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Spanish Trail and The Flamingo Hilton Tennis Clubs Weeknights Mixed doubles has begun. Back at Spanish Trail after being at Spanish Oaks for a few years the tournament has taken on a new energy as Hans Riehemann and Dan Knight have put together yet another unique tennis tournament experience. Longevity has not made these men stale, as the two have been staples in the Las Vegas community longer then any other tennis professionals in the Valley. Only Marty Hennessey, the Head Professional at the Las Vegas Hilton, who will soon be the Tennis Director at Turnberry, has taught tennis longer then these two gentlemen. Yet it is Dan Knight, who played tennis here in Las Vegas as a junior and went on to play College tennis at UNLV, that has been on the scene longer then any other tennis personality in town. And with the combined years between he and Hans, there is no one that can touch this experience. Yet the two have not given up on trying new things and making the experience the best it can be. Each tournament is approached as if it were their first year on the job.

Some times people lose enthusiasm for life and let their intuitive knowing fall by the waste side as they believe reason after reason not to do things. But Dan and Hans have done the opposite, with a car show, 5 court Wilson product demonstrations, where anyone and everyone can come and try the new equipment..... get free prizes, free catered dinner, free beverages and witness the awards ceremony honoring those who have played in this weeks tournament. And something else that is also new...no one gets the tournament T-Shirt or Trophy till Friday nights party. You do not have to be in the tournament to come. In fact last night was opening night of this unique "Weeknights" only mixed doubles tournament and there were a number of non playing spectators that showed up to see the tennis or to see a friend play.

I myself was  in the draw but the person who I was to play with backed out so I taped and observed the tennis and had a chance to interview both Dan Knight, Hans Riehemann, ....... and their protégé Dan Maccanello. Dan's grandmother lived in Spanish Trail when he was young and he came by the courts at 14 playing with Dan Knight and Hans when he was a junior. As time went by he competed in high school tennis and played on UNLV's tennis team with Tim Blenkiron and Luke Smith. Now Dan runs the Junior tennis clinics and camps for Spanish Trail, which are many. Right now they have a summer camp for juniors starting next week going on throughout the whole summer. And one does not have to be a resident or member of the Country Club to be in the clinics, get lessons, or to attend the summer camp. Dave also works at Spanish Trail and helps with the summer camp and works in the shop while he goes to Bishop Gorman High School and plays tennis for Adolph Huddleston, the boys tennis coach and tennis Professional at Anthem Tennis Club.

He was there this evening to help Hans and Dan check in the many players who started tonight's tournaments one of which was Lorenzi Racquet Club staff member Doreena Montandon and her partner Andrew Lanfear. Andrew was the 3.5 doubles finalist winner at Lorenzi with James Lash just weeks ago and Doreena is playing her first tournament ever. It was just last week she said she had some fear about playing in a tournament so had not done so. But tonight she shook it off and was able to play fairly well against Frank Deluca and his wife who is a 4.0 player. Andrew said Mrs. Deluca had an extremely able forehand often times forcing him to miss but I was able to capture Andrew on tape getting some very difficult shots back into play.

But the best match of the evening had to be Tonja Barrows and Mark Petit vs Sara Arizmendez and Drew Isley. When I asked Marks's wife Deborah Petit how the match was going she simple said "It is very intense." With Mark being a 4.5 player and Tonja a 3.5, the 4.0 Drew marked Tonja as the player to hit to as he drilled shot after shot in her direction. Many times Tonja was unable to volley these rifles yet in the key moments in the match she came up big, helping to break Drew's serve with three points in a row. Drew and Sara won the first set 6-4. Then the second set Tonja and Mark had the lead, then lost it, giving Drew and Sara false hope of an early ending. I knew if Tonja and Mark could come back after losing the lead in the second set to win the set it would give them the edge. And that is what they did after being down 4-5 they tied it 6-6 to force a tie breaker which they won 7-5. The third set was equally as tight as Tonja made those three points in a row to help them get an early 4-1 lead, but Drew and Sara charged back tying it at 4-4. The two games later with some unforced errors and solid play Mark and Tonja won it 6-4.  

