October 06, 2005
The Rebirth of Cts 3 & 4
This past August, we embarked on a major renovation on courts 3 & 4 indoors, giving them a much needed facelift. If you don't remember, the courts better resembled the 18th green at the Masters than a tennis court! The project was an extensive operation that involved a number of steps which I actually found interesting and informative.
big machinery was needed
The first job we performed was to bring a 5 ton vibrating roller onto the courts and double roll both courts. This helped compact the base and begin to top off some of the high spots or "Starke bumps" as my staff affectionately referred to them as. Standing on the court, one could feel the vibration from the roller. Yes, I was a bit concerned about my courts, but I figured I couldn't make them much worse then they already were, so what the heck!
if you ever have to use a grinder, hire this guy, and wear this mask!
Next, we took a floor grinder and meticuosly grinded off the numerous high spots. Due to the amount of dust created, a mask was needed. We then took a floor polisher to the entire surface to sand down and further even the court.
We then spent two days patching the various high and low spots still left. Now, finally the court was ready to be resurfaced.
We chose a plexicushion system, which is a seven layer cushin/coating system. This is one of the finest systems you can purchase, and due to the amount of layers is very time consuming to lay on. The initial layer is an acrylic resurfacer, to help the next coat adhere. The next two layers contain the cushion, and must be laid on with care, and given proper time to cure. The cushion is color coded, so the customer knows what he is getting. The cushion coatings are followed by 3 coats of fortified Plexipave, and then a final paint or cosmetic coating.
The "master" at work laying down a cushion coat
Kris trying her hand at laying out Plexipave. Helps if you keep your eyes open!
The entire project lasted 3 weeks, finishing the night before the first day of contracts. The courts now play completely different. I have yet to sniff a bad bounce. They are considerably slower, with long lasting points. They play more like a clay court but without the sliding and bounces. One can feel the cushion under ones feet. We owe a big thanks to Bob Okienowski of Okie Construction. His expertise, care and effort made this project a huge success. He worked on these courts like they were his own. Enjoy! 
Bob Okienowski in a rare pose for the camera.
July 07, 2005
Aug Junior tny
BTC's annual Level 1 ETA junior summer classic will take place August 5-7. Age categories include Boy's & Girl's 12, 14, 16 & 18 & under singles. This is an ETA sanctioned event which is well attended by juniors throughout upstate NY. We encourage our local juniors to participate.
To enter online: Click Here or you may pick up entry blanks at the club.
May 23, 2005
BTC Clay Court
BTC Clay Court
BTC will run the 25th annual BTC Clay Court June 10-12, Friday - Sunday. Events include Men's & Women's singles, Men's B singles, Men's Doubles & Mixed Doubles. The winner of mens open singles and doubles receives a wildcard into the $50,000 Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament Aug 6-7 at Rec Park.
Singles participants receive a t-shirt. Pizza courtesy of Dominos will be served Sat 1 pm for all in attendance. This is always a great event to play in or watch. There will be excellent tennis to watch in the men's open, and plenty of fun competition for members in the women's singles, Men's B singles and Mixed Doubles. It's one of our banner events you won't want to miss.
You can now enter online by.... Click Here
If you don't want to use Pay Pal for payment, you may simply mail in a check or call in your credit card #. To check online for draws and start times, click here:
Click Here
March 10, 2005
US Open tickets
US Open bus trip tickets are now on sale! As always, we travel to Flusing Meadows on Day 2, Tuesday August 30, returning the same day. Trip price is $90 for Arthur Ashe stadium and $85 for ground passes, and includes ticket, transportation happy hour refreshments and a Wilson US Open bag raffle.
We offer 96 seats in Arthur Ashe and 12 ground passes, totaling 108 seats.
Seats will be sold to members on a first come first serve basis. Full payment secures your seat. Beginning April 14, remaining tickets will be available for non members. Book your seat now for our annual pilgrammage to the Big Apple for the greatest tennis event in the world, the US Open
February 20, 2005
Sambursky/Gennett Pro-Am
The 2nd Annual Sambursky/Gennett Men's Pro-Am was held Saturday, Feb 20. was once again a big hit, with 10 "amatuers" and 10 "pros" duking it out on the tennis courts for BTC bragging rights.
With $400 in prize money the tone was set. The amatuers came prepared, ready to knock off their favorite pros and friends to claim 1st place. The pros,vying for the $80 1st place prize, rose to the challenge of the amatuers, bringing out their best shots when needed, aiming at both pro and amatuer without prejiduce.
The format included four sets of no-ad tennis. Players drew numbers out of a hat to determine who they paired with, playing with a different partner against a different team each round. Luck of the draw is a factor, and one must be ready to roll with the punches each round.
