VegasTennis.com
E-Mail Newsletter
Brought to you by
Mobile Medical Services, GALYANS,
NAKED JUICE, Las Vegas Skin
and Cancer Clinics, BAJA FRESH, Piero's
Trattorria, Neonopolis Theatres,
Century Suncoast Theatres,
Schlotzsky's Deli on Flamingo and Decatur.. Thank you for supporting Tennis.
In this issue:
1.MUTERSPAW CHAMPIONSHIPS
2. Cristala Andrews
wins again
3. A Piece of
History: The Muterspaw Championships..By Sheryl Bon
4. The Stacy Darling
tournament
5. KEVIN BRADLEY, A
new chapter..
6. Baltas Report..By:
Julia Baltas
7. Stacy Darling Tournament
8. STACY DARLING
WINNERS AND RESULTS
9. Mobile Medical
Services BALLY'S CUP BALLY'S
CUP RESULTS
10. EASTER DAULAT , EASTER
BALTAS, EASTER FRAMPTON, EASTER CARTER and EASTER ASIA..
11. BALTAS REPORT By Julia Baltas.....VegasTennis.com reporter
12. UPCOMING JUNIOR AND ADULT TOURNAMENTS
13. This
weekends events: Canyon
Gate Tennis Club Carnival
14. SUMMER TENNIS
CAMPS
15.
The Cinderella of TEAM AGASSI -
16. Andre Agassi..By Tiffany Taveras
17. UNLV Men's TENNIS.....WHAT A TURN
AROUND"...By Ryan WolfingtonMarch 2003
18. VegasTennis.com Supports UNLV Tennis
Note: Cameron Parker got accepted early to Harvard University...
Events this weekend:
1. Canyon Gate Tennis Carnival, Saturday 11am
2. "SUPER SIZE ME".. The Sundance Film festival
winner for best comedy.. about a man who eats
only McDonalds food for one month. Humorous and
a great message for athletes looking to eat healthy
VegasTennis.com invited you to go with our group
Saturday at 4:30pm show at the SUNCOAST CENTURY 16.
Call Ryan at 822-1081. It is free for VegasTennis.com
invites. You are invited.
==========================================
VegasTennis.com Update
Over the last two weeks, some of the biggest events in junior and adult tennis
have taken place. Weeks ago UNLV ended it's unbelievable turn around season
under the guidance of 1st year men's head tennis coach Owen Hambrook and UNLV
Tennis Director Kevin Cory. Before Owen Hambrook was hired the team had the
worst season in UNLV history in 2003 only wining twice all season while
losing 14 times. This year UNLV, men's team won 12 matches and lost only 7.
Owen went out of his way to recruit some great local talent and compile a very
competitive roster in a very short period of time. He was hired only months
before the season began and it is amazing he was able to put together a team
in that amount of time, let alone the successful squad that rivaled some of
UNLV's best seasons. "A lot of boosters were hoping the UNLV program would
come back to life, but no one expected this much success so quickly." Some
attributed this dramatic turn around to Owen's presence as the new head coach.
"Players see Owen putting in 100% and that inspires them to do the same."
The women, under coach Kevin Cory, as usual had a winning season with national
rankings as high as top 30. Cory, promoted this year as the new Tennis
Director of the UNLV program, looks out over the new landscape at UNLV.
I remember seeing that desert landscape months ago when it was first put in.
It was the same time Cory and Owen took on their new jobs. It was symbolic at
the time, of a new attitude at UNLV. Now as winter turns to spring, those
seeds planted just months ago have proven to be a wise and excellent choice of
arrangements. The flowers inside the tennis center have bloomed dramatically,
so bright, and full of color.
As UNLV was ending their season with away matches two weeks ago, the largest
adult tournament this town has ever seen commenced at ClubSport in Green
Valley; The Stacy Darling Charity Classic. A week later at UNLV and BALLY'S ,
VegasTennis.com hosted the Mobile Medical Services BALLY'S CUP, last years
largest local junior tournament. Then this past weekend The Andre Agassi
Charitable Organization hosted The Muterspaw National Championships, which is
the only National junior tournament in the 6 state intermountain region. And
weeks before was the Intermountain's Easter Circuit tournament.
In this VegasTenis.com newsletter there are articles and insights into these
events and how VegasTennis has been moving in a positive direction. There is
also an invitation for you the player, pro and fan to get involved, and
participate with this web site, local events and anything you are led to do to
make things the best they can be.
MUTERSPAW CHAMPIONSHIPS
Is that not what brings man satisfaction, being the best they can be? This is
an attitude, a willingness. As I put on, participate or go and watch tennis
events I look for that spirit which does not quit, is intense, focused and
alive. This past week I had the pleasure of meeting Perry Rogers for the first
time. He is Andre Agassi's long time manager. It was apparent once I met the
man why Andre is one of the most known names and brands in all of
entertainment. His manager is truly interested in the game of life, the game
of tennis and all it brings to the table. It sounds simple but that is what
life is, simple. If you stay focused on the task at hand with a level of
sincere interest, seeing the solutions and opportunities comes naturally. I
was at Turnberry Place where Marty Hennessy was giving lessons and Perry
Rogers began to talk about Asia Muhammad. Asia is the 13 year old girl who is
now the number one doubles player in the country in her age group. She won the
Easter Bowl Super nationals, which is the equivalent of the world series for
junior tennis.
Asia is also the product of the program Perry and Andre created from scratch 4
years ago on the corner of Martin Luther and Washington in the heart of Las
Vegas's inner City. That program took her from beginner to the best in the
country. Go to VegasTennis.com or the bottom of this e-mail newsletter and
read the story of Asia written in the Review Journal, Las Vegas Sun and the
article I wrote: The Cinderella of TEAM AGASSI.
THE MUTERSPAW CHAMPIONSHIPS this year had over 600 applicants with over 300 on
the waiting list. The before mentioned Asia Muhammad won last year in the
twelve's and this year she was in the final again. She took 2nd place in an
incredible 6-4, 6-4 loss. She played well, and her dad Ronald Holmes and coach
Tim Blenkiron were thoroughly satisfied that Asia did so well in this big
national event. It was not the score or the wins & losses they were interested
in, but the attitude she displayed on the court. This girl Asia Muhammad was
running to her chair during change over, was not worrying after a missed shot,
kept her head up, focused and ready, without a second of hesitation. She went
for big shots at key moments, and her opponent was playing extremely well. Tim
Blenkiron said afterwards "She played her heart out, played well, and I am
very satisfied with that." There is only one point: to give it 100% out there
by maintaining focus ,not giving into that which try's to pull you down.
Developing this discipline as a child is what prepares girls like Asia for the
challenges of life.
Cristala Andrews wins again
The biggest Las Vegas success at this years Muterspaw Championships was
Cristala Andrews. At 14 this girl plays the 16's. Cristala won the girls 16's
final so easily, one parent called it a "Scrimmage." It was 6-0, 6-0.
I was telling Savvas, Cristala's dad, that no one ever makes a big deal of
Cristala Andrews winning because it is something that happens so often and is
almost expected. She is the undisputed best girl tennis player in town, at 14.
She won David Pate's ladies open draw, won every junior tournament locally she
has entered that I can remember, she just won the Snowball Sectionals this
past winter, and now she was winning the Intermountains only National
tournament, and with ease. But what has stood out to me with Cristala Andrews
over the years has not been her wins but her attitude. Just weeks ago, at The
Mobile Medical Services BALLY'S Cup, she had played two matches in one day and
was schedules to play a third. She did not hesitate, and while playing a very
close match to a top boy player, not one excuse about fatigue. Not one pout or
ounce of quit. She fought to the end with everything she had, and when she
lost, she did so with tremendous grace. It should be noted, she was playing a
boy because Cristala has reached the level where she needed more competition
so I allowed her and Estefania Serrano to play the boys draw because these
girls can beat the boys, so why not. As it turned out Cristala got to the back
draw final of the 18 boys and lost to TEAM AGASSI'S Stan Breland. It should be
noted it was the only time Breland ever beat Andrews and it was by far the
best third set of the whole event. Both players fought off match points and
were incredible under pressure. They were center court at THE BALLY'S CUP,
which gets a good crowd, with each point being called over the PA system by
the chair umpire.
