2 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program President’s Message Thank you for adding to The Ojai’s glorious history

elcome to The Ojai! For some 115 Pac-12 champion UCLA men, led by past home the coveted W years, The Ojai Tennis Tournament Ojai champs Mackenzie McDonald, Gage Farnam Cup, the has been a staple and tradition in Brymer and Austin Rapp, be able to turn oldest of the Ojai Southern California known for not only its back defending (and five of last six years) Tennis Tournament competitive tennis events, but also for its NCAA champion USC, and fellow Pac-12 perpetual trophies warm hospitality and rich and storied powerhouses Cal and Stanford? Will a first presented in history. UCLA Bruin womens player be able to 1902. New talent Started in 1896 by William Thacher, capture the Pac-12 Individual singles title will be discovered The Ojai will once again host the Pac-12 like Kyle McPhillips and Jennifer Brady in the other junior Men’s and Women’s Championships. did the past two years, respectively? events at The Ojai, There are a lot of questions that will be The top high school boys will battle always one of the answered once play is concluded this fiercely in the always-tough CIF top junior fields in Southern California weekend. Will the two-time defending Interscholastic Singles division to take and now considered a “National Showcase” tournament by Tennis Recruiting Network (TRN), the premier collegiate tennis recruiting website in the country. From Ojai’s Mayor Through the generous donation of longtime tournament official and benefactor Mike Taggart, an increased amount of $22,500 will be handed out in prize money in the Men’s and Women’s Open events. The Ojai is pleased to announce that this year’s tournament — for the third straight year — will feature the California Community Colleges State Dear Ojai Tennis Tournament Guests: Championships, and heated action is expected in the Men’s Division III and It is an honor, as the Mayor of the City of Ojai, to welcome the participants and Men’s/Women’s Independent College spectators of The Ojai Tennis Tournament to our wonderful town. This is the 115th playing of The Ojai Tennis Tournament, one of the oldest and most prestigious events. tournaments in the nation. It is the only tennis tournament, except for Wimbledon, that This year, we are especially honored to still serves tea daily, as well as fresh squeezed orange juice straight from local orchards. bring back the legendary Stan Smith as our featured guest at the Thursday night This year’s tournament honoree is a former world No.1 player, Stan Smith. I am happy to welcome him back to Ojai, more than 50 years after he first came to the valley barbecue as well as to hear stories of past and experienced so much success on the tennis courts as a junior player from Pasadena, Ojai tournaments Stan played in from then later as a player for USC. 1963 to 1968 at two special fundraising events held on Friday night. I invite you to take advantage of the other activities that the Ojai Valley has to So sit back and relax, grab some offer while you are enjoying the tournament. The Ojai Valley is bordered by the Topa Topa Mountains. Many can enjoy hiking, and a nice drive into the Los Padres National Forest. complimentary orange juice, or perhaps a There are many views to take advantage of here. There are many resorts and spas if one cookie or two with some afternoon tea, wants to get pampered. There is horseback riding and bike riding and a wonderful and enjoy all the great tennis action and walking trail that extends from Ojai (starting at Soule Park) to Ventura. the unique ambience that only The Ojai There are a variety of unique restaurants and shops in our valley. We have can provide. Most importantly, thank you wonderful hotels that offer amenities that are beyond the norm. There are art galleries for being part of The Ojai Tennis and unique jewelry businesses that demonstrate our commitment to art and Tournament this year; your presence, craftsmanship. Ojai has ice cream, candy, and frozen yogurt shops. There is something whether as a player, spectator or volunteer, for everyone here. I cannot list each and every merchant our special city has, but I hope will help to add another chapter to the that you will take the time to explore them. Please, take advantage of all there is to do here. fabled and glorious experience that is The Ojai! On behalf of the City of Ojai I want to thank The Ojai Valley Tennis Club for their Mike Borders on-going commitment to this event. It is put on by more than 500 volunteers and boasts President, Ojai Valley Tennis Club 27 divisions, 1,250 players and uses more than 120 tennis courts in the Ojai Valley and neighboring Ventura and Oxnard area for play. Ojai is honored to host this event.

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The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 3 Schedule of Events

Depending on venue, play generally starts College Men’s Singles & Doubles Semifinals, Open Men’s Doubles at 8 or 9 a.m. and continues throughout • Pacifica High School: Community Quarterfinals and Semifinals, Open the day. Schedule is subject to change College Men’s Singles & Doubles Women’s Singles Semifinals, Open without notice. • Residence Inn Marriot: Women’s Doubles Quarterfinals and Community College Men’s Singles Semifinals Tuesday, April 21 • Ojai Valley Athletic Club: Friday, April 24 Independent College Men’s Singles • Ojai Valley Athletic Club: Men’s and and Doubles, Independent College Women’s Open Singles Qualifying OJAI SITES: Women’s Singles and Doubles, Rounds • Libbey Park: Two Pac-12 Men’s Community College Men’s Singles Team Dual Matches, Junior Events and Doubles, Community College Wednesday, April 22 • Ojai Valley Inn: Open Men’s Singles Women’s Singles and Doubles & Doubles, Open Women’s Singles • The Thacher School: Division III • Libbey Park: Two Pac-12 Men’s • Ojai Valley Athletic Club: PAC-12 College Men’s Singles & Doubles Team Dual Matches and first round Women's Championship Singles & and selected Junior Event Semifinals CIF matches Doubles • Pierpont Racquet Club and Ventura • The Thacher School: Boys’ CIF, Sunday, April 26 College: Men’s and Women's Junior Events • Libbey Park: (all matches are California Community College Team • Villanova Preparatory School: Junior Finals, unless otherwise indicated; all Championships Events starting times are approximate) • Nordhoff High School: Junior Events 8 a.m. Thursday, April 23 VENTURA SITES: Pac-12 Women’s Invitational Singles Division III College Men’s Singles OJAI SITES: • Pierpont Racquet Club: Semifinals (2) • Libbey Park: Two Pac-12 Men’s Independent College Men’s Singles Community College Men’s Doubles Team Dual Matches, Junior Events & Doubles Semifinals (2) – Lower Libbey • Ojai Valley Inn: Open Men’s Singles • Ventura College: Community Community College Women’s • Ojai Valley Athletic Club: Pac-12 College Women’s Singles & Doubles, Doubles Semifinals (2) – Lower Women’s Championship Singles Independent College Women’s Libbey • The Thacher School: Boys’ CIF, Singles & Doubles 9:30 a.m. Junior Events • Camino Real Park: Community Open Women’s Singles • Villanova Preparatory School: Junior College Women’s Singles & Doubles Pac-12 Women’s Championship Events • Buena High School: Division III Singles • Ojai Valley School Upper Campus: College Men's Singles and Doubles Independent College Men’s Singles Boys’ CIF OXNARD SITES: Independent College Women’s • Ojai Valley School Lower Campus: Singles • Oxnard Tennis Center:Community Junior Events 11 a.m. College Men’s Singles & Doubles, • Nordhoff High School: Junior Events Open Men’s Singles Division III College Men’s Singles & • Matilija Junior High School: Junior Pac-12 Women’s Invitational Doubles Events Doubles • Pacifica High School: Community • Private Courts: Junior Events Division III College Men’s Singles College Men’s Singles & Doubles Community College Men’s Singles VENTURA SITES: • Residence Inn Marriot: 12:30 p.m. • Pierpont Racquet Club: Community College Men’s Singles & Open Women’s Doubles Independent College Women’s Doubles Pac-12 Women’s Championship Singles & Doubles Doubles • Ventura College: Community College Independent College Women’s Women’s Singles & Doubles, Saturday, April 25 Doubles Independent College Women’s ALL EVENTS IN OJAI: Community College Women’s Singles & Doubles Singles • Libbey Park: Pac-12 Men’s Team • Ventura High School: Junior events 2 p.m. Final Dual Match, Pac-12 Women’s • Camino Real Park: Community Open Men’s Doubles Championship & Invitational Singles College Women’s Singles & Doubles Division III College Men’s Doubles & Doubles Semifinals, All Junior • Buena High School: Community Independent College Men’s Doubles Event and Boys’ CIF Finals College Women’s Singles & Doubles Community College Men’s Doubles • Lower Libbey Park: Selected Junior 3:30 p.m. OXNARD SITES: Event Semifinals Community College Women’s • Oxnard Tennis Center: Community • Ojai Valley Inn: Open Men’s Singles Doubles

