court time for anyone that needs to schedule a court. There are those tennis devotees that will only play inside, but there is a share that still loves the beauty and serenity of playing outdoors. However, tennis will always be the greatest sport on earth – whether played on a hot summer day in a public park, or in the cozy confines of an air-conditioned Philadelphia NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 Contributor club. Once you have allowed your body and mind to adjust to the several peculiarities that you may encounter, you will find that it doesn’t take long to get right back into the swing of things. Karen Brian Denis is the Tennis Director at the Summit Tennis & Athletic Club in Altoona, Pa. He is also a Jennings certified PTR-Level 2A Professional and is both the Boy’s and Girl’s tennis coach at Hollidaysburg Area High School.
[email protected] 5 ADVERTISEMENT Tennis Shorts News from around the section
Allegheny Mountain Delaware Philadelphia The Warren Tennis Boosters officially opened newly- On November 1st, Marty Godwin, Director of Tennis Help an underprivileged youth learn to play tennis. renovated tennis courts in Betts Park in October. and Athletics at Kings Creek Country Club, hosted The The Philadelphia Area Tennis District has published a The courts, which are located in Warren, Pa., a small Boo Bash in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to benefit area food beautiful, color photo calendar: “Courts of Philadelphia… community nestled against the Allegheny National Forest banks in time for the holidays. Children and adults Century Old Clubs” showcasing photographs for twelve in the state’s Northwest corner, have been a mainstay in were asked to come in costume to play exciting tennis of the district’s most prestigious tennis clubs. This charity the town park since 1979. Major contributors to the games and participate in a fun-filled round robin. All fundraising calendar costs just $10. One hundred percent court renovations included the Betts Foundation, the participants donated canned goods to help supply the of the proceeds will go toward organizations that promote Community Foundation of Warren County, United holiday demand of the already depleted stocks of the tennis among Philadelphia’s underserved youth. It’s a Refining Company and the USTA. In addition, several neighborhood, Food Bank. Over 50 people attended. perfect gift for friends, teammates and tennis captains. significant contributions came from the community, Godwin dressed as Elvis and even provided a karaoke And you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you have individual contributors and coaches and members of the rendition of a song for the crowd. The event was a huge helped to spread the love of tennis in our district. Order Warren Dragon Tennis squad. The courts will be used success and everyone had a great time. forms are available online: www.philadelphia.usta.com for free tennis instruction and league play as early as this or contact our office: [email protected]. spring. Photo Courtesy of The Times Observer
Central PA Eastern PA New Jersey Mark Secrest, 18, of Huntingdon, Pa., had only day- In 2008, Embrace Your Dreams (EYD) added two Mercer County’s crown jewel just got a little brighter dreamed about hitting tennis balls with his all-time favorite new after-school tennis programs to its growing list of with the opening of the new indoor tennis center at the tennis player Andre Agassi. One day last fall, Secrest participants. The first program is held at Clearview Mercer County Park. The center houses six courts and found himself volleying shots and trading tennis stories Elementary School (Bethlehem, Pa.) and run by EYD is equipped with heat and air conditioning, allowing at a Pro-Am with the eight-time Grand Slam champion head tennis coach Matt Beal. The second program is held matches to be played year round at one location for the when The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation® and the at Dieruff High School (Allentown, Pa.) and coached by first time. The new 42,360 square-foot center is located Make-A-Wish Foundation® teamed-up to grant his wish. Katie Granson-Cassese, EYD board member and former adjacent to the 22 outdoor courts and will be called the When he wasn’t getting tennis advice from Agassi, Secrest Head Tennis Coach at Yale University. Both of these Mercer County Tennis Center. Having the indoor and also watched a Pro-Am doubles match featuring James programs will bring tennis to underserved youth in the outdoor courts in one location makes it convenient for Blake and the Bryan Brothers. He exchanged gifts with area. Nearly a decade old, this non-profit organization all the programming and special events that take place Agassi and presented him with a Penn State sweatshirt in the Lehigh Valley continues to accomplish its mission, at the facility. The center which will house year-round and Huntingdon tennis gear. “It is the most amazing which is to impact the lives of young people of diverse programming under the guidance of Marc Vecchiolla, thing that could ever happen to you, if you like tennis,” backgrounds by providing life skills education as part of the county’s tennis director, replaces the Mercer County said Secrest. “I will never forget that day.” Photo Courtesy golf and tennis instruction. Indoor Tennis Center, which opened in 1968 and is in a of The Make-A-Wish Foundation. state of disrepair. Photo courtesy of Judith Arnold
USTA Middle States would like to acknowledge the many tennis clubs and facilities that host Jr. Team Tennis, USTA Leagues, and USTA tournaments. These clubs and NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 facilities are continually helping us reach our mission – To promote and develop the growth of tennis! All the best in 2009!
[email protected] 7 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 that finishedsecond,attributeshisteam’s successto “good talent,lots Ken Palumbo, captainofthe3.5Senior men’s teamfrom Philadelphia went allthe way. sweeter, astheyfinishedinsidethetopfour, includingtwoteamsthat Mike Duquette,Davidson Kozlowski, Dave Marshall (Captain), David McPherson, Ryan Valentine. Back Knepper, Row (L-R):Bryan Slawek Szeremeta, Hans Spangenberg. Colony, Theteamdedicatedits winto Del., celebrate theirvictory. Sea Colony Tennis Pro Hipps whois battling cancer.Harry Photo identification: Front RayRow (L-R): Silveria, Two teams won National Championships in 2008. The 4.0 Senior men (cover photo) and the 5.5 Open men (above). In this photo, the men, comprising the 5.5 Open team from Sea four atUSTA League NationalChampionships Seven Middle States teams place in the top Cover Story I By: CarrieRupp R A 8 [email protected] Championships. For seven of those teams their experience was even even was experience their teams those of seven For Championships. National Senior and Adult Chrysler by presented League USTA the at States Middle USTA represented that teams League USTA Senior and Adult 20 than more the for remember to October an was t
emember S eason to Section Championship. In fact,manyoftheteamsbumpeduptheir The journeyforeachteambecameeven more intenseafterwinningtheir that itreally helped usalongourjourney.” camaraderie strong a such We maintained Championship. National and Championship Section the into and league local the through together who were intentionofstaying committedtotheteam.Theyhadevery guys of group a had “We said. Houseal team,” good a being as far as ourselves in belief of lot a had we because successful were we think “I is enjoyscommitted andtruly eachother’sthat company.team a having of importance the noted Championship, National Bill Houseal, captainofthe4.0Senior men’s teamthattookhomethe improve andadvance. Palumbo notedhisteam’s emphasisondetermination andthedesire to coaching andwe were least,tohave fun.” determined,atthevery place, said,“We longtime;we havehadexcellent beenfriendsforavery third took that team women’s Senior 3.0 the of captain Swenson, Bette commitment, confidence,anddetermination. and bothsectionnationalchampionshipsbecauseoffriendship, The teamsbelieved they were successfulthrough theirlocalleagues got there. team’s journeytotheNational Championshipsandhow theybelieve they any better, wecaptainsandteammembersabouttheir spokewithafew up it summed have couldn’t Palumbo While luck.” little a and fun of practice schedule and began working on different skills. “I believe in building doubles teams inside of teams; keeping the same players together throughout the season has helped us through the years,” After facing a lot of lobs and overheads at the Section Championship, Palumbo said. “There are some guys on our team who have been playing Palumbo and his team incorporated these skills into their practice doubles together for years – that is a big plus.” regimen. Swenson and her teammates changed their practice schedule from once a week to three times a week. While Sean McElroy, a member While all of their strategies paid off in the reward of a top four finish, of the men’s 5.0 team that took fourth place, said his team gathered for a some of the captains say they might approach things a little differently if few extra practices before the National Championship, but that all of his they have the chance to advance to the National Championships again. teammates did “a great job of staying sharp” before their trip to Indian Wells, Calif. “I think each section has to be taken very seriously,” McElroy said. “Any team that reaches Nationals is by definition a ‘good team.’ Where a team In addition to their revamped practice schedule, many of the teams is from probably has less to do with their success level than other factors, developed their own strategies in preparation for the national such as: weather, injuries, etc.” competition. Houseal mentioned he would like to have the commitment of a few more “Our strategy was to be as team members to make the trip. prepared as possible and expect to win,”McElroy said. Gareth Gibson, “I think we were successful because we had “I only took seven players, other one of McElroy’s teammates, noted, a lot of belief in ourselves as far as being a teams had 9 or 10,” Houseal said. “We tried to put ourselves in the “It’s tough, because you don’t want best possible position to win two good team,” Houseal said. “We had a group to make a guy travel to Nationals matches per round. After playing who may not get a chance to play, our first match and with injuries of guys who were committed to the team.” but at the same time, it’s better and tiredness entering the picture, to have more players there in case we had to make sure we had a solid understanding of our opponent’s of injury, or because of the heat. We were very fortunate with as hot as strengths, weaknesses and options.” it was that no one got sick or injured. If that would have happened, we probably wouldn’t have won.” Houseal mentioned his team’s focus on consistency, and maintaining the same level of talent that helped them reach the National Championship. Whether the captains would make changes or not, there’s one thing they definitely wouldn’t change…the success of their teams and the memories “Our team’s talent level is very equal; any given Sunday someone different they made at the National Championships. can win for us,” Houseal said. “We decided to play the team that might have been a tad more consistent throughout the season.” “My favorite part was meeting the players from the different sections,” Houseal said. “Everyone was so nice, and so excited to be there. It was a Swenson said her team’s main strategy was to remain focused at all times, fun, fun time. Everyone was there to win, but it wasn’t a blood and guts to keep the ball in play and to ride the wave of winning the Section thing, everyone was just happy to be there as a team, representing their Championship, while Palumbo spoke of maintaining the comfort level section, and just hoping for the best.” • between partners.
USTA Middle States - Top Four Place Finishers 2008 USTA League National Championships
1st Place – 4.0 Senior men – Central PA District – Captain Bill Houseal 1st Place – 5.5 Open men – Delaware District – Captain Dave Marshall 2nd Place – 3.5 Senior men – Philadelphia District – Captains Kenneth Palumbo & Tom Shelly 3rd Place – 3.0 Adult men – Central PA District – Captain Kosta Kontanis
3rd Place – 3.5 Adult women – Philadelphia District – Captain Lauri Black NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 3rd Place – 3.0 Senior women – Central PA District – Captain Bette Swenson 4th Place – 5.0 Adult men – Philadelphia District – Captains Keith Studnick & Sean McElroy
Complete tournament recaps and photos of all seven teams can be found on the section’s Web site: www.middlestates.usta.com.
