Racquet Sports Industry

November/December 2006
Volume 34 Number 10 $5.00
CHAMPIONS
OF TENNIS
2006
Our annual awards honor
those who continue to
make this sport a winner
Kirk Anderson • Midtown Tennis Center • Grant Morgan • Courtsmiths •
Jim Willwerth • PGA Tour Superstores • Swetka’s Tennis Shop •
Bwana Chakar Simba • Beverly Bourguet • Cary Tennis Park • Bruce Karr •
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center • Montgomery County Tennis
Association • Ajay Pant • Brett Hobden • David Steinbach • USTA Texas
Contents R S I N O V / D E C
INDUSTRY NEWS
2 0 0 6
7 USPTA honors standouts in

tennis profession
SPECIAL SECTION 7 Jane Brown Grimes to be next
2006 Champions of Tennis USTA president
Our annual awards honor the people and organizations that are making a
difference in the business of tennis. 7 ASBA Tech Meeting set for
December
8 Nike is official apparel and
footwear for USPTA
22 Person of the Year 32 Municipal Facility of the Year
Kirk Anderson Cary Tennis Park 8 Tennis Channel acquires rights
25 Private Facility of the Year 32 Wheelchair Tennis Champion to French Open
Midtown Tennis Center of the Year
8 Award winners named at
26 Stringer of the Year Bruce Karr
PTR/ROHO Chps.
Grant Morgan 33 Public Park of the Year
27 Builder/Contractor of the Year USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis
Center
9 New Advantage net posts
Courtsmiths add benefits
28 Sales Rep of the Year 33 Community Tennis Association
Jim Willwerth
of the Year 9 Head/Penn, USPTA extend
Montgomery County Tennis Association
agreement
29 Chain Retailer/Mass Merchant 34 PTR Member of the Year
of the Year
PGA Tour Superstores
Ajay Pant 10 Ferris State names PTM
30 Pro/Specialty Retailer 34 USPTA Member of the Year Advisory Board

of the Year
Brett Hobden
10 Howard Brody honored by USTA
Swetka’s Tennis Shop 35 High School Coach of the Year
31 Junior Development Champion David Steinbach 11 Prince launches limited-edition
of the Year 35 USTA Section of the Year O3 Citron
Bwana Chakar Simba Texas
31 Grassroots Champion
11 Cardio Tennis workshop held
of the Year in Portugal
Beverly Bourguet
12 O3 Hybrid Tour joins Prince
racquet line
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 42 String Playtest: Klip Detonator 16
18 Focus on Apparel 44 Tips & Techniques
20 Retailing Success 46 Ask the Experts
37 RSI 2006 Industry Resource Guide 48 Your Serve, by Scott Hanover
November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

Our Serve
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
True Champions of Tennis Publishers

David Bone Jeff Williams
T his issue marks our 6th Annual Champions of Ten-

nis Awards. We’re thrilled that every year, the
awards that we started in 2001 to honor those often
Editor-in-Chief
Crawford Lindsey
Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
“unsung” heroes of the sport have gained more and Associate Editor
more notice within the industry. Last year, we were Greg Raven
able to present 13 of our 17 awards in person, and it Design/Art Director

