USTAnorthernNEWS

Awards USTA Northern Members Honored

Margie and Steve Champlin Win Samuel Hardy Award STA Northern Hall of Famers tained numerous USTA League Tennis Margie and Steve Champlin teams over the years and was a player U(Wayzata, Minn.) won the 2006 on more than 11 Sectional champion- Samuel Hardy Award given to indi- ship teams that advanced to national viduals who have given long and out- tournaments. Margie has also been standing service to the sport of tennis, active in the Twin Cities Women’s while exemplifying personal unselfish- Daytime League, as well as other tennis ness and devotion to the game and leagues and events. inspiring others. The Champlins were Steve also was a USTA Northern honored March 24, at the Samuel Hardy officer, serving as president from 1982- and Tennis Educational Merit Awards 84, and as sectional delegate from 1985- Luncheon during the USTA Annual 87. At the national level, he has served Meeting at the Westin La Paloma Resort on numerous USTA national commit- & Spa in Tucson, Ariz., and are the first tees and as chair of many including the people from USTA Northern to ever win nominating, Olympic, organizational the award which is voted on by a com- membership and technical commit- mittee selected by the Chair of the International Tennis Hall tees. He recently served as vice-chair of the USTA board of Fame. strategic planning committee and represents the USTA on Margie was a member of the USTA Northern board from the International Tennis Federation Technical Commission 1988-90. She served as secretary of the Section from 1991-92, in London. Steve received the USTA Northern President’s and was treasurer from 1993-94. In 1995, she became the first Award in 1985, and again in 1996. In 1989, he was named woman president of USTA Northern. She then served as sec- the Section’s Person of the Decade and also was inducted into tional delegate from 1997-98 before returning to the board in the USTA Northern Hall of Fame in 2005. 1999 and 2000. Margie received USTA Northern's President’s Steve was ranked third in the Section in 35 singles in 1979, Award in 1986 and was inducted to the USTA Northern Hall third in 35 singles in 1985 and fourth in 45 singles in 1989. of Fame in 2005. She has served on many USTA national He was a USTA League Tennis captain and was a member of committees including the communications, membership, the men’s 5.0 team that went to the national tournament in sanctions and schedules, school programs, USTA leagues, 1990. Steve was also a frequent player in the Tennis on the USTA SERV and others. She also chaired the national USTA Plaza tournament in the 1970s and 80s, and was instrumen- grievance committee from 2000-04. tal in resurrecting that tournament in 1996 as a downtown A very successful player on the court, Margie was section- event during the annual Aquatennial celebration. ally ranked many times in singles and doubles. She has cap-

Rochester Athletic Club’s Greg Lappin Wins IHRSA Distinguished Service Award

STA Northern Hall of Famer Greg Lappin The Rochester Athletic Club is recognized for (Rochester, Minn.) was awarded the Dale its pioneering role in the athletic club industry. US. Dibble Distinguished Service Award at The RAC is a leader in the construction of family the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub locker rooms, a water park and devoting a major Association (IHRSA) convention in San Francisco focus to youth spaces. The open club design, cre- in April. IHRSA represents more than 10,000 high ated by the RAC, has been copied by dozens of quality athletic clubs worldwide. Lappin is currently clubs throughout the United States. In 2006, the the General Manager of the Rochester Athletic Club RAC introduced “The Neighborhood," a 35,000- (RAC) in Rochester, Minn. square-foot family entertainment center. This The Dale S. Dibble Distinguished Service Award is concept is not only unique to the athletic club the only industry award given to a club and/or club industry, but to the entertainment world as well. operator. It is presented to the person and/or organi- Lappin is a regular presenter at IHRSA meetings zation for their unique contribution to the athletic around the world. He just finished a four-year club industry and distinguished service to IHRSA. Lappin is term on the IHRSA Board of Directors. While on the board, only the sixth-ever recipient of the award in the 26-year his- Lappin completed several key assignments that will define tory of the organization. the course of IHRSA for years to come.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 25 USTA Holds High Performance Coaches Seminar In Minneapolis

1001 West 98th Street, Suite 101 he United States Tennis Association (USTA) held a High Performance Coaching Bloomington, MN 55431 Program Seminar May 8-13 at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of (952) 887-5001 • (800) 536-6982 TMinnesota campus. Tennis coaches from around the United States, including Fax: (952) 887-5061 14 from USTA Northern, were invited to the event after applying with the USTA. The week-long seminar was specifically for the coach who is working with players striving for excellence in competitive tennis. Members of USTA Northern who par- STAFF DIRECTORY ticipated in the seminar included: Glenn Allsop, Luciano Battaglini, Pat Colbert, Ryan Dussault, Brent Frueh, Craig Gordon, Brian McCoy, Gordon Reid, Felicia Kristi Bushinski (952-358-3280) Tebon, Michael Stenquist, Kevin Whipple, Ryan Myhre, Marc Stingley and Jeff Adult and Junior Tennis Assistant Nelson. [email protected] For more information about the High Performance Coaching Program Seminars or Christine Buysse (952-358-3290) Community Tennis Assistant/Jr. Team to apply for future seminars, please e-mail the USTA at [email protected] or by Tennis Coordinator visiting www.playerdevelopment.usta.com and downloading the program applica- [email protected] tion. Becky Cantellano (952-358-3291) Community Development Specialist [email protected] Pat Colbert (952-358-3283) Assistant Executive Director and Junior Competition Specialist [email protected] Patty Egart (952-358-3292) Corporate and Collegiate Tennis Coordinator [email protected] Mike Goldammer (952-358-3284) Executive Director [email protected] Cory Haugen (952-887-5001) Administrative Assistant Save The Dates: November 16-18! [email protected] Nancy Lundberg (952-358-3286) The 10th Annual USTA Northern Community Tennis Workshop will be November Community Tennis Assistant/Adult Tournament 16-18 at the Grand Rios Hotel in Brooklyn Park, Minn., and LifeTime Fitness – Moore Coordinator Lake in Fridley, Minn. The keynote speaker for 2007 is internationally renowned [email protected] speaker and tennis mind Peter Burwash. Look for more information in the next Lisa Mushett (952-358-3282) issue of Tennis Life Magazine or by visiting www.northern.usta.com. Director of Marketing and Communications [email protected] Kelley Okerman (952-887-5001) Corrections… Administrative Assistant In the 2007 Yearbook, we mistakenly omitted photographs of the 3.0 Senior [email protected] Women captained by Elizabeth Johnson and the 4.5 Senior Men captained by Dave James Poehler (952-358-3281) Kubes which advanced to 2006 USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler National Administration Director [email protected] Championships. Kara Schmitz (952-358-3285) Adult Competition Specialist [email protected] Hayley Horning Shibley (952-358-3295) Tennis Service Representative [email protected] Ursula Shute (952-358-3287) Twin Cities Area League Coordinator [email protected] Sandy Smith (952-358-3288) Director of Membership and Sales [email protected] 3.0 Senior Women 4.5 Senior Men Tony Stingley (952-358-3289) Also in the 2007 Yearbook, the results of the Men’s 65 Indoor Sectional Championships Diversity Specialist [email protected] were reported incorrectly. George Roehrdanz defeated Bill Robertson 6-4, 5-7, 7-6. We regret the error.

