Dear Ryan:
Thank you for your invitations to great tennis. I really enjoyed the junior
mixed doubles Thursday night.
I have a lot of work to do to get my game back into fighting form to keep up
with these guys.
Thanks again.
I will not be able to attend the celebrity pro-am. I appreciate the invite
however and will do my best to come to future events.
You put on a great event and are a god send to tennis in Las Vegas.
All the best,
Steven Mann
From: The Garretts
Hi Ryan,
Thank you for the gift certificate. We really enjoyed coming over on
Sunday. Also thank you for the nice letter. We really appreciate all you do for Vegas tennis and for our Alexis.
Thanks again,
The Garretts
From: Bob Lindsay
in Pennsylvania
Ryan,
I am Ryan Gormley's Uncle from Pennsylvania. I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly regarding Ryan Gormley.
Asa matter of fact, I was so excited about what you sent to me that I forwarded your message to a number of friends so that they could read about Ryan as well.
By the way, I'm flying out to see your tournament at Bally's in May. I can't wait, it should be a great tournament.
Perhaps I'll get to meet you.
Take care, and keep up the good work.
Bob Lindsay
My Reply:
Bob,
The tournament coming up is all
going perfectly; and your coming from Pennsylvania is just one more thing
that will make it great. We have Galyan's, a nationwide sporting goods
chain sponsoring the event, giving free racquets and apparel to the
winners, one of which could very well be Ryan. In addition, Mobile Medical
Supply's is the main sponsor, and in keeping with the theme of healthy
living, their sponsorship is perfect as they supply patients with supplies
and tools to keep them healthy. We are also have a sponsorship with NETPRO,
the professional tennis trading card company, giving the players a free
set of trading cards, an organic date company is donating all the dates
the players can eat, Better Nutrition is sponsoring with energy bars and
nutritional products, and many other groups are looking to participate in
this event to make it as much like a professional tennis event as
possible.
Your participation from out of
state, and soon at the tournament is welcome.
Ryan
Comments from: Andy Zodin,
Easter Circuit Article
Thanks Ryan!
We really appreciate your efforts.
Andy Zodin
Director of Tennis
Colorado Athletic Club Monaco
Denver, Colorado
Comments from: Gabriela Vangstad
Hi Ryan,
it was a pleasure to talk to you on the phone today. Thank you so much for giving Nicolle the opportunity to play on clay courts this Saturday. As I mentioned earlier, it amazes me, how city like Las Vegas is not more significant for the game of tennis. Just think about it, the weather is good all year (mostly), there are many tennis courts available, yet there aren't many places that would take tennis more seriously. Just the fact that Las Vegas doesn't have a variety of different court surfaces, lacks an indoor facility (except for Green Valley), puts players from here in a huge disadvantage. Sure, new tennis complex is being build at the Desert Breeze, but once again, it's all hard courts. Why? I know it is more expensive to build a clay court, roughly $10,000 more then a hard court, the maintenance is higher, but if you are going to be serious about tennis and going to spent millions building a new complex, you can't stop to wonder why build more hard courts? There are plenty hard courts in Las Vegas, many of them are empty most of the times, what this city needs is a variety and options. Then you can have juniors training at a higher level, compete at better tournaments. Just interview few of the juniors and ask them what kind of plan do they have? Seems to me, most of them have no plan what's ever. Except to do well in the next local tournament. There is no reason, why kids from Las Vegas should not be able to compete in a stiffer competition, even on a national or international level. Have you ever wondered, why there are so many great players coming from Russia, Czech Republic, former Yugoslavia, Belgium, or Germany? In many of those countries playing tennis is very limited, because of the low number of facilities available. Yet, they produce champions. Just look at the 2002 ITF rankings.very few Americans. Are they better players with better options? Most likely not. What they are though, they're better trained athletes. And there is the difference. If you think your child is going to be the best player he or she could be by attending tennis clinics few times a week, you better think again. Unfortunately, I haven't seen a place in Las Vegas, where your junior's game would be taken seriously enough, to actually work with a bigger picture, with a road map that would cover every single aspect of the game from an early age. From shot production, to building points, to strategy, video analyzing practice and match play, conditioning, nutrition, mental toughness, goal setting, relaxation and so on. Hitting the ball with a topspin is just a small part of the game! Until somebody creates a high performance center for junior players with all the aspects of the game, we should not be surprised if Las Vegas doesn't have any national or international champions. Tennis clinics and private lessons are just not enough to prepare for a tough competition. Exchange programs would be a wonderful way for our juniors to explore. I am not sure, is there an exchange program with let's say Florida in place? So that our players could go over there at a small cost and play few tournaments in Florida in exchange for them coming over here? I don't think so. How about Europe? Especially Czech Republic and Russia. Wouldn't it be wonderful to get some experience at a low cost for both sides? Building confidence and learning from experience is very important for young adults, and so much more for young tennis players. But unfortunately, Las Vegas's doesn't have all that much to offer, tennis wise. Yet. Maybe one day, there will be a high performance Centrum for juniors and young aspiring pros. Who knows?
