NOVEMBER 2012

Choice Health & Fitness In Grand Forks Celebrates Its Grand Opening!

Photos provided by EAPC Architects Engineers

N RTHERN EXPOSURE

Register Now For the 2012 Community Tennis Workshop in St. Paul

reating a world where everyone Inclusion Training by USTA Chief Diversity can be a tennis player, the 2012 Officer D.A. Abrams, the Sectional Awards CCommunity Tennis Workshop will Luncheon and much, much more. help inspire you, form connections and To register for the 2012 Communtiy Tennis equip yourself with the knowledge and tools Workshop, visit www.CTW.ezregister.com. needed to make tennis a sport of opportu- Also, that weekend, is Eric Butorac’s nity in your community. Come join us on Minnesota Tennis Challenge, featuring 2012 November 16-17 at the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center in Olympic Gold Medalists and US Open Champions Bob and St. Paul, Minn., for an action-packed weekend of fun and learning. Mike Bryan, at LifeTime Athletic Club Eden Prairie. Doors Featured events include a Tournament Director’s Training, open at 5 p.m., followed by the Tennis Challenge at 6 p.m. and What’s New In 2013 Workshop, a 10 and Under Tennis Workshop Gala and Auction at 8 p.m. Tickets prices are $100 for adults given by USTA National Director of Coach Education and and $40 for juniors with all proceeds benefitting the Fred Wells Development Kirk Anderson, the USTA Northern Annual Tennis & Education Center, InnerCity Tennis, St. Paul Urban Meeting, the Teamster Challenge, a Doubles Clinic by 13-Time Tennis and the Rochester Boys and Girls Club. For tickets, visit ATP Tour Doubles Champion Eric Butorac, a Diversity and www.ebmntc.com. 2012 Community Tennis Workshop Schedule of Events

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Tournament Director’s Training 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m. “What’s New in 2013” - Community Tennis Rally Luncheon 1:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. 10 and Under Tennis Workshop led by USTA Director of Coach Education and Development, Kirk Anderson 1:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Breakout sessions: How to Host a Kirk Anderson Successful Event & Building Your Base With the QuickStart Format 10 and Under Tennis Workshop 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Happy Hour, followed by USTA Northern Annual Meeting 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Teamster Challenge / Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. “How to Increase Participation by Reaching New Audiences,” led by USTA Chief Diversity Officer, D.A. Abrams 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. “Doubles: The Modern Game” led by 13-time ATP Doubles Champion, Eric Butorac 11:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Celebration of Award Winners - Luncheon 1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Breakout sessions 4:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Closing Session & Door Prizes Eric Butorac 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Exhibition and Live Auction at the MN Tennis Challenge

To register, visit www.ctw.ezregister.com. For more information about the weekend, visit www.northern.usta.com or contact Christine Nickels at [email protected].

www.northern.usta.com 3 STAFF DIRECTORY

USTA Northern Announces Reorganization

s the seasons change, USTA In addition, a new position has been 1001 West 98th Street, Suite 101 Northern is going through some dedicated to specifically serve Schools, Bloomington, MN 55431 A transitions of its own in terms of NJTLs, 10U Tennis Play Days and (952) 887-5001 • (800) 536-6982 staff changes and restructuring. On-Court Training within USTA Northern. Fax: (952) 887-5061 South Dakota Tennis Service The Section is excited that Hayley Horning Representative and USTA Northern Hall Shibley, our Tennis Service Representative Kristi Bushinski (952-358-3280) of Famer Chris in North Dakota, has accepted the assign- Junior and Officials Programming Assistant [email protected] Dummermuth is ment as the new Director of Schools and stepping back from Youth Recreation and is moving to the Pat Colbert (952-358-3283) Assistant Executive Director/Director of her position to Bloomington office from Fargo, N.D. Junior Competition spend more time Finally, USTA Northern will be hiring a new [email protected] with family and Tennis Service Representative for North and Chris Dummermuth (605-496-1612) play tennis herself. South Dakota in mid-to-late November. That Tennis Service Representative – South Dakota Dummermuth will position will assist the Section in its mission [email protected] remain with USTA to promote and develop the growth of tennis Jean Forbes (952-358-3292) Northern through in North and South Dakota by establishing Junior Teams Assistant the remainder of strong relationships with the people who [email protected] Chris Dummermuth 2012 to ensure a make up the local tennis delivery system, Mike Goldammer (952-358-3284) smooth transition. including facilities, organizations, profession- Executive Director [email protected] Then, in an effort to offer even more als and volunteers. This person will be based support to local tennis infrastructure in in either North or South Dakota. Cory Haugen (952-887-5001, ext. 0) Administrative Assistant Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin, “After much evaluation, the restructure [email protected] Tony Stingley, who currently serves as will place USTA Northern in a stronger Hayley Horning Shibley (701-306-8997) USTA Northern’s Director of Training and position to carry out our mission as we Tennis Service Representative – North Dakota Development, will be shifting roles and hit- align staff time, resources and talents [email protected] ting the road as our new Director of Diversity with core priorities and the needs of Brandon Jackson (952-358-3291) and Inclusion/ local communi- Director of Junior Teams [email protected] Tennis Service ties,” Christine Representative Nickels, Director Nancy Lundberg (952-358-3286) Director of Adult Competition for Minnesota and of Community [email protected] Northwestern Tennis, said. Lisa Mushett (952-358-3282) Wisconsin. Stingley For more infor- Director of Marketing and Communications has been employed mation about any [email protected] by USTA Northern of these changes, Christine Nickels (952-358-3290) for 15 years and please contact Director of Community Tennis [email protected] has served in a Nickels at nick- Kelley Okerman (952-358-3287) number of differ- els@northern. Adult Competition Specialist/Twin Cities Area ent capacities with usta.com or at Tony Stingley League Coordinator Hayley Horning Shibley the organization. (952) 358-3290. [email protected] James Poehler (952-358-3281) Controller [email protected] Oops… Sandy Smith (952-358-3288) Director of Membership & Sales Taylor Kopfer was mistakenly omit- [email protected] ted from the Fred Wells Tennis & Tony Stingley (952-358-3289) Director of Training and Development Education Center 14-and-Under Jr. [email protected] Team Tennis Section Championship Front Row: Chloe Hall, Anshul Bharath, Luke Moorhead, Carol Thies (952-358-3285) Taylor Jackson, Hayley Haakenstad. Back Row: Jordan Adult Competition Assistant photo cutline. We regret the error. Schenck, Loic Boyogueno, Mark Johnson, Taylor Kopfer, [email protected] Cason Hiers, Haley Lickfold (Coach Clay Sollenberger).