26 tennislifemagazine august 2007 northern Hall Of Fame Six Selected For USTA

Northern Hall Of Fame section

Cliff Caine Dee Dolny Chris Dummermuth Bernie Gunderson Dave Mathews Jack Thommen

Cliff Caine of St. Paul, Minn., Dee Dolny of Minneapolis, been named the South Dakota Coaches' Association Coach of the Chris Dummermuth of Sioux Falls, S.D., Bernard Gunderson Year seven times and is a member of the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Minneapolis, David Mathews of Eden Prairie, Minn., and of Fame and the South Dakota High School Activities Association Minneapolis resident Jack Thommen comprise the 2007 USTA Hall of Fame. In 2007, she was the winner of the South Dakota Northern Hall of Fame class. High School Activities Association Distinguished Service Award. The Hall of Fame dinner and social is scheduled for Friday, July Bernie Gunderson (Minneapolis, Minn.) - A former player 20, 2007, at the Minnesota Valley Country Club in Bloomington, at the University of Minnesota, Gunderson was sectionally-ranked Minn. Tickets for this prestigious event, which is open to the pub- in both singles and doubles, winning the men’s 55 singles title in lic, are $50 and are available by calling Lisa Mushett in the USTA 1983-84, the 60s crown in 1987 and 1989, the 65s championship in Northern office at 952-358-3282 or by e-mailing her at mushett@ 1992 and the 70s title four different times including 1999. He also northern.usta.com. has played in a number of national senior tennis tournaments. Off the court, he was the secretary/treasurer of the Northwest Tennis Cliff Caine (St. Paul, Minn.) - Caine was an extremely suc- Association in 1959 and 1960 before serving as president in 1961 cessful college and high school coach in his career. He coached the and 1962. In 1964, he won the Ward Burton Junior Development men’s tennis team at Macalester College from 1960-71, winning Award and has served on a number of volunteer committees seven MIAC titles. He then coached the boys and girls teams at St. within the Section. He was extremely active with the Urban Tennis Paul Academy High School in St. Paul, Minn., from 1972-84, win- Program serving as an instructor and site director. ning seven state Minnesota State High School League champion- Dave Mathews (Eden Prairie, Minn.) - Mathews has been ships. He was named the Minnesota state high school coach of the involved in tennis on all levels – including as a player, coach, year in 1976 and was bestowed the same honor by the Northwest teaching professional, equipment rep and volunteer. The 1967 and Professional Tennis Association in 1980. Caine was named one of 1968 Minnesota state doubles champion at Edina High School, the 100 Most Influential Persons in Minnesota Tennis from 1976- Mathews played at the University of Minnesota in 1971 and 1972, 78 after founding the Minnesota Girls Tennis Coaches Association serving as captain in ‘71. He was the first teaching professional and serving as its first president. at the Northwest Athletic Clubs, before serving as a District Sales Dee Dolny (Minneapolis, Minn.) - Dolny was an accom- Manager for both Dunlop (1988-95) and HEAD/Penn Racquet plished player for over 35 years. She won her first women’s doubles Sports (1995-current). He was the Dunlop/Slazinger Salesman Sectional title with fellow Hall of Famer Ellie Peden in 1972 – the of the Year in 1991 and the Head Racquet Sports Rookie of the first of three straight titles for the duo. In 1973, she won the 45 Year in 1996. Mathews has also served two terms on the USTA singles title and in 1974, she teamed with Mathews in winning the Northern Board of Directors and is currently the secretary. He was sectional mixed doubles title. Dolny and partner Ernie Greene, also President of the Northwest Professional Tennis Association in another USTA Northern Hall of Famer, won the National Public 1981-82 and served as head tester from 1983-86. He was named the Parks Senior Mixed Doubles Championships when the tournament NWPTA Pro of the Year in 1982 and the NWPTA Player of the Year was held in Minneapolis. A member of the women’s senior inter- in ’83. A top-ranked player, Mathews was ranked fifth in open sin- sectional team four times, Dolny has worked as a fundraiser for gles in 1985 and was #1 in mixed doubles for the USPTA in 1989. He both St. Paul Urban and InnerCity Tennis over the years and cur- won the National Public Parks title in 50 doubles in both 2001 and rently volunteers at the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning Center 2003 and was NWTA Sectional men’s doubles champion in 1983. in St. Paul. She was the women’s tennis coach at Macalester College Mathews was a member of the USTA Senior 4.5 team that won the in St. Paul, Minn., for eight years and coached women’s tennis at national championship in 2002 and served as the Sectional Junior Lilydale Tennis Club for 29 years. Davis Cup Coach from 1975-78. Chris Dummermuth (Sioux Falls, S.D.) - Dummermuth, Jack Thommen (Minneapolis, Minn.) - Thommen was one the former Chris Sandvig, is a tennis legend in South Dakota. of the top players in the state of Minnesota during the 40s and She was one of the Section’s top junior players in the late 60s and 50s. He was the Minnesota state high school singles finalist in early 70s winning a number of Sectional championships. For the 1944 and 1945, before winning the doubles title in 1946. In 1949, past 20 years, she has devoted her time to the youth of Sioux Falls Thommen won the MIAC singles championships while at Gustavus coaching high school tennis, including 18 years as the boys head Adolphus. Thommen was one of the original founders of the Urban coach at Lincoln High School, and serving as the Director of the Tennis Program, working with the program until his retirement in Girls State High School Tennis Tournament. During her tenure, 1989. In 1975, Thommen won the Northern Tennis Association’s Lincoln has a winning percentage of .893 and has won eight state President’s Award and in 1986 was recognized with the Ward team championships including five straight from 1995-99. She has Burton Junior Development Award.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 27 Getting To Know section ATP Tour Doubles Player Eric Butorac

northern Name: Eric Butorac Hometown: Rochester, Minn. Age: 25 Family: Dad - Tim; Mom - Jan; Brother - Jeff Schooling: Rochester John Marshall HS, Ball State University 1.5 years, Gustavus Adolphus 2.5 years.