Mark's wife is Deborah Petit who played in the 7.0 division with Lorenzi Racquet Club staff member and 3.5 player Jim Falin. There worthy opponents were Teresa Bowman and Fred Pinjuv, who won the first set 6-4. But lost the second and third set 6-3, 6-2. There were many Curnett's out tonight with Donny Curnutt and Mindy Curnutt playing a close match but winning against  Daniel  and Ruth Moller 6-4, 6-4. Daniel and Ruth are from Club Sports Tennis Club and brought with them a number of spectators who came to see them and others play. Another Curnett on court was Don Curnutt and Jenifer Peterson playing another family team in a very close match against cousins Aaron  Masden  and Jayne Masden, who works at Club Sports Tennis shop. And in the end all the Curnutt's made it through both first round matches with a win.

Husband and wife team Joseph and Peggy LaTour played this evening and although they did not win the match exclaimed they had a great time.

From Summerlin Tennis Club was Rick Hammel and Tina Phelps  who won their first round 6-2, 6-3 against Mathew and Nina Cooper. This is Ricks first tournament since being in Nevada and he plays on Summerlin's 3.0 team.  Steven McCrary and Karen Tyndall also won tonight against James Eisenberg and Jackie Friedman. Jackie is a 3.0 and James is a 4.0. There is another McCrary in the 6.0 Division playing with Daniel Marks and the won their first match 6-0, 6-0.  

Denise Gonzales who owns Durango Travel was on hand to watch. She had to back out of the tournament because she was sick but came to watch the vent she has sponsored. Mary Clifford's daughter was there to watch her daughter play and many of the players were given pizza and soda to drink and eat in the player lounge as the evenings events wound down. Mary Kinsa showed up to scout her Tuesday evening match against Jim Falin and Deborah Petit. She and her husband Rob Kinas, who was a finalist at the Stacy Darling 4.0 singles, are playing as a team.

James Lash and Mary Burns advanced playing a very good match against Philip Haberkorn  and Janet Wellman who played together for the first time. They had many fans come to see them play but in the end the Lorenzi mixed doubles champions maintained their crown.

Husband and wife team Eileen and James Kettering played  Bonnie Spaw Jeu and Justin Willis, who is a family friend, in the 7.0. Eileen said they won 6-2, 6-4, and that Bonnie and Justin had an excellent come back in the second set having been down but the Kettering's won the last 4 games to win the match. The Kettering team has just got back into playing and James said he has never played league and does not play in tournaments because he works weekends. So he enjoys this format of weekday nights tennis because "Otherwise I would be unable to play" he said.  

With Dan taking over the Junior program from Hans, he now has more time to come up with and execute on the creative ideas he and Dan put together for Las Vegas tennis, like this weekdays format and their other tournaments. In fact Hans has run and administered more tournaments in the last 20 years then any other person in town. As a former President of the Nevada Tennis Association and assistant pro under Marty Hennessy at the Desert Inn, to being with Dan Knight for 16 years he has run Sectional, State and National tournaments all shapes and sizes. This present draw of 112 is small compared to the numbers Spanish Trail has put up in their past fall and Spring tournaments, which for a while were the largest in the city. Yet since Stacy Darling tournament began their tournament has taken to the number two position with some 300 plus players. This year Stacy Darling had 484 players, many of which played in two or three events each. Also one of the top tournaments in Town was Marty Hennessey's Amstel Light tournament which stopped when Marty moved to the Las Vegas Hilton after having the longest Professional tennis career then any other pro at one single location, the Desert Inn.  In talking with Hans he shared some of the history of tennis in this town and how Marty was a the number one player to beat for over tens years running, as he was ranked number one in the state until as he aged Michael James came along and with a lot of hustle out played many of the local hotshots to take over the number one position for a number of years himself. Lately a lot of the tennis professional around town do not compete as often as it sounds like these men did. Instead now they are teaching lessons and clinics and enter an occasional tournament with their students or to represent the club they teach at.

