December Newsletter

December 2008

Court Status:
The city commission met on Nov. 11 to consider proposed bond issues. ATA was well represented with 15 members in attendance, most of which stayed the entire 4 and a half hour meeting. After much consideration of important issues, the commission decided to include tennis court rebuilding on the upcoming bond issue which will most likely happen in March 09. Special thanks to Steve Schuster and Linda Gilliland for presenting ATA needs and concerns. ATA is planning a campaign to promote the tennis portion of the bond. Much more info will be coming out on this; please give any feedback or ideas to board members.

ON THE CALENDAR:
Jan 5th: Play Day; 9:00; Pien and Darrell Latham hosting
Jan 7th ATA Board meeting at noon at El Camino Restaurant.
Jan 23-24 Battle of the Clubs Las Cruces
Jan 28th: Ladies play day with ladies from Ruidoso; RSVP to Evelyn


2008 Ends with a BANG!
Christmas Party was again hosted by Ruthven and Sintra Sampath. Great food and Sintra’s famous tacky gift exchange made for a fabulous and hysterical evening.
December Play Day was hosted by Robert and Marita Meints, and Anke and Carsten Witak. This team did a fabulous job with Christmas attire, snacks, and prizes. A delicious German lunch followed at Meints home which made this a memorable and festive event.





Thanks to Ruthven and Sintra Sampath who hosted the ATA Christmas Party again.
Robert Meints unwraps and kisses a frog, only to eventually lose it to Sintra.
Play day winners and hosts

Dues are Due in January! $15/single and $29/family still remains a terrific bargain. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Get these in by March 31st to avoid a $5 late fee and get your name on the ATA roster (out in April).


Battle of the Clubs in Las Cruces is Jan 23-24 with entries due on Jan 9. We need a team of 8—4 women, 4 men, but we can enter more teams with more players. Fees are $35/person. Event promises food, prizes, and good tennis!! Contact Sabine Fahl to get your entry in!!

Ladies Play Day and luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 28th. Ladies from Ruidoso will be coming to Alamogordo to play, with lunch to follow at the Gentas. Please RSVP to Evelyn as we want to get players to fill courts. Email reminders will be sent in Jan.

No newsletter in January. Next newsletter will be a combination JAN/FEB newsletter. Necessary updates on information will be emailed.

Sabine already has the Play Days lined up for 2009:

Month Hosts
January Pien and Darrell Latham
February Sandra and Wolfgang Peterson
March Joy and Darrell Gallant
April 18th and 19th: 35th annual USTA sanctioned tourney (no play day)
May Cathy and Harold Waggoner
June Sabine and Wolfgang Fahl
July Anke Witak
August Marita and Robert Mients
September Diane and Lee Gustafson
October Fall tourney TBA; no play day
November Neoma and Ken Smith
December Maurice Lopez

Of course watch the newsletters for dates, times, and any changes

Court Status:
An upcoming bond issue may afford funds to rebuild old courts. The city commission is having a special meeting to consider “quality of life” projects (such as tennis courts) for the bond election. This meeting will be on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6:00 at the Willie Estrada Memorial Center. ATA members are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and show support for rebuilding the Oregon courts. You are also encouraged to attend the regular city commission meeting at 7:30 on Tuesday, Nov. 18th at the City Hall. Steve Schuster will be presenting ATA concerns to the city commission.

2008 Otero Closed Tourney held in Oct. was a big success despite weather predictions. Rains held off and play was almost uninterrupted. Thanks to tourney directors Nell and Grady Nicholson who directed this event, again.