ric Butorac and the word “winner” are interchangeable. A for- mer Minnesota state high school champion from Rochester John EMarshall High School in Rochester, Minn., as well as an NCAA Division III singles and doubles champion and now an ATP Tour doubles champion, all Butorac has done is his tennis career is win. The 25-year-old hopes he is not done yet as he and partner Jamie Murray of Great Britain continue to barnstorm the world doubles rank- ings moving almost 100 positions in the past year and becoming one of the top 15 doubles tandems in the world in only four months time. As of May 1, the duo is ranked 13th in the world and has won more than $70,000 in prize money. During their amazing run, “Booty and Stretch” as they are affection- Talking strategy with doubles partner Jamie Murray ately known as on the ATP tour, won the Dallas Challenger event before taking home their first two ATP titles in San Jose and Memphis on back- to-back weekends in February. They also advanced to the finals of the ATP event in Los Angeles in 2006 falling to the Mike and Bob Bryan, the world’s #1 doubles team. They are 12-8 as of May 1 in 2007 and have traveled to exotic locations like Portugal, Spain, Monaco and South Africa. Still amazed at how his career has suddenly taken off, the ever-humble Butorac started his first fan Web site (www.bootyandstretch.com) earlier this year. The site is a way for Butorac and Murray’s friends and family to keep updated on where they are in the world and how they are playing. He and Murray blog from their location on a daily basis and answer fan e-mail. They also have a Fan Forum section where the duo posts discus- sion topics, photos and videos. Butorac also just signed his first endorse- ment deal with Bioenergy, a Minneapolis based company that provides “very cool products for athletes.” This “one of us” is living the dream, the motto which drives him every day. With the support of his family – father, Tim, mother, Jan and brother, Jeff – the dream could include a Grand Slam title in the not so distant future. Eric shaking hands with Rafael Nadal after a recent match.

28 tennislifemagazine august 2007 northern

Q. How old were you when you started playing tennis? Q. Talk about playing at Wimbledon in 2006? A. My dad says I didn't start lessons until I was 6. I’m sure I A. It was great, but a big disappointment at the same time was dragging a racket around before that. (since I lost in the first round of qualifying). I felt like I was there, but not really. I'm quite excited to go back and do it Q. How did you start playing tennis? section right this time! A. Most of all my early memories stem from being around my dad at the Tennis Club in Rochester. I used to go into Q. What did it mean to you when you won your first work with him every day and hang out at the club. Play ATP tour title? tennis, ping pong, and just follow him around. It is one of A. It was great. We were coming off a win the week before the best memories of my life. I enjoyed it so much and still in a Challenger, so we were confident, but to win at the enjoy going back there. Such a great place. ATP level is really what it’s all about. Then to do it again in a bigger ATP event the next week was even better. Probably Q. What is your greatest tennis accomplishment? more special cause some of my friends and my parents were A. My earliest memory would be practicing with my friends down to watch for the week. So to share that with them was and John Eberhart at the local tennis courts after school. even better. Sometimes in tennis you get on rolls where you feel like you can’t lose. That’s what was going on for Q. What is your greatest tennis accomplishment? those 3 weeks. You have to really make it count when that A. Winning the Minnesota State Tennis Tournament happens, because those kinds of runs don’t come along all Q. What is the best part of your game? that often. A. Serve....helps that I'm a lefty. Q. How about playing in your first main draw Grand Slam at the Australian Open? Q. What is your favorite part about playing tennis? A. That I felt was my defining moment on the tour. I felt A. Now, it’s the travel, getting to know players from around I could officially say I’m a pro tennis player now that I’ve the world. played in Grand Slam. Sure I was walking onto court 19, Q. What do you like most about the game? with about a 100 people watching, but to be part of the A. Just trying to figure out the puzzle. I love analyzing strat- main draw of a Grand Slam was a feeling that was unlike egies and being out there competing. I'm a pretty competi- any other. tive person, so I think I need this!!! Otherwise I'd probably Q. Did you ever think you would be where you are be too intense the rest of the time. today? Q. What are your tennis aspirations? A. To be honest...no. I’m confident in my abilities, but A. I never really set outcome goals. I'm just trying to keep when I went to the Aussie Open when I was a junior in improving and enjoying my time on the tour. Of course I'd college, someone on the trip said, "Booty, that could be love to win slams and get to be one of the top teams in the you someday." I really wasn’t even thinking about that at world. Isn't that what everyone wants???? the time and even when I first started on the tour, to be Q. Who is your favorite tennis player and why? winning tour events, playing in Slams, and being ranked in A. Don’t really have anyone specific. the top 10 teams in the world was beyond anything I was really hoping for. Q. Who has influenced you most in your tennis? A. My dad and Gustavus Adolphus men’s tennis coach Q. What is the best thing about playing with Jamie Steve Wilkinson since “Wilk” was my dad's mentor....it Murray? pretty much all stems back to him. Growing up, my dad A. We get along great on and off the court. I think our couldn't have handled it better. I'm sure there were times games are quite similar, which at first I thought might hurt when he wanted to, but he never pushed me. He allowed us, but it’s actually been quite the contrary. I always know me to fall in love with the game. I owe a lot of my success what he’s doing with his shots before he does it. I know to him. where he’ll be on the court and our energy and chemistry is better than almost any team we play. Expect to see us Q. What do you like to do when you are not playing together for a long time. tennis? Q. What will it take for you and Jamie to beat the A. Go out with friends...I love sports - baseball, football (and Bryan Brothers the next time you play them? soccer), basketball, hockey, you name it - I love it. Whether A. Not that much actually. We need to serve very well. If home or on the road, I'm always trying to get to as many we do this we will be in the match. Then it comes down to events as possible!! executing a few points in the right situations. Obviously Q. Any tennis superstitions you might have? they are the best team in the world and it is slightly more A. Not too much. Obviously just keep things the same complicated than that, but in some ways its not. I’m sure when you're winning matches. looking forward to the next opportunity though because Q. Where is the best place you have visited while each time you play a team at that level you learn more playing tennis? about your own game. It’s a very important part of raising A. Top 5 cities are Nice, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Prague and your level of play. Bangkok.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 29 30 tennislifemagazine august 2007 northern USTA Northern Member Benefits What Do You Get For Being A Member? section