[email protected] 9 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 selected by thePresident. • six districts,and up tofive presidential appointees presidents, districtdelegatesappointed from the members electedby thecurrent board, twopast The board consistsofexecutive committee of thesection. USTA aswell asthefundamentalworkings to thoroughly understandthecomplexities of the mission. Thisgroup ofdedicated volunteers needs the staffandother volunteers follow toachieve the objectives, the Board provides the road map which evaluating andestablishinggoals,policies direction andleadershipforthesection.By The Middle States Board provides thestrategic Middle States section. is theirlove oftennisandtheirdedicationtothe But whattheseindividualsdohave incommon various professions, andrangingtennisskilllevels. States membersfrom different backgrounds, atwo-year term,containsMiddlewhich willserve Directors forUSTA Middle States. ThisBoard, With theNew Year, Board comesanew of Board ofDirectors USTA Middle States welcomes our2009-2010 members and450organizationalmembers. organization, boastsmore than30,000individual Virginia. USTA Middle States, anot-for-profit City), Pennsylvania andthepanhandleof West (excluding a30-mileradiusaround New York state region consisting ofDelaware, New Jersey of theUSTA Middle States section–afour- If you receive thismagazine,thenyou are apart staff working hard justfor you. each sectionhasitsown Board ofDirectors and is organized into17sections,nordomanyknow White Plains, N.Y., manydon’t realize theUSTA And whilesomemayknow theUSTA isbasedin tennis. mission –topromote anddevelop thegrowth of educational initiatives are oftheUSTA’s theheart and seniorcitizens, scholarships,grants,and children 10-and-underaswell asteenagers,adults these professional tournaments.Programming for correct. But there’s alotmore involved thanjust Open ortheOlympus USOpen Series you’re W Middle States We are – USTA 10 [email protected] (USTA)?” If you thinkoftheUS “United States Tennis Association hat doyou thinkofwhenyou hear -Carrie Rupp 2009-2010 USTA Middle States Board ofDirectors District Delegate District Delegate District Delegate District Delegate District Delegate District Delegate District Delegate Presidential Appointee Presidential Appointee Presidential Appointee Presidential Appointee Presidential Appointee Past President Past President Delegate/Immediate Past President VP, Marketing &Communications VP, People Resources VP, Adult Activities VP, Junior Development &Competition VP, CommunityDevelopment Treasurer Secretary Sr. Vice President President TITLE Pileggi, Jill Fonte, andEllen Williams; Back Row (L-R):Richard Green, Malcolm Riley, andJay Witmer. Front Row (L-R): Patricia Weger and Jeff Harrison;Members ofthe2009-2010USTA Middle States Executive Committee Middle Row (L-R): Sue-Anne Stuntz, Ruth Roulston, Gina Rose Weinstein Marie Seward Carol MacLean Jack Monick Paul Costello AnnKaplan Mary Tom Benic Laura Canfield George Parnell Christian Sockel Scott Tharp David Goodman Bette Salmon Jay Witmer Malcolm Riley Jill Fonte Richard Green Sue-Anne Stuntz Gina Pileggi Bruce Kisthardt Ruth Roulston Ellen Williams Patricia Weger Jeff Harrison NAME Philadelphia Philadelphia New Jersey Eastern PA Delaware Central PA Allegheny Mountain Philadelphia New Jersey Eastern PA Philadelphia Philadelphia Allegheny Mountain Central PA Philadelphia Philadelphia Central PA Eastern PA New Jersey Eastern PA Central PA New Jersey Philadelphia Delaware HOME DISTRICT Membership
Everyday Tennis A Bryn Mawr man’s lifetime devotion to tennis
also spent time teaching and coaching at Malvern Tennis has also infiltrated into one of Day’s Prep and Academy Park High School, as well as hobbies – photography – as he is the official Cabrini College, where he coached tennis for 17 photographer for the Philadelphia Freedoms of years. the World TeamTennis league. An opportunity that keeps him busy during his summer vacations When Day arrived in Philadelphia he immediately from teaching, and also provides the “icing on the began playing USTA Middle States tournaments, cake” in the form of meeting many of the sport’s and he says his participation helped him develop premier athletes. a very close circle of friends. It was this group of friends that encouraged him to get involved in While Day seems like he doesn’t have time to hit the Philadelphia District Board. the court, don’t let his busy schedule fool you. His goal – to continue playing and winning well “I really cared about tennis and I felt it was into his 90’s. A feat he thinks is easily attainable. important to play tournaments in order to support the sport and the USTA,” Day said. “I “At my age now, I am in very good physical shape was honored when I was asked to be on the Board.” – and I attribute that to all my days of playing What Reginald “Reggie” Day of Bryn tennis.” Mawr, Pa., thought was initially a “great financial Day says his background in grassroots tennis – decision,” turned into a decision that positively growing up in the parks, learning to play from Day has certainly put his Lifetime Membership impacted his life, career, and health. watching and imitating better players, hitting to good use, and USTA Middle States commends against a wall to improve his skills – created a his wonderful and countless contributions to the Day doesn’t remember when exactly he purchased strong affiliation with grassroots players and is one organization and to the sport of tennis. a Lifetime Membership to the United States of the many reasons he has enjoyed being a coach. Tennis Association (USTA), claiming “it was that If you are interested in becoming a member, or long ago.” Although he does remember he began Coaching and volunteering through the USTA are renewing your membership, please call the USTA playing the sport of tennis around the age of 12. opportunities Day says, “For me to give back to a membership hotline at 1-800-990-8782. • sport that has done a tremendous amount for me -Carrie Rupp “I remember thinking if I was gong to continue in my life.” playing tennis, competing in tournaments and just staying involved in all aspects of the sport it would be a great financial decision to become a Lifetime Member,” Day said. “I think it was only around $100 at that time.”
Fast forward 48 years, and the 60-year-old husband, father and grandfather, is still active in the sport – as a player, a coach and a member of the Philadelphia District Board of Directors.
Day, an active child and all-around athlete, was introduced to tennis the summer after eighth grade by a friend who invited him to play at the local park. He says he “naturally” picked it up and loved it at first forehand. Day gave up baseball to focus on tennis. The switch paid off as he continued his tennis career in college at Notre Dame.
After graduation, Day began his career as a
teacher and coach, coaching many sports, NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 including tennis, football and basketball. In 1977, his career brought him to the Philadelphia area, taking a position at Radnor High School. Day
[email protected] 11 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 presentations. ofJudith Photo courtesy Arnold andClaire Walton. (right) join(LtoR)Jane Brown Grimes, Rose Weinstein, Edward McQuillin andGeorge Wills afterthetrophy Ann Hoffmann and Wallace and Johnson familymembersRick, Robert AnnHoffmann (left)and Oaks Mary Harry C Middle StatesCelebrates Hall ofFame an outstandingclassofsixindividualswiththeirinductionintotheMiddle States Hall ofFame. 12 lose to300enthusiastsgathered attheMendenhall Inn inChaddsFord inOctober tohonor [email protected] Inductees (LtoR),Edward McQuillin, Rose Weinstein, Jane Brown Grimes andGeorge Wills are flankedby Malcolm Riley, Jr., President, USTA MSand Henry Henry Talbert, Jr., Master ofCeremonies atthe Mendenhall Inn. ofJudith Photo courtesy Arnold andClaire Walton.
15 th
Annual HallofFame $50,000. • and madedonations,theevent raisedcloseto and theindividualswhoattended,advertised the associatesponsor. Thankstooursponsors presenting sponsor, andUSTA contributedas Advanta ofthisfundingas ledthesupport Foundation. willbedonatedtotheDelawareportion Tennis Patrons’ Foundation grantsbudget,ofwhicha and live auction fundtheMiddle States Tennis future. Proceeds from thedinnerandsilent the of tennistocelebratethepastandsupport provides forallwholove anopportunity thegame Weinstein andGeorge Wills. Thisannualdinner (posthumously), Edward McQuillin, Rose Ann Hoffmann (posthumously), Wallace Johnson applaud thededicationofJane Brown Grimes, Friends, colleaguesandfamilywere onhandto and develop thegrowth oftennis. the pathwaytofulfillitsmission–promote contributions totennisinMiddle States, build those whosecombinedachievements inand In its15thyear, theHall ofFame honors
Diversity Celebrating P hilly’s Tennis Pioneers inety-one-year-old Grace Stevenson is no Mayor Rizzo helped them acquire the courts longer able to hit her signature forehand and public park land behind the house. that earned her so many tennis titles and Ntrophies in her day. But hundreds of others carry “We went to City Hall to see if we could buy on her love of tennis because of the sacrifice she and some of the land,” remembers Leroy “Micky” seven Philadelphia tennis pioneers made 50 years ago. Dickerson. “They wouldn’t sell it but what they did was give us a 99 year lease for a dollar a year, Stevenson is one of the few surviving founders and they gave us the authority to develop the land of Philadelphia’s historic Woodford Tennis Club and build on it as long as we maintained it. And — the first black owned tennis club on the East that’s how we got here.” Grace Stevenson displays five decades worth of memories Coast. Even more significantly, the club just celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“It feels great to be part of history and that’s what it is,” said Stevenson. “To purchase a place of that caliber and know that it’s still here today. It’s just wonderful.”
Fifty years ago the only place Grace and her tennis friends were even allowed to play was in the public parks. “That’s because at so many of the clubs back then – the black people weren’t allowed to join or play,” Stevenson added.
Playing conditions at the nearest public park were less than ideal. “People would walk right across the court while we were playing,” remembers Willie Young. Members of the Woodford Tennis Club filled the pool during the hot summer days. Eighty-four-year-old Gladstone Booth agreed, “So Dickerson says they organized weekend work we just wanted to have something of our own.” crews. They renovated the house, cleared the land Woodford club players made a name for and rebuilt the courts. themselves on the American Tennis Association With the help of their leader, Royal Sims, the (ATA) and USTA circuits. They formed caravans group got together and started looking for “People in the neighborhood didn’t accept us and traveled together to a host of tournaments up a club. A former city detective tipped them off initially,” said Dickerson. Vandals attacked the and down the east coast and in California, Atlanta to a Wister Street mansion that was for sale. property and the club experienced break-ins. and New Orleans. The property backed up to a public park with “But Royal Sims was a diplomat and eventually three overgrown clay courts. won them over.” “We even met with the Bermuda tennis group and we started going there every other year and “We decided that we would get together and buy In time, the seven-member club grew to include they would come here,” adds Stevenson. the house,” said Gladstone. “We got about four 285 people. They added fencing, lighting and or five people who put up money for a down later, two additional hard courts. They even built a Today, Woodford’s membership has shrunk to payment.” Others bought shares. pool for the youngsters, which they enjoyed until just forty. But in the summers, the club’s courts safety issues forced them to fill it in. are filled by neighborhood church youth campers who flock to the courts to learn to play.
Stevenson says it gives her great satisfaction to see a second generation enjoying the sport that gave her so much gratification.