Tourney results: Ruidoso business man, Dennis Johnston, won the 2008 Otero County Closed Tennis Tournament Men's Open Singles, when his opponent, Jose Fantauzzi, an engineer at the High-Speed Test Track, had to retire due to an injury. The two had split the first two sets, 6-7, 7-5, before Fantauzzi retired. Fantauzzi won this event the previous two years. The Women's Open Singles was won by 15 year old Alamogordo tennis whiz, Natalie Rivera, besting Alma Villanueva of High Rolls in a tight three set final, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Fantauzzi and Rivera teamed to beat Linda Gilliland and Scott Key, 6-4, 6-1 in the Mixed Doubles Open.
Darryl Gallent, an Alamogordo business man, and his brother, Cliff, who traveled from Mississippi for this tournament, won both the Men's Open Doubles and the Men's 35 Doubles. The brothers beat Johnston and David Kaleh, 6-3, 6-4, in the Open, and Rick Sotak and John Genta by the same score in the 35's. The tournament was Sponsored by the Alamogordo Tennis Association in cooperation with the City of Alamogordo.
Results of the remaining finals: Men's Singles 45 Scott Key def. Patrick Morgan 6-2; 6-2. Men's Singles 65 Thomas Springer (1) def. Robert Schreiner (2) 6-1; 6-2. Men's Singles NTRP 3.0 Maurice Lopez def. Christian Wally 6-1; 4-6; 6-3. Women's 35 Doubles Cindy Carey / Lois Whitmire def. Neoma Smith / Anke Witac 6-2; 6-1 Women's 55 Doubles Pien Latham / Gail Richardson def. Sabine Fahl / Linda Gilliland 6-2; 6-1. Mixed Doubles 55 John Genta / Evelyn Genta (2) def. Pien Latham / Rick Sotak (1) 6-3; 6-4. Boys' 18 and Under
Singles Daniel Moezzi def. Cameron Riggs 6-0; 6-0. Boys' 14 and Under Singles Cody McNeely def. Aslan Gallegos 6-4; 7-5
Also, thanks to the ATA members who showed up for work day. Members cleaned courts and patched and filled some of the court cracks. Special thanks to Grady Nicholson for his contacts with the city and for obtaining supplies.


Welcome new members: Several players joined ATA during the fall tourney: David Kuale, Dennis Johnston, Cindy Carey, and Lois Whitmore all come from Ruidoso. Cliff Gallent (Darryl’s brother) comes from Mississippi!

ON THE CALENDAR:
Nov 11: Special city council and town hall meeting; 6:00, Willie Estrada Center
Nov. 18: Regular city council meeting, 7:30, town hall
Dec 3 ATA Board meeting at noon at Margo’s Restaurant. (Note board meetings will usually be scheduled for the 1st Wed. of each month).
Dec. 5: Christmas Party again will be hosted by Ruthven and Sintra Sampath. Mark this date on your calendars and be on the lookout for more info. You don’t want to miss this party!
Dec 6: Play Day, 9:00, hosted by Anke Witak

New Board:
A new ATA board was elected at the annual meeting in November.

New officers are: Steve Schuster, president, Sabine Fahl, member at large; Neil Bottger, treasurer;
Joy Gallent, secretary; Evelyn Genta, vice president/newsletter.

Thanks to outgoing president and vice president, John Genta and Maurice Lopez, for a job well done!

Nov. Play Day was a big success with more than 6 courts of players competing for the big turkey prize. Thanks to Ken Smith for hosting this event—again, and to Nori and Pat Morgan for hosting Nori’s famous gumbo lunch following play.

Did you know?

Linda Gilliland and the AHS tennis team recently received recognition from USTA as a “no-cut school tennis team.” This honor is the result of much hard work by Linda and Carl Jones to include all players on the AHS team. Congratulations!

You can’t ask for a let because of a broken string. Replace your racquet after the point has been played out.
(The Code, Item 44) Tennis Dec. 08

Tournament Results

Johnston Wins Otero County Closed

Ruidoso business man, Dennis Johnston, won the 2008 Otero County Closed Tennis Tournament Men's Open Singles, when his opponent, Jose Fantauzzi, an engineer at the High-Speed Test Track, had to retire due to an injury. The two had split the first two sets, 6-7, 7-5, before Fantauzzi retired. Fantauzzi won this event the previous two years. The Women's Open Singles was won by 15 year old Alamogordo tennis whiz, Natalie Rivera, besting Alma Villanueva of High Rolls in a tight three set final, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. Fantauzzi and Rivera teamed to beat Linda Gilliland and Scott Key, 6-4, 6-1 in the Mixed Doubles Open.

