30 years - United States Tennis Associationassets.usta.com/assets/649/15/FINAL PDF - corrections needed.pdf · Wilson Pipkin Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Eric Taylor - 1stString.com

NETPLAY • FALL 2010 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected]

Fall 2010 Volume V n Issue 2

USTA LeAgUe CeLebrATeS 30 yearsPage 8

Wild card!ALexAndrA mUeLLer

eArnS SpoT in US open qUALifying ToUrnAmenT

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Volume V n Issue 2

8 CoverStory USTALeagueisthelargest

recreationaltennisprograminthecountry.Learnmoreabouttheprogramasitcelebratesits30thanniversary.

12 CommunityDevelopment USTAMiddleStates’Community

TennisAssociationnetworkcontinuestogrowandevolve.MeettheSection’stwonewestgroups.

18 USTAServes USTAServesprovidesnearly

$400,000eachyeartodeservinghighschoolseniorswhowillcontinuetheiracademicandtennissuccessintocollege.Meettwooftheluckyrecipients–bothMiddleStatesjuniors.

20 Jr.TeamTennis Morethan75teamscompetedinJr.

TeamTennisDistrictChampionshipsthissummer,andplayersfromeachteambroughtauniquepassionforthegame.Findoutwhyseveralplayerschoosetoplaythegame!

24 AdultCompetition Wildcard!Abington,Pa.,native

AlexandraMuellerwinsthefirst-everUSOpenNationalPlayoffearningawildcardtocompeteintheUSOpenQualifyingTournament.

USTA Middle States nFall 2010

Departments

4 Welcome5 GuestColumnistGraigWhite7 TennisShorts11 MemberSpotlight16 Diversity28 Districts nJuniortennisisboominginAMD nYoungstersaregoingCanCrazyinCPD nTennisstarAnnaKournikovaheatsupDD nEPD’stenniscommunityhasbigheart nMeetthelegendaryCarl“Ace”Abbott

anNJDtennispioneer nIt’stimeto

registerforGoldCupinPATD

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18

20

COVER STORY

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Wel

com

e

Jeffrey Harrison and Marlynn Orlando

Published by USTA Middle StatesVolume V n Issue 2 Fall 2010

EdITORIALNathanielHarrisonMargeMcGannCarrieRuppBenZislis

CONTRIbUTORSTomBenicKaseyConnorsLorettaDeWaltStephanieFarrisMoniqueHollowayKarenJenningsAnnLoPrinziKateMcLainMarlynnOrlandoStephaniePankiwCathyShaak

SPECIAL ThANkSAndyFindlayAprilGiftDaveKenasphotographyMattLubas,CityofReadingMercyhurstCollegeSportsSusanMullanePhotographyWilsonPipkinVirginiaTechAthleticsCommunicationsEricTaylor-1stString.comJohnWalls

USTA MIddLE STATES OFFICERSPresidentJeffreyHarrisonSenior Vice PresidentPatriciaWegerSecretaryEllenV.WilliamsTreasurerRuthRoulston

USTA MIddLE STATES1288ValleyForgeRoadSuite74,POBox987ValleyForge,PA19482610.935.5000610.935.5484faxservingtennis@ms.usta.comwww.middlestates.usta.com

PRINT ANd dESIgNBentleyGraphicCommunicationsPottstown,Pa.www.bentleygraphics.com

Seasonschange,butMiddleStatesremainsHot!BythetimethisissueofNetPlayhitsyourmailbox,weassumethetemperatureshavecooledandbeautifulfallweatherhassettledintoourregion.Butasyouknow,arecordbreakingwinterofsnowwasfollowedbyoneofthehottestsummersonrecordforMiddleStates.Itwashot,hot,hot;buttheheatdidnotdeterourdedicatedtennisenthusiastasoursuccessfuladultandjuniorleagueprogramsbrokeparticipationrecordsthissummer.Thecourtsacrossthesectionwerefilledwithplayersofallagescompetingforachancetoplayinourdistrictandsectionalchampionships.Congratulationstoallplayerswhocompetedthissummerandespeciallytothosewhowillcontinueonthisfallatnationalchampionships.BestoflucktoourMiddleStatesteams.

Yes,tennisinMiddleStatesishotterthenever.Membershipandparticipationnumberscontinuetoclimbandbreakrecords.Withthefocuseddeterminationoffolkslikeyouinourtenniscommunity,moreandmorepeopleareexperiencingthebenefitsofthesportoftennis.InMiddleStateswearefortunatetohaveavastnetworkofCommunityTennisAssociations(CTA)thatworktirelesslytohelpgrowthegame.Wecurrentlyhave88registeredCTAchaptersinMiddleStates.Theseprogramscatertoavarietyofnicheaudiencesprovidingyouthtennisprograms,suchasJr.TeamTennis,adultprograms,orprogramsforpeoplewithspecialneeds.Inthearticleonpage12,wearethrilledtowelcometwonewgroupstoourCTAnetwork;PhiladelphiaLibertyTennisAssociation(PLTA)andAkshay’sTennisforAutism.CTAsaretypicallyrunbyanetworkofvolunteerswithatremendouspassionfortennisandastronginterestandjoyinmakingsurepeoplehaveanopportunityandplacetoplay.

OnOctober30attheDolceValleyForgeinKingofPrussia,Pa.,MiddleStatesishostingaworkshopdesignedtogeneratediscussionandnewideasonhowyoucangrowyourcommunitytennisorganization.TheeventwillbeagreatopportunityforCTAandNJTLleaderstolearnaboutpartneringandnetworking,fundraisingandgrants,marketingresources,andUSTAprogrammingopportunities.YoucanlearnmoreaboutthisgreatopportunitybycontactingBenZislis,[email protected].

TheworkshopispartofaseriesofeducationalprogramsMiddleStatesoffersthroughouttheyeartohelpourtenniscommunitypartnerslearnnewtennisstrategiesandinitiativeswhichcanhelpthemincreaseparticipationandimproveperformance.In2010,almost300participantshavebeentrainedatover15QuickStartTennisWorkshopsandnearly250instructorshavebeentrainedatsevenRecreationalCoachWorkshops.Inaddition,wecontinuetohostin-personandonlinetrainingsforourtournamentdirectorsandadultandjuniorleaguecoordinators.

Aswefinishout2010andlookto2011,wewillcontinuetofindwayswecansupportourcommunityoftennisplayers,coaches,pros,parents,andCTAandNJTLleaderssothattennisisthe“hottest”sportinMiddleStates.

Warmregards,

JeffreyHarrison MarlynnOrlandoPresident ExecutiveDirector

NETPLAY • FALL 2010 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected] NETPLAY • FALL 2010 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected]

5

guest Colum

nist Bodyconditioningisanimportantingredienttogoodhealth,topperformance,andahappyoutlook.Gettingmotivatedtoworkoutisrelativelyeasy,butthechallengeistostaymotivatedday-after-day.Tohelpmaintainyourdesiretoexerciseandkeepthatfireburning,checkoutthefollowingsteps:

1Makeyourworkoutsarealpartofyourday.Setaregulartimeto

exercisetohelpcreatethenecessary“space”inyourday.

2Keeparecord.Recordyourworkoutstohelpstaymotivatedandalsototrack

yourprogress.

3Rememberthatchangeisgood.Varyyourworkoutstoavoidbecomingbored.

Varietywillhelpyoustickwiththeprogram.

4Stepupyourprogramwithactivitiesyouenjoy.Exercisedoesnothave

tomeandrudgery.Biking,tennis,andswimmingareexamplesofleisureorfunactivitiesthatalsopromotehealthandfitness.

5Establishrealisticgoals.Setexerciseprogramgoalsthatarewithinyour

reach.Alwaysputyourselfinapositiontosucceed!Short-termmini-goalscanhelpyoumeasuresuccess,aswellasreinforceyourmotivation.Monitorandadjustyourgoalsasyourfitnesslevelschange.

6Joinagym.Lookbeforeyouleap.Tourtheclubandspeaktosomemembers

firsttoconfirmthatitisaplacethatwillassistyouinreachingyourfitnessgoals.

7Trainwithapartner.Exercisingwithafriendcanmakeworkoutsmorefun.

Also,chancesaregreaterthatyouwillstickwithyourprogramifyouknowsomeoneiswaitinganddependingonyoutoshowup.

8Hireapersonaltrainer.Sometimesitiseasiertostickwithaprogramifafitness

professionalworkswithyou.Thisdoesnot

havetobeaconstantrequirement;rather,youmayprefertouseatrainerforperiodicfitness“check-ups.”

9Progressslowly.“Nopain,nogain”isnonsense.Anytimeexercisehurts,

youshouldstop.Infact,avoiddoingtoomuchtoosoontopreventinjuryandmusclesoreness.

10Rewardyourself.Don’tbeafraidtoenjoyyourself.Afteryouhave

reachedamini-goalorhadanespeciallygoodworkout,patyourselfonthebackforajobwelldone.Onspecialoccasions,rewardyourself;maybewithanewpairofshoesoraweekendtrip.

Keeping the Fire Burning

guest ColumnistGraigWhite

GraigWhite,DirectorofPerformanceEnhancementatRutgers-Camdenandanotedconditioning/trainingexpert,hashelpprofessionalandamateurathletesfulfilltheirpotential.Tolearnmore,visit:www.teamconditioning.com.

district Contributors

ALLEghENY MOUNTAINTomBenic

CENTRAL PACathyShaak

dELAWAREMoniqueHolloway

EASTERN PALorettaDeWalt

NEW JERSEYAnnLoPrinzi

PhILAdELPhIAKarenJennings


ADVANTA WORLD TEAMTENNISADVANTA WORLD TEAMTENNISADVANTA WORLD TEAMTENNIS

It’s about more than just your rating…it’s about team!ADVANTA WORLD TEAMTENNISADVANTA WORLD TEAMTENNIS

She’s a 4.5, he’s a 2.5…

Friends, Co-workers, Couples…

866-PLAY-WTT | WTT.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY FRED AND SUSAN MULLANE/CAM

ERAWORK USA, TOM

BREWSTER, DELAINE M

AST & USTA

Friends, Co-workers, Couples…Friends, Co-workers, Couples…Friends, Co-workers, Couples…Friends, Co-workers, Couples…She’s a 4.5, he’s a 2.5…

DELAWARE

Alison or Taya

[email protected]

NEW JERSEY

Lorna Thomas (Wall)

[email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Maggie Smethers (Lancaster)

[email protected]

Bev McGeehan (Philadelphia)

[email protected]

Rick Greenwood (Springton)

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RECREATIONAL LEAGUES

CORPORATE LEAGUES

DELAWARE

Sue Gardiner

[email protected]

PHILADELPHIA

Angelika Sadar

[email protected]


7

Tennis Shorts

CarnegieMellonUniversity(CMU)men’sheadtenniscoachAndrewGirardwasnamedtheWilson/IntercollegiateTennisAssociation(ITA)NationalCoachoftheYearforDivisionIII.TheTartansfinishedtheseasonwithadual-matchrecordof21-6settingaschoolrecordforwinsinaseason.HeguidedCMUtoaseventh-placenationalranking,theteam’shighestinprogramhistory.ForthethirdstraightseasontheTartanscompetedattheNCAADivisionIIIChampionshipandadvancedtothequarterfinalsforthefirsttimeinprogramhistory.

AlleghenyMountainJimKohrcancertainlyclaimownershiptothetenniscourtsatYork’sFarquharParkafterheaddeda15thYorkCity-Countymen’ssinglestitletohisresume.Itmarkedthe8thconsecutivecrownforthe42-year-oldproprietorofHardKohrSports&Fitness,atennisfacilityinYork.Kohr,aUSTAMiddleStatesIntersectionalteamcaptain,defeatedMicWallaceinanexcitingfinal6-1,6-7(4),6-4.Thewinculminatedacompletesweepofgoldmedals(men’ssingles,men’sdoubles,mixeddoubles)inthe90theditionofthetournament.

CondeNast,apublishingcompanyinWilmington,Del.,cannowprintchampionshipbannersastheycapturedthe2010CorporateTennisChallenge,goingundefeatedinitsfirstfivematchesinadoubleround-robintournament.Theevent,heldattheSeaColonyTennisCenterinBethanyBeach,Del.,featured

co-edteamswhoworkandliveinthreedifferentstatesintheDelawareValley.CondeNastfinishedwithanimpressive5-1recordonlyfallingtotheirDiamondStaterivalstheUniversityofDelawareinthefinalmatch.

CentralPA

Delaware

TheSchuylkillCountycommunityofOrwigsburgismakingquiteanameforitselfthankstothedevelopmentoftheBlueMountainTennisClub.ThebrainchildofBlueMountainHighSchoolvarsitycoachMarkAbel,whowaslookingforawaytointroduceyoungsterstothegamebeforereachingthevarsitylevel,hasexperiencedtremendoussuccessinitstwoyearsofoperation.Theclubisnowcomprisedofmorethan60youngstersrangingfromnewplayerstothosecompetingforUSTAMiddleStatesandUSTANationalrankings.

GloucesterCountyCollege(GCC)tennisplayerJaredRandazzowontwonationalchampionshipsattheexactsamemomentinMay.Randazzo,afreshman,wontheNationalJuniorCollegeAthleticAssociation(NJCAA)DivisionIIInationalindividualtitleinsingles.Hisvictoryalsoclinchedthenationalteamchampionship

fortheSewell,N.J.,school.Theteamtitleisthe15thnationalchampionshipforGCC,butthefirstinmen’stennis.TheRoadrunnershada13-3overallrecordin2010andwonboththeGardenStateAthleticConferenceChampionshipandtheNJCAARegion19TournamentChampionship.

