Wimble-Ryder 2010
As you might already know, we have some phenomenal multi-sport athletes in our tennis program, and the next big Gulf Harbour event is tailor made for them…of course that doesn’t mean that those of us who aren’t quite as phenomenal won’t have a chance to capture the Wimble-Ryder MVP award. I wish I were eligible, but alas, I’ll only be able to laud the victor.
How about some details? Per Event Coordinator, Tim Baldwin, the event will be held on Saturday and Sunday (May 1 and 2), 12:00p.m.-start on Saturday for tennis and a 1:00p.m.-start for golf on Sunday. The winner will be the individual who garners the most overall points (click here for full details).
Tennis Program Strategic Planning Team
You may have heard that the Board of Governors has begun the Strategic Planning for the direction the Club will be taking, now that it is your club. Of course such planning will encompass the tennis program, and as such, input from tennis players is vital to the process.
Bob Ostrom and Mike Curran will spearhead a group of active Tennis Members who will represent the tennis program, and present our ideas to the Board. The members of the team include Monica Robb, Meg Jacobs, Terry Brady, and Judy Jones.
Your ideas about our facility, our programs, and the direction you would like the tennis program to take will be important contributions in determining what tennis at Gulf Harbour will be like for years to come. Please share them with members of the Tennis Strategic Planning Team. For a more comprehensive outline of the process, please click here.
2010 – 2011 LCWTL Teams Almost Here
The wait to see how our new process works and what our teams will look like is almost over! The Captains Council will meet next Monday (26th) and Thursday (29th) to conduct the first ever “draft” for LCWTL team play. I hope you met the deadline to register your intent to play. Check the list of registered players to ensure that your name is on the rated and/or senior lists, and if it isn't please send and email to leaguetennis@gulfharbour.net. And, (I know you've been waiting for this!) the ratings are in and you can see them by clicking here. Important note: If you are planning to appeal your rating, please do so ASAP and notify the Captains Council of your intent to appeal, by forwarding an email to leaguetennis@gulfharbour.net.
Fun Stuff
I just want to express my gratitude to our ladies teams who invite us to their LCWTL League luncheons. Although I’m sure some pros pretend that they don’t like (surely it can only be pretense), it is truly a pleasure to sit and chat over a pleasant meal with the ladies with whom we spend so much time on court.
I have had at least one or two of our men walk by as I’ve given a lesson to one of our lovely players, and asked with comic facetiousness, “And you get paid to do that?” Well, I can only imagine what they might say if they saw us enjoying the company of several gorgeous women, with the bonus of complimentary food and drink! It’s one heck of a job, and somebody’s gotta do it…I’m just glad I’m one of those “somebodies.” Thanks ladies!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Gulf Harbour Tennis Davis Cup Runneth Over
Sixty-one registered and 61 played in Gulf Harbour’s most recent tennis event this past Saturday and Sunday (April 10th & 11th). That’s an exceptional registration-to-appearance ratio for a Club tennis event in any part of the world. Those were the numbers for the Annual Davis Cup competition that featured six teams with 10 players each (one had 11), who battled each other for the right to be called, “Davis Cup Champions of the 2009 - 2010 Season.”
On paper the teams were well-matched, but as in all sports, you have to play the game. The first round started with Bill Cole’s Team Canada sweeping all four positions, although Jim King and Sandy Gebara of Ed Bonkowski’s Team Germany (13 points) gave Bill Donegan and Janie Heck a scare, coming back from 6-2 down before losing 6-8. Canada took the early Cup lead with 32 points after the first round.
Right on their heels, however, was Marianne Crouch’s Team Germany with 29 points, after they lost just one match to Alan Canfield’s Team USA (17 points). Alan and wife Lili Canfield pulled out a tough win against Pete and Marianne McElroy (8-5) to give Team USA its only win.
Team USA came roaring back in its second match of the day, taking 26 points against Tim Baldwin’s Team England (16 points), who were playing their first match of the event. Team Germany (18 points) had a better showing in their second match as well, splitting matches and points with Amy Ciarrocchi’s Team Italy (18 points).