4 The Ojai official 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 5 Tournament Sponsors Individual and Corporate Venues • Mike Taggart • Tom Rohrbacher: Stringer at Ojai Valley Inn: • City of Ojai – Libbey Park • Ventura Rentals: (805) 644-4496; (805) 640-2109 • Ojai Valley Inn & Spa venturarental.com • Ojai Valley Inn & Spa: ojairesort.com • Ojai Valley Athletic Club • Ojai Civic Association • Ojai Valley Athletic Club: ovac.caclubs.com • Villanova Preparatory School • Rock-It Cargo USA, LLC: rockitcargo.com • Coast Mayflower: (805) 646-1234 • Harry & Ann Oppenheimer • Harris Water Conditioning: harriswaterco.com • The Thacher School • Plexipave Sport Surfacing • Wells Fargo Bank: wellsfargo.com • Nordhoff High School • Deer Lodge: deerlodgeojai.com • Friend’s Ranches, Inc.: friendsranches.com • Matilija Junior High School • Capri Hotel: hotelojai.com • Weil Tennis Academy and Preparatory School: • City of Ventura – Camino Real Park • Valerie & Alan Greenberg weiltennis.com • The Ojai Valley School • Tennis Warehouse: tennis-warehouse.com • Mission Linen Supply: missionlinen.com • Ventura College • Wilson: The official ball for The Ojai; • David Junod, CPA: junodcpa.com • Pierpont Racquet Club wilson.com/en-us/tennis • City of Ojai: ci.ojai.ca.us • Pacifica High School • E.J. Harrison & Sons: ejharrison.com • Dunn-Edwards Paints: dunnedwards.com • Residence Inn Marriott • Rotary Club of Ojai West: rotaryojaiwest.org • George and Colleen Conrad • Buena High School • Barry Golden • Forbess Consulting Group: fcgenviro.com • Oxnard Tennis Center (Tennis mAcademy) • Ojai Community Bank: • Contempo Hair Design: Ojaicommunitybank.com contempohairdesignojai.com • Ventura High School • Ojai Valley Lions Club: ojaivalleylionsclub.com • Ojai Valley Directory: ojaivalleydirectory.com • Solinco: Official stringer for The Ojai at Libbey • Suzanne’s Cuisine: suzannescuisine.com Park: solincosports.com • Ojai Donut Shoppe: (805) 646-1429 Tournament Sanctioning About the Cover Organizations • Pac-12 Conference: pac-12.com This year’s honored tournament guest and former Ojai • CIF – Southern Section: cifss.org champion Stan Smith is featured on the cover of the program. • USTA / Southern California Section: Photo by Marge Schwab; cover design by Heather Farley. SCTA.usta.com

6 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Ojai Valley Tennis Club

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Belshe, Mike Borders, Wayne Bruce, Carolyn Burke, George Conrad, Craig Fugle, Jeff Jenkins, Dennis Jenks, John Kretzers, Tina Leslie, Terry Lynch, Jim Maxwell, Robin Neumann, Vivian Perrett, Bruce Purvine, Alan Rains, Mandi Roberts, Kathleen Rogers, Jakob Vos, Mark Weil, Anne Williamson, Duane Williamson, Ron Wilson DIRECTORS EMERITUS Joe DeVito, Robert Jarboe, Binney Moss, Caroline Thacher, Tony Thacher

TENNIS CLUB OFFICERS President: ...... Mike Borders Vice President: ...... Kathleen Rogers Secretary: ...... Robin Neumann Treasurer: ...... Mandi Roberts YOUTH TENNIS PROGRAMS Chair: ...... Jakob Vos Vice Chair:...... Craig Fugle VCJTA Liaison:...... Terry Lynch Policy Board: ...... Tony Thacher TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS Executive Director:...... Duane Williamson Open Tournament Director:...... Anne Williamson Pac-12 Tournament Director:...... Jeff Jenkins Colleges Tournament Director:...... Terry Lynch Junior Tournament Director: ...... Craig Fugle Player Activities and Liaison:...... Mark Weil Operations Consultant:...... Jim Kasser I.T.A. Referee/Chief of Umpires: ...... Jane Goodman Pac-12 Women’s Referee: ...... Joan Vormbaum Open Referee: ...... Marylynn Baker Junior Referee:...... Alec Horton TOURNAMENT COMMITTEES / CHAIRS Directory & Draw Sheets:...... Cynthia Duncan Libbey Tournament Desk: ...... Jan Key & Sandi White Score Reporting: ...... Duane & Rhonda Basore Tournament Scheduling: ...... Tina Leslie Volunteer Coordinators: ...... Suzanne St. Claire & Leslie Gache Accommodations: ...... Cassandra Vankeulen Pac-12 Housing: ...... Nancy Pierson Ball Boys & Girls:...... Peter Fagan, Rick Thompson & Brice Pace Ojai Courts — Desk Managers:...... Mike Burke Trophies & Photos:...... Jan & Alan Rains Venue Set up: ...... Gary Belshe Volunteer & Board Socials ...... Leslie Gache & Robin Neumann Private Courts: ...... Carolyn Burke & Susan Kasser Private Court Monitors:...... Mark Zimmermann & Greg Wright Libbey Park Food & Berverage:...... Kathleen Schafer Ventura Area — Venue Management:...... Lester Tong Ojai Lunches:...... Robin Neumann Venue Set up:...... Bill Flothmeier Umpire Coordinator: ...... Jeff Becker Merchandise Sales:...... Pam Speitel & Kris Etzler Libbey Venue Management: Tickets: ...... Brian Ford Chair ...... John Kretzers Marketing & Media Relations:...... Steve Pratt, BZA PR Vice Chair:...... Dennis Jenks Vice Chairs: ...... Jill Cox & Christian Sidwell Security:...... David Breese Program: ...... Vivian Perrett Security Assistant:...... Terry Wright Info Technology: ...... George Walden Health and Safety:...... Dave Warner Sponsors: ...... Ronnie Wilson Barbecue: ...... George Conrad Libbey Score Posting:...... Samuel Eaton Barbecue Entertainment: ...... Mark Weil Tea Tent: Orange Juice: ...... Roy Bennett Chair ...... Mandi Roberts Merchandise Sales:...... Lori Herman Vice Chair:...... Sharon Morgan Tournament Physician: ...... Dr. Kenneth Hartenstein Fundraising: Libbey Venue Set up: Co-Chairs ...... Sandi White & Kathleen Schafer Chair...... Bruce Purvine Strategic Planning:...... Tina Leslie Vice Chair: ...... Kathleen Rogers Facilities Management & Capital Improvements: ...... Dennis Jenks

The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 7 Photo courtesy of Adidias Stan Smith shows off a pair of new Adidas Stan Smith shoes, which was named Shoe of the Year in 2014 by Footwear News Magazine. Mr. Smith goes to Ojai

By Steve Pratt In a probably otherwise up to exact some revenge famous and well-known Fifty years ago this month forgettable final for Smith, he against Pasarell and his UCLA anywhere within tennis circles. Stan Smith came to Ojai as a was beaten by UCLA junior teammate Joaquin Loyo-Mayo, Smith is returning to The Ojai shy, 18-year-old USC freshman Charlie Pasarell, 6-3, 6-1, on winning the match, 2-6, 9-7, 8- in April for the first time since from Pasadena, the reigning that day in 1965 in just 38 6 in a division that debuted at he began his long and storied national junior champion. He minutes with Pasarell’s passing The Ojai in the year 1900. career all those years ago as played on one of tennis’ shots no match for the net- It will be hard for Smith not the tournament’s honored grandest stages, the final of charging Smith. In the doubles to get nostalgic during the guest in 2015. the Men’s Open Division at the final later in the day, the Los playing of the 115th edition of Smith will be the featured 66th annual Ojai Tennis Angeles Times reported that the venerable tournament speaker at the Thursday night Tournament. Smith and Bob Lutz teamed known as one of the most barbecue, as well as mingle