But this year Dan Knight is coming out of hiatus after nursing an injury to play in the open doubles with one of his students Trisha Piercy and Tim Blenkiron is playing with his student Cristala Andrews, defending their Stacy Darling mixed doubles title. Also in the open Category is  Susan M Campbell who returns to Spanish Trail where she use to be a tennis pro with Summerlin's assistant tennis pro Steve Landon. A number of the other teams are made up of junior players or past Junior stand outs like Mathew Mullin. So Dan will have his hands full. But he has faced top juniors in the past, and won as he has a lifetime record against Andre Agassi of 2 wins and 1 loss in doubles play. Granted Andre was about 14 or 15 at the time, he did go pro at 16.

Opening night Monday was a hit as the vent went smoothly. Those who did not enter the tournament because they did not have a partner to play with can know that almost half or more of those I interviewed had not known their partner but were matched up with them for the first time. Hand and Dan and VegasTennis.com were taking names to add to a list to match players up.

Day Two...TUESDAY TENNIS..

Why the crowd here? Tonight looking at all the people that surrounding a number of courts it occurred to me "Why the crowd..and why here"..meaning I do not see a crowd like this at many of the other adult tournaments, and the insight was "why?" I had written months ago about my first impression of tournament tennis in Las Vegas and how when I went to Spanish Trail for the first time it was a completely different experience then the other tournament I had been in. (Click here to see this article) It was obvious Spanish Trail was putting a 100% into making it perfect, and this registers with people. And time and time again they come back. To watch, to play, to work. It was Hans who played in Dan Knights Tournaments when he was the Director of tennis at Cambridge, the old hub for tennis in Las Vegas in the 60's and 70's. And it was his experience there and in other interactions with Dan that has kept him at Spanish Trail for some 16 years. He could have easily moved to his own shop somewhere with his experience, and I would not doubt if many offers were made. But he chose to stay. As the other players in this tournament and their fans choose year after year to come back and bring new players. There are a number of "First tournament players" in this event. And a number of players playing with their coaches, husbands, wives, children and cousins.

Erik and Ursula Kirschner, a mother and son team that played together at Stacy Darling, were again playing in the 8.0 division. Husband and wife team Sheldon and Elizabeth  Grauberger   played together for the first time. This was Sheldon's first tournament. Why here, why Spanish Trail. It may be a coincidence but I argue it is not. It is not a coincidence that the ingenuity of a weekday tournament opens the door to many teams and players who would other wise not be playing. Or that an impression was left on those who experienced the exhibition match, raffle, free party at other Spanish Trail tournaments.

Like many other tournaments the YMCA was represented not only by Chris Mason and her partner Mark Chandler, but by their teammate Richi Jenkins and coach Larry Johnson. They played against one of the toughest 6.0 teams so far, Al Garraway and Deborah Graham going three sets losing the first 6-3,coming back to win the second 5-7, but falling to the doubles duo 6-1 in the third. The match was well played and drew quite a crowd. The before mentioned TEAM Graugerger played TEAM Lorenzi Andrew Lanfear and Doreena Montandon in a very close match. The first set was settled in a tie breaker 7-6, and the second set was almost as close but Andrew and Doreena, also in her first tournament, won it 6-4. Afterwards I spoke with Sheldon who seem enthused about the whole experience.

