A Division of the USPTA
March 2018
2018 Southwest Board of Directors
Dave Moyer Regional VP
Suk Ong Treasurer
Laurie Martin Vice President
Jonathan Davis President
Britt Feldhausen Past President
Mark Frampton Pro Emeritus
Amy Badger Secretary
President’s Message Jonathan Davis - USPTA Southwest President
Dear Southwest Pros, First off, I want to say how much of a privilege it is to be serving as President of the Southwest. I never thought I would end up here when I was asked to be a District Coordinator years ago. It has been an amazing journey and I am truly thankful to everyone who has mentored and guided me along the way. During my upcoming two years as president there is one major goal that I would like to achieve, GROWTH. Growth through new members and retention of existing members is an issue challenging every division of the USPTA. There has been a downward trend in paid memberships amongst nearly every division over the past four years. Some of the decline is attrition from retiring pros and from people who did not comply with the continuing education requirements. However, the majority of the decline is believed to be from members who quit the association within two years of joining. There is a disconnect happening between the divisions and the new members during their first two years in the association that is making them not see the value of being a USPTA member. This is a trend I want to see reversed here in the Southwest. Programs like the U30 initiative, AIM initiative, and quarterly payment options have already begun to chip away at the loss in membership, but we still need to do more.
margin. I believe that we need to focus our efforts across the division on these three areas. To start, I plan on creating more educational opportunities for our members, reengaging our U30s, and strengthening our mentoring program. By engaging with our new members in the areas they desire I know we can reverse this four-year trend if we all work together. I ask each and every member to reflect back on why he or she joined the USPTA, why have you stayed a member, and how we can make all our new members feel like part of the Southwest family. Please reach out to me if you have any ideas on how we can make our division grow. The last thing I want to mention is an upcoming joint venture with PHIT America. PHIT America is an organization dedicated to getting people involved in sports and outdoor activities. This May we are going to help them by hosting Play Tennis Month across the nation. The goal is to run 1,500 cardio-based events throughout the month to burn 10 million calories playing tennis. In Florida, at the USTA National Campus, the USPTA is trying to set a world record for burning 1 million calories in a single day! For the Southwest to do our part in reaching the national 10 million calorie goal, we will need to get 780 players across the division to burn 350 calories each during one of our events. That breaks down to 39 events with 20 players in participation. I believe we can far surpass this goal and achieve results rivaling some of the larger divisions. More information on how you can participate will be coming soon! I look forward to what these next two years will bring us.
By being a small division, one of the many advantages we have in the Southwest is the ability to give our membership a personal touch. We already do a great job in reaching out and welcoming new members when they join the association, but is this enough to retain them? A survey given to all new members shows the top three reasons for joining the USPTA are: professional development, job requirements, and mentoring, with professional development leading by a large page 2
March 2018
PLAY TENNIS MONTH
Play Tennis Month Rallies the Tennis Industry! USPTA Aims to Burn 10 Million Calories Alongside Industry Partners
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he USPTA and industry partners are working together to promote May as “Play Tennis Month” to help showcasethe sport of T tennis and it’s associated health benefits. Thousands of tennis programs and events will be held around the country, with a goal ofhelping to get people moving and playing tennis, the No. 1 sport for a long and healthy life. At least 1,500 tennis facilities around the U.S. are expected to participate in “Play Tennis Month”. We encourage all USPTA professionals to register their facility and take part in this industry wide event. The goal for the entire month of May is for Americans to burn a combined 10 million calories on the tennis court during “Play Tennis Month” activities. “Play Tennis Month” also helps to support the USPTA Foundation and PHIT America. To support “Play Tennis Month”, USPTA professionals should register their facility as a participating site, so consumers can find you and your programs. To register your location and programs for free, show your support for the tennis industry and for a healthy America; visit RallyTheIndustry.org. “The website RallyTheIndustry.org also has suggested program formats that emphasize not only the fitness aspect of tennis, but also how fun and social it is,” says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “Among suggested formats are Cardio Tennis sessions, Try Tennis Free, PlayTennisFast programming, and POP Tennis on 60foot courts. But providers can offer any programs they’d like as part of “Play Tennis Month.” “We’re excited to participate in this industry-wide promotion of tennis and fi ,” says USPTA CEO John Embree. “This is a rallying cry for our industry to fi the inactivity pandemic that is pervasive throughout the USA. Let’s get people off the couch and on the court!”