In addition to being able to play league tennis and sanctioned Events tournaments, did you realize that your membership entitles you to the * Invitation to Member Appreciation Events and eligibility for drawings for following benefits? prizes • Discounts on tennis apparel and equipment at a number of * Discount into selected USTA Northern sponsored events national retailers * Discounts to Grand Slams, Davis and Fed Cup events • Tennis-related magazines including Tennis, Tennis Life, USTA * Advance and discount tickets to US Open Magazine and Smash • Pre-sale and discounts to selected tennis events and invitations to Additional Discounted Benefits member-only parties * 10% discount on SAT & ACT prep classes by The Princeton Review • Discounts on other items including selected restaurants, hotels, * 10% discount on auto insurance and 5% on homeowners insurance through rental cars, insurance policies, computers, flowers and many, Liberty Mutual many more items. * Member discounts at IBM, 1-800-Flowers, ADT & Continental * Discounts on top-notch instructions and perks at our partner resorts and Did you also know your membership fees help promote tennis devel- camps opment in our Section? A portion of all membership fees are returned * Online tennis lessons and access to online issues of USTA magazine to USTA Northern programs in helping make your experience, as well * Member hat and t-shirt offer in USTA magazine as others, the best it can be. Your membership dollars go directly back * Tennis themed holiday cards into things such as the schools and diversity programs, grants and scholarships for individuals and organizations, court renovation and Through Active.com reconstruction projects, USTA League Tennis and sanctioned tourna- * Dining discounts at thousands of restaurants nationwide ments, USTA Jr. Team Tennis and grassroots programming in your local * Rental car savings with Enterprise, Avis and Budget communities. * Hotel discounts at 19 major brands, operated under the Choice Hotels & Remember your membership fees only further promote and develop Wyndham Hotel “your game!” * Group Savings on movie tickets & concessions at AMC/Loews & Regal/Edwards/United Artist theaters Discounts to Tennis Apparel and Equipment * Online savings on purchases at Barnes & Noble, Circuit City, GNC and more! * 15% discount at Golfsmith Golf & Tennis (manufactures restrictions apply) * 25% discount at Golfsmith Golf & Tennis on League team apparel (10 players or more) * 20% discount at Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop on League team apparel (6 players or more) * Modell’s – $15 off sports gear & apparel when you spend $100 or more online through Active.com * Sports Authority – 10% off sports gear and apparel purchased online through Active.com * Dick’s Sporting Goods – 15% off sports gear and apparel purchased online through Active.com * 10% discount on purchases made at USOpen.org Publications * Receive the USTA Northern Yearbook * Receive a subscription to TENNIS for adults or SMASH magazine for junior members * Receive USTA Northern official publication – Tennis Life Magazine * Receive USTA Magazine, the official publication of the USTA * Obtain discounts on USTA publications, including the annual USTA Yearbook Programs and Tournaments * Eligible to enter and participate in USTA sanctioned tournaments * Juniors are eligible to participate in junior national tournaments and team competition * Eligible to have tournament record considered for ranking

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 31 section northern

32 tennislifemagazine august 2007 northern 2007 USTA Northern Membership Referral Program

Organizational Member Benefits section

MEMBERSHIP REFERRAL PROGRAM Know five people who want to become USTA members? Sign Universal gift cards will be distributed after October 1, 2007. New them up and receive a $25 gift card courtesy of USTA Northern. members to USTA or lapsed members for 1 year or more qualify as a new referred member. Current active members with USTA can USTA Northern is rewarding its members with cash when they participant in the program. Members must submit a list of new get five of their friends to sign up for USTA membership. The new referred member’s name and address to Sandy Smith, Director of members receive all of the great benefits associated with a USTA Membership and Sales by September 30, 2007. membership including discounts on tennis apparel and other merchandise, tennis-related magazines and discounts on tickets to Submit to: national tennis events including the US Open, while you receive free money. It is a win-win for everybody! Sandy Smith USTA Northern The USTA Northern Membership Referral Program continues 1001 West 98th Street through September 30, 2007. Recognition will be awarded in incre- ments of five starting with $25 for five new members. Suite 101 Bloomington, MN 55431 • $25 gift card for a member who recruits at least 5 new members [email protected] • $50 gift card for a member who recruits at least 10 new members Any questions please call 952-358-3288 • $75 gift card for a member who recruits at least 15 new members Members that recruit 20 or more new members will receive addi- • $100 gift card for a member who recruits at least 20 new members tional recognition on the USTA Northern website homepage. All • $125 gift card for a member who recruits at least 25 new members who recruit new members will be listed on the member- members, etc ship page of USTA Northern website and receive a recognition letter.

Organizational Member Benefits National events including the Tennis Teachers Conference and How does your organization benefit from joining the USTA? There are discounts to the Section Community Tennis Development Workshop. four major organizational member types: schools, community tennis • USTA Tennis Yearbook & USTA Northern Yearbook - You will associations, clubs and park and recreation agencies. However, any receive an annual copy of the USTA National Tennis Yearbook entity that actively conducts, controls or supervises tennis activities or & Section Yearbook. This is a comprehensive guide to the national is interested in the promotion of tennis can become an organizational governing body of tennis. member of USTA. All USTA Northern Organizational Members receive • TENNIS and USTA/Tennis Life Magazine - Your organization will the following: also receive annual subscriptions to both publications. Read feature • Free Sample Materials - USTA Northern will provide collateral stories about the top pros, events, equipment reviews and the latest material on request (curriculum, brochures, etc.) information in the world of tennis. • Eligible for Grants – USTA Northern will guide you in applying for • High Performance Coaching - A quarterly newsletter designed to grants to assist in starting and/or expanding tennis programming. provide you with the latest coaching and sports science informa- tion. It will also keep you current on any new coaching and certifi- • Voting Power – As an organizational member, you can vote for cation programs. electing board and officers of USTA Northern. • USTA Northern Website – A link to your organization’s website. • Monthly Newsletter – Receive a monthly newsletter that highlights events, opportunities & accomplishments within USTA Northern Certain member types also benefit from these addi- • Awards – As a member, you are eligible for USTA Northern and tional benefits: USTA Member Organization of the Year Awards. Schools: • Featured Article – You will be eligible for Member Organization of • Equipment Match Program on Wilson mini-nets, transition balls, the Month feature in Hilights and USTA Northern website. and school racquets. • US Open Poster - Every year, you will receive a US Open • Eligible for Schools Visits from a teaching professional to the PE commemorative poster. There is a new, collectible poster each year. class for kicking off a new unit or after-school tennis program • USTA Sanctioned Tournaments - You will have the opportunity to CTA’s and/or NJTL Chapters: conduct USTA sanctioned events and have the ability to use the • Low-Cost Liability Insurance program – must be incorporated USTA name and logo to promote these events. • Assistance with Incorporation • USTA Workshops and Seminars - Receive information and access

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 33 section

North Dakota Tennis Association Forms; USTA Northern Needs Your Help With northern Looking For More Members Historical Research Project As tennis continues to grow in North Dakota, tennis USTA Northern has started a two-year project to identify leaders in the state have formed the North Dakota Tennis and collect historical information on tennis in our Section. Association. The mission of this group, which had its We would like your help with this project as we are looking first official meeting as an organization on March 31 in for old photos, slides or movies of any type that show ten- Jamestown, N.D., is "to promote tennis for all ages by nis persons or events in our Section. In addition, we are in supporting and connecting communities and organizations need of past Sectional Yearbooks (pre 1985) and past USTA in North Dakota." national yearbooks (pre 1985). Newspaper or magazine articles of importance are also needed. Information on juniors, adults, high school, college, tour- nament results, Hall of Fame members and various historical tennis sites/locations in our Section are also wanted. If you can help, please contact John Mueller at 763-537-4391 or [email protected].

