oak tree country club & oklahoma city tenniis center
in this issue
baseliner
the
oklahoma hosts ita indoor championships
march 2020
USTA Oklahoma Hall of Fame & Award Winners College Signing Adult League Information Junior Pathway
| ISSUE no 15 USTA OKLAHOMA TENNIS MAGAZINE
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Advertise with us!
USTA Oklahoma
find yourself in the game
OK Executive Director
Text
Special Thanks to Article and Photo Contributors: www.alfredjphotography.com www.usta.com www.wearecollegetennis.com Cover Photo Credit: Broncho Sports
Published by USTA OKLAHOMA
USTA OKLAHOMA BOARD
President Mary Jo Tasker Vice President - Adults Joan DIneen Vice President - Juniors Eric Wedemeyer Secretary Peter Pappas Treasurer Dwayne Campbell NE Quadrant Peter McCorkle NW Quadrant Carmen Bond SE Quadrant Dawna Johnston SW Quadrant Rodney O'Dell
FEATURES
7
on the cover
USTA OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME & AWARDS BANQUET JUNIOR TOURNEY TALK NEW JUNIOR CATCH ALL LINK COLLEGE SIGNING ADULT LEAGUE INFO
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CONTENTS
MARCH ISSUE
COMMUNITY JUNIORS COVER ADULTS
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OAK TREE COUNTRY CLUB & OKLAHOMA CITY TENNIS CENTER HOSTED THE ITA INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
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click a head
it's great to be an oklahoma tennis player!
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT
t’s Tennis Season! Whether it’s Junior Red Ball, Team Challenges, School tennis, or USTA Adult Leagues, -Oklahoma Tennis is in full swing! USTA Oklahoma has someplace for every tennis enthusiast. Leagues for every age and sort for Adults, our new Junior Pathway for kids that will lead all Juniors of all ages into one consistent National tournament system, and Adult Tournament play. It’s all going on NOW! It’s great to be an Oklahoma tennis player! I’ve always said that the greatest surprise and gift tennis has brought to my life is the people. Tennis has helped me find me find my “crew”, and I just love that about this sport! It’s no surprise then that Oklahoma has a thriving Tennis Foundation. The Oklahoma Tennis Foundation raises money to give back and bring our wonderful sport to those who it might not otherwise reach. This year, they have given away over $10,000 in scholarships, provided funds for our NJTL chapters and work to support K-12 tennis education and outreach across Oklahoma. No small feat! One easy way for you to get involved and support this wonderful foundation is by purchasing an Oklahoma Tennis Foundation license plate for your car. A full one half of the $40 cost goes to the Foundation to help them continue their good work. And, imagine all the cars in Oklahoma with a big tennis ball and the OKTF logo on their plates driving around! That’d truly be something to see! If you need some help finding a place to play -Junior or Adult, or more information about the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation-it’s all right here in the Baseliner! See you on the courts! Mary Jo Tasker
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LETTER
Show us what you're doing on the court. Use #ustaoklahoma on your social media photos for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the magazine!
2020
TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
the sportsmanship winners january - march
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see MORE ON PAGE 12
#tag this!
langdon Tingleaf paige ludlam zoe kinyon luke soloman samantha ngyugen mitchell rice kira brown eli lemley ava jacobsen larson van horn vir beniwal julia wall
THE HAN FAMILY
By Casey McKenzie It’s a special start to the new year for a pair of Oklahoma tennis pros and their former college teammates. Eric Wedemeyer and Tim Shanahan were inducted into the Cowley College Athletic Hall of Fame this past Saturday, along with five others who were part of the Cowley Tigers’ 1989 NJCAA national championship team. The entire team, along with their Head Coach Larry Grose, were inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas. Tim Shanahan, who teamed with Coach Grose’s son Jason to win the national title in 2 Doubles, is currently Director of Tennis at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City. Shanahan followed up his All-American seasons at Cowley by moving on to become an All-Conference player at Oklahoma City University. Tim was first inducted into the Tiger Hall of Fame in 2010 for his individual contributions. Eric Wedemeyer’s play for the 1989 Cowley team earned him Junior College All-American honors as well, eventually leading him to Oral Roberts University to finish out his collegiate career. Wedemeyer currently works as Director of Tennis at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond.