Until then, we can just hope and do our part to change this. Complaining alone never changed anything, actions always do. Wish me luck in training my own little players..
Gabriela Vangstad
PS: If you wish, you can post this on your web site. Maybe I am so wrong, it would be nice to find out how wrong I am ...
My response..
Gabriela,
from my vantage point, all one
can do is what they know to be right in this moment, and if this is done
with complete integrity and awareness then it is the most perfect
performance. As to what others should or should not do, I do not know, but
I know what I have been led to do, and that began with starting this web
site, covering local events, and living my life with integrity. In doing
so I have brought this to the tennis community and all I have come in
contact with. Coming this May will be the first ever VegasTennis.com
Junior Circuit tournament at BALLY'S tennis club. This event, like the
Stirling Club tournament I helped promote prior, will be first class, and
will not hedge on any amenities or details. Your participation and efforts
to make it perfect are welcome. There is a way to be right and it is not
so much something one has to plan for, but something one has to be willing
to choose. I have chosen that course and each article, match, tournament
and act that I do should reflect that. Perhaps you working with your
daughter and others will exhibit and produce the same satisfaction as you
do your part to bring tennis alive in this Valley one match at a time.
Ryan
From: Dennis Stein
Comments about Men's Senior 4.0
Spanish Trail article...
From: Kim Stein
comments = This message is for Ryan - Good job on the video and photos for the Spanish Trail Mens Senior 4.0. Nice meeting you from Dennis's daughter!
From: Bob Lindsay
comments = I just wanted to thank you for the great article about Ryan Gormley and Cameron Parker. It sounds like it was an exciting match. I am Ryan's Uncle from Pennsylvania and I miss not seeing him develop, so I REALLY appreciate reading your articles. Keep up the good work. Your site has really come a long way as I have been following it for quite some time. I am presently spending the month of March at Myrtle Beach, SC and am using a different e-mail account than I usually do. I am using my laptop and cannot view your pictures. Is any of that match on your site? If so, I can't wait to see it. Thanks again.
Bob Lindsay
Jim Thorpe, PA.
Name: Saad Ashraaf
RE: Spanish Trail Open Draw
Comments:
Ryan,
Thanks for the job well done at the tournament. I had a blast. I forgot
how much fun competing can be. I would like to send a thanks to the
tournament directors and the Thompson Twins so please give me some contact
info.
The finals was high level tennis. I can't believe there were not more
people there to watch. I should have had every junior in our program there
to watch and learn. Next time I will get them there.
I think you have a tough job but you are handling the challenge really well.
Keep it going.
Work Hard...Play Hard!!!
Saad
My Response:
Saad,
The Tournament Director is Hans Rieheman. The Director of tennis and the one behind
the open draw is Dan Knight. They both can be reached at 367-2711. Dan put
up the $1,00.00 prize money and pushed to have me promote the event.
Someone once asked me "Does your life have heart?" And I said honestly, "yes it does."
Because each day I choose to do what I am led to do, 100%. If you do something there is no reason not to do it right , and that makes everything easy. Such was the case
in promoting this event and the web site. Because of that the challenges are easy and steps I rise on.
Your participation in the tournament is part of that. I will continue to watch your Mission Hills program
develop from a distance.
The USTA and all great organizations begins with the heart of individuals thriving and not settling for anything less then perfection.
I know you understand this.
