Court Status: Board is compiling a wish list of items needed/desired for the courts. We will see what the city is able and willing to contribute. This will take some time.

ON THE CALENDAR:

June 2: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

June 5: June Play day hosted by Cathy & Harold Waggoner in Cloudcroft; watch for more info.

June 12: Las Cruces Exchange, 9:00 in Alamogordo; sign up with John White or Evelyn Genta if you want to play, or send email to ATA.

ATA 36th Open Tournament, a HUGE success!!!

Despite a software crash the Thursday before the tournament, despite an unusual spring storm which dumped rain on the courts the morning of the tournament, despite more than expected entries with less than expected time on the courts, Grady and Nell and ATA pulled off a hugely successful open tournament. When the clouds opened up, again dumping rain, 10 minutes after the last ball was hit and seconds after the last empty pottery box was stashed in Nell’s van, it gave us pause to consider that a higher power had a hand in this one. It definitely was a team effort. John White and his truck, Rick Sotak and his potter’s wheel, Linda Gilliland & Pien Latham donating trophies, John Genta refurbishing Junior trophies, Neil Bottger and his accountability, Sandy Sanchez putting up trash bags, Nell’s geraniums, so many who showed up Sat. morning to help clear courts, all contributed to this successful event . . . again. And what a party! Thanks again to Joy and Darryl Gallent for hosting and cooking.

But, after 36 years, how much longer can we expect Grady to continue directing these tournaments? No one can replace Grady. No one wants to try. Perhaps we need to gather a team of committed members to tackle this problem. Food for thought . . .

Grady’s Tourney Write-up:

The ATA managed a very successful 36^th Annual Adult Open last month in spite of a 4 hour late start due to a heavy rain. Eighty-eight players, including 12 youths, representing 12 communities across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona competed in 12 Age group events, 8 non-sanctioned NTRP events, and 5 youth events. As has occurred several years running, unique and very popular pottery, made by ATA’s own Rick Sotak, was given as prizes to the winners and runner-ups. This was the first tournament held on our new courts, and everybody, hometowners and visitors alike, were super happy with the way the courts played (except you couldn’t use “the ball hit a crack” as an excuse). The pre-tourney rain washed off a crust of dust from a recent dust storm and left the courts sparkling.

Local player Cameron Brace-Emmert won the Men’s Open Singles final for the second straight year, defeating Jose Fantauzzi, another local, 6-1; 6-2. Number one seeds Clint Loest and Richard Vickrey, Las Cruces, also won a final two years running, when Men's Open Doubles opponents Robert Jack, El Paso, and Dennis Johnston, Ruidoso, had to retire after losing the first set, 6-2, due to an injury to Jack.

On the women’s side, Lori Robertson, Albuquerque, a 5.0 rated player, won both the Women's Open Singles title and the Women's 45 Singles title, losing only three games in three matches played. There was no Women’s Open Doubles event, but in the Women's 35 Doubles final, the last match of the tournament, Crystal Campbell Messer teamed with local Evelyn Genta, to defeat number one seeds Sabrina Aguilar and Patti Thomas, both of El Paso, 2-6; 6-3; 6-4.

AGE finals results: Men's Open Singles Brace-Emmert, Cameron (1) Alamogordo, NM def. Fantauzzi, Jose (2) Alamogordo, NM 6-1; 6-2. Women's Open Singles Robertson, Lori Albuquerque, NM def. Green, Lindsey Farmington, NM 6-0; 6-1. Men's Open Doubles Loest, Clint / Richard, Vickrey (1) def. Jack, Robert / Johnston, Dennis (2) 6-2; 1-0 Ret (inj). Mixed Open Doubles Stuart, Valerie / Richard, Vickrey (1) def. Green, Lindsey / Loest, Clint (2) 6-1; 3-6; 6-3. Men's 45 Singles Johnston, Dennis (1) Ruidoso, NM def. Herrera, Michael Albuquerque, NM 6-3; 6-0. Men's 60 Singles Springer, Thomas (1) Cloudcroft, NM def. Cleveland, Terry (2) Roswell, NM 6-3; 6-1. Women's 35 Singles Thomas, Patti El Paso, TX def. Garcia, Silvia El Paso, TX 6-1; 6-1. Men's 45 Doubles Jack, Robert / Edgan, Phinney (1) def. Cleveland, Terry / Huebner, Steve (2) 6-3; 7-6(5). Women's 35 Doubles Campbell Messer, Crystal / Genta, Evelyn def. Aguilar, Sabrina / Thomas, Patti (1) 2-6; 6-3; 6-4. Mixed 35 Doubles Freisen, John / Silvia, Garcia def. Esparza, Joe / Reed, Rosanna 4-1 Ret (inj). Women's 50 Doubles Giummo, Candace / Chantal, Spilliaert def. Latham, Pien / Richardson, Gail 6-3; 6-4. Women's 45 Singles Robertson, Lori Albuquerque, NM def. Spilliaert, Chantal Las Cruces, NM 6-1; 6-0.