OKLAHOMA TENNIS PROS INDUCTED INTO COWLEY COLLEGE HALL OF FAME
Tim Shanahan
Eric Wedemeyer
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HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
USTA OKLAHOMA
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PAT RITCHIE
TIM LEOS
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
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Tim Leos was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1966. His introduction to tennis was at the age of eight with Frank Ward at his Tracy Park summer tennis camp. When Tim was fourteen, he finished the year ranked number one in the Missouri Valley in both singles and doubles, finished 4th in the National Hard Courts, and finished 6th in the National Clay Courts. He finished the year ranked 8th nationally. After moving into the 16s, Tim was ranked 11th in the country, getting to the semifinals of the Kalamazoo doubles. Tim played high school tennis at Cascia Hall and placed 2nd in State at # 1 Singles as a freshman and sophomore. He was a State Champion at # 1 Singles as a junior. He finished his three-year career at Cascia Hall with only four losses and was named to the Oklahoma All-Decade Tennis Team for the 1980s. Tim moved to the Bollettierie Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in 1984 to complete his senior year in high school and trained with tennis greats such as Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, and David Wheaton, and many other top juniors. He qualified for the Orange Bowl and tried out twice for the U.S. Junior Davis Cup Team. Tim also played in the qualifier for the 1984 Olympics in Flushing Meadow, New York. Tim graduated from the academy in 1985 and went on to play for coach Mike DePalmer at the University of Tennessee. During his college career, Tim won two Southeastern Conference Singles titles and his team won the SEC team title once. He lettered all four years at Tennessee and was team captain his senior year. Tim played tennis professionally in the U.S. and Europe for two years and returned to graduate from the University of Tennessee in 1993. He then returned to Tulsa and started his teaching career at Tulsa Southern for a brief period before moving to Philcrest Hills Tennis Club for 17 years. In 2015 Tim was hired as the head pro at The Case Tennis Center at LaFortune Park in Tulsa. Tim has played on many Men’s and Mixed USTA teams. He has been to the Mixed Nationals four times with his wife, Sandy, as his partner and won Nationals in the 40 and over mixed doubles in 2018. He has been selected several times to represent the United States in the Gordon Trophy Cup annual international tennis competition with Canada. Tim and Sandy were married in 2006. He has four children: Taylor, Lindsey, and Carson Howard, and Quinn Leos. Tim continues to play and teach tennis with his focus on promoting tennis for both adults and juniors at all levels of play.
pat ritchie
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Pat Ritchie grew up in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and learned tennis from his father, Dr. T. A. Ritchie. He started playing competitively at age 11 and quickly became one of the top players in the state. Pat was a two-time State Champion at # 1 singles while at Sapulpa High School and was named to the Oklahoma All-Decade Tennis Team for the 1970s. In junior tennis, Pat played nationally, qualified for the Kalamazoo National Hard Courts on two occasions, and was a Rawlings Honorable Mention All-American. In college, Pat was a four-year letterman for the University of Tulsa. His freshman year he received Tulsa’s ‘Star Award’ for outstanding athletic performance in any sport. He played #1 singles three of his four years at TU and #1 doubles all four years. Pat was team captain two years and was All-Missouri Valley Conference three years. Following college tennis, Pat played challenger future tournaments across the country for several years and ultimately played qualifying rounds for the US Open. Pat and his longtime doubles partner, Mickey Coates, were considered one of the dominant teams in the area for most of a decade as they won many USTA sectional tournaments over the years. Pat considers his greatest contribution to the sport of tennis to be his 40 plus year teaching career at Hillcrest Country Club in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He began teaching tennis at age 13 in Sapulpa, taught throughout high school for Frank Ward in the Tulsa area, and continued throughout college teaching at LaFortune Park and other clubs in Tulsa. Pat got the opportunity to start his own program at Hillcrest in Bartlesville in 1978. During his 40 plus year career Pat has taught over 50,000 hours of lessons, sharing the game across the lifespan with countless people. He has run state sanctioned tournaments for over 20 years, was one of the founding coaches of the USTA Area Training Center, and has coached over 30 juniors to college athletic scholarships. In reflecting on his career at Hillcrest, Pat says, “My first job turned out to be my dream job,” as he has given his life to investing not only in a sport he loves but in a community that loves him back. Pat has won the following awards: 2014 Bartlesville All Sports Hall of Fame; 2000 ODTA Family of the Year; 1992 ODTA Tournament Director of the Year; 1986 MVTA Professional of the Year; and the 1986 Plaza Bank Tournament of the Year. Pat and his wife Linda run the Hillcrest tennis shop. They have two children, JP and Kaitlyn, who both played USTA junior tennis and went to Division 1 colleges on tennis scholarships.
