Quarterly • Fall 2007 Volume II • Issue 3assets.usta.com/assets/649/USTA_Import/Middle... ·...

Adults and Seniors advance to USTA Nationals

Jr. Team Tennis heats up summerwith Section Championships

Advanta World TeamTennis Smash HitsBrings Stars to 'Nova

USTA Middle States

Quarterly • Fall 2007 • Volume II • Issue 3

NetPlayAutumn.Mech:NetPlay 9/17/07 5:34 PM

3

USTA Middle States

[email protected] • 610-935-5000

Quarterly � Fall 2007Volume II � Issue 3

Cover Story05A state-of-the art tennis center recently opened its doors inEbensburg, Pa. thanks in part to a generous donation from a familiarsource. Carrie Rupp tells the story of those who have aided thiscommunity take the “Next Step.”

Leagues10That’s a wrap! Middle States crowns sectionchampions of USTA League presented by Chryslerand recaps a tremendous 2007 season.

Community Development09The Tennis For Kids program provideschildren with healthy activities during thesummer months. Learn how this program isgrowing, one child at a time.

Junior Competition17Ready for College? Here’s what you need to know totake your game to the next level. Not sure where yourfavorite junior is playing in college, Middle States hasyou covered.

Jr. Team Tennis14Are you in? These teens are. Middle States sendsfour teams west for Nationals following anaction-packed Section Championship.

Departments04

President’s Message

11Diversity

13Hall of Fame

24Districts

Alison Riske caps magical summer with U.S.Open – Early Youth Tennis League Comes toDelaware – Rockville Racquet Club: Central

Penn’s best kept secret - Eastern Pennsylvaniaexperiences quite a tennis weekend – Glendon

Nicholas: New Jersey’s teaching proextraordinaire – Rose Weinstein Globe Trots

34Happenings


NetPlay • Fall • 20074

Has your tennis elbow continued to nag you even after you have takentime off from playing? What is tennis elbow? Guest columnist CorinKunicky, D.P.T. answers these questions and more.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, involves micro tearing, hardening andinflammation of the wrist extensor muscles at their origin on the “thumb side,” orlateral side of the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis got its nickname because when tennisplayers hit a “late” backhand or “lead with the elbow,” it causes excessive repetitiveforce over the outside of the elbow resulting in lateral epicondylitis. When thebackhand is hit correctly the elbow is extended as you follow through, decreasingthe stress to this region.

Most individuals with tennis elbow are between 30 and 55 years old. Ten to 50percent of regular tennis players will experience some degree of lateral epicondylitisin their careers. While hitting a “late” backhand is the most common cause fortennis elbow in tennis players, other causes include incorrect grip size (too small),string tension, poor racquet “dampening” and overall weakness of the upper back,shoulder and forearm muscles. While many tennis players will experience thesesymptoms, 95 percent of individuals who have lateral epicondylitis are non-tennisplayers!

So what else causes tennis elbow? Repetitive use of the wrist in a flexion-extensionpattern with the palm down, such as repetitively lifting luggage, or repetitive use ofthe forearm in a pronation-supination pattern, such as when twisting a screwdriver,are common causes of lateral epicondylitis. Other activities that contribute to tenniselbow include tightly gripping and carrying a heavy briefcase, raking leaves, playingbaseball, golfing, gardening and bowling.

How do you get better? Conservative treatment of lateral epicondylitis consists ofthree stages. The first stage involves reducing acute pain and inflammation. Allpainful activities must be modified or eliminated. Your physician may prescribeanti-inflammatory medication and/or consider giving you a cortisone injection.Physical therapy treatment includes ice, soft tissue mobilization, counterforcebracing, stretching and range of motion exercises. Stage two emphasizes the returnof strength and endurance and stage three involves functional rehabilitationdesigned to return you to your desired level of play.

A combination of activity modification and help from your doctor and physicaltherapist should help get you back into the swing of things after an episode of tenniselbow. If conservative treatment is not successful after one year, surgery is an option.Remember prevention is the bestmedicine and if you can avoid the causesof tennis elbow on and off the court youhave a better chance of avoiding it alltogether.

Corin E. Kunicky, D.P.T.Director

Rehab Connection1820 Old Cuthbert Road

Cherry Hill, NJ 08034(856) 216-0382

Middle States www.middlestates.usta.com

PRESIDENT - Malcolm T. Riley, Jr.

Celebration of TennisRecently, I participated in the annual National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) closing ceremonyat Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education in Philadelphia.About 600 excited children infusedone of our Section’s premier junior facilities with excitement about what they’ve accomplishedand a love of the game. The morning was a celebration of tennis at many levels from teamplay on the courts to art and essays on the walls. It mademe feel good to see the collaborationbetween the children, the instructors, the sponsors, the AAYTE leadership, the politicians andthe parents from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. It was an example of ‘serving tennis’ toall and I wish you could have been there to share in it with me.

Membership appreciation days atWorld TeamTennis (WTT) were another opportunity to sharewhat’s going on directly with members. Middle States includes two WTT teams, and we’reproud to host so many professional tennis matches for thousands and thousands of tennisfans to enjoy each year.

Each of the six districts in Middle States has a Board that works to fulfill our mission of promoting and developing the game oftennis.Volunteers enable us to initiate clinics, identify courts and programs in need of support, and share the game in so many ways.If you’ve been curious about how to get involved, there’s no better way than making contact with your District Board. Information isavailable on our web site.

When I attended District Board meetings in Philadelphia and Allegheny Mountain, I met long-time volunteers and USTA memberswho were relatively new to District leadership. I appreciate and thank all of the talented volunteers who serve our constituents withsuch passion, dedication and devotion. It’s through your efforts that we grow.

In our Community Tennis Associations, known as CTAs, membership continues to grow, as well. Middle States is currently thirdamong all USTA sections in terms of registered CTAs. Since the end of last year CTA registration in Middle States has increased byover 30 percent.

Hispanic Heritage Month activities are on for September.We have more professional tennis coming in October when theWTT SmashHits hosted by Elton John and Billie Jean King returns to Villanova University. I’m also looking forward to our annual Hall of FameInduction Dinner and Auction, which will be held October 26 at Doneckers, Ephrata, Pa.

Check out our web site,www.middlestates.usta.com for current and upcoming events, as well as league and tournamentinfo for juniors and adults. Get involved!

EditorialNathaniel HarrisonMarge McGann

Carrie RuppBen Zislis

ContributorsKarina Almanzar

Tom BenicDoris CostelloJohn CostelloLoretta DeWalt

Monique HollowayKaren JenningsCorin KunickyJustin LandisAnn LoPrinzi

Richard RauenzahnMalcolm T. Riley Jr.Christian Sockel

USTA Middle States OfficersPresident

Malcolm T. Riley, Jr.

Senior Vice PresidentJeff Harrison

SecretaryRuth Roulston

TreasurerPatricia Weger

Design/Production,Valentine Design, Inc.

(61)0 644 6221

USTA Middle States1288 Valley Forge RoadSuite 74, P.O. Box 987

Valley Forge, PA 19482-0987(610)-935-5000

(610) 935-5000 (f)

[email protected]

Published by USTA Middle StatesVolume 2 Issue 3 Fall 2007

CoverJamie Taylor & Vicki AskewPhoto by: Nathaniel Harrison

GUEST COLUMNIST – Corin E. Kunicky

Is Tennis the Only Cause of Your Tennis Elbow?



Middle States www.middlestates.usta.comNews from around the section

Tennis ShortsAllegheny Mountain

Lori Sabatose, head tenniscoach at Clarion Universityof Pennsylvania, coachedthe Maccabi USA/Sportsfor Israel junior tennis teamto a silver medal and threebronze medals at the 12thEuropean Maccabi Games

in Rome, Italy. Over 36 countries were represented andover 2,000 athletes competed at the games.

Sabatose,a four year starter on the Clarion University teamfrom 1988-1991, is now in her 8th year as the headcoach. In 2004, Sabatose was named the AMD College“Coach of the Year” and she also plays singles, doubles,and mixed doubles in Middle States tournaments

Central PennSean Kelleher, a teachingp r o a t B e n t C r e e k ,Lancaster and WisehavenTennis Club in York did notdisappoint the hometowncrowds at a pair of eventsthis summer. Kelleherreached the finals at the

William H. Metzger Pennsylvania Clay Court Open in astar-studded field which featured JimmyArias, JeffTarangoand the Jensen brothers. He also showcased his skills onhis home court at the Bent Creek Open, advancing to thesemifinals before falling to eventual champ,Adrian Bohane.

Kelleher was hoping to become the first local male playerto win the Bent Creek Open since George Zink, the Open’stournament director, won the inaugural event in 1995.

DelawareWhen rain delayed thestart of a Delaware Smashmatch in July, a few luckyfans got the chance of alifetime, an opportunity toplay against the stars of theshow,Mike and Bob Bryan.

In front of a raucous crowd,Wil Martinez and Curtis Fincher,top junior players from Delaware took on the ultimatedoubles opponents.Thematch was lively and competitive,with the good natured Bryan Brothers coming out on top,despite a few solid volleys and even a mimicked chestbump by Martinez and Fincher who play doublestournaments together.

“We didn’t plan the chest bump,” Martinez said. “Curtisjust looked at me and we knew we were going to do it. Itwas the perfect time.”

Eastern PennVavara Lepchenko knows athing or two about winningin EPD. The 2005 and2006 singles champion atthe $25,000 MECCO Cup,a USTA Pro Circuit eventlocated in Allentown loved

the area so much she decided to settle there.

Despite being on the road for the majority of the year,Lepchenko was charmed by the lack of traffic and thesmall-town warmth offered by the LehighValley and ShariMcKeever, a volunteer for the tournament and her housemother in Allentown.

Despite initial visa problems, the 21-year-old native ofUzbekistan was recently able to move her family toPennsylvania too. Lepchenko, a lanky lefthander with apowerful game currently is ranked No. 117 in the SonyEricssonWTA Tour Rankings.

New JerseyThere probably aren’t toomany players who canmake this claim. AnaMamalat played one tennismatch in two states.Thanks to heavy rain at theJames E. Cryan Memorial

TennisTournament at Mercer County Park (N.J.),Mamalatwas forced to resume hermatch indoors at the PennsburyRacquet Club (Morrisville, Pa.).

While most of the players drove their own cars over theTrenton-Morrisville Bridge,Mamalat got to be a passengerand focus on her match. After-all the Philadelphia nativewho is one of the nation’s best juniors is only 13. Despitethe inconvenience,Mamalat won the match advancing tothemain draw playing against a field comprised of playerstwice her age.

PhiladelphiaJosh Cohen certainlyknows the meaning of theterm “pinch hitter”. WhenPhiladelphia Freedoms starDaniel Nestor was unableto play in a July contest,Cohen was summonedfrom his Center City

apartment’s couch to make his World TeamTennis debut.The lack of preparation may have helped Cohen who wasadmittedly nervous playing in front of his hometown crowd.

A former No.1-rankedMiddle States junior,Cohen teamedupwith Frederic Niemeyer to win themen’s doublesmatch5-0.He attended the University of Miami (FL) and notcheda 27-6 record his junior year in singles and finished hissenior year as one half of the No. 2-ranked doubles teamin the country.

Photo courtesy of ClarionUniversity Sports Information

Vavara Lepchenko

Curtis Fincher and Wil Martinez Ana Mamalat

Photo courtesy of University ofMiami Athletics

Photo courtesy of LancasterIntelligencer Journal

Middle StatesRemembers

Karl WegerM i d d l e S t a t e sremembers a frienda n d d e d i c a t e dvolunteer Karl TheisWeger Jr., the lovinghusband of Pat,passed away on July

5. Karl’s tremendous spirit, positive attitude and smile willnever be forgotten.

Karl was a USTAMiddle States volunteer from1986-2007.Always eager and willing to help, Karl aided the MiddleStates’ mission by working booths at Pro Indoortournaments as well as at World TeamTennis events. Healso helped prepare the annual Hall of Fame banquet’svideo and invitations. Karl even helped with three MiddleStates office relocations, general maintenance and theinstallation of the organizations first office computer system.

Stephen HansenStephen C. Hansen,w h o h e a d e dPittsburgh-basedDo l l a r Bank fo rthe last 25 yearsp a s s e d a w a yAugust 21, 2007.In addition to his

position with Dollar Bank, Stephen and his wife, EthelOlmsted

Hansen, were integral parts of the USTA Middle States’Allegheny Mountain District.

Dollar Bank has been the recipient of Middle States’industry initiative award and had sponsored the USTANational Men’s 40’s Indoor Championships for 10years.

Ethel has been a pioneer of programming and publicrelations in AMD. She has also served as a member ofthe Middle States Tennis Patrons’ Foundation, MiddleStates Board of Directors and is currently Vice-Chairof the Strategic Planning Committee.

Nancy KressmanT h e t e n n i scommun i t y hasl os t one o f i t slifelong players inNancy Kressman,Wilmington, Del.,at the tender ageo f 4 2 . N a n c y

played NCAA Division I collegiate tennis atBucknell University and University of Delawarewhere she graduated in 1986.

Following graduation, Nancy, a member atGreenville C.C. consistently competed in USTAleague tennis and was an original player inDelaware District’s (DD) Corporate League.

Nancy served on the Board of Directors atGreenville and chaired the Paddle TennisCommittee. Most recently, Nancy served as theSecretary of the DD. In addition she was a loyalvolunteer for both Middle States and WorldTeamTennis.



Cover Story“World Class TennisAt Home”

By Carrie Rupp

Fewer than 3,000 people call the town of Ebensburg, Pa., home. Included in itspopulation is an 87-year-old woman named Vicki Askew. Although, thesoft-spoken woman has only lived in Ebensburg, located in Cambria County,for eight years, she confidently calls the town home.

In a community where truly everyoneknows your name, Askew’s love oftennis has put the quaint town on themap.

On a picturesque day in August, TheEbensburg Tennis Center (ETC) openedits doors to the town of Ebensburg andits surrounding communities. The sixcourt facility, three indoor and threeoutdoor courts, has created a buzz thathas been encouraging to ETC’s Directorof Tennis Jamie Taylor.

“I believe this center can rejuvenate thesport of tennis in our community and in

other communities,” Taylor said. “With this facility in their own backyard, people willget involved in tennis all over again.”

The Journey HomeA native of Southern Pines, N.C., Askew and her husband of 42 years, Harold, who isoriginally from Ebensburg, were living in Pembroke Pines, Fla. Both Vicki and Haroldwere heavily involved within the community, Vicki served as the executive director ofthe Chamber of Commerce and Harold was a commissioner and vice mayor. As hertime in front of the community dwindled, and retirement became a more viable option,Vicki, at the age of 50, met a group of younger women who introduced her to thesport of tennis. Thanks to the reliable Florida weather, Vicki quickly took to the sport,playing three to five times a week.

As the couple grew older, Harold’s desire to return to his roots and to his family grewstrong.The couple moved to Ebensburg eight years ago, and have had a lasting impactever since.

The Phone CallVicki immediately joined the local Women’s Club, while Harold was a member of theEbensburg Borough Council. But for Vicki, something was still missing.

She began talking to local women at her salon and a dress store, trying to find a placeto play tennis as well as companions to play with. She settled on ProCare (formally BlairRacquet Club) in Altoona, a 22-mile drive from her home.

The mileage,Askew claims, was not the problem, it was the weather. Her drive to BlairRacquet Club became a burden during the harsh winter months. Curvy mountainroads laced in ice posed a dangerous challenge for Vicki. Harold’s concern for hiswife’s ventures grew with every winter storm.

A simple phone call to one of Vicki’s two sons,Vince McMahon, Chairman of the BoardofWorldWrestling Entertainment, Inc., (WWE), was the impetus that would eventuallyend Vicki’s long and dangerous trips.

“A little better than two years ago my husband called my son and said ‘Your mother’s traveling down the mountain on icy roads several times a week to play tennis, andI would certainly like to see a facility here so she wouldn’t have to travel as far.’ Andthat’s truly how it began,” Askew said.

Although she gives her husband credit for presenting the idea, she reserves thespotlight for the one who made it happen.