Ryan
Name: M
Gibson
comments =
Ryan,
The following emails sent to you were all great! It's nice to read nice and sincere comments
about your website. I really enjoy reading all of it every night. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for all the updates on the
Spanish Trail Review. As Always it is a pleasure reading and learning more and more on the
local events in town. Considerately, I Just don't know how you are at so many places and covering so much all
at one time. As you & I have discussed We all don't know
how it will come together, but it eventually does, moment by moment. Again, thank you Ryan, for doing what is right and for bringing together info for
juniors and all. Your website has opened alot, but for my daughter
Gabriela, it is teaching her
mental and inner control of the game by reading your site on your perspective
of the game and knowing where to watch and observe and importantly awareness. Your site
has brought Gabriela and myself closer together but most importantly she's learning to enjoy,
love life and be more open to others and having self confidence in herself. She will not quit !! And as
she continues to grow with discipline in her game she can put forth this towards life. I will
admit it's hard as a parent to be up & down, but I believe this is the right thing to do. This was her first open mixed double, and had fun
within her and meeting, conversing with others socially. As for myself, I have become more open,
possibly a little to much for that is the truth! We both enjoy your website,
and give you lot's of recognition for doing what you believe is right. You are a gift for the path of life, for their is always much to learn and growth. Keep up the
good work !
Sincerely,
Melissa Gibson
P.S.
Ryan I liked the email you and Doreena sent to each
other about living life and your response to her!
Date: 1/14/03 10:08:07 AM Pacific Standard Time
From: Saad Ashraf
To: VegasTenniscom@aol.com
Thanks for the news updates.
I get the feeling that Tennis' popularity in Vegas is growing. Your
web-site will play a huge role in making Vegas a tennis town.
Saad Ashraf...Tennis Enthusiast
Century 21 Aadvantage Gold
My response....
Saad,
All it takes is each person doing what they are led to do, then it all gets done in it's perfect timing. Such as the clinics and programs you and Rick Storozick are doing at Mission Hills. When you do what you are led to do it opens up a whole sets of experiences that otherwise would never be. I have seen this play out as those players who came and started the game at Mission Hills are now a presence in tournament play, along side with their parents and familles, it all comes together. And it all started with one person starting something they knew to be right. I will continue to do what I know to be right, and I will watch as you do the same.
Do you mind if I post your comments on the web site?
Ryan
Name: Robert
Brito
comments = Referring to text from the "psychology of tennis" section,
whereas Andre Agassi lost a match and he doesn't blame his loss to Michel
Kratchovil....that there shouldn't be an excuse all the time. I think that's
true. During the tournament, I kept thinking about the ache on my knee, and
I think it just destroyed me mentally. I played better matches than how I
played against Dean Stavri and Derek Hoffman, but I guess I self-destructed.
Perhaps it was just a whole type of players that I'm competing against. In
Guam, juniors puts more emphasis on strategy, feel, and placement. Here a lot
of players concentrate on power.....maybe in a few weeks time I'll adjust.
Anyway thanks for the reply!
-Robert Brito
Ryan's Reply:
Robert,
Being aware of what try's to pull you down is the most
powerful tool on the court. An aware player notices the
"Thoughts" trying to pull them into distraction, and does not
fall for it, instead bringing their attention back to the task at hand.
Then no matter what happens you know it was not due to mental breakdown.
Ryan
name = Raul Martinez
comments = Ryan,
Happy new year and keep up the good work in 20003. Best wishes.
The Martinez family.
Response from Ryan
Raul,
I will continue to follow through on all the things I know to be right. That is what makes life perfect.
Ryan
From: Dana Miller,
One-Up, One Down Tournament Director
Thanks again Ryan. You really did a great job
finding out about the
players. They are amazing people and the main reason why I do this
event
and will continue to try to improve it and grow it -- because all
the people
involved have the greatest hearts -- they come to play, have fun,
see
friends. I never have to worry about people complaining, arguing,
etc.
because they are just happy to be out there pushing.
See you next year!
Dana
USTA/Intermountain Section
Director of Community Development
From:
Mary Kinas
Way
to go Ryan! I am so happy and proud of you that you won the 3.5 singles.
What a way to cap off a terrific tournament. Thanks again for asking me to
be your mixed doubles partner - it made my time alone busy and fun. And
I'm starting to add to the family trophy collection!
Thanks also for your tireless work on the web site - it has begun to pull
the tennis community together in an exciting way. Many people have come up
to me and congratulated me on our 2.5 doubles victory and I think the only
way they could have found out was on the web site!
Good luck with everything and let me know if you ever need a (social)
mixed doubles partner!
Take care -
Mary
name
= mila
comments = p.s. - i like the way you are showing the summary of all the winners at the begining of each review for the tournaments - it makes it really easy to see who won and who made it to the finals etc...and it's good to see the scores too...good job on that.. =)
From:
Raul Martinez
Ryan,
Thanks for adding those articles details. The kids love to read about
themselves on your website. It keeps their interest in the sport of tennis
in high gear. We look forward to the video/pictures.