2019
GRAYDON LAIR
Male Player of the Year
ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
AWARDS
THE HAN'S
Philcrest Hills Country Club
OUTSTANDING CONTRIIBUTOR TO YOUTH TENNIS
EVENT OF THE YEAR
trent tucker
DOUG STONE
TULSA, OK FEBRUARY 1, 2020
HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR
judith fenner
FAMILY OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE
FACILITY OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT
SKIP GRIESE
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PAULA CASEY
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
ADULT RECREATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
SANTA FE LIFE CENTER WHEELCHAIR CLINIC
"It was so nice celebrating all the deserving winners from the year in one room!"
THE PIERCE PHILLIPS CHARITY TENNIS TOURNAMENT
BRODY QUEAL
DEAN RICHARDVILLE
MATIAS MARIN
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
MEDIA EXCELLENCE
ELLIE BAILEY
graydon lair
JOHN PAUL DILLON
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AT OU MEDICAL @ GREEN COUNTRY CLUB
FEMALE EMERGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL
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MINH TRAN
VANESSA ONG
MALE EMERGING PLAYER OF THE YEAR
tOKARA HENDERSON
OUTSTANDING YOUTH HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS ORGANIZER
EARLYWINE APRIL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS
ou tennis club
OUTSTANDING ADULT TOURNAMENT
jacoB tobey
MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO USTA LEAGUE PROGRAMS
MALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
vanessa ong
Female Player of the Year
Rosaria Martinez Ian Wu Sean Wu
REECE COMPTON
The Arthur Ashe Essay Winners
18'S
LAWSON PRATHER
Wayne Hirst Scholarship
TRUMAN PRATHER
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Alexis Campbell Sydnee Hudson Faith Hill Diane Flores
HUDSON DICK CAROLINE HILLOCK LANDON SWOPES
ERIC WEDEYMEYER
MAX BEARD
16'S
scholarship & sportsmanship
ASPEN IRWIN
REAGAN MILEY
KATE MILEY
SPORTSMANSHIP
12'S
10'S
BOYS
NATHAN HAN
WINNERS
Girls
ENRE BOSHOFF
The President's Award
14'S
BLYTHE CONFER
The Curtis Richmond Scholarship
CLANCY TRESEMER NATHALY PERILLA
T
SANTA FE FAMILY LIFE CENTER AWARDED WHEELCHAIR TENNIS GRANT
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The USTA announced on January 22, 2020 that Santa Fe Family Life Center was awarded a USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots grant. Santa Fe Family Life Center was one of the 33 wheelchair tennis programs nationwide chosen for their support to promote and develop the growth of wheelchair tennis and use the sport to help build stronger, healthier communities. The first USTA Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots grants were awarded in 2008 and since then, the USTA has given more than $650,000 to wheelchair tennis programs across the country. Grant amounts were based on each program's existing budget, as well as the future programming needs of the organization. Recipients can use the award to support coaching, court time, equipment, recruitment and events including tournaments and camps. “Four years ago, USTA Oklahoma hosted a wheelchair tennis clinic with Nick Taylor.Coaches from Santa Fe Family Life Center attended, and from that moment, they have led the way in Oklahoma with reigniting wheelchair tennis,” said USTA Oklahoma Diversity & Inclusion Chair Emmy Tigert. “From coaching to facilities to equipment, this club has invested in everything possible to provide top-tier tennis to the wheelchair community. They are an example of passion and excellence to us all! “The USTA is proud to award these grants to deserving wheelchair tennis organizations in recognition of their commitment in promoting and growing the sport of wheelchair tennis,” said Joanne Wallen, Director Adult Competition, USTA. “These grants are a part of a continued effort to expand programs that support the wheelchair community through tennis and foster growth and success in players.” Organizations that are interested in starting a wheelchair tennis program or would like more information about wheelchair tennis can emailwheelchairinfo@usta.com. By USTA Missouri Valley
want a hard copy of this months baseliner? email: MCKENZIE@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM to purchase your copy
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$15
the baseliner in print
Order by January 15th!