8 The Ojai official 2015 event program with Ojai tennis fans at a special fundraising the collegiate singles final in 1966, and the wine event hosted by the Ojai Vineyard two paired up to win the doubles that year. Tasting Room Friday night. In 1967 and 1968 he beat teammate and A good friend of Weil Academy’s Mark doubles partner Bob Lutz in the Ojai Weil, Smith’s daughter once attended the collegiate singles final with the pair winning Weil Academy and he the doubles in 1967, but paid a visit to Ojai while losing in the final in 1968, she was there a little over the last year he would a decade ago. play at The Ojai. Smith “I walked through captured the NCAA Libbey Park and it had singles title in 1968, and changed a lot since I was won the national doubles there last,” said Smith, with Lutz in both 1967 now 68 years old and a and 1968. resident of Hilton Head “The Ojai certainly Island, S.C., where he was the biggest Photo courtesy of OVTC Photo courtesy of OVTC

runs his own junior tennis Photo courtesy of OVTC tournament in the academy. “It brought back country at the time,” In 1964, Stan Smith beat Tom Karp some memories, for sure. In 1966, USC’s Tom Edlefsen, left, and Smith said. “It was a big in the Boys’ Interscholastic final. I played there a lot of Stan Smith beat teammates in final. deal. I remember playing times. It was always the a match at like 5:45 or 6 highlight to play in that tournament.” o’clock in the morning. Something crazy like Smith’s time at The Ojai was indeed the that. Because they had to start so early to get Golden Age, bordering right on the advent of all the matches in.” Open tennis and just a few years before the Smith went on to one of the most big boom of tennis in America during the successful pro careers seen in recent time, 1970s. Players like Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean achieving the world’s No. 1 ranking, leading King shared the same courts as Smith, who the United States to a Davis Cup title, and played Ojai events from 1963 to 1968. capturing the Wimbledon singles Smith first played at The Ojai as a 16-year- championship in 1972 by beating Ilie Nastase old junior in 1963, and he recalls losing a in five sets, after losing to John Newcombe in close match to a five sets the year decorated junior before. named Jim Hobson. The Adidas Stan

“That was my first Smith shoe has seen a Photo courtesy of OVTC year in the 18s and I resurgence, and was remember it being re-launched last year, In 1965, Smith lost in the final of the closer than people which has kept Smith Men’s Open singles to Charlie Pasarell. expected it to be,” busy with trips to Smith said. ““It was Athens, Paris, London like Wimbledon for and New York to me. I remember promote the shoe. Stan Smith’s finals record playing the match at Footwear News at The Ojai: a private court, which Magazine named it was a new thing for the Shoe of the Year 1964 Boys’ Interscholastic Singles: me.” in 2014. Stan Smith (Pasadena) def. Tom Karp He added: “Dodger Smith was (University) Stadium had opened inducted into the 1965 Men’s Open Singles the year before and I International Tennis Charles Pasarell def. Stan Smith remember we got up Hall of Fame in 1987 1965 Men’s Open Doubles around 6 or 7 in the and is currently the Stan Smith-Bob Lutz def. Charles Pasarell- morning and we went President of the Hall Joaquin Loyo-Mayo to see the stadium. Photo courtesy of USC of Fame. He also runs 1966 Collegiate Singles It’s funny how certain Stan Smith won three consecutive Ojai Stan Smith Events, a Stan Smith (USC) def. Tom Edlefsen (USC) events like that stay company that helps Collegiate singles titles playing for USC. 1966 Collegiate Doubles in your memory. Like corporations plan Tom Edlefsen-Stan Smith (USC) def. Jerry the old orange juice stand.” events and entertain their clients at the four Cromwell-Joaquin Loyo-Mayo (USC) In 1964, Smith used his first Ojai Grand Slams, various golf events and the 1967 Collegiate Singles experience to win the high school division Olympics. 1967-Stan Smith (USC) def. Bob Lutz (USC) beating Tom Karp of University High and He still keeps in contact with his good 1967 Collegiate Doubles etching his name in the classic Ojai Record of friend Lutz of San Clemente, Calif., and the Stan Smith-Bob Lutz (USC) def. Joaquin Events book, the first of nine times it would two were still playing Wimbledon senior Loyo-Mayo-Jim Hobson (USC) appear as a champion or finalist during his events up until 10 years ago. During The Ojai 1968 Collegiate Singles career. in 2015, the two will surely raise a glass of Stan Smith (USC) def. Bob Lutz (USC) The following year came the singles finals’ orange juice or two, or perhaps some tea and 1968 Collegiate Doubles loss to Pasarell and the doubles win as a toast their fine careers. They should sit back Steve Tidball-Roy Barth (UCLA) def. Stan freshman at USC. and enjoy everything about The Ojai this Smith-Bob Lutz (USC) He beat USC teammate Tom Edlefsen in year. They’ve earned it.

The Ojai official 2015 event program 9 The USC menʼs tennis team has captured five of the last six NCAA National Championships, including 2014ʼs 4-2 victory over Oklahoma

The USC menʼs tennis program congratulates former Trojan All-American Stan Smith, The Ojaiʼs 2015 tournament honoree and featured guest

Be sure to follow the Trojans all week at The Ojai: facebook.com/USCMensTennis twitter.com/uscmenstennis instagram.com/uscmenstennis

10 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 11 Pac-12 Women Trojans senior Sabrina Santamaria, from Los Angeles, played on the winning Pac- 12 Doubles Championship team at The Ojai in 2013. San Diego native Zoe Scandalis lost to Brady in the final of last year’s Pac-12 Singles Championship.

University of Southern California - Los Angeles

Golden Bears’ sophomore Maegan Manasse, of Redondo Beach, was the ITA’s top-ranked NCAA Division I women’s player in February and could partner with Denise Starr to form a leading doubles entry. Junior Klara Fabikova lost to Olmos Photo by Fred Rothenberg Photo by Fred in last year’s Pac-12 Singles Invitational final at The Ojai while senior Cecilia Estlander was a Pac-12 Doubles Invitational finalist in 2013. Others within Cal’s The USC women’s team tied with Cal for the Thacher Cup overall team trophy in 2014. top-five squad who could make their name at The Ojai include Zsofi Susanyi, Lynn Chi and Karla Popovic.

University of The Pac-12 Women’s McPhillips won California, Singles and Doubles the 2013 Pac- Berkley Championship and 12 Singles Invitational draws Championship continue for the third at The Ojai, consecutive year at the and won the UCLA The Cardinals boast players who were finalists at The Ojai the past two years – 115th Ojai Valley Tennis match that sophomore Carol Zhao (2014 Pac-12 Doubles Championship) and junior Krista Tournament and, once clinched the 2014 NCAA Division I team title for the Hardebeck (2013 Pac-12 Singles Championship). Zhao has been ranked among again, figure to tell an L.A. story. However, with the Bruins. the top 10 NCAA Division I players in the nation. Sophomore Caroline Doyle was embarrassment of riches Seniors Robin Anderson top-seeded in last year’s Pac-12 Singles Invitational and fell to Olmos in the on the UCLA roster, it and Chanelle Van Nguyen semifinals. Stanford could have a pair of doubles contenders at The Ojai if Doyle appears that “Westwood have spent time playing No. partners with Ellen Tsay and Taylor Davidson with Zhao. Side Story” may be the top 2 and 3 singles, show in town capturing all respectively, for the Bruins of the awards. and are among the top 10- ranked NCAA Division I Stanford UCLA sophomore University Jennifer Brady won the players in the country. 2014 Pac-12 Singles Junior Catherine Harrison Championship at The Ojai, teams with McPhillips to and her return – following form one of the nation’s a stint garnering best doubles teams. The Sun Devils return The Ojai’s defending Pac-12 Doubles Invitational experience on the USTA USC has won the Pac- champions in senior Joanna Smith, of Laguna Niguel, and sophomore Kassidy Pro Circuit over the latter 12’s Women’s Singles Jump, of Granite Bay. Juniors Stephanie Vlad and Desirae Krawczyk, from Palm half of 2014 which vaulted Invitational and Women’s Doubles Championship at Desert, lead the Sun Devils’ singles contingent. As a Junior player, Krawczyk her WTA world ranking into the top 250 – pegs her The Ojai the past two years. entered the Women’s Open Doubles division at The Ojai in 2011 and won the as a favorite to repeat her Junior Giuliana Olmos won title. feat at The Ojai. last year’s Pac-12 Singles Brady is just the tip of Invitational at The Ojai and the iceberg when it comes partnered on the winning Arizona State to UCLA’s dynastic-caliber Pac-12 Doubles University talent. UCLA junior Kyle Championship team.

