Ustanorthernnews December

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USTA Northern National Award Winners

Baseline Tennis Center Wins 2008 USTA Outstanding Facility Award

he University of Minnesota’s Baseline Tennis Center Mobile, Ala. (Large in Minneapolis was named a 2008 USTA Outstanding Tennis Center); Fair- Facility Award Winner at the 2008 USTA Semiannual view Park Tennis T Meeting in New York City. The Baseline Tennis Center, Complex, Decatur, under the direction of John Pratt and Reven Stephens, was Ill. (Small Tennis 2008 one of 13 facilities nationwide given the award and the only Center); Ebensburg one honored in the Educational Institution category. Tennis Center, “It is a great tribute to the hard work of several individu- Ebensburg, Pa. als that made this dream of an on-campus facility a reality,” (Private Facility); said Pratt. “A big debt of gratitude is owed to the Baseline Gates Tennis Center, Club Board of Directors, the staff of USTA Northern, Denver, Colo. (Large David Geatz, Joel Maturi, Scott Ellison and the entire Tennis Center); Minnesota tennis community. Without their support, the Huntsville Tennis Baseline Tennis Center Director John Pratt facility would not be what it is today. We are excited about Center, Huntsville, (middle) received the 2008 USTA Outstanding the future of the facility and look forward to continuing Ala. (Large Tennis Facility of the Year Award from incoming USTA President Lucy Garvin and Technical our great relationship with the USTA.” Center); La ke Committee member Frank Adams. Selection criteria for the 2008 USTA Outstanding Facility Charles Racquet Award was based on the following: overall layout and adap- Club, Lake Charles, La. (Private Facility); Manker Patten tation to the site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease Tennis Club, Chattanooga, Tenn. (Private Facility); Mercer of maintenance; player, spectator, press and official accom- County Park Commission Tennis Facility, West Windsor, modations; aesthetics and programming which supports N.J. (Large Tennis Center); Surprise Tennis and Racquet the USTA and the overall growth of tennis. Complex, Surprise, Ariz. (Large Tennis Center); Taos Other winners of the 2008 USTA Outstanding Facility Tennis at Quail Ridge, El Prado, N.Mex. (Private Facility) Award included: The Arlington Tennis Center, Arlington, and Thunder Bay Recreation Center, Alpena, Mich. (Small Texas (Large Tennis Center); Copeland-Cox Tennis Center, Tennis Center).

Michael Sicora Receives Bill Talbert Jr. Sportsmanship Award

ichael Sicora (Buffalo, Minn.) of my life,” Sicora said. “I met so many was honored July 12 as one amazing and talented people. I felt priv- Mof four winners of the USTA ileged to be a part of something so pres- National and International Tennis tigious. The people that put the event Hall of Fame’s Bill Talbert Junior together did an incredible job. When Sportsmanship Award given to a junior I was there, I developed more of an player who exemplifies the finest quali- appreciation for tennis and the history ties of sportsmanship in tournament behind it. I was lucky enough to meet play and the finest traditions of the great champions like John McEnroe, great sportspersons of tennis past and Michael Chang and Monica Seles and present. Sicora was given his award it was inspiring to see these people. The as part of the International Tennis two other winners of the award that Federation Hall of Fame induction cer- were there (Evan and Alison) became emonies in Newport, R.I., where tennis Michael Sicora (left) received his Bill Talbert friends of mine and we still talk to this greats Michael Chang and Monica Junior Sportsmanship Award with other winners day. I just am so honored and thankful Seles, among others, were honored. The Alison Riske and Evan King. for the award, and I will remember it for other three Bill Talbert Sportsmanship the rest of my life.” winners are Alexa Glatch (Newport Beach, Calif.), who was Sicora is the sixth winner of the Bill Talbert Award from unable to attend, Alison Riske (McMurray, Pa.) and Evan USTA Northern joining Jeanne Arth (1953), Helen Wang King (Chicago, Ill.). (1994), Lindsay Nielsen (1999), Mikey Kantar (2001) and “It (the weekend) was truly one of the best experiences Caitlin Loprinzi (2002).

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 21 Tyler Krumholz Hired As Twin Cities League Coordinator 1001 West 98th Street, Suite 101 Bloomington, MN 55431 (952) 887-5001 • (800) 536-6982 STA Northern Executive Director Mike Goldammer Fax: (952) 887-5061 announced the hiring of Tyler Krumholz as the new UAdult Competition Specialist and Twin Cities Area League Coordinator for USTA Northern in August. Krumholz replaces STAFF DIRECTORY Ursula Shute, who left for a new position with Prince Sports. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the staff at USTA Kristi BushinskiBushinsk i(952-358-3280)(952-358-3280) Junior and Officials Programming Assistant Northern,” Krumholz said. “The sport of tennis has given me Adult and Junior Tennis Assistant so many great opportunities and experiences, and I am looking [email protected]@comcast.net forward to developing opportunities for others to share in that Christine Buysse (952-358-3290) Christine Buysse (952-358-3290) same enjoyment of the game. Working here gives me the perfect CJuniorommunity Teams Te nnisSpecialist Assistant/Jr. Team Tyler Krumholz [email protected] Coordinator outlet to do just that.” [email protected] Krumholz comes to USTA Northern with a wealth of tennis knowledge and experi- Becky CantellanoCantellano (952-358-3291) (952-358-3291) ence. He served as an intern for USTA Northern in 2007 working with the communi- Director of Tennis Programs and Services Community Development Specialist [email protected] cations and marketing department, while also assisting other areas within the office [email protected] including leagues, special events and Jr. Team Tennis. PaPatt ColbertColbert (952-358-3283)(952-358-3283) He served as the boys head junior varsity coach at Edina High School and girls assis- Assistant Executive Director/Director of Assistant Executive Director and tant varsity coach at Richfield High School from 2005-07. Krumholz’s other coaching Junior CompetitionCompetition Specialist northern section [email protected]@northern.usta.com experience includes Winona Junior Tennis Camps, Wayzata Junior Tennis Camps and junior programs at Minikahda Country Club. PaMiketty GoldammerEgart (952- (952-358-3284)358-3292) CExecutiveorporate Directorand Collegiate Tennis Coordinator He also was a member of the University of Minnesota Tennis On Campus program. [email protected]@northern.usta.com While there, Krumholz served at separate times as head coach, vice president and Mike Goldammer (952-358-3284) travel coordinator for the program. He was instrumental in transforming the club ExecutiveCory Haugen Directo (952-887-5001,r ext. 110) into a nationally-competitive organization that has participated in the National USTA goldammer@norAdministrative Assistantthern.usta.com [email protected] Tennis on Campus Championships the last four years. Cory Haugen (952-887-5001, ext. 110) Krumholz has also worked as a USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler area tour- usta AdministrativeHayley Horning A Shibleyssistant (952-358-3295) nament site director, run tournaments and special events and volunteered with tennis admin@noTennis Servicerthern.usta.com Representative –

