94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:25 PM Page 1 SCTAwww.scta.usta.com Southernnews California Tennis Association FEBRUARY 2009 Living Proof

Mark Winters

nnually, in recognition of Black volved in tennis until 1969 when I History Month, a Diversity story is covered the ‘Handsome Eight’ in Apresented. In the past, those who Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, (a suburb of have had an impact on the game in Milwaukee),” Greene recalled. “In Southern California, either as players, 1971, I covered the fourth Virginia instructors or organizers, have been fea - Slims tournament. After that, I moved tured. This year, the focus will be two indi - to Washington, DC, where I covered viduals – Bob Greene and Kurt Streeter – lots of professional tennis in the who both have been involved with the ten - District, Maryland and Virginia.” nis industry in another very visible capacity. Streeter became a player, and lover Green, though retired after an impres - of the game because of one individual. sive career with Associated Press, still “I owe my life in tennis to one person: covers a few events my father,” he says. “Mel Streeter was every year, includ - one of the best high school basketball ing the US Open. players in California during the late He also writes 1940s; a star at Riverside Poly High “Monday’s With who became one of the first African- Bob Greene”, an Americans to play basketball at the AP column that University of Oregon. He loved his focuses on inter- hoops, but he loved tennis even more. national tennis. I’m not sure how this came to be. It’s Streeter, a former not like black kids, in his day, had much co-captain and in the way of access to the game. And standout on the there weren’t any blacks among the Mel and Kurt Streeter the1983 Pacific Northwest Equitable Family Tennis Challenge winners. Bob Greene Cal tennis team, tennis greats back then. initially wrote for the Baltimore Sun, “But, my father, (who passed away three himself to play, first at public courts in where he was honored for years ago), always marched Riverside, and then by watching the best coverage of the inner city. He to his own beat. He didn’t players at Oregon. also has been recognized as a care that tennis wasn’t ‘cool’ “He learned well, becoming good documentary filmmaker and in his community, or that enough, by his early 30s, to win a round or radio producer. He joined the the tennis establishment, two in Open tournaments; and equipping Los Angeles Times staff, and during the 1940s and 50s, himself with more than enough knowledge wrote for the “California” didn’t exactly accept black to give me and my three brothers, (Doug, section. He moved on to players. He didn’t need role Jon and Ken), a head start in the game we become a Sports columnist models who looked like he would all come to love. for the newspaper. Over the did; his role models were “From the age of five, I regularly tagged years, both Greene and (Don) Budge, (Ellsworth) along with my father on his frequent trips Streeter have earned kudos Vines, (Rod) Laver and to his favorite public courts in my home for their tennis coverage. (Ken) Rosewall. Shut out of town, Seattle. At six and seven years old, I’d “I didn’t really get in- Leslie Allen Selmore the country clubs, he taught (continued on next page) 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:25 PM Page 2

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shag balls for 90 minutes, and then get member of the National Indoor 15 minutes to hit with my dad. In awe Championship team in 1989.” after watching the power and grace of Greene added, “I never saw any of tennis played well, this was good the black players have problems, enough for me.” though I wasn’t happy with every - Greene, a five-time United States thing I saw at times. I felt Zina Tennis Writers’ Association President, Garrison’s coach John Wilkerson said, “I’m old enough to know that I kept her and Lori McNeil separate wouldn’t have been allowed to play in from everyone else. It was an ‘Us United States Lawn Tennis Association vs. Them’ type thing. I saw that in events if I had been a world-class play - Eastbourne once when some of the er as a youngster. But, I wasn’t, and my other players (read that, Wendy playing was done on local tennis Turnbull and her age group, who courts in Maine when I was growing were old enough to know the up, not in a league or any kind of media still counted) would invite organized play. So I didn’t suffer any me to join them at dinner. But, I ‘problems’ because of race, etc. never saw Zina and Lori out eating “I didn’t because I had a big reason: at the local restaurants, never the letters AP behind my name. No attempting to be part of the group. one with any sense would keep the AP “Looking back, I don’t really away from their tournament. But, I remember them at the barbecue never saw any discrimination against JD Morgan, UCLA tennis coach and NCAA winner Arthur Ashe party at Hilton Head that the play - any other writer of color. Sadly, there Photo: UCLA Sports Information ers and media were invited to, weren’t that many beside myself, since although I’m not saying they most black sports reporters covered the involvement with the game), did me a great weren’t there. I just don’t remember them. NBA, NFL or baseball, not tennis.” service by making me be the one to sched - At the Slims parties in New York City, I’ve He continued, “I covered the sport in a ule my own practices. If I didn’t do the sat with Jana Novotna, in her first trip to number of places, including Memphis, St. scheduling, I would have hardly played. It New York, and with many other players, but Louis and several places in Florida. Again, wasn’t uncommon for me, by age 12, to call never with Zina and Lori.” no problems. In fact, I played once at the up a middle-aged bank manager at his After he finished his college career, Memphis Tennis Club with Ed Fabricius (a work, asking if he could practice on a Streeter played a couple of years on the former USTA Director of Communica- Saturday morning. Looking back, I can see Satellite circuit, in a few Challengers, and tions) and two others. And I played the how this taught me a certain sort of confi- won several Open tournaments in press tournaments at Deerfield Beach dence and was one of the ways that tennis Northern California and the Pacific Club and many other places without prob - ended up shaping me as a person. Northwest in the early 90s. “Any African- lems. Again, I know the fact I was the AP “Tennis would become the prime focus American playing at that level will find him person was a damn good shield.” of my teens and early 20s. All through my or herself part of a very small group,” he Looking back, Streeter recalled, “As I junior days, I was one of the top handful of said. “It’s true now, and was even truer two edged toward my teenage years, I had my players from the Pacific Northwest, a clutch decades back. In most big tournaments, I dad to hit with; my dad to push me once I of end-of-the-tennis-boom kids that includ - was the only black player; almost always announced that I wanted to take the sport ed Pat Galbraith and Grant Connell, who the only seeded one. seriously. We lived a good walk from a pub - went on to fine pro careers. Compared to “Yes, because of this, there were tough lic complex that teemed with a motley our peers from California and Florida, we times. Moments when I faced down trash group of adult players who possessed all were a middling group, but we were proba- talk and on a few occasions fists nearly levels of skill. My father befriended these bly the first group from the Northwest to flew. There were also many moments, play - players. They were impressed by his pas - leave that region and perform well at major ing tournaments at country clubs that did - sion, and maybe because of this, they tennis schools and beyond.” n’t exactly cotton to folks like me. God, I always seemed happy to offer tips and add At Cal, Streeter said, “I walked on to the hated that. One of my favorite memories is me, as a fourth, during their doubles tennis team, earned a scholarship, and a steady march I made in 1990 to the dou - matches. Eventually, as my father’s architec - ended up having a very solid college career. bles final of a pro tournament played at a ture firm found its feet, we joined a club, I defeated my good friend and great team - stuffy, all-white club in Birmingham, and I found the same level of support from mate Woody Hunt, and then Jeff Tarango, to Alabama. My partner was Malcolm Allen, a the adults there. win the Northern California Intercol- dreadlocked African-American player from “Dad, (and my mom, Kathleen, though legiate singles; teamed with Carl Chang to Oakland. Every match we played we had a she did not play, was a big part of my capture the NorCal doubles; and was a dedicated group of fans: a small swell of old