All in all, everyone had a great time. The amatuers more than held their own, coming up with some surprising yet well skilled shots. Some of the pros on the other hand exhibited signs of rust and wear, and will be honing their skills in the off season after a less than stellar performance!
L-R Mark Dolan, Parker Gennett, Edwin Gerard & Joe Fanara1st place went to Mark Dolan of Syracuse and our sponsor Parker Gennett, who defeated Edwin Gerard, Binghamton University junior and Joe Fanara 10-7 in a super tiebreak. The point breakdown is listed below:
Pros:
Edwin Gerard 11.. not so nice to coach, played brilliant
Mark Dolan 10.. a great performance from a senior citizen
Jordy Asher 3.. best pro am finish since 84' must be the racquet
Bill Mendler 3.. 1st non final pro-am finish ever...35??
Faisal Mohamed 2.. was nice to coach or could have finished higher
Dan Levene 0.. great to see an old familiar face at BTC
Vladimir Victr -4.. very respectful addition from Hartick College
Michael Starke -7.. will be joining Drill with Bill next week
Shawn James -9.. his 1st place prediction was a bit off
Collin Crawford -10 ..will be joining Michael in Drill with Bill!
Amatuers:
Joe Fanara 10.. the old man still has the magic
Parker Gennett 9.. stick to tennis and forget the Formula 1
Jeff Conklin 8.. couragous effort
Tim Saunders 2.. The "Bite Me " shirt wasn't quite enough
Don Krebbecks 0.. Same score as Dan Levene, a legend
Dan Sambursky -1.. His pros let him down this time
John Thornton -4.. Bragging rights at IBM with victory over Pat
Mike Musok-6..The surprise gift did not leave enough preparation time
Bill Mirch -7.. will be joining Michael & Collin in Drill with Bill
Pat Clas -9..Actually, great effort for a 1st year player. Shoud receive bonus points for hitting a pro (Michael). Way to avoid double digits
Special thanks to our sponsors, Dr Sanbursky & Dr Gennett, who put up the entire prize money. Their support makes this great event possible.
Rumour has it that the women want a pro-am of their own. I thought equal rights was over with. Stay tuned!
January 12, 2005
Stroke Clinics
We are now offering STROKE CLINICS 4 days a week!
Need to work on a specific stroke, just sign up at the desk
Only $10 per Clinic!
Monday 10:30-11:30am w/Libby
Tuesday 3:00-4:00pm w/Ed
Wednesday 12:30-1:30pm w/Jim
Friday 10:00-11:00am w/Dino
GREAT WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR STROKES!
July 07, 2004
BTC Clay Court Results
We hosted our 24th Annual BTC Clay Court Tournament this past June 11-13. As always, the event was an enjoyable one with good tennis at a varitey of levels. Besides most of the matches being played on our clay courts in a picturesque outdoor setting, participants received tournament t-shirts, free pizza and all the tennis they could ask for.
Ross Nwachuwu of Buffalo, NY won the Men's Open singles event, defeating Mike Rockman, from Toronto Canada 6-1,6-4. For his efforts, Ross received a wildcard into the qualifier of the $50,000 Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament Aug 7& 8 @ Recreation Park. This is Ross's 2nd BTC title, having won here previously in 2002.
Gregg & Gregg pictured here, all smiles after their doubles finals. The Men's doubles winners, Gregg Scwhartz & Greg Munoz who defeated local pros Collin Crawford & Michael Starke 6-4,7-6 will also receive a wildcard into the $50,000 Challenger event in the doubles, which is played on Sunday, Aug 8. Gregg & Gregg are no strangers to Binghamton. They have played in the clay court for over 10 years now, and is the 3rd time the duo has won the event. Both played for Binghamton University from 1988-1992, where they played #1 & 2 singles, #1 doubles and qualifed for the NCAA Division 111 Nationals.
Ashley Harcelode of Philadelphia won the Women singles defeating Mary Ellen Halm of Elmira 6-1,6-4. We had a record 13 entrants in the women's singles. It was nice to see so many up and coming high school local girls compete in this event.
Kiran Avarapalli won the singles title defeating Joe Cherkis of Elmira in the final. Kiran had a dramatic 4-6,7-6, 1-0 (10-8) victory over Joe Fanara, in which he fended off a match point in the 2nd set with a backhand passing shot winner. Kiran is a Vestal high school standout and will be a junior next fall.
Steve Forrest & Whitney Easton won the Mixed Doubles title.