Racquet & Health 91/ Tucker Tennis Academy and Holland Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma partnered up to the grow the game of tennis this February. Brody Queal, Director of 10 & Under tennis at RH91 led the program. The focus of the Net Generation Program is to create partnerships between schools, local School Partners and USTA Section or District to give students the opportunity to learn, play, and enjoy the game of tennis. If you are interested in being a community provider or a school organzier please contact riggs@movalley.usta.com or click here for the more information.
GROWING THE GAME
NET GENERATIon SCHOOL PARTNERING PROGRAM
RH91 PARTNERING WITH HOLLAND HALL
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12 & Under green
2 out of 3 short sets (1st to 4 games), no-ad scoring. A 7 point tie-break will be played at 3 games all (win by 2). 10 point tie break played for 3rd set (win by 2).
Scoring: 14/18
minimum 2 boys/2 girls 1 Girl singles 1 Boy singles 1 Mixed doubles 1 Mixed doubles
Divisions:
*NEW format
10 & Under Orange
okc-spring 2020
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
Want to play? Contact your local tennis facility or Randy Painton randypainton@sbcglobal.net
18 & Under
14 & Under
SPRING LEAGUE
Gender Neutral (minimum 4 players) 2 Singles 2 Doubles
3 MATCH DAYS Play two teams each day Total of 6 matches April 4 (Saturday ) April 11 (Saturday) April 19 (Sunday)
deadline for team registration: march 24
*pilot season
2 out of 3 regular sets (1st to 6 games), no-ad scoring. A 7 point tie-break will be played at 5 games all (win by 2). 10 point tie break played for 3rd set (win by 2).
Scoring: 10/12
Join us for Junior Tourney Talk every Wednesday! With all of thejunior structure changes introduced this year, it’s important to know what new changes to be aware of as a player, parent, or coach. In order to help provide information and education on these changes as well as provide an additional space to ask any other junior competition related questions, Junior Competition Manager Noah Bortnick will be hosting the Junior Tourney Talk series. Every Wednesday throughout 2020, Noah will post a video or host a webinar to discuss all things junior competition in the USTA Missouri Valley. The content ranges from short single-topic videos to open-forum Q & A webinars. Whether it’s about rule changes, being a good sport, or anything in between, tune in for all you need to know about playing junior tennis! Visit ourJuniors landing page to see the latest content and view all previous episodes. By USTA Missouri Valley
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with noah bortnick
Junior Tourney Talk
JUNIOR PATHWAY
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LEVEL BASED PLAY EVENTS (NET TOURNAMENTS)
(JTT)
what's next?
NET GENERATION PATHWAY
Over the next two years (2020 and 2021), all 17 geographic USTA Sections will 'align' around a single tournament pathway and ranking system. The alignment will provide players with more play opportunities (unrestricted by section borders) and more player-friendly scheduling (limited draws and standardized schedules). The USTA will also introduce significantly improved web and app technology that will help players better track their rankings, ratings and progress.