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groundskeepers who never in their lives often-stratified society. This made being a . thought they would see two young black part of the tennis world a whole lot easier. . kids come to Birmingham and do what we It also helped that I had my father to look .

. Twenty-Fifth did that week. We lost in the final but up to. Coming of age in the 40s, 50s and .

that was one of the best weeks of my life, 60s, he took the racial slings and arrows . Anniversary just seeing those old men smile the way that came his way and brushed them off .

they did.” with grace. He was a perfect role model. . ournament Director Bob Kramer Leslie Allen, the former USC star who (As was my tennis hero: Arthur Ashe.) . and his staff are planning for the now runs the Leslie Allen Foundation, was “I’m not sure how far I could have . men’s professional tennis stop at special. “She was different, though she was taken my tennis. If I were to make a living . the Los Angeles Tennis Center, July . T 27 –August 2. This year’s event, the

really around for only a year or two as a on the tour it would have been as a dou - . eighty-third in the tournament’s histo -

‘big deal,’ and at most of the big tourna - bles player, and I rose to about 450 in the . ry is part of the LA Sports Silver ments, she was with her mother (the late world in about 16 months. That was .

Sara Allen),” he said. Both women, by the enough for me. When my father saw that I . Anniversary celebration of the Los way, are delightful and I got to know Leslie was more interested in the world at large . Angeles 1984 Olympics. For the sixth very well. than in tennis, when he realized my heart . year it will be part of the Olympus US . Open series. Stefan Edberg and “I don’t want to paint with too broad of wasn’t into the grind the way it had to be . Stephanie Graf won the inaugural

a brush, however. There were many black to make it as a true professional, he sup - . event played at the twenty-five year

players on the women’s tour who were ported me fully as I walked from the game . old Straus Stadium, when tennis was a gregarious and involved in all aspects of the and began chasing a new goal: a career in . Demonstration Sport. game. I’m thinking of Camille Benjamin journalism. Maybe this was my dad’s great - .

. For information about the tourna - especially, and Kyle Copeland. Both were est gift: as I changed goals and left tennis

. ment call (310) 824-1010, or check gregarious and enjoyed themselves on the behind, he gave me his unconditional sup - . LATennisOpen.com tour. Kim Sands wasn’t around long enough port.” .

for me to really get to know her. Streeter added, “We tend to zoom in .

“On the men’s side, there was only on the role that organizations like the .

Arthur (Ashe). There were plenty of others USTA (and what it) can do to bring kids to .

– Rodney Harmon, Chip Hooper, Lloyd tennis and teach them to be great, focusing . Bourne, Martin Blackman and Marcel on big-time academies and tournament . Freeman come quickly to mind – but, I play. But in the end, maybe the most impor - . .

don’t really remember them at any of the tant factor in the creation of good young .

tournaments that I covered. (But remem - tennis players is the role played by loving, .

ber, I went only to the big events with a caring, motivated parents. Perhaps the .

few exceptions in Europe: Gstaad, question that should be asked more often, . Switzerland; Bastad, Sweden; Stuttgart, is this – are we doing enough to support . Germany; Nice, France, and I don’t remem - them? Are we supporting them in the most . ber any of them there.) I only saw them at effective way, so that they can then help . .

the US Open or Wimbledon, and none of their kids become the best they can be? .

them was around for a big enough match That’s the ultimate in grassroots.” .

for the AP to cover.” Streeter’s point is well made. Learning . Streeter concluded, “I would be remiss tennis isn’t always about preparing to be a . Juan Martin Del Potro last year's winner if I didn’t tell you that, in almost every pro. It is about being the best one can be; . instance, I was treated wonderfully and not just on the court, but also in life. The . was fully accepted during my tennis jour - stumbling blocks that these two encoun - . .

ney. My best friends were my practice tered weren’t deterrents, they were steps .

partners and tournament foes, and most that allowed them to see a world that was - .

of them were white. Other than my dad, all n’t stagnate. They utilize their experiences .

of my coaches and prime mentors – the every time they write about the sport that . main ones being Napa Valley based pro gives us a point of view from a perspective . Steve Stefanki, Tom Loucks, and my college that most of us cannot envision. When it . . coach, Scott McCain – were white. It comes to the bottom line, it all begins with .

helps, of course, that I am bi-racial in the support. It’s not merely skill and prowess. .

mode of James Blake and Barack Obama. I It’s the involvement of caring individuals . Rohan Bopanna and Eric Butorac, was lucky enough to always have a high that provides motivation. Greene and . the 2008 doubles champions comfort level in multiple parts of our Streeter are perfect examples. . Photos: Cynthia Lum