Kristine Thom
was particularly gratifying to be able to publicly recog-
Contributing Editors
nize our winners in front of their peers. Cynthia Cantrell
But the unfortunate part of our awards is that they only recog- Rod Cross
Kristen Daley
nize a very limited number of people. There truly are hundreds of Joe Dinoffer
“champions” of our sport throughout the country—all of whom Liza Horan
deserve recognition. Whether they are at tennis facilities, parks, Andrew Lavallee
retail shops, manufacturers, court-building companies, CTAs, or James Martin
Chris Nicholson
any number of tennis-related businesses or organizations, when it Bob Patterson
comes to promoting and growing tennis, these champions inhabit Cynthia Sherman
that critical area “where the rubber meets the road,” as it was said
RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
recently in a USTA committee meeting on community tennis.
Corporate Offices
One industry veteran, Jim Baugh, the outgoing president of the 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084
Tennis Industry Association, says those who are in it for the good Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
of the game are “pure” tennis people. And Jim should know, Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
because he, for many years, has set the standard for a “pure” ten-
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
nis person. RSI recognized that fact back in 2003, when Jim was a
co-winner of our “Person of the Year” Award. Advertising Director
Look at the people around you and I’ll bet you’ll find at least one John Hanna
770-650-1102, x.125
“pure” tennis person who deserves to be a “champion” in his or
hanna@knowatlanta.com
her own right. And you know, maybe you and your organization
should find a way to recognize those people. It could be something Apparel Advertising
as simple as an “employee of the month” or “volunteer of the Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
month” award. Or it could even be something more grand.
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
One thing is for sure, though: In a business that frequently goes
Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 0191-
beyond just a 9-to-5 job, a little recognition never hurts. In fact, it 5851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January
will probably prove to be good for business. through August and combined issues in Septem-
ber/October and November/December by Tennis
Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443 and addi-
tional mailing offices. November/December 2006, Vol-
ume 34, Number 10 © 2006 by USRSA and Tennis
Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry,
Peter Francesconi RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the
U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone
Editorial Director
circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly sub-
scriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMAS-
TER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry,
330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.
RSI is the “official magazine” of the USRSA, TIA, USTWA, and ASBA
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

R S I N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6
INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS
Jane Brown Grimes Nominated

As 2007-08 USTA President
USPTA Honors Standouts in Tennis Profession
ore than 1,200 tennis teachers, coaches, players, volunteers, managers, and others
The USTA
Nominating
Committee has
M attended the annual USPTA World Conference
on Tennis, held Sept. 18 to 23 at the Flamin-
go in Las Vegas.
nominated Attendees were treated to a full slate of specialty
Jane Brown courses, seminars, generals sessions and more, cov-
Grimes as ering a broad spectrum of topics to help them
USTA chairman improve all aspects of their business, both oncourt
of the board and off. The schedule also included a Tennis Buying
and president Show (along with a silent auction), the National Car-
to serve a two-year term in 2007- dio Tennis Feeding Shootout finals, and tournament
2008. Brown Grimes, who is currently play. DVDs of the educational programs are available.
completing a two-year term as USTA Visit www.uspta.com for more information.
first vice president, is scheduled to
At the World Conference, the USPTA also honored
take office Jan. 1. She will become the
its top members:
Q Clarence Mabry of San Antonio became the sev-
second female chairman of the board
and president in USTA history.
enth grand inductee into the USPTA’s Hall of
Currently, Brown Grimes serves on the Fame. Mabry has coached at Trinity University
Trevor Salton, the tennis director at The Wood-
USTA Investment Committee, the ITF for 19 years.
Q Tom Daglis of Canadian Lakes, Mich., received National Feeding Shootout, held in September at
lands in Houston, won the inaugural Cardio Tennis
Fed Cup Committee and the Grand
Slam Committee. A member of the the association’s top annual member award, the the USPTA World Conference. In three 60-second
Tennis in the Parks Task Force, she has rounds, he fed 58, 58, and 56 balls into targets.
Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of
previously held positions on the USTA the Year. Daglis is the director of the Ferris State University Professional Tennis Manage-
board as secretary-treasurer and ment program and general manager of Ferris State University Racquet & Fitness Center.
director at large. The USPTA Star, recognizing teaching professionals who make an indelible mark on their
communities through the sport of tennis, was awarded to Chris Michalowski of Acme, Mich.,
In addition, the following have been
and Tony Reyes of Chandler, Ariz. Michalowski also won the USTA/USPTA Community Serv-
nominated in the new slate of elected
officers and directors for the USTA ice Award. Joe Dinoffer of Dallas received the USPTA Industry Excellence Award. Nick John-
board: Lucy S. Garvin of Greenville, son of Frisco, Texas, director of the Lakes Tennis Academy, received the Facility Manager of
S.C., first vice president; Joseph A. the Year Award.
Grover of Midland, Mich., vice presi- Other honorees include: Francisco Montana, Palmetto Bay, Fla.—Touring Coach of the
dent; Gordon A. Smith of Atlanta, vice Year; Steve Wilkinson, St. Peter, Minn.—College Coach of the Year; Beth Miller, Delray Beach,
president; and Donald L. Tisdel of Lake Fla.—High School Coach of the Year; and Gary Trost, Oklahoma City—Georgo Bacso Tester of
Oswego, Ore., secretary-treasurer. the Year.
Nominated as directors at large are:

Katrina Adams of White Plains, N.Y.;
David N. Dinkins of New York, N.Y.;
Management Consultant to Highlight ASBA Meeting
reg Hoyle, who specializes in general management issues and tech-
Pat Galbraith of Bainbridge Island,
Wash.; Dave Haggerty of Pennington,
N.J.; Brian Hainline of Douglaston,
N.Y.; John Korff of Honolulu; Trevor
G niques to help contractors become more effective, will be the
keynote speaker at the American Sports Builders Association
Technical Meeting, set for Dec. 1 to 4 at the Plaza Resort & Spa in
Kronemann of Irvine, Calif.; Bill Rivera Daytona Beach, Fla.
of El Paso, Texas; and Jon Vegosen of The ASBA’s annual tech meeting offers presentations and seminars
Chicago. to help your business and will include opportunities to network, includ-
ing a trade show. For more information, visit www.sportsbuilders.org or call 866-501-ASBA.

INDUSTRYNEWS N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 6
Nike is Official Apparel, Footwear for USPTA Two Earn USPTA Master
Professional Designation
T
he USPTA, through a new long-term partnership with Fromuth Tennis, will
D
offer Nike products as the official footwear and apparel of the USPTA. The ave Hagler of Los
deal, which was authorized by Nike, makes Fromuth the official provider of Angeles and Alan
Nike shoes and clothes to the teaching pro organization. Cutler of Whittier,
The relationship means USPTA teaching pros will be offered preferred pric- Calif, recently earned
ing on Nike products, says Marty Sappington, Nike’s commerce director for USA recognition as Master
Tennis. “Along with our high-profile tour athletes, we feel the local teaching pro- Professionals in the
fessional is a key influencer on the tennis consumer's products of choice,” says USPTA, the organiza-
Sappington. “Partnering with Fromuth Tennis and their excellent service model tion’s highest profession-
will give us the opportunity to place our product on court in front of tens of
al rating. Only about 1
thousands of tennis players every day.”
percent of the USPTA’s
Fromuth has been a wholesale distributor of racquet sports equipment to
14,500 worldwide mem-
country clubs, pro shops, specialty stores, high schools, universities, and rac-
bers have achieved the
quet stringers for more than 35 years. “We are very excited about this relation-
Master Pro designation.
ship with Nike and Fromuth and the opportunity to bring the benefits of it to
“Becoming a Master
our members,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler.
Professional requires
meeting a variety of per-
Award Winners Named At PTR/ROHO Chps. sonal and professional
challenges,” says USPTA
H
arlon Matthews of McDonough, Ga., received PTR’s Wheelchair Pro of the CEO Tim Heckler. “Those who accomplish it
Year Award at the PTR/ROHO $17,500 Wheelchair Tennis Championships, acquire a set of skills that can set them apart
held Sept. 20-24 on Hilton Head Island, S.C. in tennis operations and programming.”
Matthews, a PTR-certified tennis instructor, teaches tennis to both wheelchair Hagler (top), an independent contractor,
and able-bodied students at Henry County Parks & Recreation. In 2005, Matthews and Cutler, head tennis coach for Whittier
earned the USTA Georgia Wheelchair Tennis Player of the Year, the Georgia Pro- Union High School District and an independ-
fessional Tennis Association’s Player of the Year, and PTR’s Golden Eagle Award ent contractor, were honored in September
for Service to the Game. The GPTA and PTR awards are not wheelchair specific at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis in
and are awarded by other tennis teaching pros. Las Vegas.
The PTR Golden Eagle Award for Service to the Game was presented to Kelly
Skelton of Wartrace, Tenn. Skelton, the director of the Middle Tennessee State Uni-
versity program, received a Tennis Tutor ball throwing machine to help continue
with her tennis programs.
Tennis Channel Acquires
The Sportsmanship Award winner was Tim Wall of Brooklet, Ga. Honorable Rights to French Open
T
Mentions for Sportsmanship during the event went to Eddie Hawkins of Asheville, he Tennis Channel
N.C., Tom Johnson of Rock Hill, S.C., Karin Korb of Atlanta, and Patrick Mulvihill, acquired it’s first-ever
of Biloxi, Miss. Grand Slam telecast cov-
erage rights recently through
a multi-year agreement with
the French Tennis Federa-
tion to broadcast the French
Open. TTC will receive exclusive U.S. tele-
cast rights to all Roland Garros matches,
with the exception of established NBC cov-
erage windows.
In addition to live event coverage, the
network plans to produce and televise
Roland Garros-themed original program-
ming, highlights, press conferences, and
news updates originating from the tourna-
ment, TTC officials said in a press release.
In addition, the deal gives TTC U.S. rights
in all media, including broadband and
video-on-demand, as well as access to
From left: Otto Roberts of The ROHO Group, Agnieszka Olszyna of the ITF, PTR Founder Dennis Van der Meer, Julie Roland Garros’s media archives.
Jilly of the PTR, Harlon Matthews, and Scott Crosswhite of Quickie wheelchairs.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Advantage Net Posts Head/Penn, USPTA Extend Agreement