Wayne Jeu and Bonnie Spaw Jeu went head to head in a very close match with Tina Felps  
Rick Hammel who repeatedly kept coming back to fight for the win. Bonnie had a new partner tonight in her husband who is the captain of this years undefeated Red Rock 3.5 team. Last year he was an intricate part of the Red Rock team which won sectionals and ended up 2nd in the whole nation among every other 3.0 teams. The Jeu's drew quite a crowd to cheer them on including fellow teammate and tournament player Mike Levy who was also part of that Nationally ranked team last year. He has been matched up with Nancy Unglaub, who played a incredible match against Tanja Borrows last fall to win the Spanish Trail 3.5 singles trophy. In that match she not only showed a physical ability to hit hard and last three very full sets, but a mental toughness, not cracking in key situations. I have a large part of the match on tape and may be edited and found in the video highlights section when it's time comes. To be notified about new video, pictures, functions to this site and local events in Las Vegas Tennis click here to submit your e-mail. But Mike's support and that of many guest who came just to watch them play was not enough to beat the first time tournament player Rick Hammel and Tina Felps. Rick plays on Summerlin's 3.0 men's team but this is the first time he has played tournament tennis in Las Vegas. Tina on the other hand plays on three league teams, explaining "Because I love to play tennis." And tonight was great tennis as the match went three hard fought sets with comebacks and deuce all over the place. The first set was 5-7, the second was 6-4 and the third and final set was 6-3. For those who also enjoy playing you may submit your name by clicking here to be added to the "Find a Match" section which lists players from all levels who have indicated they are open to playing other players. Or you may just look at the list and contact the players on it now by clicking here. If you want to contact open players or be put on that list click here, and juniors who want to be listed or find other juniors to play can click here. You may also sign up for the 3.0-5.0 CHALLENGE, which is exactly like the "Find a Match" section but instead you are automatically matched up with other players randomly by VegasTennis.com. Click here to sign up.

Pattie Chess and Fredrick Irwin played tonight , coming to defend their runner up position from last Spanish Trail tournament where they came in second to Sean and Stephanie Cook. And in their first round they did just that defeating Lorenzi's Lea Harrison and Noel Harrison 6-4, 6-2.Robert Cass and  Stacie Rivers had a three set match against  Jonathan Pruneda  and Laurie Steed winning in three sets after b losing the first set 2-6. The final was 2-6, 6-4; 6-3 .While Donny and Mindy Curnutt continue their wins winning this evening against the James and Eileen Kettering 6-2,6-4.

Charles Wolfe and Joni Wolfe, who was the Lorenzi 3.5 ladies winner at the Classic this spring, played against another husband and wife team Karin Maxfield Kenneth Maxfield from Henderson. Although the match was close they lost in two sets 7-5, 6-3. Husband and wife team Gina Lee and Kenneth Lee played Gina Cox and Roger Watson in a three set match with Gina and Roger winning 3-6; 6-3; 6-2.

And in a much anticipated rematch of this years doubles final at Spanish Trail where Jim Preus and Lee Medick beat Chris Penny and Kelly Tubin (Howard Tubin's daughter), Kris Penny and Kelly Tubin fought hard to come back after being down the first set 1-5 to win it with 6 games in a row. The in the second set they came back from being down 4-2 to force a tie breaker and this is where they won the set and match 7-6. While there was a question about the last point call Jim and his partner were gracious in defeat handing over their last victory's glory to his Spanish Oaks mixed doubles teammates Chris and Kelly. All four of these players are on the Spanish Oakes number 1 team which is tied with the Spanish Oaks number two team for the 8.0 mixed doubles league. The winner goes to Aspen for the sectional and this will be decided in the next couple weeks. Jim is the captain of the men's 4.0 team at Spanish Oaks and Chris is a team mate of mine on the Desert Palm 4.0 team. Click here for more on the Spanish Oaks Tennis Club and it's teams.