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The Place To Be

Mark Winters

Australian Open trophy, having been 2007 and ’06 champions. Appearing in their 14 th Grand Slam tournament doubles final (the Woodies – Todd Woodbridge/Mark Woodforde – lead with 15), they tied Peter Fleming/John McEnroe and John Newcombe/Tony Roche with 7 titles (The Woodies have 11). They also solidified their position as the No. 1 doubles. After his match with lucky loser Amer Delic, Taylor Dent wasn’t pleased. His outlook was not based on dropping a debilitating 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-, 6-4 decision to the three-time Illinois All-American who won the NCAA sin - ach of the Grand Slam tournaments has gles in 2003 or having pulled a groin muscle at its own flavor and appeal. Of the four 2-2 in the fourth set. He was displeased Emajors, the Australian Open has the because of the vociferous support his oppo - strongest SoCal similarities. Not only is nent received from Bosnian fans. Delic, who Melbourne’s population richly diverse, the was born in Tuzla, Bosnia, but is an American weather is often blistering (one day it was 56 citizen, commented, after the match, that he Centigrade on court), and the wind mixes knew the noise was bad, but he could do things up in “tie your hat down” fashion that is nothing about it. A day later he went further, found throughout the section during the spring. admitting that the behavior had crossed the Add the captivating friendliness that is a coun - line of decorum, and caused him to speak to try trademark, (along with things like the “Are Bosnian friends and ask them to tell those you kidding” head shaking reaction to the supporters to “cool it.” streakier during the Serena and Venus Dent, raised in Newport Beach, and usu - Williams/Auymi Morita/ Martina Muller match) ally Southern California “beach boy laid-back, and it’s easy to see why players and fans alike was playing only his second tour match since appreciate the tournament. participating in four 2006 tournaments. He Bob and Mike Bryan weren’t “chest Rod Laver Arena had spent that time recovering from two Photos: Mark Winters bumping” exuberant after losing the first major back surgeries. Because of the serious - set of the Australian Open Men’s Doubles were going wrong, and they played great. ness of the injury, he had become a United final 6-2 to Mahesh Bhupathi/Mark “It came down to one or two points. States Professional Teaching Association Knowles (a former UCLA All-American). Bob hit a lucky shot when he wasn’t look - member, figuring his competitive days were Mike said, “We got broken the first game ing on a 15-30 point. Then it just opened over. Thanks to diligent rehab and a positive of the match. You feel a little frantic. Things up. We relaxed. We call it getting the pick - attitude, he has worked his way back – no le out of the jar.” And pun intended. (It should that’s exactly what be noted that the last they did winning the major he played was the match 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 2005 US Open.) (and defeating the His father, former team that put them Aussie great Phil, was out of the tournament furious following the in last year’s quarterfi - Delic contest, telling nals). local media that the With the victory, chanting and heckling (the 51 st of their career, was out of control. the 50 th is discussed During the match, Taylor Bob and Mike Bryan below), the twins Taylor Dent spoke several times to Photo: cameraworkusa earned their third Photo: Harvey Rubin chair umpire, Ali Katebi

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about the incessant interruptions (that only been here a half a and the doubles at Tokyo were fueled by far too much alcohol), but day, and only hit half an (both doubles with Jelena he didn’t intercede. Tournament referee hour yesterday (The Kostanic Tosic). She fin - Wayne McKewen said the fans’ behavior Auckland final was on a ished the year ranked No. didn’t “contravene regulations.” Saturday.) because I played 50. “Looking back, I’m Having written about the game for so much last week. It amazed by what I accom - more than 30 years, and in that period would have been nice to plished,” she said. “The been in attendance at riotous Davis Cup have had, at least, another trouble was, the next year I encounters, in places like Mexico City, and day to practice and rest.” started saying, ‘That’s not countless tournament finals, in cities where Late last year, he start - enough’. I began worrying one of the contestants was a country star, ed working with USTA about my ranking and I’ve never seen match behavior that went coach David Nainkin, the money. On court, I didn’t beyond soccer frenzy. Simply said, Katebi former UCLA star, and know why I couldn’t focus.” seemed overwhelmed by the situation. Alex Reichel, who was a Though King won two (Delic went on to defeat Paul-Henri junior section standout. doubles titles in both 2007 Mathieu in another five setter before los - “It’s nice to have a couple Vania King and ’08, her singles per - ing to Novak Djokovic in four sets in the points of view,” he said Photo: Cheryl Jones formance slumped. “I was - third round. The fervent “I’ve been n’t happy with where I cheering during the match working on my backhand was,” she said. “I had no motivation.” escalated into a “chair- to make it more of a Because of her lack of progress, she throwing competition”, weapon and doing a lot of searched for answers, and Benhabiles, who according to the state fitness.” nurtured Andy Roddick when he first police, following that He added, “I train at broke into the pros, seems to be provid - encounter, between cele - UCLA for the most part, ing them. brating Serbs and disap - and will play the Los “It’s funny, Tarik was interested in pointed Bosnians. The Angeles tournament. It’s working with my brother, Phillip (a two- mini-riot led to several my favorite.” time National Boys’ 18 winner and a four- arrests and a number of Prior to the Aussie time All-American at Duke) before he got ejections from Melbourne Open, the Bryans did bet - together with Andy,” she said. “I met him Park.) ter than Querrey winning through Phillip. When they can do it, I will Though Philipp the Medibank Interna- travel with someone from my family, but I Kohlschreiber was 7-6, tional in Sydney. The vic - went to Florida alone. I’m glad I decided to 6-3, 6-2 better, Sam Sam Querrey tory was a milestone. do it myself. I appreciate them more now, Querrey wasn’t complete - Photo: cameraworkusa Not only did they record but I learned what I have to do to get to ly dismayed following the their 50 th tour victory, a better level. The first week with loss. The reason was because he had just (which places them behind only Todd Tarik, I thought I was going to die from all been a 6-4, 6-4 finalist to Juan Martin Del Woodbridge/Mark Woodforde - 60 titles, the running. Now, I will be consistently Potro, (the 2008 Los Angeles tournament and Peter Flemming/John McEnroe and fit.” winner), at the Heineken Open in Bob Hewitt/Frew McMillan –who both At the Brisbane International, she col - Auckland. The week before the Aussie have 57), they defeated the year-end No. 1 lected her seventh career title with Anna- Open, he was superlative, playing his way doubles team, Daniel Nestor/Nenad Lena Groenefeld. “We won Quebec last to the title round, defeating Gilles Muller Zimonjic. Even more important, Bob’s year and are undefeated playing together,” 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, and two Top 20 performers, tender left shoulder withstood the test. King said. “I would like to find a consistent Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-2 and David Ferrer “We played every match with a lot of partner who is a power player. It’s difficult 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (and saving two match energy,” Mike said. “We're really happy to do because some people are set for the points). and excited. It's a great preparation for year. There’s also the difficulty of finding “I was enjoying myself, working hard the Aussie Open.” someone who is playing the same schedule and having fun,” he said after the final. Though only playing doubles with Sania and whose ranking allows her to get into “That goes a long way for me.” Mirza because she lost in the last round of the same tournaments. That’s why I don’t Following the Kohlschreiber match he Australian Open singles qualifying, Vania have a committed partner.” admitted, “The conditions were tough; King was pleased with the off-season The Aussies are totally committed to very different from Auckland. The court is decision to train with Tarik Benhabiles in tennis as the Australian Open proved. faster and I struggled. The Tie-Break was Florida. Having turned professional in July Melbourne’s home state of Victoria state huge. He won it and was able to get into 2006, she was immediately successful, win - has, “The place to be” on its license plates the second set and take more chances. I’ve ning the singles and doubles at Bangkok and that was certainly the case.