Cristala Andrews attitude apparently has been present since she was a little
girl. Coach Tim Blenkiron said he knew he wanted to coach Cristala when at age
7 he watched her diving for balls. This speed and intensity, along with style
, has been a trade mark that has taken her far. The Blenkiron /Andrews
coach/student chemistry is one I have witnessed for years and is the perfect
example of how a student and coach can relate to one another. Blenkiron is
honest, direct, excepts no excuses and does so smiling. Cristala respects that
truth, accepts the correction and is willing to put 100% into her training.
And training is everything, because you can not just turn it on some times.
You have to always be focused and take the whole thing seriously. It is an
attitude and it has to be present at all times. Whether it is ping pong,
tennis, cleaning the house or doing the day to day tasks of life. You can do
everything with the right attitude. It is a choice.
Junior reporter Sheryl Bon chronicled the amazing story of the Muterspaw
family, and the event that was created by Andre Agassi to memorialize them.
Below you will read the words Sheryl used to describe her interview with Mrs.
Muterspaw and her perspective as one of the top tennis players in Las Vegas.
Sheryl and Julia Baltas are VegasTennis.com reporters and have done a great
job in bringing articles like this to you. Words from tennis players at this
age have shown maturity beyond their years, and initiative indicative of what
Mrs Muterspaw said was the attitude of her two sons when they were living. And
that is what this game is all about, attitude. The boy who won the 18's this
year in the Muterspaw championships described to me his story. A story of a
boy who practiced tennis almost all his life. Played hard but it got to a
point where his heart became hard. The daily play became a daily grind, and
the fun of the game slipped away, point by point, loss by loss, event by
event. Until one day he had a horrible accident and an injury that took away
his ability to move. On his back for almost a year, the boy had time to resent
or time to revive his soul. After a little of both, the young player, no
longer able to move on the court he had taken for granted, was confined to a
longer vacation from the game then he had ever wanted. It was here, in this
quiet, in this stillness that inside of him was reawakened to appreciate the
simplest of things. Some how death or injury, while intense, can be an impetus
for greater life. That was the story of this player, who now can walk, run and
play a new kind of tennis he has now recaptured. Grateful to be on the court,
cherishing each and every swipe at the ball. He said "Now I appreciate my
ability to do it all." And as an athlete I know what he means. Appreciate that
your body will actually move that quick, get that ball and be able to move
through the wind. It is an attitude, a new focus and trying your best with
everything you have at your disposal, and being satisfied doing just that. It
cures you of the little petty complaints and angers of missing a ball or shot
or match. So what if you lose or miss a shot. You played with everything you
have. If you do that, never giving into the quit, then you can live satisfied.
This tournament, along with the prestigious Stacy Darling tennis tournament
bring back into the consciousness 4 tennis players that lived and died. Dying
is not so bad as long as you have lived to your fullest. And hearing about
people dying is not bad, and commemorating their full lives is a call to live
life fully yourself. Mrs. Muterspaw was saying the other day, that although
Joshua never lost an intermountain match from the 10, 12, 14, 16 to the 18 and
under, she is most proud of the character he displayed on and off the court.
This is a testament to great behavior, great living and a message that comes
through each year at this annual event.
------------------------------------------------
A Piece of History:
The Muterspaw
Championships
By: Sheryl Bon
When I walk around and hear people talk about the Muterspaw national
tournament, most people don't even know how to pronounce it, let alone know
why the tournament has a weird name. And without this tournament, Vegas
wouldn't be able to enjoy the experience of hosting what's becoming a very
popular national tournament. With a 32 player draw, this year more than 600
players had signed up for this tournament but only 256 were accepted. And
having more alternates than actual players can really show you how much this
tournament is growing.
During the Pacific Life Pro tournament, I had a chance to speak with Mrs.
Muterspaw, the mother of the two boys this tournament is dedicated to, about
what the whole deal was with the Muterspaw Championships. Well, it just so
happens that Andre Agassi had helped in the dedication of this tournament to
the Muterspaw family. Why, you ask?
The whole family had been involved in tennis since 1981 and the two boys,
Joshua and Jason, were growing up playing tennis with Andre Agassi and Marty
Hennessy, just to name a few. They were such great students, players and
sons. Jason was on a road to the business world and Joshua was on his way
into the medical world. But in 1994, a tragic accident had occurred in the
Muterspaw family and Joshua Muterspaw's life had ended on the 15th of
August. You'd think this was tragic enough, but just after a few years
later, on February 26, 2000, Jason's life had also ended.
Their family, friends and people who knew them well were devastated. How
can two great young men's lives be cut so short? But just then, the close
friend of the Muterspaw's, Andre Aggasi, raised and donated enough money to
make a tournament dedicated to the family. The tournament had started on May
1st, 2001. So in memory of the Muterspaw boys, juniors from everywhere come
to Vegas and play this great tournament that we have here today.
------------------------------------------------
The Stacy Darling tournament,
always the largest adult tournament in the state, and possibly in most of the
country, is an annual memorial to Amanda, Stacy and Ron Darling, who died
within a number of years of each other. The Darling family, who love tennis,
created a foundation that supports a passion all in their family have enjoyed
and have proven to be one the most significant benefactor Las Vegas tennis has
ever had. The Darling Family just donated 1 million dollars to the City of Las
Vegas to help fund the 15 million dollar new 23 court tennis center which is
being built on park land at Buffalo and Washington. The City is in the process
of building and estimate completing some time in 2005. This tournament is not
only known for it's great size, but always gives players the best entry gifts
and player party. Winning the men's Open singles draw was last years BALLYS
CUP winner, Dann Battistone. On the tour for some time, Dann now is assistant
coach at BYU while he finished getting his degree. He just got married and has
always been a huge help to me running my annual Mobile Medical
Services BALLY'S CUP tournament and in general. On the court his willingness
to be a class act highlights what this game has always been about... a game
between ladies and gentleman. Years ago this foundational principle was taken
out of the annual rule book, but Dann Battistone's style and behavior on the
court reminds us of what the game is really about. Quick, not an ounce of Quit
in him, but always the gracious winner and at times, loser.
Kevin Bradley, a new chapter...
Another player that had the tournament of his life, was one of Las Vegas's
best tennis products, Kevin Bradley. Kevin, as a young junior player started
later then his peers, but with determination worked at his game till he became
the high school state champion, and then went on to get a full scholarship to
play at University of San Diego, which was ranked 14 in the nation division 1.
That year Kevin Bradley was vying for the only scholarship slot USD had to
offer. In his freshman year he went 49 wins and 11 loses and went undefeated
at #2 doubles as a freshman. His highest NCAA ranking was 12 in doubles and 41
in singles. Eventually Kevin graduated and played on the men's tour for 4
years. His pro career highlight was winning a satellite tournament in
Switzerland and had a win over a #80 in the world player and Jan Micheal
Gambill. Behind Agassi, and David Pate, who was #1 in the world in doubles and
#17 in singles, Kevin Bradley is the third best player that I know of that
came out of junior tennis in Las Vegas, behind only those two greats. After
being the journey man on the pro tour for a number of years, Bradley came back
to his roots and started teaching at ClubSport Green Valley. For over eight
years he was one of the notorious work horses, lesson after lesson, Bradley
was always sought after, and often complied by extending his schedule and
making tennis something he dedicated most of his time to. This took him away
from playing tournaments himself, but each year he would come out of
retirement and play with one of his students in the annual adult grand slam of
the season, "The Stacy Darling." He is the most Winn ingest open player in
Stacy Darling History, one year winning all three, singles, doubles and mixed.
And each year he almost always played with a student. His students have always
been top players, with many winning state high school tennis
championships. Chasen Cohen, Mike Schuldt, Jamie Marshall, Gia Cappiello, John
Fayeghi, Matt Hedegaard. In fact, just this past year Dominique Aubry won the
State high school tennis championship in singles as a sophomore. Of his past
students two presently are on full ride scholarships: Jamie Marshall at
Oregon, and Jessica Watts, full ride at University of Utah. Jonathan Fayeghi
presently plays Division 1 tennis for UNLV's men's team.
