COURT MONITOR

Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Newsletter December 2006 Volume 98, Issue 3

U of M Law Professor Richard Friedman to act on behalf of MHSTeCA in MHSAA lawsuit The MHSTeCA has accepted legal representation in the Gender Equity lawsuit from U of M Law Professor Richard Friedman. Mr. Friedman’s daughter is a freshman on Ann Arbor Huron’s tennis team. He is willing to help the MHSTeCA and tennis by representing the interests of his daughter in the lawsuit. Mr. Friedman has agreed to provide this assistance without fee. The only request is for the MHSTeCA to help finance the inherent costs of filing the briefs. The MHSTeCA Board of Directors has unanimously agreed to help with these expenses. A special fund is being set up to assist Mr. Friedman with the cost of printing, postage and travel. Contributions for this fund are needed. To donate to this fund send a check made out to the MHSTeCA and send it to Tiger Teusink, 52 E. 30th St., Holland MI 49423. Be sure to put the words “Lawsuit Contribution” somewhere on the check. All-State Academic 2006 Girls’ Coaches of Awards decline in 2006 the Year Selected MHSTeCA All-State Academic The MHSTeCA Board of Direc- awards have declined in 2006. As of tors met November 11th in Okemos November 11, 81 out of 368 (22%) and selected four to be honored as schools have qualified for the MHSTeCA Coach of the Year. award. In 2005 34% of the girls Division 1 teams received the award. Jeff Miner Brighton To be eligible for the award the Division 2 regional team GPA must be 3.25 or Dave Sukup Forest Hills Northern above. Freshmen and exchange Division 3 students are not counted in the Jen Aldrich Allegan average. Division 4 If your team qualifies for the All- Joe Gentle North Muskegon Sate Academic there is still time to To learn more about these out- apply. Go to www.mhsteca.org to standing coaches go to download a form. Contact Karen www.mhsteca.org. Langs with any questions. High School Tennis Coach No- Success continues for Detroit and Chicago Cut Recognition and Support Tennis Clinics gearing Finals Seed Committee The USTA wants to recognize all high The State Finals Seed Committee up for coaches school tennis coaches who implement a no-cut policy. These coaches play a continued their success in 2006. Mark your calendars. The annual critical role in our sport by allowing The committee had a 96% accuracy tennis clinics in Chicago and De- young players the opportunity to be part rate. Of the 32 champions, 18 were of a team. They experience the greatest troit are fast approaching. The number one seeds, 7 were number element of high school sports – the Chicago dates are Jan 26 and 27, two seeds, 6 were number three opportunity to participate on a team with 2007 at the Lincolnshire Marriott. their friends representing their school. seeds, and only one was unseeded. Detroit will be Feb. 9 and 10, 2007 Lexi Rice from Richland Gull Lake Every coach who registers as a no-cut at the Troy Marriott. Watch your won the number two singles in coach is mailed a certificate, letter and school mailboxes for information. Division Three as an unseeded subscription to Racquet Sports Industry The list of speakers is still being magazine and letters of recognition and player. compiled. Bob Woods address has press release templates are sent to the The Committee hit the jackpot at changed . His new address is Bob school principal and athletic director. the number two doubles flight. Each year two representatives are selected Woods, 32 Mossy Oak Trail, They got all the top seeds to the from this group for special recognition at Jackson, TN 38305-8585. The semi’s and all number one seeds the USTA Tennis Teachers’ Conference phone number is the same 731-427- and receive tickets to the opening session were state champions. 6104. Bob asks that you please of the U.S. Open. Past Results: inform your business office of the 2006 96% For those coaches who want to implement new address. He still receives 2005 94% a no-cut policy, but have questions or registrations that are being mailed obstacles, an advisory team of experi- 2004 90% to his old St. Clair Shores address. enced coaches are available to offer advice 2003 84% at [email protected]. Answers to Kudos should be given to all frequently asked questions and links to those teams across the state that Female Pros Coming other coaching resources are also avail- travel great lengths for weekend able. For additional support to implement to Midland or expand an existing no-cut tennis team tournaments. This cross state travel contact the section school tennis coordi- helps the seed committee. The 19th annual Dow Corning nators (can be found at “Find your Tennis Classic is coming to the section” on www.usta.com). Nykerk Nets Midland Community Tennis Center. The dates are February 4 - 11, No-Cut Coach Program Highlights: 800th Victory 2007. This is an excellent opportu- 658 coaches registered by 9/28/06 nity for your players to see up and from 47 states coming female pro players. Top No-cut coaches report working with stars have played the Dow Corning 25,600 tennis