In perfect symmetry, the teams won and lost all four matches by the identical scores of 8-1. Scoring symmetry was definitely the theme of the day as two of the matches in the Team England versus Team USA were 8-2 and two ended 8-3.
Team Canada continued their strong performance in their second match, eliminating Team Italy from championship contention by a score of 24 – 15. Team Ireland faltered a bit in their second match, however, dropping two matches and losing the contest 27-21. The highlight of the affair between Ireland and England was Penny Lownes (partnered with Bill Crouch) hitting a volley winner on match-point to seal the 8-6 victory on Court 4 for Ireland.
Getting out to a sizeable lead early in the event proved to be the winning formula for Canada. At the end of the first day, the tally was Canada- 56, Ireland-50, USA-43, England-43, Italy-33, and Germany-31. The event format scheduled the top finishers in the two flights to face each other for the Davis Cup Championship, the two teams with fewest points would contest the 5th and 6th positions, and the middle level point-getters would battle for 3rd and 4th places.
Although it threatened from the outset, the rain held off long enough on Sunday for third-through-sixth places to be decided on the court. England avenged a first-round loss to Team USA in winning the playoff for third, winning three of the four matches (28 – 16). Team Germany came close to sweeping Italy, winning three of four matches, and losing the other 6-8 in a tough duel won by Rich Fox and Joan Palermo over Mark Davis and Wennie Johannes.
Unfortunately, the Championship match was submerged beneath the torrent from the sky, and Team Canada was awarded the Davis Cup based upon their dominant Day-1 performance. Team Ireland took second place with the point total amassed in Saturday’s skirmishes.
Despite the terrific responses we have received over the course of the season, as I reflect on this particular event and all of the other events and activities we have had, I don’t remember as many participants commenting on what a great time they had with any other event. Hopefully next season we will be able to see the Davis Cup played through fruition, and we look forward to even more participants joining the fray. Special thanks to the captains, and to all who made the event what it was!
On paper the teams were well-matched, but as in all sports, you have to play the game. The first round started with Bill Cole’s Team Canada sweeping all four positions, although Jim King and Sandy Gebara of Ed Bonkowski’s Team Germany (13 points) gave Bill Donegan and Janie Heck a scare, coming back from 6-2 down before losing 6-8. Canada took the early Cup lead with 32 points after the first round.
Right on their heels, however, was Marianne Crouch’s Team Germany with 29 points, after they lost just one match to Alan Canfield’s Team USA (17 points). Alan and wife Lili Canfield pulled out a tough win against Pete and Marianne McElroy (8-5) to give Team USA its only win.
Team USA came roaring back in its second match of the day, taking 26 points against Tim Baldwin’s Team England (16 points), who were playing their first match of the event. Team Germany (18 points) had a better showing in their second match as well, splitting matches and points with Amy Ciarrocchi’s Team Italy (18 points).
In perfect symmetry, the teams won and lost all four matches by the identical scores of 8-1. Scoring symmetry was definitely the theme of the day as two of the matches in the Team England versus Team USA were 8-2 and two ended 8-3.
Team Canada continued their strong performance in their second match, eliminating Team Italy from championship contention by a score of 24 – 15. Team Ireland faltered a bit in their second match, however, dropping two matches and losing the contest 27-21. The highlight of the affair between Ireland and England was Penny Lownes (partnered with Bill Crouch) hitting a volley winner on match-point to seal the 8-6 victory on Court 4 for Ireland.
Getting out to a sizeable lead early in the event proved to be the winning formula for Canada. At the end of the first day, the tally was Canada- 56, Ireland-50, USA-43, England-43, Italy-33, and Germany-31. The event format scheduled the top finishers in the two flights to face each other for the Davis Cup Championship, the two teams with fewest points would contest the 5th and 6th positions, and the middle level point-getters would battle for 3rd and 4th places.