Regards,
Raul
name = Mary Kinas
comments = Hi Ryan -- It was nice seeing you at
Spanish Trail yesterday and today. Thanks for all the work you do on the website! Your time and effort is much appreciated. Please put me on your email newsletter! See you soon --
Mary Kinas
From: Mila
comments =
Hi Ryan: I wanted to congratulate you and Mary on a fine tournament - I'm so glad you found such an excellent partner on such short notice! I am still sick and staying home from work - but have had fun reading the re-caps on your site. Congrats again on a great job in mixed!
Name : Marybeth Bolerjack
Comments, Suggestions, Corrections : Thank you for such a great article. The photos are fantastic. I certainly hope you continue this wonderful support of tennis always and I look forward to seeing you next year in Vegas. Marybeth Bolerjack
Name : Hyman Wong
Comments, Suggestions, Corrections ... : This is an awesome website! We all appreciate your time and effort very much! Thanks again!
From: Jim
Subject: Open/5.5 Nationals Tournament Page
It was great! This person is a real pro. I think our section could use
this during the league play-offs.
Take care and thanks a lot for all your assistance,
Jim
(Out of state Open/5.5 captain
who came to UNLV for Nationals)
Name: Rick Holden
Red Rock Tournament comments:"These pictures are wonderful. Thanks for capturing
the moment. We ordered a bunch. Keep up the good work.
Rick
Name : Marybeth Bolerjack
Comments: Thank you for such a great article. The photos are fantastic. I certainly hope you continue this wonderful support of tennis always and I look forward to seeing you next year in Vegas.
Marybeth Bolerjack
Austin, Texas
From: Matthew Mullin
To: VegasTenniscom@aol.com
Ryan,
Just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work at these tournaments. I
notice every tournament that I play in how much work you put in to covering
the matches, publishing commentary, photos and giving people a way to get
interested and connected to tennis in Las Vegas.
Hope things are going well with the site. Once again, just wanted to say
that I appreciate the work you do at these tournaments and respect the value
you bring to the Las Vegas tennis community. See you soon at one of the
next tourneys.
Matt Mullin
VegasTennis.com Response...
Matt,
It is a joy for me to do it. When I first started playing tennis again in Vegas I had no idea where to go and looking on the internet I saw nothing that offered me avenues to play.
So I was led to make something myself. At the time I had no idea how to use the software, but I did know what led me to create the site would guide me intuitively step by step through the whole process. And in following this intuitive knowing instead of doubting it, new ways and parts to this site are being created all the time. I see the need for it and it's benefits along with the spirit in which it is created and maintained. It is great that you have
recognized it as well.
If at any time you are led to contribute something do not hesitate.
Ryan
Name = Betty Carter
comments = Hi Ryan,
Enjoyed meeting you at the Vegas tournament. Will check out your website. Thanks Betty and Jessica
For those wondering what Brittany
Hanna is up to, her father e-mailed me an update on what happened with her
shoulder and how she is recovering. He said I could add it to the guest
book , and so I have. To see the other remarks in the guest book or to
leave your own, click
here. Your input, suggestions and
comments are welcome.
From: Larry Hanna
To: Vegas Tennis.com
Comments: Hi Ryan,
Your site is looking great--easier to navigate. It's nice to have a site to go to to
keep up on what's happening, particularly this summer with my daughter not being able to play. Brittany hurt her shoulder in
April at the National Open in Salt Lake City and it gradually got worse until she had to retire during the Mutterspaw. She took a month off and went to the Summer Sectionals in order to be endorsed for
Zonals and the Super Nationals. However, her doctor would only let her serve underhanded. Still she managed to beat two
players (one seeded) but the pain got worse and she had to retire in her last match. She qualified for
Zonals but was unable to compete because of the injury.
An MRI showed that she had a loose shoulder capsule which was surgically repaired Aug. 8 by Dr. Gregory Bigler. She starts physical therapy with Keith Klevin this Tuesday. She is not expected to play for another 3 to 5 months.
So, please keep up the good work keeping us up on the tennis scene.
Regards,
Larry
From =
Dawn Farber
Comments =
I am the Captain of the 4.5 Women's team out of the Flamingo Hilton, that is heading off to Salt Lake City on Thursday for the Intermountain Sectionals Compititon, Along with my husband Charlie (who is on the Men's 4.5 SCGV team that is alos going) I would like to wish all the teams good luck. I hope to see you all there and we will be rooting on all of the Las Vegas teams. I hope everyone has a great time and good luck again to all.