and classroom activities at the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center in St. Paul. KarNortha Johnson Dakota (952-358-3285) [email protected] Competition Specialist A native of Winona, Minn., Krumholz graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree [email protected] in Sport Management from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Kara Johnson (952-358-3285) NancyDirector Lundber of Adultg (9Competition52-358-3286) He can be contacted at (952) 358-3287 or at [email protected]. [email protected] Tennis Assistant/Adult Tournament Coordinator lundberg@norTyler Krumholzthern.usta.com (952-358-3287) Tennis Service Representative To Serve All of North Dakota Adult Competition Specialist/Twin Cities (952-358-3282) LisaArea Mushe Leaguett Coordinator STA Northern Tennis Service Representative Hayley Horning Shibley has [email protected] of Marketing and Communications seen her territory expand to cover all of North Dakota and the northwestern- [email protected] most border counties of Minnesota, in addition to Pennington, Red Lake and KNancyelley LundbergOkerman (952-358-3286) (952-887-5001, ext. 110) U Otter Tail. Still based in Fargo, N.D., Horning continues to increase tennis participa- AdministrativeCommunity Development Assistant Specialist [email protected]@northern.usta.com tion by promoting, developing and servicing tennis programs, facilities, organiza- tions and volunteers throughout the region. James Poehler (952-358-3281) Lisa Mushett (952-358-3282) “I am really excited to be covering the entire state of North Dakota and growing AdministrationDirector of Marketing Director and Communications poehler@[email protected] tennis there,” Shibley said. “With the development of the North Dakota Tennis Hayley Horning Shibley (952-358-3295) Association in the past 18 months, as well as the growth of Jr. Team Tennis and USTA TKelleyennis OkermanService Represent (952-887-5001,ative ext. 110) League Tennis in North Dakota this year, I am really looking forward to another ban- [email protected] Assistant [email protected] ner year of North Dakota tennis!” Ursula Shute (952-358-3287) Shibley has already started to visit her new communities TwJamesin Cities Poehler Area (952-358-3281) League Coordinator with trips to Bismarck for the North Dakota Boys State Tennis shute@norDirector oft hern.usta.comAdministration Tournament and the Bismarck/Mandan Tennis Association [email protected] Smith (952-358-3288) Annual Meeting in the fall. She also has trips to Dickinson, Director of Membership and Sales Sandy Smith (952-358-3288) [email protected] Williston and Minot scheduled for after the first of the year. Director of Membership & Sales “I am looking forward to traveling out to western North [email protected] Stingley (952-358-3289) Diversity Specialist Dakota and really getting to know those communities and the stingley@norTony Stingleythern.usta.com (952-358-3289) tennis people there,” Shibley said. “I will also still cover most of Director of Training and Development the communities in Minnesota that I already serve including [email protected] East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Crookston, Thief River Falls and Hayley Horning Shibley Fergus Falls.”

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RSMG8013_TennisAd_3.indd 1 6/20/08 2:19:25 PM Junior News Junior Team Tennis Section Champions

18-and-Under Results Advanced Intermediate Champions: Life Time Fitness – Moore Lake Champions: St. Cloud Set Point Finalists: Sioux Falls Anteaters Finalists: MACCRAY Third-Place: Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center Third-Place: Apple Valley Gold Team Spirit Award: Life Time Fitness–Moore Lake 2; Brainerd Aces Team Spirit Award: Brainerd Smashes Sportsmanship Award: Matt Schatza, Anoka Ramsey; Katie Boff, Hibbing Sportsmanship Award: Marco Vasquez, MACCRAY; Ann Marie Lieser, Moore Lake northern section

Life Time Fitness – Moore Lake. Front Row (L to R): Melanie Yates, Meghana St. Cloud Set Point. Front Row (L to R): Alyse Grelson, Lisa Scheevel, Vasireddy, Melanie Vu. Back Row (L to R): Cassandra Brown, Dusty Boyer, BriAnn Anderson. Back Row (L to R): Joe LaFountaine, Alex Schwegman, Scott Sundstrom, Wyatt McCoy. Brent Schoepf, Thomas Pollreis, Chris Anderson Not pictured: Kevin McGuire.