Add Benefits
T
he USPTA signed a seven-year agreement with Head/Penn Racquet Sports that
A
dvantage extends the USPTA’s endorsement of the Pro Penn ball through 2013. This con-
Tennis Sup- tinues the 33-year contract the USPTA already has with Pro Penn into its fourth
ply has decade, which makes it the longest and oldest endorsement in the tennis
added benefits industry.
to its high-quali- Penn says it has incorporated a new technology with the addition of Encore
ty tennis net Technology, which makes the product 33 percent longer lasting. Also, the new
posts. The Fast Smart Optik felt makes the ball 19 percent more visible, says the company.
Drop External “We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Head/Penn and are
excited to bring the new technologically advanced Pro Penn ball to our members,”
Wind and Inter-
says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler.
nal Wind net
posts now are
electrostatically powder-coated and
then oven-cured in either glossy black
or green, for a hard, long-lasting,
durable finish, says the company. All of
the drilling and tapping is done prior to
this process, so even these areas are
coated. Advantage Tennis Supply con-
tinues to offer all of their tennis net
posts with black, steel, powder-coated
lacing rods at no additional cost. The
rods are not welded, but attached by
zinc-coated Tek screws at four points to
ensure durability. Other components of
the Advantage line consist of alu-
minum, zinc, and/or stainless steel. For
information call 800-476-5432 or visit
www.advantagetennissupply.com.
Tail Creates Cardio

Tennis Line for Spring
T
ail has created a line of
activewear specifically designed
for Cardio Tennis as part of its
spring 2007 Tail Tech Performance
collection. “We
focused on devel-
oping the best fit-
ness-inspired
clothing that can
be worn for tennis
and all other fit-
ness activities,”
says Brad Singer,
Tail’s v.p. of sales
and marketing. Tail’s new fabrics
provide moisture management and
are protected with an anti-microbial
finish, says the company. For more
information, call 305-638-2650 or
visit www.tailinc.com.