NTRP final results: Mixed 7.0 Doubles Sabine Fahl / Sanders Paul (1) def. Pien Latham / Steve Schuster (2) 6-4; 7-5. Men's 3.5 Doubles Steve Schuster / White John (1) def. Jason Bolton / Patrick Morgan 6-2; 6-3. Women's Singles 3.5 Anke Witac Alamogordo, def. Susan Bolton Aurora, CO 6-4; 6-0. Men's Singles 4.0 Shane Burns, Alamogordo, NM def. Rick Sotak (1) Alamogordo, NM 6-3; 7-6(3). Mixed 6.5 Doubles Sabine Berger / Robert Meints def. Wolfgang Fahl / Linda Gilliland (1) 6-2; 6-1. Women's 3.0 Doubles Susan Bolton / Morgan Muriel (Nori) def. Bernice McRae / Marita Meints 7-5; 6-3. Men's 4.0 Doubles Jeff Lazar / Jeffrey Murray (2) def. John Genta / Rick Sotak (1) 6-4; 3-6; 6-4. Women's 4.0 Doubles Evelyn Genta / Anke Witac def. Josephine Gallent / Sandy Sanchez 6-4; 6-0.

Youth finals results: Boys' 18 Singles Geary, Mathew Johnathan def. Shoaf, Steel 4-2;4-1. Boys' 14 Singles Moezzi, Andy def. Barnes, Christian 5-4 (4), 5-3. Boys' Doubles Barnes, Christian & Moezzi, Andy def. Gallegos, Aslan & Moezzi, Cody 5-3, 4-1. Boys' 12 Singles Moezzi, Cody def. Gallegos, Aslan 4-1,1-4, 5-4 (7). Girls' 14 Singles Sampath, Megan def. Henderson, Davishia 2-4, 4-1, 5-4 (6).

Senior Olympics: Several local players are participating; state competition is in July.

Roswell Exchange: Well, ATA lost the coveted Alien/White Sands trophy to a team of hot shot Roswell players. We’ll be out to win it back next year.

Thanks to Presidents & Coordinators Hot shot Roswell players and one turncoat

May Play Day: 5 courts of players turned out for play day and to say goodbye to Lathams. Sabine & Wolfgang Fahl and Anke Witak hosted. Thanks!!!

Winners were Gail Richardson, Sabine Berger, Robert Meints, and Lee Gustafson (hiding).

Adios Pien and Darrel. Hasta la Vista!

30 players & friends gathered for lunch following play.

Welcome new members Rick Button! An updated roster is attached to this newsletter for those of you who receive it by email. It includes the latest new members, a few returning members and a few minor corrections.

ATA web page: http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/

Party shots!!! (email only)

April Newsletter

ON THE CALENDAR:

April 14: Last day to sign up for Senior Olympics

April 17-18: ATA spring USTA sanctioned tourney. Deadline for entries is April 10. Draw will be Mon. April 12. Bleachers may not be set up, so bring chairs, but please keep chairs off courts to avoid potential damage to court membrane.

April 17: Tourney party hosted by Darryl & Joy Gallant, 7:00; bring a dish to share and your favorite beverage.

May 1: Roswell Exchange at Oregon courts, 9:30. Contact Steve Schuster if you would like to participate in competition to retain the coveted White Sands/Roswell trophy. ATA will provide lunch.

May 5: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

May 8: May Play Day, 9:00, Oregon courts, hosted by Sabine & Wolfgang Fahl

Senior Olympics: Local registration is Apr 1-14 ($15 fee) with entry forms available at the Senior Center. There will be men's and women's singles and doubles, and mixed, in each 5 year age division, starting at age 50. The first 6 place finishers in each division will qualify for State (no obligation to go). Registration for State will be in May, and play in Las Cruces, Jul 28-Aug 1. This is a qualifying year for Nationals (Summer, 2011, Houston, TX), Players qualifying for Nationals are not obligated to go. Contact Grady Nicholson if you plan to play locally.