14-and-Under Results Advanced Intermediate

usta Champion: Grand Forks Lord of the Strings Champions: Hibbing

Finalists: Life Time Fitness - Moore Lake Finalists: Virginia Blue Third Place: Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center Third Place: Shakopee Thunderbolts Team Spirit Award: Life Time Fitness–Moore Lake II Team Spirit Award: Virginia Blue Sportsmanship Awards: Ian Olesak, St. Paul Urban Sputniks; Lacey Sportsmanship Awards: Griffen Anderson, Shakopee Bearcats; Hailey Sprinkle, Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center Slatten, Virginia Blue

Grand Forks Lord of the Strings. Front Row (L to R): Lalangi Marasinghe, Hibbing Rangers. Front row (L to R): Lauren Tromp, Lisa Perunovich, Gregory Wischer, Joey Anderson. Back Row (L to R): Mimi Yunker, Samantha Brianna Tammi, Emily Milani. Back row (L to R): Aden Casey, Matt Skubic, Anderson, Erik Johnson. Joe Anderson, Mike Fontana.

12-and-Under Results Champion: Shakopee Wildcats Finalists: Life Time Fitness - Moore Lake Third Place: Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center Team Spirit Award: Shakopee Wildcats Sportsmanship Awards: Tommy Jensen, Sioux Falls; Abbey Derechin, Golden Valley Country Club Shakopee Wildcats. Front Row (L to R): Dannick Boyogueno, Christine Yost, Grace Sperr, Alex Mooney, Ben Forbes. Back Row (L to R): Austin Nichols, Donovan Malsom, Coach Ford Rolfsrud. Not Pictured: Coach Mark Johnson, Coach Steve Luukkonen, Coach Adam Solseth.

24 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december 12 Zonal Teams Finish First and Second

he USTA Northern Members of the winning Badgers included Charlie Badgers finished first Adams (Wayzata, Minn.), Katie Aney (Rochester, Minn.), Tand the Gophers sec- Caitlin Bakke (Bismarck, N.D.), Manfred Barrios (Golden ond at the 2008 USTA 12 Valley, Minn.), Maddie Boyer (Edina, Minn.), Tommy Zonal Championships in Entwistle (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Jason Gutierrez (Excelsior, Omaha, Neb., in July. It Minn.), Meryl Nath (Rochester, Minn.), Maxwell Olson was the best-ever finish by (Edina, Minn.), Katherine Rosenow (Rochester, Minn.), USTA Northern teams at a Wischer and Mimi Yunker (Grand Forks, N.D.). 12 Zonal championship. The Gophers consisted of Joey Anderson (Thompson, The Badgers finished the N.D.), Jessie Aney (Rochester, Minn.), Kylie Boyer week 5-0, winning 42 matches and only losing 24. The (Rochester, Minn.), Toby Boyer, Andre Caoili (Grand Forks, Badgers started the week with a 14-4 victory over the N.D.), Russell Decker (Oronoco, Minn.), Delany Edwards

Intermountain Broncos. They then defeated the Texas (Rochester, Minn.), Neel, Virginia Norder (Rosemount, Aggies 12-6 and the Intermountain Rockies 13-5. Northern Minn.), Joey Richards (Grand Forks, N.D.), T. Shives then edged the Texas Longhorns 10-8, before defeating the (Rochester, Minn.) and Bri Smith (Chanhassen, Minn). 2008 Gophers in the finals 7-5. Head coaches for both teams were Ryan Myhre (Fargo, “It was hard playing the other Northern team in the N.D.) and Bruce Gullikson (Burnsville, Minn.). finals,” Gregory Wischer (Grand Forks, N.D.) admitted. Neel was the overall Girls Sportsmanship Award winner “We just pretended they were from another place. We for the tournament voted on by her peers and opposing actually played harder against them than the other teams. coaches, while Neel and Entwistle won the USTA Northern At the end though, both teams had a huge water fight to Sportsmanship Award. celebrate.” “We did a lot better than we expected,” Entwistle said. “I The Gophers finished 4-1, winning 56 matches. They was also surprised to win the Sportsmanship Award. It was opened the tournament with a 17-1 win over the Missouri all because of my partner (Gregory Wischer). We were 9-0 Valley Huskers. Next was an 11-7 win over the Missouri in doubles for the week so that made it really fun to play.” Valley Sooners, followed by a 14-4 victory over the Broncos. Entwistle’s teammates felt the same way. The Gophers then tied the Texas Raiders 9-9, and advanced “We really didn’t expect to win,” Barrios said. “It was a to the finals when Ingrid Neel (Rochester, Minn.) and really cool experience to meet people from other areas. It Toby Boyer (Ham Lake, Minn.) won a match-tiebreaker. was really fun.” Ingrid Neel Wins World Championship At OUATT Tournament

ochester’s Ingrid Neel joined the likes of Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Marcos Baghdatis and Dinara Safina when she added an OUATT (Once Upon A Time Tennis) World Championship to her ever-growing Rresume in June. The 10-year-old phenom defeated Scotland’s Maia Lumsden in the 10-and-under finals at the tournament, located just outside of Paris, France, 5-4, 5-2. The week before, the little dynamo helped the United States tie Europe 4-4 at the 2008 Little Mo/Smrikva Bowl in Pula, Croatia. Even though the United States team lost the tiebreaker, the 4-4 tie marked the best-ever finish for the United States squad in the seven-year history of the tournament. The competition featured the top two boys and girls 10-and-under players in the United States and Europe and the United States team was coached by Neel’s coach, Brian Christensen, of the Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester, Minn. Neel opened the Little Mo/Smrikva Bowl with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Katarina Jokie of Bosnia/Herzegovina, before fall- ing to Lumsden in the reverse singles 6-3, 7-5. “I felt on top of the world being one of four Americans selected to represent the whole United States at the Smrikva Bowl, and then to do so well at the OUATT Tournament,” Neel said. “Now I know what Nadal and Clijsters felt like playing in such a prestigious event.”