This year's Stacy darling would be special though. Bradley, after 8 years at
ClubSport, decided a week prior to the event to end his tenure at ClubSport to
go out on his own. It is a good story, because Kevin has long been more of a
teacher in the last few years then a player. I have called him numerous times
to get him in draws but he could never play. His teaching schedule alone had
him at the club past 9pm each night and he was too busy preparing his juniors
and 3.5 ladies for their tournaments. But this time "I wanted to win" Bradley
explained. The tournament has always meant something to him, and this year he
set out to make an impact, and he did. He won the men's doubles, beating Tim
Blenkiron and Jonathan Ribaste in 3 sets, handing Blenkiron his first doubles
open loss in town ever, next to his 7-6, 7-6 loss to Agassi and Gilbert at the
UNLV Challenger years ago. He did this with a student Jason Cohen. He then
went and won the mixed doubles with another student, Brittany Hanna. This was
not a weak draw either. Kevin and Brittany beat a top team of Kobi Ziv, who
has wins over Leytonn Hewitt and Mirat Safin, and his partner Pamela Trump,
who played for USC and was top 10 as a junior.
It was a beautiful way to go out, and into his new entrepreneurial adventure.
Bradley is one of this towns best pro's. I have witnessed his following over
the years and he has always had a can do attitude. Not everyone has this. It
is the key ingredient to winning verses losing. I have no doubt in my mind
that what ever he gets involved with, will work out perfectly. Right now he
has established Kevin Bradley Tennis Academy and is running his program out of
Sunset Park on the east side. To contact him call his cell at 460-8083. He
also does his mixed doubles mixer Friday nights at Sunset park. I know many at
ClubSport will feel his absence, but to quote Bradley, "It was time to move on
and take my game to the next level."
Local junior tennis player and VegasTennis.com reporter Julia Baltas sat down
with Kevin Bradley and interviewed him about his doubles win and wrote her own
article on the Stacy Darling Tournament. Enjoy "THE BALTAS REPORT"....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baltas Report
By: Julia Baltas
April 2004
Stacy Darling Tournament
"This is one of the tournaments that I would like to see," said some local
residents of Nevada, because there are a few tennis players we know that are
competing in this tournament such as: Chris Painter, Ryan Gormley, Eoin
Collins, Jonathan Ribaste, Misha Yevitich, and Tim Blenkiron.
One of the matches I saw was the semi-final men's open, 2 seed Tim Blenkiron
and Jonathan Ribaste vs. 3 seed Misha Yevtich and Eoin Collins. The first set
went an 1 1/2 long. Blenkiron and Ribaste won the first set 7-6 {7-5} in the
tiebreaker. During the first set, every player was either attacking, poaching,
or coming in off a drive volley. In the second set the points were getting
tougher and challenging. Yevtich and Collins won the second set 6-3. Ribaste
knew for the third set he had to step up his game another level to make it to
the finals. So he did and Ribaste and Blenkiron won the third set 6-3. For all
that hard work Ribaste did, now he is in the finals of the Stacy Darling
tournament.
About the players:
1. Misha Yevtich- Monte Carlo head pro
2. Eoin Collins- local Las Vegas Resident
3. Jonathan Ribaste- top local junior player
4. Tim Blenkiron- head coach of Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club
Today, Sunday, April 25, Tim Blenkiron and Jonathan Ribaste are in the finals
against Kevin Bradley and Chase Cohen. Bradley and Cohen defeated Blenkiron
and Ribaste in three sets 7-6, 6-7, 6-3. The first set was really tough
because the rallies were 10-15 balls in a row. However, Bradley and Cohen
managed to pull through and win the set. In the second set Blenkiron and
Ribaste were down 4-2 and came back and had a 6-5 lead then blew it and went
to a tiebreaker and won. The third set was tough, so there was a lot of
pressure for the young Ribaste to handle. Even though they did the best they
could they lost 6-3 in the third set.
I sat down with winner Kevin Bradley to interview him.
JB-Julia Baltas, KB-Kevin Bradley
JB- What things you feel you struggled on?
KB- I struggled on my backhand and my mental game because I really haven't
played tournaments that often.
JB- How many years have you been teaching at Green Valley Club Sport?
KB- I have been teaching there for 8 years.
JB- Do you have any breaking news?
KB- Yes I am leaving Club Sport and I am going on my own.
Members of Club Sport and students of all ages are losing an excellent coach
and a great friend, we all wish him the best. GOOD LUCK KEVIN! We miss you!
================================================================
STACY DARLING WINNERS AND RESULTS
================================================================
DOUBLES DRAWS
------------------------------------------------
Mobile Medical Services
BALLY'S CUP is
VegasTennis.com's annual junior tennis tournament which try's to bring the
professional tennis experience to local juniors. This includes having a draw
party at Piero's Trattoria in the Howard Hughes Parkway. Giving players dry
fit like shirts, long sleeve for boys, and short sleeve pink shirts for the
girls.
GALYAN'S OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND SPORTING GOODS gave each kid a free tennis
racquet of their choice if they won. All entrants were given a free dinner at
BAJA FRESH, 20% off at the Premium outlets and FREE NAKED JUICE SMOOTHIES the
whole tournament. Neonopolis Theatres gave the winners of doubles free tickets
to the movie theatre. The theatre is surrounded by a huge "Gillians " game
room/hall.
The matches were held at UNLV and the finals at BALLYS, where Umpire King
Pickford called score over the PA system on court one for feature matches and
an awards ceremony was held to present trophies. Each winner has their name
inscribed on the $2,500.00 silver BALLY'S CUP TROPHY. This tournament is the
first of a 4 tournament circuit with the circuit winners in each age group
winning a all expenses paid trip to the Mercedes-Benz Cup in LA, THANKS TO
JALDEEP DAULAT at THE LAS VEGAS SKIN AND CANCER CLINICS.
Mobile Medical Services Kathy Brinkmeyer, Dollie and Jim Kurtz once again made
this tournament possible with their sponsorship. It was there support last
year and this year that has made the Mobile Medical Services BALLY'S CUP one
of Nevada's GRAND SLAMS. Mobile Medical Services provides compression
stockings and a variety of products which make life fulfilling again for those
who have gone through breast cancer. You can reach them anytime at 733-1900.
Thank you Kathy, Dollie and Jim for supporting local tennis.
The winner of the boys 18's BALLY'S CUP was Gustavo Garbim, winning in a most
amazing three set battle between he and TEAM TURNBERRY'S Ryan Gormley. Ryan ,
a gentleman and one of towns best players, almost unseated the very strong
Brazilian exchange student. But in the last set Gustavo stepped up his game
and closed it to win this years BALLY'S CUP. Now he moves back to Brazil, but
not without remembering the CAPPS Family, who saved him from exportation
earlier this year and who he thanks in his winners speech. The family he
originally stayed with were going to abandoned him, and the Capps family has a
son, Jesse on Gustavo's tennis team. The Capps on a whim volunteered to house
Gustavo the rest of the year, and brought goodness back into Gustavo's
experience in America. Ever since it has been "All good" for this Brazilian
tennis player who has added a great deal to the local tennis scene. He took
second place in the High School State Championships this year and won numerous
tournaments, including Hennessy's junior tennis Circuit. Gustavo is also on
the prestigious TEAM TURNBERRY, which is comprised of the best players in
town.
Winning the girls 18's was Asia Muhammad, going undefeated in the 6 girl, 5
round robin. Estefania Serrano, playing her last local junior tennis match as
a graduating senior, went out in style taking 2nd in the finals and 1st in the
doubles with Cristala Andrews. Serrano has always been an amusing and spirited
player at the VegasTennis.com promoted events, and now she moves on, along
with Jasmine Muhammad, Blake Lamberth, Shawn Kurtz, Aziza Aba Butain and State
High School singles champion Cameron Parker to college and life after high
school. Go and live a brave life, with PATIENCE, HONESTY AND RESPECT. The
world is a fun place. If you do what is right you will feel right...
guaranteed.
David Taveras, who's son Ozzie and daughter Tiffany play tennis, built by hand
the VegasTennis.com Schlotzsky's Breaking Tennis news board that was one of
this events highlights. On the board was photos and articles of this years
junior tennis news highlights. David and Penny Taveras have supported
VegasTennis.com events and junior tennis thoroughly this year and their
support is very much appreciated.