Darryl Gallent, an Alamogordo business man, and his brother, Cliff, who traveled from Mississippi for this tournament, won both the Men's Open Doubles and the Men's 35 Doubles. The brothers beat Johnston and David Kaleh, 6-3, 6-4, in the Open, and Rick Sotak and John Genta by the same score in the 35's. The tournament was Sponsored by the Alamogordo Tennis Association in cooperation with the City of Alamogordo.

Results of the remaining finals: Men's Singles 45 Scott Key def. Patrick Morgan 6-2; 6-2. Men's Singles 65 Thomas Springer (1) def. Robert Schreiner (2) 6-1; 6-2. Men's Singles NTRP 3.0 Maurice Lopez def. Christian Wally 6-1; 4-6; 6-3. Women's 55 Doubles Pien Latham / Gail Richardson def. Sabine Fahl / Linda Gilliland 6-2; 6-1. Mixed Doubles 55 John Genta / Evelyn Genta (2) def. Pien Latham / Rick Sotak (1) 6-3; 6-4. Boys' 18 and Under Singles Daniel Moezzi def. Cameron Riggs 6-0; 6-0. Boys' 14 and Under Singles Cody McNeely def. Aslan Gallegos 6-4; 7-5

Court Status:

An upcoming bond issue may afford funds to rebuild old courts. The city commission is having a special meeting to consider “quality of life” projects (such as tennis courts) for the bond election. This meeting will be on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6:00 at City Hall. ATA members are encouraged to attend this meeting and show support for rebuilding the Oregon courts.

ON THE CALENDAR:

Oct. 9th: 9:00 Work Day in preparation for tournament. If you can lend a hand, come with knee pads, putty knives, push brooms, blowers, etc. to help prepare courts for tournament.

Oct. 11th & 12th: ATA Otero Closed Tourney; entries due to Grady Oct. 4

Oct. 12: Annual meeting/party

Oct. 21: Special city council meeting

Nov. 1st: Turkey shoot play day, hosted by Ken Smith. Play begins at 9:00 a.m. Lunch will follow at Pat and Nori Morgan’s. Nori will be cooking her famous gumbo!

Nov. 4th : ATA board meeting, noon. ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.

Annual meeting and pot luck party will be hosted by Maurice Lopez after play on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 7:00. Please bring a pot luck dish and own drinks. Party will start at 7:00 and ATA Board elections will be held. If you are interested in serving on the ATA Board, please contact any board member.

Welcome new members: Terry Marquardt has recently joined ATA. Terry has been the force behind the capital outlay funds for new tennis courts and we heartily welcome him to ATA.

Mid School Tennis program has come to an end with 37 mid schoolers participating and a dozen ATA volunteers. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped teach these young tennis players!

Pickle Ball anyone? Strokes are similar to tennis. They play on Wednesday evenings. Contact Pat or Nori Morgan.

Chihuahua!!! 9 members from the Club de Tenis de la cd. DePortiva traveled to Alamogordo for lots of tennis play and good times. Special thanks to Dale Emmert, translator and organizer; and Joy and Darrell Gallent who hosted the party. Also special thanks to host families: Pat and Nori Morgan, Maurice Lopez, and John and Evelyn Genta.

Did you know?

70% of errors on the courts are related to footwork. Tim Hand, USTA rep.

During play, spectators are not to interfere with play at any time, even to indicate “ball on court.” No spectator has a part in the match! Item 17, The Code

Two years old—not too early to start!

Entry for the ATA Closed Tournament

Click here to download the Word version of the entry form!

September Newsletter

Chihuahua!!!
Our friends from down south are planning to visit Sept. 12-14. Play will start at 9:00 on Sat. morning and Sun. morning. ATA will provide sandwiches for lunch; members are asked to bring chips, fruit, or drinks. A potluck dinner/party will be hosted by Joy and Darrell Gallent Saturday evening, at 6:30. Bring your swimming suit as Gallents are planning to warm up their pool, weather permitting. You don’t want to miss this!!!