4 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 Executive Director’s Message Tennis & Life Camp for the Goldie Boys

t’s hard to find a tennis player the remainder of the day, but that who resides in USTA Northern didn’t phase the staff or the campers. Iwho doesn’t know of the Tennis Everyone was having too much fun! and Life Camps (TLC). It has been Over the course of the next three a tennis-camp staple for 35 years. days, Caden and I had the time of Steve and Barb Wilkinson founded our lives. We hit hundreds of balls a the camp in 1977, on the campus of day - working on our groundstrokes, Gustavus Adolphus College in St. volleys, serves, service returns, over- Peter, Minn. In 2009, when Steve heads and lobs. We also got the retired, the Wilkinsons and five other opportunity to enjoy Neal’s morn- shareholders decided to gift TLC to ing reflections, learn strategy (both Gustavus. singles and doubles), mental training, Late in 2010, I had the fortune tennis rules, sportsmanship and the to meet Neal Hagberg, the newly ever-popular variety show. (Wow, appointed Director of Tennis and Life people are so talented!) Camps. We met and discussed vari- We also had the opportunity to ous ways in which USTA Northern participate in a family doubles tour- and TLC could partner in growing nament. Hopefully the first of many! the game. Over the next year and It was such a joy playing, competing a half, Neal and I continued to meet and enjoying the game with my old- on a regular basis. I had attended est son. Although Caden and I were TLC back in 1983 as a 13 year old, on different courts during the hitting reasonably new to tennis, but excited sessions, I found it healthy for both to learn and develop my game. It Caden and Mike Goldammer of us. It allowed me some time to had been a while! As the newly- work on my game, and it gave my appointed Executive Director of USTA Northern in 2004, I took son a chance to interact with kids his own age. It was a real joy the opportunity to meet with Steve for a few hours during one watching my son become best buddies with an 8-year-old boy of the TLC sessions to gain a better appreciation for what these from Iowa. His name was Jaden, and by day two, they were camps meant to the players of our Section. inseparable. They even played in a doubles tournament together, However, it wasn’t until Neal and I had met a few times that I against adults. So much fun to watch! said, “In order for me to fully understand, evaluate and appreci- The camp was terrific. The food was outstanding. The tennis ate all that TLC is, why don’t I attend a camp myself?” Well, Neal was plentiful. The on-court staff was outgoing, passionate and was more than game for this idea. He suggested I attend a Family knowledgeable. But in my opinion, the best part of the camp Camp with one of my sons. My youngest, Tygen, is only 7 years is the philosophy. Good sportsmanship, full effort and positive old; a year too young to attend. Caden is 8, and my boys just attitude are the pillars of a distinctive philosophy that has made recently started taking a liking to the sport. Maybe this would be Tennis & Life Camps the extraordinary program it is. The staff just what I needed; a chance to fully engage in all that TLC has to truly care about the campers. They take great pride in making offer, and, to light a fire in the belly of my son! sure they bring their ‘A’ game to the camp at all times. They give On Thursday, July 26, Caden and I hit the road for a four-day full effort! Their attitudes were always positive! Steve and Barb TLC Family Camp. We got into St. Peter around 3 p.m., hit the believed that tennis needed to be character driven. Winning was grocery store for some snacks and headed for check-in. As we just the byproduct. Well, this belief is still in full bloom at TLC! got closer, memories of my TLC experience in 1983 came back I want to personally thank everyone at TLC for making our to me. I was excited thinking my son would now have his own experience such a memorable one. A special thank you to Neal memories to hold onto. Upon check-in, the first person we ran for his foresight, leadership, passion and compassion. He has into was Barb. She was greeting campers at their cars and shut- worked tirelessly to make sure the foundation that TLC was built tling TLC staffers from car to car, unloading bags, racquets, bikes on does not waiver; only grows. And thank you Steve and Barb and fans. Some things never change! for starting something that has impacted countless lives through Caden and I got into our dorm room (305 E) and headed over the game of tennis. Caden and I now have memories that will last to Brown Court #3. The Goldies’ TLC experience was about a lifetime; all built upon hitting a fuzzy yellow ball back and forth to begin. Rain forced us into the Swanson Tennis Center for across a net!

www.northern.usta.com 5 Congratulations 2012 USTA Northern Award Winners

STA Northern announced the winners of its 2012 Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award Annual Awards, which will be presented Saturday, Nov. Boys Winner U17, at an awards luncheon as part of the 2012 USTA Northern Community Tennis Workshop at the Fred Wells Tennis Martin Beck of Minneapolis, Minn., is & Education Center in St. Paul, Minn. The banquet is from 11:30- the Boys winner of the Jerry Noyce Junior 1:30 p.m. and tickets are $30. To order tickets, please visit www. Sportsmanship Award given to the junior ctw.ezregister.com or contact Lisa Mushett at 952-358-3282. player who not only displays the finest qualities of sportsmanship during tourna- 2012 USTA Northern Award Winners ment play, but who also demonstrates exemplary conduct away from the court. • Albert Teeter Adult Sportsmanship Award: Betty Beck is currently a senior at Minneapolis McNeil (Mitchell, S.D.) South High School. He and Luke Elifson • Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award: Boys: won the Class AA Doubles championships Martin Beck (Minneapolis, Minn.); Girls: Alexis Nelson at the 2011 and 2012 Minnesota State High School Tournament. (St. Paul, Minn.) Beck also was a member of the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center Jr. Team Tennis program that won the Section cham- • Bob Larson Media Excellence Award: David Sommer, pionship the past two years and finished fourth at the 2011 Senior Tennis Times (Minneapolis, Minn.) JTT National Championships in Surprise, Ariz. Beck is part of • Rocky Rockwell Grassroots Official Award: Robert the Tennis2College program at Fred Wells Tennis & Education Hank (Oak Grove, Minn.) Center. • Jack Dow Adult Development Award: Mike Johnson (Minneapolis, Minn.) Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award • Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award: Craig Girls Winner Gordon (Farmington, Minn.) Alexis Nelson of St. Paul, Minn., is the Girls winner of the • Jr. Team Tennis Organizer of the Year: Matt Boughton Jerry Noyce Award. The 14-year-old Nelson is one of the top (Eau Claire, Wis.) players not only in the Section, but in the country, as she is cur- rently ranked fifth in 14s, 29th in 16s and 100th in 18s. She has • Family of the Year: The Gundersen Family (Rapid City, won a number of USTA Junior National Open events the past S.D.) three years and earned a silver ball in doubles at the Winter • Wolfenson/Ratner Community Service Award: Koua Nationals in 2011, and bronze balls at the National Hardcourts Yang (St. Paul, Minn.) this summer and the USTA Winter Nationals two years ago. • Frank Voigt Pro of the Year: Felicia Tebon (Minnetonka, She also earned finalist honors at the 2012 US Open Northern Minn.) Section Qualifying Tournament in June, and was a semifinalist at the Nike Masters in September. Nelson, who is a freshman, • Member Organization of the Year: Bismarck-Mandan earned the Sportsmanship Award at the USTA National Clay Tennis Association (Bismarck-Mandan, N.D.) Courts in 2011, and at the 14s Zonals Tournament in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 2010. Albert Teeter Adult Sportsmanship Award Betty McNeil, of Mitchell, S.D., is the winner of the Albert Bob Larson Media Excellence Award Teeter Adult Sportsmanship Award given to the adult player David Sommer of Minneapolis, Minn., is the 2012 winner of who best displays fairness, is generous, is a gracious winner and the Bob Larson Media Excellence Award given to a newspaper, good loser. McNeil, who started playing tennis at age 35 and has television or radio person who has provided exemplary cover- played for over 30 years, is both a tournament and league player. age in the Section. Sommer is the editor of the Senior Tennis She plays 4.0 USTA League tennis on a senior team in Rapid Times, a monthly publication produced on behalf of the Twin City, S.D., which is 280 miles away from her home in Mitchell, Cities Senior Tennis Players Club, which is the largest group of just so the team has enough members to compete at the USTA its kind in the nation with over 1,500 members. Through his pub- Northern Section League Championships. She is actively involved lication, Sommer has promoted everything from high school to in the Mitchell Tennis Association and is a frequent supporter of senior tennis, special events, health and wellness and endless play local high school matches and tournaments.