I would like to Thank David and Debbie Pate for their support of the BALLY's
CUP this year making the courts at BALLYS available, and Owen Hambrook and
Kevin Cory at UNLV. Your facilities were great to work with and I thank you.
Special Thanks to Evan Glusman for Piero's Trattoria Sponsoring the Draw
party. Support Piero's by eating at his famous restaurant in Howard Hughes
Parkway.
I would like to Thank Richard Katz and Paul Perez at NAKED JUICE COMPANY, for
always supporting junior tennis and healthy living. NAKED JUICE is the best
drink I have ever had and that is why I approached them one year ago. Ever
since the partnership has been wonderful. You can buy great tasting fresh
squeezed NAKED Orange juice at COSCO for 3.99 a gallon, which is an
incredible price for orange juice let alone fresh squeezed. You also buy their
juices at most stores like VONS, SMITHS, WILD OATS, WHOLE FOODS and TRADER
JOES. Most importantly, it is good for you while tasting great.
Thank you to BAJA FRESH for your support of junior tennis. Support those that
support junior tennis.
Without Marty Hennessy's enthusiasm for tennis and involvement in what
VegasTennis.com has been trying to do, this event and this web site would not
be what it has become. Thank you.
The tournament committee is much appreciated. It is comprised of those who
supported VegasTennis.com all year and this is a way to thank you. Marty
Hennessy, Tim Blenkiron, Jaldeep Daulat, Saad Ashraaf, Clark Hancock, Dave and
Penny Taveras, Jim and Dollie Kurtz, John Baltas, Ronald Holmes, Mary
Clifford, Melissa Gibson, Jasna Pantic, Kyle and Deanna Kenyon, Savvas
Andrews, Blaine Banker, Thomas Harper, Bob Thompson, Dix and Sunhee Frampton,
Greg Smith, .. and all of you that use VegasTennis.com
In addition, a special thanks to Melissa Gibson, Michelle and Melissa Cowless,
Jim and Dollie Kurtz, David Taveras, Mary Clifford, Dix and Sunhee Frampton,
Jasna and Stolyanka Pantic for their onsite support and work at the event. You
added a great deal.
BALLY'S CUP RESULTS
------------------------------------------------
|
|
 |
| R1 |
Josh Levinson d. Kyle Smith |
Def (ns) |
All High School Draw Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(1) Mitchell Smith d. (2) Keenan Gladd-Brown |
6-0,;6-3 |
| SF |
(2) Keenan Gladd-Brown d. Angel Aguilar |
7-5,;6-2 |
| SF |
(1) Mitchell Smith d. Pascal Nilsson |
6-3,;6-3 |
Consolation:
 |
| QF |
Ozzie Tavaras d. Blaze O'Keefe |
6-1,;6-3 |
All Boys' 10 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
Gladd-Brown/O'Keefe d. Arriola/Ingwaldson |
Def (ns) |
All Boys' 10 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(1) Kristopher Yee d. (2) Jeff Vongman |
6-1,;6-1 |
| SF |
(2) Jeff Vongman d. (3) Brendon Aguilar |
3-6,;6-3,;1-0(10-6) |
| SF |
(1) Kristopher Yee d. Pascal Nilsson |
6-3,;6-1 |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
Joshua Jones d. Willie Sublette |
6-1,;4-6,1-0;7-6(16-14)) |
| SF |
Willie Sublette d. Donovan Welch |
6-4,;6-2 |
All Boys' 12 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
Del Rosario/Nilsson d. Bridges/Song |
6-4,;6-3 |
All Boys' 12 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(2) Brandon Parker d. (1) Spencer Aguiar |
6-1,;6-2 |
| SF |
(2) Brandon Parker d. (4) Aashi Daulat |
6-3,;6-0 |
| SF |
(1) Spencer Aguiar d. (3) Patrick Kawka |
6-1,;6-4 |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
Johnathan Fragoso d. Maximillian Chesnoff |
6-3,;6-2 |
| SF |
Johnathan Fragoso d. Zachary Macaraeg |
6-3,;6-4 |
| SF |
Maximillian Chesnoff d. Sunny Lim |
|
All Boys' 14 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(2) Breland/Daulat d. (1) Kawka/Lovett |
6-3,;1-6,;1-0;7-6(10-8)) |
| SF |
(2) Breland/Daulat d. Macaraeg/Martinez |
6-3,;6-3 |
| SF |
(1) Kawka/Lovett d. Aguiar/Fragoso |
3-6,;6-2,;1-0(10-8) |
All Boys' 14 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(1) Stan Breland d. (3) Trent Alenick |
6-4,;6-1 |
| SF |
(3) Trent Alenick d. (2) David Nichols |
6-2,;6-0 |
| SF |
(1) Stan Breland d. Rony Yeghnazary |
6-2,;6-4 |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
Jesse Capps d. Theodore Shively |
Def (ns) |
| SF |
Theodore Shively d. Raul Martinez |
6-4,;3-6,;1-0(10-3) |
| SF |
Jesse Capps d. Ravi Khilnani |
7-5,;7-5 |
All Boys' 16 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
(1) Capps/Prandecki d. Edwards/Shively |
Def (ill) |
All Boys' 16 Doubles Matches
|
|
F Gustavo Garbim d Ryan Gormley 6-3 in the third |
 |
| SF |
(3) Ryan Gormley d. (1) Cameron Parker |
Ret (inj) |
| QF |
(2) Gustavo Garbim d. Andrew Craven |
7-6,;6-4 |
| QF |
(4) Rishi Daulat d. Cristala Andrews |
7-5,;6-4 |
Consolation:
 |
| SF |
Stan Breland d. Ramon Montez |
6-4,;6-1 |
| R2 |
Andrew Craven d. Chris Painter |
6-7,;6-2,;10-2 |
| R1 |
Estefania Serrano d. Reed Wright |
5-7,;6-1,;10-4 |
All Boys' 18 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
Garbim/Prandecki d. Lamberth/Montez |
Def (ns) |
All Boys' 18 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
Tiffany Tavares d. (1) Rabecca Clary |
6-1,;7-6;7-6(9-7)) |
| SF |
Tiffany Tavares d. Marina Arriola |
6-1,6-0 |
| SF |
(1) Rabecca Clary d. Danae Ingwaldson |
6-2,;6-3 |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
Andrea Melow d. Gabrielle Smith |
2-6,;6-3,;1-0 |
| SF |
Gabrielle Smith d. Sarah Pate |
6-0,;6-2 |
| SF |
Andrea Melow d. Jordan Minnick |
6-2,;6-2 |
All Girls' 10 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(4) Anita Lee d. (2) Sarah Toti |
7-5,;6-3 |
| SF |
(2) Sarah Toti d. (3) Chrissy Uriarte |
6-1,;6-2 |
| SF |
(4) Anita Lee d. (1) Danica Ingwaldson |
6-3,;7-6(4) |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
Valerie Shively d. Morgan Anderson |
|
| SF |
Morgan Anderson d. Tiffany Tavares |
6-4,;6-2 |
| SF |
Valerie Shively d. Claire Melow |
6-4,;6-1 |
All Girls' 12 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(1) Lee/Spelman d. Ingwaldson/Ingwaldson |
6-2,;6-2 |
| SF |
Ingwaldson/Ingwaldson d. Beckett/Zepeda |
6-3,;6-3 |
| SF |
(1) Lee/Spelman d. Tavares/Yee |
|
All Girls' 12 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(2) Danielle Ingwaldson d. Sarah Toti |
6-1,;6-0 |
| SF |
(2) Danielle Ingwaldson d. Kalea Traveller |
6-1,;6-1 |
| SF |
Sarah Toti d. (3) Selina Brown |
6-3,;6-1 |
Consolation:
 |
| F |
(1) Melissa Cowles d. Lauren Centrella |
6-0,;6-0 |
| SF |
Lauren Centrella d. Tamilia Hicks |
6-2,;6-2 |
| QF |
(1) Melissa Cowles d. Erica Zara |
6-0,;6-0 |
All Girls' 14 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
Cowles/Traveller d. Ingwaldson/Ingwaldson |
6-3,;6-3 |
| SF |
Cowles/Traveller d. Centrella/Sellinger |
6-0,;6-1 |
| SF |
Ingwaldson/Ingwaldson d. Brown/Cook |
6-3,;6-2 |
All Girls' 14 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| F |
(2) Julia Baltas d. Alicia Cook |
6-1,;6-0 |
| SF |
(2) Julia Baltas d. Gabrielle Gibson |
6-2,;6-4 |
| SF |
Alicia Cook d. (4) Ali Murphy |
|
Consolation:
 |
| SF |
Danielle Ingwaldson d. Ratna Pillai |
Def (ns) |
| SF |
Brianne Dalton d. Meagan Medick |
6-1,;7-6(9-7) |
All Girls' 16 Singles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
(1) Kawka/Murphy d. (2) Gibson/Tang |
6-1,;6-4 |
All Girls' 16 Doubles Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R5 |
Shauna Morgan d. Julia Baltas |
6-2,;6-2 |
All Girls' 18 Singles Blue Matches
|
|
|
 |
| R3 |
Andrews/Serrano d. Morgan/Muhammad |
7-6,;7-6(7-3),);6-4 |
-----------------------------------------------
EASTER DAULAT ,
EASTER BALTAS, EASTER FRAMPTON, EASTER CARTER and EASTER ASIA
By: Ryan Wolfington
April 2004
Easter Circuit, the time of year when Salt Lake and
Colorado, and all those northern players come out of the indoor courts into the
sun and wind of Las Vegas. I heard players from out of state talk about how much
they enjoy coming to Vegas. There is a lot going on here. Even in LA and other
larger tennis populations, few have a close tennis community like Vegas is
becoming. Often times coaches, afraid of losing students, keep players apart and
this limits the match play and camaraderie that is essential to development.
