February 29, 2004
Sambursky/Gennett Mens Pro Am
This past Saturday, 8 pros and 8 club members intermingled in a very enjoyable and action-filled tennis pro-am. Playing in a unique round robin format, (designed by our pros who happen to have PHDs in computer programming), each amatuer played with a different pro, against a different amateur and pro, making for interesting and varied matchups. Names were pulled out of a hat, so who you played with and against was "luck of the draw". The round robin consisted of 3 one-set rounds. Then, using a plus/minus point differential scoring system, a playoff round ensued, pitting the 1st place amateur and pro against the 2nd place amateur and pro, 3rd place, against 4th, 5th against 6th, and 7th against 8th.
For those who ignored the complicated scoring system and just tried to strike the tennis ball, a great time was had. Amateurs came up with some surprisingly good shots, and the pros, well what can I say, that's why we call them pros. 1st place went to Kiril Popov (pro) and our beloved sponsor Parker Gennett, who defeated Rodrigo Valle (pro) and Frank Goroleski. The winning pro received $80, and the runner up $50 for their efforts. Yours truly did manage to finish 3rd place, thus securing an invite for next year.
A special thanks to our sponsors, Dr. Parker Gennett of Foot Care Centers, and Dr. Dan Sambursky of Opthalmic Associates , not only their generous sponorship, but their positive support and participation. There was some debate whether a sponsor should be entitled to win his own event, but when I declared Dan Sambursky the front runner to win next year's event, all protest died down.
Participants:
Pros: Representing Bolivia, Bulgaria, Israel, Florida & Pa
Kiril Popov - Birchwood Racquet Club
Dan Hanegby - Binghamton U Mens Tennis
Steve Spencer - Binghamton U Mens Tennis
Rodrigo Valle - Binghamton U Mens Tennis
Jordy Asher - Cadence
Billy Mendler - Binghamton Tennis Center
Collin Crawfor - Binghamton Tennis Center
Michael Starke - Binghamton Tennis Center
Amateurs: Representing the greater Binghamton Area
Parker Gennett
Dan Sambursky
Joe Fanara
Tim Saunders
Jay Jaen
Frank Goroleski
Jeff Kopolow
Bill Mirch
February 27, 2004
Most Improved Player Award
It is time to announce the Male & Female Most Improved Players for 2003. This presitgious award is one we enjoy giving out, and the pro staff gives the matter much debate and deliberation.
This years winners are Sue Vail & Doug Smith. Both winners will receive a plaque, a free lesson and most importantly, have their names engraved on our Most Improved Player Plaque that hangs in the lounge
This is our 18th year of handing out the award. We already have our eyes peeled, searching for our 2004 nominees. It could be you, so keep working on your game!
Past Winners
Year Male Female
2002 TJ Cafario Molly Fitzgerald
2001 Dan Sambursky Cindy Moore
2000 Larry Rouff Kathy Reid/Theresa Price
1999 Sheldon Maskin Barb Jones
1998 Jeff Conklin Gail Deveraux
1997 Fred Weiss LouAnn Rauber
1996 Jack Olsen Linda Lewis/Slyvia Kaenzig
1995 Mike Ashman Sandi Sanzo
1994 Dale Sacharov Andrea Reger
1993 Jud Griffin Ann Cameron
1992 Al Tricomi Lana Rouff
Ray Everhart Janet Nardocci
1991 Dale Fluegel Linda Hall
Chuck Ketchuk Mary Lou Kent
1990 Rick Marsi Karen Anderson/Tulia Grassman
1989 Pete Bouman Babette Markey
Mick Atwater
1988 Marvin Menewich Jean Quataert
1987 Bob New Kathi Wise
Vince Goirdano Julia Ruan
1986 Michael Burke Linda Spear
US Open Bus Trip
Now that the sun has shown for the past four days, it is officially time to: announce our US Open Bus trip. The day is Tuesday, August 31, which is Day 2 of the Open. We meet at 6:30 am at the Binghamton Plaza. As the US Open has not yet set their ticket prices, we have set a tenative ticket price of $87 for the Arthur Ashe stadium and $80 for a grounds pass, which gets you everywhere but Arthur Ashe stadium. We have 135 tickets available; 90 tickets for Arthur Ashe, and 45 grounds passes.
Tickets go on sale March 1 (now) and will be sold on a first come first serve basis. Ticket sales will only be open to members until April 1. Full payment secures your ticket.