US National Player and Coach Give Free Wheelchair Clinic U.S. Paralympian Jon Rydberg, the number-one ranked player in the United States from Oakdale, Minn., and U.S. Paralympic Head Tennis Coach Dan James of Roseville, Minn., gave a free tennis lesson to a group of wheelchair Officers were elected at the March 31 meeting as Steve players on Tuesday, April 24, at the Baseline Tennis Center. Listopad of Jamestown was voted President and Hayley Also joining the group was Curt Bender from the Grand Horning Shibley of Fargo is the secretary. Other board Rapids (Michigan) Wheelchair Sports Association. Six players members include Susan Kringlie from Valley City, Brad received 90 minutes of instruction which included mobility Dorsher of Bismarck and Mike Orr of Grand Forks. drills and the players hitting forehands and backhands. "North Dakota is primarily comprised of small to medium sized communities spread across a very large area," Listopad said. "Our tennis communities need to work with and support each other to grow the game, but that can be difficult given the distances we have to travel. A state-wide organization that will bring all of us together just makes sense for North Dakota." “I see the NDTA being a successful and vibrant organiza- tion. North Dakota tennis players need to branch out, meet new players, and have new experiences but our state has little infrastructure to support those needs... until now. The Plans are being made to meet several times during the NDTA will hopefully transform our state into a singular summer for more instruction, drill and play opportunities tennis community regardless of the distances between us." as Rydberg and James are hoping to double or triple the size Erik Kringlie of Valley City has also created a website for of the group. For more information about future wheelchair the organization at www.ndtennis.org. clinics, please contact Nancy Lundberg at lundberg@north- "I see the NDTA as the driving force in connecting tennis ern.usta.com or at (952) 358-3286. communities and organizations throughout the state," Susan Kringlie said. "By hosting a website that will feature state Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Entries Due July 10 tournaments, leagues, events and activities for youth and To help commemorate the legacy of humanitarian and adults, players can participate locally and around the state. I tennis great Arthur Ashe, USTA/NJTL sponsors an annual feel very proud to be a part of the NDTA and what the future essay contest – open only to USTA/NJTL participants – asking holds for ND tennis." entrants to answer, in 300 words or less, “Why is Arthur The NDTA is always looking for additional members. If Ashe a legend?” you are interested in learning more about this group or how Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day is a day-long festival of kids’ tennis to grow tennis in the North Dakota area, please contact activities that includes interactive games, musical entertain- Shibley at [email protected]. ment and free clinics. It will be a weekend to remember! Ten national winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York to be guests at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, go to a profes-

34 tennislifemagazine august 2007 sional sporting event, check out a Broadway show, take a was comprised of 12 members (six women and six men) northern boat tour around New York City and receive an award at a providing for one doubles team per gender in the 3.5, 4.0 luncheon in their honor. and 4.5 ability levels. USTA Northern was represented by Lynn Pflugrath, If you’re between the ages of 10 and 18 and play tennis at Jodi Uecker-Rust, Cybil Perkins, Lori Edwards, Maria an active NJTL, please visit http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/ Johnson, Melanie Stewart, Cammie Wadman-Day, Amy section usta/doc/content/doc for an application. Essays and appli- Lamparske, Grace Eichten, Norbert Kuchenmeister, Bill cations are due July 10, Arthur Ashe’s birthday. Zell, Paul Jilek, Wayne Kerr, John Salkowski, Craig Ballentine, Eric Gleason and Robert Raczynski. National Public Parks Tournament The 81st Annual National Public Parks Tennis Championships is scheduled for July 28-August 3, 2007, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Created by Dwight Davis, the founder of Davis Cup, the National Public Parks Tennis Championships began in 1923 as the National Municipal Championships in St. Louis. The event is currently open to players of all ages and abilities. There are adult, junior, senior, family and NTRP events in both singles and doubles. Participants can play in only three events during the week-long tournament and one must be a family event. Deadline for entry is July 18, 2007. For more information, please visit www.usta.com.

Men’s 8.0 Super Seniors Place Second At Nationals The Twin Cities Super Senior 8.0 men’s team captained by Members of USTA Northern which placed eighth in the inaugural Pac Life Tri-Level Robert Stretmater finished second at the 2007 USTA League Championships. Tennis National Championships presented by Chrysler in Daytona Beach, Fla. Stretmater’s team won Flight 2 with University of Minnesota Wins NIRSA Award a perfect 3-0 record after defeating Eastern 3-0, Pacific The USTA and the National Intramural Recreational Sports Northwest 3-0 and Texas 2-1 in round-robin play. The team Association (NIRSA) presented the University of Minnesota then faced Middle States in the semifinals, winning 3-0. In the 2007 Tennis Ace Institutional Award April 18-21 at the finals, Northern lost to Southern 2-1, as Southern won the NIRSA Annual Conference held in Minneapolis. This the #1 and #2 doubles positions. Northern took position #3 award recognizes a campus Recreational Sports Program but it was not enough for the victory. that has been implementing NIRSA-endorsed USTA Tennis Members of Stretmater’s team, which contained men 60- On Campus program. It is intended to reward the winning and-older, included David Paulson, Dave Spilseth, Thomas member and publicize its effort to grow tennis participa- McCune, Doug Watson, David Warner, Tom Saterdalen, tion on campus. Jon Vegosen and Bill Rivera of the USTA Tom Boice, James Hoeschler, John Mrachek and James and Valerie McCutcheon of NIRSA presented the award to Alstad. Jim Turman, Direction of Recreation at the University of Minnesota, and to Will Haselbauer, sport club president, and to Brandon Jackson, sport club treasurer. The Baseline Tennis Center was also recognized for this award.

L-R: Tom Boice, Tom McCune, Jake Hoeschler, Tom Saterdalen, Jim Alstad, John Mrachek, David Paulson, David Warner, Bob Stretmater (Captain), Dave Spilseth (photo by David Shumate)

Jim Turman (center) accepts the award on behalf of the University of Minnesota. Tri-Level Team Places Eighth At Pacific Life Nationals USTA Northern placed eighth out of eight teams at the inaugural Pacific Life Open Tri-Level National Championship, a doubles competition representing different USTA Sections from around the country, in March. Each USTA Section team