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 25 Many New Courts Open In USTA Northern

STA Northern celebrated the grand re-opening of a everyday number of tennis facilities in the Section over the sum- Umer including Powderhorn, Pershing and Webber Parks in Minneapolis, Spellerberg Park in Sioux Falls, S.D. and better Griffin Park in Pierre, S.D. All were made possible with the support of USTA Northern, who played a role in funding all of the projects. northern section usta

Minneapolis’ Support The Courts Foundation, under the leadership of Ellen Doll, celebrated the grand opening of three new facilities this summer after the revival of the Kenwood Courts last spring. Powderhorn Park (5 courts), Pershing Park (4 courts) and Webber Park (5 courts) are all being utilized by InnerCity Tennis and the local high schools in the area.

Spellerberg Park is one of only six facilities in the United States dedicated to QuickStart Tennis as eight 36-foot courts It’s why we’re striving to make our and one regulation court with 60-foot communities better, every day. lines painted on it were completed in As a leading medical technology company, Boston Scientific is September. committed to making an impact in the community by improving access to quality healthcare and supporting innovative educational programs in math and science. By dedicating time and money in our communities, we are able to improve the lives of people in need, everyday.

See how at bostonscientific.com

Two courts were added in Pierre’s Griffin Park, which celebrated its grand opening September 27.

26 tennislifemagazine december 2008 tennis_life_ad_half_horiz.indd 1 10/7/08 12:49:54 PM december Racquet Ramblings with Greg Wicklund

All Together! Three mighty “Down Under” Humor from Frank Jamisen: “I heard recently huzzahs for Jim Holden, that Pringles’ original intention was to make tennis balls. author of “Tennis in the But the day the rubber was supposed to arrive, they got a Northland: A History of big load of potatoes instead.” Boys High School Tennis in Minnesota”!!! Three Pequot Lakes – Power in the Pinewoods: Pequot Lakes, mighty huzzahs for these population 1900 and 170 miles north on State Highway reasons: 371, has been witness lately to some great girls high school • This 75-year history tennis. Eleven spirited players – Angela and Tricia Villella,

(everything you wanted Kaycee Nelson, Cori Lunmark, Sarah Thomson, Jasmine 2008 to know about boys high Nordby, Carol Meister, Katelyn Schmidt, Molly Peterson, school tennis – and then some – Megan Lenz and Kirstie Harmdierks – make up coach belongs in every Minnesota and Upper Midwest home that Monica Sergent’s PLHS Patriots, which in mid-September is remotely connected to our super sport. It’s a great read were ranked #10 in Class A. The Patriots were 17-4 and and serves as a solid reference work. one match away from advancing to the Minnesota State • The vast array of interviews, facts and figures and sure- Tournament at press time. Here’s hoping Pequot Lakes is shot statistics Holden has assembled is indeed impres- proud of their Patriot dedication and drive. Go Patriots! sive. (Holden was assisted by John Mueller, USPTA pro) Around The Courts: In news that I have heard around the • The book is also endorsed by former Gopher coach Jerry Section, Rochester’s Bethanie Mattek, ranked #35 in the Noyce, Rochester’s Dr. Chuck Darley, Gustavus coach world, reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, defeating Steve Wilkinson, USPTA pro John Eberhart and the Marion Bartoli, 2007 runner-up, 6-4, 6-1. She was also a “great one” David Wheaton. semifinalist at the East-West Bank Classic in Carson, Calif., • Order your copy (or copies – they make great gifts at and at the DFS Classic in Birmingham, England. She lost www.bookhousefulfillment.com or call 800-901-3480 in the second round at the US Open. … WIAC Players-of- (published by Beaver’s Pond Press, Edina, Minn.) 448 the-Week include Katie McDonald (UW-La Crosse) and the pages, 8.5 by 11 inches, $34.95. doubles team of Lindsay Gillman and Brittany Bonine (UW-River Falls)… former Gopher Dave Geatz is the new High Tens To: Edina native Mardy Fish for reaching tennis coach at Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y. … Eden Prairie the US Open quarterfinals, losing to #1 Rafael Nadal … star Makenna Borg won the first singles division of the Dan James and Jon Rydberg, both of Oakdale, Minn., Rochester Mayo Invitational in early September. She is cur- for their achievements at Beijing’s Paralympics Games rently ranked #2 behind Minnetonka’s Aria Lambert. in early September … Travis Helgeson, son of former Gopher Kent Helgeson, who helped Georgia win the Q. Did Lindsay Whalen, U of M and Connecticut Sun NCAA Championship last spring … Michael Sicora, basketball star from Hutchinson, Minn., ever play tennis? now a Minnesota Gopher, for winning the Bill Talbert A. Yes. She could have played tennis at a Division II Junior Sportsmanship Award … Niltooli Wilkins, new college. Gopher freshman, who won an ITA summer tournament in Manhattan, Kan. …Rochester’s Eric Butorac, In Memoriam: Belated sympathy to old tennis friends and ranked 47th in the world in doubles, who teamed with their families of the following: Mary Haldeman-Dayton Rohan Bopanna of India to win the doubles title at the (Minneapolis), Margaret Brunsdale-Pitts (Minneapolis), Countrywide Classic in early August, and who advanced Norman Nielsen (Minneapolis), Steve Ruff (Wayzata), to the mixed doubles semifinals with partner Jill Craybas Walter Johnson (Minnetonka), Don Dean (White Bear at the US Open … Dave Nash of Bloomington, who will Lake), Peggy Winton-Anderson (Orono), Elaine Ronald play in the 60-and-older ITF tournament in Belek, Turkey (Excelsior) and Donna Murn (Brooklyn Center). in October … NSIC Players-of-the-Week including Alyssa Schafer (MSU-Moorhead), Ramona Lerch (Southwest A Great Pro Retires: Jack Roach, veteran Upper Midwest State), Heather Pierce and Mary Hesterman (Winona player and professional, is retiring from his position as State), Kelsey Montgomery (Upper Iowa) and Kali Welu Tennis Director of Interlachen Country Club. (Taking over (Bemidji State) … UMAC’s Players-of-the-Week Shelby for Jack is Steve Paulsen, NW pro and Edina Girls High Baker and Wendy Miller (Northwestern College) … if you School Tennis Coach). Jack was a former Gopher women’s have anyone you know who deserves High Tens, please tennis coach and was one of the original pros for the NW e-mail them to Lisa Mushett in the USTA Northern office Tennis Association. He was also one of my earliest mentors at [email protected]. who gave me a great deal of encouragement and professional advice. Thanks Jack! My best to you!