April Play Day: What a turn out! ATA board decorated courts, organized ribbon cutting, and helped provide food. Dale Emmert brought his famous pies and organized the play with all 8 courts filled. High scorers: Gayle Richardson and Darryl Gallent; Sandy Sanchez & Cameron Emmert were 2nd.

Welcome new members, Leeanne & Ronny Smith, from Ruidoso, hopefully will be driving down to join the many upcoming ATA events. Also welcome Dan Tisdale from Cloudcroft; his wife, Gina joined ATA last month, and welcome back, Shane Burns!

Terry Marquardt & Ron Griggs cut ribbon; Nell & Grady receive appreciation plaque

ATA 36th Annual Open Tennis Tournament

Click here to download an entry form for the ATA 36th Annual Alamogordo Adult Open Tennis Tournament

March Newsletter

ON THE CALENDAR:

April 3rd: April Play Day and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony!! 9:00 am; Oregon Courts

Courts are expected to be complete but watch for an email to verify. Dale Emmert, host.

April 7: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

April 17-18: ATA spring USTA sanctioned tourney. Tourney will include some youth categories (separate form). Entries forms will be sent out by the end of March; deadline for entries is April 10.

April: Senior Olympics local competition begins; this is a qualifying year for Nationals.

Court Status: Construction schedule remains on schedule. During week of March 8, Renner and city will clean concrete surface and prepare for surface coat and color. City is preparing for bleachers, other concrete work, nets, wind screens, and other details which they will handle when surfacing is complete. Our president, John White, has been attending numerous meetings to hopefully ensure a smooth completion of the many details that must be handled. Many thanks, John. ATA remains confident that April scheduled activities can proceed as planned. (Photos compliments of Sandy Sanchez)

Senior Olympics: Local competition for this year's Senior Olympic is starting in late April. This is a qualifying year for Nationals (Summer, 2011, Huston, TX), so State competition may be better than last year. Grady Nicholson is acting as tennis coordinator; 434-1949 for questions. Local registration is Apr 1-14 ($15 fee). Match play will be Wed, Apr 21 (considerable leeway here). Entry forms will soon be available at the Senior Center. There will be men's and women's singles and doubles, and mixed, in each 5 year age division, starting at age 50. The first 6 place finishers in each division will qualify for State (no obligation to go). Registration for State will be in May, and play in Las Cruces, Jul 28-Aug 1. Players qualifying for Nationals are not obligated to go. Contact Grady if you plan to play locally.

Membership Dues were Due in January. Annual dues remain inexpensive at $15/singles and $29/family. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88311. Get dues in to be included on ATA roster (comes out in April) and to avoid $5 late fee.

ATA web page: http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/

More court photos:

New Member: Please welcome Gina Tisdale to ATA. Gina lives in Cloudcroft and is looking forward to playing in warmer weather! Welcome Gina!

January/February Newsletter

ON THE CALENDAR:

Feb. 26-28: Mixed doubles age division Tournament, Picacho Hills; more info. below

March 3: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

Feb/March: USTA Sr. League Play, see below

April 17-18: ATA spring USTA sanctioned tourney. These dates contingent on courts being completed by that time as expected.

April: Senior Olympics local competition begins; this is a qualifying year for Nationals. Be on the lookout for more info next month or contact Grady Nicholson coordinator.

Court Status: Construction of new courts has begun! In January demolition of courts began with city workers removing fencing and tearing out cracked courts. Renner Sports Service, tennis court specialists, from Denver are now in the process of building new courts. This company built the courts at NMSU, Andre Agassi’s Las Vegas courts, and most recently the Rio Rancho High School courts. They hope to have work completed by March 31, but weather delays can be expected. January rains have delayed 6 working days thus far. Cliff, the Renner foreman, told John White, “I have never seen such a high level of interest from any community in the country.” A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned at project completion.

Paul Sanders, Steve Schuster, Dave Bolin, and Neil Bottger played the final sets on the Oregon courts as the fences were being removed around them. Officially, Jan. 5th at 10:15 AM play ceased.

Membership Dues were Due in January. Annual dues remain inexpensive at $15/singles and $29/family. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88311. Get dues in to avoid $5 late fee.