“It was so wonderful that we could do something NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 that was helpful, beneficial,” said Stevenson. “I can look back with satisfaction and think of so many of the things that I would not have had the privilege of doing had I not been a tennis player and one of the founders of Woodford.” • -Karen Jennings Children fill the bleachers at one of Woodford’s Tennis clinics. [email protected] 13 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 14 [email protected] Go Lebron! Sports Team: Cavs… course City: Wilmington of Player: Pete Sampras a few. and Gladiator toname Rocky (love Rocky IV) inspirational oneslike favorites are thereally have tosay myall-time many favorites. Iwould movies andhave so because Ilove watching Movie: Movie istough Favorites…
For more information check out delawaresmash.com prestigious Bill Talbert Junior Sportmanship Award. A formerstandoutjunior, Ryler wasborninHawaii andcaptured the the Delaware Smash. Ryler isagraduateoftheUniversity ofIllinois. with 2008marked hisfirstseason playingWTT as soonpossible. I canandhopingtobebackinaction until February orMarch dependingonhow myrehab goes.Iamstillworking hard inwhatever ways Unfortunately,months, whichwasgoodnews. Iprobably won’t beabletoplaytournamentsagain turned outtobemuchbetterthanoriginallythoughtandmyrecovery timewent from 6to3 nowisgoingwell. am about5weeksandeverything outofsurgery When theywent initactually after Ihadsuchagreat toplaythebesttennisofmylife.I experienceattheOpen andwasstarting toughtohearespecially right onmyshoulderwas thatIwouldhavevery The news tohave surgery playingtournamentsbe abletostart again? You afterthe Open, how hadrotator cuffsurgery are you feelingandwhendo you think you’ll to playbetterandmakeitaprettyafter thatIsettledinstarted competitive intheend. made mefeelabitmore outthere. comfortable Thefirstsetwasablur, whichwasexpected,andthen the peopleIgotmore excitedreally. thannervous Also,Ithinkoncesawallmyfriendsinthebox it my firstmatchin Wilmington withthe andsawheardSmash. Once Iwalkedontothecourt all topreparetrying then myselfforwhatitwasgoingtobelike.Iwouldsayabitmore nervous in.Forparticipating and thehoursinlockerroom leadinguptothematchIwasabitnervous daysleadinguptothematchIdon’tfew thinkithadreally occurred tomewhatIwasgoing be like that.Iguessadream wouldbethebestwaytodescribeit.It really feltsurreal atfirstandthe
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JuniorCommunity Competition Development Selfless Dedication ve Kraft’s legacy to the sport of tennis dates back to 1955 when she began giving tennis lessons to her children Eand their friends on a court behind her home. This simple act was the impetus for the Princeton Tennis Program (PTP) – an initiative that has taught fundamentals to William “Bill” Humes thousands of amateur players. While Kraft Henry “Hank” Merges has contributed much more to the sport “It gives me great pleasure to see people Merges, who did not play tennis until he and to the USTA, it was the PTP that set learn how to play the game of tennis,” was 50, says the sport, “brought him a whole her apart. Because of her dedication, the Humes said. “Eve loved tennis with a new world.” He made a lot of good friends USTA renamed its’ USTA Community passion. She shared this passion with me and was able to find a link to children. Service Award the Eve Kraft USTA and many others, including my wife Anne. Community Service Award in 2001. I am sure Eve would be very happy to see “When I became involved with tennis I was me receive this award and to know that I the editor of a local paper, and at the time This award, given annually, to individuals continue to share her love of the game.” many people were saying ‘there’s nothing for who perpetuate their selfless mission to bring our children to do,’” Merges said. “With the the game of tennis to anyone who wants to Hank Merges’ dedication to the Tennis help of others, we started this program and play, is especially significant this year as the For Kids program in Pennsylvania’s York gave the children in our area something to two honorees are both from USTA Middle and Adams Counties make him a worthy do. And it’s been growing, and growing ever States. Henry (Hank) Merges and William recipient. Since the inception of TFK nearly since.” (Bill) Humes were selected by the USTA 18 years ago, it is estimated thousands of Community Tennis Association (CTA) children have learned to play tennis through Merges and Humes will receive their awards Committee as the 2009 Eve Kraft USTA the program. Merges spends hundreds of at the 2009 USTA Community Tennis Community Service Award honorees. Merges hours a year to insure the sites are adequately Development Workshop February 13-15 and Humes follow in the footsteps of nine staffed at 21 locations, and he continually in Hilton Head, S.C. • prior USTA Middle States members who fundraises money to be able to pay all of -Carrie Rupp received the prestigious honor in years past. the site directors and instructors. Bill Humes has a special connection to the Merges who said he was “stunned” when he award, as he was a great friend of Kraft’s. received the news, said he was not expecting to receive the award – “I “Eve Kraft hired me to teach tennis in 1961,” USTA Middle States knew I had been nominated, but Humes said. “She not only taught me how Eve Kraft Community Service Award Winners there are so many deserving people to teach tennis, but also how to play tennis all around the country.” well.” 1975 - Chris Beck, Philadelphia, Pa. 1978 - Donald Mercer, Mt. Lebanon, Pa. Merges continued, “I’m very happy Since that time, Humes has been involved in 1978 - James Knarr, Carnegie, Pa. for all of us. I’m smart enough some capacity with the PTP, a not-for-profit 1983 - Larry Hampton, Wilmington, Del. to know you don’t get anything organization dedicated to bringing tennis to 1987 - Oscar Sebastian, Dover, Del. done unless you surround yourself all, and with recreational tennis in general. 1988 - Julia A. Levering, Lancaster, Pa. with good people, and we have 1991 - Faith Jolley, Wilmington, Del. a lot of good people working in 1993 - Perry Lin, Seaford, Del. Humes, who was “elated, honored and NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 this program, and I’m honored for humbled,” upon hearing he had been 1995 - Marie “Licky” Randolph, Wilmington, Del. all of them. I will take this as an selected, has dedicated 50 years to tennis, 1998 - Gene Thompson, New Castle, Del. organizational award, not a personal spending time teaching, coaching and 2002 - Harry Shur, Wilmington, Del. award.” volunteering. 2006 - Mary Moore, Wilmington, Del. 2009 - William “Bill” Humes, Princeton, N.J. 2009 - Henry “Hank” Merges, York, Pa.
[email protected] 15 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 stuffed animals, while another gave “Good “Good gave another while animals, stuffed Lion Nittany State Penn gave team States round player giftexchange. One Middle pride andhometown spiritthrough afirst- team their showcased team Each exchange. gift team the included event the from highlights memorable most the of One Center inMobile, Ala. Championship attheMobile Tennis National a for compete to chance the got Rico Puerto and States United the across from teams 63 of total A (18s). 2 November - 31 October and (14s) 23-26 October competed teams five The fall. this weekends exciting two over participants JTT the for theme recurring a “Team”was memories. of Championships andleftwithalifetime F CHAMPIONSHIPS JTT NATIONAL Jr. Team Tennis THE EXPERIENCEOF A LIFETIME! 16 Team Deuce [email protected] Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) National National Jr. Team (JTT) Tennis USTA the for south headed States Middle USTA from teams ive
(PIAA) Girls Singles and Doubles Tennis Doubles and Singles Girls (PIAA) Association Athletic Interscholastic Pennsylvania the coincidentally because schools, high their represent to home stay to or Alabama to south head to whether of decision tough the had Pennsylvania from competitors talented the of Some make. to decisions harder had players other solved, easily was Lam’s dilemma While help. some offer to glad were mates his of All from. racket a borrow he could teammate which – decision quick a make to needed He Alabama. to transport in cracked been had rackets his of both realized and match, first his to prior up warm to bag Deuce (14Advanced), openedhistennis exemplified when Kevin Lamof Team was teamwork of meaning true The facility.around the gorgeous60-court a teambannerwhichwasthendisplayed designed team each Championship, the at Luck” Hershey Bars. Also,priortoarriving Fantastic Fuzz
competition wouldbereally tough,but the thinking first, at intimidated little a was [Greenholt] “She that commented McLaughlin Michael coach Fuzz’s The Central PA District intermediateteam. another from Greenholt Natalie recruited they so come, to available was that player advanced wasn’tanother There Northern, attheSingles Championship. school, high her represent to home stayed another teammemberJenna Hessert as team, full a field to order in player Jones, theyneededtouseasubstitute keep to enough lucky was Fuzz the While travel toMobile team. withherco-edJTT instead and Championship, Singles the at College, State school, high her represent to Advanced) decidedtoforego herchance (18 Fuzz Fantastic the of Jones Corinne same weekends. the for scheduled were Championships Arthur Ashe Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis &Education
JR. TEAM TENNIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 3rd Place — 18 Intermediate — Central Penn Jabs — Harrisburg, PA — Coaches Allan & Annette Grossman 6th Place — 14 Advanced — Deuce — Willingboro, N.J. — Coach Millie Sams 7th Place — 14 Advanced — Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education — Philadelphia, PA — Coach Alan Blackwell 10th Place — 14 Intermediate — Smashers — Voorhees, N.J. — Coaches Christine Wu-Connell & Matt Heyse 11th Place — 18 Advanced — Fantastic Fuzz — Hanover, PA — Coach J. Michael McLaughlin
we were really proud to have her on my friends on the team. We do not get to When the tournament was over and our team. She held her own.” Despite see each other very often, since most of us final team rankings were announced, the Greenholt’s trepidation of the level of are spread team spirit did not vanish. Team Deuce competition, she won four out of her six out across Central PA. Our trademark couldn’t get enough tennis, after three matches, in singles, mixed doubles and from the tournament was wearing goofy days of matches they held an impromptu girls’ doubles throughout the weekend. hats!” hit around in the hallway of the Mobile Airport while waiting for their plane to “The unique thing about JTT is that it Even parents came back with a new sense arrive. You can take the player off the brings together players of pride for JTT. Sara court, but you can’t take the tennis out of from different high Bertino – the mother the player. schools, and we get to “MY SON WENT TO JTT of Ben Bertino, play different formats. NATIONALS AS JUST A who plays with the After arriving home, Bertino summed I really enjoy the KID WHO PLAYED TENNIS, Smashers expressed the up the experience the best, stating, aspect of it being co- AND CAME HOME A hope of many parents, “The tennis, the camaraderie, and the ed,” said player Mary TENNIS PLAYER.” “My son went to JTT opportunity to play teams from all over the Kate Maloney of the Nationals as just a country was a completely life changing and Smashers (14 Intermediate). Katie Lynn kid who played tennis, and came home a magical experience.” • of the Fantastic Fuzz said, “My favorite tennis player.” -Kasey Connors memory from the trip was being with all NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000
Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & Education Jabs Smashers
[email protected] 17 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 18 [email protected]
r
o registered USTA No-Cutprograms increased by 84%. programs increased by 37%andthenumber of recruiting new officials. (MSATO) ranksNo. 1amongallUSTA sectionsin dollar amountawarded toMPprograms. Grant applications; resulting ina66%increase inthe Middle StatesProgramMulticultural Participation(MP) approximately 10,000participants. utilizing theQuickStart Tennis format, impacting first Middle States Tri-State NJTLRegionalRally. TennisLink system. Championship hadresults publishedthrough the Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA)GirlsState by 6%. individual participants tournaments versus 2007, increasing thenumber of # 7: # 8: # 9: # 10: order) (In noparticular # 1: # 2: # 3: # 4: # 5: # 6: CTA’s diverse communities. serving registration increased by 13%with33%ofallnew Inthesection, thenumber ofafter-school Middle States Association of Tennis Officials Forty-four percent increase inthenumber of Jr. Team Tennis increased by 40%. Over 200new programs have beencompleted Fifty-percent inthe ofthedistrictsparticipated For thefirsttime ever Pennsylvania USTA isup5%. Leagueparticipation In2008, Middle Statesheld37more junior Community Tennis Association (CTA) Junior Competition
QuickStart Tennis Bolstering Tennis Opportunities For Children Ju n i o r Co m p e t i t i o n s c h e d u l e n o w i n c l u d e s QST tournaments
Marcela Morales, NJTL of Trenton volunteer, gives two tournament participants Ashley Ward (left) and Veronica Reich (right) directions before starting the section’s first-ever sanctioned QuickStart Tennis tournament.
More than 50 children, ages 12 and under, flocked to Annville-Cleona High fall, and are looking to expand the program in School for a QuickStart Tennis clinic in October. 2009. Joy Riley, from the Central PA District has been promoting QST in her area for months. In rom the oldest of players, to the youngest, Megan Maloney won the Girls 10 division, fact in October, she held a special QST activity tennis in Middle States is booming. Since while Alyssa Skulsky won the Girls 8 division. day at Annville-Cleona (A-C) High School. A the USTA’s introduction of QuickStart On the boy’s side, James Clark won the Boys 10 group of 50 boys and girls participated. Riley, FTennis (QST), America’s plan for 10 and under along with USTA Middle States Tennis Service and Mark Fridman won the Boys 8. NJTL of tennis, in early 2008, more and more children Trenton’s Executive Director Dan Faber has three Representative (TSR) Cathy Shaak and members are hitting the courts and receiving more tailored future QST tournaments planned for 2009. of the A-C High School Tennis Team helped run tennis instruction.
