INTERMOUNTAIN TENNIS ASSOCIATION'S 2004 SNOWBALL SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS... DRAW

I have always felt Cristala would do well, not because of her strokes but because of the coaching rapport I saw she and Tim had. I know this is what makes a huge difference and it is nice to see him begin to develop this with TEAM AGASSI, and to see it grow with his other students, in Rishi, Aashish and others.

I have always said, it is not the technical training, but the integrity and mental training that makes one coach above the rest. It is their innate interest in the player, their ability to listen, be involved and give 100%, setting the example. Then he student is inspired to do the same. No half way, NO QUIT, NO EXCUSES, NO BLAME AND COMPLAINING. Only 100%.

Honesty is a huge part of this as well, and if this tournament had a award for Character many players would get it. However, one player stands out to me, at Hennessy's last Circuit #3 and at this past SNOWBALL SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP; His name is Chris Arena. Chris, a gentleman on the court, always honest and  reasonable in play. I saw him compete and interact on and off the court.

 He made it to the 3rd and 4th play off against Las Vegas's own Friderick Prandecki. Friderick, who can be a streaky player, lost the first set 2-6, only to storm back and win the next two 6-2, 6-1. Prandecki, who just moved here from Poland, made a name for himself by beating one of the best players in the Intermountain in Wesley Hancock at this past summer's Duel in the Desert. Then he won the ClubSport, and Hennessy Circuit #1. To reach the semifinals at the SNOWBALL SECTIONAL, Prandecki beat the #3 seed and long time dominating player in the Intermountain, Ryan Gormley in two sets. Prandecki took this match very seriously and came out to win. This just weeks after losing to Gormley in Hennessy's Circuit #2.

Sometimes players like Friderick and Gormley need to be beaten to remind them that on any given day a player can lose or win and you can not take competitors for granted. These two both play on TEAM TURNBERRY, which is comprised of the top players in town who train together twice a week. It is something Hennessy and I put together,  as for years I witnessed many top players traveling and spending thousands for competition when there was excellent players in town that they could compete with. But false pride and inhibitions often kept local top players from playing with one another and this only served to limit ones opportunity's.

 Now the local top players have been recruited into each top local tournament making the level of play more like a sectional. Then when Vegas players go to sectionals they are more prepared for that level of play.

Hennessy's Circuit and VegasTennis.com's BALLY'S CUP are perfect examples of this. And tournaments like Red Rock's Junior Classic have also become so competitive and large that events in Las Vegas are awesome to play. With Schlotzsky's Deli on Decatur and Flamingo giving free food and drinks the whole time and with Hennessy quality trophies and tournament give-ways, like the hooded sweat shirts, players from out of town like Calvin Bennett and Chris Arena and Jamie Smith from San Diego and Jamie Lieberman from North Carolina and Wesley Hancock from St. George, Utah, are traveling just to play these events.

Who else has Mike Agassi handing out trophies and taking pictures, full catered events, a PA system calling score for the finals and trophy's resembling those of grand slam winners? Only Vegas.

The bar has been raised and pro's like Jeff Foley, Ben Coates, Allan Brown,  Misha Yevtich are stepping up and making tennis tournaments the grand slam events they are meant to be.

The Hennessy tradition is not only with Hennessy. It has spread to other clubs and events via the VegasTennis.com tournament promotions and administration. I knew the first time I started working with Hennessy he had the right attitude. Do it right, in every regard.

The Intermountain Director of Junior development, Julie Wienski,  has this same energy, "yes it can be done" attitude. Others on the Intermountain staff at the event, like Dan Limbago, Director of Junior Recreation & Multi-Diversity (dlimbago@ita.usta.com ), have this same energetic, youthful outlook of making things great, getting involved and being the best you can be. You can just tell when you come across a person like that. It is obvious. Some say eventually someone loses that zest and energetic spirit. I have been hearing that for years. Yet take one look at Hennessy, he has not lost his zest for tennis. It is not old hat for him, yet he has been at this game for over 30 years.

In fact, at his past Circuit I had David Pate, Mike Agassi and Hennessy all in the same photo. Here you had Andre and David Pate, and now David's children who all played tournaments Hennessy ran years ago. Yet he still approaches each one with the beginners mind. The intermountain staff, young at heart, seems to have this beginners mind and enthusiasm, which as a matter of course will produce good things.

It is only when someone losses that love of the game, enthusiasm, that the magic is lost and things begin to go wrong. For years that has been the case in the Las Vegas tennis scene, but one match at a time, it is slowly turning around and moving in a great direction. Like an unstoppable Juggernaut, Las Vegas tennis is starting to be the example of excellence on many fronts.