12 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Pac-12

University of Arizona

University of Oregon

Utah Photo by Fred Rothenberg Photo by Fred University For the second straight year, the Cal Berkeley women’s team tied for the Thacher Cup overall team trophy at The Ojai.

Argentine Natali Coronel returns for her final Ojai after teaming to win the 2013 Pac-12 Women’s Doubles Invitational for the Huskies. The Ojai serves as a Washington homecoming for senior Riko Shimizu, who advanced to the Pac-12 Singles State Invitational quarterfinals in 2014 and graduated from Laurel Springs High University School.

University of University of Washington Colorado - Boulder

Men The UCLA men’s team proved last year that winning the Pac-12 dual match championship at The Ojai was not a determining factor in how they would fare the following month at the NCAA Championships. The Bruins beat USC 4-2 last year in a spirited and electric final to capture their second consecutive UCLA conference title over their rivals. But it was USC who would go on to win the ultimate prize in college tennis as the coach Peter Smith lifted the NCAA team title trophy over his head for the fifth time in six Photo by Holly Roberts

Continued on page 14 The UCLA men’s team won its second consecutive Pac-12 team title over USC last year at The Ojai.

The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 13 Pac-12

From page 13 Freshman Simon Stevens from Belgium had a winning streak last lasted 10 matches The freshman’s win streak in singles now stands at 10. He is 15-3 on years. The intra-city rivals would love to meet up again on the year and 8-2 in doubles matches this spring. His only two losses in doubles Saturday in a yet another Battle of L.A. at The Ojai, but they came to ranked teams – No. 7 North Carolina and No. 43 Louisville. will face stiff competition from the other six Pac-12 schools. USC recorded a mid-March 4-1 victory over UCLA and are led by top player and senior University of Yannick Hanfmann of Germany, who has been Oregon ranked in the top 10 nationally all season. Roberto Quiroz of Ecuador has proven a solid No. 2, although he suffered the only loss in the USC first match against the Bruins falling to Dennis Mkrtchian. Eric Johnson, Jonny Wang, Nick Junior Naoki Takeda has made the most headlines for the Wildcats this season Crystal and Max de Vroome are the other top players for USC. as he cracked the top 30 national ITA rankings. The ranking goes down as one UCLA is led by Mackenzie McDonald, a pro prospect of the best in program history, with the No. 29 ranking the highest any who has played several ATP events, including winning a individual Wildcat since Jan Anderson obtained a No. 9 national ranking at the round at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in March. In 2012 and a high school senior, the sophomore McDonald conclusion of the 1994 spring season, according to the ITA database. Takeda got beat Lester Cook in the Ojai Men’s Open final. off to a 17-3 overall start and was a perfect 9-0 in dual play midseason. Senior Mkrtchian is as good a No. 2 you’ll find in college tennis Sumeet Shinde also found himself in the national rankings as he cracked the top and leads a balanced UCLA attack along with Martin 100. Redlicki, Karue Sell, Gage Brymer and Joe DiGiulio Here’s a quick look at the other Pac-12 teams competing in the men’s tournament. University of Arizona Welcome back to The Ojai, Paul Goldstein. The former Cardinal No. 1 played with the Bryan twins and led Stanford to four consecutive NCAA team titles in the 1990s. He’s back as the new coach at Stanford taking over for John Whitlinger. After winning five straight matches, the Cardinal visited L.A. and fell Sophomore Andre Goransson and freshman J.T. Nishimura took out USC coach to both USC and UCLA. Top player Tom Fawcett is in the top 25 nationally and Peter Smith and former Trojan Kaes Van’t Hof to capture the prestigious has been holding his own at the No. 1 spot. John Morrissey, David Wilczynski, consolation title at the Pacific Coast Men’s Doubles Championship. Filip Bergevi Maciek Romanowicz and Nolan Paige are other top players. is a top 100 player, as is Goransson. Coming in at No. 3 and 4 are Oskar Wikberg and Gregory Bayane, respectively.

Stanford University University of California, Berkley

Talk about making an impact right off the bat, former Palos Verdes High star Jake Douglas wasted no time in taking over the No. 1 position for the Huskies Sophomore Parker McGuiness was named a Pac-12 Player of the Week and held as a freshman this season. He has already been recognized as a Pac-12 Player an 11-7 singles mark while senior Cedric Willems and junior Matt Cowley lead of the Week and at one point was the only undefeated Husky in singles action the squad in doubles action with an 8-2 dual-match record. The Utes were hit winning all but two of his 14 matches in straight sets. Douglas has shared the hard during the year when senior team captain Slim Hamza announced his top spot with fellow freshman Mitch Stewart. Playing No. 3 is solid senior retirement from the Utah men’s tennis program. Had been battling a back injury Emmett Egger who plays No. 1 doubles with fellow senior Jeff Hawke of Rolling throughout his career. The Tunisia, Africa, native has been a second-team All- Hills. Conference selection for three consecutive years.

University of Utah Washington University

14 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 15 We Support the Ojai Tennis Tournament

16 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 17 Open Division

Last year’s Ojai Men’s Club, with main draw SCTA junior Emma Higuchi made up entirely of juniors Open singles champion matches starting Thursday of Los Angeles made it all as prospects Jada Hart of Dennis Novikov was the morning at the Ojai Valley the way to the final last Colton and Ena Shibahara last American man Inn. year in both singles and of Rancho Palos Verdes beat standing after two huge The 2013 Ojai Men’s doubles. In fact, the Higuchi and Claire Liu of qualifying wins at last Open singles champion women’s doubles final was Thousand Oaks. month’s BNP Paribas Open. and current UCLA star Currently ranked No. 219 Mackenzie McDonald also in the world, the 21-year- made his presence known old former UCLA star fell in at the BNP Paribas winning the first round to veteran a round of qualifying, as Jurgen Melzer, 6-4, 6-4, at did current USC star the popular Indian Wells Yannick Hanfmann. event UCLA players have won At stake this year is an the last three of four men’s increase in prize money at singles title as Thousand The Ojai as local benefactor Oaks’ Marcos Giron Mike Taggart has graciously captured the title in 2011. increased his support of the In last year’s doubles men’s and women’s open final, it was Haythem Abid events to $22,500. Once of the Weil Academy again this year, the draws teaming with Kyle on both on the men’s and McMorrow to beat local women’s side will be filled teaching pros Quinn

with top players. Borchard and Calle Rothenberg Photo by Fred Qualifying begins Hansen. Tuesday at the Ojai Athletic On the women’s side, top From left to right, Men’s Open singles winner Dennis Novikov, Mike Borders, Mike Taggart, Haythem Abid and the SCTA’s Bruce Hunt.

18 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 19 Div. III/Independent Colleges