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 27 USTA NORTHERN NEWS, ACTIVITIES & HAPPENINGS

Dan James and Jon Rydberg Jon Rydberg Represent U.S. At 2008 Beijing Paralympics Games The United States, coached by Oakdale’s Dan James, claimed one gold and one bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympics Games in Beijing, China. David Wagner and Nick Taylor defended their 2004 gold medal in quad doubles by defeating Boaz Kramer and Shraga Weinhold of Israel 6-0, 4-6, 6-2 in the finals. Wagner also claimed the bronze medal in the quad singles, defeating his good friend Taylor 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 in side and the five mascots on the other for his service at the third-place match. the games. To see photos and a daily diary from his trip to The women’s doubles Beijing, please visit northern.usta.com. team of Beth Arnoult and Kaitlyn Verfuerth northern section West Fargo Tennis Invitational Raises Money For just missed winning Cancer Awareness the bronze medal when The West Fargo they fell to Florence Tennis Invitational Gravellier and Arlette was special in more Racineux of France 5-7, ways than one in 6-3, 6-2. 2008. All 16 schools This is the third in North Dakota usta Dan James Paralympics Games that who offer boys ten- James has served as the nis played in the event on September 6 as 192 participants head coach for the United States – also coaching the team competed at nine different locations in the Fargo/Moorhead in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004). Under his tutelage, the and West Fargo area. All told, there were 243 matches played United States has won 12 Paralympics Tennis Medals, includ- on Saturday and medals were given for first through fifth ing winning the Quad doubles gold in 2004 and 2008, a place in the six singles flights and three doubles flights. singles silver in 2004 and Wagner’s bronze in 2008. Defending North Dakota State champions - Grand Forks Red Jon Rydberg (Oakdale, Minn.) lost in the third round River - won the team title. to Shingo Kunieda of Japan 6-1, 6-1. Kunieda, who is #1 To make this already unique event even more special, all in the world, won the gold medal after defeating Robin matches were played with pink tennis balls to raise aware- Ammerlaan of The Netherlands in the finals. Rydberg and ness for cancer research. The coaches and players handed out partner Steve Welch (Southlake, Texas) lost in the second information about all forms of cancer and took donations for round of the doubles to third seed Maikel Scheffers and the National Cancer Awareness Society. Ronald Vink of The Netherlands 6-3, 6-1. Before the team left for Beijing, it gathered for a pre- Mike Cartwright Named One of 12 Finalists For Games camp August 11-13 at the Baseline Tennis Center in Minneapolis. The team practiced twice a day, while Starfish Award also doing many media appearances in preparation for the Mounds View (Minn.) High School boys and girls tennis Games. They also did a camp with Courage Center for wheel- coach Mike Cartwright was named one of 12 finalists for chair players in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. the USTA National Starfish Award, which honors high school coaches who implement a “no-cut” policy for their teams. St. Paul’s Tim Kurtt Works 2008 Beijing Games “Mike truly exemplifies the time, effort and planning it USTA Northern tennis official and board member Tim takes, not just to be a USTA no-cut coach, but a successful Kurtt was one of only nine Americans selected to work as coach that has made a difference in the lives of students an official at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. While there, and their communities,” Kirk Anderson, USTA Director of Kurtt was selected as one of six court leaders and worked Recreational Coaches and Programs, said. “It is a quite an the women’s doubles gold medal match with the Williams honor to be one of the 12 coaches selected considering there sisters and the women’s bronze medal singles match. He are over 2,000 No-Cut High School coaches nationwide. To also received a certificate from the International Olympic be considered in the top one percent of your profession is Committee and a Bronze Coin with the Birds Nest on one remarkable.”