With TEAM AGASSI and Saad Ashraaf's Mission Hills programs, The Stirling Clubs Pro-Am events, Increased sponsorship involvement with adult open, adult NTRP and  junior tournaments, and perhaps some pro level events coming soon, VegasTennis is just beginning.

The activity will pick up as spring comes and those interested in getting involved by helping with events and tournaments can contact me at 822-1081. These events are getting so large and involved that volunteers are needed to make it great. Your participation is what makes it possible. You can e-mail me as well at VegasTenniscom@aol.com

Terry Walters, the Executive Director of Intermountain (twalters@ita.usta.com) was also there to show how important it is to win the SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS. As head of the Intermountain, he handed each player their trophy and acknowledged their accomplishment. Terry many years ago lived and participated in Las Vegas tennis. Now he runs the whole Intermountain.

Jade Frampton, Girls 12's Sectional Champion, has been on fire recently, winning tournaments, doing very well at this years PUMPKIN SECTIONAL and now winning the SNOWBALL. Jade when she lived in St George was coached by Clark Hancock at Bloomington Country Club. Now she is coached by Zdenek Cernoch at Canyon gate Country Club. Zdeneck just became Director of tennis at Canyon Gate months ago and since there has been a new found energy, with Nenad as head teaching professional and a lot of great things going on. Zdeneck is known for putting in 12-15 hour work days and has developed some of the best players in town in Alexis Garrett and Jade Frampton.

Jade's success is due in large part to the support of her parents who are her coaches as well. Dix and Sonny, Like Asia's Dad Ronald Muhammad, and Stan's dad, Stan Breland, and Julia Baltas's dad John, and Patrick Kawka's dad Mark, are very involved and supportive of their child.

The best coaches in the world are those that take an innate interest in their students, building a long term trust. Look at David Pate and Aziza Aba Butain, or David Pate and Simone Kalhorn, Tim Blenkiron and Cristala Andrews, Rishi Daulat and Serrano. Look at Adolph Huddleston and Bryan Miller and David Nichols, Ben Coates and Alex Zara. All of these coaches have put a 100% into   working with these players setting the example of not quitting, not making excuses or blaming others. Full accountability, focus , integrity and honesty. Look at Marty Hennessy and Jonathan Ribaste, a rapport that has been developed from beginner to this Circuit # 2 finalist. Point is, whether it is MIKE AGASSI, who developed Andre's game or Bollettieri who later became a father figure, it is the example of a great teacher that can inspire a player to go to the next level and rise to the occasion. Someone who takes the time and listens to them, knows their weaknesses and has the honesty and patience to work on them. This is paramount. Anyone can get praise. But the best of coaches offer honest correction and  an example to back it up.

Brian Miller, Boys 14 Sectional Champion, has been with Adolph Huddleston for years and this past school year helped take his team to the STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. He himself made it to the STATE semifinals. His game was far beyond what the competition could offer in the 14's as he dominated the whole tournament.

Natasha James , Girls 12's Sectional Finalist, used her serve and volley game to once again shock many juniors who rarely see that type of movement. Her one handed backhand is amazing to see. It is wild to see a young girl with the kind of one handed back hand she shows her opponents. She took second to Jade Frampton who was able to win it in 3.

Simone Kalhorn, Girls 14's Sectional Finalist, had two huge wins with a huge game beating Julia Baltas and then PUMPKIN winner Asia Muhammad in two sets. Simone, who is coached by local pro and former #1 in the world doubles player David Pate, showed that her athletic ability and power was a small ingredient compared to her amazing focus and unbridled intensity. No one can deny that this young girl had the will and power of herds focused into this moment as she pumped her fist, not as a taunt, but as a bridling of her spirit into one intense moment after the other, where she went full bore into her opponents court with her swings and her attitude. By the time Julia and Asia returned the ball they felt the force of Simone's stroke and will, as she demanded respect at Sectionals this year.

Beating Asia Muhammad is a big deal, as Asia is one of the best player in the nation. She was rated top 5 in the girls 12's and just beat the 9th seed in the 14's at super nationals. But what was most impressive about he whole thing is Ronald her dad and Tim her coach both knew this was just one match. A player like Asia can not expect to win every time, and it is o.k. as some days you come across a player who is at the top of their game, as was the case with Simone, and on other days for some reason you lose. That is life. But they showed Asia that this was an opportunity to relish in the weaknesses that were exposed. I too love knowing the things wrong with events I run as it gives me a chance to improve and make them better. This match and the parents and coaches that watched had a stellar attitude in making the loss a positive thing and just one more simple step on the road of life.