According to Ben Zislis, USTA Middle States The section has had over 200 programs utilize the Director of Community Development, the QuickStart Tennis format, impacting nearly 10,000 children section has had over 200 programs utilize the QST format, with nearly 10,000 children being “NJTL of Trenton has used the QST format in impacted across the section. our after-school programs for about five years, and the clinic. Another sign of the success of QST is I have witnessed first hand the benefits of using the addition of permanent QST courts. Lower The section also hosted two QST training sessions this method,” said Faber. “It is important to the Southampton School District in Pennsylvania for coaches, parents and tennis professionals. game of tennis because it is about fitting tennis to painted permanent QST lines on seven courts; More than 100 individuals attended the events kids based on age and physical size. This results and TSR Kitty Perrin is working with four held at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education in earlier success, development of better technical additional schools in the Philadelphia area to get Center in Philadelphia and at Highland Park and tactical skills, and thus better retention permanent QST lines painted. Tennis Club in Pittsburgh. rates. The kids are enamored from the get go, QST’s game based approach disguises technique For more information on QST, contact Ben Zislis at This specialized attention has paid off and the instruction with activities the kids love.” 610-935-5000 ext. 232 or at [email protected]. • section is starting to see results. NJTL of Trenton NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 held the section’s first-ever USTA sanctioned Many other programs across the section are -Carrie Rupp QST tournament, the first of what USTA Middle having similar success with QST. In the spring, States hopes is many more to come. Thirty girls Justin DePietropaolo, Philadelphia District, ran and boys under the age of 10 participated in the Lionville Tennis Little League, a QST league, the tournament that was held in October at which had more than 30 kids participating. The Cadwalader Park in Trenton, N.J. league was such a hit, they continued it in the
[email protected] 19 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 Two local universities’ exemplify teamwork – on and off –thecourt localuniversities’exemplifyteamwork–onandoff Two canceled. The team stayed in a hotel Monday evening, and two two and evening, Monday hotel a in stayed team The canceled. was flight their problems, of number a of because but match, of Pittsburgh, asateam,onMonday, May 12, fora Wednesday out fly to supposed was SRU before. days few a just nightmare” team’s“travel his to referring said, Meredith before,” night the sleep much didn’thave we knowing commitment the made “We May inthebuild. 15toparticipate commitments andwokeupbrightearlyonthemorningof Although theywere totheir disappointed,bothteamsstayed true in theSweet Sixteen. and Championships fellshort, Valdosta State defeatedboth teams against Valdosta State. Unfortunately, theirquests forNational their first-round matcheson May 14,coincidentlybothfaced-off But before bothteamsvolunteered theirtime,theygeared upfor whilecause,itwasanobrainer.”such aworth Isawwe tovolunteer wouldhave for theopportunity “When said. Coyne while,” a for Humanity for Habitat of CEO the was “One ofmy teammates[intheearly1980’s] from Bloomsburg the opportunity. SRU’s Matt Meredith andBU’s Marty Coyne, were interested in with displacementfrom 2005’s Hurricane Katrina.Both coaches, dealing still were who people for was build The town. nearby a in build Humanity for Habitat a in participate to was options those of One busy. time off-court their keep to activities and events with bombarded were they location, geographical one in softball and lacrosse women’s tennis; women’s men’s and golf; women’s men’s and in titles NCAA for competing teams 70 feature and event, Olympic-type an to similar structured is which festival, five-day the for Houston in arrived teams the When Final andspotsintheSweet Sixteen. Regional East the to route en respectively, 5-3 and 5-1 University, Bryant downed BU and SRU Both Final. Regional East NCAA their winning of off fresh event the at arrived teams Both memorable. more even be may court the off team a as experiences their collegiate athletes,thecoachesandathletesoftheseteamslearned many for pinnacle the is Sixteen Sweet the reaching While T College Tennis 20 [email protected] magnificent 2008 seasons, good enough to reach the Sweet Sixteen, which was contested at the NCAA Division II National Championships Championships National II Division NCAA the at contested was Festival inHouston, which Texas, lastMay.Sixteen, Sweet the reach to enough good seasons, 2008 magnificent alk aboutteamwork. The Rock Slippery University (SRU) women’s tennisteamandthe Bloomsburg University (BU) men’s tennisteamhad It’s AllAboutTEAM shot before spendingtheirdayvolunteering with Habitat forHumanity. Coach Coyne Marty (farright) andtheBloomsburg University men’s tennisteampose forateam winning theNCAAEast Regional Final andclinchingtheirspotinthe2008Sweet Sixteen. Coach Matt Meredith (far left) and the Slippery Rock women’s tennis team gather together after BEFORE AFTER
team members were able to get early morning flights on Tuesday, but the Learning about how they had been without a home for four years made rest of the team flew out later Tuesday evening. Then, at their connection, it quite real for us and it became clear that our time down in Houston the plane experienced mechanical problems and the team sat on the meant much more than winning or losing a tennis match.” runway for six hours, delaying their schedule even more. Eventually the team made it to Houston late Tuesday evening. The women were Coyne added the experience was one of the most moving moments he has scheduled for an 8 a.m. match, but the NCAA kindly pushed it back to experienced in his 17 years as a college coach, “I know the players were 10:30 a.m. touched in the same way.”
“The girl’s still thought it’d be a cool thing to Meredith echoed Coyne’s sentiments. “Seeing participate in,” Meredith said. “I was very proud “It was absolutely one of the project from start to finish was amazing. of their willingness to stay and help even after the best thing’s I’ve ever When we got there it was just a slab in the losing. Many of the losing teams left the next ground, when we were finished it was the start of day, but we wanted to take advantage of the great done as a coach.” house…a home. It was absolutely one of the best opportunity the NCAA gave us.” thing’s I’ve ever done as a coach.”
When the teams arrived at the build site, they saw nothing but concrete Rizzi said the entire experience was overwhelming, “We saw the family slabs. But not for long. cry, and seeing the joy we brought to the family by just volunteering a few hours of our lives was emotional.” With the help of some longtime Habitat volunteers, the teams worked together to construct walls and ultimately, build the frame of the house. “The experience brought us closer together as a team,” Rizzi added. “We did this together; we had to work as a team; just like we do with tennis. “We used nail guns, and saws, things that we “girly girls” would never Although tennis is an individual sport, we wouldn’t be anywhere without have had the opportunity to use,” said Lara Rizzi, SRU team captain. “It our team. Our team was the whole reason we were even in Houston, to was unbelievable. It was one thing to be there; working together to build compete as a team, for our school. And to be able to participate in the NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 this house, but it was another to actually meet the woman who was going Habitat for Humanity build as a team…it was really special.” to live there. That made it even more meaningful.” - Carrie Rupp Coyne agreed.“We got a chance to meet and work side-by-side with a family as they were working on a house that would soon be theirs.
[email protected] 21 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 College Tennis P were represented. Joe CamilloandRob Castille At thePittsburgh event, three NCAAdivisions on handattheevent inMonroeville. student-athlete,” continuedChristman,whowas process of findingtherightcollegefortheir families ofyounger players understandthe Ienjoy most,however,“What istohelpthe Coach, Waynesburg University. families,” notedRon Christman,Head Tennis andtalkwithprospectsgreat andtheir toobserve “As acoachontherecruiting trail,itisalways their parents. withstudent-athletesand tennis opportunities the eastcoastwere onhandtodiscusscollegiate Some ofthemostinfluentialcollegecoacheson of Junior Competition. by Mike Kennedy, USTA Middle States Director just outside Pittsburgh. The events were organized November 15atTheClubin Monroeville, Pa., and Education CenterinPhiladelphia andon November Ashe 8,attheArthur Youth Tennis hosted twosuccessful“CollegeDay” events. On choosing acollege,USTA Middle States recently and theirparents through thecomplexitiesof To helpguideprospective student-athletes 22 Take advantage of our high performance and peak performance trainingprograms with ChrisHilland [email protected]
Whether youareabeginner or advanced player, thereissomethinghereforyou!Seeyouat Arrowhead! Join us for on-going… school tennisplayers willever make. andexcitingimportant decisionshigh laying collegiatetennisisoneofthemost the talented Arrowhead staff. Arrowhead tennisclubboastsseven conditionedcourts! indoorair Team Tennis •HighPerformance Training •USTA Tournaments Drills andClinics•PrivateLessonsFitness Training Alysia Sturdivant, aFairview, Pa., senior. nice toplaywithgirlsfrom different areas,” said “I learnedlotsofusefulinformationanditwas their respective program. coaches inattendance,approximately 15,about enjoyed one-minutepresentations from allofthe addition totheabove speakers,theaudience discussed “Realism – Know your game!”In Compliance,” whiletheDuquesne coaches Meredith discussed” Academics, Tennis and inMiddle“Opportunities States andbeyond.” Christman discussedfinancialaidissuesand represented Division III. Rock represented Division IIandChristman Division I,Matt Meredith from Slippery coaches from Duquesne University represented held atTheClubin Monroeville, Pa. Ron Christman,Head Tennis Coach Waynesburg University, addresses theattendeesof2008College Day event
www.arrowheadtennis.com and fitness! develop yourskills, gamestrategy, performance trainingwhereyoucan on Sundays forathreehourhigh Attention juniors–joinus [email protected] Medford, NJ08055 6 NelsonDrive 609-654-7848 Call the club toregister.Call theclub of highschoolgraduates.• provide acompetitive outletforjustfive percent Averaging 10roster spotsperteam,colleges colleges alsoprovide intercollegiate competition. Athletic Association(NJCAA),andcommunity Athletics (NAIA),National Junior College The National Associationof Intercollegiate according towww.ncaa.org. (NCAA) men’s teamsand902women’s teams 751 National CollegiateAthletic Association States andcompetefortreasured roster spotson students playhighschooltennisintheUnited develop collegiatetennis.More than330,000 activities 13years agotohelppromote and USTA Middle States began“CollegeDay” round-robin hitting session. the Senior Showcase where ina theyparticipated at able tointeractwithcoachesonandoffcourt In additiontothespeakers, attendingseniorswere See how we went green onp.27! -Andy Findlay
Tennis On Campus
PENN-STATEMENTPSU Three-Peats at Campus Championship one point after both doubles matches, but Penn State’s Leslie Finlay and Doug Subosits pulled out their singles matches. With the mixed doubles duel as the marquee match, Penn States’s team of Steve Eaglen and Liz Hough outlasted Rutgers’s to take the set and the team championship 26-19. With the victory, Penn State has won the last three straight Campus Championships. In 2004, they lost to UPenn in the final, and in 2005, they lost to Villanova in the final.
The USTA Tennis On Campus recreational program features co-ed teams that participate in intramural and intercollegiate (club) play on college campuses. This year, 21 unique teams from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware – three more than last year – competed for the Section’s Campus Championship.