28 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december Andres Osorio, Hannah Dake Win Singles Titles At Aquatennial Tournament Andres Osorio, Hannah Dake, the men’s doubles team of Hour featuring musical group SIKA (tournament participants John Schollmeier and Kevin Whipple, the women’s doubles Nate McLain and Aleksey Zharinov headline the band), team of Lauren Hom and Sierra Krebsbach and the mixed a media tennis tournament, an exhibition featuring KFAN doubles team of Andy Bryan and Hom were crowned cham- personalities Cory Cove and Chris Hawkey and an appear- pions at the 2008 Boston Scientific Aquatennial Plaza Tennis ance from the Aquatennial Queen and Commodore. Classic at One Financial Plaza in downtown Minneapolis. The 2008 Boston Scientific Aquatennial Plaza Tennis The tournament, which was extended to three full weeks Classic was supported by title sponsor Boston Scientific, in this year, had many of the best tennis players in USTA addition to welcoming sponsors ANEW Aesthetic Medical Northern. The event also featured many special events in Center, Deloitte LLP, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Erbert & conjunction with the tournament including a Tennis Happy Gerbert’s, Gutter Helmet of Minnesota, Life Time Fitness, Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, Sit Investment Associates, USTA Northern and Wachovia Securities. Other sponsors included Behringer Harvard, Cole Spring Water, K&B Copy Group, Metro Sales and Sport Court of Minneapolis. 2008 Final Results From The 2008 Boston Scientific Aquatennial Plaza Tennis Classic Women’s Singles Finals Hannah Dake def. (1) Amy Jamieson 6-4, 6-4 Men’s Singles Final Andres Osorio def. Tony Larson 6-1, 6-4 Women’s Doubles Final (2) Lauren Hom/Sierra Krebsbach def. Rajasree Hawk/Amy Jamieson 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 (4) Men’s Doubles Final Kevin Whipple/John Schollmeier def. (1) Nate McLain/Aleksey Zharinov 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (10) Mixed Doubles Finals Andy Bryan/Lauren Hom def. Abby Buxton/Ryan Dussault 6-2, 6-2

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 29 A Cinder“feller” Story Qualifies For USTA League Tennis National Championships By Paul Jilek

nce upon a time, way back in the Fall of 2007, our team, aptly named “Jilek’s Recruits,” was what we Oconsidered the “gold standard” team - strong at both singles and solid at all three doubles positions. Although golden in our eyes, the fall/winter season didn’t quite work out as we had hoped after we finished in third place overall. Oh well, on to next year in trying to improve on the “gold standard”…or was it? The team that had finished first, won both the winter and the summer leagues, but was only able to field one team. Then the second place team won its summer flight and automati- cally qualified for the Twin Cities Area tournament. That left one spot available to fill out the field for the Twin Cities Area Championships. USTA Northern Section League Coordinator Kara Johnson e-mailed me and left numerous voicemails telling me of my team’s good fortune. Unfortunately, I was in Northern Minnesota at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, northern section without my cell phone, so I could not respond. Knowing that I was ALWAYS quick to respond to tennis Tournament championship. The stakes were even higher e-mails, Kara thought something might be awry. With the this time around, as the winner of the match would advance deadline for the area tournament drawing ever-closer, she to Tucson, Ariz., for the USTA League Tennis 3.5 Adult Men’s desperately called my teammates trying to find me and offer National Tournament presented by Chrysler. us the last invitation to play at the Area championships. Our teams were tied at 2-2, with the #1 singles match still Finally, Kara was able to track down my teammate Cory on the court. The players split sets sending it to a third-set Zupfer on Wednesday – two days before the tournament was usta tiebreaker (once again). With the glass slipper getting tight- to begin - and the glass slipper was starting to take shape. er by the minute, our player [Vijay Thangiahandrew] knew (We must have had some sort of fairy godmother looking it was all on his shoulders. Vijay was ahead 6-3, then 7-4, out for us.) In the end, Cory had scraped together eight guys, then 8-5, only two points from victory. It was then 8-7, then and as fate would have it, I returned from my trip early due 9-8, then 9-10. Still battling back and forth, and with the to a severe case of strep throat. We were now ready to play. score at 11-12, Vijay served his second serve deep in the We lost our first match 3-2. We then only had seven corner that his opponent called out. The celebration started guys for our second match and it looked as if we were for our opponents when the linesperson, who was standing going to have to forfeit the #2 singles position. Knowing on the court, overruled the call making the score 12-12. that we couldn’t afford to forfeit any matches, I realized Vijay’s opponent then served match point at 12-13 before that I would have to play, despite having strep throat and hitting the ball long, and the glass slipper was placed on the completely tearing my PCL two months earlier. I was fitted foot of Jilek’s Recruits! A Cinderella, or rather, a Cinder“feller” for an orthopedic knee brace that morning, and decided to story indeed! give it a try. Miraculously, the team pulled off a 3-2 victory and I won at #3 doubles. We then won the next match 4-1, and realized we may actually have a shot. Since we were tied for first place with an overall 2-1 team record, it had to be settled with an individual matches-won tiebreaker, which we won 9-7, earning us an automatic invitation to the Section Championship. We did go on to win the area championship match 4-1 – winning three third-set tiebreakers of course. Two weeks later, at the USTA Northern Section Championships, things were looking up for us. We had a full team playing that weekend, I was over my strep throat (still had a sore knee from the torn PCL, but that was not going to stop me), and we were the top seed in the tournament after winning the Twin Cities Area title. We won our first match 3-2 – naturally winning two tough third-set tiebreakers. Next up was a team from Duluth, who we handled 5-0, setting up a rematch against the team who we beat in the Area

30 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december

2008 USTA League Tennis presentedFat by Chrysler National ChampionshipLorenzo’s Qualifiers

September 26-28 5.0 Adult Indian Wells, Calif. USTA Northern Adult Champions 4.0 Adult Tucson, Ariz. Men’s Open Las Vegas, Nev.