Interested in Senior League Play??? USTA Sr. League play is starting up this spring. Men and Women leagues levels 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 are organizing now for players 50 years old and up, and will run from the end of Feb. through April with weekend play. Teams consist of 8 to 10 players, and each player must play in at least two competitions (more is preferable). If enough players are interested, Alamogordo teams can be coordinated, or players can also join in with Las Cruces teams. Registration begins on Feb. 14 with play beginning the end of the month. A $23 fee is required for each player and players must be active USTA members. If interested, contact either John White or Evelyn Genta by Feb. 12, or contact Chantal Spilliaert, SNM USTA Adult League Coordinator 575-541-0514 or cspi26@hotmail.com.

Mixed Doubles Age Division Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 26-28 at Picacho Hills in Las Cruces. Entry deadline is Feb. 20. Tourney cost is $18. You can register at USTA.com, tennislink. Tourney ID is 759502110, or call 575-635-9044. ATA board members have info flyers.

January Play Day was hosted by Pien and Darrell Latham. Seventeen players played on old cracked courts with Sandy Sanchez and Cameron Emmert emerging as high scorers. Next play day will be on new courts!!

Battle of the Clubs was played in Las Cruces the end of Jan. ATA was well represented with 3 teams consisting of 8 players/team participating. The team tennis format consisted of 6 matches per team with total games won determining winners. The ATA 3.0 team (pictured 1st) came away with the 1st place trophy, while the 3.5 & 4.0 teams placed 4th. Thanks to all players and special thanks to Darrell and Pien Latham for organizing our players and to team captains Darrell Latham, Steve Schuster, and Darryl Gallent.

December Newsletter

Court Status: Tis the season to be jolly and ATA has good reason to celebrate. On Dec. 9th the $475,000 funding for tennis courts was restored to Alamogordo. This happened through a “request for exemption” by the city manager, and much work and support from others. Special thanks to Terry Marquardt; Mark Roath, city manager; Ron Griggs, mayor; Representative Nate Cote; and especially to our president, John White. We look forward to seeing things change at the Oregon courts soon!!!

ON THE CALENDAR:

Jan. 6: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

Jan 2: January Play Day at Oregon courts, 9:00. Hosted by Pien and Darrell Latham

Jan. 28-31: Battle of the Clubs, Las Cruces. See below for more info.

Expect February Play Day to be cancelled due to court construction

New city manager, Mark Roath, talks to ATA members at Nov. Play Day.

City grinding court one; plans were to use this as the trial court before patching

Membership Dues are Due in January. Annual dues remain inexpensive at $15/singles and $29/family. Dues can be given to Neil Bottger or any board member or mailed to ATA, PO Box 684, Alamogordo, NM 88311.

Battle of the Clubs is being hosted again by Picacho Hills Tennis Assoc. in Las Cruces. Scheduled for Jan 28-31 the event promises good food, door prizes, and raffles. Teams consist of 8 players: 4 men and 4 women. It has been suggested that ATA try to send a 3.0 team and a 3.5 team this year. (Our 3.5 team won its division last year). Entry costs $320/team ($40/person) which includes a breakfast and box lunch. Get your entries in to Darrell Latham as soon as possible or call him for more information. He will place players on teams on a first come/first serve basis; his deadline for our entries is Jan. 15.

ATA Christmas Party was another blast. Good food and lots of laughs with Sintra’s tacky gift exchange is becoming quite a tradition. Thanks to Sintra and Ruthven Sampath for hosting this party again.

December Play Day on Dec. 12th was well attended with 7 courts of festive players coming out to play. Ed Cole, city commissioner, came and addressed ATA members and celebrated with a toast to the new courts. A team format resulted in the “quail team” consisting of Ken Smith, Robert Meints, Harold Waggoner, and Dave Bolin turned up high scorers, with Ken Smith with the high score for the day. Thanks to the Gentas for hosting and to Sotaks, Anke Witak, and Dale Emmert for helping with snacks.

No newsletter in Jan. Jan. and Feb. newsletters will be combined and out in Feb.

Do you know: Do you know that 40-40 is NOT deuce? Deuce is actually defined as returning to 40-40 in a game.

ATA web page: http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/

November Newsletter

ATA Newsletter November 2009

Court Status: Well, the worst possible scenario has become a reality. Just as the construction bids were finally being opened and reviewed, all capital outlay monies were pulled due to the $6.6 million deficit. The monies are gone, along with ATA’s hope for new courts. Note ATA letter to editor.

ON THE CALENDAR:

Dec. 2: ATA Board meeting at noon; all members welcome.