McMahon donated $2.5 million through the Vince & Linda McMahon Family

Foundation, Inc., to the City ofEbensburg for the construction of anindoor tennis facility. Wanting to avoidthe spotlight, McMahon made it clearfrom the start that the gift and thetennis center was not about him,deferring the spotlight that he oftenexudes in the wrestling ring to hismother.

“It was impossible to keep the donationquiet, but he truly deserves the credit,”Askew said.

With the help of the Ebensburg Borough, Ebensburg’s Recreation Director Matt Pfeil,local engineering firm L. Robert Kimball & Associates, construction firm Ralph Albarano& Sons, Inc., and the addition of Taylor as Director of Tennis, the planning began. Theofficial groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 29, 2006, on the spot of landchosen for the project – 257 Lakeview Road.

ConstructionThe construction process was littered with roadblocks during its initial stages.Wetlandsposed a difficult challenge, limiting space and halting progression. In addition, the landwas a former dump site for the borough.The need to remove bits of concrete and otherdebris slowed things down. The rough Allegheny Mountain winter and a rainy springalso lengthened the timetable.

Towards the end of spring,Askew said she started to visit the site more often, noticingan immediate progression in the building.

“For such a long time it [construction] was justdragging, but it has come together so well, andso quickly at the end,” Askew said. “I wasn’t theonly one keeping an eye on the process. I run intopeople everywhere who have come down to peakat it, and they all tell me that it’s just so beautiful.”

The finished product sits on a bit of land adjacent to a lake and community park whichfeatures a baseball diamond as well as a walking path.The Allegheny Mountains poseas the perfect backdrop for the $2.5 million facility.

World-Class AmenitiesThe scenery isn’t the only feature that sets the facility apart from the rest. Its amenitiesare world-class.

“The whole package separates itself from other facilities,” Taylor said. “I thinkeverything is to offer, everything is top-tier. Just being associated with it is so nice.”

The “package” includes three indoor courts featuring a Rebound Ace playing surface,a “softer” hard court with a medium to high bounce. It’s the same surface that adornsthe courts at the Australian Open’s Melbourne Courts as well as the indoor courts atSwarthmore College’s Mullan Center.

Taylor mentions the surface is “more forgiving” for older players as it is easier on jointsand knees.

The outdoor courts boast the same surface you see at the US Open.

In addition to the courts, the facility also offers a pro shop, two locker rooms and a verymodern lobby with a plasma TV set to broadcast Grand Slam action. Taylor notes thefacility also boasts the computerized tennis video analysis program – Dartfish – as wellas a top-of-the-line tennis ball machine.

Huge Potential“We just want to introduce people to the game of tennis,” Taylor said. “There’s sucha high interest in tennis in Central Pa., and this facility has huge potential in this area.”

With an agenda full of open houses, free clinics, cardio tennis and round-robintournaments, Taylor and his staff are already busy.With more than 80 memberships

Vicki Askew

Vince McMahon



sold prior to the grand opening, Taylor is planning for the future.

Grassroots programs for juniors, Jr. TeamTennis and Adult League competition are alladditions Taylor hopes to see in the future.

In an attempt to aid Taylor’s mission, USTA Middle States representative Ben Zislis,Director of Community Development, presented Taylor and the ETC with 30 racquetson behalf of USTA Middle States and the Middle States Tennis Patrons’ Foundation.The junior racquets will help Taylor introduce the game of tennis to those who mayhave otherwise never had the opportunity to play the sport.

Bringing opportunities to local children and adults is not Taylor’s only goal. He alsohopes to facilitate positive relationships with other local tennis clubs.

“This project is bridging a gap between other facilities where there was oncesegregation,” Taylor said. “When I worked as a pro in South Carolina, the facilitieswere always working together in a cohesive manor, working to grow the game oftennis. That’s our goal here.”

“We want to work with other clubs and createinterclub leagues,” Taylor said. “We want to worktogether, not against each other.”

Grand OpeningAfter many trips to Altoona andtwo-years of preparation, Askew saidshe could hardly sleep the night beforethe scheduled grand opening.

More than 150 guests attended the 10a.m. ceremony, including Askew andher husband; Taylor; Csaba Balazs, thelead des igner ; Char l i e Moyer,Ebensburg’s mayor; PJ Stevens,President Commissioner of CambriaCounty Commissioners; four USTAMiddle States representatives andnumerous family and friends. EvenTaylor’s parents who live in Canadamade the trip.

“What a beautiful facility we have hereand how fortunate we are to have it,” Moyer said. “Ebensburg will certainly be arecreational hub for our region.”

Throughout the ceremony numerous speakers told of Askew’s love of the game andhumbling personality.

“This day honors Vicki,” Moyer said. “Without her love of tennis, none of this would bepossible.”

PJ Stevens recognized both Harold and Vicki saying they’vealways been focused on the betterment of their community,providing many unsung contributions, and now the tenniscenter is a tangible and lasting testament of their vision.

The humbling sentiments were echoed inside of the facilitywhere a bronzed plaque depicting Askew sits on a lobbywall. The plaque, which reads “In recognition of herenthusiasm and love of the sport, this tennis facility isdedicated to Vicki Askew,” will forever remain a part of theETC.

Askew, who had knee replacement surgery in December“only” plays once per week.

“I don’t get out much now, but I’m grateful for when I can,”Askew said.

Whether Askew plays once a week, or once a month,Taylormade sure the 87-year-old knew she is always welcome,presenting her with a gold lifetime membership card.Askewsmiled, saying “You may be sorry, I may live to be 100.”

After her speech, which drew a standing ovation,Askew and the distinguished guestsstepped onto the bright blue and green courts. Following the count by Taylor, the groupsimultaneously hit the first of many more serves to land on the courts of the EbensburgTennis Center.

Facility NewsThe USTA announced that the Northern Delaware Tennis Association,Wilmington, Del.and Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. have been awarded a 2007 USTAPublic Facility Funding Grants in conjunction with the Tennis in the Parks Initiative.

Proceeds from the grant will be used for the improvement of the Deleware TennisCenter. This site is a state park and was recognized in 2006 as a Top 50 TennisWelcome Center by the USTA / ITA due to its impressive numbers of new and returningtennis players, the high level of participation in grassroots initiatives and for itsextensive community tennis development programs.

Slippery Rock University will use the grant to improve its on-campus tennis center.Theuse of the tennis facilities at Slippery Rock University is crucial to the expansion oftennis in the community.

The university offers extensive community outreach programs and camps. In additionto the varsity women’s program on-campus and the many other tennis programsmade available by the university, multiple alumni mixers and functions are held at thefacilities.

Is your facility or group looking for support for resurfacing or construction ofcourts? Contact Director of Community Development, Ben Zislis [email protected] for additional information.

Cover Story

Ben Zislis, USTA MS, presents Jamie Taylor withracquets.



Community DevelopmentTennis for Kids

The Tennis For Kids program, based inYork County, Pa., is focused on tennis, butthe heart of the program, is its focus onchildren. The program provides free tennisinstruction to a diverse clientele of childrenages 8-16 in both York and AdamsCounties.

In its 18th summer, Tennis for Kids is stillgoing strong. More than 1,300 childrenattended this summer’s five-weekprogram, which ran from June 18-July20. The program, which boasted acombined 20 sites in York and AdamsCounties, ran from 9-11 a.m., three daysa week. Tennis For Kids filled many of thechildren’s often-empty summer days withan overwhelmingly positive experience.

President and founder, Hank Merges,considers his 18th summer a success.

Although, construction limited the number of program sites, the staff worked hardto ensure Tennis For Kids would impact the lives of its participants once again.

The VisionThe Tennis For Kids program was started due to the realization that tennis lessonsand clinics are not affordable to everyone. Merges summed it up best, “There is noreason why all children shouldn’t enjoy this great sport, so why not create a programthat offers instruction for free? This way the children will get a taste of the game,which will hopefully increase their appetite for more.

One of the main ingredients for the success of this program is the hand pickedinstructors. Merges takes a unique, yet sensible approach by hiring people withextensive experience in both tennis and working with children.

Merges strongly believes the quality of instruction is why so many children are eagerto participate. He believes their experience coupled with outstanding leadershipskills create a worthwhile tennis experience.

“We can always teach them how to teach tennis, but we want them to make it fun,”says Merges.

The ProgramTennis For Kids does just that. The instructors teach the basics of tennisthrough interactive games, engaging the children and creating a more memorableexperience.

The focus on fun has worked wonders for the organization. It’s common for formerTennis For Kids participants to return as junior instructors. Also, many local highschool tennis players are past participants of the program. Tennis For Kids is trulya grassroots effort proving tennis is not only a fun activity, but also a lifetime sport.

Tennis is not the only schooling the participant’s receive, they also learn aboutdiversity, interacting with children from all walks of life and socioeconomic statuses.There are Russian children hoping to one day reach the heights of Russian superstarMaria Sharapova, and young Mennonite children looking to pick up a racquet for thefirst time.

Lending a handMerges is ever appreciative of the support USTA Middle States has given the TennisFor Kids program. The Tennis Patrons’ Foundation not only supported theorganization, but also supplied 750 rackets for the children to use.

As far as the future goes, Merges plans to continue expanding the program as wellas add members to the Board of Directors. He says, “If you take care of the littledetails, the big picture will be a lot clearer.”

For more information on starting a community tennis association, pleasecontact Ben Zislis at [email protected]

Philadelphia Boy WinsEssay Contest

“I was shockedwhen I found out Iwon!”Michael Herman’s shockcould be heard all over hishouse. The 13-year-old fromPhiladelphia, Pa., screamedfor joy when he received thephone call that he had beenselected as the boys14-and-under winner of the2007 USTA NJTL Arthur AsheEssay Contest.

A seventh grader at Christ theKing, Herman joined the nineother national winners in New

York City for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on August 25. In addition to Kids’ Day, Hermanand the other winners were treated to the best that NYC had to offer, including aBroadway show, a tour of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a New York Metsgame, a scenic harbor cruise as well as meals at numerous local restaurants.

A fan of all the sites that NYC has to offer, including the Statue of Liberty and “allthe different kinds of buildings,” Herman was most excited for his chance to be onthe court hitting with the pros.

Herman, who plays at the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center threenights a week, says he learned tennis through friends at a very early age. He sayshe was also introduced to the legacy of Arthur Ashe a long time ago, and it wasAshe’s tennis prowess that he wanted to be sure came across in his essay.

“Arthur Ashe was such a great tennis player and a great person, I just really wantedeveryone to know that and to understand,” Herman said.

Herman’s trip to NYC capped off a busy summer in which he visited Disney World,played lots of tennis and even fractured his foot playing stickball.

Don’t worry. Herman’s foot healed just in time for his chance to be on the courtwith the pros.

Check out www.middlestates.usta.com to read Michael’s winning essay.

A young participant receives instruction from a Tennis For Kids counselor


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWINGUSPTA PROFESSIONALS

Pro of the Year: Mr. Anthony J. DeCecco, Jr.High School Coach of the Year: Mr. Joseph Kissel

And for the induction into theUSTA Middle States Hall of Fame:

Mr. Tom Sweitzer

Mark your calendar and come join agreat educational opportunity at the

USPTA Middle States Tennis ConferenceJanuary 18-19, 2008

Hempfield Rec Complex950 Church Street

Landisville, PA. 17538

“Education for the Masses”

For more information or to register contactUSPTA-MS Executive Director, Tim Irwin at 610-730-0442 or

[email protected]



DiversityServing in Seattle

The United States Tennis Association(USTA) provided two Middle Statesteens the chance of a lifetime.Karina Almanzar, Trenton, N.J., andRyan Jones, Wheeling, WVa., wereamong 40 teens selected to attendthe National Junior Tennis League’s(NJTL) 2007 Tennis LeadershipC am p a t t h e U n i v e r s i t y o fWashington in Seattle, Washington.The pair spent a week (July 17-23)in the Pacific Northwest city.

The all-expenses paid campprovided budding youth tennisplayers from the United States andPuerto Rico, who come from lessfortunate backgrounds, the chanceto improve their tennis skills whilefocusing on heightening their socials k i l l s , i n c l u d i n g w o r k s h o p sfocusing on character, leadership,sportsmanship, physical fitness andnutrition.

In addition to the tennis action, participants enjoyed numerous activities,including the Experience Music Project, a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, a tourof the Boeing Factory and a presentation by Seattle Seahawks management.

One of Middle States’ participants, Karina Almanzar, kept a detailed journalduring her time in Seattle. Below is a portion of her journal

Day 1 July 17, 2007I had so much fun today. I met so many new people. We did so many differentthings! How can I start? Well, first of all my flight to Seattle, Washington wasnice and smooth, even though it was a six hour flight. When we got to ourdorms we unpacked and then started to play games as a group. We playedtennis and we played different types of games that we needed to use a lot ofteam work. This helped us get to know each other better. We got to meet eachother one by one and it was pretty fun! So far I’m LOVING IT!!!! I love this campand the counselors! They are so funny and fun to be with. I can’t explain howmuch fun I’ve had today, and it’s only the first day!

Day 2 July 18, 2007Well, today I also had fun! But today we all found out that one of the counselorsAndrew was leaving the next day to go back to New York. Man, he is so funnyand fun to hang with. He was the one that made us play those fun gamesyesterday. Today, I met a boy that was supposed to come yesterday but missedhis flight from Brooklyn, New York, which is not that far from where I live. Hisname was Robert but we called him Junior. We did so many things today! Weplayed tennis indoors because of the weather. But also we went to the bookstore at the University and we also went to the EMP which stands forExperience Music Project. Today, we met a tennis player that was a PRO 12years ago but I forget his name. He was rated No. 1 in doubles! Which is reallygood! When we had free-time today we were on our own and we playedping-pong and other games.

To read more about Karina’s adventures in Seattle, please visitwww.middlestates.usta.com.

Traci Green:BreakingBarriersIt’s been one heck of a summer forPhiladelphia native,Traci Green. Not onlyhas Green accepted the position of HeadCoach of Harvard’s women’s tennisteam, but she was also recognizednationally at opening ceremonies of the2007 U.S. Open.

Named Harvard’s second black coachin history and first black female coach Green, began her tenure with the HarvardCrimson in July. Previously, Green spent three seasons at Temple University whereshe led the Owls to their first winning season in six seasons.

Green adopted a Temple program that was 4-15 prior to her arrival. In her secondseason as coach, her team registered its first winning record since the 1999-2000campaign, while her 2006-07 team went 16-4 overall, 8-1 in the Atlantic 10Conference (A-10), and reached the championship match of the A-10 tournament.

With Green’s guidance,Temple rose to a ranking of No. 85 in the NCAA/IntercollegiateTennis Association ratings in 2007,marking Temple’s first-ever national ranking. Herteam defeated three nationally ranked opponents and five of her players achievedall-conference status. Green takes a record of 34-27 to Cambridge.

Her success is not confined to the sidelines. Green, who started playing tennis atage 10 on the courts of the historic Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & Education Center, wasa top Middle States junior. While attending high school in Philadelphia, Green madethe Junior U.S. National Tennis Team twice, and began her serious training in KeyBiscayne, Fla.

From her days training at Key Biscayne, the Florida weather won her over. She wenton to compete at the University of Florida where she led her team to the 1998National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship and won twoIntercollegiate Tennis Association Championships. A three-time first teamAll-Southeastern Conference selection, Green ranked No. 5 in doubles and No. 21in singles on a national level during the 1998-99 season. Green still remains acareer leader in both singles and doubles victories in UF’s record books. While atUF, 1996-2000, Green earned a degree in communications.

Green’s accomplishments both on the court and as a pioneer in theAfrican-American community earned her recognition at the August 27 openingceremonies. Numerous black women were honored on a night that was dedicatedto Althea Gibson, whom many consider the ultimate pioneer for black women’srights in all fields, not just athletics.

Green joined Aretha Franklin, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Phylicia Rashad, Dr. DebiThomas, Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun and others in Arthur Ashe Stadium toinduct the late Gibson into the U.S. Open Court of Champions. In an atmosphere thatwas nothing short of electric, Green and the other honorees stood proud, honoredby thunderous applause and lengthy standing ovations.