Oncourt Brody Honored by USTA

Dr. Howard Brody received the Faculty Emeritus
Offcourt Award at the 2006 USTA Tennis Teachers Con-
ference, held in New York City in August. Brody,
Offers a world expert in the fields of physics and ten-
nis technology, is a member of the USTA’s
“Flex Sport Science Committee and a noted author.
Trainer”
Ferris State Names PTM Advisory Board
U
SPTA and PTR
F
Master Pro- erris State University’s Professional Tennis Management Program
fessional Joe has formed an advisory board of industry experts to provide feed-
Dinoffer designed back on trends and characteristics it sees as important for students
the Flex Trainer entering the tennis profession. Members are: Jorge Andrew, director of
training aid to help tennis, Lexington County Community T.C.; David Bone, executive direc-
players get a rapid feel for lowering their playing tor, USRSA; David Brouwer, director of tennis, Michigan Athletic Club;
height. The benefits are improved topspin on ground- Will Hoag, USPTA past president, director of tennis, Coral Ridge C.C.;
strokes, getting down for low volleys, and overall Patrick Kearns, director of tennis, Farmington C.C.; Mike Kernodle, pro-
faster court coverage, Dinoffer says. The Flex Trainer fessor of motor learning, Applachian State University, USPTA Education
features three levels of resistance bands for easy use Committee; Rick Macci, president, Rick Macci Tennis Academy; Stan
by players of all heights and playing levels. Waist and
Oley, national sales manager, Playmate Ball Machines; David Porter, pro-
ankle straps are also fully adjustable. For wholesale
fessor/head tennis coach, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, USTPA
and retail pricing and a free 84-page color catalog,
past president; Scott Schultz, recreational tennis managing director,
contact Oncourt Offcourt at 88-TENNIS-11 or
USTA; Joe Thompson, director of tennis, Rolling Hills C.C., USPTA past
www.oncourtoffcourt.com.
president; Fred Viancos, director of professional development, USPTA.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Prince Launches O3
Citron to Benefit
VFW Foundation
T
hroughout the country, yellow
ribbons symbolize the hope of a
safe return of U.S. military per-
sonnel. Now, that same shade of yel-
low will be on a tennis racquet, for
the benefit of American military men
and women.
Prince recently launched the O3
Citron to benefit the Veterans of For-
eign Wars Foundation. In honor of
the Nov. 11 Veterans Day holiday,
Prince will donate a portion of net
sales from every O3 Citron to the
VFW Foundation. The money will go
to military families through the VFW’s
Unmet Needs Program and the
National Veterans Service Program.
Only 2,400 O3 Citron racquets
will be available for purchase at a
suggested retail price of $250. Visit
www.princetennis.com.
Cardio Workshop
Held in Portugal
T
he first international Cardio
Tennis Workshop was held in
Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 7,
funded by Tennis Europe and the
Portuguese Tennis Federation. More
than 60 pros from nine countries
attended the 10-hour workshop,
which was led by National Cardio
Tennis Program Director Michele
Krause (center) with assistance
from Ted Murray (left) and Butch
Staples (right).

Tennis Beyond Big Shots Prince Adds O3 Hybrid Tour
P
Greg Moran, director of tennis at The Four rince’s latest addition to the O3 Hybrid Collection
Seasons Racquet Club in Wilton, Conn., is the O3 Hybrid Tour. With input and playtesting
presents an approach to playing tennis from ATP and WTA Tour pros, Prince says it
that moves away from power and big designed the new racquet for serious competitive play-
shots yet is more lethal to opponents than ers. World No. 24 player Shahar Peer and top U.S. jun-
any booming serve. In his new book, Ten- ior Sam Querrey recently switched to the new frame.
nis Beyond Big Shots, Moran shows players The new racquet features O3 technology, but the O-
of all ages and abilities that, with simple Ports on the 95-square-inch Hybrid Tour are situated at
and small changes, you can not only maxi- 3 and 9 o’clock on the perimeter of the frame to
mize your tennis wins and play longer, but also have much increase racquet head speed and provide more spin
more fun doing it. Available in paperback; $26.95; 260 pages; and power, says the company.
Mansion Grove House. Also available as a CD for $26.95. To “My game is all about precision and power,” says
order, visit TennisBeyondBigshots.com or call 408-404-7277. Peer, “so the speed of the O3 Hybrid Tour helps me get
to the ball more quickly. This racquet really helps take
USRSA MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS advantage of all my game’s strengths.”