June 09, 2004
BTC Clay Court
BTC will run the 24th annual BTC Clay Court June 11-13, Friday - Sunday. Events include Mens & Women's singles, Mens B singles, Men's Doubles & Mixed Doubles. The winner of mens open singles and doubles receives a wildcard into the $50,000 Binghamton Professional Tennis Tournament Aug 7-8 at Rec Park.
Singles participants receive a t-shirt. Pizza courtesy of Dominos will be served Sat 1 pm for all in attendance. This is always a great event to play in or watch. There will be excellent tennis to watch in the men's open, and plenty of fun competition for members in the women's singles, Men's B singles and Mixed Doubles. It's one of our banner events you won't want to miss.
You can now enter online by.... Click Here If you don't want to use Pay Pal for payment, you may simply mail in a check or call in your credit card #. To check online for draws and start times, click hereUSTA/Eastern.
May 26, 2004
High School State Qualifiers
The Boy's high school State Qualifiers will be held this Friday & Saturday indoors at BTC. Play begins Friday 10am and continues until 3pm. On Saturday, play starts Saturday at 10 am with the singles and doubles finals going on at 12.
The top 3 singles players and top 3 doubles teams advance to the NYHSP State Playoffs June 3-5 at the National Tennis Center in Flushing.
The top seed in singles is Jordan Smith of Binghamton. Jordan is undefeated in league play this year and last years state qualifier runner-up to Jordan Magarik. The top seeded doubles team is Sharath Bhagavatula and Kyle Ungvarsky from Horseheads.
Sat morning update...Jordan Magarik of Binghamton will be playing David Warren of Oneonta in the singles finals at 12pm. In doubles action, Sharath Bhagavatula and Kyle Ungvarsky of Horseheads face Eric Rose & Chris Goroleski for the title.
May 24, 2004
Upcoming Junior tournament
We are now taking sign-ups for our upcoming Level 1 junior tournament. Age categories include Boy's & Girl's 12, 14, 16 & 18 singles. All local entries will be quaranteed a minimum of 2 matches. Each participant must be a USTA member. This is a great opportunity to get much needed tournament experience. To enter, just..Click Here....If you do not want to use PayPal for your payment, simply mail us a check or call in a credit card #.
April 25, 2004
Binghamton U Tennis Clinic
The Binghamton University Men's tennis team will be holding a tennis clinic on Saturday, May 8 from 10 am -12 at their West Gym tennis courts. Besides instruction, drills and college style practice, there will be games, prizes and raffles, with a tennis racquet being the top prize. The entire men's team will be conducting the clinic, under the superivison of Head Coach Michael Starke.
Cost of the clinic is $25. One may fill out an application form located at the club, or mail entry to Binghamton University, West Gym, attn: Michael Starke mens tennis, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000. Checks payable to Binghamton University. Entry deadline is Thursday, May 6. The clinic is open to all levels of play, and is limited to 65 signups. The rain date of Sunday, May 9. This is a fundraiser for the tennis program.
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 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.
January 20, 2004
Men's Tennis Pro-Am
It is with great enthusiasm we announce the 1st Annual Gennett/Sambursky Men's Tennis Pro-Am, to be held Sat Feb 28 from 7-10pm. We anticipate this to be our highlight event for the winter, and a prelude to our Discovery Center Pro Am Calcutta coming in in June! There will be qualifying on Saturday, Feb 21 at 7pm, to determine who gets the 6 open amateur spots. The qualifier will consist of four sets of doubles in a round robin format. The top 6 point gainers will advance. The qualifier will be limited to 24 entrants.
The main event format will be pairing 8 pros with 8 amatuers competing in a round robin format. The winning pro will recieve $100 in prize money.
Cost to enter the qualifer is $20. The pro-am cost is $40.
PROS
Billy Mendler - Michael Starke - Collin Crawford - Tim Haus - Dan Hanegby - Jordy Asher - Shawn James - Barry Schoonmaker
Prize Money (pros only)
1st Place - $80 3rd - 8th place $35
2nd Place -$50
To sign up, call 722-3491.
January 17, 2004
Junior Tournament update
For those looking for information regarding our upcoming level 1 junor tournament, please go to tennis information.com
Once there, go to juniors and our tournament should pop right up. Here you will find times, directions, and a list of hotels. Draws will be posted on Thursday January 22 and will be updated periodically during the event.
January 09, 2004
Men's Singles Ladder
New!! - MEN'S SINGLE LADDER! We are now forming a 10-man singles ladder on a first-come first-served basis. Send forth the challenge beginning in February. Playing times available are: week nights after 8:00pm; Sunday before noon; and scattered day times available on Saturday. Sign up by calling Reeta at 722-3491.