Traci Green,photo courtesy of Temple University Athletics

USTA Middle States honors Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15).To learn how we’re celebrating this special month, log ontowww.middlestates.usta.com for events and special coverage.

Congratulations to the following NJTL’s and NJTL representatives thathosted Regional Rallies this summer:

Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring Association, Harry Shur; MontoursvilleMiddle School, Gerry Ayers; Willingboro Recreation Department, Ellen V.Williams; Hempfield Area Recreation Commission, Wilson Pipkin;Philadelphia NJTL, Tina Tharp and Black Women in Sport Foundation,Traci Green

Karina Almanzar



Middle States Tennis Patrons’ Foundation

12

Fulfilling its MissionOne Racquet at a Time

The Patrons’ Foundation has a very specific charge: to raisemoney for grants, which in turn can be distributed toemerging junior tennis programs and junior tournamentplayers with financial need. Patrons’ targets theorganizations and players that need an extra nudge to getup and running or sustain operations.

In addition,Patrons’ is exploring broadening grant usage toadult programs and to court and facility renovation. It ispart of the foundation’smission to be adaptive to the needsand times of the Middle States section and the sport oftennis.

Grants from the Patrons’ Foundation are made possiblethrough the USTAMiddle States scholarships and grants committee,which reviews grantrequests three times a year. Gifts to the Patrons’ Foundation make up approximately 20percent of these grants, while the remaining 80 percent come from the section budget.Organizations and individuals can also apply to the Patrons’ directly for support.

Recently,Patrons’ joined forceswithAdvanta to create its own racquet give-away program.The Patrons’ purchased 1,500 racquets adornwith theMS andAdvanta logos to distribute.The initiative gives juniors, regardless of means, the first step towards playing the game.Individual grassroots programs applied through the grants process for these racquets aswell.More than 1,000 racquets were distributed,although there are still racquets available.The Patrons’ are committed to making this racquet give-away program an annualopportunity for grassroots programs, in order to continue growing the game.

Some of the programs that have received support from the Patrons’ initiatives include:

� Carl Sandberg Middle School Intramural Tennis Program� City of Reading Recreation Office - Summer Tennis Program� East Stroudsburg Area School District - High School South Tennis Program� Harrisburg Parks and Recreation� Newtown Park and Recreation Department - Summer Tennis Camp Program� Pottstown School District - 21st Century Tennis Program� Red Lion Junior High School - The Lion Aces Tennis ProgramAfter School� St. Matthew’s Community Development Recreation Center - Camp Koinonia� Tennis for Kids, Inc.� Neshaminy Middle School - Intramural Tennis Program� Parkway Manor Elementary School - Parkland School Tennis

As you can see from this list, the Patrons’ are putting your generous gifts to work, as ourmission calls, to grow the game of tennis at the grassroots level through junior tennisprograms in the schools and elsewhere, and by putting racquets in the hands of thosejuniors that need them.

Junior players, Community TennisAssociations and others are encouraged to explore thegrant opportunities and racquet give-away programs Patrons’ offers.

Please visit www.middlestates.usta.com and click on“community tennis”on the left-handtool bar for more information about the available grants.

By investing in a future Andre Agassi or SerenaWilliams, a grassroots tennis program oran emerging community tennis association,we will help to ensure tennis remains vibrant

not only in our section, but across the country. And if the next US Open champion doesnot emerge from one of the organizations we have supported, we have not failed.

Those who benefit from these tennis experiences will have learned life skills andsportsmanship that will serve them well in the classroom, the boardroom, and in theircommunities.A gift to Patrons’ is an investment in the future.

Formore information about the Patrons’ Foundation, its grants programor howyoucan make a gift, please visit middlestates.usta.com and click on Patrons’Foundation link. Or, contact Christian P. Sockel, Patrons’ Foundation president, at610-921-7502 or [email protected].

DOES YOUR PROGRAM NEEDASSISTANCE? DON’T MISS THESE DATES!

Grant Deadlines Jan. 31 April 30 Oct. 31



Celebrating ExcellenceUSTA Middle States presents a 2007 class of excellencein celebrating the induction of Howe Atwater, J. ScottCalkins, Charlotte Atwater Miller, Tom Sweitzer and JohnMcGrath (posthumously) into its Hall of Fame at DoneckersBallroom in Ephrata on October 26, 2007.

The USTA Middle States Hall of Fame Induction Dinner andAuction hosted by Middle States Tennis Patrons’Foundation honors individuals who have made outstandingcontributions to Middle States and/or have outstandingrecords of competitive achievements with considerations

given to sportsmanship and character. In addition, proceeds for the event assist thedevelopment of junior tennis programs and activities, furthering tennis educationobjectives throughout Middle States and particularly in the Central PennsylvaniaDistrict.

Each of the inductees will receive the traditional original sculpture designed by MarciWeisgold, a Philadelphia native.

The Middle States Hall of Fame began in 1994 when then president Dr. Philip Caplanwanted a venue to honor our section’s finest. Past inductees include:

Hall of FameHowe Atwater developed his tennis game under thewatchful guidance of his father, an excellent playerhimself, and thus began a family tennis dynasty inLancaster County. He ranked second in the country inthe interscholastic rankings while in high school. AtWilliam and Mary, he played on two nationalchampionship teams. In 1986 he won the USTAMen’s 60 Singles Clay Court Championship. In a spanof thirty years, Atwater ranked in the top five in hisrespective age groups in Middle States and ranked in

the top ten nationally three times. Atwater is one of the most positive ambassadorsto the game of tennis by the way he plays, carries himself and lives his life.

J. Scott Calkins, has been an avid player since theage of nine, Calkins has been a formidable leader inCentral Penn and Middle States tennis for over 60years. Calkins played at the University of Maryland, ateam tha t even tua l l y won the Na t i ona lChampionships. Ranked No. 1 in Middle Statestwelve times, Scott Calkins also obtained top tennational rankings twice. Perhaps best known for hiscontribution to tennis as a tournament director, in theearly 1950’s Scott promoted the Fort Hunter Tennis

Championships in Harrisburg, later to become the Pennsylvania State Clay CourtChampionships, and built the event to be one of the most competitive in MiddleStates.

John McGrath played and won USTAsanctioned tournaments for over 50 years.I n M i d d l e S t a t e s , M c G r a t h h e l d aNo.1-ranking in his respective age group forc lose to 20 years. McGrath’s legacy wi l lhelp to inspire seniors for h is mostmemorable achievements may haveoccurred after age 70 when he became thetop-ranked senior s ingles player in theworld at age 70, 75 and 80.

Charlotte Atwater Miller has been ranked No.1 inevery Middle States age group since she was 13.After winning the USTA National Indoors 18-underdoubles title in 1965 and becoming the 16-undersingles finalist in 1966, Miller went on to William andMary College and did not lose a match for 2-1/2years. She then attended Elizabethtown College andremained undefeated. She also became a memberof the U.S. Junior Wightman Cup squad, an honorreserved for the top 16 female college tennis players

in the nation. Charlotte’s success continues in league and interdistrict play and incoaching women’s tennis coach at Penn Manor High School.

Tom Sweitzer, the tireless tennis promoter, hascreated and/or participated in tennis activities andprograms which have resulted in over 7.5 milliondollars being raised for charities, in addition tocreating interest and publicity for tennis. Anoutstanding player and coach in his own right, Tomled both his high school and Bloomsburg College tochampionship seasons. People who know Tom sayhe is always thinking about how to make tennis grow.A USPTA Master Professional, Sweitzer is anestablished ambassador for Central Pennsylvania

tennis through his direction, teaching and leadership.

1994William ClothierHarry R. Hoffman Sr.Eve F. KraftVictor SeixasWilliam T. Tilden IIMadge “Bunny” H. Vosters

1995Donald BudgeCharles Stedmen GarlandDavid O’ LoughlinMartin Tressel

1996William Clothier IIEleanor HammondsRichard SorlienR. Norris Williams II

1997Clarence ClarkJoseph ClarkJohn ConroyRosalind M. GreenwoodWillie JohnsonRobert Smith

1998Mervin A. Heller Jr.Suzanne “Susie” LeeLeo J. ScodaCharles P. Wolbers

1999Marilyn F. FernbergerBarbara Clement-HunterBarbara JordanKathy JordanVictor I. Kasser

2000Judy Levering

2001Alfred B. Carl Sr.Gretchen Rush MagersJack MerchantRoberta “Berta” McCallum RussoRobert G. RuzanicPaul G. Sullivan

2002William ColbertMartin DevlinJack GeiselMichael IannoneWarren Kimball

2003Margaret Osborne DuPontLarry C. HamptonNancy KeiperRay WalkerEdgar & Peggy Wolard

2004Christine BeckJerry LaroqueNewton MeadeAlbert MolloyCharles Oliver

2005Philip CaplanLois HugginsAnne Baxter HumesJay SnyderTed Tinling

2006Billie Jean KingDavid A BenjaminEllen Forde Hansell AlderdiceMayer BrandschainEdwin J. FaulknerBertha Louise Townsend Toulmin



Jr. Team Tennis

14

They’re Off to NationalsUSTA Middle States crowns its JTT Section Champs

USTA Middle States crowned itsJ r . Te am Te n n i s ( J T T )Champions at the 2007 SectionChampionship held July 19-20at Veteran’s Park in Princeton,N.J. Four teams, including twofrom Central PennsylvaniaDistrict (CPD) and two from NewJersey District (NJD) willadvance to the Na t i ona lChampionships held in October.

The two-day tournament saw20 teams f rom Midd leStates compete at the highestlevel of competition. Teamsqualified in two different agegroups, 14-and-under and18-and-under and two differentdivisions – intermediate andadvanced.

14-and-underThe first day hosted the 14-and-under age group, including teams in both intermediateand advanced divisions. Clinching the 14-and-under Advanced division was teamDeuce (NJD). The team consisted of Michael Perrone, Rohit Paleyar, Taylor Ng, VinitPaleyar, Sahana Jayaraman and Spencer Ng.Team Deuce is coached by Millie Sams.Falling just short of the championship spot was runner-up Kinetix, from the PhiladelphiaArea Tennis District (PATD). Kinetix is coached by Chris Herdelin.

The Spirits, out of the Harrisburg Jr. Team Tennis League, clinched the 14-and-underIntermediate division, division to secure its ticket to nationals. Coached by JackieEvangelista, team Spirits was made up of: Amelia Capuano, Christine Evangelista,Jenna Laubach,Andrew Grossman,William Harvey and Alec Grossman. DE Nightmare4, coached by Gaby Brengle, was the runner-up.

18-and-underDay two of competition saw the 18s compete, with the Fantastic Fuzz (CPD), a teamfrom Hanover, coming out on top of the 18 & Under Advanced bracket. Phil Myers,MattThomas, Austin Herzing, Michael McLaughlin, Steven Thomas, Jennifer Learmonth,Jenna Hessert and Corinne Jones are the lucky teens who will compete at nationals.Delaware’s Fireballs, coached by Stewart Tan, finished second to the Fuzz.

The 18-and-under Intermediate bracket crowned Los Amigos (NJD) champions.Christine Wu-Connell and Matt Heyse will bring their crew: Christina Bell, Joy Hu,Sarah Connell, Ari Taormine, Eric Maertin, Corey Katz, Mike Petit de Mange and AlexTimber to the national championship. Bucks County Racquet Club’s 18-and-underteam coached by Todd Dlugosz finished second.

National ChampionshipThe four winning teams will represent Middle States at the 2007 JTT NationalChampionship held in Tucson, Ariz. This year, the 14s will play Oct. 11-14, while the18s will travel to Ariz. Oct. 25-28.

BackgroundJr. Team Tennis starts at the local level with a 4-8 week league program of teampractice and match play for boys and girls, ages 8 to 18, who want to play tennis onteams. Eligible teams may then advance to championship play.

Teams comprise players of similar age and skill, and they compete against other teamsfrom the same geographic region.The Jr.TeamTennis format typically consists of fiveindividual matches within a team match, including: girls singles, boys singles, girlsdoubles, boys doubles and mixed doubles. The team winning the most games winsthe team match.

For more information on JTT contact Erica Curtis at [email protected].



For the love of the gameTennis keeps one Middle States teen busy every day

It’s not everyday that achild can influence theextracurricular activities of hisor her parent – usually it’s theother way around. But in theUhle family of Blue Bell, Pa.,that’s exactly the case.

Thirteen-year-old Claire Uhlesays she’s been playingtennis for almost seven years.

Shewas introduced to the sport at a day camp she attended as a child.Now,Uhle attendstheArthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center’s Tennis Academy nearly everyday, participates in Jr.TeamTennis and is a ball girl forWorld TeamTennis franchise the Philadelphia Freedoms.

Even with that busy schedule, Uhle says she never gets sick of the game,“I love it. It’s mylife.”

She passed her love of the game to her family. Especially to hermother, Joanne,who nowplays a few times a week and is also a volunteer for the Freedoms.

“My husband and I weren’t tennis players at all,” Joanne said.“But Claire got us involved,”

“We started just watching her play, and then we started hitting on the weekends andeventually we attended some lessons through our township’s tennis program,” Joannesaid. “We’re definitely not on Claire’s level. She’s totally embarrassed to play with us!”

On the courtClaire’s 14-and-under Advanced Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) team, Kinetix, won thePhiladelphia Area Tennis District (PATD) district championship and finished second atthis year’s JTT Section Championship.In the District Championship, Claire won her singles match as well as two girls’ doublesmatches and one mixed doubles match.

At the Section Championship held July 19-20 at Veterans Park in Princeton, N.J., Kinetixfell to a team from Delaware by just eight points. Claire participated in both girl’s singlesand mixed doubles competition.

The budding tennis star, who will be an eighth grader atWissihicken Middle School in the fall, says she wasn’tdisappointed to finish second at the championship; she wasjust excited to be there. This was the first time her team hasmade it this far.

When asked if she prefers playing singles or doubles shelaughed, “I like them both, I just like to play.”

Up close and personal

It is Claire’s easy going attitude and love of the game that gets her through her busy days.After a long day on the courts, competing at the championship, she was off to CabriniCollege where she was scheduled to ball girl the Freedom’s match featuring VenusWilliams.

“It’s a pretty busy day,” Claire said. “Hopefully I’ll make it on time.”

She did, and so did her mother.

“I really enjoy volunteering, I actually really enjoy watching Claire ball girl,” Joanne said.“It makes the matches more entertaining.”

Joanne,a social worker and professional “tennismom,” rememberedwhen Claire workeda recent John McEnroe match and got up close and personal with his fiery personality.

“She was standing pretty close to him when he was cursing at the umpire,” Joanne said.“I’m pretty sure it was just an act, but she heard it all.”

“Tennis has done so much for both Claire and me,” Joanne said. “I went from neverstepping foot on the court to playing leagues, to captaining a 2.5 team that went to districtslast year.”

Joanne isn’t the only one who has grown from playing the game of tennis.

“It’s been such a wonderful outlet for Claire,” Joanne said. “She’s built confidence andself-esteem; she’s met tons of friends of different ages and from different backgroundsand it’s just been wonderful for her fitness, well, and for mine too.”

For the Uhle family, tennis has brought them more than improved fitness, friends andtrophies on the trophy shelf, it’s brought a family closer together through a simple love –the love of the game.

Jr. Team Tennis

Jr. Team TidbitsJr. Team Tennis is all about spirited competition, friendship,achievement, sportsmanship and fun. In addition to thosequalities, there’s always some unique characteristics andinteresting anecdotes that find their way into the mix. Theteamspresent at this year’s JTTSectionChampionshipwereno different.

Tobacco Roadmeet DuPont HighwayThe Delaware Nightmare 3, an 18-and-under Intermediateteam, and Delaware Nightmare 4, a 14-and-underIntermediate

team,mayhave a common teamname,but teammembersare fromdifferent backgrounds,different towns anddifferentschools. Half of the 18-and-under team attend CaesarRodney High School while the remaining teammates attendDoverHighSchool.During the school year theymaybegreatrivals, but during the JTT season, they are great friends.