March 2018
The lead-up to “Play Tennis Month” will include a massive Cardio Tennis session on April 20 at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida, where the goal is for participants to burn a combined 1 million calories. The USTA National Campus, which has 100 tennis courts, is billed as the“Home of American Tennis.” Also, “Play Tennis Month” provider webinars are scheduled for Feb. 21, March 21 and April 24, in which attendees will hear important information and updates on formats, programming, promotions, follow-up and more. May 5 also will be National Cardio Tennis Day, with participating facilities offering Cardio Tennis challenges, sessions and programming. “Play Tennis Month” events will include many fundraisers to benefit PHIT America GO! Grants, which provide funds for physical education in schools, including supporting Net Generation equipment and curriculum. PHIT America, which was founded by former TIA President Jim Baugh, is also looking to pass the PHIT Act (visit phitamerica.org for more information), which is designed to get more people active and moving, including through tennis. “Play Tennis Month” ties in with PHIT America Month, also slated for May, which reaches out to the entire sports and fitness industry to encourage Americans to get active. “The support has been wide and deep,” Baugh says. “Companies in the sports and fitness industry know we just can’t sit back and wait for people to start a life of physical activity. And, they know that we must work together.” PHIT America Month has more than 30 sponsor companies and organizations, including the USTA, USPTA and TIA. For more information on “Play Tennis Month,” visit RallyTheIndustry.org
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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, May 18 7:00 am - 8:00 am 8:00 am - NOON NOON – 1:30 pm 1:40 pm – 2:50 pm 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
USPTA Southwest Division Conference Registration La Camarilla Lobby USPTA Specialty Course – Creative Drill Design for Singles and Doubles – Feisal Hassan La Camarilla COURTS Lunch and USPTA National Board Update Discount Tire Room Developing the 10 and Under Player – Kevin Braun La Camarilla COURTS How POP Tennis Can Increase Engagement & Retention in Your Tennis Program – Peg Connor Discount Tire Room Committee Meetings & Wilson Staff Meeting Discount Tire Room USPTA SW/USTA Southwest Happy Hour La Camarilla COURTS Trade Show La Camarilla COURTS USPTA SW/USTA SW Dinner & POP Tennis Party La Camarilla COURTS
Saturday, May 19 7:00 am - 8:00 am 8:00 am – 8:50 am 9:00 am – 10:20 am 10:30 am – 11:20 am 11:30 am – 12:45 pm 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm 2:00 pm – 2:50 pm 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
USPTA Southwest Division Conference Registration La Camarilla Lobby The 7 Types of Points to Perform – Feisal Hassan La Camarilla COURTS The Art & Science of Doubles – Gigi Fernandez La Camarilla COURTS Net Generation – Taking It To the Court – Craig Jones La Camarilla COURTS USPTA SW Awards Luncheon Discount Tire Room Positive Ways to Promote Your Tennis Program with the Media – Dick Johnson Discount Tire Room High Performance Mental Skills For Players, Coaches and Parents – Greg Prudhomme Discount Tire Room How Your Body Effects The Serve, Forehand and Backhand – Sean Drake Discount Tire Room Net Generation Growing Your Programs and Bottom Line – Craig Jones Discount Tire Room USPTA SW General Membership Meeting – Refreshments Served Discount Tire Room USPTA SW/USTA Southwest Board Brain Storming/Strategy Planning Session – Dinner - Embassy Suites Hotel
Sunday, May 20 8:00 am - NOON
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USPTA Specialty Course: Net Generation Coaches Workshop – Craig Jones La Camarilla COURTS
March 2018
Mail - In Registration Form 2018 USPTA Southwest Division Annual Conference Registration Form Name _______________________________________________________ USPTA # __________ E-Mail ______________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _______________________________________________ State _____ ZIP _______ Phone # _______________________ PLEASE READ ALL CHOICES CAREFULLY! Early Registration (must be post marked by Friday, April 6, 2018) Rate $149 Advanced Registration (After April 6, 2018 but before May 18, 2018) Rate $169 Walk-in Registration Rate $199 Non USPTA Pro Rate $210 Significant Other (Non USPTA) Rate $90 Specialty Courses Only Rate $99 Yes, I’m attending the Friday morning Specialty Course - Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Lunch and National Board Update – Included Yes, I’m attending the Friday Afternoon USPTA/USTA Complimentary Happy HR - Included Yes, I’m playing in the Friday Night USPTA/USTA Pop Tennis Dinner & Social Mixer - Included NEW USPTA Member (Certified in 2017) - FREE Yes, I’m attending the Saturday Awards Luncheon – Included Yes, I’m attending the Sunday morning Specialty Course - Included
On-line registration
You may register for the conference on-line through https://www.setteo.com/eventos/uspta-southwest-convention All tennis professionals should have an account. If you don’t know how to sign in, you should use the forgot password button located on the log in screen the icon is a “?” on the Log In screen and enter the email that is on file with the USPTA National Office. A temporary password will be sent to your email. Upon login, you can access Settings and Change Password to set a unique password if you choose.