The price includes your ticket, bus transportation there and back (unless you miss the bus!) and Bob deVente's famous tailgate party in the Shea Stadium parking lot. If you are an ardent tennis fan, this is a must trip.
February 26, 2004
The greatest tiebreaker ever
This past June, I witnessed the greatest tiebreaker I have ever seen, and it took place right here at BTC. Now I know what you are saying: The greatest tiebreak of all time was the McEnroe/Borg 4th set 18-16 tie break at the 1980 Wimbledon finals. While that match may have been one of the greatest Grand Slam finals of all time - with two of our sport's finest players or all time riveting millions of fans in a truly classic matchup - beauty remains in the eye of the beholder. Move over McEnroe and Borg. You've been outdone
The matchup I prefer involved Collin Crawford and partner John Salmon pitted against Frank Goreleski and Dan Santelli. Three of these four are locals, the 4th being a NYC resident born and raised in Vestal. The setting: Court 3 indoors. The event: the 23rd Annual BTC Clay Court Championships. The match: 1st round Men's Doubles.
The match started out innocently enough, with Goreleski & Santelli racing out to a one set lead and seemingly ready to close out the match. As is often the case, serving out a match is easier said than done. Before we all knew it, the 2nd set slipped from their grasp and a 3rd had begun. The "we" consisted of a small group of tournament contestants who, having already finished, was rather impatiently hanging around for this match to finish, so everyone could gather at Yanni's for post-match analysis. Comraderie goes hand in hand with local competition. The time was late, after 9 p.m. The mood was restless at best. LET THE MATCH JUST FINISH!
At some point toward the end of the 3rd set, the mood changed. Players began elevating their games. Alarmingly good shots started happening. Suddenly, neither team wanted to lose this 1st round match. All of a sudden, these four entered into that seldom-visited realm of the 3rd set tiebreak. Our interest was peaked. We had a battle going. Yanni's could wait. Destiny was about to take place.
The tiebreak started tensely. No player gave an inch. First, Samon with a two-handed forehand winner. Then Crawford with an amazing lob retrieve. Then Santelli with a scintillating forehand serve return, hit harder than any amateur has a right to. Followed by Goroleski with a service ace. The stakes had been raised. In a heartbeat, the score was 6-6, with one match point already saved. Then, as if by magic, all four players simultaneously entered that even less-visted realm of "tennis zen". Their playmaking went off the charts. Match points weren't merely saved, they were won in dramatic fashion, with the final shot being extraordinary. Points were not lost, they were won. This was no longer an ordinary 1st round doubles match. Every point made the highlight reel. 12-12, 14-14. Saving match points with a blazing winner became routine.
In the meantime, loyal fans knew they were witnessing something special. We huddled courtside like pack rats by the door to Court 1, barely able to contain our enthusiasm. Maybe a beer or two helped our mood at this point. Who cares. Could history be in the making? Would they beat the 18-16 mark?
On and on the contestants battled, oblivious to everything but the tennis ball. Time seemed to stand still. Suddenly it was 18-17, serving for the match. And once again, a shot well above the players's normal level of play was struck. Winner. The modern record broken! History being made at BTC. And yet they fought on. Finally, the inevitable occured; a ball was netted, and the tiebreak ended, 22-20 in favor of Collin and John. The look on their faces was more of relief than victory. All four players just stood there, unsure of what to do. Weary beyond weary, they staggered off the court with their partners, unaware of their new-found place in tennis history and lore. "We," being of the old Aussie school of tennis, merely said, "Great match mates. Time to celebrate." And that was the end of it. But the match remains etched in my memory: Four local players giving it their all, stretching their mental and physical limits to the limit, providing drama and theater for a precious few in attendance. During that tiebreak, these were my heros, achieving what we all dream of on a tennis court: taking your game to the next level, side by side with your partner, with a match on the line. Sorry John, sorry Bjorn, you played the 2nd greatest tie break of all time.
Collin, Dan & Frank, 3 of the four contestants in attendance at the Sambursky/Gennett Men's Pro-Am (signing autographs)reminiscing about the match over a cold one, just as all the past greats do.
Player of the Month
Congratulations to Kiran Aravapalli for being selected as BTC's Junior of the month. Kiran is 16 and a junior at Vestal High School. Kiran has been playing tennis for 5 years. Kiran has shown substantial improvment over the past year, beating kids he had previously lost to and displaying much improved consistency. He attributes his recent success simply to an increased dedication and amount of time he spends onthe court.