Court Status:
Plans for new courts are still in progress. City has changed architects so time line has also been extended. An upcoming bond issue may afford funds to rebuild old courts. More info as it becomes available.

Mid School Tennis program is off and running with 37 mid school players! This is more than expected and ATA members have jumped in to lend a hand.



Tues/Thurs Open Play: Please be diligent to not overlook players waiting to play during the T/Th open play times and work these players in at the completion of a set. Players waiting to play need to either sit on the bleachers where players can easily see that they are waiting, or notify players on the courts that they are waiting to play.

ON THE CALENDAR:
Aug. 19-Sept. 26: ATA sponsored Middle School Tennis program
Sept. 12-14: Chihuahua visit
Oct. 7th : ATA board meeting, noon, at the 19th Hole Restaurant. ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings
Oct. 11th & 12th: ATA Closed Tourney; get these dates on your calendar! (No Oct. Play Day)

ATA Board elections will be held after tourney in Oct. Terms for three board members (John, Neil, and Maurice) will expire. If you are interested in serving on the ATA Board, please contact any board member.

Did you know?
Long time ATA member, Judie Frances, offers a free exercise class, open to both men and women, meeting at the mall MWF’s at 8:30 a.m. This is an excellent class which offers a complete exercise workout. Judie has been teaching this class for 6 years; she has fitness instructor and personal trainer certifications. Contact Judie for more information.



Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships Nov 5-9, Surprise, AZ features 8 champions competing for title and $150K in prize money. For more info see ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.
Senior Olympics results:
Tennis- Men’s dbls 70s: Grady Nicholson & Robert Schreiner, gold
Men’s singles 70s: Robert Schreiner, gold; Grady Nicholson, silver
Men’s dbls 75s: Tom Springer & Jim Crouse, gold
Men’s singles 75s: Tom Springer, gold; Jim Crouse, silver
Women’s Dbls: Sabine Fahl and Linda Gilliland, gold
Mixed dbls: Sabine Fahl and Robert Schreiner, silver Grady and Nell Nicholson, bronze
Badminton-Nori Morgan-Gold in women's doubles, bronze in mixed doubles
-Pat Morgan- Silver in men's singles, bronze in mixed doubles
Pickle ball-Nori Morgan-Gold in women's doubles, Gold in mixed doubles,
Pat Morgan-Gold in men's doubles, Gold in mixed doubles, and Gold in men's singles

Following are pictures of Tim Hand, USTA rep for our area, who presented a clinic for the mid school program on Sept. 5:





Thanks Tim!!

July Newsletter

Court Status:
City has approved ASA Architects Studio from Las Cruces to design the tennis complex. This group designed the complex at NMSU, Tex. A&M, and others. You may have noticed that the city is experimenting with ways to patch the south courts. ATA remains hopeful that monies will become available to repair the Oregon courts. Please continue to talk to your commissioners about the condition of these courts.

Alamo-Las Cruces challenge was held on June 28th. ATA won back the trophy that Las Cruces has coveted since 2003. Thirty seven players participated! Score for the years that this event has taken place: Las Cruces-10; ATA-11
Many thanks to Steve Schuster for spearheading this event.







This event was first played in July 1990 and was played bi-annually in 90, 91, and 92.

ON THE CALENDAR:

Aug. 5th: ATA board meeting, noon, at the 19th Hole Restaurant. ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings

Aug. 9th: Play Day in Cloudcroft, 9:00 will be hosted by Jeri-Lynn and Bill Sandusky. Lunch (BBQ sandwiches, dessert, and drinks) will follow at Jeri-Lynn’s cabin. Players can contribute side dishes such as beans, slaw, potato salad, etc. if they’d like. In case of rain, Jerri-Lynn will still have us all over for lunch, visiting, and games!! What a deal!!

Oct. 11th & 12th: ATA Closed Tourney; get this date on your calendar!

Rollers and Drags: ATA has ordered new rollers and Steve Schuster has made some drags from carpet that can be pulled across the courts. Grady replaced a net headband recently and ATA and city are both ordering more.