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 35 Pro File section Jeff Nelson

northern ormer University of Sioux Falls Name: Jeff Nelson tennis coach Jeff Nelson was Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Fthe winner of the 2006 USTA Age: 49 Northern Frank Voigt Professional of the Year Award, which goes to a Family: Wife, Muriel tennis teaching professional who Schooling: B.A. English; B.A. Health & demonstrates leadership skills on Physical Education University of Sioux Falls, M.B.A. and off the court. Nelson currently serves as the head tennis pro at University of Sioux Falls Westward Ho Country Club in Current Employment: Head Tennis Professional & Sioux Falls, S.D. Tennis Director, Westward Ho Country Club While at USF, Nelson’s teams made six NAIA appearances. He was named Region IV Coach of the Year in both 2003 and 2004, and was the partner; Steve Wilkinson – mentor and role model; Mike GPAC Conference Coach of the Year from 2002-04. A USPTA Hougland & Chris Dummermuth – friends who were and PTR professional, Nelson has coached many of the great willing to play doubles with me when I really stunk; Mary names in South Dakota tennis while also being very active Thompson – friend and colleague who went the extra mile in the community. with me to make sure players enjoy the game. Nelson has served on the boards of both the Sioux Falls Q. What is your best tennis memory? and South Dakota Tennis Associations. He has also spent While coaching at USF, the first time the #1 men’s and countless hours in organizing and implementing tennis women’s doubles teams beat the top seeds to win Regionals programming in Sioux Falls and was the state director for Jr. and qualify for the NAIA National Tournament. Team Tennis in 2006. His 18-and-under intermediate team Q. What is the most fun you have had playing tennis? qualified for the Jr. Team Tennis National Championships USTA Adult 4.5 Nationals in Tucson. last October where they placed ninth. Q. What is your most memorable teaching experience? He has also served the Section as a National Coach Unfortunately, my most memorable experience was for junior players and an NTRP verifier and is a certified being pegged in the “family jewels” with an overhead by Recreational Coach Workshop trainer. a 12 year old boy from 10 feet away. I was down for the count, and he actually counted to ten. I can still feel it. Q. How old were you when you started playing tennis? Q. If you were not teaching tennis, what would you be 19 doing? Q. How were you introduced to tennis? In my dream world, I would be a golf pro. In the real The college tennis team needed someone to sub in world, I would probably be a college professor. a match, so they dragged me into the van, taught me Q. The advice I give every student is…? to score, and wished me luck. It was so much fun that I 1. Adults: Bring a good sense of humor to the court and decided to take up the sport. you will have more fun learning to play tennis; Q. What is your earliest tennis memory? 2. Juniors: Your opponents will better remember how I took one lesson in California when I was 12. The pro you treated them more than how badly you defeated them; showed me a forehand grip and put me in an outdoor 3. Respect your opponents as though they are your best handball court to hit against the wall. He left and returned friends. 20 minutes later. It was the last time I hit a tennis ball until Q. What is the best advice you ever received? college. Everything I do on earth sets the stage for what I will do Q. Name some of your tennis achievements? in eternal life. Letterwinner at the University of Sioux Falls (1978-80); Q. To make tennis better, we should…? Captain of a Men’s 4.5 Sectional Champion USTA Adult Offer both juniors and adults more non-elimination League team; NAIA Regional Coach of the Year (2003, formats and single day events with shorter matches. 2004), Frank Voigt Pro of the Year (2006). Younger players like to play more often, and older players Q. What is the best thing about being a teaching pro? like more rest. Introducing players to the wonderful world of tennis Q. How can we get more people to be teaching pros? and seeing how much fun they have playing and learning. The industry has changed dramatically over the past Q. How long have you been a teaching professional? two decades, and there are fewer desirable, full-time 25 years “professional” positions available. The USTA needs to help Q. Who are the people who have influenced you the communities finance and build public facilities to provide most? more full-time employment opportunities so tennis teach- Dick Hahn -- my first teacher and current doubles ers and coaches can actually make a career in tennis.

36 tennislifemagazine august 2007 northern Racquet Ramblings with

Greg Wicklund section

“Roger Federer is the Laurence Olivier of tennis.” too, to coach Geoff Young in his initial season with the – Frank Jamisen Gophers men’s tennis team (15-8, 5-5 in Big Ten).

We agree wholeheartedly with our penpal from Tennis Shop Sign: “We sell everything a tennis player uses Christchurch, New Zealand. Federer may well be one of except profanity and if you use our equipment, you won’t the best ever being a good 2,000 ATP points ahead of the need that!” competition. And now, thanks to the interesting and insightful Bradenton, Fla., News Item: “The 47th Street West commentary of Rick Reilly, a Sports Illustrated feature writer, Extension here in Bradenton has been renamed Bollettieri we began to realize what a down-to-earth, nice guy the Swiss Blvd. in honor of Nick Bollettieri, the tennis guru.” champion is. For instance Reilly writes: Suggestions for the Saint Peter, Minn., city council: Rename a • This great player actually goes to restaurants with every- street in honor of that record-setting coach Steve Wilkinson one else and stands in line. at Gustavus Adolphus College. How about Wilkinson Way? • Federer flies commercial – he doesn’t own a jet – or even Steve Street? Steverino’s Parkway? a boat. • The Swiss master’s income was estimated at $28 million Match Point: Bill: “Why do you play so much tennis?” last year and says he doesn’t need a home – just two “flats.” Bob: “It keeps me fit.” Bill: “Fit for what?” Bob: “More tennis • Federer stays in the same hotel as the other men on the – of course!” tour – no mansion. • He sometimes throws pizza parties for the ball boys and Courtside Commendations to: Rochester’s Eric Butorac girls at tournaments mainly because he was one himself. (and partner Jamie Murray) for their great achievements Does he attend? Yes, indeed. on the ATP doubles circuit. Now ranked in the low 40s for • When he is done practicing, he picks up his own bench doubles, the Gustavus grad has really put Minnesota on area, says Reilly. “Most don’t do that.” the doubles map … Athletes-of-the-week: Arya Vayghan, • His scheduler, publicity agent and girlfriend are all the Mounds View; Dan Kim, St. Thomas Academy and Justin same person, Reilly adds. She’s a very nice Swiss miss named Haag, Eden Prairie …Athena Award winners: Sarah Madigan, Mirka Vavrinec. Simley and Debbie Barany, Roseville … 2007 Excel Award • Yes, Federer is really a nice guy for these and many other winner: Megan Gaard, Edina … Mike Trautner, ’81 All-Big reasons. Reilly calls him “decent, humble and kinder than Ten and ’81 Conference Champion, will be inducted into Aunt Bee.” We agree. the South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame in July at Sioux Falls … USTA tennis volunteers Margie and Steve Champlin of Q. What is epicondlitis? Wayzata for winning the Samuel Hardy Award (outstanding A. Tennis elbow. service to the sport) …Columbia Heights tennis player Joelle Bartlett who was a featured model for the Minneapolis Off to college – Where they’ll enroll…Liza Wischer, Star-Tribune’s Promenade edition … Northfield’s Christina Grand Forks Red River, Iowa State; Abby Buxton, Eden Keesey who helped Ohio State defeat the Gophers 4-3 by Prairie H.S., Nebraska; Harry Whiteley, Orono H.S., Luther winning at the #3 singles position in the lineup. College; Josh Kreiter, Edina H.S., West Point; Alec Moore, Apple Valley H.S., Grinnell College; Jordan Falk, Southwest From Frank Jamisen: “I hear the lakes in Minnesota are H.S., UC-Santa Barbara; Mike Eastman, Edina H.S., Gustavus so clear, you can look down into any of them and watch the Adolphus and Samantha Sarkis, Chaska H.S., Air Force ATP Masters Tournament in Shanghai, China.” Academy.