The open Division play mostly took place after the 7 o'clock hour with the exception of Tim Blenkiron and Cristala Andrews who won their match in two sets 6-0, 6-0 against recent high school graduates Michael Fouse and Anna Tegano. Cristala's father and friend Richard were on hand to watch the match along with a number of other friends of Michael, Anna, Cristala and Tim. The points were not long and heated but still many heads were peering through the fence. Prior to their match was a much more challenging match with some good rally's and an especially dynamic feature, the return of Dan Knight to the tournament tennis scene. His student Trisha Piercy and him took on one of his other students and staff members David Cass and his partner, Bishop Gorman's Allison Davis. Dan showed with his 1970's shorts that this was a man from a different era. The one I grew up in where tennis shorts were short, and players volley at the net. And that is what he wore and that is what he did as he on many occasions showed the quick hands and reflexes which got him on the UNLV tennis team years ago. He was not shy on his forehand ground stroke either as he let David know who was still king of the hill with a low riding hard hit ball to his backhand from the base line. And although Allison and David were able to win a number of good volley's with excellent placement down the middle, it was not enough as Dan and Trisha won the match 6-3, 6-4.

Psychology of Tennis...

About an hour later Steve Landen and his partner Susan Campbell showed up to play against local Junior standout Chris Wilson, who just recently won the Desert Palm Junior Open, and his 12 year old junior standout Shauna Morgan who has also competed in sectional tournaments like Easter Circuit and Mutterspaw. Steve is the assistant tennis professional at Summerlin Tennis Club  and Susan was a tennis professional at Spanish Trail for many years before leaving to the Hilton and to Summerlin Tennis Club. And tonight they faced off against the two juniors who were able to hold their ground on a number of points. The young Shauna was able to serve through her opponents and many times hold her ground in the up close volley's. But the junior's were out gunned, as Steve's serve is powerful, and left their opponents vulnerable to Susan put aways at the net. Chris Wilson showed some skill in making a number of great shots at the net but in the end they lost 6-3, 6-1. But two things stood out to me about when taping this match. The first is that Shauna would sign up for the open mixed doubles. That is exactly the right attitude. I see no reason why a player should not. On any given day anything can happen. To me the ratings are just a number and I am willing to play anyone. Case in point is the most under rated match of the evening which only had a handful of spectators but turned out to be filled with the best highlights of the day. Recent College tennis player Mathew Mullin and his partner Micheline Craw, who were also the Stacy Darling open mixed doubles finalists, played against Joanne Epstein and Sean Monk. Sean just graduated from Tulsa where he played tennis and his partner was Joanne Epstein, who played up as a 4.0 player. And the result of this move was miraculous. She , in her own word, "Rose to the occasion" playing like an open player getting back hard hit, perfectly sliced balls by Mathew and his partner. Granted her partner played an excellent game, so did she. And oddly enough so did Mathew and Micheline. I did not see the whole match because I kept going back to tape Shauna, Chris, Steve and Susan, but the points I did see was some of the best tennis I had seen Mathew or anyone play for that matter. He got a number of impossible shots and was making some excellent placement shots and still the other team would get the point. One point in particular was incredible and I have it on tape, but at the end Sean and Joan e won that point as well, regardless of Mathews moves. At the loss of that point he had to be satisfied with his play. Joanne drew a large crowd as a number of people came to watch her play, and she did not let them down giving them a great show. She and Sean won the first set 6-3; then Micheline and Matthew came back to force a third set winning the second 4-6; but the last set went to Joanne and Sean almost by fate 6-2. Matthew's serve was not what it had been and things were not going their way. But the pair seemed to be having a fine time out their laughing and not at all upset by the circumstance. In fact one might have thought they were winning by how they were carrying on. Yet as the last ball hit the net on Matthews side Joanne and her new found partner were the victors. Now had she believed the lie that her 4.0 rating is too low for the open play this day would have never been. And had Shauna believed the same her excellent service games and playing experience would have never been. But she did not, but instead took to the court and got four