Over the last two years players are getting to know one another personally, if
not from a distance by reading these articles or by being involved with them at
so many tournaments and mini-tournaments. This helps when players need to call
one another for match play, or when a get together of the best players has to
happen for development of match tough competitors.
This weekend, Julia Baltas continued this hot streak
by winning one of the most difficult draws in the tournament. Watch out for the
string of tough players in the girls 14's. Julia played Shauna Morgan and won in
a very closely fought match. Shauna, to reach the finals, beat Ramina in a third
set tie breaker that was extremely eventful. Shauna has always had a solid game
but recently she has been able to garner her intensity and add an element that
has made her able to close matches that she has often times fell just short. She
is becoming a closer. Her and Julia play weekly and have showed a dedication
that is second to none. This dedication has resulted in the ability to play
solid tennis for hours on end, with the conditioning and mind set to prevail. In
a loss in the finals like Shauna had today there is only glory, as both players
played extremely well and had an excellent tournament to get there. Julia had to
beat Snowball Finalist Simone Kalhorn.
In the boys 18's, Cameron Parker was less then
satisfied with his loss in the finals taking second place. He felt he had more
unforced errors in that one match then he had the whole tournament. But he can
only he satisfied with getting early admission into Harvard University , which
is almost impossible to do.
Stan Breland of TEAM AGASSI and Spencer Aguiar, had a
great singles match. Both of these players, great athletes and serious
competitors, are fun to watch. Breland, having grown a few inches and developed
physically , was leaping in the air to get almost unreachable overheads, while
Aguiar played one of the best points of the tournament with a backhand down the
line, then a running forehand winner.
The most storied win today had to go to Estefania
Serrano, who has been chasing an illusive win over Aziza Ababutain for almost 7
years. The two of them started early with David Pate at BALLY'S, and tournament
after tournament for years, Aziza would always end up beating Estefania. The
two, doubles partners and winners of the Amstel Open doubles, got along, but
holding Serrano back from getting the sense of equality she was striving for was
one win. But that win time and time again would slip away. It is not an easy
thing to get a win over Aziza, who's serve has been clocked at 113, and who has
dominated junior tennis in Las Vegas for years. But it was something that meant
a lot to Estefania, as part of a friendly rivalry.
These rivalry's are important to keep everyone on
their feet. One win does not mean the tide changes or one is better then the
other, it is just a reminder to keep everyone ready. At the high school state
championships this year Estefania, now a senior and Aziza, now a senior, ended
up playing one another in the state semifinals. In a very close match, with
Serrano having a chance at winning her only victory over Aziza ever, Aziza's
ankle had a major injury taking her out of tennis for months and giving
Estefania the match.
The victory was legitimate, but in Serrano's mind
could be tainted. So when by chance the two ended up playing one another for the
back draw final, and probably one of if not they last time before they graduate,
Serrano was sleepless. But as fate would have it, Serrano would get her win,
while her high school tennis coach Kathy Pederson, her dad Julian and her
longtime coach Tim Blenkiron watched on. Even David Pate, the two player's
original coach was there to see the beginnings of this showdown.
The first thing Blenkiron told Estefania was about the
calmness of her game in the third crucial set. Now she can go out and play
without the stigma of having never lost to Aziza. And for Aziza, who has had an
incredible slew of victory's over Serrano and many other girls, is happy to be
looking at the prospects of possibly getting a full scholarship to continue this
game on the college level.
Another remarkable tale is that of Rishi Daulat, who
just months ago was cut open on the operating table, an organ taken out of his
body, yet today when I looked on the draw it said "DAULAT" in the finals. At
first I thought it was Aashish, then saw 16&under and realized he pulled off a
very big come back. His first tournament after playing no tennis for months, and
he not only makes the finals but wins against Chris Arena, who has been on fire
as of late.
In the girl's 12 and under, Jade Frampton continues
her intermountain dominance by playing connect the dots winning the SNOWBALL
SECTIONAL, and now the EASTER CIRCUIT. It is not hard to say who will end up
being a player. I can tell you now who, in a few months will be a presence. It
is simple. Dedication, focus, poise, intensity, endurance, these are the
qualities. Frampton is a player that has "NO QUIT" in her. A student of Zdenek
Cernoch at Canyon Gate , along with Alexis Garrett, these two players are
committed and competitive daily. They take the sport seriously and happen to be
two very excellent sports as well. Zdenek Cernoch coaches with intensity and
knows how to demand it of his students. Another huge factor is the ever present
parents that make a point to be available to assist in the coaching by being
equally committed as well.
You will see this a great deal over at TEAM AGASSI,
where Ronald Muhammad, Stan Breland, John Baltas, the Vongmans and aguiars and
Linden all are active in their child's life. It is by no surprise that this
dedication to excellence has transformed into Asia Muhammad winning the girls
14's doubles Easter Bowl Super Nationals this past weekend. CLICK HERE TO READ
ABOUT "THE ASIA STORY"
Tim Blenkiron and Ki Kroll before him, and Zdenek
Cernoch along with Michael James and the many other effective tennis coaches,
approach the game by addressing the mental side of tennis, which is huge. When I
was at Pacific life I saw strokes no different then Gustavo Garbim and Cristala
Andrews. So there must be a huge mental difference making them pro's and the
local's not. After each student got off the court today Blenkiron addressed
their mental state, the nuances that are paramount to mastering life. Don't get
emotional. A very simple thing. It is life draining, a false sense of energy
that only clouds ones clarity. This is a word of wisdom for almost all kids and
adults, as life's pressures come, one has to garner the ability to see them, and
not react, just let it pass and move onto the next shot. Whether it is something
you deem to be on fair at work or on the court, you can dwell in it and react
and get worked up, or let it pass and disregard the thoughts that come about it.
On the court you have a match to play, there is no need to be caught up thinking
about anything. The same is true about life. You just live and let the drama go.
There was no better example of this poise on and off
the court then Ramina in the girls 14's. She reminds me of Sarah Toti's grace on
the court. Here she came into Las Vegas, known for winning, took 4th at the
SNOWBALL, always a top seed, and lost to Shauna Morgan in the main draw and then
Simone Kalhorn in the back draw final. First it needs to be said, both these
matches are extremely tough. No other draw was this deep. To have two great
players like this in the back draw goes to show the kind of skill the girls 14's
has in this town and in the intermountain. And that is without Super national
champions Asia Muhammad and Krista Damico in the draw, or DUEL IN THE DESERT
CHAMPION Sheryl Bon.