6 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 opportunities for seniors. He also maintains the group’s website as captains meetings, member appreciation events and 10 and and member database, plus other computer-related matters. Under Play Days. Sommer, who has played tennis for 58 years, is also an active USTA League player and supports many of the special events Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award held in the Section. Craig Gordon of Farmington, Minn., is the recipient of Rocky Rockwell Grassroots Official Award the Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award given to the individual or organization whom has promoted the growth of Robert Hank of Oak Grove, Minn., tennis for juniors and served the junior tennis community in is the winner of the Rocky Rockwell USTA Northern. Gordon, who is the Head Professional at Life Grassroots Official Award given to an Time Fitness in Lakeville, Minn., has developed many of the top official who has done outstanding work juniors in the Section, including Quinn Foley, Paul McCallie, at the grassroots level. Hank has been Shelby Henderson, Lori Ahjua, Samantha Nichols and 2011 a certified official for two years and has USTA Northern Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship winner Lisa officiated matches and tournaments at all Hall. He has served as the Chair of the USTA Northern Player levels from professional to collegiate to Development Committee since 2010, and is a member of the adults and juniors. He also attended the USTA Northern Coaches Commission. He is the head coach of USTA Chair Official Academy last spring. the USTA Northern 14s Zonal team, the Northern Stars pro- Hank, a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota, is the gram and the Regional Training Center at Life Time – Lakeville. co-owner of the North Metro Tennis Association which is com- In his role at Life Time Fitness – Lakeville, Gordon has also mitted to increasing adult tournament participation in the Twin grown the junior game Section-wide by playing host to 22 USTA Cities. Hank, who started playing tennis seven years ago, also Tournaments a year including a USTA National Open, USTA plays USTA League Tennis and tournaments and was the winner Regional Open and the Boys Northern Sectional Tournament. It of the Jack Dow Adult Development Award in 2011. also has hosted a 10 and Under tournament, Tennis on Campus Section Championships, USTA Play Days, Minnesota State High Jack Dow Adult Development Award School League Section tournaments and Jr. Team Tennis leagues and matches. Mike Johnson of Minneapolis, Minn., is the winner of the Jack Dow Adult Jr. Team Tennis Organizer of the Year Development Award which honors the individual whose efforts have had the Matt Boughton, of Eau Claire, greatest impact on improving adult com- Wis., is the 2012 Jr. Team Tennis petitive and recreational play for that year. Organizer of the Year. The award Johnson, who is the Head Professional at recognizes an individual for his Life Time Fitness – Bloomington South or her efforts in expanding an in Bloomington, Minn., has been involved existing Jr. Team Tennis league with the USTA League Tennis program or developing a new league with- since 1995 as a player and captain. Since 2000, Johnson has cap- in the Section. Since Boughton, tained 65 teams and played on an additional 30. Many of his teams who is the Tennis Director at the have advanced to USTA League Tennis National Championships, Eau Claire YMCA Indoor Tennis Center, took over Jr. Team Tennis including three teams in 2012. In 2004, his team won the 8.0 from the Chippewa Valley Tennis Association in early 2011, par- USTA Regional Mixed Doubles Championship. ticipation has increased 20 percent the past two years to over 150 Johnson, who won the Coldwell Banker Award of Excellence players. He also created a scholarship program so everyone who in 2004, also has been on the Twin Cities Leagues Committee wanted to participate could and tripled the number of JTT events the past 8 years and served as the chair the past 4 years. He is in the city. The YMCA has hosted a JTT Area Championship for now applying to be the next Section Leagues Committee Chair. both 18- and 14-and-Under Intermediates the last two years, He also served as the Chair of the USTA Northern League and sent two teams (14 and 18 Intermediates) to the Section Restructure Task Force and was the architect of the USTA Championships in 2012. The 14-and-Under Intermediate team Northern Circle of League Life and the Twin Cities League achieved a program first by winning the USTA Northern Section schedule, season dates and days of play. He is currently taking title and will compete at the 2012 JTT National Championships the lead in working with other Life Time Fitness clubs in further October 18-21 in Cayce, S.C. Boughton also started a 10 & Under developing USTA Leagues in the Twin Cities. JTT program this year, in addition to the 12-and-Under, 14-and- Through Life Time Fitness – Bloomington South, Johnson has Under and 18-and-Under programs. also increased adult tournament play opportunities by play- ing host to the Pine Tree NTRP Doubles Fundraiser and the Family of the Year North Country Classic, a tournament that opens its doors to all members of the GLBT community, their allies, families and The Gundersen Sisters of Rapid City, S.D., have been select- friends. He constantly donates courts for USTA events such ed as the 2012 Family of the Year, given to the family that has been outstanding in promoting tennis both on and off the court.

www.northern.usta.com 7 Karen Gundersen Olson has been a long-time tennis enthu- Tennis Manager of the Williston Fitness Center in Minnetonka, siast. She helped secure funding for Rapid City’s new $1.1 million Minn., has coached many of the top juniors and has one of the Parkview Tennis Complex, which, when combined with the strongest women’s daytime league programs in the Section. She city’s Sioux Park 12-court facility, is one of USTA Northern’s was very involved in the development of the USTA Twin Cities best public outdoor tennis tournament sites. As a member of the Ladies Daytime League which includes eight private tennis clubs Black Hills Tennis Association, she was responsible for writing in the Minneapolis area. The league is currently in its fourth year and managing a blended lines grant for three tennis facilities in and she is the League Coordinator. Williston Fitness Center has the city. She directed a lighting study for the Sioux Park courts 12 teams participating in the league. as a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Tebon was the head coach of the USTA Northern Competition She has taught 10 and Under lessons with the BHTA’s Adopt-A- Training Centers/Northern Stars and has coached the USTA School program and is a volunteer at both the Common Cents Northern Girls 18s National Team for seven years. She has also Open and Level 3 Boys National Tournament in Rapid City. She served as the Chair of the Player Development Committee and has also played USTA League Tennis the past 10 years. is still a member. The former WTA professional has coached Janet Gundersen-Powers serves as the treasurer of the such players as Hannah Dake, who won the 2012 Aquatennial Black Hills Tennis Association and has assisted with the Level 3 Singles Championship and is a senior playing for the Air Force Boys National Tournament. She ran the BHTA’s local tournament Academy, Brittney Faber, who plays for Middlebury, and Sierra for years, which is now both a junior and adult USTA sanctioned Halverson, who plays at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Her tournament. In 2011, Gundersen-Powers was the tournament son, Michael, also plays Division I tennis at the University of director for this event, and in 2012, the site director. She has also Wisconsin-Green Bay and daughter, Theresa, has been a mem- played USTA League Tennis the past 10 years. ber of the varsity squad at Minnetonka High School for 2 years. Janet and Karen have also recruited family members to get involved in tennis as both their husbands and children play. They Member Organization of the Year have also brought their sisters, Deanne and Laurel, on as mem- bers of the Black Hills Tennis Association to help grow tennis in The Bismarck-Mandan Rapid City. Tennis Association in Bismarck and Mandan, Wolfenson-Ratner Community Service Award N.D., is the 2012 Member Organization of the Year Koua Yang, of St. Paul, Minn., recognizing its outstanding is the winner of the Wolfenson/ service and setting the standards in which all organizations should Ratner Community Service Award strive to achieve. Celebrating its 40th year, the BMTA has been given to the person for his or very active and aggressive in growing tennis within the commu- her outstanding fieldwork in rec- nity. The list is endless of all the BMTA has accomplished in 2012, reational tennis. It is also award- including bringing former University of Minnesota tennis coach ed for significant contributions Tyler Thomson to the area for a youth clinic, hosting tennis in developing community-based drills, tournaments (including a 10 and Under tournament), special tennis programs through commu- events and Play Days, organizing workshops for groups like Big nity centers, schools, parks and Brothers/Big Sisters and hosting a USTA tennis officiating school. Community Tennis Associations. The BMTA, which also won this award in 1999, received a Yang serves as the head tennis grant from USTA Northern to paint blended lines on local courts. coach at Harding High School in St. It has hosted a Jr. Team Tennis Area Championship the past two Paul, Minn., and as a coordinator for the St. Paul Urban Tennis years and increased USTA League Tennis participants. In 2012, Program. In the winter, he volunteers his time, offering free the Bismarck-Mandan area qualified five teams for Sectional tennis lessons to all high school players in St. Paul. He works as Championships, including a 3.5 senior women’s team that a Jr. Team Tennis coach in the summer, runs a summer tennis advanced to Nationals (the BMTA providing funding for registra- tournament and serves as a consultant for growing tennis within tion and travel for these teams). the Asian community. Yang’s contributions go beyond the basic The organization also supported many efforts in the community expectations of a coach as he finds scholarships, equipment and by awarding grants to local juniors to play in winter programs and opportunities so kids can play tennis. He also serves as a men- to travel to summer tournaments, planting trees at its local courts tor supporting kids and their families, both on and off the court, to provide wind protection next spring and purchasing Tennis including making personal phone calls to parents explaining why Skillastics for the local parks and recreation department. It also tennis is important to their child’s future aspirations. developed its internal infrastructure by sending the president to the USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop in New Frank Voigt Pro of the Year Orleans, sponsoring two people to take part in the Professional Tennis Registry’s Adult Certification course, sending several board Felicia Tebon of Minnetonka, Minn., is the 2012 Frank Voigt members to the USTA Northern Community Tennis Workshop in Pro of the Year given to a tennis teaching professional who dem- November, developing board and league manager job description onstrates leadership skills on and off the court. Tebon, who is the and starting an archive of the organization.