January 04, 2004
Level 1 Junior ETA Entry Blank
The Binghamton Tennis Center will be running a Level 1 ETA sanctioned junior event for Boy's & Girl's 12, 14, 16 & 18 singles, January 23-25. There will be juniors from across the state competing and we encourage our local juniors to enter and participate!
Below is an entry blank. Entry deadline is January 10 and one must be a USTA member. Please call us with any questions.
BTC LEVEL 1 ETA TENNIS TOURNAMENT
WHERE: Binghamton Tennis Center, Upper Mill St.
WHEN: January 23-25, 20003
EVENTS: Girl’s 12, 14 & 16 singles
Boy’s 12, 14, 16 & 18 singles
ENTRY FEE: $40/singles
SANCTION: Eastern Tennis Association
PRIZES: Trophies awarded to all finalists.
RULES: Matches will be best two of three sets, 12 point tiebreak at 6-6. A 15 minute default rule will be enforced. USTA rules govern all play. We will 9 game consolation matches for 1st round singles losers.
Entry fee must accompany application. Mail entries to Binghamton Tennis Center, PO Box 117, Binghamton, NY 13903, Entry deadline is Friday, January 10 at 5pm!! Draws and times will be available Tuesday, Jan 13 online at www.tennisinformation.com!
______________________________________________________________________________
ENTRY FORM
NAME_________________________________________PHONE#_______________________
ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________
your #
PARTNER’S NAME ________________________USTA #____________________DOB____
EVENTS check desired one
singles singles
Girl’s 12 & under ____ Boy’s 12 & under ____
Girl’s 14 & under ____ Boy’s 14 & under ____
Girl’s 16 & under ____ Boy’s 16 & under ____
Girl’s 18 & under ____ Boy’s 18 & under ____
December 31, 2003
New Year's Eve Party
We will once again hold our Annual New Year's Eve Party on...you guessed it Wed. Jan 31 8pm - ?. Festivities include unlimited tennis, good eats, a New Year's decor and champagne. Cost is $50/couple and limited to 12 sign ups. Call 722-3491 to reserve your spot!
December 04, 2003
Birth Announcement
We would like to congratulate Libby & Brian McGovern for the birth of a healthy baby boy, Kevin Paul. Kevin arrived November 29 at precisely 5:19 pm, weighing 8 lbs 40z and measuing 21 1/2 inches. We did not get the girth. Kevin has a full compliment of jet black hair and is adorable. Mom is doing wonderful and graciously declined all offers of a mother son photo session.
December 03, 2003
World Team Tennis
I just got back from a visit to the Tri Cities tennis operation in Albany, NY. They have purchased their own World Team Tennis League (WTT) and run a large scale WTT league in the winter months.
The WTT format is the same one followed by the professional WTT leagues run by Bille Jean King every summer. Matches consist of Mens & Womens singles, Mens & Womens doubles and Mixed Doubles. Competition includes abbreviated sets, substitutions and potential overtime. A minimum of 4 players per team are needed each match. Often, team members show up to substitute or simply cheer their team on.
Highlights of the league include: fewer people needed per team and a looser commitment level than USTA; mixing genders and levels on the same team; a unique scoring format and increased social interaction. A simple playoff format makes it easier for a team to advance to national competition. As WTT members, players receive various discounts including one free ticket to a summer WTT match. The OTB Buzz are located in Albany.
I am thinking of offering WTT instead of Mixed Doubles and would like to get some feedback from our members. To learn more, visit their website at http://www.worldteamtennis.com/ Feel free to jot a note in our comment box on the site or talk to yours truly or a staff member when you see us. WTT seems like something different and refreshing, and has caught my attention. I would like to know how you feel about offering WTT at BTC.
November 26, 2003
Nov 26th Men's Pro-Am
Men's Pro-Am
Wednesday, November 26th 12-1:30 pm
$20 per player Pros will be Collin, Billy & Michael. 3 30 minute rotations. Compete for prizes. Test your skill and challenge the pros! Open to all levels. There are 9 spots available. Call 722-3491 or e-mail btc@tennisctr.com
November 14, 2003
Chow Tennis Swap Shop
Yes, finally, you can clear out those old tennis clothes in your closet. During the month of November, you can drop off any old tennis clothing items at the club. From December 1-14, we will display these items on our Chow Swap Shop table, and sell them at rock-bottom prices.
All proceeds will go to Chow. In adddition, we have a Chow food bin in our lounge (perhaps you have tripped on this like me?). When this project is finished, we hope to have raised $250 for Chow. Also, you will have gotten a chance to clean out your closets and make room for the new clothes you're getting at Christmas!
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.