The second thing that stood out to me was Steve Landen's choice to serve to the 12 year old Shauna with all or almost all he had. Some might have eased up because she is a "Girl" or "Child" yet he dealt with her as an equal knowing she could very well return his serve and would never be able to if not given the chance. Janet Wellman had just told me yesterday that she likes to play with men and have the ball hit hard to her, and how it improves her game. Shauna did not need the condescension of being served to differently and Steve did not condescend. Not to mention Chris Wilson was doing a great job of keeping them in the game by making excellent down the middle returns making it difficult for Steve and Susan to zoom through a game. And the biggest impression made on me through out this evenings events was the almost constant grin Shauna had out there tonight. Waiting for Steve's serve she loved the opportunity and even when she mis-hit a ball or was over powered by the kick in Steve's every shot, she stomped her feat only as an act only moment's away at all times from exploding with laughter. I see close up with my lens on the video camera I use and this girl was constantly smiling or holding it in. And at the end when the match was a 6-3, 6-1, and others were placating her with the phrase, "It was a good match" she just maintained the grin not feeling for one second like she had lost.

Wednesday Night review pending........

Thursday Night Finals Matches Review

First let's address the 6.0 final which included Daniel Marks and his new found partner Mary McCrary, vs Patti Chess and Noel Irwin. Mary's husband Steve McCrary also played in the 7.0 with partner Karen Tyndall and made it to the quarterfinals before losing Wednesday in a three set battle against Troy Wolf and his new Partner Timi Cereghino. The final of the quarterfinals match was 4-6, 6-0, 6-4. So tonight he was on the sidelines in support as she and Daniel gave it their best, but Patti Chess and Noel Irwin would not be denied a third time. They were in the finals of the last Spanish Trail tournament and at Stacy Darling, both times taking second place to  Sean Cook and Stephanie Cook. Tonight was there night to take the number one position so they walked away with a unique prize in the form of a mobile cooler backpack for the men and a Picnic backpack with glasses, plates, utensils and compartments for all the food for a picnic. The runner up gets a roll up blanket, all embroidered with the tournaments information along with it's sponsors name Durango Travel. Patti seemed especially pleased with Noel's play claiming he carried the match. Daniel Marks and Mary McCrary walked away having beaten a very large draw, the largest in the tournament.

Then came The open final between Local Junior player Cristala Andrews and her coach and UNLV All American, NCAA title winner Tim Blenkiron against Newly graduated college player from Tulsa Sean Monk, originally from South Africa and his newly found partner Joanne Epstein. And tonight was the night for Tim and Cristala to defend their number one position attained at this years Stacy Darling tournament. And they did just that with some excellent play by both plays, Cristala at times returning well the very aggressive serve of Sean Monk, and Tim Blenkiron making some very swift placement shots that was pleasing to the crowd. Yet again what stood out to me most was how Joanne went out and played in the open match, and did it with no fear. Often times Sean could have taken the over head or Volley and not only did she play her own shots , she went in and took many of the shots the two had a chance at, and did so without hesitation. And yes often times they won the point. But more importantly she was not mentally squeamish but assertive and as Tim Blenkiron said to his partner Cristala, "Go for broke."  How else is a person going to play? Mental....hesitating...thinking and doubting...or as Tim told Cristala on a key point "Go for broke." That very well was the attitude that won the UNLV "Underdogs" the NCAA Title his graduation year and it is the attitude one is to play in. What is the alternative?