Question/Answers with Kiran
Favorite Touring Pro? Andy Roddick
Favorite Shot? High forehand putaway
Goals? To play collegiate tennis
For his Vestal High School team to have a great season
Favorite Local Club? Hmm? BTC
Kiran will be playing for Vestal High School Varsity Team this spring where he has his eyes set on the #2 singles position. For being selected to Player of the Month, Kiran will recieve one free hour of tennis towards his portion of court time.
The first person to correctly identify the person in this picture will recieve a $5 credit toward their next court time. The hair should be a dead giveaway! We will only accept e-mail entries: btc@tennisctr.com
February 23, 2004
Binghamton U. M/W tennis matches
If you haven't been to the new Events Center on BU's campus, you are missing out. The Event Center is a state of the art facility complete with spacious seating, the Bearcat Cafe and a wonderful atmosphere. An impressive scoreboard, railside viewing and entertainment (of which I include the student section wing) add to the ambiance. The basketball is pretty good too.
If you havent been to a Binghamton University tennis match, you are also missing out. Both the men's and women's teams have upcoming matches at the Binghamton Tennis Center. The men play Saturday, March 6 at 5pm against Manhattan College while the women compete Sunday, March 21 8am-12 against Seton Hall.
Both teams have colorful marquee international players at the top of their lineup. Dan Hanegby, is a 24 year old freshman from Herliza Israel. Dan was ranked #1 in the country in Israel juniors and just defeated Colgate's #1 player, who is ranked # 9 in our region. Dan spent 3 years in the special defense force of the Israeli Army, wher he did not get a chance to play tennis.
Melis Altinay is a freshman from Antalya, Turkey. Ranked top 5 in the juniors in Turkey, Zeyneb also recently defeated Colgate's # 1 player, chalking up a good win and serving notice that she is a force to be reckoned with.
To watch a college match is an exciting and different experience. They play three 8 game doubles matches and six singles matches. The doubles is played first and the team that wins two or three of the doubles matches gets 1 point, referred to as the doubles point. The singles follows. One can and usually does play both singles and doubles. College tennis plays out let serves. One is only allowed 20 seconds in betweeen points. Coaching is allowed. The team atmosphere and spirit is evident the entire match. Our bleachers on court 5 provide intimate up close viewing for cts 3-6, while the lounge provides great viewing for courts 1 & 2. Six matches going on at one time gives the spectator lots of choices, and keeps the coach on his/her toes.
While our matches provide entertainment for anyone interested in watching tennis, I think they are particularly beneficial for juniors. They can witness first hand the intensity, energy and level of play that Division 1 tennis contains. I hope you can make it up to root on our Bearcats. You won't regret making the effort.
February 22, 2004
Australian Open
The Australian Open has firmly established itself as a unique and significant entity among the four major slams in our sport. In addition to its world-renowned Rod Laver Arena and grounds complex, and the wonderful hospitality and low-key "nothing bothers us" attitude all Aussies exude, The Australian Open offers an excitement and sense of beginning no other slam can claim. This is the 1st slam of the year, and not withstanding a few lead-up events, the 1st real tournament of the year. The Aussie Open is held after a month-long off season, during which no events take place. Like opening day of baseball, or Week 1 of the NFL, this event is widely anticipated by players, spectators and media. Even more so because the next Grand Slam, the French Open is four months away.
Contenders (those who think they have a shot at top 10 in the world) come in physically prepared, but wondering what the new year will bring. Will I maintain the form and momentum I built up last year, and keep my mental edge? Others wonder: Will my hard training and recent encouraging practice results lead to improved match performance? Will this be my year? Everyone is jockeying for position and hopeful for what the new year promises. We are not sure what to expect, and the tournament is usually full of surprises.
Despite today's unprecedented parity in tennis (especially on the men's side), two constants remained at The Open: Justin Henin Hardine and Roger Federer. In my mind, both are firmly established at the top of the pecking order. Forget the rankings. Your ranking is not what intimidates your opponent. It's your recent level of play. Justine has now won 3 of the last 4 slams, displaying a resolve and ability to handle the pressure of being on top. Whether players who are not currently competing can get back to the top remains to be seen, but Justine no longer seems intimidated by anyone. She exudes the confidence of a #1 player. She also is my favorite female player to watch - ferocious and fearless in how she strikes the ball. Justine, for the moment, has Kim Clijster's number.