8 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 Community Tennis Update

Choice Health & Fitness Opens in Grand Forks Patty Egart Publishes New Children’s Tennis Book hoice Health & Fitness celebrated its grand opening USTA Northern is partnering once September 24 in Grand Forks, N.D. The new $23 million again with author Patty Egart (Andover, Cfacility features six indoor tennis courts with blended lines Minn.) on a new children’s tennis book painted on each court. There is also a mezzanine area between the titled Alley Learns Something New. two banks of courts which allows one to watch the action on both Egart’s new fiction book about friend- sides, a pro shop and racquet stringing area and two hospitality ship and tennis is written for children rooms. The facility serves ages 5-10. In the book, Alley Ace wants as the home the University to play tennis like her big brother, Andy, of North Dakota men’s and but her two best friends do not want women’s tennis teams and to play tennis. Will they still be friends if boasts a players room and Alley starts doing something new? coaches offices. There will Former world #4 and two-time Grand Slam Finalist Todd also be six additional out- Martin said Alley Learns Something New is, “A great book for kids door courts completed at a …filled with fun, friendship and tennis!” later date. For more information about the book, or for bulk orders, please contact Egart at [email protected] or at (763) 438-8466. You can also visit her website at www.andyacetennis.com. Justin Gaard Emcees Tennis Teachers Conference Opening Session USTA Northern Media Excellence Award winner and KFAN Radio personality Justin Gaard (Minnetonka, Minn.) served as the emcee of the opening session at 2012 Tennis Teachers Conference in New York City. Gaard inter- viewed six-time Grand Slam winner Lindsay Davenport to kick off the conference.

Community Tennis Grant Winners Named Congratulations to the following communities and programs who received Community Tennis Grants in October. • Aberdeen Community Tennis Association - $450 to send 2 additional members to the Community Tennis Workshop in November. • Fred Wells Tennis and Education Center - $3,000 to sup- port development and branding efforts for the organization. • Rochester Area Foundation - $3,000 to purchase equip- ment for community outreach efforts in elementary schools in the Rochester Area. • Hudson Community Tennis Association - $225 to sup- port three additional scholarships to the Community Tennis Workshop in November.

www.northern.usta.com 9 Bloomington’s David Nash Travels The World

t has been a whirlwind “There are 38 of these clubs around the world,” Nash said. year for USTA Northern “It is a very fraternal club and we have a number of female IHall of Famer David members as well. We have found that tennis is a great vehicle Nash of Bloomington, Minn., for stimulating new relations with other countries and meeting on the tennis courts, as he new people. has been busy traveling, not Nash was able to meet plenty of new people playing France only the United States, but in the President’s Cup, a Davis Cup-style event for both men the world, representing the and women played biannually. This year it was at the esteemed USA in a number of interna- Philadelphia Cricket Club. Ten of the best French tennis players tional events this summer. – many in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s – faced their American Nash opened the summer by winning the USTA Northern counterparts, with Nash leading the U.S. to a 14-12 victory. Men’s 60s and 65s Sectional Singles Championships and the The 67-year old Nash packed his bags yet again to defend his 50s Sectional Doubles title. He then headed to Canada in June 2011 title at the USTA National 65s Grass Court Championships and captained the United States to the Gordon Trophy with in Rumson, N.J. The top-seed in the tournament, Nash won four Northern’s Curtis Wright (see below). matches en route to the title once again, defeating Hugh Burris of But that was only the beginning for Nash, who traveled to Friendswood, Texas, 6-3, 6-2 in the finals. He and partner Mike Philadelphia to face France in an event sponsored by the U.S. Dahm of Dayton, Ohio, also were finalists in the doubles draw, International Tennis Club, which is an invitation-only organiza- losing a tough match 7-5, 0-6, 6-2 to top-seeded Dean Conley of tion founded in the 1920s intended to promote friendship among Alisa Viejo, Calif., and Jerry Thomas of Rockwall, Texas. nations through tennis. To be a member, one must have won Not unpacking his suitcase just yet, Nash immediately left for a National Tournament or played in an International match for Umag, Croatia, for the Men’s 65s Individual Championships at the United States, as well as exemplified the highest level of the 32nd International Tennis Federation Super-Seniors World sportsmanship both on and off the court as you are representing Championships hosted by the Hrvatski Teniski Savez. Nash, who your country. Nash, who is the Vice President of the Club and surprisingly did not make the United States team in the team responsible for inviting new members to the group, is one of championships, showed people what they missed by earning eight members from Minnesota including Wright, Eric Butorac finalists honors in the 65s Doubles with partner Keith Bland of and Tim Butorac of Rochester, Steve Champlin and Mickey Great Britain. Bland and Nash won three matches before fall- Maule of Wayzata, Jerry Noyce of Edina and Steve Wilkinson ing in the finals to second seeded Jose Camilla Borda and Jario of St. Peter. Velasquez Ramierz of Spain 6-1, 6-4.

