Winter 2012 New England Division YANKEE PROse The USPTA has announced plans to move forward following Tim Heckler’s rerement as chief execuve officer effecve Dec. 31, 2012, aſter 30 years in the posion. Heckler announced his intent to rere earlier this year and the Board of Directors also offered Heckler a one-year severance package through the end of 2013, which was rafied by a vote of the enre Execuve Commiee in April. “The USPTA is indebted to Tim Heckler for taking USPTA to the next level, and his 30 years of service as CEO is a demonstraon of his passion, his commitment to the associaon, and his endless hard work for helping and im- proving the well-being of the tennis-teaching professional,” President Daglis said. When Heckler, who is a USPTA Master Professional, was tapped as USPTA CEO in 1982, the organizaon had approx- imately 2,400 members and an annual budget of $700,000. Today, the associaon is the world’s oldest and largest organizaon of its kind, serving more than 15,000 mem- bers in 66 countries, and operang on an annual budget of $6.5 million. Also, the associaon’s equity has grown from $60,000 in 1982 to more than $4.2 million today. Heckler, who began playing tennis at age 3, started his tennis-teaching career in 1970, the same year he joined USPTA. He was elected president of the USPTA Texas Division in 1974 and served as naonal president of the organizaon from 1980 to 1982. With Heckler’s guidance, USPTA became one of the first tennis organizaons to embrace technology, first through the computerizaon of the business itself as early as 1982, and then later through its use of the Internet and email- based communicaons and educaon. USPTA introduced its first website in 1995. The USPTA honored Heckler in 2000 by naming him a grand inductee in the Associaon’s Hall of Fame. He also re ceived the Internaonal Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis Educa- onal Merit Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008 he received the highest honor awarded by the United States Professional Tennis Associaon, the George Bacso Lifeme Achievement Award. The Board of Directors and Search Commiee recently hired industry veteran John Embree as the new CEO/Execuve Director. Embree began transioning into his role as of Oct. 1 and will be relocang to the naonal office in Houston on Nov. 1. The associaon conducted a search for the new CEO/Execuve Director, and aſter inter- viewing several candidates in conjuncon with the execuve search firm, GSI Execuve Search Inc., the USPTA Search Commiee offered the posion to Embree. The contract was rafied by the USPTA Execuve Commiee in late August. “We are pleased to welcome John Embree into the USPTA family. His vast tennis industry experse, contacts, and company management skills will serve the USPTA well,” said President Tom Daglis. Embree has held a wide variety of influenal tennis industry roles for more than 30 years. They include serving as President of Prince Sports, The Americas; President of Balle de Match LLC; and Vice President/General Manager, Racquet Sports Divi- sion for Wilson Sporng Goods Co. Most recently, he launched a tennis consulng pracce to assist endemic brands, associ- aons and new corporate enes in maximizing their impact in the tennis marketplace. His client list included the USTA, Intercollegiate Tennis Associaon, Peter Burwash Internaon- al, Off the Grid Technologies, and Donnay USA. Embree has served on many naonal USTA Commiees, including the USTA Nominang Commiee in 2005-2006 and currently as the Vice Chair of USTA Professional Circuits Commiee. In addion, he recently served as Presidenal appointee of the Board of Directors of USTA Middle States sec- on, is a past member of TIA Board of Directors and Execuve Commiee, member of the Board of Directors of American College of Sports Medicine Foundaon, and past President of the Chicago Tennis Patrons Foundaon. One of his proudest achievements in tennis was the creaon of the USTA Adult League Tennis program in 1980, when he served as the first USTA Adult League Tennis Administrator for two years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, and was inducted into the W&L Athlec Hall of Fame in 2005. - Tim Heckler to retire in December 2012 and John Embree named as new CEO/Executive Director - Changing of the Guard
Transcript
Winter 2012New England Division
YANKEE PROse
The USPTA has announced plans to move forward following Tim Heckler’s retirement as chief executive officer effective Dec. 31, 2012, after 30 years in the position. Heckler announced his intent to retire earlier this year and the Board of Directors also offered Heckler a one-year severance package through the end of 2013, which was ratified by a vote of the entire Executive Committee in April. “The USPTA is indebted to Tim Heckler for taking USPTA to the next level, and his 30 years of service as CEO is a demonstration of his passion, his commitment to the association, and his endless hard work for helping and im-proving the well-being of the tennis-teaching professional,” President Daglis said. When Heckler, who is a USPTA Master Professional, was tapped as USPTA CEO in 1982, the organization had approx-imately 2,400 members and an annual budget of $700,000. Today, the association is the world’s oldest and largest organization of its kind, serving more than 15,000 mem-bers in 66 countries, and operating on an annual budget of $6.5 million. Also, the association’s equity has grown from $60,000 in 1982 to more than $4.2 million today. Heckler, who began playing tennis at age 3, started his tennis-teaching career in 1970, the same year he joined USPTA. He was elected president of the USPTA Texas Division in 1974 and served as national president of the organization from 1980 to 1982. With Heckler’s guidance, USPTA became one of the first tennis organizations to embrace technology, first through the computerization of the business itself as early as 1982, and then later through its use of the Internet and email-based communications and education. USPTA introduced its first website in 1995. The USPTA honored Heckler in 2000 by naming him a grand inductee in the Association’s Hall of Fame. He also re ceived the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis Educa-tional Merit Award in 2002 and was inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008 he received the highest honor awarded by the United States Professional Tennis Association, the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Board of Directors and Search Committee recently hired industry veteran John Embree as the new CEO/Executive Director. Embree began transitioning into his role as of Oct. 1 and will be relocating to the national office in Houston on Nov. 1. The association conducted a