MentormeCoach Gaby Brengle and Program Coordinator ElyseBaney-Barton finstituted a mentorship program into thisyear’s JTT season.Members of the Nightmare 3 served asofficials, coaches and friends to the Nightmare 4.The 18s,who took part in thementorship program, earned volunteerhours towards their high school Honor Societies.

It’s a family affairThe Nightmare 3 boasted two sets of brother/sister pairs.Dalton and Dylan Barton and Pujan and Viha Dave aremembers of the 18 & Under Intermediate team thatcompeted in this year’s Section Championship.

Head’s upJackie Evangelista, the head coach of the Spirits, a14-and-under Intermediate team from Harrisburg, admitsshe believes in the long-time superstition of the lucky penny.In fact, the12-year head coach found apenny in the parkinglot at the 2007 District Championship and placed it in hersneaker for good luck. After her team won the DistrictChampionship,Evangelista stayed loyal to thepenny,keeping

it in her shoe for the Section Championship.The pennymayhave caused a bit of soreness to the coaches foot, but thepain paid off.The Sprits clinched the Section championship,and secured their ticket to the National Championship.Thelucky penny will surely make the trip to Tucson.

No Bozo’s hereThe 14-and-under Advanced finalists, CL Gray, have aninteresting superstition.The teamhas a self proclaimed fearof clowns,which stems from their early years of playing peewee tennis and attending their home club’s season kick-offcarnival. Keep the face paint and big red noses at home.

Llama lovin’CL Gray has an interesting fan, and it’s not a clown. Theteam’s club,Lebanon Country Club, is situated near a llamafarm. The team’s adopted the animal as its team mascot,saying the llamas watch them practice all the time.

Persistence PaysJ. Michael McLaughlin, the proud coach of this year’s18-and-under Advanced Section Champs, the FantasticFuzz, is persistent. McLaughlin recruited team member,Jenna Hessert, a sophomore at Northern York High School,for a month. He sent her a reason a day why she shouldstart playing Jr. Team Tennis, most importantly, why sheshould beapart of the Fuzz.Thepersistencepaid off.Hessertjoined the team.


Junior Competition

16 NetPlay • Fall • 2007

The Right Course:College TennisWith any big dream comes obstacles -- the tennis world is no exception.

For many juniors around the country becoming a top professional player is a shareddream; however this can be a very difficult transition for even the top junior player.

In an attempt to solve these transitional problems, graduating junior players have beenturning in increasing numbers to the collegiate system to find success -- and it’s working.

In fact, the majority of today’s top-ranked collegiate players, and their coaches,will all tellyou that it’s one of the smartest decisions any young player can make.

Players gain a great deal of maturity; have consistent coaching and most importantly adegree to fall back on.

Yet with one decision comes another.Where to attend college?

The college choice you make will determine where and how you will spend importantyears in your life. This decision can be tough even for the most prepared junior or senior.

Now add to the equation that the college of choice must have good tennis-playingopportunities and the stakes get a little higher.

There are two types of collegiate tennis opportunities- varsity and recreational tennis.These programs are offered at more than 2,000 schools throughout the country.

Varsity tennis programs offer students the opportunity to compete in intercollegiate tennisrepresenting their college or university in a team environment.

Varsity programs are funded by theschools, hire coaches, recruit players andmake competitive cuts.

Some of the world’s top professionalplayers including James Blake, LisaRaymond and the Bryan brothers haveseasoned their games on varsity tennisteams. And perhaps another is on theway as NCAA Champion John Isner has

been on a roll since turning pro this summer.

However, knowing what coaches look for when recruiting can vary from program toprogram and even level to level.

“It’s our job tomatch the juniors with the proper level,” former Harvard University women’scoach Ed Krass explains.“I’m a big fan of small college tennis. If they have the talent anddesire there is a program for them and a coach who will be patient enough to developthem.”

There are a number of factors that coaches consider when recruiting players such asplayer records, ITF and USTA rankings as well as player trends and sound mechanics.

“At all NCAA levels coaches definitely look at ranking lists, but do not always entirelydepend on them,” said Todd Doebler,Men’s Coach at Penn State University. “Players thatare going to show improvement each year and play better in different environments isimportant.”

Coaches and players alike are utilizing more online recruiting services such aswww.tennisrecruiting.net, which utilizes an automated ranking system to determine theplayers’ recruiting value.

One critical component that college coaches seek is improvement as players pass throughtheir high school years.

Coaches need players to reach new peaks in college as they continue to mature theirgames and themselves.

“Tennis teaches you so much about life and the competitive nature of life,” said Krass.“Being a part of a team is an irreplaceable life lesson that extends to every aspect of life.”

Another component is how the player handles difficult situations. Poise, competitivenessand bounce back ability can all be important factors in recruiting.

“When evaluating players, coaches are looking for the player who can improve the teamas a whole 1-11,” noted Doebler. “We try to see where the pieces are going to add up.”

Recreational TennisThe other side of the collegiate tennis world is recreational tennis. Here young men andwomen of all playing levels can find their niche, often times playing together on co-edteams.

Recreational tennis opportunities bring together a vast array of players including newplayers, those with competitive tournament and high school playing experience or thosewho just want to play with their friends.

Oftentimes students arrive on campus to find that they may fall short of the talent ordedication to play varsity tennis.

Recreational tennis breaks down into two categories intramural and sports clubs.

Intramurals are primarily run by the college’s intramural or campus recreation departmentsand played internally on college campuses: where as sports clubs are organized bystudents for students through the school’s recreational sports department.

The players themselves assume much of the leadership role including fund-raising,publicity, budgeting and scheduling.

Club teams which are often co-edpractice together, play against each otheras well as compete against other clubteams through intercollegiate play. USTAMiddle States offers a variety of playingopportunites through its Tennis onCampus program.

Club teams compete throughout thesection in both the fall and spring inorganized regional leagues.

These leagues provide players with a great deal of competition leading up to the annualMiddle States Section Championship, where the teams battle for a chance to move on tothe National Campus Championship.

As James Blake said in the USTAGuide toTennis on College Campuses:”Whether you planon a pro tennis career or to enter business or a profession after graduation,making tennisa part of your college years will enrich your life while you’re in college and for all the yearsbeyond”.

College DaysWant to play college tennis, but need financial aid? Looking for a shot to earn ascholarship? USTAMiddle States will answer these questions andmore at a pair of collegedays in November in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Some of the most influential tenniscoaches on the east coast will be on handto discuss collegiate tennis opportunitieswith hundreds of student-athletes andtheir parents.

Workshops and information sessions willbring players and parents alike up tospeed on everything college tennis fromadmissions to campus life. High Schoolseniors can showcase their skills on court

in front of top collegiate coaches while juniors and seniors alike get one-on-ones withcoaches.

“Middle States ‘College Days’ are a great forum to bring together the parent/coach/playertriangle and deliver lots of good information about the process of selecting a college,” saidAndy Findlay, USTA Tennis Service Representative.

“College Day is the ideal occasion for tennis players to meet lots of passionate coaches,”noted Bloomsburg University tennis coachMarty Coyne.“These coaches represent tennisand academic programs that will have a huge impact on the rest of these youngsters’lives,” continued the coach who is in his 15th year at the university.

For more information on College Day 2007, check outwww.middlestates.usta.com.

William Zhang

Annie Houghton

Benji Kendall


College Tennis

17

Next StepStay in the game! The following is a list of former orcurrent USTA Middle States juniors who are playingtennis in college either via scholarship or on the varsityteam beginning in the Fall of 2007.

Boys

J. Julius Bolock (EPD) Florida SouthernCarl Caceres (EPD) ScrantonReid Carleton (PATD) DukeAryn Christmas (AMD) George MasonArsenio Culver (PATD) BenedictJohn Dixon (CPD) MD Baltimore Co.Robert Emig (AMD) Mary WashingtonGeorge Gennaoui (NJD) La SalleSteven Herchko (AMD) DuquesneJared Howat (PATD) East StroudsburgSamuel Jockel (AMD) Johns HopkinsBenji Kendall (PATD) Penn StateCollin Laffey (AMD) NiagraWalker Lyons (PATD) DavidsonJohn Macris (AMD) CaseWesternReserveAndrew Marinucci (PATD) Mt. St. Mary'sTaggart McGurrin (EPD) ScrantonKazuya Murata (DD) Mary WashingtonBrad Palanski (AMD) WoosterAndrew Petrusky (EPD) La SalleJ. Plastow (CPD) Mt. St. Mary'sDaryl Rice (PATD) BenedictJulian Sullivan (PATD) NC StateAndrew Wang (NJD) Johns HopkinsJonathan Yu (NJD) CollegeofNewJerseyDaniel Zakheim (PATD) MuhlenbergWilliam Zhang (PATD) Chicago

Girls

Lindsay Clark (EPD) YaleKristine Depew (PATD) Washington (MD)Sarah Dieffenbach(AMD) George MasonMegan Doran (NJD) ConneticutAlexis Dorr (PATD) IowaLindsay Gray (EPD) George MasonEmily Herb (NJD) ConneticutAnne Houghton (AMD) ArmyNatalie Hruska (AMD) WestminsterErin Karonis (PATD) Iowa State

Michaela Kissell (AMD) Miami (FL)Megan Lawlor (PATD) Mary WashingtonAdrienne Markison (NJD) QuinnipiacRachel Meholic (DD) Cecil College (MD)Ana Mungo (NJD) MD Baltimore Co.Nikki Reich (NJD) WilliamsDanielle Rosenfield (PATD) Carnegie MellonStephanie Scheinoff (PATD) PittsburghTheresa Stangl (PATD) TempleVanessa Steiner (AMD) Boston Univ.

Riley Returnsto KalamazooMark Riley (Great Valley, Pa.) was faced with one of thosedecisions in life that can be difficult. No choice wouldhave been the wrong one.

While he had the opportunity to coach at his alma mater,Divison III Kalamazoo, he also could stay with anemerging powerhouse; Riley had just led Penn to twoconsecutive Ivy League titles and an ECAC championshipfor the first time in school history.

But part of the Kalamazoo offer also included theopportunity to organize the USTA Boys’ 18 and 16National Championships - and that was the deal breaker.

“That’s what kind of got my attention,” Riley said.“It’s themost important [tournament] in junior tennis.”

So after seven seasons at Penn, Riley announced thathe will accept the position at Kalamazoo, effectiveimmediately.

Although he said all the aspects of the job played a partin his decision, the USTA position “is an awesomeresponsibility. I think it’s something Icouldn’t pass up.”

Riley comes to Kalamazoo havingalready served as director of theIntercollegiate Tennis Association EastRegion Championships in 2002 and2006.

Prior to arriving at Penn., Riley servedas head coach at the University ofKansas for four seasons (1997-2000).He led the Jayhawks to a school-bestNo. 9 national ranking, was a Big 12runner-up and a three-time NCAARegion V Tournament qualifier.

His first head coaching position was atDrake University from 1994-1996,where he led the Bulldogs to runner-up

finishes in the Missouri Valley Conference and at theNCAA Region V Tournament.

And in Kalamazoo, he inherits an already successful

program - one that has won 69 consecutive MichiganIntercollegiate Athletic Association titles. Riley himself hastasted that success, a two-time All American, he servedas team captain in 1981 and 1982.

While the Hornets have won seven NCAA Division IIITitles, the program has experienced a drought as of late.Kalamazoo won its last title in 1993, but that’s somethingRiley hopes to change. And he wants to model thesuccess of his own former college coach, George Acker.Six of those national titles came while he was at the helm.Riley is the first hire by new Kalazmazoo athletic directorKristen Smith.

“I’m excited to get someone of Mark’s caliber,” Smithsaid of her first hire in her new position. “He can help notonly with his tennis insight, but also help me in thedepartment with ideas coming from different places.”

Recruiting “is similar in that it’s non-scholarship and veryacademic,” Riley said. “When I started [at Penn], I got alot of kids from the Midwest.That’s my first goal there, torecruit well in the Midwest then start branching out.”

And Riley will happily bring those ideas, including therecruiting philosophy he had at Penn.

Said Riley: “I got a lot of my guys from this tournament.At Penn, when I told my guys I was taking this job, theyunderstood the impact in my career.

“... Every one of my American-born players at Penn -- Ionly had two international guys -- had been here, so theyunderstood what this tournament means to tennis.”

Success at Penn didn’t only happen in competition, the2006 recipient of the Edwin J. Faulkner USTA MiddleStates Coach of the Year Award was very active in thePhiladelphia community.

He served as a clinician at several area tennis campsand helping run the youth programs at the Robert P. LevyTennis Pavilion.

Riley emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship at hiscamps and rewards these attributes with Sport Starawards. The camp also uses Jr. Team Tennis as afoundation in order to promote sportsmanship andteamwork.

Mark Riley

Coach Riley courtesy of UPENN Athletic Communications



19

T h e R o c k e t M a n i s c om i n g t oPhiladelphia and this time he is bringinghis racquets and some of the world’stop tennis players to raise money for thefight against HIV and AIDS.

Music superstar Elton John andlong-time friend Billie Jean King willhost the 15th annual Advanta WorldTeamTennis Smash Hits, a specialnight of tennis featuring Andy Roddick,Lindsay Davenport, Patrick McEnroeand Anna Kournikova.

Joining them in the impressive field isJohn Isner, the hard-serving Americanwho ignited US Open crowds withserves up to 140 mph, local teensensation Madison Brengle anddoubles Grand Slam champion CorinaMorariu.

The event, which benefits the EltonJohn AIDS Foundation and the localcharity ActionAIDS, returns for onenight only at 7 p.m., October 10 atthe Pavilion at Villanova University.

This is only the second time the eventhas been held in the Philadelphia area, the last time was in 2002 in front ofa standing room only crowd at Villanova. Smash Hits has raised more than$8 million since 1993.

“Coming back to Philadelphia is always like coming home for Elton and me,”said event co-host Billie Jean King. “The community there not only supportstennis but they’ve always been strong advocates in the fight against HIV andAIDS. Philadelphia is also the home of our event sponsor Advanta and ourWTT team, the Philadelphia Freedoms, which inspired Elton to write the songPhiladelphia Freedom.

Elton John will open the evening with a celebrity doubles match before thetwo teams of top professionals hit the courts for five sets of WTT action.

Roddick has consistently been ranked among the top 10 players in the worldsince turning pro in 2000. Roddick won his 23rd ATP singles title thissummer in Washington, D.C. The former world No. 1 won the 2003 US Openand has reached the finals of Wimbledon twice (2004 and 2005).

Davenport is a three-time Grand Slam singles champion who last played atVillanova in the 2000 Advanta Championships when she won her secondconsecutive Advanta title. In July, Davenport returned to the courts for theSacramento Capitals just six weeks after her son Jagger was born.

Kournikova is a two-time Australian Open doubles champion and a formerNo. 1 in doubles and No. 8 in singles in the world rankings. Kournikova playsfor the Sacramento Capitals of the WTT Pro League.

Isner turned pro earlier this summer and made headlines by advancing tothe finals of the ATP event in Washington, D.C., where he lost to AndyRoddick. He culminated his amateur career this spring leading the Universityof Georgia to an NCAA championship.

Morariu, who played this summer for the Kansas City Explorers of the WTTPro League, has won one Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles title and 13doubles titles. Morariu teamed with Davenport in 1999 to win the Wimbledondoubles championship and won the 2001 Australian Open mixed doublescrown

Brengle, recently ranked a career-high No. 216 on the Sony Ericsson WTATour, is expected to face off against Davenport in the women’s singlesmatch. The 17-year-old has had a successful year on the junior circuit,reaching the girls’ singles final at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon,and is currently ranked a career-high No. 5 in the ITF World Junior Rankings.

She has been part of the USTA PlayerDevelopment’s residential pilot program,training with USTA Coaches at the EvertAcademy in Boca Raton, Fla. Brengle iscoached by her mother Gaby, whoteaches at Dover Indoor Tennis.

Patrick McEnroe, a former college andpro tour standout, is also known for his success off the court. He is currentlythe U.S. Davis Cup captain and also serves as a TV commentator for CBSSports and ESPN. On the court, McEnroe represented the U.S. in Davis Cupcompetition during the 1990s and also won one ATP singles title and 16doubles titles, including the 1989 French Open doubles championship.McEnroe, who is the younger brother of tennis Hall of Famer John McEnroe,is part owner of the New York Sportimes of the WTT Pro League presentedby Advanta.