Nash, Wright Lead U.S. To Gordon Trophy Nash and Curtis Wright of Eden Prairie, Minn., repre- Nash won all three of his matches in the 65s, winning his sented the United States at the 2012 Gordon Trophy at the singles match 7-5, 7-5 over Hani Ayoub. Nash then teamed London Hunt and Country Club in London, Ontario, Canada. with Don Long in beating Ayoub and Howell 6-0, 6-2, The Gordon Trophy was started in 1949 by the United before partnering with Mike Dahm and winning 6-1, 6-4 States Tennis Association and over Fernand Martin and Lucien Demaris. encourages camaraderie and Wright, who was playing for the Gordon Trophy for competition between Canada the first time, went 2-1 in his matches. He defeated Jim and the United States. The Alexander in a two-hour-plus battle 6-3, 6-4, and then event features the best play- teamed with Scott Works in beating Peter Straub and ers in each age category from Charles Wright 6-3, 7-6. Wright and his partner Greg across the United States. Washer then lost 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Nash, who served as cap- “The event is like playing in the finals of a tournament,” tain of the United States team Wright said. “You realize that you are playing for your team and was playing in his seventh rather than yourself or a personal trophy. I enjoyed it very Gordon Trophy, helped the much.” Wright (l) and Nash (r) U.S. secure a 28-21 victory.

10 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 “The Spanish were just too good,” Nash said. “We played two great matches to get to finals, including beating the top seeds. We had a great run and I am pleased with the silver medal.” Nash also played singles in Croatia, losing in the first round to Zdenek Suchomel of the Czech Republic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, but rebounded winning the consolation championship. “I was very happy with that,” Nash said. Even when winning, travel can often take its toll, especially when heading to foreign countries, but thankfully Nash’s wife, Linda, is right by his side, as well as his fan club... their teddy bear collection. The Nashes have what is believed to be one of the largest teddy bear offerings in Minnesota with over 3,500 resid- ing in their Bloomington home. Nash said he brought 10 different bears with him to Croatia. “My wife and I both had stuffed animals when we were young- er,” Nash said. “It started when I gave her one for Christmas about 15 years ago. We started collecting Boyd’s Bears, but they stopped making them. Honestly, it is like a disease as we just keep buying them. We have never gotten a truly accurate count as they come out at different times of the year in the house. We keep them in bins and rotate them throughout the year, but we finally had to stop because we ran out of space.” Space also became an issue when Nash started collecting old tennis ball cans, in which he has one of the largest, if not the largest collec- tion, in the United States. At last count, he had about 350 different cans that go back as far as the 1930’s and continue through every decade. In com- parison, the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Rhode Island only has about 100 different cans. Nash plans to take a much-needed break for the remainder of the year, but the calendar is already David Nash and two of his filling up fast for 2013 as teddy bears in Croatia. he is scheduled to play and captain the United States team in the Ted Avery Cup at Wimbledon next summer. “It will be amazing for all of us to have the oppor- tunity to actually play at Wimbledon,” Nash said. “Many people never even get there to see the tour- nament, but we are going to play there. This will be my second time play- ing there, but like the last Nash has over 350 tennis ball time, it will be like I died cans in his collection. and went to heaven.”

www.northern.usta.com 11 Men’s Adult Section Championships Raises Over $13,000 for InnerCity Tennis

he 2012 USTA Northern Adult compatriots are not done yet as they have Men’s Section Tournament was a even larger goals for the future. Thuge success, not only crowning “Our goal is to make this event bigger the Section’s best age-group players, but and better every year,” Busch said. “We also raising over $13,000 for InnerCity have done that, but I am still hopeful Tennis in Minneapolis. that one of these years we will get a big The tournament, under the direction of sponsor so that we can provide even long-time organizer Bob Busch, achieved more support for the InnerCity Tennis record levels of participation in 2012 with program.” over 140 players. The tournament which The InnerCity Tennis program is some- has been at Bearpath Country Club in thing that is near and dear to Busch. After Eden Prairie, Minn., the past 11 years, had retiring in 2000, Busch called InnerCity to expand to Interlachen Country Club in Tennis Director Roger Boyer and asked Edina, Minn., as well this year due to the how he could help. Boyer asked Busch overwhelming response. Also added to to come on Monday and they would fig- this long-standing event for the first time ure something out. Monday turned into was a men’s 85s singles draw. Al Bruce, Bob Busch and Ray Ranello. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday The tournament, which was sponsored volunteering for the program. Busch was by United Health and Wagner Investment Services and Estate then sent to Washburn High School in Minneapolis, where he Planning, has raised over $40,000 the past two years for the served as a volunteer before becoming the head coach of the Saturday program at InnerCity Tennis. This year, the players tennis teams for seven years. raised over $9,000 for the cause themselves. “Working with the InnerCity program was a great transition “Our players have become much more generous over the for me into retirement,” Busch said. “When I started coaching years,” Busch said. “It is so satisfying to see this happen. We at Washburn, it was so rewarding working with those kids. We are now seeing many of the kids in the InnerCity Tennis pro- struggled to find kids who wanted to play, but we were always gram playing high school tennis and competing at the state competitive – even finishing third a couple of years with only tournament.” eight players on the team.” Started over 30 years ago when the late Lach Reed played the To learn more about volunteering for InnerCity Tennis, the event on a single clay court along the shore of Lake Minnetonka, Adult Sectional Tournament, or to become a sponsor, please the tournament has expanded every year, but Busch and his contact Busch at (952) 941-1204.

2012 USTA Northern Adult Men’s Doubles 40s round robin - Michael Henriksen, Minneapolis, Minn./ John Section Tournament Winners Pratt, Minneapolis, Minn., 2-0 Singles 45s round robin - Bruce Gullikson, Burnsville, Minn./Cory 45s round robin - Scott Link, Minneapolis, Minn., 2-0 O’Brien, Prior Lake, Minn., 2-0 50s - Brian Brown, St. Louis Park, Minn. def. Glenn Britzius, Maple 50s - Brown/Nash def. Fred Budde, Eagan, Minn./Kenneth Grove, Minn., 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4 Cychosz, Apple Valley, Minn., 6-3, 6-1 55s - Jack Olwell, Farmington, Minn. def. John Choiniere, Stillwater, 55s - Budde/Randy Crowell, Minneapolis, Minn. def. David Minn., 6-2, 6-1 Baumgardner, Eagan, Minn./William Hickey, St. Paul, Minn., 6-3, 6-4 60s - David Nash, Bloomington def. Jack Olwell, 7-5, 6-4 60s - Tim Burke, Minneapolis, Minn./Dave Mathews, Eden Prairie, 65s - Nash def. Dick Nelson, Hopkins, Minn., 6-0, 6-1 Minn. def. Tim Butorac, Rochester, Minn./Ron York, Eagan, Minn., 6-1, 6-3 70s - Bob Busch, Edina, Minn. def. Tom Fridinger, White Bear Lake, Minn., 6-2, 6-3 65s - Tom Boice, Wayzata, Minn./Nelson def. Merle Brian, South St. Paul, Minn./Rodney Smith, Minneapolis, Minn., 6-4, 6-3 75s - William Robertson, Bloomington, Minn. def. George Roehrdanz, Minneapolis, Minn., 6-3, 6-1 70s round robin - Busch/Fridinger, 2-0 80s round robin - Roger Avelsgaard, Bemidji, Minn., 2-0 75s - Bob Tengdin, Minneapolis, Minn./Dick Kleber, Northfield, Minn. def. Don Hessburg, Edina, Minn./Rick Van Doeren, Edina, 85s round robin - Al Bruce, Eden Prairie, Minn., 2-0 Minn., 6-3, 7-5 80s - Henry Norton, Chanhassen, Minn./Warren Swanson, Richfield, Minn. def. Bruce/Doug Farrell, Edina, Minn., 6-1, 6-0