search for the new CEO/Executive Director, and after inter-viewing several candidates in conjunction with the executive search firm, GSI Executive Search Inc., the USPTA Search Committee offered the position to Embree. The contract was ratified by the USPTA Executive Committee in late August. “We are pleased to welcome John Embree into the USPTA family. His vast tennis industry expertise, contacts, and company management skills will serve the USPTA well,” said President Tom Daglis. Embree has held a wide variety of influential tennis industry roles for more than 30 years. They include serving as President of Prince Sports, The Americas; President of Balle de Match LLC; and Vice President/General Manager, Racquet Sports Divi-sion for Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Most recently, he launched a tennis consulting practice to assist endemic brands, associ-ations and new corporate entities in maximizing their impact in the tennis marketplace. His client list included the USTA, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Peter Burwash Internation-al, Off the Grid Technologies, and Donnay USA. Embree has served on many national USTA Committees, including the USTA Nominating Committee in 2005-2006 and currently as the Vice Chair of USTA Professional Circuits Committee. In addition, he recently served as Presidential appointee of the Board of Directors of USTA Middle States sec-tion, is a past member of TIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, member of the Board of Directors of American College of Sports Medicine Foundation, and past President of the Chicago Tennis Patrons Foundation. One of his proudest achievements in tennis was the creation of the USTA Adult League Tennis program in 1980, when he served as the first USTA Adult League Tennis Administrator for two years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, and was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
- Tim Heckler to retire in December 2012 and John Embree named as new CEO/Executive Director -
Changing of the Guard
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110 Turnpike RoadWestborough, MA 01581Tel: 508-366-3450Fax: 508-365-5805ustanewengland.com
Sectional Awards
USTA New England places high value on recognizing excellence on and off the tennis court. Each year, they honor deserving players, programs, volunteers and organizations at their Awards Luncheon in March and the New England Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in June. They accept nominations for their annual awards year-round. To submit a nomination, complete the nomination form that can be found by clicking on awards at usptanewengland.com (submission instructions are included on the form). You may nominate one person/program per award, and may only nominate each person/program for one award per year. Make sure to include information about why you feel your nominee is a good choice for the award. Our awards committee will use the information in its decision making process. Incomplete or missing information can affect a nominee's eligibility!
In September I attended the 2012 World Conference On Tennis in Monterey, CA with my fellow board members Doug Eng, Phil Parrish, Steve Thuot and our executive adminis-trator Jerri DiCamillo. It was a good convention with many inspiring speakers, a beautiful facility and some great net-working opportunities. We also had the chance to meet our
new USPTA CEO, John Embree. Doug Eng, Jerri DiCamillo and I attended the 11-hour Executive Committee Meeting where we represented the New England Division and listened to many speakers outlining the future of the USPTA. One of the big initiatives nationwide is to promote the use of Courtside USA to our pros for their leagues, ladders and tournaments at their facilities. Our New England USPTA website will soon be transferred to Courtside and we will choose a New England liaison who will oversee the site and help our pros understand it better.
Two topics that the New England board has been addressing are Cer-tification Testing and our next New England Conference. We have had a very successful year of testing new applicants. Currently, we are in the process of finding some new testers to complete our testing team, led by Head Tester Wayne Turner as well as solidifying our testing procedures. As the new year approaches, we have decided to change it up a little and move our Winter Conference to the Longfellow Club in Wayland, Massa-chusetts. This one-day event will be held on Saturday, March 9, high-lighted by a New England High School Coaches workshop. Since the High School Coaches Workshop will take place before the high school season, it is hoped that it will give coaches some new drills and tips to better assist their players. We really hope that younger pros as well as our seasoned ones will attend as we have some fantastic stuff planned.
A few other items coming up in the new year include: selecting our Annual New England Convention site, and having a meeting with the New England Club Managers Association in May. Our convention last year in Vermont was wonderful but did not have great attendance from our mem-bership. We are considering a joint convention with the Eastern Division and are open to your ideas as well. Finally, a few members of the board will present at the May monthly Club Managers Association meeting to promote the importance of hiring USPTA certified pros at the many clubs in New England.
I am requesting that you please be active within our division. The board needs your ideas, requests and solutions. I hope to see many of you on March 9, 2013- at the Longfellow Club for our Winter Conference and New England HS Coaches workshop.
Hope to see you soon!