New Catch-All Junior Info Site
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There is a ton of information about USTA junior tennis. To help parents, players and coaches find what they are looking for, USTA Oklahoma has created a catch-all google site that houses all relevant information that pertains to USTA Oklahoma and Missouri Valley junior tennis. You will see such things as rules & regulation documents, “How To” information, Youth Progression, the new Junior Pathway and much more. Click hereor click on the below link to view the site. https://bit.ly/3a3KRGn For additional information, please reach out to David Minihan at minihan@ustaoklahoma.usta or Casey McKenzie at McKenzie@ustaoklahoma.com.
COLLEGE
SIGNING
university of oklahoma
university of mississippi
brooke killingsworth
wake forest university
university of california
michigan university
nathan han
kelsey mize
COLLEGE SIGNING OF INTENT
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rachel mccorkle
caroline henry
university of connecticut
reagan miley
matthan tharakan
southwestern college
university of southern indiana
oral roberts university
Click here to Download form
PERFECTING THE SERVE
In tennis, your serve can be your ultimate weapon, and learning how to serve effectively is important to the overall development of your game.
TOSS
SERVING 101
PERFECTING YOUR SERVE
TIPS FROM USTA.COM
One of the keys to a consistent serve is a consistent toss. You can improve the placement of your toss by making sure to release the ball from your fingertips rather than the palm of the hand. This will result in a toss that is out in front of your body instead of behind you. To ensure you are releasing from the fingertips, place two balls in your hand, go through your service motion but just toss the ball positioned in your fingertips. With a soft grip on the toss, as though you’re releasing a butterfly from your hand, you will have better control and a loose arm to swing through the serve.
SERVING RITUAL
The Serving Basics of Tennis: Toss and Motion The main thing is to get comfortable with the toss. Chances are, this is a motion with your non-dominant hand that you have never duplicated in any other activity. You should practice your toss because it doesn’t matter how good your serve motion is if your toss is off. Your toss needs to be in the right place so that your serve motion can make proper contact with the ball. Try to go for a full “throwing motion” with the serve. In the very beginning, in order to achieve success, it is fine to have a more segmented swing or an abbreviated service motion. You can start with the tennis racquet behind your head and then toss the ball up and make contact, just to get acquainted with how the racquet face should feel when you are making contact with the ball. Once you are comfortable with that, do the full throwing motion as soon as possible. Put Your Spin on It: Tennis Serving For Intermediate Players At this level, you should start to have a little bit of knee bend, and you should be looking to experiment with the different types of spin. The continental grip is best for imparting spin and will allow you to be able to hit the ball with side spin or to hit the ball flat – all using the same grip. Be sure to snap the wrist through the serve, and you should speed up the motion as well. Mastering the Tennis Serve: Tennis Tips for Advanced Players You should combine placement and spin with the serve at the advanced level. Every time you serve, you should have a goal in mind of what the outcome is: where you want the ball to go and what type of spin you are hitting. In doing so, you are essentially hitting the ball with intent, not just hitting and hoping. Every time you step up to serve, you should have a clear target in mind and know what type of spin you’re going to use to hit that target. Also, your serve should have a little bit more of a dynamic motion. There should be more parts of the body engaged, and it should be an explosive movement. There should be a definite kind of slow to fast tempo to it – slow in the windup, fast in the delivery. When you master the serve and understand basic tennis serving rules, you begin to feel comfortable stepping up to the line. From the toss to the motion to the spin you’re able to put on the ball, knowing the basics goes a long way in putting your skills to the test. The serve is essential to the development of your game, no matter the level you play.
Courtesy of usta.com By: Elliott Pettit
Your service ritual can be as simple as bouncing the ball three times before starting your service motion or rocking side to side, breathing out — anything that forces you to take your time before hitting the serve will help you get a sense of control and focus. Find what is comfortable for you and make it a habit no matter what the score. A consistent routine will lead to a more consistent serve.