12 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 Chuck Merzbacher & Whitney Taney Hired At The University of Minnesota

huck Merzbacher was named the next head coach of Gophers last season. Originally from Edina, Minn., Taney had the University of Minnesota women’s tennis program and a career record of 203-69, 89-35 in singles play and 114-34 in Cformer USTA Northern junior great Whitney Taney doubles and became only the third tennis player at Michigan his assistant coach. Merzbacher replaces Tyler Thomson, who to win 200 or more matches in her career. She was named an moved to the same post at William and Mary. All-Big Ten in 2008, 2010, 2011 and qualified to play doubles During his 16-year tenure as head coach at Ohio State, in the NCAA National Championships in 2010. She also holds Merzbacher coached his squads to nine NCAA Tournament Michigan’s record for career doubles victories with 114 and appearances and a total of 209 victories, becoming the win- ranks seventh in career singles wins with 89. Taney was select- ningest coach in program history. ed as a two-time ITA scholar athlete (2009-10 and was team Merzbacher graduated from the University of Minnesota as captain in her final two seasons. the all-time career wins leader with 137, a record that still stands At Edina High School, Taney went undefeated during her prep today. He also holds the No. 3 and No. 11 spots for victories in a career, finishing with a 166-0 record (150-0 singles and 16-0 in single season. Merzbacher finished his Gopher career as a three- doubles). She lost just two sets in high school and won five indi- time All-Big Ten selection and two-time NCAA national qualifier. vidual state championships, claiming three in singles and two in As a freshman in 1984, he established his collegiate credibility doubles. At Edina, she was a two-time High School All-American with a Big Ten Conference No. 4 singles title. During his Gopher and was the 2007 National High School Coaches Association career, Minnesota won Big Ten titles in 1984 and 1986 and Tennis Player of the Year. Taney also dominated the USTA junior amassed a record of 42-7 in conference play. tennis circuit, winning six National Open Championships and Taney, who was a standout player at the University of posting a 174-0 record while winning 42 consecutive tourna- Michigan, served as the volunteer assistant coach for the ments in Section.

Getting to Know Chuck Merzbacher Q. How old were you when you started A. Watching my children play their sports. playing tennis? My son is a golfer and my daughter is a A. 5 years old tennis player. My son also plays tennis for Q. How did you get involved in playing the fun of it. tennis? Q. Any tennis superstitions you might A. My Mom started me playing when they have? built four courts at a club near my house A. Don’t walk on the lines after a point. in Findlay, Ohio. Q. Who are the people who have influ- Q. What is your earliest tennis memory? enced you the most? A. I remember watching the Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs A. Outside my family, Jerry Noyce, my coach at Minnesota. In my match with a bunch of tennis people in our community on TV. family, my parents were my foundation. Q. What is your greatest tennis accomplishment? Q. What are your hobbies outside of tennis? A. Qualifying for the Australian Open in 1989 A. I love golf. Q. What is your tennis coaching philosophy? Q. Where is the best place you have traveled with tennis? A. Play hard, play aggressively, and play with positive energy A. Australia was really my favorite country for many reasons, but Q. What is your favorite part about coaching tennis? especially the people. A. Seeing the student-athletes improve as tennis players and grow Q. If you could have dinner with any three people, who as people. would it be? Q. Why did you want to come back and coach at Minnesota? A. Rod Laver, Larry Bird and John Madden. A. The “U” has been my foundation for my adult life. I have such Q. What is your favorite movie? fond memories of playing here, and I am passionate about the A. Remember the Titans. University of Minnesota and Minnesota Tennis! Q. What is your favorite song? Q. Who is your favorite tennis player and why? A. I have too many...I really like country! A. Roger Federer. He is a class act. Q. What is your favorite TV show? Q. What do you like to do when you are not playing tennis? A. Most everything on ESPN!!

www.northern.usta.com 13 Dan James Coaches U.S. To Three Medals At Lacey Sprinkel (Minneapolis, Minn.) in the finals 8-4. Sam Dobbs (Sioux Falls, S.D.) won the Boys 12s singles 2012 Paralympics; Rydberg Competes title, and then teamed with Kevin Shan (Madison, S.D.) in tak- Head coach Dan ing the 12s doubles championship at the 2012 USTA Regional James (Oakdale, Championships at Sioux Park Tennis Complex in Rapid City, Minn.) led the United S.D. Dobbs defeated Joshua King (Englewood, Colo.) in the States to three med- singles finals 7-6, 6-4. Dobbs and Shan then beat Hayden Swope als – a gold, a silver (Rogers, Ark.) and Will Tennison (Verona, Wis.) in the doubles and a bronze – at championship 8-3. the 2012 Paralympic Jesse Sprinkel (Minneapolis, Minn.) earned finalist honors in Games in London, the Boys 16s, losing to Daniel Gealer (Los Angeles, Calif.) 6-0, 6-3 England. in Rapid City, while Hayley Haakenstad (Chanhassen, Minn.) In the Quad dou- earned finalist honors in both Girls 16s singles and doubles at bles competition, Baseline Tennis Center. Americans David Wagner and Nick Taylor won their Frueh and Aney third-consecutive Fall In First Round Paralympics gold medal defeating At US Open National Dan James and Jon Rydberg Andy Lapthorne and Qualifier Peter Norfolk of Great Britain 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. Wagner then won his second career Eric Frueh (Rochester, silver medal in Quad Singles, falling to Noam Gershony of Israel Minn.) and Jessie Aney 6-3, 6-2. Wagner won the bronze medal in Quad Singles in a (Rochester, Minn.) lost in thrilling three-setter as he defeated Shraga Weinberg 1-6, 6-3, the first round of the 2012 6-4. US Open National Mixed Jon Rydberg (St. Paul, Minn.) also competed for the United Doubles Qualifier in New States. He won his opening round match against Austin Ledesma Haven, Conn. Frueh, who of Argentina 6-7, 6-3, 6-1, but then lost in the round of 32 to is a sophomore at the Michael Jeremiasz of France 7-6, 6-1. Rydberg and partner University of Minnesota, Stephen Welch of Texas lost in the first round of doubles to and the 14-year-old Aney, Eric Frueh and Jessie Aney Maurico Pomme and Carlos Santos of Brazil 1-6, 6-3, 7-6. lost to Alison Ramos and West Nott of the Southern California Section 7-6 (5), 6-4.