Chris Stevens
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To view YANKEE PROse go to uspta.com or usptanewengland.com
WelcomeNew Members
Developmental CoachMcCarton Ackerman – Stamford,CTAdwoa Bandele-Asante – New London, CTZachary BeHage – Boston, MAMary Gambale – Billerica, MACharles Heard – South Dennis, MAMikk Irdoja – Old Greenwich, CTMiro Lucic – Stamford, CTWayne Martin – Marshfield, MACollin Vero-Casavant – Rutland, VT
Wheelchair CertifiedDavid D’Angelo – Killington, VTDick Farrell – Whitefield, NHGeoff Krill – North Woodstock, NHGenisis Miller – Franconia, NHSandy Olney – Franconia, NHJoseph J. Perrone – Methuen, MAJohn Rapoport - Whitefield, NHJulie Smith – Waitsfield, VTKatie Stillin – Rutland, VT
Corporate MemberJennifer Youngblood – New Preston, CT
Head Tester Wayne Turner Dave FleuryTesterBob GreeneTester
2012 - 2013
USPTA NEW ENGLAND TESTING SCHEDULE
USPTA Regional Testing Center (HUB) Harvard University
2012 December 1, 2 2013 January 13, 14 March 16, 17 May 4, 5 July 13, 14 September 7, 8 November 30 and December 1
For all testing/contact information go to the USPTA NE websiteusptanewengland.com
2013 USPTA Wheelchair Training & Certification March: 16 & 17 August: 10 & 11 (during the New England Wheelchair Tennis Camp)
Harvard University: Murr Indoor and Beren Outdoor Tennis Courts Training and Testing - (In and Out of a tennis wheel chair- chairs provided) All information / directions on USPTA New England website - usptanewengland.com Contact Information: Michael Mercier - 978-273-6500
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Doug Eng, Ed.D., Ph.D.,USPTA New England \
Sport Science ChairmanUSTA National Sport Science
Committee
USPTA has five-year old public relations initiative, Tennis - for the health of it! which promotes tennis as a prescriptive exercise for health. As coaches and teaching pros, we already know the physical and psychological health benefits but recent studies also indicate tennis and other exercise can improve mental health. Many psychological health benefits are well-accepted such as social skills and self-con-fidence but there are more subtle benefits. On the USPTA website (and also the USTA website) you can find a great resource (1) http://uspta.com/html/HealthBooklet.pdf Traditionally we think of aging as naturally losing memory, cognitive skills and even dementia. Recent research at Harvard University (2), however, indicate brain functions and cognitive skills can be well-maintained despite aging with exercise such as tennis. How? When we run, sweat and swing the racquet, we are increasing cardiovascular output of the body which also means increased blood flow to the brain. Like the rest of the body, the brain has increased metabolic rate which in turn increases production of neurotransmitters and formation of new synapses which in turn allow greater brain activ-ity and cognitive functioning (3). In addition, exercise helps make healthier myelin sheaths which cover the axon (or the “cables”) of neurons. Strong neural signals can be thus maintained. Breakdown in the myelin sheaths, axons and neuromuscular synapses (i.e., the gaps between nerve cells) led to muscu-lar dysfunction and sarcopenia (i.e., muscles wasting). This phenomenon is seen often in elderly peo-ple with dementia or cognitive impairment. Therefore as the brain fails, the body fails. In fact, recent research (4) has linked walking gait with cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. This link might seem obvious in elderly people but can be now linked at earlier ages. Hence, cardiovascular exercise can help maintain a healthy mind and body (5). Recently, Rodolfo Savica at the famed Mayo Clinic (6) suggested that Olympic sports such as tennis can help make a healthier brain. Compared to some sports which don’t use equipment or balls, tennis may also help promote additional brain func-tions since it requires more sophisticated visual cues such as the spinning ball, changing environment (e.g., wind, sun, court position), and racquet skills. Voss and co-workers (7) reviewed brain and cognitive functions across different age groups and concluded that everyone including children, adults and elderly can all benefit from exercise. For example, exercise improved attention, memory and decision-making in children. In addition, planning and organizational skills, known as executive functions, are improved in adults. Those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease often lose executive functions. That is why some older people may remember things but can’t figure out higher functional tasks such as changing strategy or reorganizing a schedule. And as tennis pros, we know it’s important to organize competitive schedules and implement our own strategies in playing, marketing programs and job searches. Unlike some sports that require significant coaching input during competition (e.g., football), competitive tennis is largely a self-coached sport. We see some of the best problem-solvers emerging on the tennis court. In addition, unlike some sports which emphasize physical exercise rather than decision-making (e.g, running or swimming), tennis demands higher order cognitive skills with more significant tactical and strategic involvement. With the coming winter season, indoor courts demand more organization and optimization for rev-enues and serving greater populations. It’s a good time not only to promote tennis as a healthy sport but to practice your executive skills even if you prefer just teaching. Stay active!
1. Groppel, J, DiNubile N, Tennis: For the Health of It! The Physician and Sportsmedicine, June 2009, No. 2,Volume 37 40-502. Valdez G, Tapia JC, Kang H, Clemenson GD Jr, Gage FH, Lichtman JW, & Sanes JR (2010). Attenuation of age-re-lated changes in mouse neuromuscular synapses by caloric restriction and exercise. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107 (33), 14863-8.3. Jan Wikgren, Georgios G. Mertikas, Pekka Raussi, Riina Tirkkonen, Laura Äyräväinen, Markku Pelto-Huikko, Lauren G. Koch, Steven L. Britton, Heikki Kainulainen. Selective breeding for endurance running capacity affects cognitive but not motor learning in rats. Physiology & Behavior, 2012; 106 (2): 95.4. Ihab Hajjar, Frances Yang, Farzaneh Sorond, Richard N. Jones, William Milberg, L. Adrienne Cupples, Lewis A. Lipsitz. A Novel Aging Phenotype of Slow Gait, Impaired Executive Function, and Depressive Symptoms: Relation-ship to Blood Pressure and Other Cardiovascular Risks. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2009 September; 64A(9): 994–1001.5. Angevaren M. Angevaren M, Aufdemkampe G, Verhaar H, Aleman A, Vanhees LPublished Online: July 16, 2008. Physical activity and enhanced fitness to improve cognitive function in older peo-ple without known cognitive impairment (Review). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 26. The Olympics for the Rest of Us: How Ping-Pong Can Help Your Brainhttp://www.mayoclinic.org/news2012-rst/7011.html7. Voss, M.W., Nagamatsu, L.S., Liu-Ambrose, T., & Kramer, A.F. (2011). Exercise, Brain, and Cognition Across the Lifespan. Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(5), 1505-1513.