After each close loss, both ending with tie breakers,
Ramina was graceful, almost delightful how she handled it. She may later churn
and want another chance at the title, but in her face, I looked and was amazed
at the lack of angst. Dignified she got her bag, came in and talk to her mom,
said words to friends and there I saw a champion. Anyone can win like a
champion, few can lose like a champion. And I guarantee this great attitude is
not indifference, and you will see this girl who serves and volley's better then
anyone in the 14's back stronger then ever. Sometimes a good close match loss is
great. It keeps the fires burning. I never mind losing as it seems to expose
weaknesses I enjoy eradicating.
Watching the matches Saturday was the always engaged
Alex Zara, talking about each match up and the many players that constitute
"VegasTennis."
Sheryl Bon, just a week after winning the DUEL IN THE
DESERT, came and played the 18's winning the back draw. Sheryl is also a perfect
example of having the right fight to the death attitude on the court while
maintaining a decent and good natured attitude.
Jessica Carter, now training at the Weil Academy, and
by Clark Hancock at Bloomington, faced off in the girls 16's finals and won it
in two sets. Once again the whole family was by to support Jessica. Clark
Hancock's other student, his son Wesley, was by far had the best singles results
at the EASTER BOWL SUPER NATIONALS last week in the boys 16's. He reached the
quarterfinals of the main draw and won another match in the back draw. That is a
very big deal at the SUPER NATIONALS where the best 128 players from all over
the country come to compete.
Kamran Linden and Kristofer Yee once again face off in
what has always been a excellent rivalry. Linden, who took 2nd in the ClubSport
Easter Challenge, won one of the back draws and Kristofer Yee took 2nd.
Maggie Yahner, one of the most hungry players on the
court today had her usual performance of hustling down balls, one in particular
when her opponent had a easy overhead put a way, and Yahner faked running to the
other side to get her to hit to where she was at. Yahner then got the ball back
into play and won the point. Perfect example of the intensity that should be an
example to all players. Yahner won the girls 18's.
Carrie Schofield was in a back draw final of the girls
18's today and played some excellent tennis. In all the years I have seen her
play she has always had excellent strokes, yet was unable to keep those hard hit
balls as consistent as she played today. Against an opponents I have never seen,
the two players had some amazing points, most notably was Sheffield's ability to
combine pace and consistency. Scholfield today showed why she was last years
state high school doubles champion. I did not see the final score, but
irregardless of who won or lost, it was great tennis to end the tournament.
A highlight from my perspective was the excellent
trophies that Rob Merriman came through with this year. This is a great
tournament with a compass draw, guaranteeing many four matches. The trophy this
year was indicative of the excellent level of play.
Patrick Kawka as usual, was fighting and scrapping,
playing one key game in the first set for 30 minutes with atleast 30 duece add
rounds. Finally he won the game, but McMasters showed tremendous mental strength
to come back and win the set and the second set to take 1st for the boys 12's.
Kakwa took 2nd.
Junior tennis circuit sponsored by Jaldeep Daulat and
the LAS VEGAS SKIN AND CANCER CENTERS. Each players gets one point per win and
1/2 point per loss in any of the three tournaments. The player with the most
points at the end of the three tournaments wins a ALL EXPENSES PAID TRIP TO THE
MERCEDES BENZ CUP.
BALTAS REPORT
By Julia
Baltas.....VegasTennis.com reporter
4/2004
Easter Circuit, what does it mean?
It probably means to people or should I say to juniors like you and me, Hey,
it's Vegas time. Time to see the action, or it's time to WIN!!!
In the past couple of years, the Easter Circuit tournament has had a ton of
winners. A lot of juniors right now are thinking, "Hey, what does she
mean? There are losers too!" Well not exactly. If you can put
100% on the tennis court and fight every set, you are a true winner. Also
if you get beat 6-0; 6-0 and you tried to work points and you were a little
nervous, that you are also a winner.
The one match that was the best I saw the whole tournament was Shauna Morgan, a
local Las Vegas, Nevada resident vs. Romina Nedakovic, a Salt Lake City, Utah
resident. Morgan defeated Nedakovic in three sets. The score was
4-6; 6-2; 7-6(7-5).
First set:
Nedakovic has a 4-1 lead, until she realized that this was her chance to close
the set at 6-1. All she had to do was lay more pressure on Morgan before
she makes a come back. Then Morgan his a few winners and than all of a
sudden it is 4-3. Nedakovic wins the next game so it is 5-3. All Nedakovic
has to do is win the next game to win the set, but wait! Morgan wins the
next game, so the score is 5-4, After a few winners, Nedakovic wins the first
set at 6-4.
Second set:
Morgan jumps to a 3-2 lead by attacking, being the aggressor and coming into the
net. By the way Morgan is focused, you could not tell if she was winning
or losing. Then Morgan gets to a 5-2 lead. The BIG question is, "Is
she going to win this game and split sets, or is she going to get Nedakovic a
chance for her to come back in the second set?" Well if you guessed that
she is going to win the game, you guessed right! Morgan wins the second
set 6-2.
Third set:
The points are getting tougher and more challenging because neither of them
wants to lose. Morgan has a 2-1 lead in the third set and than Nedakovic
grabs her game back to make it 2-2. During the set both players tie their
games by pushing themselves to the limit. Neither player is up by two or
more games. Morgan has a 5-4 lead and loses the game, then has a 6-5 game
and loses the game, so next is the tiebreaker. Morgan ends up with victory
over Nedakovic. 7-5 in the third set tiebreaker.
A few days after the Easter Circuit I sat with Las Vegas, Nevada Easter Circuit
finalist, Shauna Morgan for an interview. JB - Julia Baltas, SM - Shauna
Morgan
JB - How have you improved in the last six months?
SM - I have been getting stronger and developed more power in my strokes.
Also I have worked harder in my footwork so I can be quick on the court.
JB - What happened in the first set when you were down 4-1?
SM - I was nervous and I could not keep a ball in play.
JB - Then what were you doing right to get two games in a row?
SM - Making shots, hitting winners and attacking.
JB - Are you happy with the results in the tournament?
SM - Yes, I am happy.
There were at least nine girls in the 14's that I wanted to give credit for
there hard work, dedication and those girls were fighters.
1. Shauna Morgan
2. Romina Nedakovic
3. Elizabeth Marsico
4. Simone Kalhorn
5. Iesha James
6. Alexis Garrett
7. Melissa Cowles
8. Tori Arneson
9. Danielle Ingwaldson
These players are the ones I watched or played during the tournament.
Danielle Ingwaldson, a Las Vegas, Nevada resident competed in this tournament.
A few months ago, she would work hard for two sets and then she would lay down
in the third set. I mean it would be 6-0 in the third set. She
realized and told her father and her sisters, Danica and Danae, "I am not going
to get blasted in the third set." She also told them, "if I were to split
sets in the Easter Circuit, I am either going to win the third set or I am going
to lose it by making shots." I interviewed Danielle to see what she would
say.
JB - Julia Baltas, DI - Danielle Ingwaldson
JB - How did you feel when you split sets with Melissa Cowles?
DI - I felt good because, I have never done well against her and I knew this was
my chance to do well against her.
JB - What was your response in the second set by winning it at 6-4?
DI - It was that I was making shots with topspin and started moving my feet.
JB - Did you feel you were going to get blasted in the second set, because you
lost the first set, 6-1?
DI - No, but if I was going to lose, I was going to lose my making shots.