Tabloid Tennis: A N.Y. Daily News story about a WTA Belated Sympathy to Families of Old Hitting tennis player marrying British royalty was headlined “Former Partners, Tennis Friends and Acquaintances: LaDonna Racket Person is Now Her Ladyship.” Strand, Bloomington; Martha Rocher, Minneapolis; Al Bergquist, Minneapolis; Dorothy Sipkins, Minneapolis; Courtly Collegians – High fives to college athletes-of- Betty Passolt, Minneapolis; Leslie Kroschel, South St. Paul; the-week: Tyler Anderson, John Barnes, Northwestern Marabeth Cornish, Minneapolis; Phyllis Curtin, Edina; College; Wendy Miller, Northwestern College; Rose Milless, Tom Finigan, Sacred Heart; Mary McKinsy, Eden Prairie; MSU-Moorhead; Mary Hesterman, Winona State; Jordan Bill and Louise Storie, Rogers; Dot Storby, St. Paul Park; Art Isaacson and Kayla Ross, Northwestern College; Jenny Peterson, Eden Prairie; Jack Dale, Minneapolis; Mike Finn, Joecks, Luther College; Michelle Bailey, Winona State; Minneapolis; Dr. Bill Kelly, Minneapolis; Don Stuart, Edina; Shelby Baker, Amy Green, Northwestern College; and to Bob Share, Minneapolis, John Conley, Edina; Dr. Bill Card, All-Big Ten players Raoul Schwark, Danielle Mousseau and Edina; Mark Evans, Minneapolis; Frank McCabe, Plymouth Ashley Schellhas of the University of Minnesota. Congrats, and Maxine Elworthy, Minneapolis.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 37 Boston Scientific section Tournament Recap

background and tennis ability level. The slate of events in northern Thank You Smith Barney For a Great Kids Tennis Block Party USTA Northern and Smith Barney played host to the Third 2007, included visits to InnerCity Tennis, the Fort Snelling Annual Smith Barney Tennis and Learning Center’s After-School Program and St. Kids Tennis Block Paul Urban Tennis. There were also clinics for high school Party February 10 players, USTA Northern high performance players, ball at the Fort Snelling kids, officials, Twin Cities’ businesses and corporations, Tennis and Learning USTA League Tennis players, seniors and USTA Northern Center. Over 80 kids members. enjoyed an afternoon “The number and quality of our community outreach and evening filled events are the benchmark of the tournament,” tournament with tennis, food, arts director Lisa Mushett said. and crafts, music and much more. The event was open to the public and many of Junior Players Whitney Taney, Niltooli Wilkins and Liza Wischer Play the kids were members of InnerCity Tennis, St. Paul Urban USTA Northern junior players Whitney Taney, Niltooli Tennis, the Courage Center and the Fort Snelling Tennis Wilkins and Liza Wischer received wild cards into the and Learning Center After-School program. qualifying draw of the singles and doubles at the Boston The Block Party started with a welcome from Smith Scientific Pro Women’s Tennis Classic. Barney’s Ted Taney, followed by both on-court and off- Taney (Edina, Minn.), the three-time defending Minnesota court stations. All participants and volunteers then enjoyed AA state high school singles champion and all-time a pizza dinner courtesy of Fat Lorenzo’s and each kid winningest high school tennis players in American history, received a prize pack including a free ticket to the Water opened the tournament with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Wilkins. Park of America. She then lost in the second round 6-2, 6-0 to Hanna Nooni “It was a great event with all of the kids having so much of Sweden. Nooni was ranked #333 in the world. fun,” Taney said. “Smith Barney was thrilled to be a part of Wischer, the six-time North Dakota state champion from the 2007 event and we look forward to sponsoring the event Grand Forks, opened her tournament with a hard-fought again next year.” 6-2, 6-4 loss to American Samantha Powers of Rome, Ga., while Wilkins (Burnsville, Minn.) was a victim of bad luck, Community Outreach Second To None At Boston Scientific Classic having to play Taney in the first round. The Boston Scientific Pro Women’s Tennis Classic, with “I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of this tourna- the assistance of monies provided by the USTA, the Greater ment,” Wischer said. “I am grateful for the opportunity that Twin Cities Tennis Association and Smith Barney, prides I was given to play singles and doubles. I will never forget itself on its tremendous community outreach programs this experience.” throughout the eight-day tournament. The 2007 tour- Taney and Wischer also played doubles in the qualifying nament was no exception as tournament professionals draw, losing to Ivana Abramovic of Croatia and Sofia appeared in 17 different events throughout the week touch- Melikishivili of Georgia 4-0, 4-0 in the short-sets format. ing over 1,000 people of every age, race, socioeconomic

Thank You Fans, Volunteers and Partners, Smith Barney, U.S. Bank – TC Market, Water Sponsors For Your Support of Park of America, Xcel Energy Center & Minnesota Wild the Tournament and Yost & Baill, LLP. USTA Northern would like to thank all of the fans, volun- teers, the Fort Snelling Tennis & Learning Center staff and the generous sponsors who made the 2007 tournament a success. We could not have accomplished all we did without your dedication, sacrifice and support of the tournament. The 2007 sponsors included Boston Scientific, KS95- FM/FM 107, Fort Snelling Tennis & Learning Center, General Mills, Wilson Sporting Goods, Chippewa Spring Water, Steve Dahl, Joanne and Bill Edlefsen, Fat Lorenzo’s, Grand Lodge Hotel, Greater Twin Cities Tennis Association (GTCTA), Health Fitness Corporation, Illingworth Communication, InnerCity Tennis, Morries Brooklyn Park Hyundai-Subaru-Nissan, Perfect Pair Designer Earrings and Fine Jewelry, SevenHills Benefit

38 tennislifemagazine august 2007 World-Record Attempt Highlights Coldest Day Of Tennis northern

one-chilling temperatures did not dampen the (Bloomington, Minn.) spirits of the tennis faithful at the USTA Northern and Tom Bengel (St. Coldest Day of Tennis event February 10 at the Paul) played a best two- B section Walsh Park Tennis Court in St. Paul, Minn. The day out-of-three games started at 8 a.m. with a temperature reading of -16 degrees match when the temper- and ended at 11:00 a.m. at a balmy -4 degrees. ature was -16 degrees. The free event, which was Buysse and Vidmar won open to the public, featured 2-1. Currently, there is fun tennis games and prizes no recognized record for people of all ages. Tennis for the coldest match was played OUTDOORS played. the entire time and free Also, kids from the coffee, hot chocolate and St. Paul Urban Tennis bagels were provided for all Program in St. Paul, attendees. Over 50 people Minn., played on-court braved the elements games and distributed including many members information about its of local media outlets. summer and winter Highlighting the event programming. were four players attempt- One of the chal- ing to set a world's record lenges of the day was for the Coldest Tennis keeping the tennis balls warm enough so they would Match ever played. bounce. Normally, tennis balls lose their pressure when Dave Mathews (Eden the temperature hits 40 degrees or lower. Organizers kept Prairie, Minn.), Mike a number of balls in a warm car and exchanged them for Vidmar (Minneapolis), new balls every 5 minutes. Foam balls and pressureless Christine Buysse transition balls were also used.