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Mixed Sectional Champion Team
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ADULT LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
David Minihan MINIHAN@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
Casey McKenzie MCKENZIE@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
7.0
LET US HELP
Captained by OKC Sherry Sakoski
OKLAHOMA
This team captained by Sherry Sakoski will advance to the FIRST 55 & over National Invitational in April In Portland, Oregon.
JUNIORS
Michelle Oquinn OQUINN@USTAOKLAHOMA.COM
ADULTS
QUESTIONS?
USTA JOINS TENNIS GOVERNING BODIES FOR AUSTRALIAN BUSHFIRE RELIEF
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USTA NATIONAL NEWS
Standing in solidarity with its international tennis family, the United States Tennis Association announced on Monday that it is committed to providing support to the Australian Bushfire relief efforts. The USTA, on behalf of the US Open, is teaming up with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the worldwide governing body for the sport; the French Tennis Federation (FFT), on behalf of Roland Garros; and the All-England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), on behalf of Wimbledon; to donate a combined $400,000 USD (AUD$579,542) to the cause. These funds, which come in addition to what's already been and will continue to be raised by Tennis Australia's Aces for Bushfire Relief campaign, will be donated to the Australian Red Cross. The Australian Red Cross is one of the leading humanitarian organizations that is providing help and support to devastated areas in the country, which has seen its land, residents and wildlife affected by bushfires in recent months. The organization is supporting thousands of people in evacuation and relief centers, helping to reunite families, and providing training, equipment and logistical coordination for volunteers and other relief workers. Along with its monetary contribution amongst the sport's other stakeholders, the USTA is encouraging tennis players and fans across the United States to support the relief efforts in various capacities. “The USTA has a long track record of supporting communities hurt by devastating natural disasters, and though our efforts have traditionally been to support communities in the United States, we are joining with the world in helping our friends and colleagues in Australia,” said Patrick Galbraith, current USTA Chairman of the Board and President. “When the global tennis community unites, we can make a difference.” The USTA's social media platforms will also launch their own campaign to support #Aces4BushfireRelief. Tennis Australia, the ATP and WTA tours and at least two dozen top players have been using the hashtag on social media to raise awareness for the cause, and to commit to making charitable contributions. Most commonly, these contributions have been tied to the number of aces served at the Australian Open and other events over the Australian summer, and the goal of the USTA’s social media campaign will be to encourage all American tennis players and fans to do whatever they can towards the relief efforts."The worldwide tennis community has come together in support of all those affected by the bushfires across many parts of Australia," added former USTA President and current ITF President David Haggerty. "This donation will support the Red Cross teams who are working hard on the ground providing essential emergency assistance including relief centers, aid and practical support for victims, evacuated families and those who have lost their homes. We would like to commend all members of the tennis community who are currently raising funds and awareness.” For more information about the Australian bushfire relief efforts, those interested can visit redcross.org.au/tennis.
Courtesty of USTA.com
Melissa Leber, MD, Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as well as Director of Emergency Department Sports Medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System
MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE
Q: What do you mean by mixing it up? Dr. Leber: Cardiovascular exercise, like sprinting around the tennis court or running on a treadmill, is essential. But we underestimate the importance of strength training, whether it’s hand-held weights, weight machines or resistance bands. If you can work on a good strength-training program and really focus on specific muscle groups, it will help prevent injury. Another benefit is that a resistance training program actually boosts your endurance. Q: Why is mixing it up important? Dr. Leber: The best thing you can do is change your frequency, intensity and duration of exercise so that your body never gets accustomed to any one training routine. The more you change it, the more effective your training routine will be, and this will help you to avoid overtraining. It’s much the same for professional athletes. You should avoid doing the same routine over and over. Q: Can you give an example? Dr. Leber: If you like to lift weights, then you can lift heavier weights one day with fewer repetitions, and then on some days, try less weight and more reps. If you like running, you can do long distances, or interval training, mixing in sprints. Instead of just playing tennis, you can add swimming or weights to your exercise routine. Or you may want to add yoga, pilates and core work, such as barre class. This will help you avoid overtaxing your body and become a stronger and an all-around better athlete. Q: How much strength training in the gym do you recommend? Dr. Leber: I like to use this general rule of thumb: If you are 30 years old, you should think about spending 30 percent of your exercise on resistance training, typically lifting weights, either free weights, using weight machines or body weight exercise. As you age, the amount of weight training should increase, so that when you are 50 years old, you should devote 50 percent of your activity to resistance training. Q: Any advice for a newcomer to exercising in the gym? Dr. Leber: There are plenty of resources available to get you started, including joining your local gym, applications on your smart phone, finding a personal trainer, watching videos or just weightlifting in your basement. You can also talk with your doctor or a sports medicine specialist for a suggestion about using a physical therapist. Most important: Go slow and work your way up, just as you do to build endurance. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. It takes time to make something a habit. But you will learn to enjoy it, and the benefits will last a lifetime.