Welcome ATA members:

Shane Burns, Doug Goodgame, and Carl Jones have re-joined ATA. Welcome back!!

Kids Tennis Lessons:

City is offering kids tennis classes, ages 7-13
July 15-July 31
Tuesdays and Thursdays
8:30 am - 9:20 am beginners
9:30 am -10:20 am intermediate
fee: $33.00 per class
call 439-4142 for more info

ATA is planning to implement a mid school program this fall. Program will be appropriate for any skill level. We are planning a 6 week program, 2 afternoons weekly after school from Aug 19 to Sept. 26. For more information contact the Gentas or the Lathams or NMSU-A community ed.

ATA June Newsletter

Court Status:
New Courts: City has asked for bids for planning for new courts. ATA will meet with planners once a bid is selected. Nothing new on old court needs. Please continue to talk to your commissioners about the condition of these courts.



Rico and Carl helped Linda Gilliland present awards at AHS tennis banquet in May.

ON THE CALENDAR:
June 28th Alamo-Las Cruces challenge
To sign up contact Steve Schuster stv_schuster@yahoo.com no later than June 21st. This event promises fun, food, and door prizes!! This is NOT a play day or a scramble. This is a CHALLENGE!!! Its time for Alamogordo to win back that trophy!!
July 1st: ATA board meeting, noon. ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings
July 12th Play Day will start at 9:00 at city courts; hosted by Allen Campbell.

Rollers and Drags: ATA has ordered new rollers and Steve Schuster has made some drags from carpet that can be pulled across the courts. Hopefully we’ll get something besides city watering to sop up on those courts! ATA has approached the city about purchasing new headbands for some of the nets.

June Play Day was hosted by Cathy and Harold Waggoner. A dozen players enjoyed play in the tall pines of Cloudcroftin a team format. Thanks to Harold and Cathy!
Winners were blue team members: Harold, John, Nell, Judi, Diane, & Steve.

Harold’s famous ice cream was served on Waggoners deck following play.

Welcome new ATA members: Janice Fisher recently joined ATA. Janice comes from Alto, NM to play in Alamogordo. WELCOME!!

Bernice McRae is looking for a partner to practice drills and skills. Contact her at 434-4627 or 491-8881

. “One of the truths of recreational tennis: Most points are decided not by
winners, but by errors.” Tennis Magazine, June 2008

May 2008 Newsletter

Court Status:

Many hours of manpower have gone into repairing and cleaning up the old courts in preparation for the April Tournament. City workers spent days putting up windbreaks, and cleaning, blowing, sweeping, and filling cracks on the old courts. ATA members assisted each day and also painted the bleachers. High school players joined in to help fill the many cracks. Thanks to everyone, especially to Grady Nicholson for his efforts in coordinating work and to the city for their manpower and support.

Sean Retman, Nicholson’s grandson, helps ATA paint bleachers.

Spring Open Tourney April 19th & 20th with the largest turnout in recent years. Huge thanks to Grady and Nell Nicholson who have now run this tourney for 34 years! Results follow:

El Paso high school player, Zac Markowski, won the Men's Open Singles title in the 34^th Annual Alamogordo Open Tennis Tournament, defeating Alamogordo favorite and number one seed, Jose Fantauzzi, 6-3; 6-3. Markowski then teamed with Robert Jack, also of El Paso, to defeat the number one seeded team of Clint Loest and Richard Vickrey of Las Cruces, 3-6; 7-5; 7-6(2). Zac Markowski’s younger brother, Ben, also won the non-sanctioned NTRP Men's Open Singles final, defeating Alamogordo High School player, Timo Hoffman, 6-0; 6-1.

Alamogordo players did well on the women’s and mixed sides of the draw. Alamogordo player, 15-year-old rising star Natalie Rivera, won the Women's Open Singles title in a decisive victory over Kendra Valdez of Grants, NM, 6-1; 6-3. Rivera then teamed with Fantauzzi to defeat V. Hernandez and R. Vickrey, of Las Cruces, 6-3; 7-5.