USTA Member DiscountUSTA members enjoy a 5 percent discount on lower and upper reserve seats.Tickets can be purchase through Ticketmaster using the promotional code,"USTA" or by phone at 215-336-2000.

For VIP packages call ActionAIDS at (215) 336-2000. For additionalinformation, please visit World TeamTennis at www.wtt.com.

Professional Tennis / Pro Circuit


Rising star Madison Brengle will be right athome in Philly.



USTA MS CrownsSection ChampionsFor the third time in mere weeks, USTA Middle States players converged on MercerCounty, N.J. This time, though, it was the grownups’ turn. After holding its Jr. TeamTennis section tournament at the end of July, Middle States returned in August andSeptember for the USTA League Tennis presented by Chrysler Adult and SeniorSection Championships.

This year, more than 17,000 players helped make the 27th season of USTA LeagueTennis a successful one in Middle States, and 700 of them advanced to the adultsectionals and 300 to the senior sectionals.

In adult league, the New Jersey District (NJD) took advantage of home courtadvantage boasting four winning teams, including a sweep in the men’s and women’s4.5 division.

Following New Jersey’s dominance was the Philadelphia Area Tennis District (PATD)with three winners. Central Pennsylvania District (CPD) welcomed two winners andEastern Pennsylvania District (EPD) notched one.

The seniors brought their “A” game to Jersey as play was spirited and verycompetitive. Scoring was close and many divisions weren’t decided until the finalmatch. Once again NJD defended their home well capturing two divisions, while CPDand the Delaware District (DD) also netted two.

“The 2007 section championships were among the most competitive ever. Very fewwinning teams won all of their matches and many third set tiebreaks were played,”said Sally Baird, Middle States Director of Adult Competition. “To advance a 4.0women’s team, we had to go to almost the last tiebreak – games lost – to determinethe winner. It is not very often that we send teams to national using the “games lost”tiebreak.”

The winners (see box) will represent the section at the USTA Adult and Senior LeagueNational Tournaments to be held, depending on level, in IndianWells, Las Vegas andTucson.

Middle States has had its share of success nationally in the adult league, crowningsix women’s (1983 DD 4.5, 1990 PATD 4.0, 1993 DD 4.5, 1997 PATD 4.5, 2000NJD 2.5 and 2002 PATD 2.5) and three men’ \s (1996 NJD 3.5, 2004 NJD 3.5,2006 DD 5.0) national titles. This doesn’t even count the number of nationalparticipants, nor the national winners or participants in senior, super senior or mixedleagues.

2007 SECTION WINNERS

Adult2.5 Women –Winning Touch (EPD)

3.0 Women – Charlestown Smash Girls (PATD)3.0 Men – Mercer (NJD)

3.5 Women – Hempfield-Fissella (CPD)3.5 Men – Pennsbury Lightning (PATD)

4.0 Women – Northeast (PATD)4.0 Men – EB Smash (NJD)

4.5 Women – Shore Thing (NJD)4.5 Men – Cherry Hill (NJD)

5.0 Women – Team Clark (CPD)5.0 Men – Pennsbury (PATD)

Seniors3.0 Women – Hempfield- Rostolsky (CPD)

3.0 Men – RCW- Lancaster (CPD)3.5 Women – Upper Bucks YMCA (PATD)

3.5 Men – Northwood (EPD)4.0 Women – Love 50 (NJD)4.0 Men – DuPont Silver (DD)4.5 Women – Schenk (DD)4.5 Men – Frank (NJD)

National championships dates and sites:

� 5.0 Adult Sept. 28-30, Indian Wells

� 4.5 Adult Sept. 28-30, Tucson

� 4.0 Adult Oct. 26-28, Tucson

� 3.5 Adult Oct. 5-7, Las Vegas

� 3.0 Adult Oct. 12-14, Las Vegas

� 2.5 Adult Oct. 5-7, Indian Wells

� 4.5 Senior Oct 19-21, Indian Wells

� 4.0 Senior Oct. 12-14, Tucson

� 3.5 Senior Oct 19-21, Tucson

� 3.0 Senior Oct. 26-28, Indian Wells

Adult Leagues

Two father-son duos played on the same team at the2007 Section Championship.


Adult Leagues

21

The Legacy ofThe Lasagna

The Westend Avengers treasure the time they get to spend together as a team.Because these busy women have professional and personal responsibilities that fill themajority of their time, they like to get creative when it comes to “team time.” For the14 women that combine to form the 3.5 level team from Eastern Pa., their teamfunction – a team dinner – is an annual occurrence, but the theme is ever changing.

The 2007 team that made it to the Section Championship relied on three things topropel them through the season – lime green, vintage ball gowns and “magic” lasagna.

The latter, a vegetarian dish, has been a tradition since 2003. That year, the team’shome club,Westend Racquet Club, hosted the Mecco Cup, a USTA Pro Tournament.Like many members of the community, team member, Ellen Bishop, hosted one ofthe tournament’s participants, up-and-comer Angela Haynes.

One evening Ellen prepared dinner for Angela, vegetable lasagna, and the youngsterfrom Compton, Calif., loved it. Not only did Angela enjoy the dinner, but she also didvery well in the tournament, reaching the finals.

Following Angela’s lead, Ellen decided to host thefirst annual team dinner and prepare the dish forher team prior to their appearance in the DistrictPlayoffs.

The lasagna’s “magic” proved true in 2003 as wellas in 2005. Because of the success in 2005, thewomen were highly superstitious in 2006, sittingin the same seats, wearing the same clothes andtrying to emulate the 2005 dinner. Unfortunately,the magic wore-off, and the team did not advancein 2006.

In an attempt to lighten the mood in 2007, and get back to basics, the team decidedto adopt a new theme.

In addition to the lasagna, the team introduced a theme for the dinner – old ball gownsand ugly shoes.What started out as a joke turned into a reality. Teammates arrived tothe dinner in a variety of formal wear including one member who fit into her30-year-old wedding gown, and capped the outfit off with a pair of rubber galoshes

Since ball gowns and ugly shoes didn’t seem like quite enough insanity for the teamof friends, one team member provided a bottle of lime green nail polish, deciding thiswould be the team’s color of choice. Decked out in lime green uniforms and matchinglime green toenail polish the women won the 2007 District Tournament, securing theirticket to their third Section Championship.

Team captain, Gwin Krouse, described her team saying, “tennis is our passion;competition drives us and our friendships sustain us.” Although the women, did notqualify for this year’s National Championship the 2007 season was surely one that theywill never forget.

Team member Ellen Bishop graciously shared her recipe for “magic lasagna.” Enjoy!


League LeadsTo achieve success takes many local triumphs and thededication of countless volunteer captains and leaguecoordinators. Listed below are some of the uniquestorylines that unfolded during the 2007 leagueseason.

The UMLY Jalapenos (Women’s 2.5, PATD) formed abook group and have holiday gatherings. The womenuse it as an escape, “We take care of our kids,husbands, work obligations, but when we get on thecourt it is just for us to have a good time together.”

RCW Lancaster (Men’s 3.5, CPD): The captain claimshe was chosen because he was the “best looking andhas the best personality, sense of humor, best lookingwife, etc. etc.” He shall remain nameless.

Sharon Thornton, Churchville, Pa., is celebrating her19th year as a USTA League Captain.

Claudia Christner and Marilyn Miller have been atandem to be reckoned with as co-captains of theGreensburg Racquet Club’s 4.0 women’s team.Greensburg advanced to the section championshipsthree times and won the coveted trip to nationals in2004.

The 3.5 Section champs from CPD feature MiddleStates Tennis Service Representative, Cathy Shaak andMiddle States Board Secretary, Ruth Roulston.

Emerging Power: the Lakevue Divas (Pittsburgh) arecertainly that making their third trip to the SectionChampionship in five years.

Dan Rusbosin, captain of the Greensburg Gold (Men’s4.0, AMD) has a wife, brother, brother-in-law who playleagues and two nephews who are junior players.

Team Glen Creek (Library, Pa.) is just the second teamfrom the Allegheny Mountain District to compete in the3.0 Senior Women’s Section Championship.

The Tennis Loving Chicks, (Greenville, Del.) who havebeen playing together since 1996 make an annualspring trip south to train in Hilton Head

Pennsbury Lightning (PATD, Men’s 3.5) is comprisedof players ranging of players from 23-70.

TheWheeling Valley girls have uniforms designed bycaptain Janice Riley while St. Albans saves theirmoney for nationals by wearing a uniform that cost$1.99.

Do you have an interesting superstition, ritual orstory? Let us know, [email protected].

Angela Haynes

Zucchini Lasagna12 lasagna noodles12 oz. cottage cheese1 egg1 tsp. dried parsley½ tsp. garlic salt8 oz. mozzarella, sliced26-oz. jar marinara sauce2 medium zucchini, slicedParmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350.2. Cook noodles as directed.3. Lightly oil a 9x13 pan.4. Combine cottage cheese, egg,parsley and garlic salt5. Alternate layers of noodles, sauce,

cottage cheese mixture, zucchini andmozzarella three times.

6. Top final layer of noodles with sauceand mozzarella.7. Sprinkle with Parmesan8. Bake for 30 min.



Adult Leagues

22

“Go Mom Go!”Six-year-old boy is mom’s biggest fan

Carolina Estrada doesn’t have to look far to find her biggest fan. Hersix-year-old son, Santiago, proved his loyalty at the 2007 USTA MiddleStates Adult League presented by Chrysler Section Championship bymaking a supportive poster and cheering for his mother and her team,the UMLY Jalapeños, a 2.5 level team from the Philadelphia Area TennisDistrict (PATD).

Estrada and her family moved to Chester Springs in December 2006 fromAtlanta. After their arrival, the family immediately joined the UpperMainLine YMCA and Estrada began taking tennis lessons. Although shesays she has only played tennis for a year, she loves the sport, andcurrently plays four to five times a week.

When the stay-at-home-mom joined the Jalapeños, her two children,Santiago and Mateo, 4, often attended practices and team functions, itwas expected the two would be in attendance as the Jalapeños made itto the Section Championship.

During the Section Championship weekend, the Jalapeños had a teamdinner at the Macaroni Grille on Saturday evening (Aug. 18), while atdinner; Santiago began to draw on the paper table cloth with crayonsprovided by the restaurant. After a few minutes, Estrada realized her sonwas making a poster dedicated to her and her team. With phrases suchas, “Go mom go!” “We are the best team,” and “Go mom’s team go!” theteam knew they had to take the drawings with them.

With the permission of the waitress, Estrada carefully tore Santiago’ssection away from the rest of the table cloth. Her son held the posterduring all of the Jalapeños matches on the last day of competition.Although the team did not advance to the National Championship, Estradaand all of her teammates were winners in little Santiago’s book. He’s gotthe poster hanging on a wall at home to prove it.

Young at HeartEight-four year old women staysbusy with USTA League“I’ve met so many great friends through tennis,”Fran Hunt said. “That’s what has kept me goingall of these years.”

Eighty-four-year-old Fran Hunt isn’t exaggeratingwhen she says “all of these years.” The Mainenative, who now resides in Easton, Pa., hasbeen heavily involved in USTA League tennis inEastern Pa., for more than 30 years. She washonored by USTA Middle States in 2005 with theinaugural Carol Strasser Memorial LeagueService Award. An award given annually to adedicated league volunteer.

Hunt began playing tennis in her 50s atNorthwood Racquet Club. From there, shebecame a team captain, then 3.5 women’scoordinator and lastly an Area LeagueCoordinator.

She recently retired from her coordinatorposition, but says she doesn’t see herselfthrowing in the towel as a captain any timesoon.

“I don’t mind being a captain; I’ll do it for aslong as I can,” Hunt said.

Although Hunt serves as captain, she no longer competesas a member of the team due to back problems.

“It is still fun to be involved,” Hunt said. “Tenniskeeps me young, not that I always feel young.Sometimes I feel young, sometimes I feel myage, but the doctors tell me I’m in overall goodhealth. They say I’m going to live to be a 110.”

Although Hunt’s physicians tell her she’s ingood health, she was sporting an injury at the2007 Senior League Section Championships – abroken toe – an injury she sustained whileloading her car up for her trip to Princeton.

Broken toe or not, Hunt was busy keeping herteam organized and watching their matchesduring the championship weekend. Hunt hastaken teams to nationals twice – a feat shebelieves is always attainable, althoughultimately she just wants her teams to have a“grand time.”

Joining her at the Section Championship washer twin sister, Phyllis Coffin, who resides inNorth Fort Meyers, Fla. Coffin, is Hunt’s biggestsupporter accompanying her at a number oftournaments over the years. The women,dressed in identical outfits, salmon tops andwhite shorts, reminisced about their recent tripto the U.S. Open.

“My sister and I and four of my friends went,”Hunt said. “We were there Wednesday throughSaturday; still, we can’t get enough of tennis.As soon as we got home we were watching it onTV.”

With the U.S. Open finished and the seniorleague season over for Hunt’s team, she saysshe is looking forward to relaxing – relaxinguntil leagues begin next spring, that is.

“I’m a people person who enjoys the game oftennis,” Hunt said. “The USTA League programis a wonderful program to keep people of allages and abilities involved in the game oftennis.”

“The USTA League programis a wonderful program tokeep people of all ages andabilities involved in thegame of tennis.”

Santiago Estrada

Fran Hunt


23

Adult Leagues

[email protected] • 610-935-5000 2007 • Autumn • NetPlay

“Congratulations to all of our Adult and Senior League players.Good luck to those teams representing Middle States at Nationals!”


Youth Is Served at AMD Summer Adult Tourneys

Adult tournament tennis in the Allegheny Mountain District this summer provedto be a young person’s domain, at least in the Open Division.

At the National Collegiate Clay Court Championships/West Penn Amateur inearly July in Mt. Lebanon, it was 17-year-old Alison Riske of Peters Townshipwinning her first USTA sanctioned adult women’s title with a convincing 6-1,6-0 victory over Carissa Aboubakare, a 17-year-old high school senior fromOrange, Calif. At the West Virginia Open three weeks later it was DuquesneUniversity sophomore Jeremy McClelland and recent Duquesne grad JackieHughes winning the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, and teamingup to win the mixed doubles championship. For Hughes, it was her thirdconsecutive West Virginia Open singles title, which had only been done oncebefore in the 45-year history of the event.

The youngsters even dominated at the professional level. The July 7 finals ofthe Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Men’s Futures of Pittsburgh saw 16-year-oldhigh school junior Rhyne Williams of Knoxville, Tenn. defeat fellow wildcardamateur Travis Helgeson, a 21-year-old junior at the University of Georgia, 6-3,5-7, 6-2. The internationally ranked professionals had all been dismissed earlierin the tournament. Defending champion Victor Estrella, 27, of the DominicanRepublic lost to Helgeson in the semi-finals, 6-4, 7-6 while Williams defeatedpromising young American Marcus Fugate, 7-5, 7-5 in his semi-final.

In the district’s adult amateur tournaments this summer, Chris Compton, aPittsburgh stock broker, was one of the few adult “veterans” to prevail in theopen division. The 2002 Denison University grad won the men’s singles title atthe 34th Straub Brewery Clay Courts Championships in St. Mary’s, Pa. onMemorial Day weekend and then teamed up with his younger brother BrianCompton of Cincinnati and Rollins College to win the men’s doubles at theNCCC/West Penn over a very strong collegiate field.

Defending champion Jordan DeLass of Samford University won the 2007 men’ssingles title of the NCCC/West Penn with 6-1, 6-3 victory over Andrew Crone,Hickory, N.C.

Carissa Aboubakare teamed with her sister Bianca, 18, a freshman this fall atBrown, to win the Women’s doubles title of the NCCC/West Penn, beating theteam of Marisa Schonfeld of Washington, D.C. and Theresa Stangl of LincolnUniversity, Pa. in the final.

Riske teamed with recent Upper St. Clair High School grad Chris Foster to winthe mixed doubles championship of the NCCC/West Penn. In the final theydefeated the team of Kristy Borza of Beaver and the University of Pittsburghand Marcus Rebersak, 16, of Churchill, 8-4.