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W/ DR. LEBER
In this Q&A, Dr. Leber offers some insights she has developed through treating both amateurs and elite athletes, including rising young tennis stars and established players on the tour. Her key takeaways: It’s never too late to start a fitness program, and it’s best to mix it up—that is, mix your tennis with a variety of other activities.
Q & A
Oak Tree Country Club Oklahoma City Tennis Center
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University of Central Oklahoma and Oak Tree Country Club hosted the 2020 Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Division II National Women’s Team Indoor Championships, while the Men’s Championships were hosted by Midwestern State at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center on Friday, February 28 through Sunday, March 1. The back-to-back-to-back NCAA champion Barry Buccaneers, from Miami, Florida took down No. 6 seed Hawaii Pacific 4-0 in the Women’s finals. The UCO Broncho women’s program entered the ITA Indoor Championships as the 7th seed of the Championship tournament but dropped its second match on Saturday, falling 4-2 to Indianapolis. The Division II National ITA Division II Men’s Indoor Championship was hosted by Midwestern State at the Oklahoma City Tennis Center. Barry University the No. 1 seed and Columbus State University the No. 2 seed teams squared off in the Finals on Sunday, March 1. The victory came for the Columbus Cougars, from Georgia while not allowing their opponents to score a single point throughout the championship. For more information about ITA Championships please go to: www.wearecollege.com
Oklahoma Facilities Host ITA Division II National Men’s & Women’s Indoor Championships
1
Adult League CAPTAIN INSIDER
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Tulsa
OKC
INSIDER
2
For the convienence of the USTA league captains, USTA Oklahoma has provided a one-stop-shop for all information regarding 2020 USTA leagues in Oklahoma. League captains are the largest group of volunteers in the USTA. Your willingess to serve your team and the USTA league in theis leadership role is greatly apprciated.
A Self Rating is an NTRP entry-level rating generated upon a new player or a player re-entering the USTA League Adult Division with a M (Mixed) or T (Tournament) rating, after completing the USTA Self-Rate Questionnaire. To participate in USTA League, all players must have a valid Computer Rating or Self-Rating. The USTA Questionnaire is available on Tennislink.
USTA LEAGUES How to Join a Team & Self Rate
If you don't have a team or team # please contact:
oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
When you are ready to join a USTA team, you will need create a USTA Profile and login. Then apply for a USTA membership.You can go to USTA.com and in the top right corner, you will see the blue tab to JOIN USTA. Current prices are listed below.
Michelle O'quin
why usta?