Other Age event finals were Men's 30 Singles: Richard Vickrey Las Cruces def. Butch Price Sierra Vista, AZ Wo (emerg). Men's 50 Singles: Dennis Johnston, Ruidoso, def. Michael Herrera Albuquerque, 6-1; 6-3. Men's 55 Singles: Dennis Johnston, Ruidoso def. Dale Pavlick, El Paso, 7-6(4); 6-0. Men's 60 Singles: Robert Jack (1) El Paso def. Dale Melbourne (2) Carlsbad, 6-2; 7-5. Men's 55 Doubles: Jeff Lazar, Phoenix / Jeff Murray (1), Las Cruces, def. James Crouse, Nogal / Thomas Springer, Cloudcroft, 0-6; 6-0; 6-3. Women's 55 Doubles: P. Latham - G. Richardson, Alamogordo, def. C. Satterlee - F. Stokes, Roswell. Mixed 45 Doubles: J. Genta - E. Genta, Alamogordo, def. B. Rapp - F. Stokes, Roswell, 4-6; 6-1; 6-1.

Finals in the NTRP events were NTRP Men's 3.0 Singles: Andreas Schubert, Alamogordo def. Maurice Lopez, Alamogordo, 7-5; 7-6(8). NTRP Men's Open Doubles: F C. Gardin - C. Gardine Alamogordo, def. N. Bottger - J. White Alamogordo, 6-4; 6-2. NTRP Men's 4.0 Doubles: F J. Genta - R. Sotak, Alamogordo, def. J. Crouse, Nogal - T. Springer, Cloudcroft, 3-6; 6-4; 6-4. NTRP Women's Open Doubles: E. Dodson - N. Young Alamogordo, def. S. Fahl - L. Gilliland Alamogordo, 1-6; 6-1; 6-3. NTRP Women's 3.0 Doubles: S. Berger - N. Smith Alamogordo, def. M. Meints - A. Witac, Alamogordo, 6-2; 6-2. NTRP Mixed Open Doubles: P. Latham- R. Sotak, Alamogordo, def. C. Quiroga - N. Young Alamogordo, 2-6; 6-2; 6-3. NTRP Combined Mixed 7.0 Doubles: F W. Fahl - S. Fahl, Alamogordo, M. Morgan - P. Morgan Alamogordo, 4-6; 6-2; 6-3.

Tournament Party was hosted by Joy and Darryl Gallent. “A Splendid Time was Guaranteed by All” and that guarantee was definitely met with great food, karaoke, and fun!! Did you know Darryl Gallent can sing like Elvis??!!!

New Courts progress has slowed with the school board’s decision not to trade land by the Sr. Citizens Center. A location north of Mt. View Mid School and east of soccer fields is likely. It offers several key factors: close to High School and existing courts, available water and parking, some piggybacking from existing lights. Tim Hand, USTA rep & Judy Harlas, SNM USTA president met with ATA committee and city officials on May 13. They offer planning and programming expertise. ATA made another presentation before city commission on May 13 regarding new and old court concerns. Perhaps the most important thing ATA members can do is to make a positive individual contact with their city commissioner and stress the importance of tennis in Alamogordo.

ATA High School Scholarship funds awarded: $200 scholarship to Jessica Pehr, and $100 scholarship to Melanie Nishimuta. Thank you to the scholarship committee (Neil Bottger, Ken and Neoma Smith) who again had a very difficult decision!

Excerpts from Linda Gilliland, AHS tennis team coach’s thank you to ATA:

--We can’t thank you enough for everything you do. –You let them see first hand that there is no gender or generation gap in tennis. I know for a fact that there is no other tennis community for miles aroung that helps to support their high school team like you do.

Our thanks to Linda for her excellent work in tennis for the youth in Alamogordo!

May Play day was hosted by Diane and Lee Gustafson, who set up a random team tennis format. Weather cooperated, and 4 courts of players competed. Winners were Sabine, Pat, Ken, and Pien. Thanks Lee and Diane!

ON THE CALENDAR:

June 3rd: ATA board meeting, noon. ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings

June 7th 9:00 at Cloudcroft courts! June Play Day. Harold and Cathy Waggoner will be hosting. A dutch treat lunch and homemade ice cream social will follow after play at the Waggoners!