Dec. 5: December Play Day and ATA Christmas Party. Dinner party and tacky gift exchange is being hosted again by Ruthven and Sintra Sampath, beginning at 7:00. It will be potluck with ATA providing ham, turkey, wine, and Ruthven will make his famous jungle juice. Don’t miss it!

ATA Newsletter November 2009

Results: ATA closed Tourney Oct.

Holloman AFB employee and assistant High School tennis coach, Carl Jones, won the Men’s Open Singles in the 2009 Otero County Closed Tennis Tournament. Jones defeated local attorney and recent District Attorney, Scot Key, 6-2, 6-4, in the final. Crystal Messer, Denver, won the Women’s Singles event, defeating Alma Villanueva, High Rolls, 6-4,6-3, in a two hour final.

Results of the remaining finals: Men's Singles 45 Thomas Springer def. Rick Sotak 6-4; 6-1. Men's Singles 65 Jess Blough def. Jeff Lazar 6-4; 2-6; 7-6(5). Men's Doubles Open Jeff Lazar / Murray Jeffrey def. Chase Schimel / Alex Tolsma 6-0; 6-1. Men's Doubles 45 John Genta / Sotak Rick def. James Crouse / Thomas Springer 6-2; 4-6; 7-6(5). Men's Doubles 65 Steve Schuster / John White def. Jess Blough / Ken Smith 2-6; 7-5; 6-1. Women's Doubles Sabine Fahl / Crystal Messer def. Pien Latham / Gail Richardson 6-2; 6-2. Mixed Doubles Open Cameron Emmert / Richardson Gail, 2nd place Leonard Sampath/Emily Dodson. Mixed Doubles 35. Sabine Fahl / Paul Sanders def. Allen Campbell / Crystal Messer 6-2; 6-0. Mixed Doubles 55 John Genta / Evelyn Genta def. Pien Latham / Steve Schuster 6-1; 6-3. Youth Boys Singles Ben Dodson def. Andy Moezzi 8-5.

Special thanks to Grady and Nell Nicholson for running our tournament—again!

New ATA Board members elected at the Oct. 11 annual meeting are John White and Anke Witak. Special thanks to outgoing members Steve Schuster and Joy Gallant. The ATA board for the 2009-2010 year is:

John White, President; Evelyn Genta, VP & Newsletter; Sabine Fahl, Secretary; Neil Bottger, Treasurer; and Anke Witak, Member at Large.

Thanks also to all members who were interested in running for the board, and to Pien and Darrell Latham for hosting the annual meeting.

ATA Board: L to R: Neil Bottger, Treas, Sabine Fahl, Sec.; Steve Schuster, outgoing Pres.; Joy Gallent, outgoing Sec.; Anke Witak, member at large; Evelyn Genta, VP; John White, Pres.

Roswell/Alamogordo Exchange: ATA emerged victorious in Roswell on Oct. 24th, retaining the coveted white sands/alien trophy. Thanks to all who participated and special thanks to Roswell for their hospitality and to Steve Schuster and Terry Cleveland for organizing such a smooth running event.

November Play Day and turkey shoot, was again hosted by Ken Smith with 7 courts of players turning out to compete for the prized turkeys and a one of Dale’s famous pies. High scorers were Lee Gustafson, Nori Morgan, Joy Gallent, Rick Sotak, and Anke Witak. Congratulations to those winners. Following play, Nori and Pat Morgan invited everyone to their home for Nori’s delicious gumbo lunch. Thanks again to Ken and to Pat and Nori!!

2009 Play Day Schedule:

Jan: Pien & Darrell Latham

Feb: Joy & Daryl Gallent

March: Dale Emmert

April: no play day (tournament?)

May: Sabine & Wolfgang Fahl

June: Cathy & Harold Waggoner

July: Anke Witak

Aug: Halie Purdy

Sept: Marita & Robert Meints

Oct: no play day (tournament?)

Nov: Ken & Neoma Smith

Dec: Diane & Lee Gustafson

Schedules change, so double check your newsletters and emails for the latest updates.

If you would like to host a play day, please contact Anke Witak, or any board member.

New ATA member, Crystal Messer, lives in Denver and plays tennis in Alamogordo whenever she has a chance to visit her parents, the Campbells. Welcome Crystal!

Tues/Thurs Open Play: Please be reminded that Tuesday and Thursdays are open play days, for players to meet and join in play. Every 30 minutes players rotate between courts to allow a mix of play. If you do not wish to join in and switch around on Tuesdays and Thursdays, please arrange your own players and play on the northern courts.

ATA web page: http://alamogordotennis.blogspot.com/