After getting your membership and membership number, you will log in to Tennislink.usta.com. Once logged in, you will be able to “self-rate.”This is located under the “Find NTRP Rating Info” heading.You will answer a set of questions and the system will assign you a level. Once you have that level, you are eligible to play leagues. You can play at your level or .5 higher (so a 3.0 player can play on a 3.0 or 3.5 team.) You will use your team number given to you by a captain to join the team through TennisLink. All fees for the season are paid through tennislink.
self-rate
okc
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claude@ustaoklahoma.com
Marc Claude
tulsa
With more than 300,000 players taking part each year, USTA League is the country’s largest adult competitive tennis league. It’s a great way to stay active, improve your tennis game, and have the chance to compete for a National Championship. If you love tennis, you’ll love USTA League and being part of a team. League play starts at the local level for players 18-and-over, and are largely organized according to the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) by age group. Top teams from local leagues earn the chance to compete in district and/or sectional championships, while the winners of sectionals advance to USTA League National Championships.
ADULT LEAGUE
Highlights
1 NTRP PLUS (+) Levels: In 4.5+ Adult Division 40 & Over a team may include up to 3 players from 5.0 NTRP level 2.01A(1)e In the 5.0+ level a player who is rated 4.5 is not eligible to play the #1 singles position. 2.01A(1)f In the 4.5+ level a player who is rated 4.0 is not eligible to play the #1 singles position. (Rule # 8) 2 Minimum Age Requirement: Players must be 18 years of age prior to participating in the USTA League program. (Rule #10) 3 Local Playoffs: In divisions with multiple leagues each league will send their winner to districts without a local playoff. 4 Team Composition: The format for Adult 40 & Over matches will be 1 singles court and three doubles courts. (Rule #11B) 5 Matches Required to Advance to Championships: All Self-Rated and Computer Rated Appealed players must play at least 2 matches in a Local League to be eligible for District, 3 total matches to be eligible for Section Championships, and 4 total matches before advancing to Nationals. Defaulted matches do not count as a matched played. (Rule #30B)
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The Coman Tiebreak is used in USTA league play for both singles and doubles play in two instances: 1. When a first or second set is tied 6-6 (first to 7, win by 2) – set tiebreak 2. When a tie break is used in lieu of a third set. (first to 10, win by 2) – match tiebreak A set tiebreak is considered a 13th game of the set, therefore the server and beginning side rotation continues as established for that set. Players will exchange ends after the first point and every 4 points thereafter (after points #1, 5, 9, 13, etc.). This will allow doubles teams to serve from the same side of the court as they had previously. Who serves after a set tiebreak? The individual/team serving the first point in a set tiebreak will be the receiver for the first game of the next set. For a match tiebreak, in doubles, the order or serving and receiving within the team may be altered, as in the beginning of each set.
Spring Leagues are here!
COMAN
2020 New Rules/Changes
TIEBREAK
ADULT LEAGUES DATES
Adult 18 & Over: April – July Adult 18-39 Men’s and Women’s: September - November Adult 18-39 Co-Ed: September - November Adult 40 & Over: September - November, last matches in March Adult Men’s 55 & Over Indoor: Mid-January - March Adult Men’s 65 & Over Indoor: Mid-January – March Adult Women’s 55 & Over 9.0 Indoor: Mid-January – March Adult Women’s 55 & Over 7.0 & 8.0 Outdoor: April – June 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: eptember - November, March 55 & over Mixed: TBD Tri-Level 18 & Over: July – September
Adult 18 & Over: July 18–19 OKCTC Adult 40 & Over: August 1-2 LaFortune Adult 55 & Over: July 17-18 OKCTC Adult 65 & Over: June 13-14 OKCTC indoor Mixed 18 & Over: July 25-26 LaFortune Park Mixed 40 & Over: August 15-16 OKCTC Tri-Level 18 & Over: October 10-11 LaFortune Park
tulsa area
oklahoma
USTA OKLAHOMA LEAGUE
Adult 18 & Over: April – July 18 & Over Women's Day: August – November, March Adult 40 & Over: Women - March – May Adult 40 & Over: Men – September – November, March Adult 55 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0: March – June Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Women only: Mid-January – March indoor Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Men only: April - July Adult 65 & Over: March - June 18 & Over Mixed: April - July 40 & Over Mixed: March – June 55 & over Mixed: TBD Tri-Level 18 & Over: June – August
Leagues
okc area
district championships
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