Southwest Featured Speakers Friday, May 18 8 am - Noon Specialty Course Creative Drill Design for Singles & Doubles
Feisal Hassan
March 2018
Saturday, May 19 9 am - 10:20 am The Art & Science of Doubles
Gigi Fernandez
Sunday, May 20 8 am - Noon Specialty Course Net Generation Coaches Workshop
Craig Jones
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Division Awards Nominating Form
United States Professional Tennis Association 2018 Awards Program
SOUTHWEST DIVISION GENERAL RULES: · Award period is from January 1 – December 31, 2017 unless otherwise noted in award category. ·
Only USPTA certified members, (Master Professional, Elite Professional and Professional) in good standing are eligible for USPTA member awards.
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Only Facility Manager of the Year Award is open to non-members.
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Only USPTA members in good standing may submit nominations in all categories.
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Self-nominations are acceptable.
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All award categories may not necessarily be awarded on an annual basis.
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Awards Committee will determine if there are qualified candidates in any category.
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Awards will be presented at the USPTA SOUTHWEST Division Conference at LA CAMARILLA RACQUET, FITNESS AND SWIM CLUB, PHOENIX AZ MAY 18-19, 2018
MAKE YOUR AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW! APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN MARCH 18th, 2018 ****************************************************************************** NOMINATION FORM AWARD CATEGORY:_____________________________________________________________ NAME TO BE NOMINATED: ______________________________ USPTA# _______________ NOMINEE CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ____________________ email: ________________ INFORMATION ON NOMINEE:
Additional detailed information on nominee as to why this member deserves this recognition is encouraged. Please submit a bio if possible and as much in-depth information as you can. NOMINATING MEMBER NAME: ___________________________ USPTA# ________________ NOMINATOR CONTACT DETAILS: phone: ___________________ email: __________________ ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE SENT VIA EMAIL TO: Amy Badger badgertennis505@gmail.com QUESTIONS: Contact: AMY BADGER 505.379.6728/ badgertennis505@gmail.com
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March 2018
USPTA SOUTHWEST AWARDS CATEGORIES 2018 STEVE WILKINSON COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is selected based on his/her results as a college team coach. Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2017 college year or for long term commitment and continued success as a college team coach. Include both spring and fall schedules and data.
DIVERSITY AWARD – This award recognizes the USPTA member who has demonstrated an outstanding ability to unite diverse populations within his/her community through tennis
DIVISION TESTER OF THE YEAR – The Divisional Head Tester will recommend a nominee to the Awards Committee. No other nominations will be considered.
FACILITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Large Facility 9 or more courts, Small Facility 8 or less courts. This nominee may be a non-member or a USPTA SOUTHWEST Member. Nominee need not be a General Manager by name but must function in the position of Manager of a USTA Member facility. The facility itself is not eligible for the award.
GEORGE BACSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – National Award Only! This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exemplary achievement in seven areas throughout their career – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and playing both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through published articles, presentations, education and communications. Applicant must have been a member 30 consecutive years or more.
USPTA SOUTHWEST PROUD DIVISIONAL AWARD – This award recognizes a member who exemplifies integrity, respect and passion for tennis on and off the court. This is NOT A NATIONAL AWARD. This award may or may not be given out each year. This award is at the discretion of the USPTA Southwest Awards Committee. HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is selected based on his/her results as a high school team coach. Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2017 High School season or for long term commitment and continued success as a high school coach.
INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD - This award is given to USPTA teaching professionals who demonstrate an entrepreneurial and altruistic attitude toward their job. This award nominee should exhibit resourcefulness and show growth in their business and programs while bringing tennis to more people in their area.
ALEX GORDON PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exemplary achievement in these areas during 2017 only – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and playing both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through published articles, presentations, education and communications.
USPTA LESSONS FOR LIFE AWARD – This award recognizes a member who has done the most to raise money for charities in his/her district through tennis events or tennis related fundraisers. While raising large amounts is wonderful the committee also considers creative and unique way to raise funds through tennis.
March 2018
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USPTA STARS – The committee looks for members who have dedicated time, energy and much effort into volunteering for grassroots tennis and multi-cultural events bringing the sport and sportsmanship to the players they touch. They inspire others and they deserve to be recognized.
30 AND UNDER AWARD – This award is presented to a current USPTA member who is under the age of 30 during the 2017 calendar year. This member exemplifies the future of the organization and he/she must show dedication to the growth of the game and the desire to learn all aspects of the business of being a USPTA professional. This nominee must show initiative and be involved in activities in their respective districts. This member needs to demonstrate sportsmanship, teamwork and willingness to reach out to other U30 members in the USPTA through social media or direct contact. This award winner should have served on a committee, task force or initiated a program to help fellow members.