The new racquet, in metallic orange and black, has
TENNIS PROFESSIONALS NEEDED to take a Caribbean Vacation! a suggested retail price of $200. For information, visit
You work 3 hours per day and receive 5-star all inclusive accommo- princetennis.com.
dations for yourself and 1 guest. Contact Denise Cox 678-778-
4673; www.fitbodiesinc.com
HELP WANTED Manager for Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop, 45 minutes
north of NYC in prestigious year round facility. Shop is privately
owned and established. Prior experience in tennis &/or retail a
plus. Fax resume to: 914-277-2139

INDUSTRY NEWS
Tennis Industry Association U P D AT E

W W W . T E N N I S I N D U S T R Y. O R G
MEMBERSHIP
A new member and renewal drive is scheduled for early November. Currently, there are
350 TIA members in the different member categories—participating partners, supporting
members, retailers, facilities, and individuals. Benefits and services, depending on the level,
include research, merchant card services, travel, publication and media discounts, Ten-
nisWire exposure, facility insurance, and more. New for 2007 will be a revamped website
with database searches for manufacturers, retailers, court contractors, and facilities, along
with new retailer insurance, a membership survey, and more.
GRASSROOTS PROGRAMS
There are now more than 2,000 Tennis Welcome Centers and 1,600 Cardio Tennis sites in
the U.S., and plans are moving ahead to increase numbers and exposure while ensuring
quality delivery of programs. For 2007, look for a coordination of efforts between TWCs
and CT sites.
TENNISCONNECT.ORG
Member facilities have access to this acclaimed website builder to promote their programs
and events. Features include a calendar, court scheduler, group email function, player
matching, and much more. At its second anniversary, there are 20,000 registered, active
users and an average of 50,000 courts booked online monthly through TennisConnect. New
for 2007 will be online payment through the TennisCollect system, new templates and
added features, a League and Ladder system, daily online training forums and seminars, a
stringing center, and more.
RESEARCH
More than 70 annual reports and research surveys are generated for the TIA, including the
tennis participation study, specialty retail audit, dealer trends, consumer reports, census
reports, facilities database, and cost of doing business reports. New for 2007 will be court
construction research, expanded apparel and footwear research, and expanded retailer and
facility research.