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No One Like Her

Mark Winters

sk anyone in Southern seeing all of them who is the women’s tennis coach at Biola California tennis about having fun. She went University, explained, “One of the things I Athe first thought that out of her way to admired about Arlene was her desire to see comes to mind when LA84 make sure all the par - kids have experiences that could contribute Foundation/National Junior ticipants had a good to their lives. She thought it would be great Tennis League is mentioned, experience taking to have the older NJTL participants get and they will immediately part in the program.” involved in the programs where they learned respond, “Arlene Barco”. She As good as her the game. That’s why she developed KIK. has been the Godmother of Special Activity Days Kids volunteered 18 hours during the sum - the program for the past 14 Arlene Barco and former were, they pale in mer and then served as court monitors at NJTLer Danny Castro years. Prior to becoming the Photo: Cheryl Jones comparison to the the special events. They received training Director, she was an active nights that NJTL was from Billy Martin, the UCLA men’s coach. It assistant. NJTL was her life for more than featured in the “Between Match Activities” is a great program. The concept has contin - 20 years. at the Los Angeles men’s professional tour - ued and it is a central part of NJTL’s success.” Sadly, last August, Barco suffered a nament. A few years ago, she recalled, “Kids Barco remembered, “One of the young - stroke. Though her recovery is progressing, from Glassel Park had a chance to hit with sters, who had been in NJTL at Rogers she will not be returning to her post. Andre Agassi after he won his match. One Park, became part of KIK. Working with the Nonetheless, her departure leaves a rich of the participants was small, but very good. young kids in the program gave him more Barco legacy. This is certainly true when it is Agassi served to him and he got the ball self-esteem. He became more confident in noted that the LA84 Foundation recently back. After the point, Andre joked that the general, and more important, a better stu - announced that it will sponsor NJTL for crowd should keep their eyes on the dent. He brought his Grade Point Average the 24 th consecutive year. youngster. Raymond Sarmiento was his up to 3.8.” That means that in 2009, some 7,500 name and he was 9 at the time. The next Henry added, “In addition to her admin - youngsters will have an opportunity to year he won the Boys’ 10 Junior Sectional istrative expertise, Arlene was a great host - learn the game at over 120 summer and 32 championship.” ess. Whenever we came to an event she Year-Round sites in the section. While Barco was never one to walk the walk. made everyone feel very welcome. She these numbers are staggering, there is much She did, though, talk the talk always praising involved teen volunteers (KIK) in a variety more to NJTL. Barco made sure of this. She those who made NJTL a success. Some of of leadership roles. That made them feel focused on the participants, guaranteeing the program organizers have more than 20 important and contributed to their success. that each and everyone would have the years’ involvement. Those in this “do it for NJTL has been a fabulous program. I antici - best opportunity to learn the sport, and the kids” group include: Pete Brown, Don pate that the blueprint she has left behind more importantly, become better people, Bly, Dee Henry, Art Jones, Steve and will be followed. Personally, it has been a and all the while, have fun doing it. Maurica Katz, Sherrie Nixon and Chaka privilege to serve with her.” That was certainly the case with Special Simba. She was unique. But, it must be quickly Activity Days that wrap-up the summer Last July, Barco arranged for KTLA added that this statement doesn’t come program action. These gatherings at “Morning News”, with Gail Anderson, to close to describing her true persona. Whittier Narrows and Robb Park are all feature the Katz’s program at Poinsettia Potkey recalled, “My favorite Arlene story about the kids. As much joy as she derived Park in West Hollywood. The station was so involves a Special Activity Day. She put on from these productions, and anyone who impressed with what had been filmed, it fol - music during one of the games and it was worked with her knows that she never sim - lowed the original broadcast with a taped ABBA (“Dancing Queen”). She loved the ply staged anything; these gatherings were version on the nightly news, and showed it group, but 99% of the kids on the courts truly “Barco productions”. again the day NJTL began last summer. had no idea who they were, which caused “Arlene just loved the kids, bottom The legendary Jack Kramer has always some funny looks and brought about some line,” said Darren Potkey, Southern been an NJTL patron. Because his passion for very amusing comments.” California Tennis Association Manager of the sport is matched by Barco’s, the two Only Arlene… Junior Competition, who regularly helped worked for years to make the program even Patrick Escobar, Vice President, Grants with Special Activity Days. “She had great more far reaching. Their teamwork led to and Programs at the LA84 Foundation, said, patience with them and nothing made her development of Jack Kramer’s KIK (Kids “At the LA84 Foundation, we have found happier than looking out at the courts and Instructing Kids). Henry, an NJTL veteran that every successful youth sports program

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www.scta.usta.com . . . . has one key person .

whose heart, body . #1 Shoot-Out

and mind are dedi - .