Although it threatened from the outset, the rain held off long enough on Sunday for third-through-sixth places to be decided on the court. England avenged a first-round loss to Team USA in winning the playoff for third, winning three of the four matches (28 – 16). Team Germany came close to sweeping Italy, winning three of four matches, and losing the other 6-8 in a tough duel won by Rich Fox and Joan Palermo over Mark Davis and Wennie Johannes.
Unfortunately, the Championship match was submerged beneath the torrent from the sky, and Team Canada was awarded the Davis Cup based upon their dominant Day-1 performance. Team Ireland took second place with the point total amassed in Saturday’s skirmishes.
Despite the terrific responses we have received over the course of the season, as I reflect on this particular event and all of the other events and activities we have had, I don’t remember as many participants commenting on what a great time they had with any other event. Hopefully next season we will be able to see the Davis Cup played through fruition, and we look forward to even more participants joining the fray. Special thanks to the captains, and to all who made the event what it was!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Things are Happening in Gulf Harbour Tennis!
What’s Hot?
If you haven’t already signed up for Davis Cup, you are almost out of time. The deadline is in two days, Thursday, April 8 by noon. We have 53 of the 64 slots already filled and would love to have the kind of record participation for the Davis Cup as we have had for other events this season.
With doubles and mixed doubles on tap, this is probably your last chance to play with some of your tennis friends until the fall, so come on out and enjoy the snowbird swan song. Remember, there will be awards for the best patriotic outfits, so come in garb appropriate to your team country.
The deadline (Thursday, April 15th) to submit your “Intent to Play Form” if you would like to play on one of Gulf Harbour’s Lee County Women’s Tennis League (LCWTL) Teams is quickly approaching. Complete the form online or stop by the Pro Shop for hard copy if you don’t have access to the internet.
If you are about to leave Gulf Harbour, you can’t possibly leave without checking out Laurie’s “End of Season Sale” in the Pro Shop! Is there another time when you could pick up an item in our Pro Shop for less than $10? No, I don’t mean lip balm. But I think that’s only $9.99 as well. Seriously though; stop in, make your final purchases and say your good byes to Laurie before you leave.
Your Teams
Gulf Harbour fielded 22 teams for league play during the 2009 – 2010 season, including 12 Lee County Women’s Tennis League, seven Lee County Men’s Tennis Leagues, and three in United States Tennis Association Leagues. From those 22 teams, Gulf Harbour produced five Division Champions (2 men, 2 women, 1 mixed); seven of our eight men's teams finished among the top five teams in their divisions; and from all indications, 50% of our women's teams will finish among the top five teams in their divisions.
Gulf Harbour’s LCWTL 3.0-Minus team led by Jenny King and Darlene Mattcheck dominated their division, leading all but one of the 18 weeks of league play, and finished the season 14 points ahead of the second place team. The 3.0-Minus team was the only LCWTL Division Champion for Gulf Harbour this season.
Also finishing among the leaders in their respective LCWTL divisions were the 50-Plus Gold team captained by Norma Schuyler and Carlotta Clark (2nd); the 3.0 Double Trouble team led by Sally Mellendorf and Linda Van Wyk (3rd); the 50-Plus Bronze team captained by Effie parker and Marianne McElroy (4th); Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes’ 60-plus team (4th); and the 4.0 team led by Marcia DeVries and Mary Harrington.
Gulf Harbour’s Men’s teams represented the Club extremely well in Lee County men’s competition, all finishing sixth or higher, and two claiming Division Championships. In the Men's 50-Plus Tennis League of Lee County, Tim Baldwin and Rich Fox’s White-A team led their division from wire-to-wire over the 15-week season, and clinched the title by 14 points.
In the Men's 70-Plus Tennis League of Lee County, Terry Brady’s 69-ers managed to hold off the second place team by two points. After beginning the season in third place, the 69-ers marched inexorably toward the lead, and taking the top spot for keeps in Week 13. It was only the second season of existence for the 69-ers, whose seven sweeps surpassed any other team in the entire League.