Aney/Nelson; Dobbs/Shan Win Regional Titles Corinne Hoffman Wins Trip To US Open From Jessie Aney (Rochester, Minn.) Waddell & Reed Tour and Alexis Nelson Corinne Hoffman (Excelsior, Minn.) was the winner of (St. Paul, Minn.) won a 2013 US Open package the Girls 18s doubles just for participating in the title at the 2012 USTA Waddell & Reed Summer Regional Tournament Tournament Series this at Baseline year. For every event Tennis Center in played during the 10-event Minneapolis. Aney series, each player received and Nelson defeated a drawing entry. Sonya Das (Arden Hoffman, is a 3.5 player, (L to R): Sprinkel, Das, Aney and Nelson Hills, Minn.) and who played in six tourna-

14 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 ments this summer. She received airfare, hotel, US Open tickets Congratulations 10U and transportation as part of the package. Passport Winners Congratulations to the fol- USTA Northern Invades The Minnesota State Fair lowing kids who won prizes as part of the USTA Northern 10U USTA Northern was at the Minnesota State Fair as part of Kids Passport Program. Kids received Day. There was a 36-foot court set up in Carousel Park for kids a stamp for every 10U Play Day, and adults to try tennis. Free memberships for kids 10 and under Jr. Team Tennis match or prac- were given away, as well as information for parents on the 10 and tice or Junior Tournament they Under Tennis movement sweeping the nation. played this summer. Kids with five or more stamps then were eligible for the prize drawings. Grand Prize: (one night in the Radisson/ four Water Park of America passes) - James Yousef Lesson with Local Pro @ Life Time Fitness - Luke Fridinger iTunes Gift Cards ($25) - Noah Morgans, Ava Leonard, Mark Mutschelknaus, Nicole Ridenour Water Park of America Pass - Luke Westholder, Tyler Plank, Finn Dolezal Tennis Rocks T-shirt - Davis Shafer, Rima Jamous, Madelyn Kringen, Jaxon Plank, Leyton Kramer, Jack Eichacker

www.northern.usta.com 15 Reading is Fundamental by Bruce Gullikson

s the cold weather of winter Yet it is mindboggling how often people peek to see what is approaches once again, many happening on the other side of the net before they hit they ball. A people take the chance to catch Watch Roger Federer hit and notice how calm his head is (funny up on their reading. Tennis players should he may be the most-balanced player ever and this is a big rea- be no exception. While there are many son). But if I don’t look up, how will I know where my opponent good books on tactics, strokes and the his- is? Again, an easy question to answer with reading skills - they tory of the game, many players never learn will be where you hit the ball or you will win the point so it is the most important reading skills - those not necessary to peek. Remember, delayed gratification is your used on the court. best friend and instant gratification is your worst enemy in this “Reading is Fundamental” is a very accurate statement for sport. anyone who wants to excel at the sport. Does that mean your In baseball, batters know their strike zones and tennis players opponent is an open book on the court? In many respects it should know theirs as well. The basic difference is in tennis you does. have multiple strike zones, depending on your court position What exactly should one be reading on the tennis court? because you are on the move and not stationary. Ball characteristics, environmental conditions, body position- One should also start to notice tendencies. Boris Becker ing, racket face and swing path and body language are some was one of the all-time great servers and Andre Agassi, one examples a top player should be looking for during a match. of the all-time great returners. Agassi figured out that Becker There are five factors which effect where the ball will land tended to stick his tongue out as to where he was going to - spin, speed, depth, height and direction. Many players spend serve the ball. Notice Agassi’s career record against Becker countless hours trying to develop perfect technique, but they 10-4. Your opponent more likely will be easier to read than might be better served to improve their reading skills and Becker. In fact in many instances, if you just stay calm and understanding that all shots in tennis are situational. There is listen to your opponent’s self-berating, he or she will tell you not one followthrough or swingpath for every shot, but rather how to beat them. many. The more players can read the five ball factors, the I am sure everyone has had the dubious distinction of play- greater the likelihood they will be in a good position to stroke ing someone who you could time with a sun dial, and yet, they the ball. Many times people blame their technique when it is seem to get to every ball. How is it possible that Agassi covered really their spacing relative to the ball that is the reason why the court better at 36 than at 26? Reading skills are a huge fac- they are missing a shot. A simple rule for spacing is, regardless tor. One thing that helps your ability to read a situation is to play of your grip or stance, the higher the bounce of the ball, the set patterns and understand the consequences of your shots. further away from it you need to be. The average recreational player hits the ball to hit the ball. Use all your senses to help you as reading involves more than Hit the ball with a purpose and your game will make a marked just vision. Did you ever wonder why players get upset about improvement. airplanes flying overhead? It is not because they cannot concen- Most situations are predictable if you are relaxed enough to trate, but rather, they cannot hear the sound of the ball so they notice the obvious. For example would be your opponent is at have a more difficult time judging the ball speed which is critical the net and you hit a dipping shot to their feet – they basically in terms of reaction time. have two choices to pop it or drop it. If you move forward, you The great instructor Peter Burwash talks about the concept have both choices covered, but most players choice to stay back of “Triple Vision,” which basically means a player needs to be and then tell their opponent what great touch they have. aware of where they are, the opponent is and the ball location The good news is that everyone can improve their read- all at the same time. This can be accomplished by anyone (and ing skills. Watch a high-level match whether on television or you do not have to grow an extra eye). As one plays more, you in person with a pro or someone who is very knowledgeable understand exactly where they are positioned on the court and discuss the match as it is going on. Ask questions of your which leads to better decision making and ultimately better opponents after the match. Keep a journal, whether mentally or play. For instance, if you have a high ball close to the net, that physically, as most people tend to play the same person multiple would not be the time to play a defensive or a drop shot, but times. Practice with someone who is not as skilled as you so you rather an offensive shot which should be angled off the court. can work on reading the consequences of your shots without Keeping your head calm is one of the most important stroke the pressure of feeling you need to win. Relax and don’t focus fundamentals. Most people want to peek at the other side of on the outcome, but the situation. Finally, ask your local pro the net. I have been playing tennis for more than 30 years and or coach for other ways you can become an expert reader as have never experienced the court getting up and running away. “Reading is Fundamental.”