EasternPA

NewJersey

AnnaMamalatofPhiladelphiafinishedaweekofexcellenttennisbycapturingthesinglescrownattheInternationalTennisFederation(ITF)InternationalGrassCourtChampionshipsatthePhiladelphiaCricketClub.Sheplayedaggressive,soundtennisenroutetothevictoryandmayhaveplayedherbesttennisinahardfoughtsemifinalwinoverNo.8seedKyleMcPhillipsinalengthythreesetbattle.Mamalat,16,whocurrentlysitsatNo.9intheUSTAGirls18Nationalstandings,defeatedunseededSkylarMorton6-2,6-0inthefinal.

Philadelphia



8

Cove

r Sto

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They come from all over, from all walks of life bringing all different ability levels. They play at

community parks, country clubs and local high schools. They compete for flight supremacy then

district glory, struggle for a section championship and pin hopes on each shot at Nationals. They

come for fun, competition and camaraderie, but most importantly they come. They are the more than

325,000 players that comprise the largest recreational tennis program in the country — UsTa league.

Theprogramhasacquiredmanymonikersduringits30-yearhistorybyitsparticipants:MichelobLIght,

Volvo,USALeagueandUSTALeague.IthasbeenendorsedbyHallofFameathletesWiltChamberlainandSteveLargent.Ithasfeaturedhusbandsandwives,fathersandsons,co-workers,roommatesandneighbors.ButwhatithasdonemorethanperhapsanyothertennisprogramisgrowthegameoftennisintheUnitedStates.

TheconceptofadultleaguetenniswascertainlynotanewonewhentheUSTAdevelopedataskforcein1976toexploreavenuestogrowthesport.Similaradult-basedprogramsenjoyedquiteahistoryintennisclubsandincommunitiesthroughout

thecountry.Itwasn’tuntil1978thattheUSTAunderwrotealeaguepilotprograminwhichteamscompetedlocallywithinspecifiedabilitylevelswiththewinnersadvancingtoalocalplayoff.

Thefirstsectiontohostthisplayoffin1978wasUSTASouthernandUSTAofficialandnewlymintedUSTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)LeagueCoordinator,JackieKimball,waseagertoseetheprograminaction.TheNewJerseyresidentattendedthefirstplayoffinAtlantaasaninterestedobservercollectinginformationtobringnorthtoUSTAMS.

Bythefallof1979,theambitiousKimballwascoordinatingteamsinallfourcornersofthesection.Theprogrambeganmodestlywith

USTA LeAgUe CeLebrATeS 30 years

love iT or leagUe iT!

justonelevelofplay,the4.5division;however,itwasplayedinfivedistrictsinUSTAMSandwasoneofthefewundertheUSTAumbrellaacrossthecountry.ThewinnersofeachdistrictadvancedtoHarrisburg,Pa.,fortheinauguralsectionplayoff.Inahotlycontestedweekendofplay,itwasawomen’steamfromCentralPennsylvaniaandamen’steamfromNewJerseywhocalledthemselvessectionchampions.

AfewweekslaterthetwoteamsrepresentedMiddleStatesatthefirstInter-RegionalLeagueChampionshipsinCherryHill,N.J.AprecursortotheNationalChampionship,theeventpittedthebestteamsfromdifferentsectionsinafullweekendofcompetition.TheteamsfromUSTAMSplayedwell–the



9

Cover StorywomenfromMechanicsburg,Pa.,wonandthemenfromTrenton,N.J.,finishedsecond.

ThesuccessofthatfirstsectionaleventprovedtoKimballtheenormouspotentialforasuccessfulnationalprogram.In1980,theprogramwasinstitutedinall17sectionsandprogressedtoincludethreelevels:3.5,4.5and5.5–withcompetitionbeginningatlocallevelswithwinnersadvancingthroughsectional,regionalandfinallyforthefirsttimeaUSTANationalChampionship.The3.5men’steamfromPhiladelphiabecamethefirstteamfromMiddleStatestoadvancetothenationalchampionshipin1980,finishinginsecondplace.

Kimball’simpactwasfeltalloverUSTAMSasunderherguidancethesectionenjoyedthelargestgrowthofadultparticipationofalloftheUSTAsections.USTAMShadnearly370teamsspreadthroughoutsixdistricts,

involvingmorethan3,800playersofwhichonethirdofthemwerenewUSTAmembers.

Onememberofthatfirst4.5women’ssectionchampion,SusanRiderofMechanicsburg,Pa.,wasjustbeginninganearly30-yearrelationshipwithUSTALeaguewhenshebecameaparticipantin1980.

“Iwasrecruitedbyteammatestoplayontheteamandwastheyoungestplayeronthesquad,”saidRider.“Ihadneverplayedindoortennisatthatpointintime,letaloneteamtennis.WhowouldhavethoughtthatsomeonewhohadneverbeenawayfromhomewouldbeplayinginaleaguetennischampionshipinNewJersey?Itwasgreat!”

ItmarkedthebeginningofafunjourneyforRiderwhohasseenalittlebitofeverythingfromrulechanges,newformatsandnewequipmentduringherthreedecaderun,buthasneverlostsightofwhyshestaysinvolvedintheprogram.

“Itisthecamaraderieandthefriendshipsthathavekeptmecomingback,”notedRider,whohasbeenonapairofsectionchampionshipteams.“Wehavekeptthesamegrouptogetherandkepthavingfuntogether.”

JustlikeRider,JimBoothofHarrisburg,Pa.,haskeptcomingbacktoUSTALeague.Acaptainforall30yearsoftheprogram’shistory,BoothsatinontheoriginalplanningmeetingtobringtheUSTALeaguetennisprogramtoCentralPennsylvania.AccordingtoBooth,theprogramcametotheareaatjusttherightmoment.

USTA LeAgUe CeLebrATeS 30 years

love iT or leagUe iT!

“Itwasatremendoustimefortennis,”saidBooth.“Youcouldn’tgetacourt.Teamswerepoppingupeverywhere.Theprogramwasreallyflourishing.”

BoothplayedalargeroleinthisgrowthservingastheCentralPennsylvaniaDistrict’sfirstUSTALeagueCoordinator.Overtheyears,hehasseenorplayedalotoftennisincludingoneyearplayingonthreeseparateUSTALeagueteams.Hehasplayedwithfatherandsons,brothersandsistersandhasplayedonadult,seniorandsuperseniorteams.

“USTALeaguetennishasbeenaconstantinmylifeevenwithahecticschedule,”notesBooth.“Matchesaresetinadvanceandforthemostparteveryoneisatthesamelevelwhichkeepsleaguetenniscompetitiveandfun.”

Itisthislevelplayingfieldthatkeepstennisaregularpartofpeople’slives.Rulechanges,ratingsprocedureaswellasonlinescoringhavethekeptthesport’smomentumbuilding.Theprogram’sgrowthhasalsobenefittedbythecreationofnewformats,divisionsandchampionshipstokeepplayerscomingback.ThisissomethingthatBoothhasnoticedasthesamecourtsthatwerefilledwhentheprogrambegancontinuetostayfull.

“Ithasbeeneasytomaketimefortennisthankstotheprogram’sconsistentscheduleandthegreatpeoplewhoparticipate.Ihavehadsomeofthesameteammatesandopponentsformorethan20years,”saidBooth.“Wehaveagreatgroupofguyswhojusthavealotoffunbeingaroundeachother,winorlose.”

Losingisn’tsomethingBoothhasexperiencedmuchofinanydivisionasaUSTALeague

participant.Thecaptainofthe2003SuperSenior4.0NationalChampions,Boothhasalsosteeredhis4.0seniorteamtoanimpressivefourthplacefinishatthe2009NationalChampionship.AsforRidershehadtowait25yearstoexperienceherfirstNationalChampionshipwinningthe2005titleinhersecondtry.

ThesetwoparticipantscertainlyhavealoveaffairwithUSTALeague.Mostindividualsfollowtheguidanceoftheirparentswhooftensay,ifyousignupforateamyoumuststickitout.Thirtyyearslater,thisduoalongwithhundredsofthousandsofothers,arecontinuingtostickitout.•

–NathanielHarrison


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11

Mem

bership

Edward“Eddie”Rufolowas14whenhewasstruckbyacarwhiledeliveringnewspapers,sufferingacompound

fractureinhisleftleg.Confinedtoacastforsixmonthsandrestrictedfromthefreedomstheaverage14-year-oldboyrelishes,Rufoloputonweightandbecamedepressed.Itwasthesimplegiftofatennisracquet,fromaclosefriendthatcheeredhimup,changinghislifeforever.

OncethecastwasremovedandRufolowasabletoreturntonormallife,heputtheracquettouseimmediately.HeplayedhighschooltennisatRahwayHighSchoolinRahway,N.J.,andalsobrieflyincollege.Sincethen,Rufolo,nowa38-year-oldhusband,fatheroftwinboysandDetectivewiththeNewJerseyStatePolice,playsregularly.

“Icontinuetoplaytennisbecauseithasbecomeastapleinmylife,”Rufolosaid.“EachWednesdayIplaywithfriendsandthenwegofordinner.It’sagreatwaytobreakuptheworkweekandstayinshape.”

ItwasasimpletelevisioncommercialthatspearheadedRufolo’sjourneytobecomingaStateTrooper.A26-year-oldcollegegraduateworkingasanaccountant,Rufolowasnotsatisfiedwithhis“GroundhogDay”lifeandknewhisprofessionaljourneywasnotcomplete.Whileeatingbreakfastonemorning,hesawacommercialannouncinga“CareerNight”attheNewJerseyStatePoliceMuseum.Heattended,andjustlikethegiftoftheracquetchangedhislife,thecommercialwastheimpetusforasuccessfulandlastingcareer.

“Beingapoliceofficerandhavinggonethroughthetoughesttrainingacademyinthenationhastaughtmethatgoingforsomethingshouldneverbe‘halfeffort’;ifyouputyourallbehindsomethingyoucanandwillalwaysbesuccessful,”Rufolosaid.“Withtennis,I’velearnedyoudon’talwayshavetowin,butknowingyougaveeverythingyouhadkeepsyousatisfiedinlife.Thisattitudehasdefinitelyimprovedmymentalgameandallowsmetoalsoenjoythegamemuchmore.”

RufoloshowcasedhisloveforthegameinJuneasaparticipantintheinauguralUSOpenNationalPlayoffsSectionalQualifyingTournamentheldatMercerCountyParkinWestWindsor,N.J.Heenteredthetournament,whichprovidesparticipantsanopportunitytocompeteforawildcardtotheQualifyingRoundoftheUSOpen,becausehelikestodo“anythingtobeabletohelppromotethesport”andofcourse,becausehelovestocompete.

“IhopetheUSTAcontinuestoholdthisannualtournamentbecauseIknowaslongasIamabletobreatheIwillbeenteringit,”Rufolosaid.

FromhisdaysonthecourtsatRahwayHighSchooltohisWednesdaynightleagueplaywithbuddies,Rufoloisconfidenthewon’tbestrayingawayfromthegameanytimesoon.

“IseemyfutureintenniseverytimeIplayattheclaycourtsinSouthPlainfield,N.J.,”Rufolosaid.“Isaythisbecausemanyofthemembersofthisclubareages50andover.Ilookatthesepeopleandthinktomyself:IhopeIwillalwaysbeabletoplayasthesepeopledo.”

“Iheardoncethattennisisalifelongsport,”Rufolocontinued.“ButnotuntilIbecameinvolvedinitdidIrealizehowtruethisis.TenniswillbeapartofmylifetillIdie,andeventhen,Ihopetoplaywiththosewhohavepassedbeforeme.”•

-–CarrieRupp

New Jersey police officer gives his all in everything he does — especially on the tennis court

Giving His All

Philadelphia boy sets sites on “Little Mo” titleSeven-year-oldTauheed“LittleT”Browningfinishedfourthatthe“LittleMo”8andunderRegionalChampionshipinChicago.Browning,aPhiladelphiaresident,reachedtheRegionalChampionshipbyplacingfirstintheBoys’8divisionattheMiddleStatesSectionaleventinMay.Withthetopfourfinish,Browning,whohasbeentrainingattheUSTANationalTennisCenterinFlushing,N.Y.,willtraveltothe“LittleMo”NationalChampionshipsattheAustinTennisAcademyinAustin,Texas,inOctober.

Formernotablechampionsofthe“LittleMo”includeAndyRoddickandDonaldYoungaswellasformerMiddleStatesjuniorsMadisonBrengle(Dover,Del.)andBjornFratangelo(Plum,Pa.).•

between sets

p r e s e n t e d b y

Eddie Rufolo with twin sons Jared Vincent (left) and Colten James (right).

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Akshary Damany receives his medal from Christine Park, President of New York Life Foundation.

ThemissionoftheUnitedStatesTennisAssociation(USTA)isto“topromoteanddevelopthegrowthoftennis.”Theorganizationfocusesonthisgoalinmanyways,mostnotablythroughthecreationofprogramsaimedatrecruitingmorepeople,allpeople,toplaythesport.OneofthemostsuccessfulwaysUSTAhasreachedouttothepublicisthroughitsCommunityTennisAssociations(CTA).InUSTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)alone,thereare88registeredCTAsallaimedatsupportingorprovidingprogramsthatgrowthesport.

“TheCTAnetworkinUSTAMSisthriving,”saidBenZislis,DirectorofCommunityDevelopment,USTAMS.“Thesevolunteerbasedorganizationsarevitalforthegrowthoftennis.Theypositivelyimpactthesectionbygrowingtennisandprovidingaplethoraofopportunitiestotheircommunities.”

ThetypesofregisteredCTAsinUSTAMSrunsthegamut,fromorganizationsfocusingonprogrammingforchildrenorunderservedcommunities,tosocialgroupsforadults.

An Inclusive CommunityAkshay Damany (front row, second from right) poses with his PARADE magazine All-America High School Service Team counterparts and Vice President Joe Biden (center) and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (back left).

CTA Network Welcomes Two New GroupsMostrecently,thesectionwelcomedtwonewdiverseCTAs.

Inearly2010,thePhiladelphiaLibertyTennisAssociation(PLTA)joinedtheCTAnetwork.