Then came the closest match of the night, husband and wife TEAM MAXFIELD played against Gina Cox and Roger Watson, drawing quite a crowd as well, as did the open match and the 7.0 match. And tonight after going up and Down the Mayfield's pulled it off with a style of play Kenneth later explained as "Just playing and letting things take place naturally." This three set match was neck and neck in the third set with a number of very nice Volley's on both sides. The first two sets were lop sided at 6-2, 1-6 and nothing like the last which was hard fought. With twenty years of marriage behind them they were able to work as team without losing their cool. And this is the key to the game and marriage. There is a voice out there that try's to get a person to quite on a point, match, marriage and the list goes on. And the true Champions are those who looks those "Thoughts" in the face and laugh. That is was Joanne Epstein did by playing in the open category, that is what Patti Chess did when "Thoughts" came to her that her opponents are better then her, and that is what I did when something tried to get me to be upset about not being to play in the tournament. I laughed. I laugh now as I see how it all worked out perfectly with me putting this review together, Joanne making it to the finals and playing well, with Patti winning her first mixed finals trophy and now it is documented at VegasTennis.com. If you want to see the photos and Video Highlights when they are ready click here to submit your e-mail address. You may also indicate if you want to be added to the "Find a Match" section which places you on a list that others can view and contact you to play, or the 3.0-5.0 CHALLENGE, which automatically sets you up to play others in your level or above (your choice). It is free or you may view the list and contact those on it by clicking the "Find a Match" icon on this or the home page.

It looks like in this tournament Family rule's. Donny and Mindy Curnutt, brother and sister, and their father Don Curnutt  all made it to the Semifinals. Mindy and Donny made it to the finals by beating Mary Burns and James Lash in a battle Royal with the three set match ending with the first set gong to brother and sister Curnett in a tie breaker, the second set going to Burns and Lash  5-7 but in the end it was the Curnett's who took the third and finals seat winning it7-5. ( 7-6; 5-7; 7-5.)

Just points away from meeting his son and daughter in the finals, Don Curnutt and his partner Jenifer Peterson were unable to make that a reality as  Troy Wolf  and his newfound partner Timmy Cereghino won it in three 6-3; 4-6; 6-4.  But in the finals the brother and sister took revenge winning decisively in the second and third set 6-2, 6-2 after losing the first set 3-6. Donny did not hesitate to hit the ball full bore and at times made some very nice shots. It looked like one of those nights for him where their was no thinking just automatic playing and playing well. His sister had no problem rising to the occasion to play 3.5 even 4.0 tennis as the two really turned it on in the last set. And this loss was not due to lack of good play on the other side. Trop and his partner were returning a number of hard hitting balls and hit a few themselves. But in the end it was brother and sister who won the picnic backpack and the portable cooler and Troy and his partner who now have a blanket to watch matches on.

Now on to the party, and to correct something I had told a crowd in error, the trophy's in the form of the blanket and portable cooler and picnic backpacks were handed out tonight.

Now the Party where  anyone and everyone is invited to come and bring as many guests as they would like. Dan requests you let the pro shop know how many by calling 367-2711. There will be 5 courts filled with Wilson equipment to Demo, and free food and drinks, along with a car show by Lincoln and free prizes to everyone who participates.

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The PARTY, DEMO, CAR SHOW....Lincoln....Wilson..and many of Las Vegas's tennis players were out tonight at Spanish Trail to enjoy the post tournament party which featured a very special occasion. I say special because only 25 other Country Clubs in the United States get chosen by Lincoln and Wilson for their Road to the Open tennis tour. Staff members from Wilson's corporate headquarters in Chicago shipped in boxes and boxes of Wilson equipment for participants to demo and lots of free giveaways and prizes. Lincoln had on hand their product demonstration team to explain the features of their latest model vehicles including the Lincoln Navigator. Players were able to test drive the vehicle and the tennis racquets featuring Wilson's new TRI-AD Technology which in short is tantamount to placing shock absorber's on a racquet. And this is not just a marketing ploy. I recently was given a demonstration of how this racquet can take up to 60% of the shock/vibration off impact. To demonstrate this selling point they took my racquet and put it into a "Shock tester" which is an industry standard machine that tests vibration. Placing my racquet, which will go unnamed, into the machine and letting a little rubber hammer come down on the top of it,  the machine tested the vibration that made it to the handle. Then they put the triad in there and the difference was dramatic.