Julia Baltas
VegasTennis Junior Reporter
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------------------------------------------------------------------
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Call 822-1081 or e-mail to
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---------------------------------------------------------------
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SATURDAY, MAY 22nd
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Bring
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===============================================
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===============================================
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==================================================
The Cinderella of TEAM AGASSI
-
Asia Wins Supernationals
By Ryan
Wolfington
April 9, 2004
(5 days after her birthday)
(PRESS
RELEASE: Everyone has permission to publish this anywhere in part or in
full. A picture is available upon request)
From beginner to Supranational Champion in 4 years. This is a
Cinderella story of how Andre Agassi, at the height of his success, used his
influence to change the life of one 8 year old girl name Asia Muhammad. Just
years ago this little black girl was the laughing stock of the Las Vegas
district tournaments; small, losing match after match to much more advanced
players. She had just begun, and was part of the new Andre Agassi Boys and
Girls Club. With two courts in the heart of Las Vegas's inner city,
Asia and a group of other kids began what is now called "TEAM AGASSI." This
was their chance to experience the often times unyielding world of junior
tennis. But it was not long before this program went from beginners
to champions. Just 1 2 years after it began the
kids from TEAM AGASSI were reaching finals, winning tournaments and becoming
a presence in the district. It was not long that many on the team were #1 in
Las Vegas in their respective age groups and eventually top 5 in the
section. Now 4 years later TEAM AGASSI is by far one of, it not the best
tennis program in town. The tennis and after school education programs are
free to the children thanks to the contributions from many of you to the
Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. But it is Andre Agassi's and Perry
Rogers genuine and almost constant involvement that gives the program the
additional life that has inspired all the kids to come out and play 6 days a
week while maintaining academic excellence. Asia's grade point average
for example is a 4.0. Some on the team have gotten the opportunity to go to
the Andre Agassi Charter School while many others attend local public
schools.
The Andre Boys and Girls Club Program not only develops
incredible athletes, but promotes dealing with adversity by jumping on that
wave and riding it to success. It is about never quitting, no excuses and
doing the right thing. It is about discovering the principles in life that
take a player to another level on and off the court. More then anything, I
have noticed that this program has created a family environment where the
fathers and mothers can come to practice, tournaments, and get involved in
their child's life. And that is a big part of why this program is
successful. You have Ronald Muhammad, Stan Breland, Jesus and Blanca
Aguilar, Pun and Annie Vongman, John Baltas, Eric Linden, all parents, very
much involved in their daughters and son's development. Here they can use
tennis to teach life's greatest lessons. Lessons on faith, honesty, patience
and determination.
The program
offers children the opportunity to be a part of a "Character building"
program where they are mentored in tennis skills, academic studies and
leadership quality's. As part of the Boys and Girls Club, the Andre Agassi
Foundation, along with it's sponsors, have given children the
opportunity to play tennis all over the United States. In some cases they
have been given very unique opportunity's to play abroad as well, like their
recent trip to England, where they played against a British junior team
during Wimbledon. TEAM AGASSI members got to meet Serena Williams and of
course spent some time with Andre Agassi at the world renowned event; After
which they watched excellent tennis on center court.
To be on
the team there just has to be a willingness to be an all around right
person. Players are asked to participate and work at the Boy's and girl's
club, at school maintaining a certain grade point average and to the game of
tennis.
One does
not have to look far to see the many levels of success this program has had
for the various family's and players who have participated. Not only have
these players done very well on the tennis court, but the game has had a
domino effect injecting meaning and purpose into all aspect of their lives.
The parents benefit as well. Stan Breland senior explained perfectly how
this program has afforded him a vehicle in which to instill "Character" in
his kids.
Ronald
Muhammad just one year ago illuminated the principles of independence and
self motivation when he told Asia to play tennis because she is led to not
because he tells her to. For a week or so Asia was home while the other kids
were showing up to practice as usual.. "Thoughts" of TV , game boy and other
past times began to present themselves as possible alternatives to the daily
practicing and almost weekly tournaments. But some where through the fire
she found in herself a knowing that this game was for her, not because her
dad wanted it , but because she was led to play it. Since then a new
attitude has been in Asia Muhammad, and today at the girls 14's
Supernationals she expressed this "NO QUIT" attitude with a win in the
doubles final 6-4, 6-2 over her peers which included the top 100 or so
tennis players in America. This is a huge accomplishment. Even bigger is the
ongoing, life changing things that are happening daily at the Boys and Girls
Club, of which Asia's success is symbolic of. With the effort of last
years developmental coach of the year Tim Blenkiron and the ongoing support
of the Andre Agassi foundation, many good things are to come. Just this week
the finishing touches to a much needed third court are being applied, and a
whole new crop of eight year olds are hanging by the fence hoping to be the
next Asia Muhammad. Things are looking good for VegasTennis, thanks in large
part to the inspiring efforts and performances from all of TEAM AGASSI.
Asia's 4
year timeline:
8 years old (4 years ago) -
Began
9 years old - Won first
tournament, Marty Hennessy's Jr Circuit
Rookie of the year when she
was 9
2001 Open Nationals 12
doubles
2002 12's SNOWBALL
SECTIONAL SINGLES CHAMPION
2002 OPEN NATIONAL 12's
SINGLES CHAMPION in Claremont, Ca
May 2003 Open Nationals 14
singles Champion
May 2003 Muterspaw National
12's singles Champion
2003 14'S Great Pumpkin
Sectional Singles Champion
=========================================
Cristala Andrews went 6-2
in singles at Supernationals, bringing home the best results for a
Intermountain girl in singles. She beat the number 3 and number 7 seed. This
just coming off from a big Sectional Championship win at this Winters
SNOWBALL.
Wesley Hancock had the best
singles performance in the boys 16's reaching the quarterfinals of the main
draw. This is unbelievable, considering this is the best players in the
country, many of which go pro from 16-19 years old.
=========================================
Andre Agassi
By Tiffany Taveras
Andre Agassi was 22 years old
when he was in the finals against Garon
Ivanisevic . Andre
loosing the first set (6-7). Andre determined
to win the next two sets . He does so (6-4
6- 4).Ivanisevic was hot. He stormed through the
set in seventeen min. (6-1). BRING THEM TO A SMASHING 5TH
SET . BOTH PLAYERS MAKING AMAZING
SHOTS . But Andre came through wining
(6-7 6-4 6- 4 1-6 6-4) Andre falls to his knees crying he had just won
Wimbledon Mike Agassi, Andres father, .had a huge
passion for tennis . He would always
go watch people play . He wanted his kids
to be #1 . Andre was born on April
29, 1970 . Mike hung a tennis racket
above his crib with a tennis ball tied to the strings .
When Andre could sit-up Mike blew up a balloon and put a little bit of water
in it . He would through it at Andre tell
Andre could hit it . When Andre was 14 he went to
the Nick Bollettieri academy
. Bollettieri had classrooms, a
cafeteria , and 46 tennis courts. At
1:00p.m. they where on the court, that’s where
they spent most the day . Nick hoped that at least one or two would
become a super star. One day Andre showed up wearing jeans and eye
makeup.
Andre’s first few
weeks as a professional tennis player went very well. Even though he
was just a sixteen-year old rookie ,he won enough
tournaments to earn $11,500 . His older Brother Phillip, was traveling
with him from tournament to tournament .He had made sure Andre’s equipment
was organized and that he always met schedules for matches and airline
travel .
Andre singed a contract with Donny Racket worth
$1 million a year for the next 6 year . He
was also paid to endorse coolmax tennis
clothes , EBEL Watches ,
rayban sunglasses ,and canon cameras . In
1989 all the contracts meant Agassi
would make $2.5 million dollars from endorsements alone! Right now
Andre is the hottest endorsement player in sports ,
period.
Long, hard workouts seemed to be just what Andre needed .By the fall of
1990, he gained 20 pounds of muscle in his arms,
legs, and chest. He looked like a new man. Reporters joked that his nickname
should be (Andre the giant.)
Finally , Aggassi had
the respect of the tennis world . Now he had the
grand slam trophy of them all , to go with all
the millions of dollars he was already earning . the
only person who didn’t seem impressed was his father , Mike the man who had
put a racket in his hand when he was still wearing diapers .
While Andre recuperated from wrist surgery , his
ranking fell to NO.32 . Agassi . Agassi and
the doctors weren’t even sure he would ever be able to play
again . What if the pain was still
there ? What if the weakened wrist couldn’t be
strengthened by therapy and exercise . But he’s
o.k. to play.
Andre was confident he would be playing good tennis for to
come . ‘’I have a lot more belief in my game
now , and I think you need that , because I’m
definitely playing better ,’’ he said . ‘To do what you got to do is the
key . The downside is you
can’t stay on top forever .
Eventually , either guys overtake you or you hit a brick wall . I’ve
just got to be able to do it as I can.