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TENNIS AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
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Marcy Rubinstein, USPTA New England Division Vice President was honored on center court at the Campbell’s Tennis Hall of Fame Championships on July 10, 2012. Youth Tennis Foundation President Mike Lewitt presented her with the Ned Weld Award, named for Ned Weld, the longtime Youth Tennis Foundation supporter and USTA New England Hall of Famer. The award was created in 2008 to honor an individual who embodies the spirit of competition and gives back to tennis – characteristics that Ned Weld personified throughout his career.
Marcy Rubinstein receives Ned Weld Award
Pro Date Event Amount CharityBill Mountford 5/12/12 1st Annual Match Point for Mikey Fundraiser at The Lake Club $7,500 Mike Czech Fundation
Michael Mercier 6/3/12 USPTA New England Wheelchair Tennis Fundraiser held at Murr $7,400 Money for expenses Indoor Tennis Center. Harvard University. World Team Tennis for players to attend NY format with 6 able bodied and wheechair players per team. Wheelchair Tournament
Dave Altshuler 6/29/12 The 23rd Annual 2012 Jimmy Fund Tennis Classic held in Beverly, MA $43,150 The Jimmy Fund at The Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Avis Murray 8/1 - 9//1 The Bass Rocks Golf Club designated August as Tennis Thanks The $850 Tennis Thanks The Troops Troops Month. For each event held in August, the players pledged an amount for each ace and double fault
Whitey Joslin 10/21/12 The 10th Annual Burn For Life at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hosptal $3,000 The American Cancer Society Fred Kolehmainen Patient Support Services Program which included a silent auction Richard King
Whitey Joslin 10/21/12 Fit To Fight Relay For Life - 2nd Annual Combat Cancer Fundrasier with $220 The American Cancer Society Jeffie Goodin 22 participants who jabbed, crossed, kicked and scissored during one hour Deb Shafran of intense Les Mills Body Combat Class at Mountainside Racquet and Emily Cleveland Fitness Center
Connie McHugh 11/10/12 Turkey Open Tournament at Vineyard Tennis Center $2,000 Doctors Without Borders
Bill Mountford 9/22/12 2nd Anual Alliance Invitational Tourney which supports an alliance of five ` $75,000 Alliance of Southern CT Chuck Milot southern CT grassroots tennis programs at Country Club of New Canaan
Avis Murray 7/29/12 Play For PINK Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser at Bass Rocks Golf $6,100 Erin Doane Club. Three separate tennis round robins Terri Doane Kim Foster Morgan Bell
Lisa Gilbride 4/3/12 NAMI Fundraiser Night at the Y Highlighted by former #17 in the world $2,000 NAMI National Alliance on Melissa Gurney Melissa Gurney Van Ness. A doubles demonstration and social Mental Illness Reggie Hodges gathering was held. All funds were donations.
Lisa Gilbride 10/18/12 Luck of the drawe women’s doubles tournament at Central Linciln Ann Flannery County YMCA
Congratulations to the following pros for their great efforts in conducting Lessons for Life fundraising events that raised $148,420 throughout 2012. If you think your name should be appearing below. go to uspta.com and in the drop down menu in quick links, click on Lessons for Life and register your event on the form that is there. The deadline for registering is December 31. DO IT NOW!
Michael Mercier - Harvard University Head Tennis Professional and USTA New England Wheelchair Tennis Chairperson was selected to be the Keynote speaker at the Vermont Association for Health, Recreation,-Physical Education and Dance that was held November 7-9th at the Snowflake Resort and Spa in Stow Vermont. Mercier's keynote presentation and "hands on event”- Pushing Forward From Within, was on developing successful after school and community Wheelchair Tennis Programs.
Keynote Speaker
USPTA New England Division raises 2012 LFL total of $148,420
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Bass Rocks Play For PINK
Bass Rocks TAA Breakfast at Wimbledon
The 23rd Annual 2012 Jimmy Fund Tennis Classic, Beverly, MA
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10th Annual Burn For LifeFit To Fight Relay For Life
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USPTA leads effort to help tennis-teaching professionalsaffected by Hurricane Sandy
USPTA is asking for your help in a national effort to assist tennis-teaching professionals and their families in the following divisions: New England, Eastern, Middle States and Mid-Atlantic, who were displaced by Hurricane Sandy. Many are dealing with damage to/loss of their facilities and homes. Go to uspta.com and click on HELP USPTA MEMBERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY to access a form that will allow you to make a donation. USPTA, through its New England, Eastern, Middle States and Mid-Atlantic divisions, will distribute 100 percent of your cash donations. If you are in need of assistance or know of someone who is in need of assistance at this time, please contact the appropriate person in your division below: • Bill Mecca, USPTA Eastern Division, at [email protected] • Jerri DiCamillo, USPTA New England Division, at [email protected] • Tim Irwin, USPTA Middle States Division, at [email protected] • John Cleary, USPTA Mid-Atlantic Division, at [email protected] If you can offer employment, please contact your division president or Rich Fanning at the World Headquarters ([email protected]) or call 800-877-8248. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. Your donations are appreciated.
