September 28, 2003
USA League Post Season
Another great year for USA League play. Between the Mixed, Seniors and Adult leagues, we had over 350 participants, a record for our local league. Several teams (more than I can ever recall) qualified for post season play. It appears our teams are becoming more competitive than ever.
The accomplishments of a few teams deserve special recognition. Marilyn Stine's Super Senior (a senior to be reckoned with) women's 3.0 team, by virtue of their win over the Westchester team on Sept. 14, have qualifed for the nationals held in Scottsdale Arizona this November. Team members include Mary DeMarco, Gail Clobridge, Eleanor Johnson, Mini Daub, Arline Kutz & Betty Carruthers.
Ann Engle's 2.5 women's team, which went all the way to the sectionals (state level of playoff competition), only one level away from nationals. This is quite a feat for relatively new competitiors. Team members include Ann, Donna Koffman, Amy Fischer, Tony LaSorte, Wendy Lounsberry, Laurie Salmon, Ann Engle, Deborah Hewison, Nancy Combs, Monique Dekleermaeker and Cholly Kashou .
And a special plaudit to Jeff Kopolow's 4.5 men's team, which qualified for the Nationals, October 9-12 in Tuscon, Arizona. Barely surviving a strong district league run out of Syracuse, this team was victorious in regional and sectional playoffs. Team members include Jeff, Jamey Savitch, Jordy Asher, Scott Smith, Larry Garrard, Frank Goroleski, Dan Santelli, Mason Sopchak, Keith Krech, Parker Gennett, Collin Crawford & Michael Starke.
Again, a big thanks to Joanne Raffa, our local league coordinator for going the extra mile and taking our tennis efforts to heart. Kudos to Reeta Hayes, who always manages to find each "stray" a happy home, and each league enough teams to compete. Please stay tuned on our website for USTA updates posted by Joanne, who will keep us all in the loop.
September 26, 2003
US Open viewpoint
Binghamton Challenger winner Ivo Karlovic, who reached the 3rd round of the Open with Brenda Story and Allie Starke
Once again, the greatest tennis show on earth, the US Open, lived up to its billing. Being a New Yorker, I admit to being partial. That being said, the US Open is the most important Grand Slam event. Flushing Meadows has the best crowds, an incredible atmosphere and the fairest surface for determining the best player in the world. Every player gears up for the US Open.
Tennis aside, the fluff and glitter that accompanied the Open needs its moment on the stage:
Two thumbs up to the new Court of Champions, and the ceremony preceding the finals honoring, among others, Chris Evert and Jimmy Connors. It has been too long since Jimmy showed his face at the US Open, which was basically his house during his career. Now that Pete Sampras has retired, let's hope Pete does not do the same disappearing act. A brief respite is one thing, but an extended hiatus is another. The game still needs Pete, and Pete needs the game. Well put by Johnny Mac and Jim Courier.
Speaking of Pistol Pete, how about that opening night ceremony? Wow! So moving, so appropriate, and so special. To hear Boris, Jim, John, Paul and Andre (his screen cameo was great) publicly honor Pete, and to see Pete's response, was tremendous. Raw emotion. I will not get involved in the debate over who is the greatest of all time, and who liked Pete, etc.... I'll just say to Arlen Kantaraian, the USTA, and most importantly to Pete: well done and thank you.
While I am on the subject of entertainment, The USTA (Arlen) has done a great job of adding entertainment value and attractions to the US Open. Starting with Arthur Ashe Kids Day, the opening night acts, the continuing evolution of the grounds (better seating, tasteful music, vendor booths, giveaways etc.), all the way to the presentation of the finals, they are showcasing their event and making this not just a tournament, but a happening, a place to be. Kudos to presenting a women's Saturday night final. How about a Monday night men's final? Prime time, baby. Monday night football move over. You can start the following week. Or how about scheduling the men's final at 6 p.m. on the first night of Monday football? Worth a try, I say.