Three weeks later at the West VirginiaOpen, Foster, who will be a freshman thisfall at Allegheny College, reached theMen’s finals, losing to McClelland in threesets. He trailed 5-3 in the third set beforebeing forced to retire due to cramping.

McClelland and Hughes prevailed in the Mixed Open final, 7-6 (5), 6-4 overShannon Benic, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, and AlanQuackenbush, the director of tennis at Longue Vue Club in Penn Hills and a1993 Pitt grad. Hughes also beat Benic in the women’s singles final, 6-2, 6-1.

The West Virginia Open also crowned champions in a number of differentage/gender divisions. Mark Panepinto of Wheeling, George Learmonth, York,Pa.. and William Moldoch of Severna Park, Md. won the men’s 35, 45 and 55singles titles, respectively. The youth movement was pushed aside in August ina prize money event in Erie. Shawn Harrop-Keenan, a 33-year-old teaching profrom Ohio won the men’s singles and the $1,000 first prize at the ChampionFord/Hallman Chevrolet Tennis Challenge at the Pennbriar Athletic Club in Erie.

He defeated unseeded teaching pro Mark Roberts, 26, of Bridgeville, Pa., whowon $400. More information, photographs and results of both tournaments arefeatured on the USTA’s Allegheny Mountain District website atwww.amd.usta.com.

Finals ResultsUSTA MS Sectional Championships - West Virginia Open

Men ’s O p e n S i n g l e s - -J e r em y M c C l e l l a n d ( 1 ) ,Wheeling, W.Va. def. ChrisFoster, Pittsburgh, 6-0; 3-6;5-3 Ret (inj).

Women’s Open Singles --Jacque l i ne Hughes (1 ) ,McKeesport, Pa. def. ShannonBenic, Pittsburgh, 6-2; 6-1.

Men’s Open Doub les --Casey Mose r and Jus t i nThomas (1) def. John Davis andBilly Heird (2) 6-1; 6-2.

Men’s 35 Singles -- MarkPanepinto (2), Wheeling, W.Va.def. Robert Wise, West Liberty,W.Va., 6-4; 6-1.

Men’s 45 Singles -- George Learmonth, York, Pa. def. Gerald Cannon (4) E.Liverpool, Ohio, 6-2; 6-0.

Men’s 55 Singles -- William Moldoch (1), Severna Park, Md. def. John Davis(2) York, Pa., 6-2; 3-6; 7-6(5).

Men’s 45 Doubles -- Rob Adsit and Mendez Manuel (1) def. Gerald Cannonand Glenn Rader 6-2; 6-3.

Mixed Open Doubles -- Jacqueline Hughes and Jeremy McClelland (1) def.Shannon Benic and Alan Quackenbush 7-6(5); 6-4.

Men’s 55 Doubles -- Frank Bova and John Tingley def. Leonard Fechter andCharles Taylor (2) 3-6; 7-5; 6-3.

Mixed 45 Doubles -- William Carpenter and Carol MacLean def. Sue Blevinsand John Dorsey 6-1; 6-2

Finals ResultsNational Collegiate Clay Court Championships/West Penn AmateurAt Mt. LebanonMen’s Singles -- James Delass (1), Marietta, Ga. def. Andrew Crone, Hickory,N.C., 6-1, 6-3.

Women’s Singles -- Alison Riske, Peters Twp., Pa. def. Carissa Aboubakare,Orange, Calif. 6-1, 6-0.

Men’s Doubles -- Brian Compton, Cincinnati and Chris Compton, Pittsburgh,def. David Tillem, Atlanta, and Timmy Walsh, Bernardsville, N.J., 8-4


Allegheny Mountain District amd.usta.com

Tom Benic

AMD Contributor

Rhyne Williams, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. Men’s Futuresof Pittsburgh champion

West Virginia Open Mixed Doubles Finalists (Left to right): Alan Quackenbush, Shannon Benic,Jacqueline Hughes, and Jeremy McClelland


Allegheny Mountain District amd.usta.com

25

Riske Turns Heads at U.S. National;Earns Trip to U.S. Open

Alison Riske had been a dominant Middle States junior since she was 11 but despitesuccess in national junior tournaments she was a virtual unknown at the August 2 startof the Girls’ 18 U.S. National Hardcourt Championships in Berkeley, Calif. A week ofspectacular play changed all of that for the 17-year-old from Peters Township.

It earned her a wildcard entry into the U.S. Open and entry into the U.S. Open Girls’Championship as well.

Riske won her first six matches at the U.S. National Hardcourts, including a straight-setupset of the No. 1 seed, and found herself in the finals before a crowd of new admirers.The official tournament website called Riske the “darling” of the event who was pursuinga “storybook” quest for the title. Tennis legend Billie Jean King was so impressed thatshe left her suite in the nearby Claremont Hotel overlooking the tennis center to comecourtside for a closer look.

“Riske is the one who impressed me,” King said. “She is in every ball. Every ball hadpurpose.”

King said that even from her vantage point at the hotel, she could tell that Riske’s groundstrokes were full of purpose and were exciting to watch.

Riske jumped out to a two-game lead in the final but eventually lost 6-3, 6-3 to the 2006runner-up and No. 2 seed Ashley Weinhold of Spicewood, Tx. The loss took nothingaway from her accomplishments, however, and earned Riske some one-on-one timewith King, who offered some strategic advice as well as congratulations.

For Riske,who entered the hardcourts hoping to just earn a wildcard into the U.S. OpenGirls’ Championships, the meeting with King and the invitation to the big dance in NewYork was beyond description.

“I can’t believe I just talked to Billie Jean King,” said Riske. “That is something that I willremember for the rest of my life!”

Riske, known for her big smile as well as her tenacious game, collected one othertrophy in addition to the runner-up prize. Out of 256 entries in the tournament, Riskewas given the Sportsmanship Award.

With California in her rear view mirror, and a second place finish under her belt, Riskeprepared for a bigger stage – the 2007 US Open.

Despite winning her first match in the qualifying round of the main draw,Riske’s successwas cut short with a second round lost to American Julie Ditty.

The loss didn’t get Riske down, she bounced back in the Girls’ bracket with a convincing4-6, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Aleksandra Kolesnicmenko of Uzbekistan on Labor Day.

Just a few days later, Sept. 4, Riske fell to Katarzyna Piter of Poland 6-1, 6-4, endingher run at the grand slam.

Although Riske didn’t leave the big apple with a title, the strides the 17-year-old madethis summer are sure to prepare her for bigger and better things to come in the verynear future.

AMD Players Excel at National Senior GamesThe National Senior Games (sometimes called the Senior Olympics) concluded July 7in Louisville, Ky. The competition’s tennis events featured a strong contingent from thePittsburgh area.These players, all Allegheny Mountain District (AMD) members, qualifiedfor the games by entering the Pennsylvania Senior games in Shippensburg, Pa. in 2006.

Representing Pennsylvania were Norm Bloom, Men’s 70 singles; Len Fechter, BobMalnati and Sal Greco, Men’s 65 singles; Malnati and JimWatson, Men’s 60 doubles;Chuck Taylor,Men’s 55 singles; Taylor and Fechter,Men’s 55 doubles; Jim Block,Men’s50 singles; Colleen Geyer, Women’s 50 Singles; and Block and Geyer, 50 mixeddoubles.

This group of players did very well.Taylor defended the gold medal he won at the 2005games by bringing home gold in the 55 singles this year, dropping no more than fourgames a match. He and partner Fechter also brought home silver in 55 doubles.

Taylor wasn’t the only AMD representative to bring home gold. Block won a gold medalin 50 singles by winning match tiebreakers in both the semifinals and finals, and addedsilver in mixed doubles with Geyer. Geyer and Fechter both won a silver medal in singlesin their age groups. Due to a larger draw size in the men’s 65 singles, Fechter had toplay two matches daily for three days in the brutal heat and humidity of Louisville toreach the finals. (Geyer also won three silvers, a bronze, and a sixth place ribbon inswimming events). Bloom finished fifth in 70 singles, while Malnati and Watson werefinalists in the 60 consolation doubles.

Western Pennsylvania proved to be a strong tennis community at the 2007 NationalSenior Games!

Congratulations to the League ChampionsCongratulations to all the winning teams from AMD that participated in the SectionChampionships! This year 1363 players from 114 teams participated in the threesummer leagues:Adult, Senior, and Super Senior.Thanks to all those who participated!If you have any comments about the NTRP rating system as it relates to your divisionand you would be willing to share them, please contact Jim Block at 412-364-2062or [email protected].

The following are the winning teams from each division:

Adult2.5Women Mt. Lebanon captain Katherine Kovalan3.0 Men Greensburg captain David Walch3.0Women Windwood Power captain Janet Elizabeth Klesic3.5 Men Greensburg R.C. captain Fred G. Kaminsky3.5Women Lakevue Divas captain Cynthia S. Chapman4.0 Men Greensburg Gold captain Daniel Rusbosin4.0Women Greensburg – Miller captain Marilyn M. Miller4.5 Men Wheeling captain Mark Panepinto4.5Women Upper St. Clair captain Tamara MyersSuper Seniors7.0 Men Westmoreland captain George Stewart7.0Women Greensburg captain Gerre E. Vecchiola


Ali and her mom, Carol, were all smiles at the West Penn Amateur


President’s Box TicketsCongratulations to Joe Crouse and Dr. Marcus Ugarte who each wonPresident’s Box tickets to this year’s US Open.

Dr. Ugarte was the high bidder at the York Adams CTA Gala and Auction. Theauction was held to help raise funds for the construction of the West ManheimIndoor Tennis Mega-Plex.

Joe Crouse won his tickets through a raffle held by the Lancaster TennisPatrons. Joe’s lucky ticket was drawn at a public drawing held at the LancasterTennis and Yacht Club. The raffle raised over $2,300.

Best Kept Secret

Located in Susquehanna township just down from Fort Hunter Park and nestlednear the Rockville Mountain, Rockville Racquet Club is one of the best keptsecrets in tennis.

The club was built in 1976 by the Hitz family as a non-profit tennis facilityopen to any and all players. There were eight original Har-Tru tennis courts withlights, locker rooms, a clubhouse pavilion and pro shop for racquets andstringing. In the Harrisburg area at the time, Har-Tru tennis was only availableto those able to belong to country clubs. The Hitz’s dream made sure theaverage person could have his own place to play for sport, competition, andfriendship.

Thirty years ears later the dream is still a reality. Rockville continues to operatesix Har-Tru tennis courts as a non-profit organization run by volunteermembers, and remains a place the average player can afford to join.

Beginners can workout with one of several teaching pros or make use of thefree ball machine. Advanced players can find a level of competition to pushthemselves.

Rockville is still one of the few "tennis anyone?" places where you can justshow up and usually find someone to hit with. The current membershipaverages around 60 players – all of varying ages, races, backgrounds, andskill levels.

While ownership of the land has changed in recent years, the current owner,Pastor Phillip Thorton of the Church Without Walls, has every intention to keepthe club intact. In 2007, the church will start constructing a building on someof the open 10-acre plot behind the courts. Upon completion, added benefitsto the club will include paved road access and parking area.

Courts open in April and are usually available for play through October.Membership covers all court time—there are no hourly charges to play. Formore information check out www.rockvilletennis.com

Evolution of a Championship TeamCorinne Jones and Michael McLaughlin have been playing Jr. Team Tennis for

a long time, and the commitment hasfinally paid off in a big way. Corinne andMichael are members of the FantasticFuzz, the 18-and-under team that will berep resen t i ng CPD a t the Na t i ona lChampionship in Tucson, Ariz.

In 2004, Corinne was a member of the

Penn State Tennis Center’s 14-and-under team. This team, which consisted oftwo boys and two girls, won competitions in Bloomsburg and York. Theyadvanced to the Sectional Tournament, but needed to add two more players inorder to play. Michael McLaughlin was recruited from the York team, and itwas a fortunate addition, for Michael went on to be selected as the winner ofthe Boy’s Sportsmanship Award. The team finished third,

In 2005, Michael and Corinne were asked to join the Canners, a team formedby Biglerville High School team players Matt Thomas and Austin Herzing. Lastyear, Jennifer Learmonth joined the team and it was renamed MPH becauseof the speed of the team’s shots.

This year, Michael made a concerted effort to add to and improve the team.He asked several friends he had made in the "Heavy Hitters" clinic atWisehaven last winter. He texted Jenna Hessert everyday for several weekswith reasons why she should join the team. Jenna’s team had beaten MPH atDistricts, but lost at Sectionals. She finally agreed and brought Steven Thomasalong - her friend and fellow No. 1- player from Northern High School. Michaelalso asked his friend Phil Myers, a highly respected net player who he hadplayed with in clinic and against during the boys season. The team wasrenamed Fantastic Fuzz by Michael’s eight-year-old sister who considersMichael and his fellow players “superheroes” on the court – like the FantasticFour.

The team members, despite beingfrom all over the area, are infrequent contact via cell phone.They genuinely like and respecteach other. They really enjoy playingtogether and are very competitive ina good way when they play againsteach other. Corinne and Michaelrecently played Jenna and Steven inthe finals of 18-and-under mixeddoubles at the Keystone Games. Itwas a great match and everyonewatching wished both teams couldbe victorious.

According to Chris McLaughlin, who provided evolution of the Fantastic Fuzz,the key to the kids’ success is that they share a genuine love of tennis and adesire to be great players. They are always striving to improve. They practiceconstantly – at clinics, lessons, and camps. Even when we are participating inteam tournaments, they are constantly looking for an empty court - serving,playing each other and keeping warmed up.

Parents and players have also come together to form an extended family.Although officially coached by Michael’s father, Michael McLaughlin, there issupport from parents Cheree Jones, Pete Hessert, and George Learmonth.

NetPlay • Fall • 2007 [email protected] • 717-938-2299

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Richard Rauenzahn

CPD ContributorFantastic Fuzz - Corinne Jones and Michael McLaughlin pose with their team the Fantastic Fuzz

Corinne Jones and Michael McLaughlin pose for apicture in 2005


[email protected] • 302 777 5610

Delaware District delaware.usta.com

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Early Youth Team Tennis League Comes To DelawareThis summer underthe leadership ofAdam Goldstein,Delaware kicked-offa new play formatcalled, Quickstart.

The f o rma t i sd e s i g n e d f o rintroductory levelplayers ages 5-10and is played onscaled-down courtswith the dimensions36 feet by 60 feet.

The new formatuses scaled-downcourts, smaller netsand racquets, and

special foam balls that are currently only available in Europe. Reducing the courtdimensions along with using special foam balls, helps children feel less intimidated andoverwhelmed.

Along with adjusting sizes, the other important objective of this program is for kids to playpoints on teams and to learn to rally the ball back and forth. This is a system the USTAhas adopted from the Europeans who have long been at the forefront of introducingtennis to young children.

“Finally, tennis has a counterpart to other early youth sports programs like soccer andlittle league. The idea is to get kids as well as parents into the process. Parents will beinvited onto the courts duringmatch play to help with scoring and offer positive feedback,”says Goldstein.

He adds, “For me, tennis has been a life long passion that all started from swatting theball over the net for the first time and later the thrill of keeping the ball in play.– that’sreally what this new league is all about.”

For more information about the Fall League, contact Adam Goldstein [email protected].

Summer Special Olympics 2007 a Big Hit AgainBeautiful weather, enthusiastic athletes and encouraging volunteers all came together on

June 7th for theSummer SpecialOlympics.Over 70athletes competedin tennis this year.Volunteers fromthe Women ’sTennis Club ofNew Castle County(WTC/NCC),Salesianum andAcquinas were allo n h a n d t oensure a smoothfunctioning event.Many of thesevolunteers havebeen supportive

and have donated time to this event for over ten years.Many athletes know the volunteersand it is heartwarming to see the reconnection year after year. This year, a number ofyoung athletes fromTownsend Elementary School participated. It was a joy to see youngchildren have such a good time with such a wonderful sport. The hope is to see themreturn next year.To say the least, the weekend was inspiring for all participants - athletes,volunteers, and parents.

