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