BY
TIFFANY TAVARES
=========================================================
"UNLV Men's TENNIS.....
WHAT A TURN AROUND"
By Ryan Wolfington
Coach Owen Hambrook, in his first year has coach, has made a Cinderella story out of the men's Rebels team that
last year only won 2 matches. This
year they have already won 9 matches and there are still 8 away matches left
to play.
This is remarkable if you think just
last year they only won two, with roughly the same schedule.
Coach Hambrook has taken steps to not
only improve the team, but continues to welcome adults and junior tennis
players to come out and get involved,
and watch the matches. I can tell you first hand, UNLV college tennis is
great tennis
to watch, and now that they are a
winning team, you can be a part of that winning tradition. "I want everyone
to come on
out, it would be great," said
Hambrook. His enthusiasm for building a great program has inspired many of
his players to
take their game to a whole new level.
Local tennis standout, Joel Kielbowics, has done a 360 degree change this
season,
from losing to winning. His one year
turn around is symbolic of what this whole team has done in such a short
time.
I know it comes down to attitude and
desire. When players see their coach put 100% into the program, they gain a
respect
and are inspired to do the same.
Owen for years was the assistant for
Kevin Cory, the UNLV tennis Director and Woman's head coach.
The success of the girls team has now
become something you can count on, and Hambrook is now in the process of
rebuilding the same type of legacy for
the men's squad. Look out for names on this team that look and sound
familiar,
as 8 players on the roster come from
local talent. This is remarkable, as many college teams are almost always
filled
with players from outside the United
States. To stay competitive in Division 1 tennis, coaches have to take the
best
players and put together a team that
can win against the competition. Often times this means having a whole team
of foreign players. Tim Blenkiron,
from Australia, was a great example of the benefits of recruiting out of the
country.
Since winning the NCAA's he has been
an incredible force for good in local tennis. In fact, just last weekend,
out of all the coaches I called to
bring their kids down to watch the ladies final home match, it was Blenkiron
that showed up with the most kids,
some 20+. Even better is his innate interest and support of the program.
If you like tennis you will love
watching the Rebels play out tough matches against some of the best teams
in the country. Hambrook and Cory's
combination of including Las Vegas in it's national and international
recruiting
plan has sparked a lot of local
enthusiasm for the program. And even more so because they are winning with
that
formula. This takes a working
knowledge and relationship with the tennis community, both of which Kevin
Cory and
Owen Hambrook have. In fact Owen,
prior to taking the job at UNLV, ran the junior tennis Academy at ClubSport
for years. Some of the best players in
Nevada went through that program. Now Owen has been able
to call on some of those players he
coached years ago, to build a strong team.
You are invited to go down to see
for yourself faces you may recognize,
but what I know you will see is a new
invigorated tennis program buzzing around UNLV's Fertitta
tennis center.
Below is an article I posted on
VegasTennis.com last week on the girls final home match.
On VegasTennis.com you can also see
the group photo of all the junior tennis fans and Tim Blenkiron.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 2003
VegasTennis.com
Supports UNLV Tennis
Today some 50 to 60 junior
tennis players and many more adults were on hand to
see what many call the best tennis in
town, the UNLV tennis program. UNLV ladies
tennis team played their last home
match of the year today, losing an extremely
close match to the BYU team which is
presently ranked 14th in the nation. But in
the process they gained the respect of
many up and coming junior players as the
kids came out to see what college
tennis is about and it inspired them all.
For years Kevin Cory's woman's team
has been one of the top in the nation, and
many of you still remember when local
tennis pro Tim Blenkiron won the NCAA
title in doubles with Luke Smith. The
men's team has not been as good in recent
years. Last year they were 2 wins and
14 loses. Yet this year the team has had a
significant improvement under the new
leadership of Coach Owen Hambrook, who was
hired this year to bring glory back to
the men's tennis program. The team, which
includes many local players, has
regained their strength, winning 8 of their
last 10 matches. It is amazing how in
one year the program has done a complete
turn around. Next weekend, April 2-4,
the men's team concludes their home season
with matches Friday, Saturday and
Sunday. This is a chance to see some excellent
tennis.
Today was the beginning of a reunion
between the strong local tennis community
and it's UNLV tennis team. I see a
benefit for junior and adult players to go out
and watch entertaining tennis, while
at the same time see in fluid action, the
very thing many are being taught at
their local clubs; The only difference is
here you see it in being performed.
UNLV plays division I, and therefore many of the top
5 teams in the country. UNLV is also
the host of regional tournaments and a season
kickoff tournament which had lasts
years NCAA Championship singles finalist and
winner in the draw.
It was just years
ago that former UNLV stars Tim Blenkiron and Nenad Zivkovic
played in UNLV'S Professional
Challenger. In the first round they played Andre Agassi and
his coach at the time Brad Gilbert. In
two amazing sets, the UNLV players lost by
the slightest of margins 7-6, 7-6. It
just goes to show that some of the best
college players , on a given day, are
and can play pro level tennis, and you can
go watch for free anytime UNLV has a
match.
VegasTennis.com is going to work with
you to Bring Tennis Alive in the Valley,
One match at a time, and an intricate
part of that is the support of UNLV's
tennis program. The woman's team has
just ended their home season
today and I was happy to have such a
large crowd out there to support the team,
and even more, so juniors can
experience the entertainment side of watching high
level tennis. There was insight to
gain, whether seeing first hand how a player
stays calm under pressure or the way a
player gets down low before hitting a
ground stroke, or the magnificent
camaraderie that an event like this affords.
UNLV lady rebels were very close in
almost every match against the BYU team,
showing the UNLV program is very
strong under coach Corey's leadership. In
practices and at matches you can see
the team is close and Kevin is smooth in
how he handles many different
accomplished athletes to make them feel like one
cohesive team. His assistant coach is
Stephane Mathue-Cambas, who played on the
tour for 10 years and is getting his
MBA now at UNLV. Stephane is the undisputed
best singles player in Las Vegas, and
has been an intricate part of this coaching
staff. Today Mathue and Blenkiron were
able to catch up. The two often play
doubles together as the only
undefeated doubles team in Las Vegas, winning the
VegasTennis.com BALLY'S CUP last year.
Many coaches in town were
enthusiastic about this day of support for the UNLV
program. The most significant
contribution came from Tim Blenkiron, who as a UNLV
alumni, is now the coach of Andre
Agassi Boys and Girls Club tennis program. In
years to come you may witness the
tremendous success of Andre's program as players
who develop eventually use it as a
vehicle to get into a great college, perhaps
even getting a scholarship. Blenkiron,
voted last years developmental coach of the
year, shows a tremendous amount of
enthusiasm when ever I call him to support
anything tennis. Today he brought his
whole program, some 20 players and parents.
Also present was Saad Ashraaf, and
Robbie Parlade. Saad coaches "TEAM MISSION HILLS",
a group of players he developed from
beginners to tournament players. Robbie Parlade,
an avid and enthusiastic Rebel fan,
came out as usual and encouraged his whole
tennis club at UNLV to do the same.
Robbie works with Leon Vernon and has
developed top tournament players like
Andrew Craven, and participates in George
McCall's Inner City Games tennis
programs that gets hundreds of kids playing
tennis.
Thanks to UNLV tennis Director and
ladies coach Kevin Cory and assistant coach
Stephane Matue-Cambas the junior
players that came out today were able to watch
great tennis then afterwards play
themselves. Some of the juniors that participated
were: Cristala Andrews, McCall from
California, Lauren McFarlene from Utah, Andrew
Craven, Shauna Morgan , Alex Zara,
Asia Muhammad, Stan Breland, Blake Lamberth,
Trenton Alinek, Spencer Aguiar, Ozzie
Taveras, Gabrielle Gibson, Alicia Cook,
Brittany Hanna and many others.
In short, it was a great day of
watching good tennis, especially the number 1
doubles match on center court, and
playing tennis.
Thanks to TEAM AGASSI and SCHLOTSKY'S
DELI on Flamingo and Decatur for sponsoring
this event.
It should be noted, the UNLV men's
team, which has made an amazing come back this
year, will have it's final home match
next week at UNLV, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
April 2-4th. Admission is free.
Enjoy
===================================================