On to the tennis. There was simply too much good tennis to cover, so I will focus on just a few. The Capriati-Henin match goes down in history as one of the greatest matches ever - some of the highest quality women's tennis I have witnessed. The shotmaking was incredible, the physical exertion excrutiating, the nerves steely. And one more thing: the hearts of champions were displayed. If anyone wondered what these two players were made of, doubt no more.
Justine Henin Hardin period. All heart, all grit, and strokes to die for. Oh would I love to have that backhand. Several of our members agree, and have come into the club after the Open with their versions of Justine's backhand.... not quite the same, but they made valiant efforts nonetheless. Members, please keep up the good work. Within inner tennis circles, there was much talk and debate about how the women's field - and the tournament - might have been weakened by the absence of the Williams sisters. The US Open proved otherwise, once again showing that the game is bigger than its players. Justine Henin, a true champion. A backhand for the ages.
Jonas Bjorkman & Todd Woodbridge in 1st round action en route to another Grand Slam title.
On the men's side, allow me to say this was the Andy Roddick show! So much talk, so much pressure, so many questions about whether Andy was really the next great American. But at the end of the day, he showed the world he is the real deal: an incredible tennis player who can handle the pressure and answer the bell. Perhaps he's the best player in the world at this moment. I think a changing of the guard has taken place. Gracefully, almost quietly, and with great respect, Andy has surpassed Andre. It had to happen sooner or later. Needless to say, I am a big Andy Roddick fan, especially since he began to wear his hat forewards. He is no longer a star in the making. He is a star, bright and fresh. Stay around for awhile Andy. All in all, another great Open. This tournament never fails to deliver.
September 25, 2003
BU Hall of Fame
John Dunigan, former BTC tennis pro will be inducted into the Binghamton University Hall of Fame on Friday, October 10 in the West Gym lobby. Festivities start with cocktails at 6pm, dinner at 7pm, with inductions to follow. Invitations are available at the club, or you may call Michael at 725-7408. Cost is $30/person.
Contrary to John's belief that he is being inducted because of his good looks, John had a storied if brief tennis career at Binghamton, where he played # 1 singles and doubles and led the then Colonials to two top 20 national rankings. After graduating from the SOM at Binghamton, John worked at BTC, where his charismatic personality and unique teaching skills made him a favorite among our members. We do hope you can join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening.. If you do plan on attending, please let me know so I can assist in seating arrangements of club members. John will be available for autographs...of his latest golf book that is! Thanks and we hope to see you in attendance.
September 24, 2003
Tribute to Pete Gruber
Pete Gruber, a long standing member of the club and lifelong tennis enthusiast, passed away August 31, at age 82.
Pete was an original member of our "oldtimers group" which included Jud Griffen, Mel Seiden & Gary Fattal. Three times a week faithfully, this group would conduct "business" on our tennis courts from 8-9:30 am, or rather they would play a spirited game of tennis and then solve the world's problems over coffee in our lounge. Much did I learn by employing my rabbit ears and eavesdropping skills during these sessions.
Pete's easy demeanor and friendly disposition made him a favorite among his peers as well as our staff. Actually, I learned much more from simply observing Pete than I did in any of my eavesdroping efforts. Pete conducted himself with grace and did so in an unassuming manner. Pete always had a kind word for anyone he was addressing. Pete was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
An English professor, Pete spent most of his 30-year professional career at Binghamton University. As a professor emeritus, he touched the university and its students in many ways, embracing a broad spectrum of responsibilities through the years.
Pete's tennis game was much like his personality: smooth, graceful and effortless. There was a strong sense of quality in every shot. He was better than he let on, and that was just fine with him. Truth be known, it was wonderful to watch Pete play, even as he got on in years. It was wonderful to have known Pete. He enriched the lives of all who knew him.
September 21, 2003
Ode to a Tree
In case you haven't noticed, there is no longer a tree in our parking lot. It is one of those things that is easy to not notice, even though this tree was such an annoyance for so many years.
Actually this was a pignut hickory tree, which is an idigenous species of the hickory family. I have been told they grow wild in these parts. It had been a fixture in our parking lot as long as I can remember. I'm sure it was there long before that, carving out its turf in a very unique space. How it survived this many years is a bit puzzling; but this was one tough tree destined for a long life.