Greetings fellow certified teaching professionals! It is award time for 2018! Please read the award descriptions. Self nominations are welcome but if you know of someone that would be a great candidate please don’t hesitate to nominate him/her. It’s the ultimate compliment! Please read the form guidelines carefully as applications are all ONLINE ONLY now! Our division, as well as national have strict deadlines. The division and national deadline for applications and nominations is March 18, 2018. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you all for thinking of your fellow USPTA certified teaching pros as we look for fantastic nominations! Best, Amy Badger, USPTA badgertennis505@gmail.com 505.379.6728
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March 2018
Executive Director Jack Michalko 602-740-0126 usptasw@cox.com
SOUTHWEST OFFICERS President Jonathan Davis 520-360-0182 jonpricedavis@hotmail.com Regional VP Dave Moyer 480-342-7240 dmoyer@ccdranch.com Vice President Laurie Martin 480-213-2083 lmartin@ppiarizona.com Secretary Amy Badger 505-379-6728 badger3@me.com Treasurer Suk Ong 602-881-0467 suk_ong@tempe.gov Past President Britt Feldhausen 520-886-1885 brittfeldhausen@mac.comesident Pro Emeritus Mark Frampton 602-952-7234 mframpton22@gmail.com
SOUTHWEST COORDINATORS Northern New Mexico Dick Johnson 505-507-6795 richarddjtennis@aol.com Phoenix Steve Edgington 602-480-646-0153 sedgington@phoenixcountryclub.com Southeastern Arizona Bryan Dirk 310-663-1185 bdirk@tucsoncountryclub.com Northern Arizona Claudette Laliberte 928-300-8702 claiberte1@aol.com Southern New Mexico & El Paso TBD Head Tester TBD
The Southwest Magazine is the official Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
Play Tennis Month - May 2018 A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO GET AMERICA MOVING AND PLAYING TENNIS It’s the first industry wide program in years. WHY?? We need to get people active. The couch has become the cigarette for our current generation. We have an inactivity pandemic right now. The goal is to bring many players (and new players) burning over 10,000,000 calories. Another side benefit is fund raising for the USPTA Foundation and PHIT America. Advertising will be featured on the Tennis Channel, print magazines, and much more this spring. The USTA National Tennis Center is planning the largest cardio tennis event ever on 28 courts on April 20th, burning 1.000,000 calories!! The Southwest is tasked to hold 39 events. Many clubs will hold multiple events, so this will be EASY for us to accomplish. Make sure to register once full details are released.
1,500 USPTA events 20 participants at each event 350 calories burned by each participant 10,500,000 calories burned!
March 2018
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Northern Arizona
She will continue to run local tennis events throughout the year to benefit local area charities in need. Prescott
by Claudette Laliberte
Sedona Master Professional, Larry Lineberry, is coaching the Mingus Union High School Boy’s Tennis Team for the third consecutive year. This year’s goal is to improve on last year’s 1 and 13 record. Shouldn’t be too hard. Of course, that’s what he said last year when he had the same goal of improving on the previous year’s record of 1 and 13. One must always remain positive in such times. He continues to coach a 14 year old junior whose family has homes in Sedona and Hancock, Maine. Larry will travel to Maine in March for another week of training. He almost has enough frequent flyer miles from such travel to purchase a continental U.S. round trip flight....perks of a good gig.
Elite Professional Chris Howard will be running a series of events throughout 2018 at the Rough Rider Tennis Center in Prescott, Az. These events include, a Spring Mixer Potluck, a Mixed Doubles Grand Prix for 6.0-9.0 levels of play, the 4th Annual PATA Park of Fame Clinic and Induction, and a Holiday Mixer/Gifts for Kids Potluck in December. For information on any of these events, contact Chris Howard at: choward4541@gmail.com. Flagstaff Elite Professional Nicole Chambers will be returning to Flagstaff, Az., and Forest Highlands Country Club. She is currently in South Africa for the winter with her husband and son spending time with family. The 2018 Flagstaff Tennis Open will be held June 29July 1st at the Northern Arizona University Tennis Complex. Save the dates! Last year’s tournament was a huge success and drew over 100 players of all ages and skill levels.
In December, Larry participated in a fundraising event directed by USPTA Elite Professional, Claudette Laliberte. This event collected canned goods for the local Sedona Food-bank. The event was also mentioned in the latest issue of Tennis Industry Magazine Elite Professional, Claudette Laliberte will also be returning for her third consecutive year as the Girl’s Head Coach for the Sedona Red Rock High School Scorpions. One her players, an exchange student from the Ukraine, has the last name of “Dolgopolova.” Unfortunately, she has no relationship with Alexander Dolgopolov who was ranked as high as #13 in the world at one time. As a matter of fact, she has never hit a tennis ball until last week! Claudetts Tennis Programs in Sedona, called “Positive Tennis” has continued to grow the game of Tennis by bringing in lots of new players in the Sedona area.