At the championship, these 16 colleges and universities were represented by one or more Penn State University, the 2008 Campus Championship – Middle States champions, will represent the section at the teams: Bloomsburg University, Bucknell College, USTA National Campus Championship in April. Front Row (L-R): Kayllie Wang, Leslie Finlay, Allison Altdoerffer, University of Delaware (2), Drexel University, Liz Hough. Back Row (L-R): Jenna Shedd, Nick Kluthe, Travis Weidman – captain, Stephen Eaglen, Douglas Lafayette College, Lehigh University (2), The Subosits, Juan Lasso. College of New Jersey (2), Penn State University (2), University of Pennsylvania, University sports dynasty is a team that dominates University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). of Pittsburgh (2), Rowan College, Rutgers their sport or league for multiple seasons University (2), Shippensburg University, Slippery or years. Dynamic teams in history such as The remaining six second-place teams, as well Rock University, Temple University, Villanova Athe Celtics, Steelers and Yankees commonly refer as two third place teams advanced to a Silver University. to this moniker. Bracket, while the remaining teams played in a Bronze Pool. PSU, along with third-place finisher Drexel However, whether a team has achieved a dynasty and Fall League runner-up Lehigh advance to is often subjective, and can be a frequent topic of Just as expected the play in the Gold Bracket on the USTA National Campus Championship in debate especially among sports fans. One thing Sunday was striking. High emotion-levels and Surprise, Ariz., April 16-18, 2009. that surely won’t be debated is the success of the team spirit which have become staples of the Penn State University (PSU) Club Tennis team. Tennis On Campus program were never more USTA Middle States would like to thank organizers Since it’s inception in 2000, no other club team apparent. Bruce Kisthardt and Justin DePietropaolo. Also, in Middle States has been as strong both in the thanks to Dave Shook, Lehigh Univeristy men’s section leagues and at National events. 2008 Drexel sent the biggest shockwave through the and women’s tennis coach, and Lehigh Univeristy was no different as Penn State swept both the field when they knocked-off perennial contender for hosting the event. • Fall league championship and the 2008 USTA Villanova 20-19 in the quarterfinals. In what Campus Championship - Middle States. was perhaps the most exciting match of the -Nathaniel Harrison tournament, the two The 2008 Campus Championship was the largest Philadelphia schools and most competitive event to date in Middle needed a 7-6 super States. Nearly 200 competitors representing an tiebreaker to decide their event-high 21 teams took to the foliage-filled fates. mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh University, October 25-26. The Cinderella-esque run ended in the semifinals Despite a rainy Saturday forcing competitors for Drexel as they ran to scatter to three Lehigh Valley area clubs, the into a very game Rutgers NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 competition was fierce and the level of play was squad. Despite the loss, equally impressive. Seven teams advanced from Drexel continued to pool play unscathed and into the Gold Bracket, impress and bounced while Drexel University, who had the best Delaware to claim third winning percentage without winning their pool place. rounded out the eight-team championship field. Pool winners included: PSU, Lehigh A, Delaware In the championship A, Pittsburgh A, Villanova, Rutgers A and match, Rutgers was up by Two members of the University of Pittsburgh team celebrate after winning a point.
[email protected] 23 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 players out. toplayers juststarting Pennsylvania rangingfrom nationally-ranked 2009, drawsplayers from smalltowns inwestern tournament, whichcelebratesits36th year in division tournamentheldinSt. Mary’s. The Championships, anopen Brewery ClayCourt Additionally, hehascompetedintheStraub Men’s 55division. No. 1in theAlleghenyMountain District forthe Milberg Cup. In 2007hefinished the year ranked competition astheAtlantic CoastCup and represented Middle States insuchintersectional tournaments up-and-down theEastCoast.He has section’s bestplayers, competinginnational Posteraro over theyears hasbecomeoneofthe Competitive maybeanunderstatementas would makeacareer outoftennis.” competitive,” saidPosteraro. “Inever imaginedI “I waslookingforawaytostayactive andbe Posteraro wasonLockHaven’s varsity squad. Posteraro tookuptennisandby thenextspring, summer before his junioryear incollegewhen years ofvarsity basketball.It wasn’t untilthe where thePhysical Education major played four He tookhistalentstoLockHaven University High School,excelling inbasketballandfootball. Posteraro wasastandoutathleteatSt. Mary’s Pennsylvania’slocated innorthwest Elk County, A native and resident ofSt. Mary’s, asmalltown everything. builder,even acourt Posteraro doesalittlebitof program coordinator, tournamentdirector and his bodyofwork intennis. Whether asaplayer, to callhima“Renaissance Man” whenlookingat da Vinci; however, isn’t itcertainly afarcry Denny Posteraro maynever becompared to “Renaissance Men.” were commonlycalled, time ofenlightenment who lived duringthe Vinci andother polymaths intellect andpassion.Da was onlymatchedby his unquenchable curiosity Leonardo da Vinci whose inventor, and artist thinker, polymaths wasthegreat of themostrecognizable a numberoffields. One knowledgeable orexcels in to someonewhoisvery polymath maysimplyrefer polymath. In lesser terms, a commonly calleda restricted toonearea was whose knowledge is not In ancientGreece aperson USTA League Adult Competition 24 [email protected] Denny Posteraro (QST) hasleftalastingimpression onPosteraro(QST) formatofplay,One particular QuickStart Tennis and adults. forareano-cost tennisinstruction children, teens tothedevelopment oflow-costinstrumental or park andrecreation hehasbeen department for allagesandplayingabilities.Through the through clinics andtournamentsinSt. Mary’s Director ofRecreation, offerstennisopportunities Posteraro, thecommunityas whocurrently serves invarious capacitiessince1965. served Recreation anorganizationhehas Department, also receives from theSt. support Mary’s Park and the tenniscommunity. The retired schoolteacher from sponsors suchasStraub’s, volunteers and Posteraro haskepttherateslow thankstosupport to playanotherdayindivision.” better. If you loseonthefirstday you canafford just players thatenjoy tennis and wanttoget We aren’t necessarilylookingforthebestplayers, One ofthe manyQuickStart Tennis Denny Posteraro courts haspaintedonthe driveways ofneighborhoods inSt. Mary’s, Pa. what truly makesthistournamentfun. what truly states in2008,” saidPosteraro. “Thatis “We hadentrantsfrom eightdifferent title in2008,also the Men’s 60singles Posteraro, whowon from outside thearea. attractive to players makes theevent more per entrantalso events. The low cost up formultiple tosign participants entry, itencourages for tournament charging only$5 up thefield. By players whomake are thediverse this event unique makes What truly tournament director. astheevent’sserves from a true “Renaissancefrom atrue Man.” • Denny Posteraro, butwhatelsewould you expect There isn’t muchlefttoaccomplishintennisfor homes, parks andeven atSt. Mary’s High School. whileresurfacing 60moretennis courts inprivate Together theyhave successfullybuilt30clay Homecourt Sports, afterretiring from teaching. daughter, his ownstarted building company,court Posteraro, who,withthehelpofhissonand “Even mygrandchildren playtennis,” said up playingtennisonhisbackyard claycourt. involved intennis.Allthree ofhischildren grew ingettinghisownwas instrumental children In additiontothechildren inSt. Mary’s, Posteraro what shouldbedonetogrow thegame.” community where theyletmebecreative. Thisis getter,” saidPosteraro. tobeina “Iamfortunate “The program wasdefinitelyanattention- St. Mary’s wantedtojoininthefun. meet, asfive, sixandseven year-olds throughout thedemandwasnearlytoogreatinstruction, to andprovidedthe volunteers whopaintedcourts The program wasaninstantsuccessandthanksto play againstkidsfrom another.” Posteraro. “We wouldhave thekidsononeblock “It wasneighborhoodversus neighborhood,” said leagues. tournamentsand torun neighborhood courts neighborhood driveways.Posteraro usesthe in the neighborhoods–paintingQSTcourts Posteraro usedcreativity to tobringthecourts the dauntingtaskofgettingkidstocourts, designed forchildren 10-and-under. Faced with soon becameaproponent oftheplayformat (PTR) conference inHilton Head, S.C.,Posteraro about QSTataProfessional Tennis Registry format intothecommunity. Afterfirstlearning who hasfounduniquewaystogetthepopular -Nathaniel Harrison Professional Tennis Dick’s $50,000 Pro Event Offered More than Just Great Tennis
The tennis was world class but there was much Van Eysendeyk, a French native who is a junior more than just professional women’s tennis at at California University of Pennsylvania, and the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. presents the Karolina Soor, 22, a native of Sweden, who is Tennis Patrons Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh Schmitt’s doubles partner at Marshall University. $50,000 Women’s Challenger at the Oxford Tournament Director Sally Gibson and Ruzanic Athletic Club in Wexford, Pa., Oct. 5-12. coordinated all events during the week-long tournament that raised money for the Tennis The Pro-Am event on October 6 had record Patrons Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh. The participation with 14 women professionals Allegheny Mountain District Board of Directors teaming up with an equal number of local not only supplied volunteers but also contributed players in a spirited mixed doubles event. $2,000 to the tournament.
There was also a very successful silent auction, In the pro finals on October 12, Melinda Czink visits and activities for school children and the of Hungary completed a rare sweep of the USTA Allegheny Mountain District (AMD) held its Pro Circuit, taking home championships in both Competitive Training Center. the singles and doubles finals.
The tournament was filled with aspiring local Czink, a 25-year-old left-hander, entered the talent, including Alison Riske, 18, of Peters competition seeded No. 4 in the singles bracket. Township who qualified for the event based She started her day with a demanding three-set on her international ranking. Entered as “local victory against No. 6 seed Varvara Lepchenko wildcards” were: Michaela Kissell, 20, of Latrobe, of Allentown, Pa., winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, before Pa.; Lauren Greco, 19, of Oakmont, Pa.; and teaming with Lindsay Lee-Waters of Atlanta, Ga. Kellie Schmitt, 21, of Bethel Park, Pa. Western to defeat No. 1 seeds Raquel Kops-Jones and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League Abigail Spears, 6-2, 7-5. • (WPIAL) high school champion Joelle Kissell, 16, of Latrobe, Pa., received a late wildcard bid Downloadable digital photos of the Pro-Am, as a replacement to Kristy Borza, 22, of Beaver, many of the activities, and action photos of the pro Pa., who had to withdraw due to an injury. competitors are posted on the AMD Web site www.amd.usta.com under “Photos.” Also entered as local wildcards, selected by -Tom Benic Tournament Promoter Bob Ruzanic, was Helena
Top Photo: Tournament Promoter Bob Ruzanic poses with Michaela Kissell NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 (Latrobe, Pa.), a standout sophomore on the University of Miami women’s tennis team, lost to veteran pro Raquel Kops-Jones in the first round of the main draw.
Middle Photo: Tournament champion Melinda Czink receives an enlargement of her tournament check from Tournament Promoter Bob Ruzanic and Colleen Wilson, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.’s Community Marketing Manager.