cated to that pro - . Mark Winters gram. For 20 years, . Arlene was that key person for the . National Junior Tennis League program. . is friends in the tennis . community knew Frank

Her passion for the program and her . Simmons as “No. 1”. A belief in its value for the youngsters, . H

who were participants, was inspiring. . savvy player and insightful organ -

Her goal never veered from ensuring . izer, he started the “Doubles that the program provided youngsters . Shoot-Out” that was played who were involved with a fun, learning . each January 1 st at Harvard tennis experience. She has set the bar . Park. Though Simmons passed . away on June 4, 2003, his tourna -

high for those who will follow in her .

footsteps. We are thankful for her com - . ment is still going strong. th mitment to ensuring that the . The 36 “No. 1” Doubles Danny Soto/Mason Harris and Norman Tan/Bobby Tan Foundation’s partnership with the SCTA . Shoot-Out was another spec - was fully recognized. She leaves a strong . tacular according to Delores Simmons, Frank’s program that will continue to flourish . widow. “The weather cooperated and we had . under the new leadership. Personally, I a wonderful clear day,” she said. Many old . friends, who had not seen for some time, came will miss working with her. She is a spe - .

cial person and I wish her well.” . out to play and watch the tennis. The turn out st Several years ago, SCTA President . was wonderful. January 1 is always a good day

Bill Rombeau said, “We have had a won - . to wish everyone well for the year ahead.” derful relationship with the LA84 . The event is an annual success because of Foundation. Thanks to our partnership, . the Tournament Committee. “They put in the . work to make the day go well,” Simmons said.

the Association has been able to reach . “Pete Brown was at the courts early to make many at-risk youth. The partnership was . Kwame Alexander and Toya Johnson

made in heaven, and Arlene made sure . sure that his plans unfolded, and

that it thrived and grew stronger.” . he was there until the end of the When Barco became ill, Melanie . day. Everyone was happy to see Bischoff, the stalwart SCTA Community . him in command after a recent Tennis leader and a former LA84 . illness. Don Bly put players on . the court, and the court moni -

Foundation employee, stepped in and .

ran NJTL. She will now assume respon - . tors kept things moving. There

sibility for the program while continuing . was a lot of good tennis played.

to work in . “Each year, everyone thanks Community Tennis. . me for continuing the event. “There is noth - . Seeing these folks turn out really ing that meant . makes it worthwhile. As is always . the case, many players said that more to Arlene . Ahmed Arnold, Renea McZeal, Delores Simmons and Alvin Maxwell

than the NJTL pro - . they would be back next year.

gram, and all that it . That is always encouraging. It is what makes the

involved,” Bischoff . “No. 1” Doubles Shoot-Out so special.” . said. “She absolute - Melanie Bischoff . The Winners included: ly loved it. She . worked hard to make it the best it could Mason Harris/Danny Soto - Pro A Doubles .

be. She would do anything she could for . Kwame Alexander/Toya Johnson - B Mixed

the kids and the instructors. I’m sure .

she misses being involved. I know a lot . Ahmed Arnold/Alvin Maxwell - B Men’s Doubles of people miss her. I’ve got some big . Ron Tilmon/Dale Walker - C Men’s Doubles shoes to fill, but I look forward to mak - . . Terrance Sims/Nancy Wells - C Mixed Doubles ing her proud of LA84 Foundation/ . Phillip Brooks/Leon Wells - 50+ Men’s Doubles Pete Brown

National Junior Tennis League.” .

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www.scta.usta.com JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS Good ‘Ol Fashion Fun

Jeff Benito

n the first weekend of December 2008, 50 teams, which included 400 players, along with a collection of 800 par - Oents/friends/relatives and coaches converged in the desert for the Fall 2008 Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships. In the end, seven champions were crowned, including the section’s first 10s winner. Overall, it was a fabulous event that showcased great sportsmanship and tennis, as well as awesome team work and probably the most important aspect, good ol' fashion fun. Spring Jr. Team Tennis play is beginning soon. Sign up and play today! Visit www.scta.usta.com and click on "Junior Team Tennis" for more information. The Section Championships will be held in Orange County. 14 Advanced – San Marino Aces – San Gabriel Valley

10 – Team Trouble – San Diego League 14 Intermediate – SV Controller 14 – Ventura