 The contrast between how Ron and Tim handled it and how some other parents might over react emotionally is amazing to see. As Tim and Ron's wise approach to the loss put Asia at ease too, making it o.k...... Until the next time, because it is not over when you lose, only when you quit, and Asia is not quitting. In fact, I saw for the first time in a while, an Asia Muhammad that was awakened out there, the competitor, as few have the game to challenge her. This challenge will only serve her well. Asia Muhammad , Girls 14's 3rd place, showed she would not go down without a placement as she won in two sets against Romina Nedakovic 6-4; 6-0.

Meanwhile Ashton Kalhorn also put the family name on the record by winning the boys 12's consolation final. Mr Kalhorn grew up in junior tennis and played college tennis. He told me he recalled David Pate (click here to read summary of David Pate's career) and his brother Jack, both of which rose through the ranks on the pro tour. Jack went into the top 200 while David reach 13th in the world in singles and #1 in doubles. So when the two came across one another, as friends, he liked David's no nonsense approach and he has been flying Simone and Ashton into Vegas to train ever since. Now the results of his efforts and David and Jack's are starting to come.

But the focus and intensity that Simone showed on that court was as impressive as I have seen. It can only come from within a player and is a choice. It can not be taught, only chosen. You see that intensity with Kellen Damico and a hand full of players. It is a seriousness. There is a saying "Go big or go home", the same could be said with "Be serious or go home." Do what you do with everything you have or don't do it.

That is how I approach my tennis, my web site and all the things in my life. All of excellence come from this attitude. Do nothing half way, ever.

This is the attitude of the MIKE AGASSI award which will be presented to the player with the most heart and NO QUIT attitude throughout all three of The Stirling Club's Hennessy Jr Circuit tournaments, promoted by VegasTennis.com. This award is huge and an honor only given to one player. It does not have to be the winner, or the best player, just the one with the best NO QUIT ATTITUDE. Come to the finals of the Stirling Club Circuit #3 and see who gets this years biggest trophy Nevada has to offer. It will be presented by MIKE AGASSI himself and David Chesnoff, who sponsored this trophy to express his appreciation for what MIKE AGASSI has done for tennis.

STATE HIGH SCHOOL SINGLES CHAMPION 2001 AND 2003, Cameron Parker, took 4th in the Boy's 18's. Parker lost to the eventual winner in the main draw in two, then to Jeff Zeller in the 3rd and 4th playoff. Parker just accomplished what is extremely rare, early acceptance to Harvard University. This is so uncommon, I recall prep school on the east coast where I grew up which was a feeder schools for Harvard for over 60 years that could rarely get a student, varsity athlete and student council member into Harvard early. It is something beyond rare. It is remarkable. But Parker has a remarkable resume as a straight A student, student council, state champion, High School All-American just to name a few. His father who was asking me months ago about how to get Cameron Scholarships into college was relieved that he and his wife's assistant coaching in all these areas, along with Sam Apparicio's tennis coaching, have now culminated into Cameron getting into his first choice early.

Wesley Hancock of St George, and the winner of Hennessy's Circuit #2, took second place in he boys 18's and SNOWBALL. Wesley has been a presence in Intermountain tennis for years and as a top 50 in the Nation player, he has set the standard for younger players with his good natured attitude. Although he is often the best in any given event, he does not shy away from putting his game on the line. And in the end it is he who gets the opportunity to stay competition tough and has developed something more important then an excellent tennis game, .. an excellent character.

Tennis is not just a way to compete, learn the principles of life, discover how to be your best under pressure, alone and with a group, but offers youth something to do other then some party on Friday night which leads to nothing productive. It provides an alternative to doing nothing or the less then stellar activities that come from having nothing to do. Many young and adult players are just looking for an opportunity to play, and VegasTennis, the Intermountain and many organizations like TEAM AGASSI are providing this opportunity now more the ever.

Dan Limbago, Director of Junior Recreation & Multi-Diversity (dlimbago@ita.usta.com ), is a key figure behind the USTA's latest #1 focus of bringing Tennis to the masses. The USTA, in an effort to grow the game, while simultaneously giving underprivileged youth the opportunity to play, has designed a "MULTICULTURAL PARTICIPATION" initiative which stands to change the face of tennis across America. This is one of the biggest things to hit tennis. Finally the USTA's efforts to market and promote tennis to the masses is now going to strike gold. With more and more marketing and promotion in this sport, the USTA has an opportunity to make tennis as popular as baseball, basketball and football, all of which are backed by huge marketing machines.

The USTA has always been a strong administrative organization, but more and more the marketing and promotion is taking tennis to a whole new level. It began with The US OPEN, and now is spreading with USA TEAM TENNIS, tournaments, USTA professional tennis circuit, and now the Multicultural Participation initiative.