“OurmissionistopromotetennisamongtheGay,Lesbian,BisexualandTransgender(GLBT)communityanditssupportersinPhiladelphiaandtheDelawareValley.Wealsopromotecamaraderieandcommunityspiritthroughsocialfunctionsandevents,”saidBradPawlikowski,President,PLTA.“RegisteringasaCTAandcreatingarelationshipwiththeUSTAmadeperfectsensebecausewebothsharethesametruedesiretopromotetennisinourcommunity.IlookforwardtoyearsoffuturepositiverelationsbetweenPLTAandUSTAaswebothcontinuetogrowandevolve.”

PLTA,whichwascreatedinJanuary2008becauseofaneedfororganizedtennisinPhiladelphiafortheGLBTcommunity,isamemberofTeamPhiladelphia,theumbrellaorganizationforallalternativelifestylesportsteamsinPhiladelphia.ItisalsoamemberoftheGayandLesbianTennisAlliance(GLTA).

PARADEmagazineasoneofthenation’smostoutstandingstudents.

“ThisisthefirsttimePARADEhasselectedan“All-AmericaHighSchoolServiceTeam”andIamhonoredtobeapartofit,”Damanysaid.“TheawardhasraisedalotofawarenessforautismwithintheLehighValleyandIamevenmoreencouragedtotakemyprogramtoanationallevel.Thesupportfromthecommunityhasbeenoverwhelming.”

Damany,whoseprofilewasfeaturedinthemagazine,receivedhisawardalongwith14otherhighschoolstudentsataspecialbreakfastinWashington,D.C.HereceivedhismedalfromtheU.S.SecretaryofEducation,ArneDuncan,andattendedareceptionwithVicePresidentJoeBiden.

“Akshayisaremarkable,selfless,youngmanwhoisusingtennisasavehicletohelpahistoricallyunderservedpopulationgetintroducedtothesportoftennis,”Zislissaid.“HetrulydeservedthePARADEhonorforhiseffortsingivingbacktothesechildren.Hehasatruepassionforhelpingothers.”

“WearethrilledtofurtherexpandourdiversityeffortswiththeadditionsofthesenewCTA’s,”Zisliscontinued.“Weapplaudtheireffortstoreachareasandpeoplethatmayhaveformerlygoneuntouched.We’rehappytohavethemonboard.”

TolearnmoreaboutthePhiladelphiaLibertyTennisAssociationvisit:http://plta.us/.Tolearnmoreabout“Akshay’sTennisforAutism”e-mail:[email protected].•

–CarrieRupp

13


Thegrouphasmorethan100memberswhorangefrombeginnersallthewaytotennisteachingprofessionals.

“Wedonotdiscriminateonanybasis,”Pawlikowskisaid.“Wehavehadseveralstraightalliesjoinourgroupsimplybecausetheyweresoimpressedwiththevarietyandorganizationofourtennisprogramming.”

TheprogrammingPawlikowskireferencedincludestennisleagues,ladders,clinicsandsocials,aswellasinvitationstotheirannualClubChampionshipTournamentandapossiblerosterspotonPLTA’stravelingAtlanticCupTeam.Nextsummer,PLTA’sAtlanticCupTeamwon’thavetotravelfar,asthegroupwillbehostingthegames,whichisanannualteamtenniscompetitionbetweentheGLTAorganizationsfromBoston,NewYork,PhiladelphiaandWashington,D.C.

“LastyearwasPLTA’sfirstforayintothetournamentandI’mproudtosaywetookarespectablesecondplace,”Pawlikowskisaid.“WearereallylookingforwardtobringingtheeventtoPhiladelphiatohighlightthegreatfeaturesofthecity.”

Inaddition,toPLTA,a17-year-oldboyfromAllentown,Pa.,startedtheorganization“Akshay’sTennisforAutism”whichherecentlyregisteredasaCTA.Theprogramfocusesonprovidingtennisopportunitiesforchildrenwithautism.AkshayDamany,whoseinnovativeideawasfeaturedintheWinter2009-2010issueofNetPlaymagazine,hadadesiretoformalizehisprogramthatinlessthanayearevolvedfromoneparticipanttofour,andhasgarneredinterestfromanadditionalfourfamilies.

“JoiningforceswiththeUSTAwillhelpbecauseIcanaccesstheirhelpinmaking

aWebsite,applyforgrantsinordertoexpandtheprogramandalsoseekadvicefromUSTArepresentativeswhohavealotmoreexperienceandknowledgethanIdo,”Damanysaid.“FormalizingandexpandingtheprogramnowisimperativetoensurethatitcontinuesafterIgotocollege.”

Damany,whoisassistedbyhis15-year-oldbrotherKrish,hopestoexpandtheprogramtootherclubs[hisprogramisbasedoutofWestendRacquetClubinAllentown]intheLehighValleyandhopefullyoneday,alloverthecountry.Tosupportandpromote“Akshay’sTennisforAutism,”alocalnewsgrouporganizeda“CoachesChallenge”tournament,involvingthelocalhighschoolcoachesinthedistrict.TheeventraisedmoneyforDamany’sprogramaswellastheLehighValleyChapteroftheAutismSocietyofAmerica.HeandhisEmmausHighSchooltennisteammatesalsoparticipatedinaWalkNowforAutismSpeaksevent,raising$1,125.

WhyaCTAtargetedsolelytoautisticchildren?Thedevelopmentaldisorderfascinatestherisinghighschoolsenior.“Foraconditionthathasanextremelyhighincidence[1in110kidsorachildevery20minutesisdiagnosed],verylittleisknownaboutthecondition.Thereareveryfewsportsprogramsforchildrenwithautismandnonespecificallytargetautisticbehaviors,”Damanysaid.“Ihavefoundawaythatmypassionfortenniscanhelpothers,andIplantocontinuetobeinvolvedinthat.”

Hisdedicationhasnotgoneunnoticed.Thisspring,Damanywasrecognizedby

Comm

unity developm

ent

CTA 101AUSTACommunityTennisAssociation(CTA)is“anyincorporated,geographicallydefined,not-for-profit,volunteer-basedorganizationthatsupportsorprovidesprogramswhichpromoteanddevelopthegrowthoftennis.”Asanassociation,thegroupworkstocoordinateandmaintaintennisprogramsandservices;guaranteeingthattheyareopenandaccessibletoall.Thesetennisenthusiastsmayactasadvocates,programadministrators,promotersorfund-raisers.Fueledbylocalvolunteers,theyexisttopromoteanddevelopthegameoftennisinthecommunity.

Tolearnmore,contact:[email protected]

Members of the Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association gather at the FDR Park tennis courts in Philadelphia to celebrate their Annual League Opener in May.


14

Aro

und

the

gam

e

ForNancyWilkins,tennisismorethanagame.Notonlyhasthesportshapedherlife,butithasallowedher

toimpactthelivesofothers.Wilkins,whoiscurrentlyatennisproatRiverWindsTennisCenter(WestDeptford,N.J.),hasrunthetenniscompetitionattheNewJerseySpecialOlympicsforthepast22years.

Wilkins’involvementwiththeSpecialOlympicshasprovidedhertheopportunitytoshareherloveofthegamewithhundredsofplayerswithdisabilities.Whenaskedwhatkeepshercomingbackyearafteryear,heranswerwassimple,“Theathletes…that’saneasyone.”

EvenpriortoWilkinstenurewiththeSpecialOlympics,tennishasalwaysbeenacornerstoneinherlife.Wilkinsfirstbecamehookedonthegameintheeighthgrade,andcreditshersisterwithconvincinghertoquitsoftballinfavoroftennis.Theswitchwasn’tsodifficultWilkinssays,“OnceIstartedplayingtennis,Ididn’tcareaboutanythingelse.Ijustwantedtogetonthecourt.”

ShebeganplayingcompetitivelyforGatewayRegionalHighSchool(WoodburyHeights,N.J.),andbroughtherskillstoElizabethtownCollege(Lancaster,Pa.).AsaseniorcaptainatElizabethtown,WilkinsledherteamtoNationals,andcappedtheseasonwithanumberfourrankingamongDivisionIIIprograms.

Itdidn’ttakelongforWilkinstorealizethatshewantedtomakeacareeroutoftennis,

“AssoonasIstartedplaying,Ithought‘Iwanttobeataclubwearingsneakerseveryday.’Ithoughttherecouldn’tbeanythingmuchbetterthanthat.”

ThetransitionfromplayingtocoachingcamenaturallytoWilkins,whosays,“IthinkIfellinlovewithteachingmorethanplaying.”

WilkinsbecameinvolvedwiththeSpecialOlympicsin1988,teachingatclinicsandasavolunteeratthestategames.Later,shetookoverforafriendastheDirectorofTennis.Sincethen,Wilkins’involvementwiththegamesforovertwodecadeshasbeenagreatadditiontoherlife.

The2010NewJerseySummerGames,heldatTheCollegeofNewJersey(Ewing,N.J.),tookplaceJune11-13.Theoverwhelming

participationratesmadethisyear’sgamesespeciallysuccessful.Arecord55athletescompetedinsinglesplay,with11newathletesparticipating–thelargestjumptodate.

Formanyathletes,tennisisoneofthemostdemandingsportsoftheSpecialOlympicsGames.WhiletheGamesmightbechallenging,Wilkinssaystheathletescomeinandarerarelyunhappy.Bothsinglesanddoublescompetitionarerunatthesummergames,aswellasunifieddoubles,whichpairsathleteswithable-bodiedtennispartners.NotonlydotheGamesofferparticipantsachancetocompete,buttheyalsoturnintoasocialeventformany.Infact,Wilkinscomparesthegames’atmospheretoabig,giantsleepover.

ThemonthsleadinguptotheGamescanbestressful,betweentheamountofpaperworkandpreparingforthesectionaltournaments.However,whenoneofherathlete’swalksthroughthedoor,Wilkinsisinstantlyremindedofhowupliftingthegamesareforher,thevolunteers,andtheathletesthemselves.

Wilkins’manycontributionstotheSpecialOlympicsgobeyondrunningtheannualeventandsectionalprecursors.ShealsocoachesseveralathletesyearroundwhoparticipateintheSpecialOlympics.Wilkinssaystheseathleteshavebecomepartofherextendedfamily.

WhileWilkinshasreceivednumerousaccoladesandpraiseforhersuccessesintennis,includingMiddleStatesProoftheYearin2006,itisherworkwiththeSpecialOlympicsthatremainsclosesttoherheart.Sinceshestartedcoachingathleteswithdisabilities,shesayshergoalhasbeenforherathletesto“walkintheclubandbetreatedlikeeveryoneelse”.

WilkinskeepsthisverygoalinmindwhilerunningtheSpecialOlympicstennisgameseachsummer.Shemakessurethegamesmirroranytournamentshehasplayedin,andarerunofficiallyandcorrectly.

ForSpecialOlympicsathletes,tennisismorethanacompetition,orawaytomakefriends.Wilkinsisconvincedtheimpactrunsmuchdeeper.Shesaysthatbyteachingplayershowtobecomemorehealthyandactive,tennishastrulyextendedtheirlives.SowhiletennishasalwaysheldadistinctplaceinNancyWilkins’life,herdedicationtotheSpecialOlympicsnotonlybroughtherinspiration,butalsoallowedhertoshareherunwaveringpassionforthegame.•

–KateMcLain

Photocourtesy:ZohaPhotography

for TennisSharing a Passion

A 2010 New Jersey Summer Games participant.

Nancy Wilkins (center) and two New Jersey Special Olympics participants.


15

TENNIS

25 years

25 years Around the g

ame

OnJune20ththesummerKeystoneStateGames(KSG)began,markingits29thyear.Inaddition,

anotheranniversarywascelebrated;thetenniscompetitioncelebrated25colorfulyearsasasportattheGames.

TheKSGhaveanOlympicstyleformatandincludemorethan20differentsportingevents.TheGameshopetosupporthealthyphysicalactivityforPennsylvaniaresidentsinanatmospherewhereeveryonecanparticipate.Thesegamesareapartofacounty-wideinitiative,theNationalCongressofStateGames(NCSG).TheNCSGisapartoftheU.S.OlympicCommittee.

ThefirstyeartenniswasplayedatKSGwas1986inStateCollege,Pa.atPennsylvaniaStateUniversity.TheKSGneverstayinthesameplacefortoolong,andmovedonthenextyear.Generally,theKSGspendsthreeyearsinanyonelocationandthenmoveontoanothertoensureeveryoneinPennsylvaniahasachancetoparticipate.Thisyear,theKSGwereheldinYork,Pa.,theirlocationforthelastsixyears.

Intennis’firstyearattheKSG,therewereonlysixdifferentdraws,boysandgirls14s,16s,and18ssingles.Initssecondyear,doublescompetitionwasaddedinthe18sforbothboysandgirls.Fromthere,tenniscontinuedtogrow,andaddedadultcompetitionandmixeddoublestotheirlistofdraws,aswellasexpandingthedoublescompetitionintomoreagegroups.Thisyeartherewereatotalof21draws.

ThetenniscompetitionattheKSGisaUSTAsanctionedtournament,andwhatgivestheKSGappealisthatbothadultsandkidscanplayinthesametournament.Thismeansthatfamiliescanallparticipatetogether,someevenplaytogetherasadoublesteam.Thekidsalsolikethistournamentbecausetheyareabletoparticipateinmanydifferentdraws,givingthemmoreopportunitiestoplay.Whentheygetolder,thekidscomebackandcompeteasadultsaswell.

“Whenyou’reajunioryouhavealltheseneattournamentstoplayin,andthenasanadulttherearelesstournaments,”RalphTutlane,thedirectoroftennisattheKSG,explained,“sotheKeystoneStateGameskeepsitfun.”

ThetennistournamentsattheKeystoneStateGameshaveincludednumerousplayerswhobecameverysuccessfulinthetennisworld.Someparticipantshavebecometennisofficials,prosattennisfacilities,ownersoftennisfacilities,andothershavegoneontoplayforDivisionIcolleges,orbecomesuccessfulcoaches.ThepeoplethatplayattheKSGlovethegameoftennisanditisclearthatitisabigpartoftheirlives.