This was another banner year for USPTA New England Division TAA Free Lesson Days at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. On the first two days of the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championships July 9 and 10, hundreds of juniors, and adults had the opportunity to experience playing on grass. This annual event is unique thanks to the continued efforts of Jacques Faulise, USPTA liaison to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and past president of USPTA NE Division. Other USPTA Pros who contributed to the success of this event were assistant event director Anne Schwartz, Board members Connie McHugh, Steve Thuot, Mike Mercier along with Mary Rompf, Drew Goldstein, Tom Callahan and Robert Chase.
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Frank Kenney _______________________________Frank Kenney, husband of the late Myra Landers Kenney passed away on Aug. 5 at the age of 93. He was a member of USPTA for 73 years which made him the second longest member in the Association. Kenney, who lived in Newport, R.I. was a longtime member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a lifetime member of the USTA and an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a WWII veteran. He was born in Newport, son of the late Eleanor Noonan Kenney and Daniel Kenney. Kenney taught tennis from 1939-1971 in many private clubs including: the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, FL, Lyford Cay Club in Nassau, Bahamas, Bailey’s Beach Club in Newport, Cohasset Squash and Tennis Club in Cohasset, MA and the Madison Beach Club Madison, CT. During his career he taught tennis to the Vanderbilt, Astor and Lynch families, among others. After retiring, he helped with local tennis tournaments, spent time encouraging the Rogers High School girl’s tennis team and volunteering at local nursing homes. In honor of his service, the tennis courts at Murphy Field were dedicated
to him. His son Jack Kenney, brother Bill Kenney, an older brother, father, uncle and two cousins were also members of the USPTA. In a 2002 interview for ADDvantage, Frank Kenney said “I met a lot of nice people - ambassadors, presidents andsenators.” “I taught Jacqueline Kennedy how to play tennis in Newport.” In Palm Beach, where where he spent his winters, he played doubles with club members on Sunday afternoons. “I’ve had a great life,” he said.
USTA’S TENNIS ON CAMPUS - HOW SWEET IT IS!By Denny Schackter, USPTA Professional Andrew Shumate, Brown University
Class of 2015 I developed a strong passion for tennis during high school and, thanks to the Tennis on Campus program, I have been able to maintain that passion throughout college. Playing for Coach Andy Carr and South Kingstown High School was an experience I will never forget. South Kingstown has won 14 consecutive Rhode Island Division 1 state championships, and it was quite an honor to be part of such a tremendous streak and close-knit tennis community. But even more important were the life lessons I learned from Coach Carr and from being part of a team, the friendships I made, and the great memories I have. I developed a true love of the game and wanted to continue my interest in tennis during college. I knew that it would be difficult to play at the varsity level at any college, due to the time and travel commitment. However, shortly after starting at Brown University, I found out about Tennis on Campus and joined my school’s club tennis team, which participates in the program. Being part of this team has been great,because it allows me to continue playing tennis at a competitive level, without the time commitment that a varsity team demands. The team practices twice per week and plays in tournaments throughout New England. The practices are fun, but the players are serious and the level is high. Our team has performed very well the past two years at the national tournament. The Tennis on Campus program has allowed me to maintain my passion for and participation in tennis, even while I try to balance academ-ics and other extracurriculars. Our team has a challenge ladder and people play challenge matches pn their own time or at practice throughout the season, then the top players play for the team in the national tournament. The women’s team does it in a similar way. It is nice because anyone else who doesn’t make the national team but who just wants to go along and support the team can go. See-ing as there are about 30 guys on our ladder right now, it is certainly quite competitive. My ranking is 11 now, so I’m going to see if I can move up a bit. It is a fabulous program, and I hope it continues to grow in popularity and spread to schools throughout the country.
As a USPTA Tennis Teaching Professional you not only teach those that come through your doors, you provide a circle of tennis information for your students every day. I am sure your older students are encouraged to sign up for lessons, drill and play, tournaments and league play while you encourage younger students to enter the game through play days, tournaments, high school tennis and eventually progress them towards college tennis and leagues. You might even ask all of them to attend local tennis events to show support for the sport and potentially ask them to join the USTA. When the USTA began the Tennis On Campus program a little over 10 years ago, no one had any idea what the program would bring. In those 10 short years the program has progressed to upwards of 600 colleges and universi-ties working with over 35,000 non-varsity collegiate intra-mural and club tennis team players. According to many industry analysts, this has been one of the brightest spots in aiding tennis growth over the past few years. As a USPTA member serving on the USTA’s Tennis On Campus Committee, I have seen tremendous growth of in this program. I believe the reasons are many; they socialize, they fundraise, they budget time, participate in community service projects, travel and network while actively supporting one another in a socially coed team environment. It is the future. As a USPTA Professional, this group is extremely important to you because it will be your next generation of frequent players. Your facility should actively begin marketing to this expanding group for building membership and programming revenue, equip-ment sales, court time and for your survival. If you are working with high school age tennis players, please be sure they are aware of Tennis On Campus. For the young person who wants to play in college, but may lack the skills required for Varsity play, this is the answer. Please relay the TOC website, www.tennisoncampus.com to all your high school age students and their parents. You will be glad you did.