No one can deny the amazing impact Andre Agassi's Boys and Girls Club tennis program has had on the district and section. It is exactly this type of program which the USTA looks to support. TEAM AGASSI had made all of us step up our game and take it to the next level. The program has shown that anyone inside or outside the country Club can compete on a high level. That inner city or parks and rec programs can develop champions and be growing viable attributes to the community.

Saad Ashraaf's Mission Hills program is another incredible example of promoting tennis. From scratch 30 something players went from beginner, to intermediate to tournament players. With financial and administrative support for programs like this, it can only make competition better and more enjoyable for all.

Look at how bigger and more competitive tournaments have ignited Vegas Tennis. This can only improve with these programs getting bigger and stronger.

There is a tendency for some Country Club players to feel the subsidized play is not fair or may take away from the opportunity's for their child. Yet if you look closely you will find the existence of these programs have opened barriers, exposed players to more competition and a better over all experience in tournaments and in practice.

Where this sport, like golf, was only available to a select few, now the gates are being open for all to come in and experience this awesome game, and this can only benefit tennis.

Aziza Ababutain, Girl's 18, who for years was trained by David Pate, had to pull out due to injury. She has battled ankle problems this year but that did not stop her from succeeding to take  4th place.

David Nichols, Boy's 14's, also trained by Adolph Huddleston, took 4th place at this years Sectional Championship.

Ryan Gormley, Boy's 16's 3rd seed, rebounded after a loss to Prandecki by losing very few games to win the consolation final. The loss to Prandecki was quoted as being a splash of cold water on Gormley who is use to winning often. Now he has been awaken to the fact that he needs to stay on his feet for those players who are looking to sneak up on him. As a TEAM TURNBERRY player, he and Prandecki work out weekly and have a great respect for each others game. They know that both are capable of beating the other. It is just a matter of the day. Prandecki himself got a splash of cold water in his face weeks earlier when Jonathan Ribaste, another TEAM TURNBERRY player, beat Prandecki in two sets. The water is good, it keeps great players from falling asleep.

Dominique Aubry, Girl's 16's consolation winner, was hitting some big balls to win over the very formidable Jessica Carter from St George Utah. Jessica Carter, Girl's 16's Consolation finalist, coached by Clark Hancock, has a nephew, Mitchell Smith, who just got the VegasTennis.com Heart award. Look out for this kid to fill the shoes of his aunt. At 9 or 10, he has huge heart.

Stan Breland, Consolation finalist, and a TEAM AGASSI player, seeded number one, was able to come back after his front draw loss to reach the finals of the consolation. Stan is a perfect example of the MULTICULTURAL PARTICIPATION success. With school he is an A student and tennis has been a place for him to grow in to a young man. I have watched him grow from your typical irascible young boy to a true competitive young man. Tennis has given him the chance to be a leader among his peers, all due to the qualities of strength and endurance he has found in the game.

At this summer sectionals here were some highlights, including the finals all being played at Snowbird and most of all the staffs true and sincere involvement in the event. For too long I have gone to events only to see the tournament Director or those with the job or promoting the game disinterested and wanting it to be over. It was great to see this event and administrator that actually loved what they were doing, and doing all they can to make it great. This was apparent this past weekend when you saw Julie, traveling site to site to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was apparent when Intermountain staff like Dan Limbago, who ran the 16's location, was so involved with the matches and players that he could not wait to check players in so he could then go and watch their matches.

Since running events, and adding all the bells and whistles to make them better, I have not had the opportunity to play as I use to, or watch every single match as I use to, adult and junior. Yet, I still have that passion and interest and I saw that simular fire in Julie, Dan and others; The same passion that is in you , me and the players themselves. And while it may sound simple it is true, an event or organization is as good as the intentions and attitudes of those that run it. If they are open, willing, aware and honest it is just a matter of time that good will and increased participation and good times come of it.

The SNOWBALL SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS in Utah this past week did not have the PA system calling score in the finals, free food, and grand slam trophies that have become the norm of VegasTennis.com events, yet it had the same energy of excellence and excitement that  something better and better is on it's way, as those behind this junior tennis ship are invigorated and willing and open, and aware. So it is just a matter of time for this event and many like them will be getting better and better each time. For years I have had a pretty good eye for up and coming players. You can see the ingredients for greatness, often they are obvious. I remember writing about Kellen Damico years ago long before he was the dominating force he is today, Brianna Moyle, before she began beating established tournament players, Jade Frampton before she won this sectional, and Ernestine Miclat, before she had some big wins. So now I will write about this new and invigorated Intermountain junior competition staff. Just wait and see. My prediction is there will be good things to come, and rightfully so. If you expect young junior players to be on top of their game the example has to be set at the highest level. I am confident that Julie Wienski, and Dan Limbago are rising to that challenge.