OverthelastsixyearsinYork,whichistwicethenumberofyearsthatKSGusuallyspendsatasite,thetennisparticipantshavebecomeacommunity.Thisyear,theadditionofaFacebookgroupwasstartedbyaparticipanttohelpkeepeveryoneconnectedandawareofwhatwashappeningattheGames.Tutlanealsopostedstoriesfromthelast25yearssothatthegroupcouldreminisce.

Excitedtomakethemostoutofthe25thanniversary,theparticipantsalsoorganizedabarbecueatCentralYorkHighSchool.PastandpresentKSGparticipantswereinvitedtocelebratethecontinuedsuccessoftennisattheKSG.•

–StephaniePankiw

Tennis at the Keystone State Games Celebrates 25 Years

In2008,TommyMeyer(Bernville,Pa.)wonarecordsixgoldmedalsatthe2008KeystoneStateGamesandwasnamedtheGames’mostoutstandingathlete.MeyerfinishedfirstinBoy’s18singlesandMen’sOpensingles.HeteamedwithbrotherMichaeltowinBoy’s18doublesandMen’sOpendoubles,andalsocapturedtheMixed18doublesandMixedOpendoublestitleswithfellowBerksCountyresidentMarthaBlakely(Wyomissing,Pa.).

MeyerisnowarisingjunioratPomona-PitzerCollege(Claremont,Calif.).In2010,heledhisteamtooneofthemostsuccessfulseasonsinmen’stennishistory.Meyersteppedintothetopsinglesposition,finishingasthe5thrankedsinglesplayerintheWestRegion.

Asaresult,Meyerqualifiedfortheseason-endingNCAAsinglestournamentinOberlin,Ohio.Inthefirstround,MeyerdrewCarnegieMellonjuniorAmexNemerov.Meyerprovedasefficientinthetournamentashewasduringtheregularseason,provingheisamongthenation’sbestwithhis6-3,6-1win.Withthewin,MeyerwasnamedanNCAAAll-Americaninsingles,Pomona-Pitzer’sfirstsince2008andthe31stselectionoverall.Meyer’sbrotherMichael,a2010graduateofConradWeiserHighSchool,issettojoinhisolderbrotheronthecourtsofPomona-PitzerintheFall.

Blakelyisnowavaluablememberofthewomen’stennisteamatVirginiaTechUniversitysplittingtimebetweensinglesanddoubles.Blakely’ssuccessisnotsolelyreservedforthetenniscourt,butalsotheclassroom.Mostrecently,thejuniorwhoismajoringinbiochemistry,chemistryandmathematics,wasnamedtothe2010ESPNTheMagazineAcademicAll-America®Women’sAt-LargeThirdTeam,asselectedbytheCollegeSportsInformationDirectorsofAmerica.ShereceivedtheSkeltonAward,giventothetopVirginiaTechfemalescholar-athlete,attheTechAll-SportsbanquetonMay3.ShehasbeenselectedtoboththeDean’sListandAthleticDirector’sHonorRollandwasamemberofthe2009All-ACCAcademicWomen’sTennisteamaswellasthe2009ACCAcademicHonorRoll.•

Katrina Jones, Lancaster, Pa., (left) finished first in the Girls’ 14 singles division; she poses with Ralph Tutlane, Jr., Tennis Director, KSG, and the Girls’ 14 silver medalists Grace Kensinger, Manheim, Pa.

Keystone State Games…Where are They Now?


16

div

ersi

ty

Dennis Alter Robert Jordan Ann Koger Lisa Raymond Ron Woods

S A v e t h e D A t e

Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

2010 Annual hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Auction

Hosted by Middle States Tennis Patrons’ Foundation, assisting the development of junior tennis programs and activities furthering tennis education objectives

Saturday, November 13

Morethan30childrenfromtheUSTA’s17sectionsgatheredinAtlanta,Ga.,forthe2010USTANJTLTennisLeadershipCamp(TLC)July19-25.TwoofthechildrenarefromUSTAMiddleStates–botharemembersoftheNJTLofTrenton.MartinSoto,13,fromTrenton,N.J.,andNakyraCarmichael(pictured),12,Trenton,N.J.,weretwooftheluckycamperswhoenjoyedaweekofactivitiesincludingtennisinstruction,teambuildingactivitiesandsightseeing.TheteamalsosawsomeprofessionaltennisactionattheAtlantaTennisChampionshipswhereMartyFishdefeatedJohnIsner.ThegrouptouredWorldofCokeaswellastheCNNnewsroom,andalsospentanafternoonvolunteeringatBooksforAfricawithNewLookLeadershipAcademy.

USTA.comfeaturedablogwrittenbythecampers.NJTLofTrenton’sMartinSotoprovidedtheentryforJuly21:

Today,theNJTLkidsstartedoffthedaywithtwohoursoftennispractice.WetrainedwithEricaPerkinsandAmyBryant.ThenwetookacharterbustoBooksForAfricawhereweteamedupwithUsher’sNewLookLeadershipAcademycampers.Everyonewasdividedintogroupstosortboxesofnewandusedbooks.Onegroupevenemptiedawholebox.Weendedourvolunteerworkwithapictureandicecream.IpersonallylovedallthetennisdrillsthatwereprovidedbyAmyandErica.IlikedthevolunteerworksomuchIonlytooktwobreaksthewholetime!

Createdin1984toprovideaneducationalaswellasmotivationtennisexperienceforNJTLparticipantswhocouldnotaffordsuchanopportunity,thegoalofthecampistoprovideNJTLparticipantsachancetobepartofalifelastingtennisandsocialexperience.TheTLCisawonderfulopportunityforNJTLparticipantstoexperienceanintenseweekoftraining,emphasizingindividualskillsdevelopment,physicalfitness,propernutrition,goodsportsmanshipandotherhealthyattitudes.•

–CarrieRupp

Tennis Leadership Camp Heats up Atlanta


17

diversity

Over100kidscameouttoMercerCountyParkinWestWindsor,N.J.,onJuly20thforUSTAMiddleStates’NationalJuniorTennis&Learning(NJTL)KidsDay.TheparticipantscamefromsixdifferentNJTLchapters,andrangedinagefrom6to17yearsold.

ThechaptersinattendancewereNJTLofTrenton(Trenton,N.J.),CommunityIntegrationProgram(Yeadon,Pa.),BlackWomenInSportFoundation(Philadelphia),RodneyStreetTennis&TutoringAssociation(Wilmington,Del.),ArthurAsheYouthTennisandEducation(Philadelphia),andReadingParkandRecreationDepartmentNJTL(Reading,Pa.).

Musicwasplayingasthekidsarrivedatthecourts,andthedaystartedwithagroupdancetotheChaChaSlide.EachNJTLchapterwasthenmerged,anddividedintofourteams,sothetenniscompetitioncouldbegin.Thisformatallowedthekidstomeetchildrenfromotherchaptersacrossthesection.

MadisonCastillo,10,fromMorrisville,Pa.,participatesinNJTLofTrentonprogramming,andsaid,“Itisfuntointeractwitheveryone,meetnewpeople,andplaywithsomedifferentpeople.”

TheMayorofTrenton,TonyMack,wasinattendancetowatchhischildrenparticipate.TheyhavebeenplayingforthreeyearswiththeNJTLofTrenton.MayorMackexplainedthekindofimpactthiseventcanhaveonthechildrenparticipating,“It’saneverlastingeffect,

itexposesthemtosomethingtotallynewanddifferent.Itexposesthemtothecompetitivespiritofathleticsandteambuilding.It’sgreat.”

Theolderkids,ages10to17,competedindifferenttennisdrillsandgamestoearnpointsfortheirteam.Thegamesworkedongroundstrokes,volleys,andserves,whichallowedthekidstohavefunandworkontheirtechniquesatthesametime.Thecompetitionbetweenthefourteamsmadeeveryonetrytheirbestsothattheycouldhaveashotatbeingthebigwinners.

Theyoungerchildren,ages6to9,enjoyedinstructiononQuickStartTenniscourtsdoingrelays,races,anddrillsfocusedondifferenthand-eyecoordinationskills.Theseactivities

between sets

Tennis-A-Thon held in Pretzel CityDozensofchildrenparticipatedintheCityofReading’s(COR)Tennis-A-ThonheldinJulyattheHampdenParktenniscourtsinReading,Pa.Theevent,afundraiserfortheCity’stennisprogram,challenged

participantstohittennisballsmorethan25,000timescombined.MayorofReading,TomMcMahonevenstoppedbytheeventtotakethe25,000shotofthefundraiser.Becausethechildrenreachedthegoal,FromuthTennis(SpringTownship,Pa.)matchedallthedonationsraisedattheevent.ThemoneyraisedwillbeusedtosupporttheCity’stennisprogram,whichwasnamedtheUSTA’sNationalJuniorTennis&LearningchapteroftheYearin2009.•

werelessaboutcompetitionandmoreaboutmakingitanenjoyablelearningexperienceforthekids.Withthesmilesontheirfaces,itwasobviousthateveryonehadanincredibleday.

IbeliseSmith,17,ofWilmington,Del.,whoplayswiththeRodneyStreetNJTLchapter,explainedwhyshelovestennis,“It’sexhilaratingandexciting.It’snotjustahobby;it’sawayoflife.”

KidsDaywasagreatsuccessbecausethegroupsthatcameoutfortheeventwereexcitedtobethereandthekidswereexcitedtoplay.TheNJTLwantseverychildtohavetheopportunitytolearnandplaytennis,andKidsDayprovidedtheperfectopportunitytohelpthemreachtheirgoal.•

–StephaniePankiw

USTA Middle States NJTL

Kids Day a Success!


18

UST

A S

erve

s

Local NJTL’s Receive USTA Serves GrantsUSTAServes,thephilanthropicandcharitableentityoftheUnitedStatesTennisAssociation,awarded26grantsinits2010springfundingcycle,totaling$301,000.FouroftherecipientsareUSTAMiddleStatesorganizations.ArthurAsheYouthTennisandEducation,Inc.(Philadelphia,Pa.),BlackWomeninSportFoundation(Philadelphia,Pa.),KatieattheBat(Narberth,Pa.),andNJTLofTrenton(Trenton,N.J.)receivedgrants.

“USTAServesisexcitedtocontinueinvestingfinancialandotherresourcestohelpsupportorganizationsthatbelieveinthepowerfulcombinationoftennisandeducationtohelpchangelives.Weapplaudtheexpertise,commitmentandpassionfortennisandeducationthattheseorganizationshaveshowntochildrenandpeoplewithdisabilitieswhomtheyserve,”saidDeborahSlanerLarkin,ExecutiveDirector,USTAServes.“Ourgoalistosupportasmanyprogramsaspossibleandwelookforwardtoournextgrantcyclewhenwe’llhearfromevenmoreprograms.”•

between sets

Novickalsotakesprideingivingbacktothecommunity,whichhedoesbyrunningatennisclinicforkids.Novicksaysthatmanyofthosewhohecoachesarenotasexposedtothegame,adding,“Iwanttosharetenniswithotherpeople,andhelppeoplelovethesportasmuchasIdo.”

The2011USTAServesCollegeScholarshipapplicationwillbeavailableinNovember.Tolearnmore,visit:www.usta.com/foundation.•

-KateMcLain

USTA Serves Scholarships Awarded to Middle States Student-Athletes

USTAMiddleStatesispleasedtoannouncethattwosectionplayers,MaxRubinandJoelNovick,

havereceivedcollegescholarshipsfortheupcomingschoolyear.RubinandNovickaretwoof70highschoolseniorsnationwidewhowereawardedcollegescholarshipsbyUSTAServes,theNationalCharitableFoundationofUSTA.Scholarshipstotaling$398,000weregrantedtostudentswhohavedemonstratedacommitmenttotennisthroughUSTAandotheryouthtennisprograms,aswellasexhibitedacademicexcellencethroughouttheirhighschoolcareer.

Rubin,18,aresidentofCherryHill,N.J.,wasawardedtheEveKraftEducationandScholarshipAward.Onemaleandonefemalenationwideareselectedforthe$2,500award,whichhonorstherecipients’successesonthecourtandintheclassroom,aswellascommunityserviceinvolvement.

Inthefall,RubinwillattendDuquesneUniversityinPittsburgh,Pa.Althoughthecollegeselectionprocesswaschallenging,aftervisitingfourorfivechools,RubinsaidofDuquesne,“ThesecondIgotthere,Iknewitwastheplaceforme.”

Sincepickinguparacketatagethree,tennishasbeenasignificantpartofRubin’slifeandshapedhimasaperson.Afterplayinginjuniortournamentsthroughouthisyouth,Rubinknewthattenniswassomethinghewantedtopursueandplayincollege.HesaysthathefeltanimmediateconnectionwiththeDuquesneteam,andisverymuchlookingforwardtotheseason.

Outsideoftennis,Rubinisconsideringamajorinelementaryeducationorpublic

relations.ToreceivethescholarshipisanhonorforRubin,whosays,“MywholelifeIhavebeeninvolvedwithUSTA,soitsamazingtoberecognizedbythem.”

Novick,fromCapeMayCourtHouse,N.J.,wasselectedfortheUSTAServesCollegeEducationScholarship.The$6,000scholarshipisawardedto56studentsnationwidewhohavedemonstratedsuperioracademicachievement,acommitmenttocommunityservice,andactiveparticipationintennisprograms.Hesaysoftheaward,“Itmeanseverything.Tohelpfurthermyeducationandtohelpfinanceitthroughtennisisawesome.I’mreallygrateful.”

Novick,18,isagraduateofMiddleTownshipHighSchoolandhasenrolledatFranklin&MarshallCollege(F&M)inLancaster,Pa.HisdecisiontoattendF&Mwaslargelybecausehewouldbeabletoplaytennis,aswellasthehighcaliberoftheliberalartseducation.