Roger Federer. Wow. I am awestruck. Does anyone realize just how good this guy is? While I wouldn't presume at this point to compare his career to that of Pete Sampras, or even Andre, when he is on, Federer's level of play is unlike any I have ever seen... EVER. Bold statement, yes, but I stand by it. Roger owns every shot in the book. He makes every shot look effortless. He runs like a gazelle. His passing shots are the best I have ever seen by a person over 6 feet tall And his serve, when he is on? Forget it. This guy was meant to play tennis. Graceful and elegant, he beats you with little apparent effort. Roger makes the game look easy. The last person to do this was Pete Sampras. Comparisons? You betcha. While many players currently are perched near the top of the men's game, and can beat each other on any given day, none has the ability at this point to take his game to the level Roger does when he gets in that rarified air. Can he remain there?
The surprises? For the women, Annalise Maresemo is slowly but surely steadying her attacking game, making fewer unforced errors and playing more consistent tennis on a daily basis. Lisa Raymond and Patti Schnyder also had good runs here and appear poised to ascend the WTA ranking ladder. For the men, the story is Marat Safin. Our talented, moody, party-going, womanizing Russian friend has finally decided to take his tennis game seriuosly. With superb conditioning and body strength, a greatly improved backhand and a mental toughness we have never seen from Marat, he is back, better than ever. Marat made an improbable run to the Aussie finals, entering the tournament ranked only 86th, and coming off a string a 1st round losses. But he entered the tournament with a conviction that he belongs at the top. For Marat fans like myself, his game and personality are much needed on the circuit. Welcome back Marat. This time around, I don't think you'll be leaving the limelight too soon.
I would be fed to the wolves if I did not mention our two Americans, Andy Roddick and Andre Aggasi. I mean no disprepect to Andy when I say that Federer is better. Andy's climb to the top echelon is noteworthy. He has done a great job harnessing his talent, embracing a hard work ethic, and not getting caught up in all the hype. He made a good choice for a coach as well. Definitely star material. Roddick, along with Nalbandian and Ferraro, will chase Federer relentlessly, and will do their best to make is stay at the top uneasy. They are all contenders. In the next batch, look for Hewitt to mount a comeback, and keep an eye on Coria, especially on clay. If Safin continues to play like he did at the Austrailian, count him in as well. I think it is well worth noting that 14 different countries are represented in the top 20 ATP rankings. Truly a global sport with incredible depth and talent.
And a special plaudit for Aggasi, whom I believe is in twilight of his career. How fitting would it be for Andre to win one more Slam? While I don't think Andre can compete on a week in week out basis for #1, he picks his spots as well as anyone, and is as dangerous as they come. Even when he loses, he is still a winner; his effort, level of play, sportsmanship and reverence for the game make him so. Watching the ovation the crowd gave him after he lost to Safin, I think we all sense that we might soon be losing one of the greatest of all time. What an exciting year we have ahead of us. Stay tuned.
February 20, 2004
Girls Jr. Ladder Week 3
Although week three of the ladder had only had seven matches, four of them were pretty good battles. Emily Dura defeated Katie Burns 9-5 to earn her second victory of the year. Katie avenged her loss in her second singles match of the night when she defeated up-and-comer Leigh Ann Hiser. Leigh Ann was victorious in her first singles match of the night when she defeated Andrea Bucker of Vestal.
Wing Kay Leung showed another solid effort when she defeated Danielle Kashou from Seton CC, 9-7. The comeback of the year already goes to Alexis Stanley in her loss to last year's runner-up, Jennifer Kucko. Jennifer had a commanding 8-0 lead until Alexis won the Duece point of the eighth game. The two then proceeded to battle until the score was 8-7, when Jennifer pulled it out in the 16th game to win, 9-7. What a match!! All of week three reults are below.
Karlgut def. Stenta 9-5
Hiser def. Bucker 9-3
Hartzell def. Pinker 9-4
Dura def. Burns 9-5
Burns def. Hiser 9-1
Leung def. Kashou 9-7
Kucko def. Stanley 9-7
Well done girls! Week four is coming up. Please take note that we are skipping a week of the ladder due to a BU Men's Tennis Match on March 6th. Also, make-ups do not have to be done on Saturdays. Girls can call each other for make-up matches. Just report scores to the desk person on hand.
February 19, 2004
Girls Jr. Ladder Week 2 Results
A few more close matches again in week 2 of the ladder. Alexandra Karlgut from Union Endicott had a close battle for the second straight week and comes out on top this time, 9-7 against her high school teammate Michelle Caporali. Joanna Pinker from Binghamton High School pulled one out against Vidya Santosh from Vestal in the second close match of the weekend, 8-6. Other winners include: Arianna Stenta (BHS), Brittany Williams (CV), Alex Moore (CV), Inna Burroughs (ME), and Annette Hartzell (CV). Here are the scores from week 2:
Karlgut def. Caporali 9-7
Moore def. Edwards 9-3
Pinker def. Santosh 8-6
Pinker def. Bucker 9-5
Burroughs def. Santosh 9-2
Feyler def. Foster retired (injury)
Hartzell def. Dura 9-6
Williams def. Moore 9-5
Stenta def. Stutzman 9-6
Nice job girls. Look for more results next week.