Other men’s teams that finished among the top-five in their divisions include John Hess’ White-C (2nd); George Kane’s Red-A (3rd); Tony Cupaiuolo’s Blue-B (3rd); and Fran Kelly’s Blue-C (5th). Just missing the top-five by one point, after a season of defaults, was Jim Masiello’s Blue-A team, which finished a respectable 6th.
Men’s Intramurals
Also team related, though not as serious, but every bit as much fun, as the Lee County and USTA team competition, is the Men’s Intramural competition which is in week No.3. After the first two weeks of play, Tim Baldwin’s Dirty Dozen is dismantling the competition, holding a 27-point lead over Jim Masiello’s Court Jammers, and are too far ahead of Terry Brady’s Swingers and Don Pitts’ Zazus to list the point spread. This is the final week of play, with the last matches this Thursday (4/8) afternoon.
Member Corner
We do have some talent amongst our tennis players, don’t we? A prime example is Carol Carr, who is a Club Champion in golf and also a finalist in the Ball Bashers B-Division in the tennis Mixed Doubles Championships as well.
Alan Canfield is leading his division in the Ultimate Tennis Spring League which features highly competitive, fun singles play. As a former Ultimate Tennis champion myself, I know how much fun it is to play the league, and how difficult it can be to go undefeated through the regular season and playoffs. Go Alan! Bring home the trophy.
Fun Night for Lee County Tennis
What are you doing on the evening of Friday, April 23rd? Well, in case you are looking for something to do, you can join MJ and I and Mike and Tara as we dine for a good cause (Lee County Community Tennis Association) at Nirvana. If you like Indian food and haven’t tried Nirvana, $25 will get you access to a full buffet, a glass of wine and a good time with very congenial staff. Click here for more details.
Your Pros
We want to thank those of you who cheered us on during Pro League this season. Mike and I didn’t have stellar seasons (and I won’t even bore you with our myriad excuses), but Joel played splendidly for almost the entire year, losing only 1 match, for his team, which finished 2nd.
Despite being unable to compete much once our season started in 2009, I managed to finish with a No.3 USPTA Men’s 50 Singles National Ranking and No.11 in Men’s 50 Doubles. I know it doesn’t look like it out there these days, but early last year I wasn’t too bad. Maybe in 2011 Mike and I will rebound and Joel will continue his rise. Joel is shooting to play on the No.1 court in Pro League next season.
We'll see you this weekend! Game, set, match...
If you haven’t already signed up for Davis Cup, you are almost out of time. The deadline is in two days, Thursday, April 8 by noon. We have 53 of the 64 slots already filled and would love to have the kind of record participation for the Davis Cup as we have had for other events this season.
With doubles and mixed doubles on tap, this is probably your last chance to play with some of your tennis friends until the fall, so come on out and enjoy the snowbird swan song. Remember, there will be awards for the best patriotic outfits, so come in garb appropriate to your team country.
The deadline (Thursday, April 15th) to submit your “Intent to Play Form” if you would like to play on one of Gulf Harbour’s Lee County Women’s Tennis League (LCWTL) Teams is quickly approaching. Complete the form online or stop by the Pro Shop for hard copy if you don’t have access to the internet.
If you are about to leave Gulf Harbour, you can’t possibly leave without checking out Laurie’s “End of Season Sale” in the Pro Shop! Is there another time when you could pick up an item in our Pro Shop for less than $10? No, I don’t mean lip balm. But I think that’s only $9.99 as well. Seriously though; stop in, make your final purchases and say your good byes to Laurie before you leave.
Your Teams
Gulf Harbour fielded 22 teams for league play during the 2009 – 2010 season, including 12 Lee County Women’s Tennis League, seven Lee County Men’s Tennis Leagues, and three in United States Tennis Association Leagues. From those 22 teams, Gulf Harbour produced five Division Champions (2 men, 2 women, 1 mixed); seven of our eight men's teams finished among the top five teams in their divisions; and from all indications, 50% of our women's teams will finish among the top five teams in their divisions.