SHORT SETS initiative at the US Open to educate

> Italy won its first Fed Cup title in Septem-
ber, beating Belgium 3-2 after Justine Henin-
women battling breast cancer about ways
to help them minimize the risk of recur-
Hardenne was forced to stop because of rence. Visit www.ribbonofpink.com for
knee pain during the deciding doubles more information.
match. In the 2007 Fed Cup first round, the
U.S. will face No. 1 seed Belgium April 21-22 >in The team from T Bar M Tennis Academy
Dallas won the “Prince Plugged In”
at a venue to be chosen by the USTA.
Challenge Cup IV for juniors in October.
>nis Nominees for the 2007 International Ten-
Hall of Fame induction are Pete Sampras
Prince Plugged In is an exclusive program
that brings together 33 junior tennis acad-
and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in the Recent emies from around the U.S. through Chal-
Player category; Sven Davidson and Christine lenge Cup events, training seminars, and
Truman Janes in the Master Player category; online networking. This final weekend of
and tennis photographer Russ Adams and Dr. competition was comprised of the eight
Robert Johnson in the Contributor category. top teams.
>withPrincea new,
will begin branding select products > Gail R. Marsden, wife of David Marsden,
trademarked “Tour Proven” owner of Boston Tennis Courts Construc-
stamp of approval. The Tour Proven label tion Co. of Hanover, Mass., and former
“reflects a close collaboration between chairman of the American Sports Builders
Prince’s product designers, engineers, and Association, died suddenly at home in Nor-
top pros who understand exactly what needs well, Mass. The family wishes that in lieu of
have to be met for a product to succeed on flowers, donations be made to the Jimmy
tour,” the company said. Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10
> Andre Agassi’s mother, Betty Agassi, along
with Novartis Oncology, launched a global
Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline,
MA 02445-7226, Att: Contributions Cen-
ter. Donations may also be made by phone
at 800-525-4669.
>sponsored
The International Tennis Hall of Fame
the first exhibit to tell the
diverse story of tennis in the Americas out-
side the boundaries of the U.S. and Cana-
da. The exhibit, at the gallery at the 2006
US Open, featured charismatic stars of the
present and recent past.
>Annual
More than 30 people attended the 3rd
Conference on Indoor Clay Courts,
held recently in Bethesda, Md. The confer-
ence is sponsored by Lee Tennis and is
designed to share progress on Lee’s efforts
to improve the performance and the ease
of maintenance in an indoor environment.
>$20,000
Babolat donated racquets valued at
to CityParks Tennis to support the
growth and development of youth tennis
in New York City.
> Team Billie Jean King, led by Pete Sam-

pras, defeated Team Elton John, led by
Andy Roddick, in the 14th Annual Advan-
ta World TeamTennis Smash Hits charity
event, held in Irvine, Calif. The event raised
more than $350,000 to benefit the Elton
John AIDS Foundation and AIDS Services
Foundation Orange County.

EWA
Muir Tapped as G.M. PL T
Of Wilson Rac Sports O • Patrick McEnroe will
PE
C
J
on Muir, who joined Wilson Rac- continue as U.S. Davis Cup cap-
H
quet Sports in 1997, has been pro- tain through 2008, the USTA
moted to general manager and will announced in October. During his
oversee the racquet sports business on a tenure as captain, McEnroe has compiled
global level. He’ll report to Wilson Presi- a 9-6 record, leading the team to the Davis
dent Chris Considine. Cup final in 2004 and two semifinal
Prior to his new appearances in 2002 and 2006 against
appointment, Muir Russia. The 2007 U.S. Davis Cup cam-
served as U.S. director of paign will begin Feb. 9-11 in the
sales and marketing for Czech Republic.
Wilson Racquet Sports. In
• Marian DeWane (right) and
this capacity, he oversaw
Jeff Holman (bottom right)
the division’s domestic sales and was
were recognized at the USTA
instrumental in developing and imple- Tennis Teachers Conference with
menting all U.S. marketing strategies for Star Fish Awards, awarded to
Wilson’s major product introductions. coaches who have implement-
“Jon has the knowledge, passion and ed no-cut policies on their
skills we need to lead our global effort,” high-school tennis teams.
says Considine. “This is an exciting time
for our racquet sports business and we • Spencer Vegosen of Chicago,
look forward to Jon leading our team.” Davey Sandgren of Gallatin, Tenn.,
For more information, visit Ashley Weinhold of Spinewood, Texas, and
www.wilson.com. Spencer Mendoza of Vancouver, Wash.,
received the 2005 Bill Talbert Junior Sports-
manship Awards during the International
Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in
July in Newport, R.I.
• Maria Sharapova claimed the 2006 US

Open title, her second Grand Slam title,
using the Prince O3 White racquet. In
August, Sharapova signed a multi-million
lifetime endorsement deal with Prince.
• Young tennis stars Sam Querrey of the

U.S., Evgeny Korolev of Russia, and Carlos
Boluda of Spain have signed multi-year
endorsement deals with Prince Tennis.
• John McEnroe is the recipient of the

inaugural Gene Scott Award from
the International Tennis Hall of
Fame, presented to an individ-
ual who consistently embodies
the commitment to communi-
cating honestly and critically
about the game.
• The Intercollegiate Tennis Association

Women's Hall of Fame added four new
members in September: Stanford coach
Frank Brennan, Lori McNeil (Oklahoma
State), Stephanie Tolleson (Trinity-
TX) and Madge "Bunny"
Vosters (Ursinus).

