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NEW OWNERSHIP S A M E
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P 1. Mississippi’s 2012 Southern Cup team recently competed in Chattanooga. The team was made up of the top three players from Mississippi’s 14s, 16s and 18s divisions. Bryce Spong, Andrew Hildenbrand, Mason Vice, Davis Owen, Aaron Hildenbrand, Noah Rowell, Coach Justyn Schelver; (middle row) Coach Courtney Ulrich, Katie Lai, Stedman Strickland, Sadey St. Amant, Chris Wilkins, Christa Owen, Brighton Lowther; (front) Mia Kent, Katie Reid, Natalie Finch, Meredith Roberts, Sylvia Viljoen, Macy Price. 2. ADMixed Coins 2.5: Toni Pokoney, Larissa Williams, Tracy Caradine, Michael Andrews, Eclecius Franklin, Jimmie Coins, Deidra Dungee, Timika Franklin, Aaron Walker. Not pictured: Tina Smith, Marshand Crisler. 3. ADMixed Muzzi 7.0: Laurie Selman, Eric Nimon, Stephen Langley, Rebecca Walker, Johnston Walker, Josh Cook, Robin Walker, Jonathan Branch, Jessica Langley. Not pictured: Stephanie Zepponi, Nick Giallourakis. 52
northside sun
by JENNY MARKOW
ame location…new ownership and name…that might be the first thing you notice when approaching The Racquet Club at Cypress Lake (RCCL). When longtime USPTA tennis professional Bill Johnson realized there was an opportunity to own and operate his own facility, he jumped at the chance. “Being very familiar with the Madison area, and understanding the tremendous potential of this facility was extremely appealing,” says Johnson. “We want to be a family-oriented tennis club with a strong emphasis on fitness and summer swim programs,” he continues. Agnes Gee is no stranger to tennis across the Northside and she has joined the staff as head tennis professional. Russ Gianaris is the fitness director along with Natalie Tatum as the head swimming coach and Jennifer Higginbotham and Heather Jenkins as swim lesson coordinators.” Johnson adds, “Not only does this group bring tons of expertise to the table, but all our tennis, fitness and swimming instructors are without question some of the friendliest and most knowledgeable around – that is what sets us apart. You know you’re going to get quality help when you come here. That’s what we want – to build relationships with our membership and students and let them understand we truly care about them, their improvement and their well-being.” Plans are on the drawing board to build a new tennis pavilion where people can gather for tennis events, check in for matches, and provide a place for players and spectators to hang out. This facility has never had any areas to view a tennis match or relax before or after playing. RCCL offers a comprehensive recreational program including professional tennis instruction, inner club and USTA League competition, USTA sanctioned tournaments, year-round junior tennis development, fun social events, certified personal training, cardio, weight training and group exercise classes, summer swimming team and outdoor swimming activities for the whole family, nursery services while you work out or play tennis, a well-stocked pro shop and certified racquet stringing services. The 11-acre facility has eight professionally-lit hard courts, 1,800 square feet of workout and cardio equipment, group exercise area, swimming pool with six lanes, and a very impressive nursery. For more information about RCCL, go to www.theracquetclubatcypresslake.com. River Hills Club hosted an exhibition match featuring former ATP world number 12 David Wheaton, winner of the 2004 Wimbledon 35s. Wheaton and River Hills pro T.J. Middleton matched up against Tennis Director Dave Randall and Brett Garnet. Wheaton reached the singles semifinals at Wimbledon and won the singles Grand Slam Cup in 1991. He also reached the Australian Open doubles finals with Patrick McEnroe the same year. Randall is a quarter-finalist at the US Open in doubles, holds three ATP Tour doubles titles, and is an NCAA All-American at Ole Miss. Middleton, director of tennis development at River Hills Club, is a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in doubles, finalist at Wimbledon in mixed doubles, Wimbledon 35 champion and member of NCAA champion team from the University of Georgia. Bret Garnett, tennis director at Lake Hickory Country Club, is a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in doubles, holds one ATP Tour doubles title, and is an NCAA All-American at University of Southwest Louisiana. Sponsors were treated to an indoor party before the match started. More than 250 tennis enthusiasts from the Northside came out to watch some fantastic tennis. During the recent 2012 Southern Junior Cup in Chattanooga, Darius Kent from the Jackson area was on the winning team, and Megan Humphreys of Madison received a sportsmanship award. Chelsea Bond was the 12s coach. In the 14, 16 and 18 divisions, Team Mississippi plays other teams from the Southern Section states. Meredith Roberts from the tri-county played four singles matches and won all four. Justyn Shelver and Courtney Ulrich were the coaches for the older players. Congratulations to all 2012 Team Mississippi Southern Junior Cup players.