12 Advanced – Westview Attackers – San Diego League 18 Advanced – DT 18 Advanced – San Diego

12 Intermediate – City of Tustin – Orange County 18 Intermediate – Redlands Heat – San Bernardino

8 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:26 PM Page 9

www.scta.usta.com JUNIOR COMPETITION

Important Junior Rules

Darren Potkey

1. National Schedule: Once again, there will 3. National Ranking Tournaments (Level 6. Campus Match Play One-Day Showdowns: be no national schedule booklet printed 3/4/5): There are no changes to the SCTA One-Day Showdowns: for 2009. To access the schedule in PDF Level 3/4/5 events for 2009; they remain form, please go to www.usta.com and the same as in 2008. A list is available on What are they? click on tournaments and leagues/then www. scta.usta.com under juniors/info • One-day, short format tournaments juniors, tournaments. We will also put a for players and parents. open to juniors, college players, profes - link on the SCTA website to access this sionals and adults. Generally draws are 4. International Spring Championships & as soon as it’s available. compass draws for both singles and Easter Bowl: The USTA will once again be doubles with matches being one set 2. Endorsement Requirements: The follow - holding the ITF International Winter with a tiebreaker at 5-5, although for - ing changes have been made by the SCTA Championships in Carson (ITF Grade 1) mat and scoring is at the discretion of Junior Tennis Council to the SCTA on April 6-12 (qualifying April 4-5). Once the director. Events can be men’s, endorsement requirements for 2009: the information from the tournament is women’s, or co-ed. • Due to the fact that the 14 Zonals available, it will be sent out. You can also • The tournaments are run on college will now be held in the same week of look at tournaments.usta.com (tourna - campuses with the college coach acting the calendar as the 12’s & 16’s, all Zonal ment ID # 651734909). The 2009 Easter as tournament director. Both ITA endorsement requirements will now be Bowl will be held in Rancho Mirage on Membership and USTA Organizational the same: A player must play a minimum April 12-19 (specific starting dates for Membership are required. Entry Fees are of two (2) Designated Tournaments to each division yet to be determined). The kept low to provide access to full range of completion in 2009 prior to June 15th, Boys & Girls 18’s will once again be an players. Generally entry fees run $10 for in the division in which they are seeking ITF Grade B1 event. singles, $5 for doubles, and $15 for both. zonal endorsement. There are seven (7) 5. Designated Tournaments: Beginning in Designated Tournaments in this time January 2009, the top 8 players in each After careful consideration and lengthy frame: Esme Pearson San Diego, Gene division (not including 10’s) will be debate, the SCTA Junior Tennis Council Jung Whittier, Fullerton, Woody Hunt “block seeded” and will begin play on voted this week to implement a Points-Per- Memorial South Bay, Long Beach, the second weekend of the tourna- Round (PPR) ranking system for Southern Anaheim and Santa Barbara. ment. All other players will play down California starting on January 1st, 2010. As • For the 18’s division ONLY, players to 8 spots on the first weekend of the you can imagine, this process will be a chal - who participate in the USTA National tournament. Players who are block lenging transition, yet an exciting one. Spring Championships (Mobile, seeded and withdraw after play starts More specific details about how the sys - Alabama) will receive credit for one will receive a penalty. tem is to be implemented will follow. Designated Tournament for 2009. In addition, for the 18’s division, players will receive credit for one Designated PTR Coaches Workshop Tournament if they play one of the fol - lowing 18’s events: The USTA The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) will hold a Coaches Workshop entitled International Spring Champion-ships or “PTR Kids Tennis, Beyond QuickStart”, March 13-14, at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage. The two-day event, geared to those teaching youth The ITF Easter Bowl or The Ojai Valley tennis, is open to everyone including tennis teaching pros, coaches, physical edu- Tennis Tournament. cation teachers, and students who will be teaching tennis in the coming summer. • Juniors may use the SCTA Junior The knowledgeable staff, that will be conducting the presentations, is: Kirk Sectionals as a Designated Tournament Anderson, Jorge Andrew, Don Henson, Jason Jamison and Karen Ronney. Each towards fulfilling their Winter Champ- afternoon, attendees will have an opportunity to watch matches at the BNP ionship endorsement requirements for Paribas Open in Indian Wells. 2009. All other endorsement require - For more information, visit www.ptrtennis.org or call, (800) 421-6289. ments will remain the same as in 2008.

9 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:26 PM Page 10

www.scta.usta.com INTERCOLLEGIATE All stories by Mark Winters .

Aztec . ITA Committees .

Construction . . t the Intercollegiate Tennis uilding will conclude in . Association’s Coaches Con- January and San Diego . A

B . vention in December, a collection State will have new men’s, . of Southern Californians were women’s and visiting team . added to or will continue to serve

locker rooms at the Aztec . on the organization’s committees. Tennis Center. The facility will .

be named in honor of the late . Gene Carswell of San Diego

Harold and Grace Willens. . State, Adam Steinberg of Pepper-

Larry Willens . Larry Willens, the volunteer dine and Peter Smith of USC are Gene Carlwell Adam Steinberg . men’s coach who has worked with the women’s on the Division I Men’s West team in the same capacity, made the addition . . Regional Committee.

possible. He told John Martin in the “Aztec . Mark Henry of University of

Tennis Reporter”, “I decided that we needed it . California Riverside, along with badly so I donated the money.” . being on the National Tournament .

. Committee and a Region Chair,

. and Sherri Stephens of University . of San Diego (National Tourna- .

. ments Chair) are on the Women’s Peter Smith Mark Henry

. Division I Operating Committee.

. Peter Mattera of San Diego State . and Gary Victor of California State .

. Northridge are also members of Aztec Locker Building

Photos: John Martin . the Region Committee.

. Sandy Kriezel of California

...... State Polytechnic University .

First Time . Pomona is the West Collegiate . Summer Circuit Division II Sherri Stephens Peter Mattera he US, participating for the first time in the . Women’s Regional Director. . Paul Settles of Claremont- Tannual competition between European .

intercollegiate teams, finished fourth behind . Mudd-Scripps Colleges and Ann

Russia, France and Belgium in the eight-coun- . Lebedeff of Pomona-Pitzer try event held in Poiters, France. Paul Settles of . Colleges are members of the Claremont-Mudd-Scripts was one of the . Executive and Budget Committee. coaches and Amanda Fink of USC was one of .

. The duo is on the Small College the players. . Division III Operating Committee, . and both are Divisional Chairs. . Lebedeff’s commitment goes Gary Victor Sandy Kriezel .

. further. She is also on the Ethics

. and Infractions, ITA Rules and . Collegiate, and Tennis Hall of Fame . (Women) Committees. .

. Mark Bohren of Azusa Pacific

. University and Dee Henry of Biola . University are on the NAIA Michelle Dasso, Kelcy McKenna, Jeffifer Kung, .

. Committee. Henry is also the Nate Schnugg, Amanda Fink, John Kauss,

Michael Venus and Paul Settles . Women’s Divisional Chair. Ann Lebedeff Mark Bohren

10 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 11

www.scta.usta.com . .

League Doubles District/ . Worth Watching .

Area Playoff Winners . li Ordonez notes that Southern California’s best teams . Awill be showcased at the Mixed Doubles League Section Photos: Ali Ordonez . Championship, May 30 –31, at El Dorado Tennis Club and . Lakewood Tennis Club. She encourages League Tennis fans to

MEN’S DOUBLES . come out and support the team(s) form their area or club......

. 9.0 Peninsula Tennis Mixed Doubles League 2008 Champions from San Diego Men’s 4.0 – Santa Barbara .

......