June 28th Alamo-Las Cruces challenge

To sign up contact Steve Schuster stv_schuster@yahoo.com no later than June 21st. This event promises fun, food, and door prizes!! Let’s win back that trophy!!

Welcome new ATA members:

Pat and Howard Norman from Burleson, TX, and previously from Alamogordo, recently joined ATA. You may have seen them on the courts or played with them in the tournament. WELCOME! Also welcome John Stewart back!

NRTA tennis article can be found at

http://www.nrpa.org/newsletter

Check it out for info on health benefits of tennis!!

Don’t forget about the ATA web site!!

http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/

Thanks to Dale Emmert for setting this up!

Many hours spent working on courts!

April Newsletter

Check out the new ATA web site!!!
http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/
Thanks to Dale Emmert for setting this up for us! This is a great place to get ATA info, so mark it as a favorite!

Court Status: City will be working with USTA to try to obtain additional grant monies for new courts. Things seem to be stalled out a little bit as there appears to be a hold-up regarding the exchange of land with the schools. No progress yet on desperate need for repair of old courts. John G and Grady met with Eric, the new Parks and Rec. Director, regarding the many needs of the old courts. ATA plans on making another presentation to the city commission in May, so watch for notices on this, and please support ATA in these endeavors.

ATA High School Scholarship will be awarded in May. Deadline for application is April 18. For more info contact Neil Bottger, John Genta, or AHS counseling office.

No April Play Day due to April tournament. Next Play day is scheduled for May 3rd, 9:00 a.m. and will be hosted by Diane and Lee Gustafson, so don’t miss it!

Spring Open Tourney April 19th & 20th!!!!! Forms have been mailed out or can be obtained from Grady Nicholson or on the ATA web site. Get you entry in by April 12!
Tournament Party will be hosted by Joy and Darryl Gallent and is set for Sat., April 19th at 7:00 p.m. Maps to their home will be available at the tournament desk. Please bring a pot luck dish and your own drinks.
Welcome new member, Sabine Berger, who recently joined ATA. See you on the courts!
Next ATA Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th, at The 19th Hole (Desert Lakes Golf Club Restaurant). Please be reminded that ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.
Condolences go out to the family of Ed Bentley, long time Alamogordo resident, and ATA member. Ed passed away on March 24th.


Beautiful and fragrant courtside wisteria is now in full bloom!

Membership rosters have been updated and are included with this newsletter. Please contact Evelyn Genta if any corrections are needed.

ATA Spring Tournament Entry Form

Click here to download an entry form in Word format. Please print the form and send it to the address indicated, or save it as a word document and email it to Grady Nicholson, or you may print the above image and mail it in.

ALAMOGORDO TENNIS ASSOCIATION (ATA)

The Alamogordo Tennis Association is the only organized tennis association in Lincoln and Otero Counties. Members come from throughout the southwest and as far away as Cody, WY. Our purpose is to promote tennis for adults and juniors, and we offer an assortment of tournaments, play days, ladders, etc., as requested by the membership. Generally, open tennis play is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and organized Play Days for members are scheduled the first Saturday of each month. An open USTA sanctioned tournament is scheduled in the spring, with a closed tournament occurring in the fall. Annual membership fees are only $15 for a single member or $29 for a family membership, and membership is open to anyone interested in the game of tennis.

For more information see alamogordotennisblogspot.com

or contact ATA at

PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88311

alamotennis@gmail.com.

March Newsletter

Final Notice
Dues are Due! $15/single and $29/family still remains a terrific bargain. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Get these in by March 31st to avoid a $5 late fee and get your name on the ATA roster (out in April).

April Play Day, hosted by the Gentas, featured a casino game format with cards and “Luck of the Draw.” Lucky winners were Dale Emmert and Pien Latham, and second place went to Alan Campbell with Nori Morgan and Anke Wintac tying for second for the women.