Photos by Mark Norlander Sofia Arvidsson Is A Double Winner At Boston Scientific Pro Women’s Tennis Classic Sofia Arvidsson of Sweden won both She reached the main draw only after the singles and doubles titles at the Boston winning three matches in the quali- Scientific Pro Women’s Tennis Classic fying draw and then won three more presented by KS95-FM/FM107 in February matches in reaching her first-ever at the Fort Snelling Tennis and Learning ITF final in her two-year professional Center in St. Paul. career. Arvidsson, who was ranked as high as Arvidsson then completed the 29th in the world in May of 2006 before sweep teaming with Italy’s Antonella suffering multiple injuries, defeated 18- Serra Zanetti to win a dramatic year-old up-and-comer Olga Govortsova doubles final. After taking the first of Belarus, 2-6, 6-1, 6-4, in front of a set in a tiebreaker, 7-6, Arvidsson and capacity crowd of 1,000 people. Serra Zanetti held a 4-1 lead in the After losing the first set to the second set before Bosnia’s Mervana Belarussian, Arvidsson showed her expe- Jugic-Salkic and Turkey’s Ipek rience in winning the second set in Senoglu rallied to win 7-5 and force only 19 minutes. Govortsova, who was a third set. fighting a wrist injury, battled in the The deciding set also went to a third-set as each held serve until the tiebreaker, with Jugic-Salkic and 10th game when Arvidsson finally broke Senoglu holding a 5-0 lead in the Govortsova and won the third set 6-4. It breaker, but Arvidsson and Serra was Arvidsson’s 10th career ITF singles Zanetti stormed back to win the title, earning almost $8,000 for the win. tiebreaker, 10-8. In addition to “It was more than I expected, and I’m winning a custom pair of earrings so very happy,” said Arvidsson. “I did not from Brian Walters and Perfect Pair start the year so well, but this was really nice. This is a very Jewelers, the team shared $2,600. nice tournament, and I will have to come back next year.” Arvidsson is the second consecutive double winner of the Govortsova, ranked #320 in the world and unseeded in Boston Scientific tournament. In 2006, Milagros Sequera the tournament, will be a name to watch in the future. of Venezuela won both the singles and doubles titles.

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 39 Minnesota Club Team Enjoys Experience

section At National Campus Championships By Tyler Krumholz

northern The club tennis teams at the University of Minnesota and In bracket play, Minnesota lost another tight battle University of Wisconsin-Stout traveled to Cary, N.C., April to a tough Western Washington squad, 26-22. Western 26-28, for the 2007 National Campus Championships. Washington showed our team what true fan support was Recent Minnesota graduate and club team member Tyler all about, as close to 20 parents and family members made Krumholz tells of his experience. the trip to North Carolina from their school located only 15 minutes from the Canadian border. Their crowd made the he 2007 National Campus Championships was the difference, as every match was close. best yet in the seven-year existence of the tourna- We sailed through our next two matches over New Tment. Run by both NIRSA and the Mexico and Simon Fraser USTA, the tournament was held at the getting to the consolation Cary Tennis Park, the 2006 USTA National championship of the Silver Public Facility of Year, located just outside Bracket against #18 Lehigh. of Raleigh, N.C. With 30 courts at the facil- This match truly went to ity, the large majority of matches were held the wire, as it reached a on site, including all of the matches for match tiebreak - first to 7 both Minnesota and Stout. We were joined points, win by one. Our by over 500 players representing 62 other mixed doubles team was schools from across the country and up 6-4, but Lehigh’s for- Puerto Rico. mer Division I player from Every match used the unique Pepperdine University in WorldTeam Tennis scoring format, California proved too tough in the which utilizes no-ad sets, substitu- end as they pulled out a 7-6 victory tions, co-ed formats and winners for a 23-22 win. decided by counting games instead For Stout, even with the severe dis- of matches won. The matches, which advantage of being without one male all take place on only two courts and player, they pulled out a win in the are finished in less than two hours, copper bracket against UNC-Charlotte allow for exciting, intensified play and a true team atmo- before falling to Drake. As for who won it all, top-ranked sphere not usually associated with tennis. Texas A&M polished off Virginia easily in the final for its The national tournament certainly capped a banner year fourth straight national championship and fifth in the last for college club teams in USTA Northern. For Minnesota, it six years. was the first year we had strong expectations as we entered While the tennis is what everyone comes to the tourna- the tournament ranked 16th in the country and was awarded ment for, it is a rewarding experience meeting players from a #1 seed in our group (even over perennial national power across the country. Our team was able to make friends with #11 Texas). Last year, we came into the tournament ranked players from UNC-Wilmington, Texas and Miami of Ohio in #71 nationally, and in 2005, we came into the event with particular, as well as keep up with our old friends from UW- literally no expectations as we had never played another Stout and UW-Madison. We tested each others accents and college club team. This year, we were proud that Wiscosnin- traded tennis stories at the team banquet after the national Stout joined us at the National tournament, as it was the first championship match. Dinner, awards and prizes were given time USTA Northern had two teams in the event. UW-Stout out at the banquet, and even a dance-off was held afterward. secured a spot with their second-place finish in the sectional Unsurprisingly, my doubles partner Alex Vu could not pass tournament. up this chance and shook and shimmied his way to sixth The members of the Gopher team arrived early and imme- place. diately hit the courts on Wednesday night, preparing for Although slightly disappointed by the close losses, our three pool-play matches the next day. Both our team and team could not deny we had come a long way in the three Texas rolled through our first two matches against Johns years we have entered the tournament. We decided that Hopkins and #20 UNC-Wilmington, setting up the “Match starting from 0-5 in 2005, improving to 3-4 in 2006, and to Watch” as promoted by CollegeClubTennis.com earlier finally finishing 4-3 in 2007 with a post-tournament ranking in the week. The Gophers suffered a close defeat against of #14 is nothing to be glum about. We returned home tired, the Longhorns, 25-17, and were sent into the Silver Bracket. sun-burnt and dreading the last week of class, but also deter- Stout ran into difficult times early on as its president and mined to grow the college club tennis program not only at club founder Aaron Kurth rediscovered his shoulder prob- our school, but in the rest of USTA Northern. lems and was forced to sit out most of his matches. Stout For more information on how to start a club tennis pro- went winless in their group, and headed to the Copper gram on your campus, please contact Patty Egart at egart@ Bracket. northern.usta.com.

40 tennislifemagazine august 2007