WOMEN’S DOUBLES

Men’s 3.5 – Bakersfield

Women’s 4.0 – Los Angeles

Men’s 3.5 – Santa Barbara Women’s 3.5 – Bakersfield

11 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 12

www.scta.usta.com SAN DIEGO DISTRICT ASSOCIATION What A Start

Lesley Waite

Award Banquet honorees Photo: Jeff Anderson t the San Diego District’s Annual were: 4.5 Kit Carson Park (captain Meeting and Awards Banquet in Randy Mita) and 4.0 Rancho Peñasquitos AJanuary, held at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Center (captain John Parsons). Tennis Club, the following were honored: Teams competing in the SCTA playoff Saul Snyder – Male Player of the Year; for a spot in the Sectional Champion- Mimi Loucks – Female Player of the Year; ships included: 4.0 Coronado High Woody Yocom – Male Pro of the Year; School (captain Marc Radi); 4.0 Balboa Megan Lowrey Haber – Female Coach of Tennis Club (captain Debbie Fitzgerald); ...... the Year; Roberto Ancira – 4.0 Morgan Run Resort (captain Male Sportsmanship; Colleen Jane Siann); 3.5 Lake Murray Clery Ferrell – Women’s Tennis Club (captain David Klich); Sportsmanship; Schillers – 3.5 Lomas Santa Fe Country Club Family of the Year; Anne (captain Bob Dudek); 3.5 Rancho JB, Torrie, Jay and Conner Schiller Podney – Community Service; Peñasquitos Tennis Center (cap - SES Tennis Center 4 th Annual tain Donna Dube). ties that are also offered. Visit Pro-Am Fundraiser – Tourna- Mixed Doubles League play began www.sandiegotennis.com for more ment of the Year; La Jolla just after the start of the New Year. information about the Family Tennis Day. Tennis Club - Club of the Year. Impressively, 627 players on 56 The “Tennis Fest” will take place Anne Podney More than 150 people teams are participating. The win- Sunday, May 3rd, at Balboa Tennis Club, enjoyed the pre-event festivi - ners advance to Sectional Champ- from noon to 4:00 p.m. Top teaching pro - ties and dinner. Geoff Griffin, ionships with a goal of earning a fessionals donate their time, keeping the SDDTA President, greeted place in National Western Champ- action going on the 25 courts. Attendees everyone and introduced ionships. have an opportunity to receive instruction the speakers: Bill Kellogg, Based on 2008 figures, tennis for all strokes. Games, prizes, music and Southern California Tennis was the top growth sport in the food are all part of the package. Adults and Association Executive Direc- country, surpassing golf, baseball children of all ages and ability levels are tor Henry Talbert and Bob and soccer. The San Diego encouraged to take part in this one-of-a- Kramer, Tournament Direc- District is committed to continu- kind free activity. tor of the annual Los Angeles Roberto Ancira ing the trend. Family Tennis Day Nominations for the 2009 San Diego men’s event. Richard Lederer, well known events, weekend afternoons that offer a Tennis Hall of Fame are due May 15 th , author, lecturer, English language expert free introduction to the game, will be according to Larry Belinsky, chairman. A and passionate tennis player, gave the sponsored at various sites throughout short biography must be submitted with keynote address. the county. Free Drop-In Tennis clinics each nomination. For the official entry Fall Doubles League local teams for novice adults or After-School Tennis form, please visit www.sandiegotennis.com advancing to the Sectional Championships for youngsters are free follow-up activi- and link to SDTHOF.

12 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 13

www.scta.usta.com INLAND EMPIRE - COURT NOTES

Alison Roell .

Grand Finale . Oscar Wegner Appears . .

eventy-nine qualifiers turned out on a crisp fall weekend to . In San Bernardino

Scompete in the 2 nd Inland Empire Satellite Grand Prix . Masters Championships bringing the curtain down on the . espite a last minute schedule adjustment, the turnout for the eight-tournament season. Eligible Junior Satellite winners and . DOscar Wegner clinic, a fund-raiser held for programming at finalists from each event were invited to participate in the . Norton Tennis Center, the first weekend in January, was good. . “Grand Finale”. Chris Taylor, Director of Tennis at California Twenty-five individuals participated and all said that it was a very . Baptist University and his staff, orchestrated yet another well- . worthwhile activity. Of course, this isn’t in the least surprising

run tournament at the campus tennis facility. Competition was . since Wegner is known for providing fun, informative and physi -

fierce and sport - . cal workouts.

ing, fans were .

enthusiastic and . the event went off . without a hitch. A . positive note for . .

local area tennis .

was that of the .

ten finals played, .

Inland Empire . Boys’ 14 winner Girls’ 10 finalist Hannah Jones players appeared . David Proctor and winner Kaitlin Crawford in eight of them...... Andulka Park Tennis Center

onstruction of the new Andulka Park Tennis Center, a 10-court facility in Riverside, Cbeing built by the City of Riverside, is nearing completion. Scheduled to open in late March, the announcements regarding the management of the center will be made this month. Leagues, ladders, tournaments and clinics will be included in the services UCLA Southern California offered. It will be the largest facility of its kind in the Inland Empire. A “Gala Opening” Tennis Association is planned. Watch the city website – www.riversideca.gov and the local Community www.scta.usta.com Tennis Association website – www.riversidetennis.com for details. Los Angeles Tennis Center - UCLA 420 Charles E. Young Drive West Los Angeles, CA 90024-9115 (310) 208-3838

STAFF

Henry Talbert - Executive Director Darren Potkey - Manager of Junior Competition Annette Buck - Director Adult & Senior Tennis Mark Winters - Executive Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Benito, Bob Greene, Cheryl Jones, Bob Kramer, John Martin, Ali Ordonez, Alison Roell, Kurt Streeter and Lesley Waite