Gulf Harbour’s LCWTL 3.0-Minus team led by Jenny King and Darlene Mattcheck dominated their division, leading all but one of the 18 weeks of league play, and finished the season 14 points ahead of the second place team. The 3.0-Minus team was the only LCWTL Division Champion for Gulf Harbour this season.
Also finishing among the leaders in their respective LCWTL divisions were the 50-Plus Gold team captained by Norma Schuyler and Carlotta Clark (2nd); the 3.0 Double Trouble team led by Sally Mellendorf and Linda Van Wyk (3rd); the 50-Plus Bronze team captained by Effie parker and Marianne McElroy (4th); Teressa Crocker and Wennie Johannes’ 60-plus team (4th); and the 4.0 team led by Marcia DeVries and Mary Harrington.
Gulf Harbour’s Men’s teams represented the Club extremely well in Lee County men’s competition, all finishing sixth or higher, and two claiming Division Championships. In the Men's 50-Plus Tennis League of Lee County, Tim Baldwin and Rich Fox’s White-A team led their division from wire-to-wire over the 15-week season, and clinched the title by 14 points.
In the Men's 70-Plus Tennis League of Lee County, Terry Brady’s 69-ers managed to hold off the second place team by two points. After beginning the season in third place, the 69-ers marched inexorably toward the lead, and taking the top spot for keeps in Week 13. It was only the second season of existence for the 69-ers, whose seven sweeps surpassed any other team in the entire League.
Other men’s teams that finished among the top-five in their divisions include John Hess’ White-C (2nd); George Kane’s Red-A (3rd); Tony Cupaiuolo’s Blue-B (3rd); and Fran Kelly’s Blue-C (5th). Just missing the top-five by one point, after a season of defaults, was Jim Masiello’s Blue-A team, which finished a respectable 6th.
Men’s Intramurals
Also team related, though not as serious, but every bit as much fun, as the Lee County and USTA team competition, is the Men’s Intramural competition which is in week No.3. After the first two weeks of play, Tim Baldwin’s Dirty Dozen is dismantling the competition, holding a 27-point lead over Jim Masiello’s Court Jammers, and are too far ahead of Terry Brady’s Swingers and Don Pitts’ Zazus to list the point spread. This is the final week of play, with the last matches this Thursday (4/8) afternoon.
Member Corner
We do have some talent amongst our tennis players, don’t we? A prime example is Carol Carr, who is a Club Champion in golf and also a finalist in the Ball Bashers B-Division in the tennis Mixed Doubles Championships as well.
Alan Canfield is leading his division in the Ultimate Tennis Spring League which features highly competitive, fun singles play. As a former Ultimate Tennis champion myself, I know how much fun it is to play the league, and how difficult it can be to go undefeated through the regular season and playoffs. Go Alan! Bring home the trophy.
Fun Night for Lee County Tennis
What are you doing on the evening of Friday, April 23rd? Well, in case you are looking for something to do, you can join MJ and I and Mike and Tara as we dine for a good cause (Lee County Community Tennis Association) at Nirvana. If you like Indian food and haven’t tried Nirvana, $25 will get you access to a full buffet, a glass of wine and a good time with very congenial staff. Click here for more details.
Your Pros
We want to thank those of you who cheered us on during Pro League this season. Mike and I didn’t have stellar seasons (and I won’t even bore you with our myriad excuses), but Joel played splendidly for almost the entire year, losing only 1 match, for his team, which finished 2nd.
Despite being unable to compete much once our season started in 2009, I managed to finish with a No.3 USPTA Men’s 50 Singles National Ranking and No.11 in Men’s 50 Doubles. I know it doesn’t look like it out there these days, but early last year I wasn’t too bad. Maybe in 2011 Mike and I will rebound and Joel will continue his rise. Joel is shooting to play on the No.1 court in Pro League next season.
We'll see you this weekend! Game, set, match...
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