Afterasecondattemptpickingupthesportinhisfreshmanyearofhighschool,Novick’sgoalwasmerelytomaketheteam.Hefarsurpassedhisgoal,andendedupplayingNo.3singlesonthevarsitysquad,andwastheNo.1singlesplayertheremainingthreeyearsontheteam.Infact,theteamatMiddleTownshipHighSchoolisafamilyaffair–Novick’stwinbrothersplayintheNo.2andNo.3singlesspots.

Joel Novick

Max Rubin


Turning to Tennis

19

Junior Competition

Abby Walls

Attend the Camp of Your Dreams TheUSTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)juniortenniscampscholarshipprogramprovidesanopportunityfordeservingjuniorstoattendtopnotchtenniscamps.Scholarshipsaredonatedbysomeofthesection’sbestcampsandinstructorsforbothdayandovernightsessions.TheprogramisopentoallUSTAMSmembers18yearsofageandunderwhodonotholdasectionranking.Scholarshipwinnerswillbematchedwithacampbasedonpreferenceandlocation.Thescholarshipisforplayerswhomaynotbeabletoattendasummertenniscampotherwise.Proofoffinancialneedisrequiredaswellasaletterofrecommendation.

TheapplicationdeadlinetoparticipateintheprogramaseitheraplayerattendingorasacampdonatingascholarshipisApril30.FormoreinformationcheckouttheTennisCampScholarshipspageundertheJuniorstabonwww.middlestates.usta.comore-mailKittyPerrinatPerrin@ms.usta.com.

JohnandSueWallsofMcDonald,Pa.,weren’tsurewheretoturnwhentheiryoungestdaughter,Abby,wasforced

togiveupasportsheloved.Likemanyyoungstersacrossthecountry,Abbyspentherweekendscompetinginalocalclubsoccerleaguewherethestandoutplayerimprovedleapsandboundseachyear.

However,beforeshereachedher10thbirthdayAbbywasforcedtothesidelinesaftersufferingaseriousconcussiononthepitch.Attheadviceofdoctors,Abbywaspersuadedtotryherhandatadifferentrecreationalactivity,onewithlesscontact.Shewassteeredtotennis.

“IknewifItriedIcouldputmypassionforsoccerintoanothersport,”saidthenow12-year-oldAbby.“ThefirsttimemyracquetmadecontactwiththeballIknewitwasasportforme.”

Withherinterestinthesportgrowing,AbbybeganparticipatinginclinicsatthelocalNorthFayetteParksandRecreationwhereshebeganbuildingastrongfoundationfortennis.

Armedwithagrowingpassionforthesportaswell,JohntooktotheinternettofindoutmoreaboutUSTAandopportunitiesforAbby.Whathefoundwassomethingtheycouldn’tpassup:theUSTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)summercampscholarshipprogram.WithsupportfromareacampsandinstructorsUSTAMSdevelopedaprogramwheredeservingjuniorscanattendtopsummercamps.Overtheyears,hundredsofplayershavebeenabletoimprovetheirconfidenceandtheirgameatthesecampsincludingAbbywhowasawardedascholarshiptoanAdidasTennisCampinJuneatnearbyShadySideAcademyinPittsburgh.

“Thecampwashelpfultoherdevelopment,”saidJohn.“Wesawherimproveeverydayandshenotonlygainedconfidence,butabetterunderstandingofthegame.”

AbbyhopestobuildonthemomentumfromcampbyparticipatinginfutureUSTAtournaments.ShecurrentlyparticipatesinateamtennisprogramatNorthFayettewithafewmatchesagainstotherlocalcommunities.

Determinedtonothavehermisstheteamexperiencefromsoccer,JohnwiththehelpofDanPrint,atennisproattheWesternAreaYMCAinCoraopolis,Pa.,andBobBrozovichfromNothFayette,formedWest

AlleghenyTennis.TheconceptofWestAlleghenyistooffermoretrainingforlocalhighschoolplayersandstartafeederprogramtodeveloptennisinthecommunity.JohnanticipatestheprogramfosteringthegrowthofaUSTAJr.TeamTennisleagueastheplayersgetalittlestronger.

“Therecertainlyisalevelofexcitementinthecommunitywithboththeexistingandnewtennisparents,”saidJohn,whobelievestheinclusivenessofthesportwillcontinuetogrowtheprogramming.“Coachesdecisionsonwhoplaysseemtobetakenoutoftheequationwithtennisespeciallywithteamtennis.WeknewAbbyneededasafesporttoplayandtennisissomethingshecanturntoforalifetime.”•

–NathanielHarrison

between sets

Pittsburgh’s Fratangelo Captures National ChampionshipBjornFratangelo(Plum,Pa.)wascrownedchampionattheUSTABoys’18NationalClayCourtChampionshipattheDelrayBeachTennisCenterinDelrayBeach,Fla.,inJuly.Fratangelo,whotrainsattheUSTANationalTrainingCenterinBocaRaton,Fla.,defeatedunseededAlexiosHalebian(Glendale,Calif.)6-4,7-5.Fratangelo,whoturned17duringtheevent,enteredthetournamentastheNo.1seedandsolidifiedhisrankingastheNo.1playerintheUSTABoys’18NationalStandings.Healmostmadeitadouble,reachingthedoublesfinalastheNo.2seedwithNathanPasha,losingtothetop-seededteamofEmmettEggerandShaneVinsant6-0,3-2,ret.(ill).ThewinisoneofthreemajoraccomplishmentsforFratangeloin2010.HecapturedtheUSTABoys’18SpringNationalChampionshipinMobile,Ala.,inMarchandalsotheInternationalTennisFederation(ITF)EasterBowlinRanchoMirage,Calif.,inApril.ThePittsburghareanativeisnostrangertotheDelrayBeachtournamenthavingcapturedtheBoys’16crownin2009.•

PhotocourtesyofDaveKenas


20

Jr. T

eam

Ten

nis

Jr.TeamTennis(JTT)DistrictChampionshipswereheldacrosstheUSTAMiddleStatessectionthroughouttheweeksofJuly.Over75

teamscompetedindistrictchampionships,andplayersfromeachteambroughtauniquepassionforthegame.Althoughtennisisasport

thatisenjoyedbyallages,thereasonspeopleplaytranscendsgenerations.Weaskedyoungplayerswhattheylovemost

abouttennisandcompetinginJTT,andtheanswerswereascaptivatingasthematchesthemselves!

–KateMcLain&StephaniePankiw

For the Love oF the Game

Sean Swerneyage 18 Hometown Franklinville, N.J. team Comets

“It’s a personal thing, my grandpa, who is no longer with us, taught my dad how to play and then me, so it’s a family thing for me. I want to carry on the tradition.”

maddie Fortnaage 13 Hometown Lebanon, Pa. team Crazy eights

“You get to hang out with people you usually play against in tournaments. It’s nice to be teammates with them, and not actually competing against them.”

mattHew ScHwartzage 12 Hometown Chester Springs, Pa. team LmS

“You are always moving and never standing on the court.”

Karlyn Smallage 14 Hometown Phoenixville, Pa. team Phoenetix aces

“the game has manners. everyone is polite and it teaches you how to be chivalrous.”

emily trudoage 12 Hometown marlton, N.J. team top Spin

“that’s a tough one! I like playing with my team and getting better, and then trying really hard and succeeding.”

ian irizarryage 18 Hometown Beverley, N.J. team Willingboro Wreckers

“I love tennis because you have to work hard and try to keep focused, it’s a great all around sport, and it keeps you together.”

KelSey Stubblebineage 11

Hometown richland, Pa. team eLCo

“Seeing friends play, meeting new friends, and just having fun playing the sport.”

niKita SHulKaage 14 Hometown Cherry hill, N.J. team Big Bang

“It’s a good chance to make friends from different places, and you have to rely on yourself to be better.”


21

Jr. Team Tennis

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ThisisonlythesecondyeartheUSTAMiddleStatesJr.TeamTennis(JTT)SectionChampionships

hasincludedthe12&Udivision,butithasalreadyproventobeabeneficialadditiontotheJTTprogram.KetanGoculdasandBobMilleralongwiththreeothercoachesledteamsatthe2010Jr.TeamTennisSectionChampionshipheldAugust4-6attheMercerCountyTennisFacilityinWestWindsor,N.J.Goculdas,coachofRisingStars,returnedafterhavingwonthe12&USectionTournamentlastyear.Miller,newtothetournament,broughthissquadofyoungstersfromWisehavenTennisCenterin

York,Pa.,afterwinninglocallyattheCentralPADistrict(CPD)Championship.Bothcoachesofferedgreatpraiseforthenewestagedivision.

Goculdasfeelsthe12&Udivisionhashelpedtoleveltheplayingfield.Beforethedivisionwascreated,manyofhisyoungerplayerswereplayingup,ona14&Uteam.Nowthesechildrenaregiventheopportunitytoplaywithandagainstplayerstheirsameageandabilitylevel.Millernotedthedivisionhasadifferentdynamicthantheolderones,“Theenvironmentismorerelaxedmakingplayersfeelmoreatease.”Milleralsoemphasizedthatbeingpartofateam

asopposedtoplayingindividuallycreatesamoresupportiveatmosphere.Thisallowstheplayerstodeveloptheirskillsstep-by-step,facilitatedbytheopportunitytoadvancetoDistrictandSectionalChampionshipswheretheplayersareexposedtotoughercompetitionandthepropercustomsandethicsoftournamenttennis.Goculdasstated,“Kidswhocannotevenservetransitionintodominantplayers,it’sasanexcitingwayforchildrentogrowintogreattennisplayers.”

Millersharedastorythatperfectlyillustratesthe12&Udivision.BeforehisteambegancompetingintheCPDDistrictChampionshipinJuly,Millerdidnottellthemtherewasapossibilitytheycouldwinanysortofaward.Attheendofthetournament,histeamfinishedinfirstplace.AtDistrictsboth1stand2ndplaceteamsreceivemedals,andwhenthekidssawthemedalsandrealizedtheywerereceivingthem,theirfaceslitup.WhenthesecondplaceteamwasgiventheirmedalsWisehavenralliedbehindthemtoshowsupport.Bothgroupsofplayersfeltatruesenseofaccomplishmentandspenttimeshowingofftheirmedals.Thisisjustoneexampleofthewaythe12&Udivisiontrulyallowsaloveforthegameoftennistodevelopinafriendlyandfunenvironment.•

–StephanieFarris

12 & Under’s Thrive in Jr. Team Tennis


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WhenDelawareresidentJohnFinleygraduatedfromOtterbeinCollege

(Westerville,Ohio)withadegreeinsportsmedicineandlaterfromTheUniversityofNevada–LasVegaswithamaster’sinsportsadministration,hedidn’tdreamhiscareerwouldtakehimtoChina,Italy,Englandandmostrecently,Turkey.ButtheOhionative,whoiscurrentlytheHeadAthleticTraineratGoldey-BeacomCollege(Wilmington,Del.),hasgottentodojustthatthankstoaspecialrelationshiphecultivatedwithUSAWheelchairTennis.

InadditiontohispositionatGoldey-Beacom,FinleyhasworkedforanumberofteamsandinstitutionsincludingOklahomaStateUniversity,theKansasCityRoyals,CincinnatiRedsandNeumannCollege.ButitwasarareopportunitytobeapartofthemedicalstaffattheUnitedStatesOlympicTrainingCenter(ColoradoSprings,Col.)in2004thatintroducedFinleytoworkingwithdisabledathletes,forginghisrelationshipwithUSAWheelchairTennis.

Finley,whotraveledtotheOlympicTrainingCenterasavolunteer,workedwithboththeUSAWomen’sWheelchairBasketballteamandtheWomen’sSittingVolleyballteam.

“AtfirstIwascurious,”Finleysaid.“Whataretherulestothegames,howdidtheyendupinthechairs;IhadmanyquestionsIwantedtoaskbutIdidn’twanttosoundstupidorbetooinvasive.Icertainlydidn’twanttooffendanyoftheathletes.”

Finleysaidhedidn’thavetowaitlongtohavehisquestionsansweredasthewomenopeneduptohimabouttheirsportsandtheirindividualdisabilities,welcominghimimmediately.

HistimeinColoradoSpringsprovidedFinleywiththeinvaluableexperienceofworkinghands-onwithdisabledathletes,requiringhimtothinkoutsideofthenormalrealmofathletecare.

“Theseathletesareverycapableandareabletotakecareofthemselves,”Finleysaid.“Buttherearesomelimitationsthat

needtobeconsidered.I’velearnedthattheyoftenneedtoprovethattheyarecapableofdoingthingsbythemselves,butonceyouarepartofthegroup,theywillaskyouforhelp.Thereisafinelinebetweenhelpingandinsultingorpatronizing.”

Three-yearsafterhistimeinColoradoSprings,FinleyreceivedtheopportunitytotraveltotheParapanAmericanGamesinRiodeJaneiro,Brazilin2007.

Startedin1999,theParapanAmericanGamesisamulti-sportcompetition,heldeveryfouryears,forathleteswithphysicaldisabilities,fromtheCaribbean,CentralAmerica,SouthAmericaandNorthAmericaandisheldinconjunctionwiththePanAmericanGames.Finleywasassignedtowheelchairtennis.

Aself-proclaimed“casualtennisplayer”Finleyhadlittlepersonalexperienceplayingthesport,butwasagain,welcomedimmediatelyasapartofthe“team”.

“TheteamhadauniquepersonalityandIfitinwell,”Finleysaid.“Theywereagroupoflightheartedprankstersthatknewhowtohavefun.Atthesametime,whenitcametoplayingtennis,theywereverydedicatedtothesportandtowinning.”

Delaware Man Travels the World with USA Wheelchair Tennis

✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫ ✫

Jeremiah Yolkut (left), Team Manager, and John Finley (right).


23

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SincehistimeinBrazil,FinleyhasbeenanintegralpartofthesuccessofUSAWheelchairTennis.Hetakesprideinrepresentinghiscountry,servingasHeadAthleticTrainer,travelingwiththeteamonfouradditionaltrips–2008ParalympicGames,2008WorldTeamCup(WTC)and2009WTC.Mostrecently,hetraveledtoAntalya,Turkey,forthe2010WTC,whereTeamUSAtookgoldintheQuaddivision.