Though there is no team Westmont may share in the crowns in men’s tennis and competition within the championship spoils among 16 more in women’s tennis. doubles champions in Independent College and teammates Haley The Cal Lutheran men senior Connor Sutton and Men’s Division III West Strandness, Alyson Meyer, are led once again by coach sophomore Jake Yasgoor. divisions of the Ojai Valley Grace Davis – ranked, Nos. Mike Gennette, in his 21st Other Division III West Tennis Tournament, last 4, 6 and 8, respectively in season as coach of the singles contenders to watch year’s results suggest there the ITA’s NAIA West Region Kingsmen. Top players this week are Redlands’ is an undertone of a rivalry women’s singles preseason include: Moises Cardenas, Patrick Lipscomb and Cal between NAIA Westmont poll – and Fernanda Rivera, Fergus Scott and Gio Valdez. Lutheran’s Moises Cardenas, and NCAA Division III if not Stratman. The SCIAC also houses SCIAC players who were Claremont-Mudd-Scripps to Claremont-Mudd- programs the likes of ranked Nos. 6 and 9, Scripps owns current determine the best small Pomona-Pitzer, which respectively, in the ITA bragging rights within the college at this week’s 115th returns The Ojai’s 2014 Division III West Region Men’s Division III West edition of the nation’s Independent College men’s singles preseason poll. granddaddy of all amateur singles and doubles draws tennis tournaments. and the Independent Matches in the College women’s doubles Independent College and draw, where junior Caroline Men’s Division III West Ward and sophomore Katie divisions commence on Kuosman return as Ojai Thursday, with all division champs. finals taking place at Libbey CMS men’s contenders in Park on Sunday. Champions The Ojai’s Men’s Division III in all six draws in these West competition include divisions are expected to senior captains Warren Wood return to The Ojai. and Nik Marino, sophomores Senior Josh Barnard and Glenn Hull and Rohan Shankar, junior Lauren Stratman who reached last year’s return to The Ojai as the Independent College men’s Photo by Fred Rothenberg Photo by Fred men’s and women’s singles final, and junior Skyler Independent College singles Butts, who played on last year’s Pomona-Pitzer’s men won the Independent Colleges team title. champions who are looking Men’s Division III West to repeat for Santa Barbara- championship doubles team. based Westmont, which Wood beat Marino in last views The Ojai as home turf. year’s singles final. Hull, Westmont teammates Marino and Wood were the Luke Whalen, a freshman, Nos. 2-4 ranked players, and Carl-Philip Lindqvist, a respectively, in the ITA junior from Sweden, may Division III West Region push Barnard and solidify preseason poll. the notion of Westmont CMS ranked No. 2 retaining the singles title. nationally in the 2014-15 Whalen, Barnard and ITA Division III preseason Lindqvist were ranked Nos. poll (No. 1 in the West 2, 4 and 6, respectively, in region) and owns a the ITA’s NAIA West Region whopping 22 Southern singles preseason poll. California Intercollegiate On the women’s side, Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Photo by Fred Rothenberg Photo by Fred The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women’s team won the Indepedent Colleges team title last year at The Ojai.

20 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 21 22 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 23 24 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program - 8 imported & domestic beers on tap as well as various bottled beers Voted Best Full Bar Service & Dining Room - Great selection of wines (bottles & by Sports Bar in the Ojai Valley the glass) - Great menu selections: hot wings, salads, burgers, tacos, pasta, hand-cut fries, fried catfish, sandwiches - We offer freshly baked bread & Horizon organic chocolate & vanilla milk Your home away from home. Receive a 1/2 PRICE *Daily specials include: Tri-tip, APPETIZER per St. Louis Ribs, table with an order Baby Back Ribs, BBQ Chicken. of an entree! (*selections vary daily) Patio Dining

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The Ojai official 2014 event program 25 26 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Code Private Courts 014 1014 Country Club Dr 052 52 Oak Dr. 057 12057 Sulphur Mountain Rd 065 10065 Ojai-Santa Paula Rd 067 12067 MacDonald Dr Venue Code Address 250 12250 Linda Flora Dr. Libbey Park LP Ojai Avenue 260 260 Fairview Rd. Libbey Park South LPS Ojai Avenue 350 3500 Maricopa Hwy. Matilija Jr. High MJH 703 El Paseo 500 500 W. Country Dr. Nordhoff High School N 1401 Maricopa Hwy 505 505 Foothill Rd. Ojai Valley Athletic Club OAC 409 Fox St 574 574 Quail Oaks Rd Ojai Valley School-upper campus OSU 10820 Reeves Rd 670 670 Del Norte Ojai Valley School-lower campus OVS 723 El Paseo Rd 081 2081 Avenida de la Cruzada Ojai Valley Inn OVI 905 Country Club Road 883 10883 Oak Knoll Thacher School T 5025 Thacher Rd 897 897 La Luna Villanova School V 12096 Ventura Ave

The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 27 Community College State Championships Will it be third-time-lucky or business as ususal? Since the California perfect 18-0 season, extended dual team title matches. Community College Athletic its win streak to 58 and won Sophomores Wyatt Kershaw, Association shifted its men’s its third consecutive CCCAA Robinson Audibert and Avi and women’s team and team title, and fourth overall, Bami comprise three of individual state tennis by downing Southern Fresno City’s top four singles championships to Ojai in California regional champion players and are involved in its 2013, the Fresno City College Irvine Valley College, 5-2. top three doubles tandems men and the Fullerton College Meanwhile, Fullerton but none played against women have each won back- College’s women defeated Irvine Valley in the 2014 to-back titles. Northern California regional championship dual. Will year three at The Ojai champion Sierra College for Among those contenders be the charm for another pair the second consecutive year, for the individual draws, of teams to break through 5-2, to win its second Ventura College, a hometown Photo courtesy of CCCAA onto the state championship consecutive state favorite to Ojai tennis fans, The Fresno City College men’s stage? The CCCAA men’s and championship. boasts three of the top five team completed a perfect 18-0 women’s Dual Team State Irvine Valley’s men team, players in the ITA’s Southern season in 2014 and captured its Championship matches which made its first California Junior/Community fourth straight CCCAA dual highlight opening day of the postseason appearance last College preseason rankings – team title at The Ojai. 115th Ojai Valley Tennis year, and Sierra’s women were top-rated Hironori Koyanagi, Tournament on Wednesday. seeded first in their respective and Ali Bougzoul and Cory The CCCAA men’s and regions entering the 2015 Karen (ranked Nos. 4 and 5 respectively). Koyanagi and Bougzoul also comprised the ITA’s preseason top-ranked doubles team from Southern California. Modesto College’s Jose Gonzalez and Luis Ochoa were the highest ranked Northern California players by the same poll. Foothill College’s Jakov Tshkirkin (a member of last year’s CCCAA state championship doubles Photo courtesy of CCCAA team), Brenden Lum and Rothenberg Photo by Fred The Fullerton women’s team captured its second straight CCCAA dual Wallace Lau were ranked in Led by the doubles team of team title last year at the Pierpont Racquet Club in Ventura. the ITA’s preseason top six Stephanie Ramos and Jacquelin along with Jimmy Giovannini Ward, the Sierra women’s team women’s individual singles season, according to the of American River College, the won the Harriet Thacher Herrick and doubles championships, Intercollegiate Tennis preseason top-rated team in cumulative team trophy in 2014. taking place Thursday Association’s (ITA) California Northern California. through Championship Junior/Community College Sunday at Libbey Park, are the preseason rankings. Giovannini and John Foote more extensive competitions. Irvine Valley returns five were the ITA’s preseason top- The CCCAA’s individual players from its 2014 state ranked doubles team. championships at The Ojai runner-up squad, including On the women’s side, represent a true State its top two singles players in College of the Desert’s Leticia championship as the men’s Guillermo Ucelay and Simon Dos Santos, Riverside City and women’s individual draws Guillin (they also form IVC’s College’s Laneshay Cooksey are open to qualification from No. 1 doubles team). and El Camino College’s all 84 California Sierra’s women won the Shayla Fulton are the top community/junior colleges Northern California region three Southern California that field men’s and women’s and finished state runner-up players by the ITA. Fresno tennis programs. Each from 2011-14. Vanessa Vallarta City’s Maya Mammetgulyeva individual singles and doubles and Ohara Cooper lead Sierra (a CCCAA state singles finalist event features a bracket of 128 as its top singles players and last year at The Ojai), Chabot entries. Tournament seeds are doubles team. College’s Julia Golub and chosen by the coaches leading Meanwhile, Fresno City’s Foothill’s Olysya Photo courtesy of CCCAA into The Ojai. men and Fullerton’s women Besprozvannykh hold the Nathan Eshmade of Cerritos Last year, Fresno City’s didn’t return any player who same distinction in Northern College won the 2014 CCCAA men’s team completed a participated in last year’s state California. singles title at The Ojai.