Many a fender did this hickory rearrange, and many a door did it dent, including my own. The lower bark began to take on a color or its own, collecting every color of the rainbow that was ever found in a body paint shop. This tree showed no prejudice, Ford Escort or SUV, old pick-up truck or BMW, it got them all. As you parked in the "danger zone", you reminded yourself of the impending danger and made a mental note on the way into the club to remember on the way out to miss the tree! Of course, a few sets of tennis and few Heinekens later, the not-so-subtle thud brought on a string of expletives, and the memory bank kicked in, albeit a bit too late. You did not have to look up, you knew what you hit...and you were not happy. Mr. Pignut strikes again! This tree was no PR statement for BTC.
Not all found our hickory their foe. Many a bird has sung its heart out and rested its wings in this tree's inviting branches. The tree's hickory nuts provided nourishment and a winter cache for our neighboring squirrels. Its leaves in fall turned a beautiful golden yellow, putting on a one-man show. Life breathed out of our parking lot.
All in all, the tree seemed to do more harm than good, depending on your perspective. If I had a dollar for every time I swore I was going to remove the tree, I would be rich. I can't say exactly why I never acted. Perhaps it was because I am a tree lover. Perhaps I just thought that side-swiping Mr. Pignut was a right of passage others besides myself must endure, a reminder of how times were tough in the old days. Maybe I just grew fond of the tree and considered it protected by a grandfather clause that gave it a right to that space. But now it is gone and will make good firewood. As autumn leaves turn, I bid our tree a farewell. It certainly has carved its place into BTC lore.
September 14, 2003
US Open
On Tuesday, August 26, 140 ardent tennis fans filled three buses, joining us in our annual pilgrammage to the US Open in Flushing Meadows. The US Open is one of four Grand Slam tennis events in the world. Here, the world's best players make an appearance to showcase their skills. Tuesday is simply known as Day 2, one in which you are guaranteed to see many of the world's top male and female players compete. A timely start and perfect weather insured that we got our share of great tennis viewing. Not even a slight detour to pick up one of our members at a New Jersey shopping mall could put a dent in this day.
If you have never been to the US Open, it can be overwhelming. Like NYC, the site is enormous, the pace fast and the action furious. Besides three main stadium courts for feature matches, over 20 outside "field" courts exist where competition also takes place. There are so many intriguing matchups spread throughout the facility, it can be difficult to plan which matches to view. Of course, one must allow time for visiting the practice courts, where one might catch a glimpse of Andre, Andy, Justine or even Anna (she is sure hard to find on a match court these days) up close and personal, working with their coaches, smiling and even (if you're lucky) signing autographs.
Another attraction of the US Open is being able to pick out famous people in the crowd. You can do this just by milling around, or simply standing near Center Court. You will be sure to recognize a face or two. Speaking of Center Court, no trip is complete without eating there. If you only bring $20, you won't get much, but the food is good, with spacious seating and shaded tables. A huge jumbotron screen displays the match in Arthur Ashe stadium, in full view as you take your $5 bites. A great chance to catch your breath and re-energize for the afternoon flurry.
Others pleasures at the Open include shopping at numerous clothing booths and viewing the latest high-tech racquets displayed by companies on hand to show their wares. The chance to buy the newest racquet on the market or own tennis togs that might become the next fashion craze is too tantalizing to pass up. You will be caught in the shopping frenzy.
All too soon, 6 p.m. rolls around and our group must get back to the bus or risk being left behind in NYC (which at that moment, does not seem like a bad option because we are having such a good time). Someone should talk to the guy who makes us leave so early! But having returned to the bus, energizer bunny Bob deVente has a table of hors d'oeuvres and snacks laid out, along with a generous supply of libations. Right by the train tracks, in the middle of the Shea Stadium parking lot, BTC holds its own Happy Hour, oblivious to the surrounding scene. Now the day is complete. Everyone can head back to Binghamton, exhausted yet satisfied. On the way home, if you are like me, you dream of tomorrow's matchups, and how you might manage to get another day off and get back to watch more tennis by the weekend. Long live the US Open.