Court Status: Matt McNeile, asst. city manager attended the USTA sponsored convention and workshops on construction of new tennis courts. He met with USTA officials who are planning to come to Alamogordo and assist in planning for our new courts. No progress yet on desperate need for repair of old courts. We will continue to pursue grant opportunities and other options.

Beginner Class: Thanks to Darrell Latham for conducting a free beginners class. Feedback from participants was excellent; everyone came away with some new knowledge and skills!

ON THE CALENDAR!!
April 19th & 20th: Dates are set for the Spring Open Tourney for April 19th & 20th!!!!! Forms will be mailed or emailed soon!

Next ATA Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at The 19th Hole (Desert Lakes Golf Club Restaurant). Please be reminded that ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.

ATA SUPPORTS AHS TENNIS!
Alamogordo High School Tigers hosted the Alamogordo high school tennis tournament with 8 schools from around the state participating. Tourney directors Grady and Nell Nicholson worked closely with Tiger coach, Linda Gilliland, to put on this event which featured over100 players participating in 94 matches all occurring on March 8!!! Thanks to ATA members who helped transport students and make this such a successful event!

ATA donated $300 to the High School Tennis team to support some of their many needs.

ATA SCHOLARSHIP: $300 of scholarship money will be awarded to a graduating senior at the May banquet. Applications are due April 18th. See the AHS counselor, Linda Gilliland, or any board member for more info.

Congratulations to Harold Waggoner for taking 2 Gold Medals for Slalom and Giant Slalom in the Arizona State Senior Ski Olympics at Flagstaff in Feb. Other ATA Olympians within the past year include Pat and Nori Morgan (badminton); Grady Nicholson, Sabine Fall, Robert Schreiner, & Linda Gilliland (tennis), and Chuck and Marsha Kime (swimming). What a versatile group!!!


Neil Bottger, ATA treasurer, presents Linda Gilliland, AHS tiger tennis coach, with a $300 check to support tiger tennis.


Nell and Grady at tournament desk.

View Our 501 Tax Exempt Notice

To view our successful 501 (c) (7) Tax exempt status application with the IRS, look under January in the blog archive!!

Federer

ATA's Chip Chase with Roger Federer at 2007 US Open!

Dues are Due! $15/single and $29/family still remains a terrific bargain. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Get these in by March 31st to avoid a $5 late fee and get your name on the ATA roster (out in April).

January Play Day was hosted by Steve Schuster and Neil Bottger with 21 players participating. High Scorers were Pien Latham, Ken Smith, and Neil Bottger.

Nearly 2 dozen players turned out for the February Play Day hosted by Pien and Darrell Latham despite Darrell’s recent shoulder surgery! High Scorers were John White and Sabine Fahl.

Thanks to Sandy Sanchez for donating a blower to ATA. It’s great for blowing the large leaves that fall on the courts.

Court Status: New court plans are proceeding slowly, but progress is being made. Help will be needed to repair old courts in the spring. More later.

Welcome new members; Bernice McRae, Marita & Robert Meints, and Gary Miehl have all recently joined ATA. WELCOME!!!!

Beginners Clinic: Darrell Latham is offering a free clinic for players wanting to improve basic skills. This 3 session clinic will begin the week of Feb. 18th. To sign up contact Darrell at 443-6107 or piendar@msn.com.

ATA Steve Schuster attended Battle of the Clubs in Las Cruces in Jan. Steve reports the event was well worth the effort with 15 teams playing 31 matches, 186 sets, and 1647 games. Thanks to Linda Gilliland for trying to organize an ATA team. Maybe next year!!!!!

Next ATA Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th at The 19^th Hole (Desert Lakes Golf Club Restaurant). Please be reminded that ATA members are always welcome and encouraged to attend board meetings.

ON THE CALENDAR!!

March 1st: Next Play Day will be hosted by the Gentas. We will be doing Casino Royale. Bring a buck! ($1)

March 8th: High School Invitational tournament. Adult helpers are needed; if you can help contact Grady or Nell Nicholson 434-1949 or gnicholson@beyondbb.com

April 19th & 20th: Grady has already set the dates for the Spring Open Tourney for April 19th & 20th!!!!!

ATA's Tax Exempt Application