Bottom Photo: Dr. Mark Fye, an orthopedic surgeon in the Pittsburgh area, with his Pro-Am partner Lena Litvak (Bronx, N.Y.). [email protected] 25 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 mother gets soninvolved gets mother in USTA Leagues USTA League school lacrosse All-American;however, thanks Tennis didn’t comeeasyfortheformerhigh someone hisown age.” on his mom enough, he needed to compete against its season,” saidRobin. “Ifigured hehadpicked up to play on a team which had already started “He loved it,andIcamehomesignedhim – thankstohismom. and soonfoundhimselfonaUSTA League team old Penn State University undergradwashooked, limited tennisbackground, theenergetic22-year- a familyvacation inPhoenix, Ariz.Despite avery Scott didn’t pickuparacquetuntilJune 2008on onceinwhile. but theyatleastplayed tennisevery who hadn’t pickeduparacquetforlittlewhile, Kotanis teamwere tothegame,orreturnees new Many ofScott’s teammatesonthe3.0Hempfield- stage, however Scott’s story reads a little differently.program, Robin isnostranger tothesection’s biggest A veteran of the popular recreational tennis However thistimeRobin wasacompetitor, too. was yet againwatchingherson,Scott,compete. States Section ChampionshipinAugust, Robin USTA Middle Leaguepresented by Chrysler that onlyamothercanunderstand.At the2008 andpride watched themwiththenervousness The motheroftwobusyathletes, Robin has I 26 Alshouse, Scott Wengrenovich, David Stover. Elliott Rubin, Kosta Kontanis, captain.National Back Row: Championship. Larry Tedder, Front Row Jesse(L-R):Scott RickTedder,Wengrenovich’s Dissinger, David Daniel 3.0Waraksa, Adult men’s John Shaeffer, team finished third at the 2008 USTA League to beatoneofherchildren’s events. sporting t isfarfrom uncommonforRobin Wengrenovich [email protected]
championship bothofthe Wengrenovich’s were As theygathered inPrinceton forthesection Racquet Club West (Lancaster, Pa.). Lancaster-Kraybill, a4.5 Women’s teamfrom Championship, asdidRobin andherteam, District championship, totheSection andabirth his teamdidaswell, capturingaCentralPA As Scottimproved hisplayover thesummer, advantage.” that otherscouldn’t sojustkeepingitalive wasmy Scott. “Isoonrealized thatIcouldgettoballs I could,tojustkeepingtheballinplay,” said ballashard tohitevery as “I went from trying becamea weapon. soon hisinconsistentfirstserve became more adept atkeepingtheballinplayand and tremendous athleticism,Scottgradually leaps andbounds.Armedwithayouthful motor As hecontinuedtoplay, Scott’s gameimproved by had someonewithwhomshecould“talk tennis.” or fourtimesaweek. Andbestofallformom,she soon foundhimselfpracticingwithhismomthree Undeterred by theinitialgrowing pains,Scott Bloomsburg University. said Robin, aformer varsity fieldhockeyplayer at watched atennismatch,letaloneplayed inone,” scoring, andallthebasics,becausehehadnever to goover etiquette,how towarmup, tie-break “I laughthinkingabouthisfirstmatch….we had foundpassion. to mom,tennisbecameanew Championships in USTA LeagueNational a tickettothe2008 a firstplacefinishand play wasrewarded with teammates’ improved while Scottandhis to asecondplacefinish, play tohelpherteam and consistentdoubles her favorite drop shot their games.Robin used playing atthetopof Scott wasbusywith his for Nationals athome, While histeamprepared Tucson, Ariz. proud to see.• proud is player, tennis the and mom, the Robin mom how muchtheyhadworn,asignthat the holesinhistennisshoesandshowed his they returned from Nationals, Scottcounted monthsearlier.career justafew thatstarted As The endingcouldn’t bemore foratennis perfect competition.” togetbetterandplaynew as anopportunity toadvancingI lookforward tothenextlevel to stayatthesamelevel andnotgetanybetter. team,” saidScott.“Ididn’t playingtennis start “It wasagreat ofthis experiencebeingapart “The competitionat Nationals wasincredible.” match inJune untilNationals,” saidRobin. “It wassofuntowatchScottfrom hisfirst place finish. duo wonina3rd settiebreaker toclinchthethird match. In oneoftheevent’s hallmark matchesthe and Wengrenovich todecidethefateof it wasuptothedoublesteamofKosta Kontanis split, consolation final.Afterthefirstfourcourts The teamfullof resolve, bounced-backinthe a defeatinthesemistoUSTA Mid Atlantic 4-1. record. Theimpressiverun endedhowever with team finishedpoolplaywithanunblemished3-0 Building onthemomentumfrom Princeton, the USTA Leagueseasonwouldendinthe desert. Arizona skies, itseemedfittingthatScott’s first Just ashistenniscareer underthehigh started with wasnoproblem. clinics foritsplayers, sofindingsomeonetohit On Campus program, times and offers open court The team,whichcompetesintheUSTA Tennis playing withthePenn State Club Tennis Team. major didfindtimefortennisashestarted course scheduleinState College.Theaccounting their LancasterCounty home. Scott (left) and Robin (right) Wengrenovich pose in -Nathaniel Harrison Y unique C urts tough; however, it is certainly worth it because of the improved health and satisfaction levels of our The Section’sThe termBest Keptcosts. Secrets After exhaustive research with a set of customers.” innovation engineers, goals were identified and a timeline means a new was soon in place. Mandalap anticipates that in 2009 the facility way of doing will receive the prestigious Leadership in Energy something. The first step was the facility. It was extensively and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, With our sealed with special adhesive to block all leaks. The which would place the club on a distinguished ever-changing building was also coated with a ceramic paint list of structures that are environmentally economic climate, innovative thinking has in some areas which controlled the penetration friendly. The U.S. Green Building Council become a necessity, not only for success, but of cold and warm air. ATC was then fitted with creates guidelines which must be met in order to also for survival. The sport of tennis is not a special fabric which acts as a vapor barrier, receive certification. LEED certified buildings use immune to innovation. One club, Arrowhead controlling the diffusion of moisture through key resources more efficiently when compared Tennis Club (ATC) in Medford, N.J., has the club’s walls, ceiling and floor. The fabric was to conventional buildings which are simply built undertaken innovative measures in order to save used to insulate the building with an air pocket, to code. LEED certified buildings are healthier the environment as well as its employees and creating a “thermos effect,” retarding thermal work and living environments, which contributes members. conductivity between inner and outer vessel to higher productivity and improved employee walls. Just as coffee stays warm in a thermos, the health and comfort. Located in South Jersey, and built during the club is now able to regulate the amount of warm peak of the tennis boom, ATC has offered tennis and cold air that come in and out; while in the The facility’s efforts have not gone unnoticed as opportunities for all ages for nearly 40 years. The process, greatly reducing energy costs. surrounding clubs have followed the lead and seven court facility offers USTA tournament play, made some energy efficient changes. adult league play as well as a very competitive In addition to creating and using less energy, the high performance junior training program. Like facility also installed a unique lighting system “This is not a one and done situation,” said other clubs across the country, the tennis is top which significantly reduces the amount of Mandalap. “We would like to further replicate notch; however, their adaptation to an ever- radiation given off by the lights. This measure these improvements on future ventures within changing environment is what makes this facility not only improves the surroundings for the club’s and outside the tennis arena.” unique. membership it dually creates a better working environment for the ATC’s staff and tennis pros. Thanks to the innovative efforts by Arrowhead Under the new ownership of Mandalap Tennis Center, the building’s logo isn’t the only Enterprises LLC, Venku Mandalap has placed an “These measures will take operating expenses thing that is green. • emphasis on reducing the club’s carbon footprint away from the facility,” said Mandalap. “In the in order to be more eco-friendly and lower energy short term, the costs for these improvements were -Nathaniel Harrison
Ring in 2009 as a USTA Official
If there was ever a time to become one of the more than 3,000 certified USTA officials, this is it! The USTA and USTA Middle States have four Officials Training Schools scheduled for the month of February (see chart).
The process to become a certified official is simple, with only a few basic requirements that must be met: • You must be a member of the USTA. • You must attend a rules clinic and umpire school (referee and International Tennis Association (ITA) schools are optional) and you must take the umpire test. • You must have 20/20 corrected vision. • You must be a member of Middle States Association of Tennis Officials (MSATO). Dues are $20 per year and are included in your first year school fee.
For more information about becoming a certified USTA official, please contact: Dick Green at [email protected].
Date Location Instructor Contact Name Contact Number
February 7-8 Lancaster, PA National Trainer Dick Green 717-560-1495
February 14-15 Pennington, NJ Section Trainer Mike Butler 856-264-6988 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000
February 21-22 Monroeville, PA Section Trainer John DeLaura 724-746-5752
February 28-March 1 Valley Forge, Pa. Section Trainer Kitty Perrin 267-391-9979
[email protected] 27 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 T fall, which they call “Save A Sole.” Members have have Sole.”Members A “Save call they which fall, intheshoe recyclingparticipating program this started Pa., Valencia, in Club Athletic Lakevue com. found on their Web site at: www.nikereuseashoe. be can project Nike’s recycling of shoe details Complete surfaces. their in materials recycled track. Manufacturers canonlyuse10-20percent running one creating in used are shoes of pairs 75,000 of outsoles The court. basketball outdoor an for needed is shoes of pairs 2,500 of foam sole football andsoccerfields. For example,themid- and courts, tennis tracks, courts, basketball outdoor and indoor surfaces, playground including surfaces of types various in used are sections three The uppers. the from fibers fabric and midsoles, the from foam outsoles, the from the shoesare sliced intothree sections:rubber Nike beganrecycling shoesin1990.At Nike, shoes? about what but with; play to dogs for shelters animal to balls used your donate always can you nursing homesforthebottomofwalkers.And to them take can you and chairs; of bottom the on go to preschool or elementary local your to taken be can They ways. several in reused be can Allegheny MountainDistrict 28 Going Green with Tennis of theshoesthey’ve collectedinthe“Save ASole” program. Lisa Polkis, LakevueAthletic Club,andJim Block, Allegheny Mountain DistrictBoard Member, showcase some [email protected]
and avoid ending up in a landfill? Balls Balls landfill? a in up ending avoid and recycled be they can how so quickly, very ennis players gothrough ballsandshoes For more onthe information Women’s Challenger, seepage25. insometennis,usingthe USTA’sthe professional action,butalso participated QuickStart Tennis equipmentand guidelines. the Tennis Patrons Foundation of Greater PittsburghStudents $50,000 and teachers Women’s from Seneca ValleyChallenger. Elementary The students School notwere only special watched guests some of at the Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Presents of pairs of worn-out sneakers,” said Lisa Polkis, Polkis, Lisa said sneakers,” worn-out of pairs of thousands away throw members our year “Each for shipmenttoaNike recycling facility. Theshoesaremetal parts). packedincartons with shoes or shoes, dress cleats, (no sneakers tracks, and fields. Lakevue collects any brand of Nike Grind courts, program foruseinsports the through recycling for club the at boxes been depositingtheiroldsneakersincollection verizon.net Block at412-364-2062oremailblock41@ program or toapplyforagrant,contactJim Sole” A Lakevue’s “Save about To more learn there. shoes some recycle can you shopping outlet going numbers ofshoes(upto10pairs),soifyou are store. the at center collection a added just has Meadows the by program. Nike Also, thenew store attheoutlets the joined already has Club Sports and Health Windwood spent. been have funds allocated the money, until grant for eligible be will and program this in participate to encouraged are facilities AMD All costs. postage cover help to grant $500 a approving by participate to voted and project this about heard Directors of Board (AMD) District Mountain Allegheny The up inalandfill!” doesn’t of that end pair a is Nike to ship we pair Every membership. conscious environmentally Lakevue’s for fit good a be would it thought “I learnedoftheNike recycling program and Event Coordinator LakevueAthletic Club. amd.usta.com
They can only handle small small handle only can They
Central PA District centralpa.usta.com
private school, resort and college sites. He Hershey’s Sweitzer has taught over 50,000 hours of on-court tennis lessons with more than 200 of his named USPTA Pro of former students now teaching or coaching tennis, and has directed over 250 USTA the Year tournaments. He has also published more than 30 tennis articles. om Sweitzer, who has worked out of the Hershey Racquet Club in Hershey, Pa., As a player, he played No. 1 singles for his for the past 32 years and is the owner of high school team at Manheim Central High TCentral Penn Tennis Service, received the United School and was ranked in the top 10 in the States Professional Tennis Association’s (USPTA) USTA 18s. Also, Sweitzer is among the all- Alex Gordon Award for Professional of the Year. time win leaders at Bloomsburg University where he played No. 1 singles as a freshman. Sweitzer, a USPTA Master Professional, was recognized during the USPTA’s annual awards Sweitzer also makes giving back to the breakfast at the USPTA World Conference on community a priority. His charity tennis Tennis at La Quinta Resort in La Quinta, Calif., events have raised over $8 million for in September. USPTA is the world’s oldest and local healthcare facilities and earned him largest association of tennis-teaching professionals. a Pennsylvania Governor’s citation for community service. His other accolades The professional of the year is judged in seven include USPTA Middle States pro of the areas, including: contributions to USPTA and year, president’s service awards, USTA USTA; as a teaching professional, player and Middle States pro of the year, USTA coach; education, research and publications; regional club of the year and Pennsylvania organizational affiliations; and contributions to Community College coach of the year. In the community. 2007, Sweitzer was inducted into the USTA Middle States Hall of Fame. Sweitzer has been very committed in his involvement with the USPTA. He is a former Sweitzer lives in Hershey and spends winters USPTA Middle States Division President in Hilton Head Island, S.C., with his wife and has spoken at more than 15 national and Mikel, who is also a tennis professional. divisional conventions. His Central Penn Tennis Tom Sweitzer, and his wife Mikel, pose with his trophy in La Service operates tennis programs and events Quinta, Calif. Sweitzer received the USPTA Alex Gordon at 13 sites with a total of 58 courts including Award for Professional of the Year. indoor commercial, country club, municipal, Lancaster County team wins WTT National Championship
team from Lancaster County, Pa., captured a national championship at the World TeamTennis (WTT) Rec. League Nationals presented by Advanta at Athe Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif. The team, Kyper’s Snipers, claimed their first National crown. Kyper’s Snipers, who competed in the 3.5 division, won their first WTT Nationals championship with a 29-25 win over Mixed Up of Greenville, S.C. The two teams were 4-0 in round robin action before their finals showdown.
