OCTOBER 2009 ISSUE
Green Tennis Club home
Rally for the Cure raises $1,237
G.T.C hosted its second-annual annual Rally for the Cure tennis event. We took part in the world’s largest, most progressive grassroots network of people who support Susan G. Komen’s Foundation for the cure on April 25.
G.T.C raised $ 1,237.00 at our event. Thanks to all of the participants who made this event special.
Halloween Party on Oct. 17
G.T.C will host two round robins: October 17 for middle school kids and October 24 for high school kids. So if you looking for tennis, candy and fun, call Keith at 330-699-5028.
What’s a parent to do?
By Dave Forman
You may have watched the recent match between Serena Williams and Kim Clijsters at the US Open and felt the same disappointment that I felt with the end of the match. To recap, a point penalty was issued to Serena on match point, and Kim was awarded the victory. At the end of the first set, Serena smashed her racquet and was issued a warning. At the 15-30 point in the 4-5 game of the second set, the line judge called a foot fault on Serena’s second serve. Serena approached the line judge and openly berated her for the call. At that point in time, the chair referee issued a point penalty. The tournament officials confirmed the decision resulting in the default by Serena.
Regardless of who you were rooting for, the end was not the result you wanted. If you rooted for Serena, you wanted her to have the chance to stage a comeback as she has done many times in the past. If you rooted for Kim, the victory was bittersweet. She was never able to enjoy the exhilaration of winning it on her racquet. The result was the worst of all possible results for all.
The line judge may have been wrong about the call as replays were inconclusive. However, contrary to the opinion offered by John McEnroe, the fact that it happened at the end of the match should never influence the call. One thing that is clear to me is that Serena’s behavior was unacceptable and the officials were right to issue a point penalty. Serena was openly disrespectful to the line judge and attempted to intimidate her. There have to be consequences for inappropriate behavior.
Serena Williams and other star athletes are often cited as role models with the idea that impressionable young people will emulate their behavior. To be fair to Serena, there have been many times in which she has been a model for everyone to follow. However, in this case she was in the wrong. She has been fined for her behavior and it is unclear if there will be further penalties. However, I believe that we would not want our youth to adopt the behavior exhibited by her at the end of this match. Given this, what message needs to be delivered?
Parents may wonder what to do when their child acts up on the court. This question was posed at a recent panel discussion of the mothers of several professional tennis players. The mother of the Bryan brothers related a story in which one of her sons acted irresponsibly on the court. She pulled her son out of the match and forced him to leave the court. Her intention was made very clear in that the son’s behavior was more important than the outcome of the match. In a video shown during the panel discussion, the Bryan brothers recalled this incident and indicated how much this lesson has influenced their behavior over their careers. It is clear that the immediate intervention had a critical influence in their attitudes towards the game and their lives.
At Green Tennis Club, the teaching staff recognizes that we have a responsibility in this matter. We want to encourage our youth to act responsibly, to show respect for others, and to enjoy the game. We expect to reward and reinforce good behavior thus building positive attitudes. When there is inappropriate behavior we will deal with this immediately while avoiding any public embarrassment for the youngster. Our intent is to correct the mistake and move on. We have found that most young people understand when they have crossed the line and listen openly to our comments. The desired end result is a more positive attitude on and off the court.
If you have any questions about our approach, please speak with any of the pros at our club. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions.
Tennis for adults and juniors
It’s that time of year again when league play starts, and G.T.C is hosting many opportunities for adults and juniors. If you are interested in any leagues, talk to the front desk person and join in the action.
Pro shop adds Wilson products
Our pro shop is expanding. We now offer Wilson products: racquets, strings, and grips. Wilson technology is K-Factor and FX. We have available Wilson k Blade 98, 6.1 95, Surge, K Four FX,K Three FX and Kobra. So stop in and check out the new racquets along with Prince and Head products.
Adult tennis parties on Saturdays
Marge Townsell is starting up her tennis parties again this fall on Saturday evenings. The first party will be October 10, from 7 to 11 p.m. The cost is $13 per person. If you are interested, please call Marge at 330-882-6833, and come out to G.T.C for a great evening of tennis.
Dave Rea Memorial Tournament
The Dave Rea Memorial Tournament will be Nov. 20-22. This is a 18-and-under junior tournament. Proceeds will go towards the Dave Rea Scholarship Fund. It’s a U.S.T.A.-sanctioned tournament. If interested, please talk to Keith. Also, any donation to the Fund is greatly appreciated and goes directly to the scholarship winners.
Looking for drills?
G.T.C offer many different drills for a wide range of players.
Cardio Tennis is a great chance to get a fun workout on a tennis court. It is offered twice a week on Wednesday at 6 to 7:30 and Saturday from 8 to 9:30. The cost is $15.
If you looking for more instructional drills. We offer women 3.5 drills on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 11:00. We also offer 3.5 women’s drills on Saturday from 10:30 to noon. If you looking for a men’s drill, we offer one on Sunday from 1:30 to 3:00. The cost of this drill is $18.
For those looking for beginner women’s tennis, we offer a session on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 per class.
For your young ones we have: Junior Development, high school and up, Saturday noon to 2:00 for $18.
Middle School Tennis Academy (6th, 7th, 8th grade) 2:00 to 4:00 for $18.
Beginner Tennis for 5 to 11 year olds, Thursday 5:00-6:00 for $10.
Call for more information call 330-699-5028.
H.S.T.A. (Home School Tennis Academy)
G.T.C is offering a new program this fall for Home School kids. It runs from 1:00 to 2:00 on Tuesday. We have 12 kids in this program. The cost is $50 for 8 weeks.
Brittany’s results
Congratulations to Brittany Knoch on her tennis exploits this summer. After winning two local USTA events, University Heights and Springside, Brittany traveled to Dayton and made it to the Finals before losing in a 2½ hour, three-set marathon. She also went to Indianapolis and to Ann Arbor, where she competed in a Midwest level/National tournament. Competing in the 10 and under division, Brittany won 2 matches to advance to the quarterfinals. Even though she lost that match, she then played in the Feed-in consolation and won 3 matches there against girls all ranked in the top 25 in the Midwest. Currently ranked No. 8 in NE Ohio, she achieved a ranking of No. 42 in the Midwest with her results this summer. Along with her tournament schedule, she was invited to the USTA’s top camp for Ohio held in Cincinnati in early August. Quite a summer and keep up the good work, Brittany!
Stobaugh helping Magics at third singles
Congratulations to Alycia Stobaugh, right, for making the varsity team as a freshman at Barberton High School. With 5 wins under her belt, she is enjoying her position at third singles and thanks Keith, Russ, Dave and Milana for preparing her for the season.
Two buses carry fans to Cincy tourney
By Kevin Knoch
Fifty-four tennis enthusiasts traveled to Cincinnati this summer on two bus trips to see the WTA and ATP Tour players in this US Open tune-up event. A great time was had by all with the opportunity to meet many of the players, get autographs, watch them practice, and see the great matches. It is our hope that more of you will join us next year as there is no substitute for seeing the top players perform in person. Keep watching for an announcement of trips to go to Ohio State in the spring to see the Buckeyes perform as well.