28 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 29 Boys’ CIF Photo by Fred Rotheberg Photo by Fred

Palm Desert High and Harvard-Westlake tied for the coveted Griggs Cup in 2014. Strong field should make for great CIF matches

The CIF Boys’ singles and Genender defeated Austin ranked No. 1 among SCTA From Ventura County, doubles divisions at the Ojai Rapp (now a freshman at Southern California 18s in Westlake sophomore Brandon Valley Tennis Tournament UCLA) to win the 2014 CIF- singles and doubles in Lam will test his mettle in the always provides for fierce, Southern Section Individual January. big kids’ draw after winning high-level competition and is tournament and avenge his Joining Genender as The Ojai’s Boys’ 16 Singles often a precursor to three-set loss to Rapp in last contenders from Los Angeles crown last year. tomorrow’s college and year’s Boys’ CIF final at The County is Palos Verdes junior Down the road from The professional tennis scene in Ojai – Genender’s only high Brandon Holt who was part of Ojai, Viewpoint senior Julian the U.S., given the high school defeat in 2014. last year’s CIF Boys’ Doubles Gordy and junior Jonathan caliber of talent Southern Shen, a Cal recruit, and championship tandem at The Star reached The Ojai’s CIF California churns out every Genender are the only Ojai and is now entrenched as Boys’ Doubles quarterfinals in year. This week’s draw at the competitors to have played in Palos Verdes’ top singles 2014. 115th Ojai will be no different. From the Orange County Harvard-Westlake (North ranks, junior Bjorn Hoffmann Hollywood) senior Michael is an emerging player from Genender, Newbury Park High Corona del Mar. Los Alamitos senior Ryan Shen and figures to have a contending Newport Harbor senior Reese singles player and doubles Stalder headline a short list of team this week. contenders to win the Big-serving junior Riley prestigious Boys’ CIF Singles Smith comes off quarterfinal division at The Ojai. appearances in The Ojai’s CIF Orange County’s top prep Boys’ Singles and the CIF- program, University High Southern Section Individual (Irvine), looks like a favorite to draws in 2014. Smith is the return to The Ojai’s son of USC men’s head tennis championship platform in coach Peter Smith. Senior Kyle doubles through seniors Arash McCann and junior Vatsal Hafezi and Konrad Kozlowski. Bajpai blazed a trail to the

Hafezi reached last year’s CIF Photo by Cindy add quarterfinals at the CIF-SS Boys’ Doubles final at The In 2014 Palos Verdes High junior Brandon Holt added his name Individuals and a Round of 16 Ojai in between collecting his to The Ojai record books, joining his mother Tracy Austin. berth in The Ojai’s CIF Boys’ 2013 and 2014 CIF-Southern Doubles tournament in 2014. Section Boys Individual last year’s CIF Boys’ Singles player. He is the son of past Torrey Pines sophomore doubles championships. semifinals at The Ojai. Ojai champion Tracy Austin. Jacob Brumm and Coronado The Boys’ CIF Singles and Stalder reached the Round San Marino senior Danny junior Billy Rowe may be San Doubles competitions, which of 16 at The Ojai last year and Gealer and Peninsula Diego County’s best hopes at begin Thursday and conclude came within a tiebreaker of sophomore Connor Hance, The Ojai for CIF Boys’ Singles Saturday with finals at Libbey ousting Genender in the 2014 another Palos Verdes product, glory. Last year, Brumm Park, each sport a bracket of CIF-Southern Section Boys’ hope to improve on their reached The Ojai’s 64 entries. Individual quarterfinals. The singles quarterfinal quarterfinals while Rowe The Stanford-bound TCU-bound Stalder was appearances at last year’s Ojai. gained the Round of 16.

30 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 31 Junior Division

ist Volas i could not predict he would in Girls’ 18s) and Viktoria Maxime Cressy has earned There's something grow to be a Top 10 ATP player Bardarova (ranked as high as himself a tennis scholarship irresistibly gratifying about by the age of 23!" 300 ITF in Girls 18s) are taking to play for Pac-12 powerhouse saying, "I knew him way back Those kinds of awesome a step up onto the Women's UCLA this fall; Alexey when." And at The Ojai, surprises are icing on the cake Open Division this year. Nesterov is the No. 1 player in opportunities abound to for Weil and his staff — and Weil boys older than 16 Boys' 16s in all of Russia and watch young athletes climb this year's group of wishing to compete in The is in the top 150 in ITF the ranks. (Did somebody say competitors has the potential Ojai must do so in the Men's rankings; and Aiden Jiang is a "Bryan twins?") to serve up more of the sweet Open divisions (Weil does not veteran of The Ojai, having Ojai is fortunate in that it stuff at The Ojai. offer a CIF-sanctioned high already won titles in the Boys’ holds not only America's Keep your eyes on Turkey's school team). Paris native 14s and Boys’ 16s. oldest amateur tennis Odissey Kavak and Japan's tournament held at the same Takeyasu Sekiguchi and Ayato location, but also a tennis Arakaki, all of whom are school that attracts talent expected to be seeded in the from all over the world: The Boys’ 14s Division. And Weil Tennis Academy. making a name for themselves When Weil kids play in The in the Boys' 16s will be 16- Ojai, they tend to do very well. year-olds Christophe Grasel And more than a handful go (Top 10 in SoCal Boys' 16s and on to achieve national and Brazil Boys' 16s) and Alhassan international fame. One of Kenawi (rising fast in Egypt Weil's more famous alumni, Boys’ 16s). Grigor Dimitrov, recently beat Those who attended last 17-time Grand Slam champ year's Ojai Tennis Tournament Roger Federer in an exhibition may recall the name Rika match at Madison Square Tanaka, who won the Girls’ Garden. "(Dimitrov) was a 14s Ojai singles title. The 15- super talented, but goofy kid," year-old has now turned her said academy founder and sights on the Girls' 18s Photo by saac Hsieh coach Mark Weil. "We knew Division. Meanwhile, Seira Aiden Jiang stands with his Weil teammates after winning the 2011 he was a special player, but Shimizu (top 250 ITF rankings Boys’ 14s title. Have a vehicle you would like to donate? The Humane Society is happy to accept the donation of used Cars, Trucks, RV’s, Trailers, Motorcycles and Boats.

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32 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 33 It’s for you. Ojai’s calling!

Stacy Margolin-Potter had no choice but to answer that call.

Viivan errett After her sophomore year at USC, Stacy turned pro and One of the most recent traveled the world on the pro inductees into the prestigious women’s tour for seven years, International Tennis reaching a career-high of Association Women’s number 18 in the world. She Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame admits that her rise in the is Ojai’s very own Stacy rankings was not meteoric Margolin Potter. Hailing from but, rather, gradual, as she is Beverly Hills, Stacy was a two- small. But she was known for time All-American for the her quickness and her University of Southern perseverance. California, winning the Through the years she National Collegiate Singles played and befriended many Championship in 1978 and well-known players, including helping USC win the National Tracy Austin, Mary Carillo, Collegiate team title in 1979. Billie Jean King, Martina Photo by ob Strauss Stacy Margolin Potter grew up in Beverly Hills and was a USC All American. She played multiple times at Wimbledon as a pro, including 1982, above.

34 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Navratilova and Chris Evert. A have wanted,” to earn a highlight for her was playing a sociology degree from UCLA, mixed-doubles match in the followed by a master’s degree US Open with her then- in clinical psychology from boyfriend John McEnroe the University of Pepperdine. against Anne Smith and Stan But Ojai kept calling Stacy Smith, the tournament’s back, with visits to The Oaks a honored guest this year. couple of times a year with Stacy’s first introduction to her mom and then working at Ojai was at the age of 12, The Oaks for Sheila Cluff in watching her older brother, their “tennis week,” which Mike, play in The Ojai for followed The Ojai. Stacy USC, while worked on The she enjoyed Oaks tennis the fresh- week for 10 squeezed years, while orange juice still living in and tea and Los Angeles. cookies. The In 1995, following year Stacy and her at The Ojai, fiancé came to Stacy entered Ojai for a and won the weekend, and Girls’ 14s. She after two days played in The of hiking and Ojai for many biking and years to come, enjoying the also winning ambience, Ian

the 16s singles Photo courtesy Stacy Potter Potter argolin said, and doubles, “Let’s move the Women’s After a successful pro tour, Stacy here.” Indeed, went back to college and earned a Open in 1976 they did. Stacy Photo courtesy TA o en s Collegiate Hall of Fa e sociology degree from UCLA. and again in married Ian in 2014 ITA Women’s Collegiate Hall of Fame inductee Stacy 1988, and the Women’s 1996, and in 1999, at age 40, Margolin Potter, right, with Betsy Nagelsen McCormack. Independent College singles Stacy said she “bought a and doubles in 1979, while house in Ojai with Mr. Potter.” attending USC. Buying a home in Ojai was When she left the pro tour, something she had wanted to Stacy went back to college, as do since visiting here at age 16 sprinklers on the Soule Park The Ojai. We are glad that her deceased father “would and “awaking to the sound of lawns – nothing else. I Stacy now calls Ojai home. remember it being so To contact Stacy go to peaceful.” www.stacypotterhealthcoach. Stacy continues to enjoy com; stacy @stacypotterhealth the outdoor amenities of Ojai, coach.com; or www.hiking running a guided hiking, ojai.com. biking and rock climbing tour company called Trails by Potter for 15 years with her husband and working with clients on health, nutrition and lifestyle in her practice as a Certified Integrative Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. Stacy and Ian have hosted USC players in The Ojai for 15 years, and Stacy hosted the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation Tennis Marathon for 13 years. She enjoys offering coaching and scholarships to Photo courtesy Stacy Potter argolin Photo courtesy Stacy Potter argolin the youth tennis section of the Stacy, at left with childhood friend Tracy Austin, Ojai Valley Tennis Club, which Stacy, left, first played The Ojai won the Women’s Open title at The Ojai in 1976, manages many tournaments at age 12 and won the 14s in the year before Austin did the same in 1977. throughout the year, including 1974, and the 16s in 1975.