Kyper’s Snipers led going into the final set but Mixed Up rallied to send the match into overtime. Kyper’s Snipers broke Mixed Ups’ serve in the first game of overtime to close out the win, 29-25. Kyper’s Snipers was led by team captain Nicole Nikolaus of Manheim, Pa. Other team members include Christopher Kyper, West Chester, Pa.; Bonnie Fissella, Lancaster, Pa.; and Victor Fissella, Lancaster, Pa.
Forty-two recreational tennis teams from 15 states battled for national championship titles in nine divisions: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, Senior 3.5, Senior 4.0, Corporate 3.5, Corporate 4.0, and Corporate 4.5. Teams advanced to the national finals by either qualifying from their respective division in six WTT Rec. League national qualifying tournaments or by winning their local Corporate League. The weekend kicked off with a Wilson clinic hosted by WTT co-founder Billie Jean King. NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000
All matches used the WTT format, a fun, fast-paced co-ed team format that encourages equal contributions from both genders. A team has a minimum of four players, two men and two women. The WTT format uses Team members (L to R): Nicole Nikolaus (captain), Christopher Kyper, Bonnie five or six no-ad sets: men’s and women’s doubles, men’s and women’s singles Fissella, and Victor Fissella. and one or two sets of mixed doubles.
[email protected] 29 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 Delaware District When asked ifheever planstoslow down hesayswitha laugh, “Iplanto slow down whenIdie.” Association National Tennis Tournament heldinKey Biscayne, Fla., inthe75 Mens andcamein as runner-up Doubles event. volunteering histimetocoach. He isalsoafierce tenniscompetitor inhis own right. Most recently hewon the75 Men’s Singles event attheAmerican Tennis Right now, sheadds,inadditiontoworking with children teachers,Bratcher andrecruiting new isfocusingenergyongrowing highschooltennisby dependable, andhenever letsanytaskgoundone.” Phyllis Gobright, Director of Tennis, Berks Regional Tennis Association,concurs,“Bobisthebestcoordinator towork with.He’s andwonderful so need Bob, he’s there willingtostepinandhelp.” Bratcher’s commitment anddedicationare well known in thecommunity. Delaware District Tennis Representative Service Nancy you Keiper says,“Whenever run—tennis isa high energysport.” Itellthemto determinestheoutcome.Inever letkidsjustwalkonto the court. “The energyacoachbringsonthe court You canfeelBratcher’s enthusiasmwhenyou meethimashisfacelightsupwhenhetalksaboutworking withkids. want tobeapositive role model,” explainsBratcher. such aspecialplace.” to theowners, guests,andstaffthathelpmake Sea Colony to berankedNo. 10.It specialhonorthatmustgo isavery Marshall says,“We are humbledby TENNIS Magazine round security andin-seasonchildren’s programs. Dave private beach, 12pools(twoindoor),fitnesscenters, year- features awidevariety ofamenitiesincludingahalfmile In additiontoitsworld-classtennisofferings, Sea Colony kudos from stateandregional tennisorganizations. champions andtopcollegiatetennisplayers, whileearning program has produced statechampions,juniornational Supported by theSea Colonyhomeowners, thetennis players of all agesandskilllevels. totennis range ofcamps,clinicsandprivate instruction under Tennis Director Dr. Dave Marshall, offersawide Tru clay, and25teachingprofessionals, Sea Colony Tennis, With includingfourindoorand14Har- 34tenniscourts, Colony anditstennisstaff. to thelistoflocal,regional andglobalhonorsearnedby Sea The publication’s October issueaddsnational recognition No. 5spotforbestinstruction. “Top 50U.S. Tennis Resorts.” Sea Colonyalsoearnedthe Tennis Resort Community,” andNo. 10onitslistofthe in Bethany Beach, Del., as“The Premier Family Beach & In itsOctober issue, TENNIS Magazine rankedSea Colony Tennis Resort ranked as Top Ten U.S. Delaware’s Sea Colony Bob Bratcher andtwoofhisstudents. 30 [email protected] “Every toteach,Iremember timeIwalkonthecourt tomakeanimpact onachild’s thatIhave anopportunity life,andI foam ballsandsmallracquetswhichhasevolved intothepopularQuickStart Tennis formattoday. Association where heisaprogram director. Years ago,Bratcher wasastrong advocate forteachingyoung children with time attheRodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Association,USTA after-schoolprograms, andBerks Regional Tennis children togive tennisatry. He hasbeenteachingtennisallover theDelaware District forthepast10years, including Although hisgranddaughter, a junioratHoward University, haslostinterest intennis,Bratcher hasinspired manyother out,” Bratcher said.“Idiscovered thatIlikedteachingtennisandstuckwithit.” “I wasbringinghertoavariety ofdifferent groups toencourageherplaytennis,andbecauseIwasthere Iwouldhelp play thathediscovered histalentforteaching. toencouragehisgranddaughter, playingtenniswhenhewasinhis20s,itnotuntiltrying started Natosha, to dayeitherplaying,teaching,coaching,ormentoring.Althoughhe five almostevery Bratcher isstillonthetennis courts Giving backsumsupBobBratcher’s lifeinanutshell.Anavidtennis player forthepast50years, attheageofseventy- BratcherBob Volunteers histimefortheLove of Tennis pose atthe2008USTA Semi-Annual Meeting inNew York City. students andparents from RodneyStreet Tennis & Tutoring Association Brown Grimes, President oftheBoard, andChairman USTA; and Nancy Keiper, Delaware District Tennis Representative; Service Jane Dream Day forRST&TA Students lifetime fortheseyoung tennisplayers! graciously metandtookpictures witheachofthem. It wasanunforgettableexperienceofa apost-matchpress conferenceobserve featuringtennisstar, Venus Williams, whoafterwards stage tourofthefacilityasguestsUSTA. Asluckwouldhave it,theywere able to were invitedtotheUSOpen towatch thedaysessionmatchesandwere given aback lives innearby ChaddsFord, Pa. After themeeting,student-athletesandtheirparents to provide future guidancetotheRST&TA assheispassionateabouttheprogram and Chairman oftheBoard comestoanend.Grimes, aUSTA Middle States member, plans Grimes’ gave herfarewell address totheUSTA Board, ashertwo-year termasPresident and approximately 600USTA volunteer delegatesandstaffmembers. Alsoatthemeeting, collected astheyhighlightedtheirtennisandlifeexperienceswithRST&TA before with DD Tennis Representative, Service Nancy Keiper, appeared calmand articulate, focused onkeepinginner-cityyouth “on notinthem.” thecourts, Theteenagers,along discussed theirinvolvement intheRST&TA program, acommunitytennisassociation inapaneldiscussionatthe2008USTAto participate Semi-Annual Meeting. The youth in New York Cityby USTA President andChairmanoftheBoard Jane Brown Grimes, delaware.usta.com to theGrand Hyatt hotel chaperones, were invited along withthree parent- Walker andAlexBecton, (A.I.) Hackett, Serena Aften Edwards, Adiehl Sisters, Ameraand day attheUSOpen. (DD) spenta“dream” Delaware District athletes from the (RST&TA) student- Tutoring Association Street Tennis and weekend, five Rodney On thispastLaborDay Eastern PA District easternpa.usta.com
Additional stories and information from the Eastern PA District A Year of Love can be found on the District Web site: www.epdtennis.com. Over the past year, Winning Touch Tennis (WTT) of Lehigh Valley, along with many of the people who play there, showed their love, off the court, to the community.
In November, led by Leslie Gimbel, the club’s Event Coordinator and Kelly McDonald, a WTT member, the club ran a food and blanket drive. More than six boxes of food and blankets were collected, making Thanksgiving a little brighter for those less fortunate.
In December, they ran two charity drives, a “Toys for Tots” campaign, which resulted in four large boxes of toys being donated; and the second, a fundraiser where handmade lighted glass blocks were made and sold. One-hundred-percent of the proceeds from the sale went to local soup kitchens.
In May, WTT held a “New Sneakers/Old Racquets” charity drive. A total of 32 tennis racquets were collected and donated to Embrace Your Dreams, a local community tennis association serving local youth. Twenty-one pairs of sneakers were collected and given to the Boys and Girls Club of Allentown.
Leslie Gimbel, Winning Touch Bill Kurtain and Steve Dansky, owners of WTT, said they are touched by the kindness of the WTT community. They are Tennis’ Event Coordinator, poses equally impressed by the energy of Gimbel and McDonald, who spearheaded these events. in front of the facility located in Allentown, Pa. Gimbel quickly pointed out, “These events were only successful because of the generosity of the WTT members!”
EPD Members in the Spotlight
Tommy Meyers – Meyers won six Gold Medals at the 2008 Keystone State Games, a feat never accomplished before, as well as the tournament’s Outstanding Tennis Award, and has been nominated for the 2008 Keystone State Games’ Kelly Cup Award. The Kelly Cup is the highest annual honor awarded to a Keystone State Games Athlete. No tennis player has ever won this award. The winner will be announced in spring 2009.
Art Smith – Smith was recently recognized by the professional registry of teaching pros for 30 years of distinguished service. Smith, a USPTA tennis professional, high school coach and formerly ranked USTA Middle States tennis player also made his mark while playing collegiate tennis at Moravian College.
Alan Heverly – Heverly, a Lehigh Valley tennis pro, player, and coach, was inducted into the 2008 Moravian College Athletic Hall of Fame. Heverly, who graduated from Moravian in 1996, was a two- year member of the men’s tennis team. He had a 21-8 career singles record after transferring from Bucks The “Winning Touch Super Senior Team” poses with their County (PA) Community College, where he made two appearances in the National Junior College Athletic championship banner at the USTA Middle States Super Senior Association (NJCAA) Tournament. As a senior, he helped the Moravian Greyhounds win the MAC Section Championship. Commonwealth Conference title, as the team won a school record 13 matches.
Winning Touch Super Senior Team – A group of tennis-loving women from the Lehigh Valley, representing Winning Touch Tennis, won the 7.0 division at the USTA Middle States Super Senior Section Championship. The women will compete at the National Championship set for April 2009 in Arizona.
Split Rock Lodge Busy with Tennis Action The tennis action at Split Rock Lodge (Lake Harmony, Pa.) is growing. The site hosted three tournaments: Keystone Kickoff, the Split Rock Summer Classic and The Pocono Open. All-in-all the tournaments produced over 141 entrants.
The state flag of Indiana will be added to the state flags on display at Split Rock, as Will Piekarsky won the men’s side of the 2008 Keystone Kickoff. This brings the total to 12 state flags on display. Christine Bergey (Kingston, Pa.) played another strong tournament winning her fourth and fifth Keystone Kickoff titles. This year she won the Girl’s 14s and 16s divisions. A participant since the inaugural event in 2005, she has won a singles event every year.
The Split Rock Summer Classic followed the first Classic Tennis Camp and included fourteen campers in the draws. Of the seven events held, Classic Tennis Camp attendees captured five titles. NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000
The 4th Annual Pocono Open, a USTA prize money event, was held the weekend of August 15-17. No. 1 seed Clint Boling (Bethlehem, Clint Boling (Bethlehem, Pa.) Pa.) defended his 2007 title, defeating No. 2 seed Maksim Tikhomirov of Philadelphia. To add to the pedigree, the event featured players prepares to hit a backhand shot at from as far away as Massachusetts, Canada and South Carolina. the 2008 Pocono Open. Boling, the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Each year the Pocono Open selects a participant to receive the Dr. Charles Wolbers Sportsmanship Award for excellence in composure finished first. and performance. The 2008 recipient was quarter-finalist Michael McGrath from Media, Pa.