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USPTA Western MASS.
The biggest and best news from western Massachusetts is that in 2012, the city of Springfield, MA was selected as a USTA Target Market Initiative (TMI) for growing 10-and-un-der tennis. Over the next 3 years, close to $100,000 will be pumped into Springfield to build infrastructure (courts, blended lines, etc.), equip various youth centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and after-school programs. Celia Lucas, who attended our last New England confer-ence in Woodstock, VT, is leading the project through her western MA Community Tennis Association. To date, Spring-field has formed 8 Kid’s Tennis Clubs, held 5 Play Days with 172 participants, and has lined 12 outdoor courts with 10-and-under lines. Three additional courts will be lined by the end of this fall. In addition to the TMI, 2 new facilities have opened in western Massachusetts: and an outdoor facility at Berkshire West Community College and an indoor facility in Sunderland, MA – both complete with 10-and-under lines. The Berkshire Community College facility has standard 78’ courts with blended 10-and-under lines as well as 3 stand-alone 8-and-under courts. This facility will be used by the college, by the Pittsfield CTA, and by a local YMCA for tennis programming. The Maple Ridge Community Center in Sunderland, MA is a small two-court facility also with blended 10-and-under lines. USPTA New England members Mike Kolendo and Jon Aronstein – both USPTA New England members. MRCC is a unique situation. It is a community-based concept with no membership fees. Anyone can rent a court, buy a season con-tract, or join a clinic/program. You can get basic information at tennisatmapleridge.com. Additional activities in western MA include five 10-and-un-der Recreational Coaches Workshops with 96 attendees. Junior Team Tennis leagues included 407 players from the Pioneer Valley and Berkshire County. 1. The Thurston Cup took place on Sunday, September 23rd at the Longwood Cricket Club in Chestnut Hill, MA. This year the event was played on grass. Brian Lomax, last year's USPTA New England's Newcomer of the year award winner, captained the Central Team. The Thurston Cup is an intra-Sectional Doubles event with 4 New England teams: Boston, North, South, and Central. The Central team was the defending the cup but the Boston Team swept the field. Mike Kolendo also played. 2. Three USPTA NE members from western MA represent-ed New England at this year's USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in NYC during the US Open: Bob Greene as USTA New England's Delegate, Anne Schwartz and Mike Kolendo as National Com-mittee members. Bob Greene was also selected as a member of USTA National's next Nominating Committee.
Meet new USPTA member Andrea Georgian, head tennis pro at the Maine Pines Racquet and Fitness Club in Brunswick, ME. Andrea started playing tennis at the age of 5 and grew up playing USTA tennis in Massachusetts. She was a ranked in the top 20 in New England during high school and played #1 for her high school team. She went on to play number one singles and doubles at Bates College, where she captained the team through a successful season her senior year. She currently plays on Women,s and Mixed Doubles USTA teams. Andrea has coached 6 years of high school girls tennis
along with teaching high school English. She owned and ran the Bridgewater Tennis Academy for two summers. As well, she taught at the Damariscotta YMCA and at Maine Pines summer tennis camps. After taking some time off to raise her 4 kids, (currently ages 5, 7, 9 and 12) she earned her USPTA and PTR Certifications. Andrea currently teaches the Junior Development Program, 10 & Under Program (including preschool and Parent and Me), 1-2-3 programs, coaches women’s teams, teaches private lessons, and runs tennis birthday parties. As well, she runs a variety of tennis clinics such as Cardio, Drop and Drill, 3 and Me, and Singles and Doubles Strategies, and she adminis-ters the tennis ladder.
VERMONT
The fall issue of Stratton Magazine has an article about the founding and history of the Vermont Junior Tennis Foundation. The goal was to provide equipment and instruction to juniors at no cost. The article tells about the founder, Rudy Kugler, and his motivation for this grassroots program. Over the years USPTA professionals Kelly Gunterman, Ivo Ljubibratic, PJ Shoemaker, Bill Simmers, and Jason Stokes have provided instruction. The article can also be found at strattonmagazine.com. The Stratton Sports Center, home of the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, has recently completed the renovation of the outdoor courts including converting the eight soft courts from Har-Tru to red clay. Wilson and Lawrence of Grafton, VT was the contractor for the work.
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To: USPTA NE DIVISION Members
Please send letters to the editor along with a preferred telephone number or e-mail address to YANKEE PROse, USPTA New England Division, P.O Box 126, West Kingston, RI 02892 or e-mail to [email protected].