“They[QuadTeam]isthebestU.S.teamandexpectationsarealwayshighforthem.ThelasttwoyearsatWTCourQuadshavenotplayedwellandlostinthefinals.Itwasgreattofinallyseethemwinatitletheyverymuchdeserve,”Finleysaid.

AlthoughFinleydoesn’tknowifhe’llbe“calledtoduty”nextyeartoagaintravelwithTeamUSA,hewouldlovetocontinuethespecialrelationshiphe’sformed.

“IonlyseetheteamonceayearandalargepartofwhyIamthereisbusiness;butwiththatbeingsaid,itishardtospendsomuchtimewiththemandnotgainsomewonderfulfriendships,”Finleysaid.“EachoftheathleteshasanincrediblestorytotellandIunderstandthatispartofthehumaninterestfactor.However,thatoftenovershadowsthefactthattheyareworldclassathletes!AfterbeingaroundtheseathletesIhaveahardtimetalking

orthinkingofthemasdisabled.Theyaretrulyremarkableathletes.”

WorkingforTeamUSAhasbeenaninvaluableexperience;onethecurrentPresidentoftheDelawareAthleticTrainersAssociationconsidersaprivilege.WhileFinley’sprofessionaljourneyiscertainlynotslowingdownhenowuseshisexperiencesasawaytogivebacktotheprofessionthathasgivenhimsomuch.

“WhenIbeganmycareerIhadalwayshopedtoworkin

professionalsportsoratanOlympicGames,butIguessInevertrulybelieveditwouldcometrue,”Finleyadded.“NotonlyhaveIhadtheopportunitytoworkwithsomeofthegreatestathletesintheworldandtravelallovertheworld,Iamnowabletosharetheseexperiencesandlessonsandhelpmentorthefutureofathletictraining.Icouldn’taskformore.”•

–CarrieRupp

USTA MIDDLE STATES presents a

COMMUNITY TENNIS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPHelping Communities Grow and ConnectSaturday, October 30, 2010

* $25.00 per person for USTA Organization members. $75.00 per person for non-members.

A one-day workshop designed to generate discussion and new ideas on how you can grow your community tennis organization.

Discussion will focus on:

Partnering and Networking • Fundraising and GrantsMarketing Resources • USTA Programming

Workshop Fee $25.00 per person*

includes Continental Breakfast and LunchWorkshop Materials • Commemorative Gift

visit playtenniswithus.com for complete details

2010 gold-medal winning United States Quad Team

NETPLAY • FALL 2010 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected] • FALL 2010 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected]

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Mueller Wins US Open National PlayoffsFourmonthsago,thefirstplayerssteppedontothecourtsattheUSTABillieJeanKingNationalTennisCenterinFlushing,N.Y.,openingtheinauguralUSOpenNationalPlayoffsforthefirst-roundmatchesattheUSTAEasternSectionalQualifyingTournament.OnAugust1,withtheoriginalfieldof373womenhavingbeenwhittleddowntotwo,Abington,Pa.,native,AlexandraMueller,wasultimatelythelastwomanstanding.The22-year-oldMuellerdefeatedAlinaJidkova(BocaRaton,Fla.)inthefinalsoftheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs.

ForMueller,whoreadabouttheUSOpenNationalPlayoffsonUSTA.comandimmediatelysignedupfortheMiddleStatesSectionalQualifyingTournament(MercerCountyTennisFacility,June11-15),theAugust1finalrepresentedachancetotakeanotherstepforwardinacareerthatstarted

TwoUSTAMiddleStatesnativescompetedintheMen’sChampionshipoftheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs.PunchMaleka(KingofPrussia,Pa.)andKeithWhittingham(Erie,Pa.)weretwoofthe16menwhoqualifiedforthetournamentheldattheAtlantaAthleticClub,July22-25.Maleka,thewinneroftheMiddleStatesSectionalQualifyingTournament,lostinthefirstroundtothetop-seedandeventualtournamentchampionBlakeStrode.MalekawhosweptthroughtheMiddleStatesevent,grewupasasoccerplayerinSouthAfricabeforehisfatherurgedhimtofocusontennis.Malekaplayedprofessionalfrom1996to2005,risingtothecuspoftheTop600insinglesanddoublesin2000.HecurrentlyworksasatennisinstructoratanacademyinPennsylvaniaandisanaspiringmusicproducerandDJ.Whittingham,agraduateofMcDowellHighSchoolinErie,Pa.,felltothethirdseededOliverSajous.WhittinghamisarisingseniorandtheNo.1singlesanddoublesplayeratMercyhurstCollege,aDivisionIIprograminErie,Pa.Hewent12-2atNo.1singleslastyearandwasnamedfirstteamall-conference.WhittinghamadvancedtothefinaloftheUSTANorthernSectionalQualifyingTournamentwithoutdroppingasetbeforefallingtoTonyLarson.HeearnedaspotattheUSOpenNationalPlayoffwhenLarsonwasunabletocompeteattheMen’sChampionship.•

US Open National Playoffs 101WiththearrivaloftheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs,the2010USOpenwasofficially“open”forthefirsttimeever—meaninganyoneandeveryone14-and-over,regardlessofexperienceorplayingability,couldcompeteforaqualifyingwildcardandachanceatplayingintheshowcaseeventofAmericantennis.

TheUSOpenNationalPlayoffsoperatedasaseriesoftournaments—16sectionalqualifyingtournamentsleadingtotheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs–Men’sandWomen’sChampionships,withthemen’sandwomen’swinners,BlakeStrodeandAlexandraMueller,respectively,eachearningawildcardintotheUSOpenQualifyingTournamentheldAugust24-27attheUSTABillieJeanKingNationalTennisCenter,homeoftheUSOpen.

ThefirstphaseoftheinauguralUSOpenNationalPlayoffscametoacloseonJune26withthelastofthe16sectionalqualifyingtournaments.USTAMiddleStateshelditsevent,wonbyPunchMaleka(KingofPrussia,Pa.)andAlexandraMueller(Abington,Pa.)attheMercerCountyTennisCenter,June11-15.TheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs–Men’sChampionshipcommencedthesecondphaseandwasheldJuly22-25inconjunctionwiththeAtlantaTennisChampionships,anOlympusUSOpenSerieseventinAtlanta.TheUSOpenNationalPlayoffs–Women’sChampionshipwasheldJuly28–August1inconjunctionwiththeBankoftheWestClassic,anOlympusUSOpenSerieseventinStanford,Calif.,whereUSTAMiddleStates’ownAlexandraMuellerwontheinauguraltitle.•

withawildcardintothe2004USOpenQualifyingTournamentandhasseenherwinthreeUSTAProCircuittitlesin2010.

MuellersoundlydefeatedJidkova,6-0,6-3,inthestadiumcourtoftheTaubeFamilyTennisCenteratStanfordUniversitytowintheWomen’sChampionshipandearnherselfatriptoFlushingMeadows,whereshehasnotplayedsincereceivingadoubleswildcardin2007.

Mueller,whohassaidsheisplayingthebesttennisofhercareer,cameoutfiringonallcylindersinthefinal.ShebrokeJidkovatoopenthematchandneverlookedback,recordingthreebreaksofservewhilerarelybeingpressuredonherown,winningthefirstset,6-0.Whilethesecondsetwasmorecompetitive,MuellerneverallowedJidkovatosettleintothematch,rippingoffforehandwinnerstobothcornersandpouringinservesthatreachedspeedsupto112mph,whichbestedtheservicespeedsofallthecompetitorsintheBankoftheWestClassicexcepttwo.Infact,Muellerwonanastonishing16of18pointsonherserveinthesecondset,whilebreakingJidkovatwicemoretorecorda6-0,6-3wininjustover50minutes.

Afterthematch,Muellersaid,“Ijustplayedreallywelltoday.Ihadasolidgameplancomingin,andIwasabletoexecuteit.I’dliketothanktheUSTAforholdingthistournamentandforthisincredibleopportunitytoplayattheUSOpen.”AskedaboutthedifferenceinhermindsetsinceherlasttriptotheOpen,Muellerresponded,“Well,thatwassixyearsago,soI’malotmorematurenow,bothmentallyandphysically.Tobeabletohavethischancetogobackreallyisamazing!”

Mueller,whoiscurrentlyNo.447ontheSonyEricssonWTATour,willplayhernextsinglesmatchatthe2010USOpenQualifyingTournamentbeginningAugust24.•

Two Middle States Men Compete in Men’s Championship

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Alexandra Mueller

Keith Whittingham


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Big Summer for Peters Township’s RiskeAlisonRiske,19,qualifiedforWimbledon’smaindrawafterherbreakthroughperformanceattheAegonClassic(Birmingham,GreatBritain).ShebeatYaninaWickmayerofBelgiuminthequarterfinals,6-7(5),6-4,6-3,beforefallingtoMariaSharapova6-2,4-6,6-1inthesemifinals.PriortoherwinversusWickmayer,shedeafeatedAleksandraWozniakandAnnaChakvetadze.

AtWimbledon,Riskefoundherselfinafirst-roundrematchwithNo.15seedWickmayerfalling6-4,5-7,6-3.Riskewasranked146thintheworldbeforethematchand10thamongAmericanwomen.

RiskeplayedoneyearoftennisforPetersTownshipHighSchoolandwonthePennsylvaniaInterscholasticAthleticAssociation(PIAA)andtheWesternPennsylvaniaInterscholasticAthleticLeague(WPIAL)ClassAAAsinglestitlesaswellasaPIAAteamtitlein2006.ShehadascholarshiptoVanderbiltbutturneditdowntoplayprofessionally.ShewontheNationalCollegiateClayCourtChampionshipsin2007,whichearnedherthechancetoplayinthe2007U.S.Open.•

Philadelphia Native Wows at $25,000 EventJuliaCohen(Philadelphia)battledherwaytoachampionshipatthe$25,000WOWTennisChallengerinWaterloo,Canada.Cohen,whoreachedthesemi-finalsofthetournamentin2009,defeatedFatmaAlNabhanifromOman,1-6,7-5,7-5.Cohen,ranked182,hastravelledto15countriesandplayedin23tournaments,includingthequalifyingtournamentsattheFrenchOpenandWimbledonsincethestartoftheyear.•

Alison Riske

Julia Cohen

PhotocourtesyofUSTACommunications


save the date…USPTA MIDDLE STATES CONFERENCEFEBRUARY 4-5, 2011 HEMPFIELD REC & FOUR SEASONS GOLF BANQUET FACILITIES • LANDISVILLE, PA

Investing In YourselfUpgrade Testing, World Class Workshops, Specialty Courses, Tracs for Teaching Pro’s and Coaches, Social with Live Band

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FOLLOw US ON FACEBOOk! Become a fan of USPTA Middle States for latest events, news and photos.

For more information on the conference or USPTA Middle States offerings contact: [email protected] or 610.730.0442

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USPTA MIDDLE STATES 2010 TENNIS AwARDS

From left to right: Hall of Fame, Ed Garcia; High School Coach of the Year, Rose Weinstein; Pro of the Year, Andy Findlay (Ben Zislis accepted award for Andy); Norman Bramall Service Award, Anthony J. DeCecco, Jr.; College Coach of the Year, Suresh Ramamurthi; Rookie of the Year, Joao Marcelo Pinho


27

Professional Tennis

between sets

Novo Nordisk Donnelly Presents Scholarships to Two Lancaster Co. NativesManheim,Pa.,nativeMelanieNolt,19,receiveda$5,000scholarshipandthehonorof2010NovoNordiskDonnellyAwardnationalrecipient.Noltjoinedtheothernationalwinner,KelseyAhoofMarietta,Ga.,inNewYorkCitywherethetwoyoungwomenreceivedtheirawardsathalftimeoftheNewYorkSportimesmatchversusthePhiladelphiaFreedomsonJuly14.

NoltwasdiagnosedwithType1diabetesattheageof16.SherecentlycompletedherfreshmanyearatWilkesUniversity,playingNo.1singlesanddoubles,leadingherteamtoaperfect8-0recordandaregionalrankofNo.12.ShewasthefirstplayerinWilkestennishistorytoachievearegionalrankinginsingleswhileremainingundefeatedinsinglesanddoublesintheconference.ShereceivedFirstTeamAll-FreedomConferencehonorsaswellasbeingnamedPlayeroftheYear.•

Award namesakes Diane Donnelly Stone and Tracey Donnelly Maltby with 2010 Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award recipients Melanie Nolt of Manheim, Pa., and Kelsey Aho of Marietta, Ga., along with Per Falk of Novo Nordisk and WTT co-founder Billie Jean King.

ThePhiladelphiaFreedomscappedoffanotherexcitingseasonofWorldTeamTennis(WTT)thissummer.

TheFreedoms,whofinishedtheseason6-8,heldhomematchesthroughoutthemonthofJulyatthePavilionatVillanovaUniversity(Villanova,Pa).

USTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)wasproudtosponsortheevent,astheFreedomscelebratedtheir10thseasoninPhiladelphia.Theschedulefeaturedseveralworld-classplayersincludingAndyRoddick,VenusWilliams,MartinaHingis,andAnnaKournikova.

TheseasonwasagreatopportunityforUSTAMStogrowthegameoftennisbycapitalizingontheexcitementandinterestintennisatWTTevents.ThesectionpromotedmembershipateachmatchinordertocommunicatethebenefitsofjoiningUSTA.Manymemberschoosetorenewtheirmemberships,andtheMiddleStateswelcomedseveralnewmemberstothecommunityduringtheweeksofWTT.

Atthefinalhomematch,USTAMSmemberswerehonoredataMemberAppreciationNight.Thoseinattendancereceivedagiftbagandcomplimentaryfoodanddrinkspriortothestartofthematch.Guestswerealsojoinedbytennisstar,MartinaHingis,whoheldaspecialQ&Asession.Theeventwasaperfectopportunityformemberstoconnectwithfellowtennisplayersandfriends.