13 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 14

www.scta.usta.com

Names In The News

Roy Barth , a former UCLA All-American, and Pam Austin were named Co-Chairs of the USTA Davis Cup/Fed Cup Committee. John Austin , Pam’s brother and a former NCAA doubles winner as a Bruin, hosted the US-Argentina Fed Cup quarterfinal at his facility, the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex in Arizona, this month. Kaiulani Boyer teamed with Ellen Jang Milsten to take the Girls’ 14 title and Kenadi Hance was a Girls’ 12 finalist at the the 19th Copper Bowl. The All City-Girls’ High School tennis team included: Singles - Samantha Jacobs of El Camino; Shayla Fulton of Dorsey; Alexandra Tallas of Granada Hills and Julia Maystruk of Taft. Doubles - Leann Hsueh/Monica Sirathanuran of Granada Hills; Anna Khrustaleva/Minda Le of El Camino; Jordan Kenadi Hance Hutkin/Joanna Sterngold of Taft; and Teresa Macias/Marilyn Nguyen of Carson. Fulton was the Sportsmanship Award winner. Barry Horowitz , the Kaiulani Boyer and maestro of the Gate Junior Tennis Academy at MountainGate Country Club and the Boys’18 Ellen Jang Milsten Intersectional team captain (who has won five consecutive titles), is recovering from esophageal surgery for a non-cancerous growth. Jim Holden , a former English teacher and boys’ tennis coach at Northfield High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has written a book covering 75 years of boy’s high school tennis in the state, featuring among others Vincent Bugliosi , for - mer Los Angeles District Court prosecutor and best selling author, and former UCLA and pro tour standout Ann Henricksson . For information concerning “Tennis in the Northland” contact www.bookhousefulfillment.com Speaking of teachers, Nancy Simon , an avid tennis fan who is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) history teacher at Palisades Charter High School, was one of many Southern Californians who attended the inaugura - tion in Washington, D.C. Pete Brown , a Southern California Tennis Association Board of Directors mem- ber, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the United States Professional Teachers Association Convention last month the inauguration in Washington, D.C. Tom Fey , one of the eight Master Trainers in the country, was named the 2008 USTA’s Recreational Coach Trainer of the Year. Billie Jean King , tennis great and champion for social change and equality, received the 2009 NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award, at the NCAA Conven- tion, for her leadership as an advo - cate for higher education and inter - Tuskegee Airman Spann Watson with his wife of 64 years Edna and Nancy Simon collegiate athletics. Billie Jean King

In Memoriam

Patricia (Pat) Barth Carole Caldwell Graebner in 1963 and later the Chairwoman of Long time San Diego resident Patricia Carole Caldwell Graebner was a for - the overseeing committee, she played (Pat) Barth, mother of former UCLA mer top ten US singles player who won alongside Billie Jean King at California star Roy Barth, who was a behind the the 1965 US and 1966 Australian Open State University Los Angeles. The one- scenes San Diego District stalwart doubles, and grew up in Santa Monica. A time Tennis Week Director of passed away in late December. member of the inaugural Fed Cup team Marketing, passed away in November.

14 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 15

www.scta.usta.com RESULTS

106 th Annual Junior Sectional Doubles Championships

BOYS’ 12 Ernesto Escobedo/Eduardo Nava d. Deiton Baughman/Riley Smith 6-1, 6-4 GIRLS’ 14 BOYS’ 18 Mayo Hibi/Alyssa Smith d. Marcos Giron/Daniel Kosakowski d. Sarah Gong/Joulia Likhanskaia Daniel Faierman/Alex Yermanos 6-4, 6-2 7-6, 6-1

BOYS’ 10 Maxwell Cancilla/Eric Nguyen d. Brandon Holt/Keegan Smith 5-7, 6-1, 6-2

GIRLS’ 12 Christina Makarova/Alexis Pereira d. Yuki Asami/Melissa Huang BOYS’ 16 Dennis Mkrtchian/Johnny Wang d. 0-6, 7-5, 7-6 Reo Asami/Rickey Baylon GIRLS’ 10 6-4, 6-4 Riley McQuaid/Ryan Peus d. Emma Higuchi/Ena Shibahara 7-6, 6-3 GIRLS’ 18 MIXED 16 Brynn Boren/Catherine Isip d. Kaitlyn Christian/Clarke Spinosa d. Bianca Modoc/Elena Najera-Salas Marcos Giron/Sarah Lee 6-0, 6-1 6-3, 6-3 MIXED 14 Drew Dawson/Alyssa Smith d. Dorothy Tang/Lestter Yeh 6-2, 6-1 MIXED 12 Logan Smith/Carolyn Xie d. Elizabeth Profit/Joshua Rosen BOYS’ 14 6-3, 6-3 Justin Agbayani/Lestter Yeh d. James Boyd/Caryl Hernandez GIRLS’ 16 MIXED 10 6-1, 6-1 Kaitlyn Christian/Sabrina Santamaria d. Maxwell Cancilla/Parris Todd d. Lorraine Guillermo/Desirae Krawczyk Brandon Holt/Ena Shibahara 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 6-0, 6-4

15 94128_NWSLTR:SCTA Senior MAR 2/17/09 12:27 PM Page 16

www.scta.usta.com RESULTS

11 th Prince Doubles Grand Prix Masters

BOY’ 18 GIRLS’ 14 Kevin Cox/Torsten Keil-Long d. Alyza Benotto Wood/ Ken Mkrtchian/Matthew Siow Kyla Klier d. 8-6 Sarah Gong/Joulia Likhanskaia 8-5 BOYS’ 12 Kevin Bondar/Daniel Gealer d. Garrett Mak/Brandon Yeoh GIRLS’ 18 9-7 Hailey Hogan/Sarah Lee d. Jordan Kimura/Anna Yang 8-1

BOYS’ 16 GIRLS’ 12 Tyler Gottshall/Stephen Harlan Yuki Asami/Melissa Huang d. d. Johnny Wang/Curtis Wu Stephanie Hazell/Tracy Van 9-7 8-1

BOYS’ 10 GIRLS’ 16

BOYS’ 14 Maxwell Cancilla/ Lorraine Guillermo/ GIRLS’ 10 Justin Agbayani/Lestter Yeh d. Konrad Kozlowski d. Desirae Krawczyk – First Emma Higuchi/Minami Lam d. Garrett Auproux/Gregory Garcia Brandon Holt/Keegan Smith Kristine Kouyoumjian/Della Taylor Marianna Alevra/Madison Hale 8-4 8-6 – Second 8-0 ......

UCLA Non-Profit Org Southern California Tennis Association US Postage Los Angeles Tennis Center - UCLA PAID UCLA 420 Charles E. Young Drive West Los Angeles, CA 90024-9115