[email protected] 31 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 W coordinator role after21years Thompson endsUSTA League for theleague’s districtchampionships.Now, iscomputerized. everything Thompson wouldcollectthefees.astournamentdirector She alsoserved tofillout,and helped assembleteams.Thecaptains,andshe,hadpaperwork have acaptains’ meeting,andtheywouldrecruit teams.Thompsonalso The keyforThompsonwastogetsomeonebecaptain.Thenshewould had toberated,sowe hadverification clinicsandIheadedthatup.” I justkeptgettingphonecallsfrom fellows whowantedtoplay. Andthey In recent years, I’ve had38-39teamsanditexpandedtoSouth Jersey aswell. into,” saidThompson.“In thebeginning we had11teams. From thatitgrew. “Jackie Kimballcornered meonedayandIhadnoideawhatwasgetting league’s numerous changes,thePrinceton resident hasdecidedtostepdown. sponsor, the Volvo League.Now, after21years ofworking through the New Jersey District Central New Jersey. After 21 years, Betty Thompson is stepping down as USTA League men’s coordinator for 32 Jersey. formembersofSpecial Olympics atthetennis clinicsheorganized ofNewparticipants Lauren Altschuler (front row, fifth from left) poses with the instructors, volunteers and [email protected] program was onlyinitseighthyear andwasknown by its League men’s coordinator forCentralNew Jersey, thenationwide hen Betty Thompsonbeganherjourneyin1987astheUSTA plans tovolunteer nextyear atSpecial Olympics tennisevents. know thatshemayhave helpedothersbecome interested intennis, andshe the athletesastheywere havingfunandlaughing.She saiditfeltgreat to was an“awesome experience.” She especiallyenjoyed watchingthefacesof and otherprizes. When askedwhatthedaymeanttoher, Altschulersaidit Freeburn ofNike wasthere to help, too,anddonatedNike tennistowels player, manyofwhomwere area highschooland tournamentplayers. Frank & RacquetClub. Eachathletewaspaired upwithanexperiencedtennis Gonzalez andCarol MacLennan,Hill bothteachingpros atCherry Health which were activitiesandinstruction, of on-court organized by Omar of Voorhees, N.J.About 14Special Olympic athleteswere treated tolots Special Olympics tennisclinicatEasternHigh Schoolintheirhometown Special Olympics ofNew Jersey, Altschulerandherfamilyarrangeda decided togearittowards tennis. With thehelpofCarmenBannon from project for her Battime tochooseacommunityservice Mitzvah, Altschuler Middle States Jr. Team Tennis teamthatwent toNationals. When itcame day,almost every competesin tournamentsandwasamemberofthe Everyone whoknows Lauren Altschulerknows sheloves tennis! She plays Altschuler Gives Back last year. Contactinformationisavailable ontheNJD Web site. Central Jersey teams,andDennis LeggoewillhandleSouth Jersey ashedid Thom Bishop hasassumedThompson’s leaguecoordinator positionfor USTA Leagueprogram andwishherwell.” tothe said, “IwanttothankBetty forhermanyyears ofdedicatedservice Sally Baird, whoadministerstheleagueprogram forUSTA Middle States, a philanthropic educationalorganization. kids’ andtravel.” birthdays Thompsonwillalsocontinueherwork with PEO, and sometimesIfeelI’m overloaded. Now I’ll beabletokeepupwithmy these fellows. It’s experience.I’m beenawonderful notgettinganyyounger league position.“I’m umpire. stillacertified Ihave enjoyed working withall “After 21years, Ifelt thatIwouldgive thatup,” saidThompsonabouther inUSTAfor outstandingservice Middle States asaUSTA umpire. For herwork asanofficial,Thompson received the1988 Ed Mellor Award one ofmyfavorites,” shesaid. matchinthenationalboys’18squarterfinal tournamentin Kentucky. “He’s attheUSOpen. Andshechairedon theoutercourts aJames Blake Princeton University whenheplayed forPepperdine. She wasascorekeeper in thelegby aJohn McEnroe She serve. worked aBrad Gilbert matchat During hernine-year stintwiththeUSPro Indoor, Thompsonwasoncehit collegiate, andlocalmatches,isinher30thyear asanofficial. under fire” shecallsit. Since then,Thompsonhas refereed manyjunior, Spectrum, callinglinesagainstmanyoftheworld’s bestplayers –“baptized test, shewasthrown tothewolves fortheUSPro Indoor Tournament atthe is continuing.Thelate Mat Finkelstein gotherinvolved, andafterpassinga week, but there is another part of her tennis life - as a certified referee - that she Now 79,Thompsonhas16grandchildren andisstillplayingtennistwicea coach. Duke University, fouroftheirfive children tooklessonsfrom the Duke a nursingdegree andmetherhusbandBob. Later, whenBobworked at through hercollegedaysatUniversity ofCincinnati,where shereceived off and on tennis neighborhood, taughtthemselves toplay.played She racket forherbirthday. She, alongwithalltheotherkidsinherMississippi Tennis gotintoThompson’s blood atage12,whenshe received atennis newjersey.usta.com Philadelphia District philadelphia.usta.com An October to Remember Philadelphia area teens reach JTT National Championship
But, the National title is not decided on individual match wins, but in total games won. In that regard, the Ashe kids had fallen just short 161 The Arthur Ashe team poses before to USTA Northern’s 165. Still, they returned to a match at the JTT National Philadelphia with lessons learned and memories Championships. of fun both on and off the court: team dinners Back row (left to right): Matt out, nights in a hotel, and a party aboard the USS Sullivan, Jordan Lieb, Stephanie Alabama. Pino, Claire Uhle, Alexandra Nuzhdin, and Declan Hahn. “We danced, talked and walked around,” said Front row: Coach Alan Blackwell. Nuzhdin. Missing from photo: Julianne Herman. “You could go on the battleship and walk around in there,” said Sullivan. “That was fun.” he Phillies may have grabbed the media of people asked us where we were going and what spotlight in October’s World Series sport we were playing.” “We really got to make friends with the Northern Championship, but behind the scenes, team from North Dakota,” said Lieb. “We hung thereT was another Philadelphia team you may Sullivan and his teammates entered the national around with them a lot.” In fact, many of the kids not have heard about that was also representing event with high hopes and expectations. Coach say they are keeping in touch today via email and Philadelphia on the National stage. Blackwell’s team was solid, having gone undefeated Facebook. in four previous years of play. He told them he On October 23, the 14-and-under Advanced Jr. was expecting nothing but the best. “We’re going As for their Philadelphia homecoming, there was Team Tennis (JTT) team from Arthur Ashe Youth to bring the gold back; and have a parade in the no parade or crowd to greet them like the Phillies Tennis and Education boarded a plane for Mobile, middle of the city and everybody waiting for us at enjoyed. But the group was surprised by a chance Ala., to compete in the 2008 JTT National the airport when we come back!” meeting with a “real” tennis champion while they Championship. The team is the first-ever from the were awaiting their return flight at the airport. Philadelphia District to make it to the National The seven-member travel team faced off in boys Championship. and girls singles, doubles and mixed doubles. “It was Murphy Jensen!” said Uhle. “We were just A total of sixteen teams from across the United walking through the airport and we just happened “They knew they were the only team to ever do States were vying for the top prize – a National to see him.” Jensen was on his way to work with that,” said Coach Alan Blackwell. “It’s a great Championship. Pete Sampras when the Ashe kids descended on opportunity for the kids to represent USTA him. Middle States and Philadelphia. They were very “We were playing against really good players so it excited.” made me rise to their level and play really well,” “We told him who we were and where we were said Uhle. from and how we did,” said Sullivan. “And he The novelty of traveling by plane with their fellow took a picture with us.” teammates was clearly one of the highlights for the “I liked how we had the whole team thing,” said players. Jordan Lieb, an eighth grader at the Haverford The picture isn’t quite like the taking home the School. Lieb said it was easier to handle the trophy but it makes for a great souvenir, and “Yeah, I loved doing that,” said 14-year-old co- pressure as a team, rather than as an individual. conversation piece. captain Claire Uhle. “It’s different than the normal tournament experience because it’s “I’ve traveled before; but not with my friends to go not all about you.” somewhere for tennis,” added Episcopal Academy The teams battled for freshman, Stephanie Pino. “Traveling as a team three days. When the was really cool.” dust settled, Claire Uhle and her teammates The team traveled in matching uniforms finished seventh out purchased by the Philadelphia Area Tennis of sixteen, which District. “They got us T-shirts and really nice was disappointing to NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 jackets that have our names on the side,” said Alexandra Nuzhdin, Uhle. “Because we were the only team to beat Co-Captain Matt Sullivan said they got a lot of the winners (USTA attention at the airport. “People saw we were a Northern), so we could team,” said Sullivan from Masterman High. “A lot have finished first!” At the airport, the Arthur Ashe team ran into former professional tennis star Murphy Jensen.
[email protected] 33 NETPLAY • WINTER 08-09 • 610.935.5000 Middle States Happenings 34 7 4 1 2008 BobO’Connor Summer Tennis ClassicinPittsburgh. of Pittsburgh, poseswithChrisZurawsky, at the atournament participant, Photo 5:Judy O’Connor, thewifeoflateBob O’Connor–formerMayor of Fame. Coordinator. The trio pausesforaphotoatthe2008USTA Middle States Hall Director, AmySmith, President; andRob Howland, Development Photo ofthefacesbehind NJTL of 4:Afew Trenton –Dan Faber, Executive prepares highschoolstudentsforthepossibilityofplayingcollegiate tennis. Education CenterinPhiladelphia. Bothwomenpresented attheevent which USTA Middle States College Day Ashe event atArthur Youth Tennis & Photo 3:AngelikaSader (left)andfriendDede Allen(right)poseatthe2008 poses withfinalistCasey Robinson (right)ofHarriton High School. Association (PIAA) AA Singles Champion from LowerPhoto 2:Madison Cohen(left),the2008Pennsylvania Moreland Interscholastic Athletic High School, ceremony. poses withwifeElaine (left)andfriendKimMcFadden (right)attheOctober Photo 1:2008Middle States Hall ofFame inducteeEd McQuillin (center) [email protected]
10 8 5 2 Tex., inOctober. Amanda Bruscemi at the 2008 Little Mo National ChampionshipsPhoto 10:McMurray, Pa., native AnnaSmith (right)talksstrategywithpartner in Austin, Fair Meadows hostedby Country ofAllentown inSeptember. Kaunitz (center),helped“stamp out” Alzheimer’s at the 2ndAnnualCountry Photo 9:The Parkland High Schoolgirl’s tennisteam,led by headcoach Paula right –Nathan Perrone, Kevin Taylor, Ryan DickersonandBreezy Maravich. Nationalsome funatthe2008JTT ChampionshipsinMobile, Ala.Leftto Photo 8:Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) participants from the New Jersey District have Posteraro, Bill Ide, Bill Carpenter, Alan Garabedian, andFrank Bova. Arlington Tennis CenterinArlington, Tex., inNovember. Lefttoright-Denny competed atthe2008USTA National Men’s Intersectional Team Event atthe Photo 7:TheUSTA Middle States’ Men’s 55 Intersectional team recently by theUnitedwas run Spinal Association. held atthe Wachovia CenterinAugust. TheUSTA sponsored theevent which Photo 6:2008 One of the participants from the 2008 Kids Sports Spectacular 3 9 6
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