From =
Eric Anderson
To =
VegasTennis.com
Comments =
Why are the local tennis tournaments so much more expensive than five years
ago? could you elect to play consolation matches as they do in the Phoenix tournaments sanctioned by
USTA? Hey your web sight is a believable success! Have an enjoyable summer.
================================================================
Answer
Eric,
Is your question in regard to Junior or Adult tennis tournaments?
Right now junior tournaments have consolation rounds. Yet no adult tournament I know of in Las Vegas does, and the excuse I have heard is the availability of courts.
As far as the expense, I do not know why each tournament has chosen to raise their prices. Each tournament Director is in charge of their own pricing.
Ryan
Ryan Wolfington
old.vegastennis.com
Comments from Coach Dave Smith of St George Tennis Academy
Ryan, Great site
and terrific recap of Lorenzi tournament. Hope players from LV can drive up
north an hour and a half and join our more than 140 junior players for some
fun and competitive tennis (In St. George, Utha). Keep up the great work!.....Dave Smith
Date/Time of Posting: Jul 11 2002 / 06:47:01
From:
Dana Miller
To: VegasTennisCom@aol.com
Comments = We
(USTA/Intermountain Section) host an event in November in Las Vegas every
year. I was wondering if you could post the event on your calendar. The
event starts November 8 and goes through the 10th and it is called the 2002
USTA/Intermountain One-up One-down Sectional Championships. The event pairs
a wheelchair player with an able-bodied player. Anyone can play. It is a
team event and a team is comprised of two doubles teams. For more
information or to register for the event, people can contact me, Dana
Miller, Director of Community Development for the USTA/Intermountain Section
at (303) 695-4117 or dmiller@ita.usta.com. The event will take place at
UNLV.
Thanks,
Dana
From: VegasTennisCom@aol.com
To: Percy
Percy,
How did you find out about the event?
Ryan
From: Percy Peņafiel
To: VegasTennisCom@aol.com
Hi Ryan,
Because a friend of mine play in a league in Lorenzi club an he knows about
your web page. I entered at the web page and I suscribed to your news about
tennis events.
I enjoy your events
thanks
Percy
Dear Ryan,
I would like to meet regularly with
like minded tennis
lovers over age 70 to perhaps form a group for regular competition in
singles and doubles , for people 3 point and up, also build a ladder
etc.. please add also your valued ideas .
thank you,
hans ,
keep up the good work .
My
response...
Doreena,
Did you decide to enter the tournament after seeing it on my site or had you
already decided?
Ryan
Ryan Wolfington
From: Doreena
To: VegasTennisCom
Good morning Ryan,
Actually I heard about it from Jim Falin, and I knew that he and Ann were
entered in it, but didn't decide to do it until I read about it on your
site! Thanks for the info =) You are always "on", aren't you? Always
working? How focused you are! Good for you.
Doreena =-)
My
response...
Doreena,
Is there any other way to live.
Ryan
From: Doreena
To: VegasTennisCom
Ryan,
It's just that so many people never seem to find their passion, or cannot
realize it if they do.
Doreena =-)
My
response...
Doreena,
Living life is not about finding a passion, but a willingness to do what you
know to be right in each moment. Then looking back you see how doing that
has brought you a full life.
It starts with adhering to what you know is right in this moment, then you
do the next right thing and the next, until life is pieced together
perfectly one leading at a time.
Simple.
Ryan
First of all CONGRATS on a great win vs.
Michael Holcomb. He is such a nice guy and total gentleman. Congrats to both of
you terriffic players. Ryan, I just wanted to share a quick thought with you.
Having served as a Tennis Captain in VEGAS for l0 years, I must state that I
have some of the nicest people in my life via TENNIS. Michael Holcomb was one of
them. B4 our match, we began conversing. It turned out that he lived in SD right
where my youngest son, Josh, lived when Josh attended and graduated from San
Diego State University. We shared some great SD beach stories. We also spoke
about his wife. It turned out she was looking for a job. I know someone that
just might HIRE HER. I gave Mike the name and tel # of my friend. I think it is
sensational, that the tennis world goes way beyond JUST COMPETITION. Of course
we all love winning and we thrive on competition. However, meeting class people
like Mike Holcomb, is also part of the overall tennis experience. Even though I
am 57 and Mike is 29, we really hit if off!!! Now, all I need is a personal
trainer and an aerobics instructor B4 I play Mike again. Bruce Merrin/Vegas