Archmere Academy’s Head Girl’s TennisCoach Named USPTA Coach of the YearJoe Kissel of Garnet Valley, Pa., and Head Girl’s TennisCoach at Archmere Academy recently received the USPTAMiddl States High School Coach of the Year Award.

Kissel is a certified member of the USPTA, the world’s oldestand largest association of tennis teaching professionals. Kisselhas been Archmere Academy’s Head Girl’s Tennis coach forthe past nine years and has compiled a record of 85-37. This

past spring, he led Archmere to an undefeated regular season, 14-0, and the Girl’sDelaware State Tennis Team Championship. Kissel is also the HeadWomen’s Coach atGoldey-Beacom College,Wilmington, Del.,, a USTA/ITA Tennis Official and a member ofthe USTA.

Each year members of the board of directors of USPTAMiddle-States selects, from a listof nominees from Pennsylvania,Delaware and Southern New Jersey, a high school coachof the year. The award is not based on one’s current year accomplishments, but ratheron the individual’s contributions to his high school tennis program and/or high schooltennis over several years.

Fran L. Kulas III, director of athletics at Archmere, says,“There is no onemore deservingof this award than Joe Kissel. His year-round dedication to the sport at the high school,collegiate, and USTA levels has provided him with experience and expertise that hasallowed him to be one of the top coaches in the area.Going undefeated and winning thestate championship here at Archmere this year is something that makes all of us atArchmere proud.We are fortunate that our tennis players are able to benefit from CoachKissel’s coaching abilities.”

USTA League District ChampionshipsDelaware held its adult league district championships on July 25-26. Many Delawarearea players were battling it out to get a chance to play in Princeton at the USTA LeagueSection Championships. Kudos go to Tom Ellis, Area League Coordinator, and his manyvolunteers who did a great job organizing the event. Congratulations to the winners:

2.5W – Net Gains, captain Susan Bacher3.0W – Volley Girls, captain Maria Bennett3.0 M –Watermen, captain, Robert C. Hite3.5W – Venus Envy, captain Cindy Beach3.5. M – The Dukes, captain Tim Berger4.0W – Gunter Girls, captain Lynne Gunter4.0 M—DuPont Gold, captain Dave Lester4.5W – Bond Girls, captain Janis Bond4.5 M – DuPont, captain JackWelch

Rodney St. Tennis Opening DayOn Monday, June 11, Rodney Street Tennis andTutoring opened its 29th Season. Thiseight-week non-profit program for at-riskchildren in NewCastle County invited NewCastleCounty President-Pro-Tem Penrose Hollins and the Honorable Representative GeraldBrady who hit a few tennis balls and said a few words to the Rodney Street Children andguests.This took place on Rodney Street’s Home courts just behindTrolley Square.Duringthe summer almost 1,000 children are introduced to tennis.

Rodney Street Tennis and Tutoring operates a tutoring center on the second floor of theSalvation Army Community Center at 4th and Orange Street year-round. Partnered withthe Brandywine School District in offering tutoring to specific students, Rodney Street alsooffers anger management courses to first time offenders.The brain child of Family CrisesCounselor and tennis hall of fame inductee Harry Shur, the organization’s motto is “Betteron the Court than in the Court.”

For more information on Rodney StreetTennis and Tutoring contact: Harry Shur at(302) 761-9290 or (302) 893-3306.

Adam Goldstein teaching kids some racquet skills.

Coach Joe Kissel

Monique Holloway

DD Contributor

The Smash wrapped up another greatseason back at theDupont Country Club.TheBryan brothers played on USTA night to anenthusiastic crowd, and John McEnroeentertained the fans with his usual antics.Also, over 60 people signed up formemberships at the USTA booth.



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One-On-One DoublesP la ye rs o f a l l ages wereintroduced to a drill which hastaken off into its own game,One-On-One Doubles.

Sponsored by the clinic, open toall, was held July 13th at theSand Island Tennis Courts inBethlehem. Dave Shook, LehighUniversity tennis coach, set upthe “free” clinic.

Coach Ed Krass, former HarvardUniversity women’s coach whois nationally recognized as a"leader in tennis coaching",brought his new game to theLehigh Valley. Coach Krass,calling his program tennis with a“rock ‘n roll attitude”, provided ademonstration followed by aOne-On-One doubles free for allwith music, refreshments and… lots of fun.

His game is embraced bycoaches all over the country asthe best method to getplayers comfortable withthe mid-court game and serve-and-volley tennis.

“I wanted to make it into a game in and of itself -- bring all the shots back into thegame. Juniors need this badly. Adults can get a good workout and work on theirdoubles skills,” said Krass.

One-on-One Doubles is a half-court, serve-and-volley competition played by twoplayers. There is a line drawn through the middle of the court from the center serviceline to the middle of the baseline.

On clay, one can use a regular court liner to make the line. On hard courts, chalkor white athletic trainers’ tape can be used.

The server alternates serving from the deuce (right) court to the ad (left) court, justas in regular tennis, but all points are played crosscourt, with the alley included. Anyball that goes on the wrong side of the court is considered out. Players must serveand volley on both first and second serves, with half-volleys permitted. The returnercan stay back or come to the net. The scoring can be best-of-three sets, or oneeight- or 10-game set.

This is considered ideal for high school, college or a high level of play. It’s also beenfound effective for seniors looking to play singles in more of a doubles format, in clubplay or league tennis. It can be used in practice or competition.

It may be difficult for players rated 3.5 (intermediate) and below, so those playerscan relax the rules about coming to net on every point. It depends not only on theplayer’s skill level but the age factor, athleticism, and in some cases, the coach’spreference.

One-on-One Doubles debuted on the ATP Tournament Circuit at the BMW TennisChampionships in front of a sold-out crowd on March 18, 2007 at the SunriseTennis Club in Sunrise, Fla.

It is becoming increasingly popular with coaches and players of all ages andOne-On-One Doubles Tournaments are being sponsored nationwide!

Lehigh Valley SportsFest…Accept The Challenge!

The mission and purpose of Lehigh Valley SportsFest is to promote sports in theLehigh Valley by offering local athletes the chance to compete in the sport of theirchoice as well as offering spectators the opportunity to see a variety of greatcompetitions in city and county parks and recreational facilities throughout the cityof Allentown.

It is estimated that 10,000 amateur athletes participate each year in their respectivesporting events and 150,000 spectators enjoy the great competitions which aremade possible primarily due to corporate sponsorships and the organization skillsof a board headed by Executive Director, Ray Atiyeh.

This year, the SportsFest 2007 tennis competition was held the weekend of July12-15 on the clay courts of the historic Oakmont Tennis Club on Allen Street inAllentown. Open to any tennis player on a first come, first serve basis, men’s andwomen’s singles and doubles and well as mixed doubles competitions were played.

I caught several very competitive matches during Sunday’s play, including the MixedDoubles semifinal match between the father-daughter team of Art and MaddieSmith, who ended up winning in the finals and the Men’s Singles final matchbetween top-seeded Ryan Ritter and Kyle Dougherty, the third seed.

In the end, Kyle Dougherty took home the winner’s trophy, which was presented tohim by Merv Heller who was on crutches and sporting a cast on his foot which, ashe explained, was from an injury he received playing tennis!

Free Wheelers Tennis ClassicThe Good Shepherd/Freewheelers Lehigh Valley 2007 Tennis Classic, held theweekend of July 13 at Lehigh University’s Lewis Tennis Center in Bethlehem, gotcompetitive juices flowing for stand-up as well as wheelchair players.

The tournament included singles, doubles and up/down play.

The up/down fun matches provided wheelchair players competitive tennis opponentsbut most importantly, for tennis enthusiasts and spectators of the matches, providedan appreciation of the challenges of playing in a wheelchair.

Loretta DeWalt

EPD Contributor

Coach Ed Krass

SportsFest 2007—front row: ball kids; back row: Neil Curtis, Tournament Director; Ryan Ritter,Men’s Singles Runner-Up; Kyle Dougherty, Men’s Singles Winner; Merv Heller, past USTA President;Ed Pawlowski, Mayor of Allentown; Jeff Wenck, Tournament Chairman

Good Shepherd/Freewheelers Lehigh Valley 2007 Tennis Classic


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Local Youth Invited to Learn from Tennis LegendsTennis legend, Gene Mayer, coached fifty youngsters during a tennis clinic on July31st at the Reading City Park tennis courts.

The youngsters, ages 6 to 17, were involved in the summer program run by the Cityof Reading’s Department of Recreation and the Olivet Boys and Girls Club.Mayer, whowas part of the American Red Cross Berks County Chapter’s Legends of Tennis eventlast March, was eager to return to Reading to work with the local youth.

Mayer, a Native New Yorker and All-American at Stanford University, was known forhis unconventional two-handed forehand. He won 14 singles and 15 doubles titlesduring his career, including Grand Slam doubles titles at the French Open.

He achieved a career high ranking of No. 4 in 1980 and stayed ranked among thetop ten players in the world from 1979 to 1984. His career high ranking in doubleswas No. 20.

Mayer represented the United States in Davis Cup competition and played singles,along with John McEnroe, on the 1980 championship team.

As a coach, Mayer helped lead Fabrice Santoro to a No. 17 singles ranking andcoached Leander Paes who reached a No.1 world doubles ranking.

Berks County Community FoundationStarted in 2003, the Berks CountyTennis Fund supports educationalprograms that teach lessons, on andoff the court, by positioning tennis as alife-long leisure activity, a competitivesport, and a vehicle to develop skills inpatience, self-discipline and criticalthinking.

The Berks County Tennis Fund givesunder privileged youth in ourcommunity the opportunity to learntennis for free,” said Marni Churchhill,Vice President for Philanthropy at theCommunity Foundation.

“It’s our duty to make sure the fundgrows to ensure that as many children as possible can benefit from learning tennis.”

On July 26, the Berks County Tennis Fund Fundraising Committee met at HampdenPark’s tennis courts to play tennis and interact with the youth who’ve been given theopportunity to learn tennis because of grants from the fund.

Nearly 100 children from programs run by the City of Reading Parks and RecreationDepartment and Olivet Boys and Girls Club participated.

Both organizations provide entry-level programs that introduce about 600 Readingchildren to tennis each year. In addition, the Berks County Tennis Association receivedmoney to pay for advanced instruction in the winter months for more than a dozenstudents who showed real promise at the game.

The fundraising campaign, which is being chaired by former Arrow InternationalChairman Marlin Miller, will culminate with an event in November honoring Jim andAnna Connors for their leadership and accomplishments.

The Connors are well known in the tennis community not only for their love of thegame but also for their dedication to programs that benefit local kids. Mr. Connors isthe chairman of Connors Investor Services in Wyomissing.

Mountains of Fun: JTT League Soars in PoconosPocono Area Jr. Team Tennis League, the first USTA teen league in Monroe Countyplayed on the John C. DeVivo Courts at Stroudsburg High School.

Early Saturday mornings, the DeVivo Courts are teeming with up to forty enthusiastic,motivated teenagers who arrive, along with their supportive parents, from varioushigh schools in the area to play several hours of round robin format matches followingthe template established in World TeamTennis play.

Teams are named for the school from which its players attend. Sara DiLauro, KathyHulsizer, and Joe Romano, all volunteers who want to be a part of this successfulendeavor, fill the role of team coaches.

Besides pre-season conditioning and positive competitive play, these young adults arecreating and building their own tennis community.

The league play provides an opportunity for them to forge productive and lastingcompetitive relationships across school districts. These players aren’t just wearing thesame league tee shirts, but they are getting to know each other competitively andsocially.

Barbara VanBuskirk, USTA Middle States VP of Community Tennis, is the Jr. TeamTennis League Coordinator.

“As the area’s first USTA junior team tennis league, it’s been very successful,” saidVanBuskirk. “The turnout has been very exciting. We’ve tried in the past to get aleague started but this time it clicked.”

Plans for next year’s league are already underway.

Room for Advancement: JTT ChampsFive teams, including Westend Racquet Club, Fromuth Aces, Fromuth Slammers,Hillcrest Heros and Hillcrest Hawks, competed in the Jr. Team Tennis AdvancedLeague.

The season finale found the Westend Warriors defeating the Fromuth Aces in theEPD championship held in July .

The Westend Warriors, who moved to the advanced division in hopes of gainingmore experience at a higher level of play, were the defending Sectional Championsin the intermediate division of 18-and-under JTT.

The team finished in 3rd place at the Sectional Championships which were held onJuly 20 in Princeton, NJ.



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Glendon Nicholas –Teaching ProExtraordinaireTeaching pros are the heart oftennis. They are the ones whoget people excited aboutplaying the game and movep la ye rs a l ong th roughthe various developmentalpathways. A good pro makesit fun while improving players’skills and confidence.

Glendon Nicholas is one ofmany hundreds of teachingpros in the NJ District who fitsthat very description, and theNational Junior Tennis Leagueof Trenton (NJTLT) is the luckybeneficiary. To successfullydirect the tennis operationsfor the NJTL, however,requires even more. Thenon-profit program administered by the USTA and co-founded by Arthur Ashewas designed to help mold good citizens through tennis, and the program alsoincludes educational tutoring and nutrition. Glendon’s function as a role modelmight even be his most important.

It was fate that Glendon, a native of St. Lucia, ended up becoming the headtennis pro for the NJTLT. One of his friends had attended Mercer CountyCommunity College and connected him to the coach, Stan Dlugosz, and heeventually played No. 1 singles for the team. Dlugosz then connected Glendonto the NJTL people.

“He did a great job for us and is a fine young man. I had been involved with theNJTL and I knew what was happening with them and that they neededsomeone. I knew he would get along great with the kids.”

Glendon started playing tennis at the grassroots level in his home country afterwatching his brother play. He was 10 then, and the program was similar to theNJTLT’s Ashe program. Glendon remembers that he had to pay $1 a day. Hepicked up the sport quickly. After playing a regional tournament, he was invitedto return for lessons by the coach of the tournament facility. He was 14 then,and that’s when he started to play five days a week.

From there, Glendon was coached by a generous man, who gave him privatelessons three times a week and it was free for Glendon and five other kids.

“He didn’t have to do that. We never paid a cent,” said Nicholas, who isPTR-certified and once ranked No. 2 in St. Lucia. “That’s when my gamedeveloped, and that’s where my love of giving to the game came from.”

Nicholas did leave Mercer County for a year to go to Louisiana Tech to studyconstruction engineering and when he returned, Dan Faber, NJTLT’s executivedirector, encouraged him to work for the NJTLT full time.

“If it wasn’t for Stan, I wouldn’t be with the NJTL, and if it wasn’t for Dan, Iwouldn’t be back here,” said Nicholas. “I did get scholarship offers. But it’s veryrewarding. Because I came from a grassroots program, I know how the kidsfeel. I know their money situation. I know what it’s like to give back. I dedicatedmyself to this program – helping kids out who may not be able to afford that.The kids appreciate it. I get down on their level and make things simpler forthem.”

Nicholas says he even has a few kids in theprogram who can play. A standard that hesets for himself is to push the kids thathave potential and get the most out ofthem. To help them along, he gives themextra lessons, many of them free. He keeps

up with the latest teaching techniques through the Internet, books, and videosin order to continually improve the standard of tennis in the NJTLT, and he hasbeen innovative in programming ideas. One that is currently being developedis individual mentoring by local accomplished high school kids.

“I think I have a knack for coaching,” said Nicholas.

Most would agree. As one satisfied mother said, “He’s great with the kids, andthey learn discipline. My kids love it.”

NJD salutes Nicholas and all the teaching pros like him who are dedicated tohelping young people reach their potential and growing our sport.

Congratulations to:� The honorees for the 2008 Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame. Carl Abbott,

Stan Dlugosz, Louise Gengler, Dave Haggerty, and Jay Lapidus will beinducted February 23, 2008 at Trenton Country Club. Save the date – andfor ticket information, e-mail [email protected].

� The following NJD teams have qualified for the USTA League nationalchampionships: Carol MacLean’s 8.0 senior mixed doubles, Judy Paul’s 4.0senior women, Eugene Frank’s 4.5 senior men, David Kalmus’ 3.0 adultmen, Thomas Bishop’s 4.0 adult men, Kenneth Leese’s 4.5 adult men, andPatricia Kinghorn’s 4.5 adult women.

