Wheelchair Feature www.midwest.usta.com Wheelchair Tennis on the Move in the Midwest USTA Boys’ 18 and 16 National Championships June 19 in Milwaukee, Wi: Wheelchair Celebrates 65 Years in Kalamazoo tennis exhibition and demo to be put on at the VA National Games with over 550 This year marks the would learn and there was no time for further discussion. I did an about Vets participating in their national games. 65th USTA Boys’ face and walked out of his office.” Anderson learned very well over the 18 and 16 National course of three decades. Wheelchair tennis will potentially be added as an event at future VA Games. Championships held at Kalamazoo College. ”The community plays a key role helping Kalamazoo College host July 27-29 – Zeeland, Mi.: The Midwest Far from retirement as the tournament,” stated Corwin. More than 800 people serve on Wheelchair Championships attracts players the 65th tournament about 50 tournament committees. Many other individuals support the Juniors and adults recently gathered in Indianapolis for a wheelchair clinic with two-time from a number of states around the takes place from Au- tournament by donating goods and services. Other people give US Paralympian Karin Korb. country. This prize money tournament is ITF/ Early days at the USTA National Championships gust 3-12, this event generously to underwrite more than 75% of its expenses. All of this The demand for wheelchair tennis camps, Check out some of the upcoming clinics and USTA sanctioned. still draws many of the future top male players in the volunteering results in an estimated 18,000 man-hours of enthusiastic clinics and tournaments continues to in- tournaments throughout the USTA/Midwest – approximately 400 each year. Former Midwest juniors labor each year. It is no wonder those associated with the Champion- A wheel- crease across the USTA/Midwest Section. Section: August 17-19 – Cincinnati, Oh.: (won 16 singles title in 2000), Scott Oudsema, Spencer Vegosen, Matt ships feel proud of the result of their efforts. Word is spreading about opportunities chair tennis camp led by some of the most Bruch and Tim Smyczek competed in Kalamazoo. The Midwest’s own In addition to the championship, an annual event during the week is wheelchair tennis provides persons with May 5 - Ft. Wayne, In.: Event designed to experienced wheelchair coaches will be held Todd Martin and Murphy Jensen as well as former legends , an exhibition match held one evening. The exhibition match excites disabilities to share in activities with their help start a program for Turnstone Rehab in for juniors and adults of all skill levels. Stan Smith, , , John McEnroe, both the participants and the community, generating large crowds and peers and family, whether able-bodied or Ft. Wayne. Junior Noah Yablong will assist October 19-21 – Middletown, Oh.: USTA/ and also played in the championships. regional attention. “Bringing some of the top world players to compete disabled. with this clinic, as well as other players from Midwest Section USTA Wheelchair Team Michigan to help lead drills and instruction It started with just four asphalt tennis courts. in singles and doubles action, the exhibition serves as entertainment Championships features some of the best Some of the top wheelchair players around for new players, coaches and volunteers. The USTA Boys’ 18 and 16 National Champion- for fans, a way to promote the championships, and also a source of junior and adult players from the USTA/ the country are from the USTA/Midwest ships were brought to Kalamazoo College in funding for the tournament,” commented Corwin. Section including juniors Noah Yablong of Ft. June 8-10 - Muncie, In.: New tournament Midwest Section competing for the team 1943, in large part through the efforts of the late Kalamazoo College and the tennis facility are well-known across Wayne, In., and Emmy Kaiser of Ft. Mitchell, this year with prize money, entry gifts, etc. cup title. This is the only wheelchair team Dr. Allen B. Stowe. For the first three years, the the country. The personnel have provided leadership to all levels of Ky. Kaiser is part of the team heading to the This is a great warm up tournament for play- tennis event held in the United States. Tournament was played on asphalt courts where tennis - local, district, section and national. Former tournament 2007 World Team Cup from June 11-17 in ers to compete, and a lot of matches will be Are you a player looking for a program in the Anderson Athletic Center now stands. The directors Stowe and Anderson both served as USTA/Midwest Section Stockholm, Sweden. played during the weekend. your community? Or, are you interested Late Dr. Allen community rallied in 1946 to raise $50,000 and (formerly Western Tennis Association) Presidents. Current tournament B. Stow On the adult side, Curt Bender of Zeeland, June 18-20 in Madison, Wi.: Wheelchair in teaching wheelchair tennis or starting build the current Stowe Stadium. Over the years, director Timon Corwin carries on the tennis tradition and holds key Mi., and Dan Bolhouse of Caledonia, Mi., are tennis camp for juniors being offered at the a program? For more information, please additional revenue has resulted in more tennis courts, and brought positions in the USTA having recently been named the USTA Senior highly ranked in men’s singles, and Hope University of Wisconsin. A new wheelchair contact Kirk Ito, USTA/Midwest Section newer surfaces, lights, canopied bleachers, and expansions to Director for Junior and Collegiate Competition. David Markin has served Lewellen from Palos Park, Il., is near the top tennis program is being started there. Diversity Coordinator, at 317-577-5130 ext. where the four asphalt courts once stood. More than 75,000 tennis as the Official Referee of the tournament since 1976. Markin served as on the women’s side. 225 or via e-mail at [email protected]. enthusiasts watch tomorrow’s stars during the nine day tournament USTA President in 1989 and 1990. each year. Yes, some things have In the years the tournament has called Kalamazoo home, only three changed at Kalamazoo directors have held the distinctive tournament director position. College, and those first four Give Us Your Feedback and You May Be a Lucky Winner Dr. Stowe served as director for 16 years until his untimely death in asphalt courts are now a – Complete Our Midwest Website & Publication Survey 1957. Rolla Anderson succeeded him and held the position until 1994, memory. But as the National when current tournament director Timon Corwin took the helm. The USTA/Midwest Section members: In order to serve you better, please take a few minutes to complete an online Championships celebrate community honored the late Dr. Stowe by naming the stadium after survey at www.midwest.usta.com regarding our publications and website. Everyone who completes its 65th anniversary, the him, and each year a tournament player is awarded a sportsmanship Rolla Anderson and Timon Corwin tournament maintains the the survey by June 15 will be entered in a drawing for one of the following prizes: plaque bearing his name. same energy and enthusiasm of its teenaged players, and no one Indianapolis Tennis Championships tickets, tennis racquet and apparel. Anderson recalls his appointment as the second tournament director. is even thinking about retirement. “I met with the late Dr. Weimer Hicks (then President of Kalamazoo (A special thank you to the tournament staff who contributed information and College) following the unfortunate death of Dr. Stowe, and he informed photos for this article. For more information on the 2007 tournament, visit me I was the next tournament director. Although I didn’t play tennis www.ustaboys.com.) Free E-mail Newsletter or have any idea how the USTA operates its tournaments, he told me I In addition to visiting our website, are you interested in receiving tennis news delivered to your fingertips? The USTA/Midwest Section provides a free e-mail newsletter two times per month to individuals and facilities interested in the latest tennis news around the Midwest. If you aren’t currently subscribed (must be at least 18 years of age), check out www.midwest.usta.com and select our Newsletter Signup button. 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