Asidefromhighlightingmembership,MiddleStatespromotedQuickStartTennis

(QST)atWTT.AQSTcourtwasfeaturedinsidethePavilionthreeofthenightstogiveyoungstersachancetolearnthegame.USTAMSTennisServiceRepresentativeswerejoinedbytennisprosfromaroundtheareawhoguidedchildrenoncourt.

TwodistinguishedtennisstarsassistedwithQSTclinicsduringWTT.OnJuly12th,BillieJeanKing,aco-founderofWTT,coachedagroupofeageryoungplayersalongwithprosfromtheFrogHollowRacquetClub.Thetennislegend’sinvolvementwasawonderfuladditiontoKidsNightatWTT.InadditiontoKing,

Growing the Game through World TeamTennisAnnaKournikovaranatennisclinicbeforehermatchagainsttheFreedomsonJuly20th.Kournikovavolleyedwithplayersandtaughtmechanicstothegroupofaspiringtennisplayers.

USTAMSisproudtobeinvolvedwithWTTinajointefforttogrowthesport.MarlynnOrlando,ExecutiveDirectorofUSTAMSsays,“Wearesothrilledtohaveprofessionaltennisinoursection,andourcontinuedpartnershipwiththeFreedomsallowsustoconnectwithmemberswhileenjoyingthebenefitsofworld-classtennis.”•

–KateMcLain&StephaniePankiw


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FeaturingexpertguestpresentationsbyDanGlatzandBobSturm,theAlleghenyMountainDistrict(AMD)AdvancedCompetitionTrainingCenter(ACTC),apartoftheUSTAMiddleStates(USTAMS)PlayerDevelopmentprogram,completedthe2010programserving45oftheDistrict’soutstandingjuniorplayersages14-17.

Duringthethree6-hoursessions,severalmini-tournamentswereheld.AttheJuly24th,season-endingsession,heldatKahkwaCountryClub(Erie,Pa.)teammatchplayresultedinteam“Danzaseno”finishingfirst.Teammembersincluded:HankHill,PeterHazlett,MitchKreider,MarioNicolia,and

NickReese.Finishingaclosesecondwas“Panchos”(teamincluded:AlexBrzozowski,CalebKramer,BrandonDall,DomD’Amico,andDarajaHill)andthirdwas“Sketchers”(teamincluded:BradCisek,TracyGibson,CJJiuliante,JonPerkins,andNickWard).

“PlayingunderpressurewithverygoodplayersmadetheACTCbeneficialforme,”noted15-year-oldDarajaHill(Erie,Pa.).“Ithelpedmeworkonhigh-levelconsistencyandplayingonclayin90degreeheat.”

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AMD Successfully Launches Advanced Training Center for Juniors

Inadditiontothetennisinstructionandplay,specialguestsGlatzandSturmgavepresentations.Glatz,aphysicaltherapist,exercisephysiologistandathletictrainergaveapresentationentitled:‘StabilityandMobility’.Heexplainedcoretrunkmobilityanditsimportanceincreatingpowerandlimitinginjuries.Sturm’sseminartobothparentsandparticipants,entitled:‘ImprovingYourConfidence’wasappealingandenlightening.HeexplainedhowtofindyourIdealPerformanceState(IPS),playinghappy,anderasingbadmemories.SturmisaprofessoremeritusatMercyhurstCollegeandPennState–Erie.

Currently,therearemanyACTCsofferinglowcost,highleveltrainingtothebestplayerswithinageographicarea;thistypeofUSTAsupportedtrainingservesassupplemental

trainingforcompetitiveplayers.Theprogramisnotdesignedtoreplace

theplayers’existingcoachingprogram,buttoprovideadditionalknowledgeandmatchopportunitiesinafun,teamenvironment.ACTC’sofferamixtureofcompetitionandmatch-

play,drills,fitness,strategy,skilldevelopment,andsports

scienceinformation.

HankHughes,Mt.LebanonTennisCenterandAndyFindlay,USTAMSTennis

ServiceRepresentativeandPennbriarAthleticClub,headedthecoachingteam,whichalsoincludedAMDcoachesKristyBorza,ChrisCanady,JackieHughes,JacquelinePayne,RaulRaymundo,andPatHealy.

DebbieHazlettinitiatedthisprogramin2009andcontinuedasadministratorthissummer.Facilitieshostingthetrainingsincluded:Mt.LebanonTennisCenter,GlenCreekTennisClub,OxfordAthleticClub–WexfordandKahkwaCountryClub.•

–AndyFindlay

Atotalof42players,aDistrictrecord,competedonfourJr.TeamTennis(JTT)teamsinAlleghenyMountainthissummer.ThreeteamsadvancedtotheMiddleStatesJr.TeamTennisSectionChampionshipsAugust4-6atMercerCountyParkinWestWindsor,N.J.TeamsadvancingtotheSectionChampionshipwere:Wheeling-PittsburghSteel,18&underAdvanced;HeadHunters,

14&underAdvanced;andSERVE-IVORS,14&underAdvanced.TheHeadHuntersdominantlydefendedits2009SectionChampionshiptitlewitha2010victoryandareturntriptothe2010JTTNationalChampionships.Theteamincludes:AbbyCummings,HannahFamili,PeterHazlett,KylieIsaacs,ElizabethKollah,SaraKomer,CalebKramer,MitchellKreider,JackieMcDermott,andJonathanPerkins.

ChampionoftheAlleghenyMountainDistrict(AMD)SpringLeaguewas:Wheeling-PittsburghSteel.TheteamboastedPittsburghareaplayersMikaylaBecich,TiffanyKollah,RossMolinaro,AmyO’Donnell,BrettO’Donnell,andWillieSuhriewhojoinedforceswithWheelingplayersJamesLong,AndrewMarczak,MorganMcDermott,ToddMuldrew,andC.J.Petrini.

Matchformatincludedoneboys’doubles,onegirls’doubles,oneboy’ssingles,onegirl’ssinglesandtwomixeddoubles.MatcheswerescheduledSunday-Thursdayeveningstoavoidconflictwithtournamentschedules.MatcheswereheldatLakevueAthleticClub,Mt.LebanonTennisCenter,OglebayTennisCenter,andOxfordAthleticClub.ADistrictChampionshipwasheldonJuly15atMt.LebanonTennisCenterwiththreeteams,HeadHunters,LakevueKids,andSERVE-IVORSparticipating.

Wheeling-PittsburghwascoachedbyGregMcDermott,HeadHuntersbyDebbieHazlett,LakevueKidsbyLisaGloningerandSERVE-IVORSbyLynnMcCabe.•

The Head Hunters won the 14 & under Advanced division at the 2009 and 2010 Middle States Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.

The 2010 Advanced Competition Training Center participants.

Jr. Team Tennis Draws 42 Players

Jonathan Perkins


29

Central PA d

istrictMetzger OpenThe18thAnnualWilliamH.MetzgerPennsylvaniaStateClayCourtOpenwasheldinHarrisburg,Pa.,inJuneandwaswonbyRomanBorvanov(Portland,Ore.).Borvanov,thetournament’sNo.2seeddefeatedtheNo.1seedand2008MetzgerOpenChampionship,MarcusSarstrand(Spartanburg,S.C.).BothBorvanov(Moldova)andSarstrand(Sweden)haveplayedDavisCupfortheirrespectivecountries.Thetournament,whichwaspresentedbyPremierEyeCareGroup,featuredaKid’sDaycelebrationwithformertennisprosLukeJensenandRickLeach.JensenandLeachconductedatennisclinicutilizingtheQuickStartTennisformatofplay.MetzgerOpent-shirtsweresoldthroughoutthetournamentasafundraiserfortheCysticFibrosisFoundation.Morethan$1,000wasraised.

The3rdAnnualRallyfortheCureWomen’sDoublesTennisClassicwasheldonJune5attheWestShoreTennisClubin

Mechanicsburg,Pa.RallyfortheCureisagrassrootsprogramthatworkstospreadawarenessaboutbreasthealthandbreastcancerinsupportofSusanG.KomenfortheCure®throughvolunteerorganizedgolf,tennisandsocialevents.

L.B.SmithofLemoyne,Pa.,andWestShoreTennisClubofMechanicsburg

werethisyear’smainsponsors.Alongwiththe24participants,therewerevendors,silentauctionitems,themedgiftbaskets,andacommunitynightfundraiserheldatIsaac’sRestaurant.Thisyear’sRallyfortheCureeventraisedanddonatedover$3,000

fortheSusanG.KomenFoundation.

Can CrazyParticipantsfromtheHempfieldAreaRecreationCenter’s(HARC)summerNationalJuniorTennis&Learning(NJTL)recreationprogramtookpartinafunartcontestturningordinarytenniscansintoworksofart!Thiswasthethirdyearforthe“tennisballcandecorating”contestand

nearly50childrensubmittedentries.“Thechildrenwereeachgivenatennisballcantotransform,andtheycertainlydid,”saidWilsonPipkin,HARCDirectorofTennis.“Theskywasthelimitwiththeartwork.Theyalldidawonderfuljob.”Theworksofart,whichincludedameatballsub,apurse,octopus,aquarium,lighthouseandcookiejar,weredisplayedinthelobbyofHARCwhereclubmembersvoted

fortheirfavoritesinthreecategories:mostcreative,mosttennisinspiredandbestofshow!Thethreewinners,whichwereannouncedattheNJTLJamboree,were:Sunflower(BestinShow),TennisCourt(BestTennisInspired),MeatballSubandPurse(tiedforMostCreative).Morethan200kidsparticipateinthesummerNJTLprogramwhichrunsfromJune22toJuly30atfourdifferentsites,HARC,EastPetersburgCommunityPark,MountvilleCommunityParkandAmosHerrPark.•

Rally for the Cure® Event Held in Mechanicsburg“EventhoughwewerenotabletohosttheeventoutsideatNegleyParkthisyear,weweresofortunatetohavetheWestShoreTennisClubasanalternatelocationasPlanB,”saidSuzyAtkins,acommitteememberfortheRally.“Everyoneseemedtohaveagreattime–obviouslytheraindidn’tdampenanyone’sspirit!”

ThemissionofRallyfortheCureistoempowerpeopletojointhefightagainstbreastcancerbyprovidingaplatformforthemtoeducatetheirfamily,friendsandcommunityontheimportanceofearlydetectionthroughanactivitytheyarepassionateabout.

TohostaRallyeventofyourowncall800.327.6811orvisit:www.rallyforthecure.com.•


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Morethan40volunteersarrivedindowntownWilmington,Del.,onMay21tointroducemorethan800at-riskyouthtotennisatthe16thannualTennisintheStreetscelebration.Eightminitenniscourtswereset-upononenarrowblockinfrontoftheHotelDuPont.Hundredsofkidslineduptogivetennisatryasvolunteersfedballs,shoutedwordsofencouragementandhandedoutprizes.TheeventishostedbytheCityofWilmingtonParksandRecreationinpartnershipwiththeUSPTADelawareandUSTADelawareDistrict.ShawnBaker,RecreationProgramCoordinatorfortheCityofWilmingtonsaid,“TennisintheStreets2010wasahugesuccess.Agoodtimewashadbyall.Thiswasthebesteventyet!”•

Kournikova Shares Tennis Tips with YoungstersOnJuly22,AnnaKournikova,aformerNo.1doublesplayer,participatedinafreetennisclinicforyoungstersattheDuPontCountryClub.About100children,including8-year-oldImaniLewis(pictured),showedupfortheopportunitytomeetKournikova,getsometennistips,andalsoherautograph.Despitetheheat,Kournikovaneverstoppedsmilingasshespenttimewiththeparticipantsandsignedballsandt-shirts.WorldTeamTennis(WTT)andthePhiladelphiaFreedomssponsoredtheeventaspartoftheWTTDelawareCommunityTennisWeek.Atfirstthechildrenseemedshy,butKournikovabroketheicebysteppingrightinandguidingthemwhiletheyhitforehandsandbackhands.Astheeventwasending,shespontaneouslyhuggedoneoftheyoungestboyswholookedstar-struckasshewalkedaway.•

Never a Dull Moment at Special Olympics TennisFirstyouneedtoseehowmanyballsinarowyoucanbouncewithyourracquet;thenhowmanyyoucankeepintheair.Next,howmanyvolleysyoucanhitinsidethelineandfinally,howmanyforehandsyoucanhitoverthenet.Then,ifyouarereallyserious,youplayamatch.ThisistheroutineattheannualSpecialOlympicsSummerGamesTenniseventheldattheUniversityofDelaware.Theskilleventsandmatchplayarechallengingsincemanyarejustlearningthegameandparticipantsfocusintenselyondoingtheirbest.Medalsareawardedtothetopwinnersineachcategoryandmanyareproudoftheirachievementsandexcitedtogettheirmedalsfromauniformedpoliceofficer.Thisyeartherewereover50participantsand50volunteers.Noonecomplainedabouttheheatsinceeveryonewasfocusedonhavingfun.•

Wilmington Embraces 16th Annual Tennis in the Streets

2010 Tennis in the Streets Volunteers

Left-right: Adriana Cairns, Ashlie Lake, and Ashley Tieste proudly show off their medals for tennis skills.


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Notable AccomplishmentsJeffBirowasnamed2010TennisCoachoftheYearbyTheMorningCall.TheAllentownCentralCatholicHighSchoolcoachledhisteamtothebestseasonindecades,whentheboy’steamfinishedsecondintheDistrict11AAdivision.“Thekeyisthequalityofourstudentathletes,”saidBiro.“Westresstwothings:goodeffortandgoodattitude.”