16 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012

Junior Update Alexis Nelson: The Secret Is Out

lexis Nelson liked flying under the Nelson is ranked fifth in 14s, 29th in 16s radar. The shy 14-year-old from and 100th in 18s. She won a bronze ball at A St. Paul, Minn., went about her the USTA Winter Nationals in Arizona two business on the tennis court hoping people years ago, and since then, has won a num- wouldn’t notice. That was until late June ber of USTA Junior National Open events when she earned finalist honors at the US around the United States in both singles Open National Qualifying Tournament, not and doubles. With credentials like that, in the junior division, but in the women’s others in the tennis world couldn’t help draw, and almost overnight, went from a but start to notice this rising superstar. relative unknown to the “one to beat.” But it was at the US Open Qualifying A typical teenager who loves to read, Tournament at the Baseline Tennis ride her bike and make bracelets and jew- Center in Minneapolis that made flying elry, Nelson attended Capitol Hill Magnet under the radar no longer an option for School in St. Paul last year before deciding Nelson as she won two matches over for- to home school for her freshman year. She mer college players, and then lost in the started swinging a racquet at the age of 3 finals 6-4 in the third set to Nyla Beenk, when she would accompany her dad, Dave, another junior prodigy from LeClaire, who is a self-proclaimed tennis fanatic, to Iowa. Ironically, Nelson barely made the the local courts. age cutoff for the tournament, turning the When he finished playing, Dave required 14 years of age only 18 days before the deadline date would take Alexis on the court of August 27. and was surprised at what “I played pretty well in the tournament, but Nyla was better he saw. than me that day.” Nelson said. “I didn’t have a lot of expecta- “Lexie always wanted to tions coming in, and I knew the other players were really good. hit balls when I was done I just wanted to play my best and see how it went. It turned out so I took her on the court pretty well.” and noticed she had pretty Indeed it did, but Nelson’s success hasn’t come easy. She good timing for someone so trains at the Fred Wells Tennis and Education Center in St. Paul, young,” David said. “After that, and her dad sets up weekly matches with many of the area’s top I kept feeding her balls. She tennis teaching professionals and college players. was a natural.” Nelson has played over 200 matches in 2012, and spent In her sig- the summer participating in the nation’s elite tournaments nature unas- such as the USTA National 14s Clay Courts and Hard Court suming fash- Championships, in Florida and Georgia, respectively; the Girls ion, Nelson 16s Intersectional Championships in Shreveport, La.; the Nike has quietly National Masters in Boca Raton, Fla.; and the USTA Regional become one 18s Tournament in Minneapolis. She advanced to the semifinals of the best at Nike and won the doubles title with Jessie Aney (Rochester, female play- Minn.) at the Regional 18s event. ers, regard- “It has taken a lot of practice and hours on the court, and less of age, the hard work is finally paying off,” Nelson said. “I want to do in USTA everything to the fullest so when I grow up I don’t look back Northern and have any regrets.” and the And how does Nelson feel knowing that she is an underdog country. no more? She is cur- “I don’t play tennis for the fame and recognition,” Nelson rently ranked first in the says. “I like staying under the radar and just try to play my best Section in Girls 14s, 16s without too much hurrah.” and 18s, and nationally, It seems to be working.

18 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 Hey J.B. The rise of Andy Murray has really left me confused. There are so many great players now. I am not sure who I should root for. – Al, Minnetonka

he best part of your question, Al, I’m politically and socially conservative. is your use of the word should. Assuming you lost interest somewhere TAs any serious sports fan knows, between Agassi’s glam metal hair and where your heart lies in a major event isn’t Connors’ retirement, you should check simply a matter of taste. It’s an outward out Andy Murray. His game is so conser- expression of your beliefs, your fears, your vative adidas once tried to dress him in outlook on success and failure, who you argyle. Connors himself is a public admir- are as a person and who you aspire to be as er. If you can’t stomach the British part, a person. Not knowing who to root for is Mardy Fish is a solid American and a great nothing short of an identity crisis. golfer. Your greatest fear should be young Not to worry, though. With a series Milos Raonic - his game is Sampras-like of seemingly arbitrary pop-culture related and his Canadian health care is universal. questions, we can get to the core of who Sympathy for the Djoko? you are and find your true tennis-fan self. I vote for third-party candidates. Tomas Berdych. He’s never going to win Are you a Beatles or a Rolling Stones person? a major, but there’s always a chance he’ll ruin it for a contender. That both bands are great is a given, but no sane, radio-owning Also, his forehand has some compelling things to say about person has identical feelings about the two. They occupy vastly accepted ball-striking philosophy. different universes, and where your feelings lie on that age-old question informs your natural position on the Federer-Djokovic I watch a lot of reality TV. rivalry. How so? Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils are the closest thing on A Beatles person should be a Fed fan. His demeanor is intellec- the tour to Kardashians. It’s not their fault—it’s what their fans tual, his talents changed the way the sport is played, and like The want. Beatles, his career accomplishments place him beyond reason- able criticism. Like McCartney, his public image is unassailable, I have multiple tattoos and/or piercings. and like John Lennon, he shows active concern for humanity and If you are a man, Janko Tipsarevic would respect your ink. If subtly condescends to his peers by not dating models. you are a woman, you’d want to date him. You’ll both secretly A Stones lover, by contrast, takes pleasure in watching wonder whether he has ever killed a man. Djokovic ruffle Fed’s feathers. Novak’s strokes are heavy like People are always disrespecting me. Keith Richards riffs and metronomic like Charlie Watts. More David Ferrer. importantly, Djoko is at his best when embracing his inner vil- lain. Who, but a man cut from the Jagger/Richards mold, would I’m one of those people who reads Wine Spectator and laugh after saving match point with a 50/50 haymaker swing in a owns a humidor. US Open semifinal? And what type of fan would see the humor Michael Llodra. Pretty sure he smokes Gitanes between in that? matches and has bordeaux in his changeover bottle. (I cannot verify that information.) Vintage chip-and-charge game, too. Okay - What if I’m a Springsteen guy, though? Easy—nobody plays more like a working-class anthem than What if I have no interest what-so-ever in popular culture? Rafa Nadal. He was “Born to Run” and if he were American, he Are you Ted Kaczynski? Assuming not, just get behind John and Uncle Toni would definitely hail from New Jersey. Isner. His game is artless. If you are the Ted Kaczynski, though, also root for Isner. A guy who can serve bombs like that calls What about my son? He listens to all this cool new elec- the whole system into question. tronic stuff. The important thing, however you get there, is the alignment Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. We’re talking Prince, decades-ahead-of- of your true self with your tennis fan self. Only when you have his-time-1984-cool. It’s also possible you might find Jo-Willy in achieved harmony in this area will you begin to truly understand a club. the game, and by extension your own life. What do you tell someone who isn’t into music? Who is your guy, JB? Music is just an easy place to start. Any mainstream cultural I’ve been a lost soul since Marat Safin retired. idiom that inspires feelings is useful in the process. Read on to see if any of the following apply to you.

www.northern.usta.com 19 USTA Northern League Section Champions

Congratulations to the following USTA Northern League Section Champions. They will be representing the Section at the 2012 USTA League Tennis National Championships in Indian Wells, Calif., Rancho Mirage, Calif., or Tucson, Ariz., throughout September, October and November.

Adult Champions

2.5 Women – Rochester 3.0 Women – Rochester Captain: Bobee Kearns Captain: Chris Bushaw

3.0 Men – Twin Cities 3.5 Men – Twin Cities Captain: Carl Bigby Captains: Peter Hahn, Eric Narvaez, Brad Struve

20 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 3.5 Women – Rochester 4.0 Women – Twin Cities Captain: Amy Benike, Amy Larsen Captains: Marti Estey, Carrie Valois

4.0 Men – Twin Cities 4.5 Men – Twin Cities Captain: Dan Braebender Captain: Bruce Gullikson

4.5 Women – Twin Cities 5.0 Men – Twin Cities Captains: Sara Humann, Andrea Schmaelzle Captain: Adam Altepeter

Mixed Doubles Champions

6.0 – Twin Cities 7.0 – Rochester Captain: Carl Bigby Captains: Katherine Fish, Steven Soltis

www.northern.usta.com 21 8.0 – Twin Cities 9.0 – Twin Cities Captain: Mike Johnson Captain: Mike Johnson

Senior Champions

3.0 Senior Women – Bismarck 3.5 Senior Men – Twin Cities Captain: Sharon Beattie Captain: Boy Toy

3.5 Senior Women – Bismarck 4.0 Senior Men – Twin Cities Captains: Catherine Dolbinski, Rae Nohner Captain: Paul Dalton

4.0 Senior Women – Twin Cities 4.5 Senior Men – Twin Cities Captains: Sue Stedman, Barb Witcraft Captain: Bob Marolt

22 N RTHERN EXPOSURE magazine NOVEMBER 2012 Hey Kids 10 & Under…Renew Your USTA Membership for only $10!