February 18, 2004
JCTP
Above, a picture of our sno cones on Saturday posing nicely for the camera.
Our Spring sessions of our Junior Competitive Tennis Program (JCTP) begin this weekend Sat/Sun Feb 21-22 and run 10 weeks thru the weekend of May 8-9. There will be a JTCP makeup on Sunday May 16 winter participants due to a snow cancellation and those who missed a spring session.
For more information regarding our junior programs please go to the junior link on our website or call 722-3491
Below, our sno cones in a more natural appearance.
February 16, 2004
Calendar of Events
| Calendar of BTC Events Feb 14 through June | |
| Feb 14 Sat 7-9 pm | Valentines Mixed Doubles Party |
| Feb 15 Sun 8am | Binghamton vs Rutgers Women tennis |
| Feb 28 Sat 7-10 pm | Gennett/Samburksy Pro-Am $300+prize money! |
| March 6 Sat 5pm | Binghamton vs Manahttan Mens tennis |
| March 21 Sun 8am | Binghamton vs Rutgers Womens tennis |
| April 3 Sat 7-9pm | Mixed Doubles Party |
| April 30-May 2 Fri-Sun | ETA Sectional Closed Boys & Girls 12's |
| May 17 | USA Adult leagues begin |
| June 5 Sat 9am-12 | BTC Member Doubles Tournament |
| June 5 Sat 1-4 pm | Discovery Center Pro-Am Calcutta |
| June 6 Sun 9am | USTA Mixed Doubles Regionals |
| June 11-13 Fri-Sun | 24th Annual BTC Clay Court Tny |
| June 25-27 Fri-Sun | ETA Level 1 Junior Tny B&G 12,14,16, & 18's |
February 11, 2004
February Pro Shop
FEBRUARY SPECIALS!
We've recently changed the look of our PRO SHOP section on our website. Once there you can click on racquets, clothes and shoe category links to view our latest inventory. We hope this new and improved look will help you with your tennis shopping and purchase selections.Keep checking back for new updates!
NEW RACQUETS ARE COMING FROM WILSON!
Check under PRO SHOP for all the details!
Lots of BTC Sweatshirts still available for the rest of the cold winter!
If we're out of the size or style you need, we can order!
CLOSEOUT SNEAKER SALE
Women's Wilson Pro Staff Intrigue III $53.95
Men's Wilson Pro Staff Extreme DST02 $59.95
Limited sizes left at a great discount!
NEW WILSON SNEAKERS NOW HERE!
Women's Wilson Pro Staff Intrigue IV$79.95
Men's Pro Staff Extreme 800$69.95
New Women's Clothing
New Tail wear! Check out the Euro-Plaid and Techno Sport! Great fabrics and colors! If we run out of your size, ask Kris and she'll order what you need.
Coming Next: Sunset Boulevard & Steel Magnolias from Bolle!
Racquet of the Month!
Head Liquid Metal 4: $199.95
Looking for a new racquet? You must try this one! Head has the NEW Liquidmetal technology that is 2 1/2 times stronger than titanium. This results in more power! And who doesn't need a little of that on the tennis court?
All demo's are just $5.00 to try. When you purchase a racquet, all demo fees will be deducted.
Girls Jr. Ladder week 1
The BTC Girls Jr. Ladder started off this weekend with a few very close matches. Alexis Stanley, Ashley Feyler, and Emily Dura all won close matches this past Saturday. Feyler and Dura won 9-7, while Stanley took it right down to the last game and pulled it off with an 8-7 victory over 2nd year player, Alexandra Karlgut. It's great to see all the new players this year as well as the returning veterans. Here are the rest of the scores from week 1:
Federowicz def. Edwards 9-2
Stanley def. Karlgut 8-7
Feyler def. Hiser 9-7
Leung def. Kucko 9-3
Dura def. Scoville 9-7
Burns def. Hatzell 9-3
Burroughs def. Bucker 9-3
Kashou def. Stenta 9-2
Caporali def. Stutzman 9-5
Congratulations girls. Look for week 2 results sometime next week.