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March 2018
Southeastern Arizona by Bryan Dirk
Greetings from Southern Arizona! As the warm winter continues, tennis just keeps on flowing. I’m reporting from Tucson Country Club where we have not missed a beat. We have partnered with the USTA and other local clubs to help grow our sport. We just finish 4 successful Play Days this winter and completed our 1st of 4 “Slam Series” tournaments. The Slam Series consists of 4 entry level, 12 and under tournaments based off the Grand Slams. Kids love the atmosphere and it’s a great way for our newcomers to get in the game! Our next Series tournament is March 4th. Sam Ciulla reports from Tucson Racquet Club, they have begun a fun and successful Boot Camp every few months. Adults and juniors train together working on their fitness and while tuning up their tennis skills. Regarding juniors, the next generation of tennis players is looking strong. The Red Ball program for kids ages 4-6 has grown over the past months to over 25 kids each week and they are loving the Net Generation lesson plans. Jonathan Davis, Director of Tennis for The Lodges at Ventana Canyon just held a fun super bowl mixer that he picked up from one of the southwest conferences. He was the referee and got to call penalties on the members for foot faults, missed shots etc., he had penalty flags and whistles. The players had fun getting “benched” and having to serve 5 yards behind the bases line!
March 2018
Phoenix, Arizona by Steve Edgington
I hope you have had a great start to the year. We sure have had a mild winter so far. Walter Hurd - USPTA Elite Professional has been named the Head Coach for both the High School Boy’s and Girl’s Teams at Anthem Prep. This will be Walter’s third year serving as their coach. Walter is also the Head Professional at Anthem Country Club. Chris Brewer - USPTA Elite Professional has been named the Head Coach for the Anthem Prep Middle School Tennis Team. This will be Chris’ third year serving as their coach. Chris is also the Director of Racquet Sports at Anthem Country Club. On March 17-18 Anthem Country Club will be hosting the first Annual Men’s Doubles Tournament as part of the club’s Charity Classic Events. On March 24-25 the club will host a Mixed Doubles Team Event as part of the Charity Classic. Beneficiaries include Augie’s Quest for ALS Therapy Research, the ClubCorp Employee Partners Care Foundation and the Foothills Food Bank. The events are open to all. If you are interested in more information on these events please contact Chris Brewer at chris.brewer@clubcorp.com or 623-551-6237. Also, I feel there is a need for more junior competition between local clubs. If you have a few juniors who are interested in playing matches in a fun social setting we would love to set up a date at Phoenix Country Club. Please contact me at sedgington@phoenixcountryclub.com.
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Northern New Mexico by Dick Johnson
Dick Johnson – Spring has sprung! “Wow” can only describe the fantastic weather we are having so far in Northern New Mexico. I had five days of sunshine for our opening week of high school practice. The only scary situation will be this summer as our mountains are very dry. I want to welcome our new USPTA professionals to our District. Craig Bobo is the new Director of Tennis at Highpoint Sports and Wellness. His assistant Blayne Drucker came from Houston, TX. Dave Shumbach from USPTA Eastern is the boy’s tennis coach at Rio Rancho High School, and Jim Falvo is the girls coach at Sandia Prep High School. Jim is originally from the Dallas area. More on these esteemed gentlemen further down in this newsletter. Welcome everyone! Thank you everyone for all the well wishes on my current cancer treatment. Everything is going well and I am blessed to have Doctors Rajput and Reix working with me at the UNM Cancer Center who are tennis players that love the game and know what we as tennis pros go through in the Southwest with the sun its effects after years and years on the court. I was very pleased a couple of weeks ago, to meet with Joe Butler, the New Mexico Activities Association Assistant Director who also coordinates all the high school tennis play in our state. Joe is a very competent player, former Athletic Director, and knows the importance of professional tennis instruction. He sent out to all the high school coaches the information on the USPTA High School Coaches membership and the benefits. My goal is to recruit 10-20 new members and already have had quite a few inquiries. Now a 41-year member of the USPTA, I came to the “brilliant idea” to share my experience, fun and page 12
adventures by beginning to write a book. Hopefully this “masterpiece” will be out next year. It has been a labor of love thus far and a lot of fun. Stay tuned for future developments. Have a great spring everyone! I’m off to Indian Wells with Mark Frampton, his son Zach, and the “grizzled veteran”, our SWPTA Executive Director, Jack Michalko, March 12-15. Really looking forward to this wonderful event. Go Fed! Gotta love those old guys! David Pitts – Director of Tennis at Tanoan, has been offering some free doubles play days as well as some singles play days for its membership. Two pros run a series of either doubles drills or singles drills and then watch the participants play. The pros then have an opportunity to give pointers and coach the players reinforcing the day’s lesson. The players love these play days adding value to their membership as well as generating lessons for the pros. They will be holding a Wilson demo day on March 17th, giving group clinics and giving everyone a chance to try out Wilson’s new rackets. There will be fun and games and prizes. The NM Open will be held again at Tanoan in May. The New Mexico Open is the most anticipated