It was a unique set up where each court (5 courts) had a different challenge where you and your group competed to get "Lincoln bucks." Running these challenges were a number of local tennis professional  like Steve Halden from Summerlin and Susan Campbell, along with Dan Maccanello and former UNLV tennis player and Spanish Trail tennis professional Mike Baskon. Mike has come back to Spanish trail to be involved in a number of their exhibition matches and tonight as a Wilson volunteer even though he has long since left the tennis career for one in . Obviously something brings him back. It may be the very same thing that brings Susan Campbell back, which brings Dan Maccanello back, which keeps Michael Fouse back, which keeps David Cass back and which has kept Hans Riehemann coming back each day for 16 years, not to mention the devoted following of the Spanish trail tennis players and family's.

 Then at the end who ever had the most "Lincoln Bucks" got to chose first for the prizes out on the court which included hats, shirts, string, grips, and more. Then Richi Jenkins won a new Wilson TRI-AD 4.0 and others won tennis bags, cloths and more, in a raffle. The food was cooked and provide by Joseph and Peggy La Tour. The tournament was sponsored by Durango Travel, and the T-Shirts were handed out along with a free gift bag that included a can of US Open tennis balls, Luxury and Tennis magazine.

Other then myself there was a camera crew who were on hand for the making of a Lincoln /Wilson promotional video, so some of Las Vegas's tennis players may end up in this spot. And I was there to get video highlights which after going through the footage I can export pictures. If you want pictures to buy you can e-mail me and I can search through the footage for shots of you and your team. Otherwise submit your e-mail by clicking here to be notified when the video highlights are edited and pictures are ready.

So this is the end of yet another successful Spanish Trail tournament. With a 112 person draw and about 80 +at the tournament party it was not as large as their Fall and Spring tournaments but was larger then most tournaments in Las Vegas. And their fall tournament is the second largest in town. To be kept up to date on this event and ones like it submit your e-mail address to VegasTennis.com to be added to the events update e-mail list which will inform you on new features on the VegasTennis.com web site along with Las Vegas Tennis event information.

Tomorrow night  at Anthem this same Lincoln/Wilson event will be taking place and is open to the public. I do not know if it will be catered as well, but surely it will not touch the home cooked catering of Joseph and Peggy La Tour.

Click here to see the Spanish Trail Spring and fall tennis tournament review, photos and Draw from earlier this year.

Weeknight Tennis ... Mixed Doubles Tournament

It's Back...June 3rd.......The  weekday nights mixed doubles tournament is back at Spanish Trail. The original idea has been resurrected by Hans Riehemann, the tournament Director and Dan Knight the head tennis pro at Spanish Trail. It is mixed doubles only,  played exclusively during the week at night.

Anyone can play... There are 5 categories. 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and open.  These numbers represent the total number of a teams rating. Any combination is allowed as long as the total number of the two ratings does not total more then the category you sign up for.  Simple. For example....

Call 367-2711 to register

 Anyone can play in this weekday tournament and even better, anyone can come to the awards party, free tennis clinic and car show being given by Wilson and Lincoln the following Friday June 7th..

Dan Knight has explained that Lincoln will be featuring a number of their latest cars while the Wilson Team will be giving free demos of their latest equipment. Everyone who participates will be given a prize and a grand prize will be given to one individual. The catered food and drink is free and anyone is welcome regardless whether you are in the tournament or not. The Friday event will also include awards being given out to the tournament winners from the week before. This event is on Friday June 7th at the Spanish Trail Tennis Club. To be included Dan has requested you call 367-2711 to add your name to the list.

There is no cover charge for the party, however if you are going to participate in the mixed doubles the cost is $50.00 per team. This includes the tennis, balls, and a Tournament T-Shirt. If you do not have a partner or want to be placed on the list as someone willing to team up with another person who is looking for a partner, click here to submit your name.

Tournament Director - Hans Riehemann

Tournament Committee - Dan Knight, Peggy LaTour, Ron Sanborn

Sponsored By Durango Travel