The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 35 In the HUNT for a lost legacy Photo courtesy of oe Hunt Jack Kramer famously jumped the net to congratulate Joe Hunt, right, who suffered from cramping after winning the 1943 US Nationals. Our journey to the U.S. Open...

b oe unt reach Joe Hunt. I’ve got The Ojai? something I’d like to tell As a child, I played a lot What began as a him . . .” of tennis in Ojai. So, I mundane task in my Seattle I didn’t need another called Mr. Pratt back. He law office became a solicitation or to increase introduced himself as the moment forever embedded my visibility on Google, or marketing director for The in my memory. I checked whatever this Mr. Pratt was Ojai tournament. He asked my voice mail that selling. But, just as I was me if I knew about a tennis nondescript February pressing the delete button, player from the Golden Era morning. “Hello, my name the voice continued . . . “I’m named, like me, “Joe Hunt.” Joe Hunt, left, and Steve Pratt is Steve Pratt. I’m trying to with The Ojai.” Steve had been given a show off the 1938 Ojai trophies. small silver trophy that was somehow found at an estate sale and ...started at Ojai! then purchased on eBay by Lovey from 10sBalls.com. This possession the matching triggered an unlikely, and, doubles trophy, also won by for me miraculous, Joe, with USC teammate, explosion of events. Lewis Wetherill. And Steve The trophy belonged to could never have known the 1938 Ojai Collegiate that, while he was trying to Singles champion, but no find me, I had at the same one knew who that was. No time been mailing out name was engraved on it. letters to the USTA and After a little research, Steve tennis media members thought the champion about Joe’s brief, but might have been Joe Hunt. significant, career. I was What Steve did not know

Photo courtesy of oe Hunt was that I was Joe’s grandnephew. He also did Left to right, Andy Murray, Taylor Hunt, Cindy Sands, Vice Admiral of not know that I had in my Continued on page 38 the Navy Ted Carter and Jo Wilfred Tsonga before the official coin flip.

36 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 37 From page 36 call from board member, did the USTA. Kanepi, but admittedly, my and former Ojai champ, Twenty of Hunt’s family attention was mostly on Patrick Galbraith. He read members from all parts of what was to follow. the article, and he wanted the U.S. converged on Seconds after Serena’s asking that Joe be Joe to be recognized by the Arthur Ashe Stadium on post-match interview, the considered for induction USTA for his championship that humid Sept. 1 day. So stadium announcer began, into the US Open Court of career and service to our did former Navy tennis “Ladies and Gentlemen Champions. My efforts country. One month later I coach, John Officer and his please direct your attention yielded a modest response. got another call, this time wife. And, most gratifying to the video boards for a That was all about to from USTA President Dave to the Hunt family, the Vice very special recognition of change. Haggerty and US Open Admiral of the Navy, Ted 1943 US Open Champion, Within several weeks, The Communications Director, Carter, with his wife, Linda, Joe Hunt.” The enormity of Ojai organizers invited me Chris Widmaier. Joe was accepted the USTA’s those words overcame me, and my family to the 2014 going to be publicly request to attend the event. and the presentation then Championships for a trophy honored at the 2014 US My father and I made our presentation on the Libbey Open. His tribute would way to the President’s Suite blurred in my mind to the Park courts. The cup would anchor Military and the attendant escorted last words, “Joe . . . a born be brought home after 76 Appreciation Day in Arthur us to our seats next to the athlete who died too soon, a years, and Joe would be Ashe Stadium. The Vice Admiral. President champion who left a lasting honored as a part of the ceremony would include a Haggerty welcomed us to legacy of courage and class great Ojai legacy. video presentation of Joe’s his front row behind the to the sport he loved.” Steve thought this story career and family baseline. Serena Williams Then almost should be told. He representation at the coin was playing beautifully in immediately, Vice Admiral contacted respected tennis toss on Center Court. A dismantling Carter, my son, Taylor, and journalist, Doug Robson, flood of emotion hit Kaia cousin, Cindy Sands, were and the day before the Ojai me. I knew Joe escorted to center court presentation, Doug’s article, was worthy with Andy Murray and Jo “Rescued From Obscurity,” of this Wilfred Tsonga for the hit the front page of the honor, official coin toss prior to USA Today sports section. and their quarterfinal duel. A Hall of Fame champion, now Ceremonial photos previously unknown by so were taken, and most contemporary tennis with that, the fans, was now in print worldwide: Joe’s tennis journey was over. dominance throughout the The little silver junior and college ranks; his cup, lost for two transfer to the US Naval generations, and Academy months after then found winning The Ojai; his 1943 again, turned US Open championship into something while on leave from the unthinkable . . . Navy; and his tragic death thanks to Lovey 17 months later in a naval and to Steve’s plane crash in the Atlantic persistence in Ocean. finding me, and the The USTA generosity of the took note. great people of The Within 24 Ojai. hours, I received a Photo courtesy of oe Hunt

The 1938 singles and doubles trophies won by Joe Hunt at The Ojai are now displayed togehter in the Seattle home of Hunt’s great nephew.

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The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 39 2014 Winners and Finalists

40 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 2014 Winners and Finalists

Photos by Fred Rothenberg

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42 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 43 Where is she now? Catching up with Marissa Irvin Gould

made the game so special. But the more she looked, the less she found. “It’s easy to find biographies, or the psychology of tennis, or about sports in general, which is great, but it’s not something that a 5, 6 or 7-year-old is going to be interested in,” Irvin Gould said. “You can also find lots of books on how to play tennis, the rules of tennis, how to hit a forehand, how to hit a backhand, but again, that doesn’t excite a ill Co young kid. They want to know Who better to teach your why they should do it in the kids about the four grand first place, not how to do it. slams of tennis than a former Ultimately I figured if there pro who played in a total of 22 isn’t anything out there, why of them during her career? don’t I write it? I certainly The Ojai Tournament know a lot about the sport, I welcomes back Marissa Irvin am an elementary school Gould, an Ojai alum and teacher and I write all the former five-time trophy time, so those things all winner of The Ojai, mother of seemed to make for a perfect three and now author of a combination.” new children’s book all about So, from her conviction tennis. and drawing from her life A Southern California experiences, A Magical native, Marissa won the 14s Racquet Ride was born. Singles Junior Division, the Irvin Gould received an 16s Singles, and then went on invitation to attend last year’s to win the Pac-10 Singles, Pac- US Open and appeared at a 10 Doubles, and help her special book signing at the US Stanford team take home the Open shop. prestigious Pac-10 team The recipient of a trophy in 1999. prestigious Mom’s Choice “One of the things about Award, her book is the The Ojai is that I always knew wonderful story about the that it’s kind of mystical and Photo courtesy of arissa journey r in ould of twins who travel magical for juniors in Past Ojai champion and Stanford graduate Marissa Irvin Gould retired the globe discovering the Southern California,” Irvin from the WTA Tour in 2005 and is now an author of a children’s book. wonders of the four grand Gould said. “It’s a special slam tournaments of tennis, tournament for me, as it is for and can be purchased online a lot of people in California.” is kind of like a little kid who 1 in the NCAA/ITA—the at amazon.com, After her sophomore year plays little league thinking he’s highest ranked amateur in the barnesandnoble.com, at Stanford, she turned pro going to be a major league world.” tenniswarehouse.com or from and went on to play 22 times baseball player. It’s sort of the Retiring from tennis in her website, www.amagical in the four majors, which one-in-a-million that actually 2005, she returned to college racquetride.com. We have the include the Australian Open, ends up getting there,” she and earned a BA in Political privilege of hearing her French Open, Wimbledon and said. Science at Stanford University, present this tale at our annual the US Open. During her five- “So of course it was always and then a Master’s degree in BBQ event on Thursday, April year career on tour, she in the back of my head, but it Education at Pepperdine 23, where Irvin Gould will also reached her highest singles started becoming much more University, resulting in her be selling autographed copies. ranking on August 12, 2002, of a reality as I was in my late becoming an elementary She has graciously offered to when she became No. 51 in teens and was playing ITF school teacher. When her donate a portion of the the world. junior events,” she added. “In young students discovered her proceeds to The Ojai. “When you grow up college I achieved a WTA past career in tennis, she Congratulations to our playing junior tennis, the idea ranking of 77 in the world. I decided to find books that successful alum, and welcome of playing professional tennis was ranked as high as number would educate them on what back to Ojai!