and prestigious tournament of the year as well as one of the largest tournaments in the Southwest section. Be open will have an event for every player, offering age events, NTRP events, and Mixed Doubles events. There will be lots of great tennis for both players and spectators along with a catered tournament party with live music. David does a great job over the years at Tanoan. Amy Badger – is starting her 19th year at Albuquerque Academy as girls’ varsity head coach. She is looking forward to a great season and will be organizing and administering a spring 10U orange ball league on behalf of the USTA NNMTA district (six weeks of match play between local clubs and tennis facilities). She will also be coaching in the super seniors program (six weeks of instruction followed by six weeks of match play). Additionally she organized the USTA NNMTA EDC Future’s camp on December 17th. We had 18 fantastic young players learning the athletic and
March 2018
technical competencies by which orange ball players grow as athletes and competitors. Amy is also the USTA EDC futures lead faculty for New Mexico and El Paso. In that capacity, she leads the camp curriculum and educates parents on the pathway as well as our Net Generation youth branding. Finally, she is the awards chair for this year’s convention. Please contact Amy if you know of someone in our section that is deserving of any of the category awards. Our push is to reach out and get to know our membership. We all know there are very deserving professionals in our section. Doug MacCurdy – our Southwest “International Ambassador”, has been in China for a month and covering a fair bit of territory - Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Kunming and Hainan Island where he has been conducting a 12-day winter camp. Also kicking off the 1st installment of the 2018 Rafael Nadal tour, a nationwide circuit for player U10, U12 and U14. As part of the opening ceremony he gave the kids a 30 minute interactive workshop on concentration. The fact that they could sit relatively still for 30 minutes showed good potential in the concentration department. He is planning to be back in the Southwest on Valentine’s Day. Jimmy Parker – Santa Fe reports that the 9.0 men’s team from Santa Fe Tennis and Swim captained by John Bloodworth won Sectionals and had a great time competing at the new national campus in Orlando. Only a couple weeks before, Jimmy Parker, Santa Fe, and Dick Johnson (!) of Saint Louis had won the ITF world 70 & Over championship at that same facility. Jimmy has been busy in his new role as president of the National Senior Men’s Tennis Association, which just launched at the beginning of the year. Its purpose is to promote men’s senior (35 & over til death do us part) competitive tennis with tournament listings and results, interactive blogs, articles, and pictures, instructional videos for seniors and much more. More information is available at an nsmta.net.
March 2018
John Damgaard – Santa Fe, says that many players in Northern New Mexico have moved up to the next level (especially 3.0 to 3.5 and 3.5 to 4.0) and with their new NTRP ratings they are finding new teams and new friends to play with. Some of the existing teams are combining since these have lost these players from their level of play. The Santa Fe Tennis Club meets every Saturday at 12 noon ($100/calendar year or $10 drop-in) at the Train Park (Salvador Perez Park Tennis Courts). If you are new to Santa Fe or would like to get back into tennis, please come and ask for John and he will help you find your way in this wonderful Northern New Mexico tennis community of NICE PLAYERS!!! Lots of social tennis is available too. Youth Tennis Programs are in full swing – contact a local club or email: johnadamgaard@yahoo.com. Rob Kaugman has just been named the new head tennis coach at Desert Academy in Santa Fe, NM and John will be his assistant – GO WILDCATS!!! Brett Hall – is spending six weeks in the Phoenix area to get out of the Oregon rain and prospect for seasonal jobs. The weather has been spectacular, 80 and sunny every day! Dick Johnson referred a lesson from one of his kids in his summer camps named Brody. It has been fun to teach and make a little extra spending money. Brett has two great tennis job opportunities. He happened to stumble on to Freestone Park in Gilbert, Arizona which is a big park and recreation center. They have four nice courts with lights and presently no professional. The professionals in the past have been instructors only with no programming. Brett is meeting with the recreation coordinator with hopes of running a seasonal program in 2019 from January through March similar to what he ran in Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico. Brett also has an opportunity to work with Chris Langdon, the director of the Arizona Tennis and Golf Academy in Mesa. Chris runs programs at several 55 & over communities. Brett is very excited about splitting his time as a snowbird; winters in Arizona and the rest of the year in beautiful Oregon. He is also working on his wellness coach certification. He is planning on continued on page 14