� Karina Almanzar of the National Junior Tennis League of Trenton for beingone of 40 kids chosen from around the country to attend the NJTL’s 2007Tennis Leadership Camp in Seattle (see page 11).

� Marc Vecchiolla for being named headcoach of the Mercer County CommunityCollege men’s tennis team. He also coachesthe women’s team and is director of tennisoperations for Mercer County.

� The women’s NJD 35 Interdistrict team,which won the competition at Bala Cynwyd,PA. The team was captained by CynthiaLeese (more info on NJD Web site).

� Millie Sams’ 14-and-under Advanced Jr. Team Tennis team out ofWillingboro, which has advanced to the nationals in Arizona in October. Alsoadvancing was Los Amigos, an 18-and-under intermediate team from CherryHill (see page 14).

� Judith Arnold for being named the 26th recipient of the James E. CryanMemorial Achievement Award at the tournament finals.

� The Cherry Hill Health and Racquet club on receiving the 2006 PrivateFacility of the Year Award from the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR).

The NJD would like to hear from you. What kind of stories and informationwould you like to see featured on your NJD page? E-mail your thoughtsand suggestions to [email protected].

An NJTL participant collects tennis balls on her racquet at the NJTL Regional Rally at Millcreek Parkin July. The Willingboro Recreation Department served as the host for the special day.

Ann LoPrinzi

NJD Contributor

NetPlay • Fall • 2007 [email protected] • 609 877 9215

New Jersey District newjersey.usta.com

Glendon Nicholas courtesy of Judith Arnold


Design StarRoger Graham of Malvern is our newest Gold Cup “Design Star.” This 14 year old fromMalvern came up with the winning logo design for our district’ s wildly popular Gold Cupprogram.

Graham’ s logowill be featured on the 2008Gold Cup tee shirts for students.He also wona FREE season of Gold Cup lessons and two tickets to a WTT Philadelphia Freedomsmatch.

“I was really surprised and excited when I got the call,” said Graham. “I got to go to theWTT match. That was one of the things I wanted the most. And it’ s cool that my designis going to be on all the tee shirts. My family and friends will get to see the shirts.”

PATD’ s Gold Cup program is entering its 49th season this year.Our one-of-a-kind programis designed to help aspiring intermediate level juniors take their games to the next level.

For just $138, our students receive a tee shirt, ten weeks of clinics, a complimentaryUSTA junior membership plus the opportunity to compete in a season ending boys andgirls tournament.

“It’ s set up so kids play with other kids at their own skill level so you’ re really able to getconsistency down and play with kids as good as you,” says Roger.

And it’ s so affordable,Roger’ s two siblings Paul and Jessie take lessons too.Roger lovesthe variety Gold Cup offers.

“There’ s always something fun going on,” says Roger. “One time you could be playing ‘King of the Court’ . Then you move to another court where you’ re playing a match. Thatway you get to work on what you just learned. I love it.”

Gold Cup classes are offered at a variety of participating host clubs to serve the entirePhiladelphia Area Tennis District. Applications for the 2008 Gold Cup season will beavailable on line:www.philadelphia.usta.com in September.The printable application formincludes a complete list of Host Club sites and lesson times.

Class space is limited,because some clubs fill up quickly.We recommend you apply early.The deadline to apply is October 31.

Class space is limited.Because some clubs fill up quickly,we recommend you apply early.

For questions: email our PATD office: [email protected]


Philadelphia District philadelphia.usta.com

GlobetrottersLast year it wasAustralia. This year it’s Buenos Aires. ThePhiladelphia AreaTennis District’ sRose Weinstein ispacking her bags forSouth America inDecember. Weinsteinhas been chosen tolead the UnitedStates Youth Tennis team to the 11th Pan AmericanMaccabi Games in Buenos Aires. The U.S. team issponsored by Maccabi USA-Sports for Israel and likeher young athletes Weinstein can’ t wait.

“It’ s overwhelming because you get to see aninteresting part of the world and work with kids whoare excited about playing tennis and representing theircountry.”

Weinstein will be leading a total of twenty-four athletesages 16-19 from all across the United States.University of Pennsylvania Women’ s Tennis Coach,Sara Schiffman will lead a U.S. Juniors Tennis Teamages 14-16.

Eleven athletes on the 2007 U.S. Tennis Team will becoming from Philadelphia. Julia Fisher is one of them.

“I think it’ s going to be an amazing experience,” saysFisher, a senior at Shipley. “It’ s going to be an excitingopportunity to explore another country plus play tennis.

“I don’ t think I’ ll ever get another chance to go toSouth America, meet new people and get to play tenniswith friends,” adds Plymouth Whitemarsh High Schoolsenior, Lee Wexler. “It’s a once in a lifetimeopportunity.”

Wexler and his teammates will leave for the Pan Am

Maccabi Games on December 22. The two-week eventwill draw athletes from a total of 32 countries.

The first three days will be spent touring Buenos Aires.The Pan Am Maccabi Games will follow and willfeature singles, doubles and mixed doubles action.

“The opening ceremony is reminiscent of the Olympicopening ceremonies,” says Schiffman. “I am excitedfor everyone to experience this.”

Another tournament highlight is the tradition of tradingteam jackets, pins and hats.

“I love to trade,” says Baldwin sophomore JenniferNewman. “It’ s a fun way to approach a new personand meet them.”

“It’ s kind of for the memories,” explains Wexler. “Yougo up and talk to someone from a place you’ ve neverbeen before You discover you have this….they havethat. You trade. It’ s just a bonus – something toremember them by.”

The Pan Am Maccabi Games also feature opportunitiesfor youth to explore their Jewish heritage. During tours,kids learn about the history of Israel as well as theJewish and secular culture of their host city.

“Having the opportunity to meet other Jewish athletesfrom around the world is incredible,” says Schiffman.“They get to experience another culture while playingthe sport they love and learning more about theirJewish identity.”

“It’ s a great educational experience as well as tennisexperience,” says Weinstein.

“It inspires you to travel more,” says Wexler. “And itreally helps you learn more about yourself.”

Meet the team: Philadelphia’ s athletes representingthe United States at the 11th Pan American MaccabiGames:

Weinstein Team: Julia Fisher – Villanova, Robert Kay –Bala Cynwyd, Jacob Magerman- BlueBell, JacobWalker – Malvern, Lee Wexler – Lafayette Hill

Schiffman Team: Rachel Dash – Wynnewood,Katherine Klein – West Chester, Jennifer Newman –Haverford, Rachel Shechtman – Wynnewood, SarahWeingarten – Ardmore, Adam Kurtz – Gladwyne

The Best of Philadelphia

PATD wants to know who you think is BEST in ourdistrict.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2007PATD Awards. Categories are:

Best pro, coach, club, organization, volunteer,family, website. Forms are available online:www.philadelphia.usta.com. Or email ouroffice with your choice along with your reasonwhy the candidate deserves recognition.

Don’ t miss a chance to salute PATD’ schampions! The deadline for nominations isNovember 1st.

Charity Mixer

Look for this fall’ s 1st PATD Charity Mixer tobenefit Project H.O.M.E.

Dates – time – and cost are on our web:www.philadelphia.usta.com

Karen Jennings

PATD Contributor

Roger Graham and his winning logo design.



Philadelphia DistrictCity Kiddies LearnTennisWhen Sarahn Sankofa’s grandmotherannounced she wanted to clean up a nearbytennis court and introduce her daycare kids tosomething new, she didn’ t have to look far tofind the perfect person to help her.

Sarahn, a twelve-year-old 7th grader fromMasterman Middle School, spent her summervacation teaching three to six year olds how toplay tennis. She had 48 young smiling facesgreethereachmorningatPhiladelphia’ sSchoolof theArts on 52nd andWyalusing Streets.

“I showed the little kids how to throw the ballback and forth to each other and just let themplay with the ball,” says Sarahn. She taughtforehands,backhands,volleysandserves toherolder students. “A lot of kids came up to me inthe morning saying they wanted to play tennisagainandagain,”saysSarahn.“Itmademefeelproud because I actually felt like my time and

dedication paid off in the end.”

Sarahn learned how to play tennis herself atArthurAshe.ThePhiladelphia School of theArts isa daycare that also offers art,music, gym and academics to its students inWest Philadelphia.

Jalapeños and Jelly BeansA fun look back at PATD's 2007USTA season.JalapenosandJellyBeans?!Youwouldn’ tdreamofmixing the twoexcept inastoryaboutPATD’smost colorful district championship teams this season.

Jalapenos is the name of PATD’ s red-hot 2.5 women fromUMLY.

Jelly Beans is the nickname the 3.5 Pennsbury Lightning men used for the Advil and Motrintheypoppedbeforeeverymatch.“Webelieve theymadeusplaybetterorat leasthave lesspainafter thematch,” says captainTerry Schneider.

Schneider admits the team’ s pink and black socks and supportive “KWAGS” (kids,wives andgirlfriends) may have contributed to the Lightning’ s success too.What motivates these PATDplayers to go such lengths?

“Wewant to go to Nationals andwin the National Championship,” says Schneider.

This yearmore than six thousand PATD adults competed in USTA league action.

Some, like the Lightning took a serious approach to team building.“We started recruiting lastyear before the season was even over,” says Schneider who estimates he approached nearlyone hundred players.

The 3.0 Charlestown Smash Girls looked no farther than their own backyards.Team captainsMichelle Kesti and Gail Osborne were next-door neighbors who decided to create aneighborhood team.

“We had tremendous funmeeting for social hours and drumming up a teamname,conceptsand teamlogo item,”saysKesti.Thegroupstressedcooperativecompetition,friendshipand fun.“And we took the post-match luncheon menus as seriously as the tennis. In a nutshell, weplayed for fun and the food!”

The Smash Girls must have done something right.They captured the District title in their firstattempt -- without a coach or club backing.

“It’ s rare for a team towin districts on its first try,” says USTA LeagueTennis Coordinator SallyBaird.“The 3.0 level is very competitive.The Smash Girls were very excited and kept saying ‘we never thought we’ d get this far.”

In her sixteenth year of leadingPhiladelphia’ sUSTA leagueprogram,Sally never grows tired ofhearing the stories behind PATD’ s championship teams.They’ re stories of humor,hard workand sometimes,heartache.

The 3.5 Penn Oaks team had to overcome incredible hardship on the road to their districtchampionship win this year.

“We began the season with a few injuries – tennis elbow, back injuries,” says captain DeniseHowell.“We had onemomwho suddenly couldn’ t play oneweek because her child had just

broken out with chicken pox! Our coach, Billy McElroy jumped to her rescue and insisted onwatching her sonwhile she played hermatch.”

One player’ s husband was battling cancer.And the team’ s star singles player, Kristi Bormantore two tendons in her ankle in the second week of the season. “She continued to come tomatches andmany of the practices anyway– even on those hot days,” says Howell.“It meanta great deal to us to have her present, cheering us on to victory.”

Formany,obstacles like thesewould stop a team in its tracks or certainly slow it down.Not sofor Coach Billy McElroy and his 3.5 women.“Challenges such as these are easier for a coachwhen you have surrounded yourself with special players who are also character people,” saysCoachMcElroy.

PATD’s2007DistrictChampionship teamsare filledwithstoriesofplayerswithgreatheart andcharacter.

When theUSTAseasonends,friendships forgedby tennis findways toblossomelsewhere.TheJalapenos have gone on to forman off – season book club.TheSmashGirls get together yearround too.

“Thishasbeenanunbelievably rewardingexperience,”saysSmashGirls captainMichelleKesti,whocalls reaching theSectionalChampionshipsa truemid-life successstory.“Wearesavoringeverymoment as a ‘ once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

FourPATDteamsadvanced toNationals inOctober.Congratulations to:3.0CharlestownSmashGirls,3.5Pennsbury Lightning,4.0Women-Northeast Racquet and5.0Men fromPennsbury

Meet the entire line-up of 2007 PATD Championship teams on our district website:www.philadelphia.usta.com

Bringing“TLC” toTennisWhat does it take to be a winner on the tennis court? If you ask these rising tennis stars, it’ stakes a little “TLC”:Tennis Leadership Camp.

In July, this group of tennis players fromPATD andDD took part in a tennis leadership-trainingprogram at Avon Grove High School with nationally renowned instructors Butch Staples andGavin Cox.

“I learnedwhen to take charge and be a leader,” says Rustin H.S. junior Julie Collins,“but alsowhen to take a step back and listen and not be bossy.”

“Beingable to listen toyour teammatesandmakesure theyknowthat you respectall their ideasand try to work out in a team atmosphere is important,” adds Downingtown East’ s MeghanMcVeigh.

“Tennis can be and should be fun,”saysRustin H.S.Coach LauraClark.She recommends theTLC camp to all her students.“I tell my players that we have two nationally known instructorscoming to our backyard and they should take advantage of it.”

AvonGroveH.S.CoachDebbieWard started the campaftermeeting andworkingwithStaplesforherownPTRtraining.“The first yearwasa trial three-daycampwithaboutsevenkids,”recallsWard.“It’ s nowgrownby leaps and bounds– thirty kids last year and twenty seven this year.”

Avon Grove seniorAlaina Hunt summed it up:“TheTLC team does an amazing job atmakingtennis fun for beginners andmore advanced players,”

Next year’ s camp will run August 3-8. Interested players may contact DebbieWard:[email protected]

Try Tri LevelsPATD launches anew“Tri Level”League this fall. It’ s triple the fun for players ofmultiple levels.Check our district website for details:www.philadelphia.usta.com

Sarahn Sankofa, 12 year old tennis instructor

Siani Jackson, 3 year old tennis “prodigy”

Tennis Leadership Camp, Avon Grove High School


33

2007 Fun with the Freedoms. How much more fun could you possibly pack into seven nights?

Season Box Seat Holder Trish Hueber wins John McEnroe autographed memorabilia in an auction tobenefit Host Sponsor, Fox Chase Cancer Center. Photo by Costello Photography

WTT founder, Billie Jean King signs autographs for young a Freedoms fan. Photo by CostelloPhotography

Philly fans view the Freedom’ s 2006 National Championship King Cup trophy. Photo by CostelloPhotography

Tennis legends Billie Jean King and Pete Sampras chat before a match at Cabrini College.

“Spirit” leads fans in the “YMCA” song. Photo by Costello Photography

Lisa Raymond lights up the Freedoms singles and doubles action.

Sophia Palestini and Victoria Torrijos of Philadelphia meet Cartoon Characters on “booth row”

Kidcasters Sarah Ruben and Chris McClellan interview Freedoms marquee player Venus Williams.Photo by Costello Photography


philadelphia.usta.com



Middle States Happenings

34

USTA Middle States Board Secretary Ruth Roulston and Cathy Shaak, Tennis Service Rep in CPD, areon their way to Nationals in Las Vegas after winning the 3.5 divison Section Championship.

Former MS Marketing Director Darran Miner, greets MS past presidents Philip Caplan and MikeIannone shown with Mike’ s wife Suzanne at the USTA Semi-Annual meeting in New York.

The Ardmore Avenue Community Center led by Dave Broida took part in Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, theofficial kick-off event to the 2007 U.S. Open. Pictured are:bottom left: Kyla Long, Toree Bolden, AriyanaBryant, top left: David Broida, Sharon Bryant, Najhala Hall.

David Goldstein, an Abington High School junior, had a once-in-a-lifetime experience as a 2007 U.S.Open ball kid.

Kim Hall, Middle States Administrative Assistant, meets Scooby Doo at a Philadelphia Freedoms match.

MS Volunteer Ralph Mundy chats during a break in action at the WTT Philadelphia Freedoms matchat Cabrini College.

MS Past President, Jay Witmer (far right) enjoys the action at the U.S. Open with (from left) BrianDenis, Amanda Faris-Denis, a Middle States Tennis Service Rep in CPD, and David Goodman, VicePresident of Communications for Advanta Corporation.

Matt and Ben Budenstein cheer on their hometown favorite, Alex Kusnetsov, at the U.S. Open.


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