MisericordiaUniversity’sAbbySearfossreceievedwomen’stennisAll-FreedomConferencehonors.Searfoss,asenior,wasafirst-teamselection.TheNorthamptonHighSchoolgraduate,went13-7inthefirstsinglesspotandhada14-9markindoublesplay.AfteradvancingoutofthefirstroundofsinglesplayattheMACIndividualChampionships,sheteamedwithAshleyMangabangtomakearunallthewaytothefinalsofthefirstdoublescompetition.SearfosswasinstrumentalinhelpingtheCougarstotheirsecondconsecutiveappearanceintheFreedomConferencechampionshipgameasMUdefeatedKing’s5-0inthesemifinals.ShewasMisericordia’sTeamMVP.

FormerParklandHighSchooltennisplayerHaleyLesavoyreceivedtheLoreenArbus$10,000FocusonDisabilityScholarshipgivenbyTheAllianceforWomeninMediaFoundation.Heraward-winningPSAtellsthestoryofdisabilityinAmerica,thesocietalchangeseffectedbytheAmericanswith

DisabilitiesAct(ADA)thathaveenabledthemtobecomemoreindependentandself-sufficient,andtheremarkablecontributionsAmericanswithdisabilitieshavemade.ThecurrentGeorgeWashingtonUniversitystudentstartedplayingtenniswithmomLaurie,aWilliamAllenHighSchoolgraduate.ShetooklessonsatWestendRacquetClubinAllentown,andwasaUSTAtournamentregular.•

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TheAmericanHeartAssociation(AHA)iscommittedtostoppingtheincreaseinchildhoodobesityby2010andreversingthetrend–puttingallyoungpeopleonaroadtogoodadulthealth–by2015.TheHealthKids/HealthyFamiliesSeries,createdbytheAHALehighValleychapterwascreatedtoprovideawarenessoftheepidemicofchildhoodobesityandofferwaystomakechangestohelpensurethattoday’sgenerationofyouthgrowstobeoneofthehealthiest.Theseriesboastedthreespecialeventsincluding:“C’mon,GetHealthy”attheLehighValleyMallonJanuary16,theLehighValleyRoadrunnersKidsRunonApril24andtheHealthyFamiliesTrainingCamponAugust28atCoca-ColaPark.

A Caring CommunityThePoconoMedicalCenterGolf&TennisTournamentwasheldatBuckHillCountryClubonJune7.Theeventraisednearly$40,000forthePoconoHealthFoundationandthechildrenwhoareservedbytheClementineAbeloffCommunityHealthCenter.

The37thBoutiqueattheRinkwasheldJune2-5atIllick’sMillRinkinBethlehem.TheproceedsfromthiseventarealldonatedtoorganizationsorfacilitiesthatprovideservicestoLehighValleycancerpatientsandtheirfamilies.AspartoftheBoutique,whichsellsclothingandvariousotheritemsdonatedbymembersofthecommunity,arafflewasheld.WinningTouchTennisofLehighValleyandtheBethlehemForceEPDtennisteamdonated”ABasketofTennisPotpourri…”filledwithitemsallrelatedtotennis,includingagiftcertificatedonatedbyWinningTouchTennisandotheritemsdonatedbyBethForceteammembers.ThisyeartheBoutiqueraisedmorethan$124,000forcancerservicesintheLehighValley.•

Visit www.epdtennis.com for additional stories, photos and happenings!

TheAHApartneredwiththeIronPigsandothercommunityleadersatCoca-ColaParktoprovideafunwaytoeducateandmotivatefamiliestobecomehealthiertogether.TheHealthyFamiliesTrainingcamppromotedphysicalactivityandheart-healthylivinginafun,family-friendlyenvironmentandfeaturedaphotobooth,mascotappearance,nutritioncounseling,healthscreenings,

andhands-oncookingclassesforchildren,physicalactivities,

ahealthyfunwheel,CPRstation,an‘AsktheDoctor’station,exercisedemosandme.Alsoonsite,childrenhadtheopportunitytotrytennisaslocaltennisinstructorspromotedthesportusingtheUSTA

QuickStartTennisformatofplay.•

Healthy Kids/Healthy Families Series


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novels.Heneversmokedandindulgesinanoccasionalcocktail.Hehasapassionforcarsandownsthree;includinghistrademarkyellow1966Jaguar.

Theadvicehewouldpasson?“Everyonedoesn’thavetogotocollege,buteveryoneshouldhavetheexperienceoforganizedlearning.Don’tbeapersonwhowilldothingsagainstyourownconscience.Andstayactive!”•

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WhenDebraDalrymple-Kleinfeldtmovedbackhomein2001toPhillipsburg,N.J.,fromAtlanta,whereshewenttocollegeandbecamequitegoodattennis,itwastennis-cultureshock.Atlantaistheultimatetennisareawiththrivingleaguesandasociallifethatisallabouttennis.Phillipsburg,locatedalongtheDelawareRiverinnorthernNewJersey,hadnothing.

Thehighschoolteamdidokay,asfamilieswhocouldafforditsenttheirkidstotennisclubsinneighboringtowns,butDebrawantedtomakethesportshegrewtoloveinhighschoolavailabletoall.

ThePhillipsburgHighgraduatefirstplayedtennisforheralmamaterwhenhermainsportofswimmingwasnotoffered.“Therewentallthattraining,”shesaid.“Therewerenotalotofpeopleplayingbutwehadsomuchfun[ontheschoolteam].”Perhapsitwasanomenthatshewasmeanttobringtennistothissleepytown.

Nowmarriedwithkidsaged3and6,Debragottiredofwaitingforsomebodyelsetodoit.

“Itookituponmyselftobethetennisadvocateforthecommunity.Iknowhowtowritebusinessplans.Iworkforanengineer,andwewritegrants.Ilookedat

VisitorstotheVeteransParktenniscourtsinHamiltonTownship,N.J.,aregreetedwitha“Carl‘Ace’AbbottTennisCenter”sign.Intheparkinglot,youseeaprimeparkingspacereservedforthisnamesake.TheregularsknowverywellwhoAbbottis,butmanywhocomeforUSTALeagueplayortournamentswonderwhothisguyisthatgetshisowntenniscomplexandparkingspace.

Sixdegreesofseparationreferstotheideathateveryoneisatmostsixstepsawayfromanyotherperson,butmostHamiltoniansarejustoneortwostepsawayfromAbbott.Hewasahighschoolteacher,guidancecounselorandcoach.Hegotmanypeopleintotennisandgavethemfreelessons.He’sknownasaveryfit,elegant,andcharmingguywhoplayedandcoachedsoccer,basketball,andskiingandneverstoppedplayingsomething.Overall,he’ssimplyamazingandinspirational.

Now96,Abbottplaystennistwotothreetimesaweek.Hehasretainedhisyouthfulness–asharpmind,aremarkablememory,well-spoken,andaplayfulsenseofhumor.WhenHamiltonTownshipdedicatedtheVeteransParktenniscomplextohimin1998,onespeakersaidthat“Mr.Abbottisheldinveryhighpublicesteemasagentleman,anathlete,andarolemodel.”

Abbott,whoownsaMaster’sdegreeandaDoctor’sEquivalencydiploma,neverbecamemorethanarecreationaltennisplayer,butheisatownshiplegendandunderstandssomethingaboutlongevity.Histennisgroupengagesinaround-robinformatsothathecantakebreaks.

“Ithashelpedusverymuch,”saidAbbott,amemberofthecountysoccerandtennishallsoffame.“Idon’tknowhowlongIcouldplayifweplayedtwofullsets.Ican

thisandaskedmyselfwhyIcan’tbedoingthisformycommunity.

Shetalkedwithherdaughter’sschool,checkedouttennisgrants,researchedCommunityTennisAssociations(CTAs)andNationalJuniorTennis&Learning(NJTL)chapters,attendedatennisworkshop,contactedareatennisclubs,andthehighschoolandlocalcollegecoaches,andconvincedthetowntheyneedtooffertennis.ShestartedaCTAusingalocalrecreationalgroupastheprincipals,butshealoneisdoingitall.

BesidesstartingtheCTAandanNJTL,Jr.TeamTennis(JTT)andsummerlessonswerebeguninMay.Soontherewere36kids.Flyerswentouttotheschools,parentsarejoiningin,andit’sgrowing.DebraalsoranaFamilyTennisDay.

Ironically,thehighschoolcutitsJVprogramjustthissummersoDebraispromotingJTTasanalternativeandnowhasateamforthosekids.“Weturnedaroundwhatcouldhavebeenanawfulsituation.”

Shecallsherselfaconduit.“I’mjustputtingpeopleintherightplacesandhelpingpeoplemakeconnections.”

InformationaboutallthenewPhillipsburgtennishappeningscanbefoundonwww.njcta.blogspot.com.•

surviveoneset,butIneedabreak,especiallyintheintenseheat.Byhavingacoreofsixpeople,itprolongseverybody’stennislongevity.”

Nothinghurts,explainsAbbott,whoisnotcontentenoughjusttoplaybutwantstoplaywell.Hedoesn’thavemobilitybecauseofhisknees.“Ihopandskiplikearabbit.AndIcannotservenormallybecauseIcan’tcomeforwardonmyrightlegsoIserveunderhand.I’mfortunatethatIhaveverygoodhealth.

Idon’thavetheachesandpainsthatothersinmyagecategoryhave.”

HisbestbuddyGusPerillihadthistosay,“He’sthemostamazingfriendIeverhad–arolemodelbothonandoffthecourt.”

Abbott,wholosthiswifethreeyearsago,hasanetwork

offriends,volunteersatthelibrary,andreadsmystery

Debra Dalrymple-Kleinfeldt: Tennis Advocate Brings Tennis to Phillipsburg

Carl Abbott: A Hamilton Township Legend

Carl Abbott (left) and tennis friends.


Discount Junior Tennis – It’s a Golden Opportunity

College Scholarship WinnersKathleenLarkinandSteveMotykaareheadingofftocollegewithalittlehelpfromtheUSTAMiddleStatesPhiladelphiaAreaTennisDistrict(PATD).PATDhasawardedthemeach$3,000tohelpthemwithcollegeexpensesandencouragethemtocontinueplayingtennisintotheircollegecareer.ThePATDBoardcreateditsscholarshipprogramthreeyearsago.

“Tennisisasportofalifetime,”saidPATDPresident,RoseWeinstein.“TheBoardfeelsitisimportanttohelpplayerscontinuetheirtenniscareersincollegewhetheritisonthecollegeteamorasaclubsport.”

Larkin,agraduateofGermantownAcademy,isafamiliarfaceonthePhillyandMiddleStatestournamentcircuits.SheheldtheNo.1districtrankingforheragedivisioninthreeof

thelastfouryears.TheonlyyearshemissedtheNo.1ranking,shecameinatNo.2!

LarkinissettlinginthisfallatLehighUniversitywhereshe’llstudyBusiness,MathematicsandStatistics.

MotykaisattendingWestChesterUniversitywhereheplanstomajorinBiologyandSecondaryEducation.LikeLarkin,Motykawasactiveonthetournamentcircuits,competedinUSTAJr.TeamTennisandplayedfortheundefeatedDowningtownEastHighSchoolteamatNo.1singles.•

ThePhiladelphiaAreaTennisDistrict(PATD)knowshowexpensivetennistrainingcanbeforparentsandtheirkids.SoletGoldCup,PATD’saward-winningdiscountjuniortennisprogram,beyouranswer!

Formorethan50years,PATDhasofferedthisuniquetennis-trainingprogramtointermediateandadvancedlevelstudents.Thegoal?Tohelpaspiringjuniorspreparefortournamentlevelandhighschoolteamtennisplay.

Forjust$150,yoursonordaughterwillreceivetenweeksoftop-levelinstructionatyourchoiceoftenclubsacrossthedistrict.SessionsbegininJanuary.Thefeeincludesat-shirt,juniorUSTAmembershipandtheopportunitytocompeteinaseason-endingtournamentwhichcountstowardadistrictranking.

MostofusknowRoseWeinsteinasPresidentoftheUSTAMiddleStatesPhiladelphiaAreaTennisDistrictandanactiveUSTAmemberandvolunteer.TheUnitedStatesProfessionalTennisAssociation(USPTA)knowsherastheir2010MiddleStatesHighSchoolCoachoftheYear.

Weinsteinwasrecognizedinanon-the-courtpresentationataWorldTeamTennisPhiladelphiaFreedomsmatchthissummer.

“Tomeit’sanhonortorecognizedbyyourpeers,”saidWeinstein,speakingoftheUSPTA,theoldestandlargestorganizationofteachingtennisprofessionalsintheworld.

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Philadelphia district

Steve Motyka

15-year-old Derek Esplin designed the 2011 Gold Cup TeeShirt logo. His prize: a FREE season of Gold Cup lessons!

WeinsteinhasheldthepositionofheadcoachoftheboysandgirlsvarsitytennisteamatPennCharterHighforthelastsixyears.Thegirl’steamfinishedfourthin2010.Herboyscapturedthe2010InterAcLeagueChampionship.

InadditiontoherworkwithPennCharter,WeinsteinhelpswiththeKatieattheBatFoundationlinkingUniversityofPennsylvaniaathleteswithinnercityyouth.ShealsoleadsatennisprogramforunderservedchildrenatLaSalleUniversity.WeinsteinwasinductedintotheUSTAMiddleStatesHallofFamein2008.•

Rose Weinstein with Philadelphia Freedoms Vice-President, Jeff Harrison.

USPTA Coach of the Year

Registrationformswillbeavailableonlineinmid-Septemberonwww.philadelphia.usta.com.Classesfillquicklysosignuprightaway!

Overtheyears,GoldCuphastrainedthelikesofretiredATPtourproDavidDiLuciaandPhiladelphiaareateachingprosHaroldConwayandTinaTharp.

Don’tmissthischancetotakeyourgametothenextlevel.•

Kathleen Larkin


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Think you’re happening? Email your Middle States Happenings photo with a brief description to

[email protected]. Visit middlestates.usta.com

for photo captions

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Documents

30 years - United States Tennis Associationassets.usta.com/assets/649/15/FINAL PDF - corrections needed.pdf · Wilson Pipkin Virginia Tech Athletics Communications Eric Taylor - 1stString.com