players on the Tennis Classic including, Maria teams they represent Sharapova, Anastasia Myskina, Mary Pierce, and Justin Henin- The USTA appreciates all of the extra work that goes into keeping additional Hardenne: all Grand Slam winners. players on your team. On Saturday, February 3rd, the This past fall Larry Nykerk tennis center offers a free on-court The new high school no-cut coach registration form is coming soon! For registered his 800th victory in dual event for high school players. For information about attending the those coaches who want to sign up now meets and tournaments. The long this link is still active for your conve- high school event or viewing time Traverse City coach was nience: featured in the local paper. To read matches, contact Nancy Brissette at: [email protected] Click here for the No-Cut High School the article go to the following link. Coach Application http://www.record-eagle.com/2006/ oct/03tennis.htm Click here for more information and to contact the High School Advisory Team! Passing Shots Sue Selke Named USTA Midwest Tennis Holiday Greetings! As we approach the holidays, it’s time to enjoy the off season with Service Representative friends and family. It’s also time to reflect on the past season and I am proud to introduce myself, Sue prepare for the upcoming one. I’m sure your 2006 seasons were suc- Selke, as the Tennis Service Representa- cessful for your student athletes regardless of their record. tive (TSR) for the United States Tennis Congratulations to all of the recent state champions. Congratulations Association (USTA)/Midwest Section also to the Regional and State Coaches of the Year, Assistant Coaches servicing Michigan. Prior to accepting the TSR position with the USTA, I was a of the Year and Distinguished Service Award winners. Your efforts certified USPTA teaching professional represent the hard work and dedication to high school tennis that is (30 years), a volunteer for the USTA reflected by coaches throughout our state. District, Sectional and National level for As we prepare ourselves for our upcoming seasons, we look forward over 25 years and have conducted to our Detroit Tennis Workshop February 9 and 10. It will be a great numerous clinics to grow the game of time to freshen up on our sport and reunite with good friends. I look tennis at the Recreational level. forward to seeing you there. The MHSTeCA Board of directors were enthusiastic in accepting the As a TSR, my goal is to help increase services of U of M Professor and Attorney Rich Friedman. He has participation in tennis by promoting, offered, without reimbursement for his time, to take up our cause to have developing and servicing tennis programs through the establishment of strong the Boys’ and Girls” tennis seasons remain unchanged. I hope you can relationships with schools, park and rally your teams and parents to contribute to help cover his expenses. recreations, tennis coaches, tennis Donations should be sent to our treasurer Tiger Teusink. facilities, industry organizations and This is my last “Passing Shots” as I will be completing my two year other non-tennis entities. I am here to term as your president. I enjoyed representing you and appreciated assist in any way to help grow the sport of your support. I’m glad to report that the MHSTeCA will be in very good tennis. hands as I turn over the office to Nancy Brissette on February 10. I know our organization, with your help, will continue raise the level of One of my goals as a TSR is to develop a Michigan high school tennis under her leadership. better relationship between the USTA and the Michigan High School tennis coaches. I have had the opportunity to Tom Leyrer meet some of you already and discuss MHSTeCA President different ways we can grow tennis in your Jenison High School communities. The USTA offers many programs and grants that are valuable for Allegan Tennis tennis coaches. I would like to have an opportunity to meet with you individually Honored or as a group to discuss the programs and grants. I am based out of Lansing and For the first time in the 20 years would like to set up a time and date to that the Allegan County News has come by and meet with you. Please feel been naming an All-County team, Allegan Coaches Jen Aldrich (left) and free to contact me at the information the team is made up entirely of assistant Jennifer Conrad. Photo courtesy of below to set up a meeting. Allegan High Web page. players from one team—Allegan’s! Let’s grow tennis together! It was quite an honor to have all 12 Photos Wanted: Send any tennis girls named to this team. The Tigers photos to [email protected] Sue Selke were also one flight short of sweep- TSR for the State of Michigan ing the Wolverine Conference (317) 333-3558 [email protected] tournament (our 2S lost in the finals 517-484-2534 – fax to Lexi Rice of Gull Lake—who www.midwest.usta.com eventually became an unseeded Left: Gladstone’s Shanoon Lee and state champion). Congratulations to Sam Bizeau celebrate their UP Coach Jen Aldrich, also named Championship. They were also MHSTeCA COY. named to the All-State Team.