October 3-5 2.5 Adult Las Vegas, Nev. 3.0 Adult Tucson, Ariz.

October 17-19 4.5 Adult Tucson, Ariz. 2008 4.0 Senior Indian Wells, Calif.

October 24-26 4.5 Senior Tucson, Ariz. 3.5 Senior Indian Wells, Calif. Rochester 2.5 Women – Heidi McLeod, captain

Oct. 31-Nov. 2 3.5 Adult Tucson, Ariz. 3.0 Senior Las Vegas, Nev.

November 21-23 Mixed Doubles Sacramento, Calif.

April 24-26, 2009 7.0, 9.0 Super Seniors Surprise, Ariz.

April 27-29 6.0, 8.0 Super Seniors Surprise, Ariz.

Rochester 3.0 Men – Steve Joswiak, captain

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Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 31 Twin Cities 3.0 Women – Kristi Lyon and Renee Schneider, co-captains Twin Cities 3.5 Men – Paul Jilek, captain northern section

Twin Cities 3.5 Women – Carol Thies, captain Twin Cities 4.0 Men – Eric Narvaez and Brad Struve, co-captains usta

Twin Cities 4.0 Women – Molly Peterson, captain Twin Cities 4.5 Men – Mike Vidmar and David Carberry, co-captains

Twin Cities 4.5 Women – Jennifer Wallace, captain Twin Cities 5.0 Men – Nick Hupton, captain

32 tennislifemagazine december 2008 december

USTA Northern Senior Champions

Twin Cities 4.0 Men – John Weddle, captain

Twin Cities 3.0 Men – Patrick Kopp, captain USTA Northern Mixed Doubles Champions 2008

Twin Cities 3.5 Men – Jan Jachimowicz and James Winter, co-captains Twin Cities 6.0 Mixed – Carleton Bigby, captain

Twin Cities 3.5 Women – Carol Rothe, captain Washburn 7.0 Mixed – Ximena Christianson, captain

Twin Cities 4.0 Women – Deborah Day, captain Twin Cities 8.0 Mixed – Lori Dietz, captain

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 33 TICKETS TO 91ST PGA CHAMPIONSHIP AT HAZELTINE ON SALE NOW!

Witness history unfold in person when the 91st PGA Championship is played at acclaimed Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., Aug. 10-16, 2009. Tickets to the year’s ﬁnal major championship are on sale now, and can be purchased by visiting www.pga2009.com or by calling 1-(800) PGA-GOLF. Corporate entertaining packages are also available, please email [email protected] or call 952-368-4795.

2009 PGA Championship August 10-16, 2009 © 2008 The PGA of America. All rights reserved. The PGA Hazeltine National Golf Club Seal with the letters PGA is a trademark owned by The PGA of America. All other trademarks, registered trademarks and Chaska, MN logos are the property of their respective owners.

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Pro Happenings By Bruce Gullikson

• Congratulations to head can be played outside - get the mittens and hats ready! coach Ryan Myhre of Brrrr! Fargo for leading the USTA • Tom Sweitzer (Hershey, Pa.) won the Alex Gordon USPTA Northern 12 Zonals team to Professional of the Year Award. In his acceptance speech, its first-ever champion and Sweitzer thanked our own media star Bob Larson as being finalist finish in Omaha, one of his biggest influences and supporters. Neb. Members of the win- • Dan James (PTR, USPTA) was the keynote speaker at ning team were Charlie the USTA Northern Community Tennis Workshop in

Adams, Katie Aney, November at the Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center.

Caitlin Bakke, Manfred • Former University of Minnesota men’s tennis coach David 2008 Barrios, Maddie Boyer, Geatz is now the head coach at Cornell University in Tommy Entwistle, Jason Ithaca, N.Y. Guiterrez, Meryl Nath, • New Prince Sports rep Ursula Shute recently became certi- Maxwell Olson, Katherine Rosenow, Greg fied through the USPTA and does some teaching at Life Wischer and Mimi Yunker. The runner-ups consisted of Time Fitness - Oakdale. Joey Anderson, Jessie Aney, Kylie Boyer, Toby Boyer, • PTR has its Professional development workshop October Andre Caoili, Russell Decker, 16-19 at Hilton Head Island. Delany Edwards, Ingrid Neel, • Recommended reading: Billie Virginia Norder, Joey Richards, Words Of Wisdom From Jean King’s new book Pressure Is T. Connor Shives (a.k.a. Sampras) a Privilege is a winner - just like and Bri Smith. Having been fortu- Ric Maci Regarding Footwork Billie Jean. Not only has Billie Jean nate enough to be Ryan’s assistant been a founding member of the coach in Omaha, everyone deserve women’s professional tour, creator kudos. • Players with great attitudes don’t lose, of WorldTeam Tennis and a winner • Greg Lappin (USPTA) of Rochester, of 20 Wimbledon titles, but she is Minn., has been elected to the USTA they learn one of only a handful of women National Nominating Committee. to have a major sports complex Greg was also host to a 13-part named after her – the USTA Billie television series in Rochester called • If you run for every ball, you’re Jean National Tennis Center! The Fitness Connections, where he talk- sending a message when they are book is a fast read and a must for ed in depth with fitness experts and any tennis fan. gave audience members a chance stretching, you are fetching. • While he was not able to make to call in during the live taping of the trip, USTA Northern Executive the show. Could an Emmy be next Director Mike Goldammer’s for this USTA Northern Hall of • Rule 1: Run for every ball. team played in the USTA League Famer? Tennis presented by Chrysler • Marty Johnson earned final- Rule 2: See rule 1 5.0 national championships in ist honors in the men’s 55 dou- Indian Wells, Calif. Mike’s wife, bles at the USPTA International Tiffany, also participated in the 4.5 Championships in Palm Springs, • Little steps lead to big results national championships in Tucson Calif. However, in Marty’s part- and USTA Northern Director of ner’s eyes, Marty was the national Marketing and Communications champ as he had to take his partner to the hospital follow- Lisa Mushett played at the 3.5 National tournament in ing their singles semifinal clash. Way to go Marty! Tucson. USTA Northern Assistant Executive Director Pat • Jack Roach legendary Interlachen Country Club Colbert has also been spotted on the local tournament Professional has stepped down after 23 years. The scene, playing at the Minikahda Clay Court Northern Interlachen members gave Jack and his wife a trip to Las Section Championship. Vegas for all of his service to them over the years. Jack’s • Kevin Whipple of Life Time Fitness – Eden Prairie is poker pals appreciate that too as it saves them a week from still the king of the Madeline Island Dangerous Doubles donating their Friday night change to Jack. Tournament, winning again in 2008. • Congratulations to Craig Gordon (PTR) - the new Director • Ben Stapp (USPTA) - who is the head coach of Burnsville of Tennis at Life Time Fitness – Lakeville. High School - conducted a series of free lessons this sum- • Gary Aasen conducted a “How to Teach Platform Tennis” mer to give back to the game. seminar to local pros. Paddle tennis is a great cross trainer • As always if you have some information you would like to and lots of fun. With winter approaching, paddle tennis share, please contact me at [email protected].