New England
MAILBOX
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Congratulations to Whitey Joslin and Laura Joslin King, owners of Mountainside Racquet and Fitness Center (MRFC) in New London, NH. Whitey and Laura were awarded the 2012 National Father/Daughter Sportsmanship Award in August while at the Grass Court Championships at Longwood Cricket Club. The award is given each year to the F/D team who demonstrates exemplary sportsmanship, love of F/D tennis, and respect for the game. Whitey and Laura have been ranked #1 nationally in Super-Senior Father/Daughter competition for the past two years. They garnered a silver ball at Longwood. Fred Kolehmainen, Whitey Joslin, and Richard King, USPTA professionals, hosted MRFC's annual "Jan Norris Memorial Burn For Fun" on Sunday, October 21st. The 3-hour burn (tennis Clinic) and a week-long silent auction are fundraisers to benefit The American Cancer Society.
Fred Kolehmainen has been promoted to Head Tennis Pro-fessional at Mountainside Racquet and Fitness Center (MRFC) Charles “Whitey” Joslin, Jr., owner/manager and Head’Tennis Pro-fessional since the inception of MRFC in 1997 is “handing over the reigns of the tennis program.” Kolehmainen is a USPTA Certified Teaching Pro and has held the position of Assistant Head Tennis Professional at MRFC since 2002.
Kelly Gunterman is the new General Manager of the Mystic In-door Tennis. Kelly said, “It is great to be back in New England and working at a great club in Mystic. I am looking forward to getting more involved in New England Tennis.”
Marcy Rubinstein is helping Bridgeport, CT become a growing hot spot for tennis. She received the prestigious Ned Weld Memo-rial Award from the Youth Tennis Association in Newport, RI and the Bridgeport Community Tennis Foundation will receive a $4,000 grant. Marcy has been instrumental in helping the children in Bridgeport discover the game of tennis. On May 24th they had 250 eager 5th-8th graders at the Bridgeport Lighthouse Tournament. “The day was amazing. The kids were very enthusiastic about be-ing there. They had been playing tennis all year and then had the chance to showcase their skills at the tournament,” said longtime tennis instructor and Bridgeport Community Tennis Association Ex-ecutive Director, Marcy Rubinstein. She added, “They really know that we care about them. When we donate the right equipment and they can take it out afterschool, they know people are supporting them. The desire to play is growing and that’s wonderful.” But perhaps the most rewarding part of the tournament was realizing that tennis is becoming a more popular—and even pref-erable sport—in the city. Rubinstein said, “I overheard some kids telling their parents they want to come back and play here again. That is a true testament of the work we are doing to grow tennis here in Bridgeport.” With the help of the Bridgeport Lighthouse Program, the USTA national office, USTA New England and the city of Bridgeport have committed to grow tennis in the city for the next two years. As part of a specialized target market initiative, the USTA national office and USTA New England are granting more than $68,000 to the community and the city of Bridgeport is contributing more than $22,000 to fund tennis programs from 2011-2013.
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2012 USPTAHONOREES From New England
TAA Greatest Percentage of participants - 2nd Place New England
Years of Service 65 Years – Bill Power, Westborough, MA 50 Years – John Foley, Swampscott, MA 40 Years – Howie Burnett Errol Coard, Boston, MA Laury Hammel, Wayland, MA John Hughes, Springfield, MA Morton Lederman, Cornwall Bridge CT Bill Rompf, Newport, RI Joel Taylor, Canton, CT Rob Trowbridge, Nashua 35 Years – Gail Ingis, Fairfield, CT R.J. Tessier, Littleton, NH Sheila Weinstock, Framingham MA 30 Years – Steve Cohen, West Warwick, RI Jacques Faulise, North Kingstown, RI
Education Merit Award for 10 years of continuing education participation Jerri DiCamillo, West Kingston, RI Chris Stevens, Portsmouth, NH
Nominate a worthy tennis pro NOW!USPTA NE DIVISION AWARDS FORM
2012 New England Regional Pro of the Year 2012 Open Player of the Year M/F 2012 Senior Player of the Year M/F 2012 High School Coach of the Year 2012 (35 and over) Player of the Year M/F 2012 College Coach of the Year 2012 (45 and over) Player of the Year M/F 2012 Coach of the Year (successful coaching at any level) 2012 Facility Manager of the Year 2012 New England Pro of the Year 2012 55 and over Player of the Year M/F 2012 Rookie of the Year
Nominee Information (Must be an active USPTA member in good standing)
Name ____________________________________ Member No. _____________________ Tel ____________________
Address _____________________________ City ___________________________ State _____ ZIP _____________
Local newspaper __________________________________________________________________________________
Nominator ________________________________________ Tel _____________________________
Briefly tell us about your nominee Send Completed Form to: Jacques Faulise 13 Loop Drive North Kingstown, RI 02852 [email protected] 401-952-7000 * Feel free to suggest a new category
Joe HajduckyDistrict Sales ManagerConn., Rhode IslandWestchester County166 North StreetTrumbull, CT 06611203-375-4653 Phone203-375-4653 Fax
HEAD PENN RACQUET SPORTSImportant Contacts
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The
USPTA NEW ENGLAND DIVISION
invites all tennis professionals to its Annual Winter Tennis Conference on
Saturday, March 9, 2013 Hosted by
Phil Parrish and the Longfellow Racquet Club in Wayland, MA
High School Coaches Workshop 10:00am - 2:00pm
Only $30 per person includes a snack and a gift & Session 2
All tennis teachers & coaches are invited and can choose to stay for
the afternoon session at no additional cost. Topics include:
- Singles and Doubles Strategies - Group Tennis Drills
- Getting players ready for college tennis and more...