44 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 45 radition is our cup of tea from a booth decorated with garlands of wildflowers. Beginning in 1904, tea service TheT Ojai will celebrate its 115th year was moved to the clubhouse this week, making it the oldest amateur porch located in the south end of tennis tournament in the country. The Libbey Park. Eventually, the Ojai, with its Tea Tent, is a tradition that porch could no longer gets better with age. accommodate the number of William Thacher is recognized for people who enjoyed sipping tea starting The Ojai in 1896, where his love in the lovely park setting so in for tennis and tea were ultimately 1925, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Sinclair combined. Originally, tea was served donated a pavilion style tent that propelled the tradition to another level. There are more than 100 local The Tea Tent is annual tradition at The Ojai. ladies who are invited to pour tea and serve cookies, a prestigious honor passed down through the years. We are delighted to welcome our new The standards for an invitation to pour tea sponsor, Ashley Pope of Spice-Topia in or serve are tournament and community Ventura. Spice-Topia is a specialty spice commitment and involvement. and tea store, which uses organic and fair- Mona Woolwine, a third-generation Tea trade certified suppliers. Thank you, Tent kitchen manager, and her assistants Ashley. manage the “behind the scenes tasks” for Tea and cookies will be served in yet another year. They clean the gold- Libbey Park near center court between trimmed cups with care, shine the silver 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Friday tea urns and ensure the lemons are sliced and Saturday and between 1 p.m. and 4 beautifully and the trays are glistening, all p.m. Sunday. Please join us for “tennis, while brewing the perfect pot of tea. tea and talk” and enjoy the tradition!

46 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 47 Get a grip on state-of- the-art racquet stringing

For the past 15 years, Ojai Racquet Technician and the Valley Inn & Spa Tennis IART (International Assoc. of Director Tom Rohrbacher has Racquet Technicians). He been a familiar face for Ojai strings with the state of the art men’s and women’s Open Babolat “Sensor” machine players and fans as the owner that is used at the French of the tennis pro shop and Open and other major ATP lead stringer for those events Tournaments worldwide. at the Inn. To reach Rohrbacher for Also familiar to Ojai fans stringing during The Ojai, call are the Solinco Sports his cell at (805) 509-0456 or stringers — led by Matt email him at: ojaitennis Previdi and Jason Wood — @sbcglobal.net. who set up in Libbey Park and Solinco Sports is currently have been part of the the official string of all the tournament for the past five Pac-12 schools. years. Both are seasoned pros For more information on and have worked events such Solinco Sports, go to: as the BNP Paribas Open at www.solincosports.com. For Indian Wells. questions about Solinco Rohrbacher has been Sports, email: sales@solinco stringing for 40 years and is sports.com. certified by the USRSA During The Ojai schools and players can reach out to

(United States Racquet Photo courtesy To Rohrbacher Stringers Assoc.) as a Master Previdi with any questions at (203) 641-0328. Tom Rohrbacher has been stringing racquets for 40-plus years.

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48 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Anne and Cassandra are grateful to be part of the Ojai community. Anne has been an integral member of The Ojai Tennis Tournament and Board for almost 20 years. She has achieved the Coldwell Banker International President's Elite Award in 2014 and was also selected by her fellow peers in the community as Realtor of the Year in 2014. We have an excellent reputation with both Buyers and Sellers by providing full service extending well beyond the close of sale. As a team, we work together to help make every transaction a more enjoyable experience. We want you to love Ojai as much as we do!

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eea va e Ba er Pr erty S e The Ojaiet OFFICIAL a 2015ve event a program 49 The Ojai finds many ways to encourage the next generation

While planning and Ventura County Junior Tennis QuickStart challenge their coaches to participate in executing The Ojai tennis Association and other youth tournament is organized in a day of intense tennis tournament takes many tennis events and organizes Libbey Park, where the instruction and match months and several hundred several special youth program participants can strategy. All Ojai tennis volunteers, the Ojai Valley functions during the year. demonstrate professionals donate their Tennis Club (OVTC) has a The main the tennis skills time and expertise for this second important year-round ones are: the acquired special high-intensity event. objective, and that is to raise 10 and throughout the The Parent/Child Holiday funds to conduct and support Under youth year. The April Challenge brings together various programs that tennis Challenge is older and younger players on introduce and encourage the program now the courts over the Christmas sport of tennis among the Ojai (developed incorporated holidays. Last January the Valley youth. by the USTA as part of The fourth annual event was held The OVTC’s Youth Tennis and formerly Ojai. under the leadership of Craig Committee works with the known as During The Fugle with substantial support Ojai Unified School District, QuickStart) Ojai up to eight from Rick Thompson and the city of Ojai Recreation managed by youth tennis several volunteers. Some 64 Department and most of the Philippe players adults and juniors formed 32 Ojai tennis professionals, Gache, and selected by the teams that battled it out on all along with scores of dedicated again Youth Tennis Libbey Park courts, while volunteers to organize supported Committee are making sure that both young programs that introduce, by several awarded prizes and old enjoyed a healthy and develop and popularize tennis volunteers, and fun family time. Epic for children of all ages. is brought to scholarships confrontations occurred when Substantial financial support all Ojai for tennis grandmother and grandson goes to the Ojai Recreation Valley clinics, played father and daughter, or Department’s youth tennis elementary summer camps uncle and nephew played programs managed and run schools and individual mother and son. The by Rick Thompson. during the professional combinations were countless, Thompson teaches tennis school year. tennis lessons the dynamics were at beginner and advanced Now in its Photo by Holly Roberts donated by the remarkable, and a grand time levels, and he conducts seventh year, Local Ojai player Lauren Radding Ojai tennis was had by all. summer programs and after- and with more was one of the winners in the professionals. If you would like to school leagues for the Ojai than 1500 Parent/Child Holiday Challenge. Their selection volunteer or financially youngsters, where they also youngsters takes into support these programs, learn the values of teamwork who have participated in the consideration sportsmanship, please make a tax-deductible and good sportsmanship. Rick program, this is clearly very ability, motivation and contribution to OVTC Youth is also instrumental in successful and much- teamwork. Tennis, P.O.Box 482, Ojai, CA organizing and training the appreciated by the teachers, The High Performance 93024. For more information ball boys and girls for The parents and most importantly Tennis Clinic is now in its please contact Jakob Vos, Ojai. The OVTC Youth Tennis the kids. Twice a year, in 10th year. Select young tennis Chair, Youth Tennis Programs, Committee also supports the December and April, a players are nominated by at [email protected]. Photo by Holly Roberts Photo by Holly Roberts Craig Fugle and Jakob Vos, third and second from right, are pictured Fabio Lauretta, one of Ojai’s promising juniors, hits a winning forehand with the winners of the popular holiday event. during the Parent/Child Holiday Challenge.

50 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program Old World Charm and New World Energy

Lovely Spanish Downtown Hacienda

Photos Daly Property: Chad Jones

The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program 51 52 The Ojai OFFICIAL 2015 event program