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tying tennis and wellness together by running tennis and wellness camps. James Falvo – is super-excited to be the new head coach of the girls’ varsity at Sandia prep. He is equally glad to have met so many fine tennis professionals since moving to Albuquerque from Dallas two years ago and joining the Southwest Division of the USPTA. He has been playing tennis for over 50 years with over 45 years of tennis teaching experience and about the same amount of teaching communication classes in higher education. He has been a USPTA certified tennis professional for 25 years and holds an education doctorate, a masters in Communication and a bachelors in Rhetoric. As a former video producer and director he uses videos to analyze strokes. He is Etechberry- Certified in tennisspecific fitness and a Certified Mental Coach whose passion for this aspect of the game has taken him into the study of emotional intelligence. All of this aside, he loves living here in Albuquerque and getting such amazing tennis whether to go along with great friends who have great passion for our game. Dave Shambach – moved with his wife Nancy in August 2016 from Western Region of USPTA Eastern to be closer to their two grown daughters. Dave Shambach came to Rio Rancho, New Mexico intending to step back from tennis while helping to take care of his 96-year-old mom at home. Instead, Mom’s needs became more suitable for nursing home care. In January of 2017, a conversation with USPTA icon Dick Johnson informed him of a high school coach opening at Rio Rancho High School. Shambach, a 30-year long coach and high school English teacher in Lockport, applied for the boys’ varsity job and was hired two weeks before the start of the season. Blessed with a deep team partly inherited from longtime coach and USPTA Gordon Douglas, Shambach found himself coaching at the State Team Tournament at the Jerry Cline Facility in Albuquerque. The Rams finished 7-3 and lost in the quarterfinals of the tourney. He returns to coach the Rams in 2018, looking forward to renewing friendly rivalries with coaches like Johnson. Shambach also used 30+ years of leading the summer recreational tennis program in Lockport, NY to teach tennis part-time for the City of Rio Rancho. It was a fitting way to celebrate his 35th year as a USPTA member. For Eastern Division, Shambach was named a USPTA high school coach of the year in 2009 and volunteer of the year in 2016 and served as an advisor for Western Region’s awards nominees for chair Steve Pekich. He was certified by the legendary Spike Gonzales. In addition, in 2017, for the first time he joined a USPTA league playing on a 9.0 55 & over men’s double team that finished second to a team from Santa Fe that won the Regionals in El Paso. Shambach has enjoyed making new tennis playing friends in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque. Though he didn’t leave a climate that requires expensive indoor tennis courts in the winter, he’s not complaining about being able to teach, coach and play outdoors 12 months in the year in the Albuquerque area for the USPTA Southwest. Craig Bobo – the new Tennis Director at Highpoint Sports and Wellness, his wife Amber, and daughters Heather and Adia, come to us from Texas, with a brief stint of running clubs in Ohio and New York. Craig is looking forward to the opportunity of meeting you, and getting on the court with you. Craig will be the area tennis director for New Mexico Sports & Wellness, with his base out of Highpoint Sports & Wellness. However, Craig will be working with each of our clubs to offer tennis classes starting with ages 4-6 and 6-10 using the 10U nets, balls, and racquets to help grow the game of tennis in the Albuquerque area. Of course our High Point Sports & Wellness Tennis Club
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will be offering a full array of junior and adult tennis programs on its 15 tennis courts, 1 stand-alone hitting wall and 1 pickle ball court. Craig is passionate about the game as a player and a professional. As a junior, he was one of the top players in Texas, and was ranked in the top 100 nationally. Craig continued to compete in Division 1 College Tennis at UTEP and Texas State University. He has fond memories on competing in the WAC nearby Lobo Tennis in 1986-1987 against the Lobo’s famous duos of Steve Bickham and Jack Griffin, and Tim Kass and Karl Hale. He also recalls a great singles match in 1986 with local legendary UNM Player and Coach Alan Dils. Craig has continued to play and captain 5.5 and 5.0+ USTA Teams over the years at the local, sectional, and national level. Last year, he captained and competed on the 40s Open Eastern Nationals Team. Craig’s professional credentials include 25+ years of professional instruction, consulting, and directing clubs. He is a USPTA Elite Professional as well as a PTR Professional, with additional certifications as a USPTA 10U Specialist, USPTA Competitive Development Specialist, and PTR 11-17 and Adult Specialist. Craig enjoys working with players of all ages, and is famous for his dynamic, high energy, interactive drills. He is also a well-known junior development coach, responsible for developing nationally ranked players. Welcome to Albuquerque Craig! Blayne Drucker – the newly hired Sports & Wellness “Tennis Professional”, comes to us from Houston, Texas where he spent his whole junior tennis career as a Texas Super-Champ Junior. He also had some collegiate playing experience at TJC, and experience as a teaching professional at Giammalva Racquet Club. Blayne is a USPTA Certified Professional and is a USTA Rated 4.5 Men’s Player. He has 10U and Cardio Tennis Specialist Certificational. Glad to have you Blayne! Joe Felice – will be the Super Senior Program Director for the 11th year of this highly successful NNMTA Program. It is a low cost 12-week program for beginner and refresher lessons for adults over 60. There are six weeks of one-hour lessons, twice a week, followed by six weeks of Round Robin play, twice a week. There are six locations around the city of Albuquerque. There has been an average of 80 Super Senior participants each year. USPTA Pros Amy Badger and Robert Soneru are instructors for this program. The cost is $60.00 for the 12 weeks. Joe’s 7.0 65+ Men’s Team participated in the 65+ National Invitational Championships in Surprise, AZ in January. They were very competitive even though they didn’t win. Joe will again be the Captain of many USTA League Teams in 2018.