Tennis Teachers Conference 3:00 - 8:00pm
$30 per person or $75 per club (up to 5 pros) includes a snack
and a gift & Session 1
All tennis pros, directors, managers and coaches are
invited for the afternoon session to listen to top industry speakers.
Topics include:
- Coaching Performance - 10 and Under Tennis
- team drills and more….
USPTA members will receive continuing education credits.
All USPTA members and non members are welcome . Attend one or both of these educational opportunities for only $30. Network with
fellow pros & learn new drills/programs for your facility.
Contact Phil Parrish to register for the conference at (508) 358-7355. You can send a $30 check to:
Longfellow Club c/o Phil Parrish 524 Boston Post Rd. Wayland, MA 01778
Publication Deadlines
Jerri DiCamillo, Executive Administrator Editor/Photographer/Layout and Design of Yankee PROse USPTA New England Division P.O. Box 126, West Kingston, RI 02892 Telephone: 401-789-8927 or Cell: 401-742-2075 e-mail: [email protected]
Publication Dates Deadlines July (Summer) newsletter June 1 (Including USPTA NE Fall Conference Brochure)
November (Winter) newsletter Oct. 1 (Including USPTA NE Winter Conference Brochure) Nov. 2 March (Spring) newsletter Feb. 1 (Including USPTA NE Annual Convention brochure)
The following is the rate schedule for ads placed in our newsletter.
Size One Time 2 Issues Bus. Card $35 $30 ($60) $25 ($75) 1/4 page $60 $55 ($110) $50 ($150) 1/2 Page $85 $80 ($160) $75 ($225) 3/4 Page $100 $90 ($180) $80 ($240) Full Page $,110 $100 ($200) $90 ($270) Fullpageinsert-flatrate$100 As of 11/14/2012 there are 647 tennis professionals in New England. The newsletter YANKEE PROse can be viewed online at www.uspta.com by all USPTA members, the presidents and vice presidents of the 16 other divisions of the USPTA, as well as USPTA national Board of Directors.
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CONNIE MCHUgH - SEPTEMbEr 15 MICHAEL MErCIEr - MAy 5, AUgUST 12 AND OCTObEr 21 JACqUES FAULISE - JULy 3, 9 AND 10 DAN MCCOrMICk - JUNE 25 AVIS r. MUrrAy - JULy 7, SEPTEMbEr 1 gLEN EASTrIDgE - JUNE 24
CHrIS STEVENS - SEPTEMbEr 4, AND DECEMbEr 7 DOUg ENg - JUNE 17, 18 rObErT kIMNACH - JULy 14
NESTOr bErNAbE - JUNE 30 IVO LJUbIbrATIC - MAy 19 NANCy OSbOrNE - JULy 28
*Please bring this photo to the tournament desk for a FREE PRIZE.“Mini Mo” Internationals: December 14-17 at Club Med Sandpiper, Port St. Lucie, FL (Boys and Girls ages 5-10 using 36'/60'/78' court and red/orange/green dot balls) Open to any player worldwide Enter online: www.mcbtennis.org
The Boston Lobsters will be playing their World Team Tennis Pro League season matches at the Joan Norton Tennis Center on the grounds of Manchester Athletic Club (MAC) for the 2013 World TeamTennis Pro League season. Team officials say the convenient location, less than one mile from Route 128, will provide the team with a venue that is very desirable for the team, its guests and sponsors. Season tickets for the 2013 Boston Lobsters season are alredy on sale and they are currently seeking 2013 sponsors For more information, about sponsorships, corporate patnerships, schedule and 2013 sea-son tickets please contact Darlene [email protected] / 508-435-2023.
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USPTA Certication Testing Update By Wayne Turner
Certification has been extremely strong within our Division in 2012. Our next test, which is scheduled at Har-vard on December 1 and 2 has been closed due to enrollment. Thirteen new applicants have registered and there will be four upgrades. By years end we will have conducted 5 hub exams (at Harvard) and tested approximately 50 new applicants. During the year there were also two special tests for those who could not align their teaching schedules with the hubs. Those were held June in Martha's Vineyard, MA and in October at Woodstock. VT. The 2013 hub testing schedule has been posted on our Divisional website. I would encourage all Head Pro-fessionals and Directors of Tennis to encourage their instructional staff to take part in an upcoming exam. I would also like to invite any future members of the USPTA to come to the Harvard exam in December and sit through the review class on December 1 and/or come to the on courtportions of the exam (group, private lesson, and stroke production) on December 2. The testing team will contin-ue, in 2013, to upgrade coaches on a one to one basis, whenever possible outside the normal testing schedule. Also, a special test may be able to be held at other sites if there are a sufficient number of applicants and certain criteria can be met. As the USPTA New England Division head tester, I attended the Head Tester's meeting at the World Con-ference On Tennis in Monterey, CA where I had the opportunity to network with the testers from throughout the country. The USPTA will continue to put emphasis on the testing process with review classes being held prior to the testing taking place. The level of applicant confidence and actual results seem to indicate that will be the norm going forward. If anyone has any questions with regard to testing or upgrading please email me at [email protected].
New England DivisionP. O. Box 126West Kingston, RI 02892
United States Professional Tennis Association
Keep informed! Visit the New England website usptanewengland.com