Visit us online at: www.northern.usta.com 35 South St. Paul Tennis Sees Benefits of QuickStart By Pepper Meyer, SSP Program Director

fter receiving a grant from USTA Northern, we transformed the South St. Paul youth tennis program for kids ages 10-and-under from a traditional lessons program to the new QuickStart team format this summer. As part of their Aregistration fee, we provided each child with an appropriately-sized tennis racquet, as well as some transition balls for them to take home and practice. Our USTA grant helped us cover one-time expenses such as mini tennis nets, transition balls, ball hoppers, clothespins that helped the kids keep score, colorful training aids and QuickStart trainings for five coaches. The main goal of our new QuickStart format was enabling kids of any age to play tennis successfully and quickly. We also shifted our What others are program to the evenings so we could make use of parent volunteers, thinking that if parents were involved, then their child is more saying about QuickStart… likely to stay engaged and keep playing tennis. We provided a team atmosphere by having practices on Mondays Craig Gordon, Teaching Pro at Life Time Fitness – Lakeville or Tuesdays and matches on Thursdays. We then divided the kids “The success rate is at least double with the kids who into teams of four and assigned a coordinator for each group to lead starting playing with the QuickStart format. They practices and supervise matches. A parent was also assigned to coach actually are playing tennis and can see the results each team during matches, as well as help with practices. This provid- right away!” ed a new look for our program. Instead of parents sitting on the side- northern section lines watching Farmington Park and Rec their kids, The program worked well using the QuickStart they were par- format. The kids had success in hitting the ball ticipating with their children. right from the start and it didn’t slow down. The We were QuickStart format is also much quicker so kids thrilled with didn’t get bored. In over 95 percent of the parent’s the excitement usta comments, they stated the instructors were awesome on the courts.

and their kids had a great time. QuickStart was The feedback a good move for us. We will be doing the format we received again next summer.” from parents was extremely positive including one Spellerberg Park QuickStart Courts Celebrate parent who said “the fact that this QuickStart program is quick paced, meaning the kids are never bored, Their Grand Opening always active and playing games that teach them the Spellerberg Park in Sioux Falls, S.D. celebrated the grand open- necessary skills, is just perfect for this age range!” The ing of eight 36-foot QuickStart Courts and one 60-foot court on surrounding community also took notice, seeing the September 15. Sioux Falls is one of only six communities in the courts being “always full” during the summer. United States to build courts specifically for QuickStart Tennis Not unlike all beginning programs, we did encoun- and the only community in USTA Northern to have them. ter some challenges. During the busy summer, we “It’s still a little unbelievable to me that we could do this often had kids who missed matches due to vacations in Sioux Falls, South Dakota,” Mary Thompson, past USTA or conflicts with other sports; and because of our Northern President and the project’s leader, said. “It’s so exciting small team sizes, this sometimes took away from the to know that we are one of the pioneer sites.” team atmosphere on match nights. We also found QuickStart Tennis has been instrumental in the development there was some hesitation on the part of parents to get of European players for the last 20 years. Now officials are hop- involved, especially if not assigned a specific task. We ing these new courts will get kids hooked on the sport at an also learned it is extremely time consuming setting early age in the United States. up the QuickStart courts. Next year, we plan to assign “Maybe the next Serena Williams, Roger Federer or Andy parents this task, which hopefully will solve two of Roddick will come from Spellerberg Park,” Virgil Christian, our challenges. USTA Community Development Director, who was in atten- The kids loved the new format and being a part of a dance at the Grand Opening, said. team. They were excited about their new racquets, If your community is interested in building QuickStart Courts, team t-shirts, mascots and learning how to play “real please contact Becky Cantellano at [email protected]. tennis.” We cannot wait to run the program again next com or at (952) 358-3291. year!

36 tennislifemagazine december 2008