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Arizona Tennis Coaches Association On February 3rd, 2018 the newly founded Arizona Tennis Coaches Association held a free clinic at Valley Vista High School to any high school coach in Arizona from 8:0012:00. This was held prior to the mandatory Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) meeting for all high school tennis coaches in the state. USPTA Pro Laurie Martin is one of the founding members and the first President of the association. The Southwest USTA helped with the event and offered tennis clipboards and an ATCA hat to any coach joining the association that day. Topics included a round table on how to run try-outs, challenge matches, team building and how to handle top level tournament players. On court sessions included a session by John Waltz on grips & strokes and Laurie Martin presented on using the ROGY balls to develop your beginning players. Matt Hill, the ASU men’s coach, rounded out the morning by doing a session on mental toughness and strategy. 80 coaches attended the morning session and the feedback from the coaches was very positive. In future years, the ATCA hopes to extend the conference to a full day. The ATCA was formed to offer education and resources to high school coaches. In addition, they will give recognition for 1st team, 2nd team, and honorable mention to all 3 divisions , offer input to the AIA on high school rules, work with the USTA on out-of-season play opportunities for your typical high school player, and offer networking opportunities to coaches. Memberships are $30.00 per school year. For more information, go to their website. www.aztenniscoaches.org Follow them on Facebook at Arizona Tennis Coaches Association and on twitter @ArizonaTCA
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TROON COUNTRY CLUB HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS TENNIS FUN DAY
by Mark Pachtner
Scottsdale, Az. (January 21, 2018) – Arizona Athletes with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities Participated In an On-Court Clinic on January 20, 2018 Over 65 Arizona Special Olympians took to the courts at Troon Country Club in the 8th annual Tennis Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 20. Mark Pachtner, Director of Tennis at Troon Country Club and Elite Professional with the USPTA has coordinated the event which attracted more than 240+ participants this year. Prior to his tenure at Troon Country Club, Pachtner developed Fun Day events with the local chapters of the Special Olympics in Georgia, Florida and California since 1999. Tennis Fun Day is also a well-established fundraiser for the Special Olympics Arizona, raising over $18,500 at this year’s event. Since inception, a total amount of over $134k have been donated so far with a total of 920 athletes and 2250 volunteers participating. “The Valley of the Sun has clearly embraced this wonderful event, especially the members at Troon Country Club,” said Pachtner. “The pure love and joy on the faces of each of our special Olympians as they stroke the tennis ball brings not only a tear to my eye, but ringing joy in my heart along with the hearts of all of our marvelous volunteers who are the real facilitators of Tennis Fun Day.” During the free Tennis Fun Day of clinics, local tennis professionals and players covered the basics of the sport of tennis and taught certain basic tennis skills for the special Olympians. Unfortunately, the clinics got cut short because of rain. But each athlete still received a commemorative Fun Day T-shirt, free Wilson tennis racquet and a gold medal for participation during the post-event awards luncheon. Athletes and volunteers also got time away from the courts and enjoyed a visit from rescue Golden Retrievers. Festivities went underway at 8:00 a.m. and finished up at 12:45pm p.m. upon completion of the awards luncheon. A special ‘thank you’ to the Scottsdale Fire department and Police officers for presenting the gold medals to our athletes. “Tennis Fun Day is truly a captivating event and one in which we look forward to with great anticipation and excitement each and every year. Mark Pachtner and Troon Country Club have done a marvelous job in organizing this event for the past seven years and we couldn’t be more delighted with its success and charitable gift-giving,” said Tim Martin, Special Olympics Arizona president and CEO. About Special Olympics Arizona Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-style sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympian athletes and the community. Visit www.specialolympicsarizona.org for more information. page 18
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A Publication of the USPTA Southwest Division Jack Michalko / editor 77 East Missouri Avenue, Suite 62, Phoenix, AZ 85012 602-740-0126 / e-mail: usptasw@cox.net The Southwest Magazine is published quarterly by the Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in the Southwest Magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Southwest Magazine or the USPTA Southwest Division. CopyrightŠ Southwest Division/United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this newsletter is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA Southwest Division. Advertising information: All ads must be camera ready and in color if possible. Prices are per issue. Full Page.............$150 Half Page............$100 1/4 Page..............$70
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