FOCUS ON
/
apparel
Ferreira Tennis Serves a Growing Market
BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN
W
hen No. 1-ranked doubles player Ellis
Ferreira left the pro tennis circuit a
few years ago, he needed to build
another career—something that would be
viable and at the same time, keep him close
to the tennis world. The result was the
founding of a line of children’s clothing,
and it’s putting Ferreira Tennis on the map
as he expands his new venture.
Ferreira Tennis opened for business in
August 2005 with a full range of children’s
clothing in girls’ sizes 4-16 and boys’ sizes
8-20. Ferreira himself calls the line “versatile
fashion-forward apparel for a performance
world.” A smart selection of women’s
apparel is also available.
Just 13 months later, this past Septem- add variety to the lines. “We want to pro-
ber, Ferreira expanded his business, buying vide outfits that look sharp, that kids can
out Little Miss Tennis/TV Sports. (Marilyn play in, and that are easily washable,” says
Kosten, president and designer of the Little Ashley Ferreira.
Miss tennis line, will stay on board during For the boys’ line, called “Will,” Ferreira
the transition.) wanted it to be “cool, edgy, yet tradition-
Ferreira has pulled in a talented team al,” he says. It reflects the same attention to
of both family and industry veterans to detail and trends—from the Hawaiian surf-
design and produce clothing for his target beachy look to the more preppy-but-cool
market. His wife, Ashley, and her sister, on-court, off-court look, with shorts and
Paige Macloskie, designed the apparel, polo shirts in grays, blues, blacks, and
along with merchandiser Elizabeth “Bissie” plaids. Tennis shoes that compliment the
Clover. Marketing specialist Patricia Jensen children’s apparel lines are also in the
(tennis mom to former French Open dou- works.
bles champs Luke and Murphy), Vice Presi- After two seasons, the Ferreira brand of
dent of Promotions Lark Baxter O’Neil, and children’s tenniswear is in more than 100
national sales advisor Stuart Hudson com- retail outlets across the country. And con-
plete the team. sumers, says Ferreira, are responding well to
The girls’ apparel lines are named for the lines. With the acquisition of Little Miss
Ferreira’s two daughters, Sullivan, age 6, Tennis/TV Sports, Ferreira says he hopes to
and Camden, age 9. Both lines reflect ver- expand the line of women’s clothing and
satile, washable, moisture-wicking mix- incorporate more innovative adult tennis
and-match designs that span the seasons fashion as part of the mix.
and go from the tennis court, to school, For more information, contact Ferreira
and beyond. A range of pastels and bright Tennis/Patricia Jensen at 917-468-5777 or
colors, and details such as embroidery, info@FerreiraTennis.com, or visit
flowers, dragonflies, pleats, and ruffles, www.FerreiraTennis.com. Q

G
retailing SUCCESS
Open Champions
Every year, the players bring their best games to Flushing Meadows,
and so do tennis manufacturers. BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN
ore than 640,000 fans swarmed
M
Andy Roddick polos moved well. the skirts and tops did well in New
the USTA Billie Jean King National Women favored the long-sleeve York.
Tennis Center for the two weeks stretch pique polo in green.
of the 2006 US Open. In addition to the POLO
hundreds of matches on court, there was NIKE Anything in white hopped off the
plenty of action off the court, too, in the At Nike, “anything the players were shelves at the large Polo Ralph Lau-
many vendor booths set up on site. Will wearing was selling,” said store per- ren store, from track jackets and
the tennis shopping trends of consumers sonnel. Nike shoes did well with Open pants in all styles to shirts. A return to
who attended the world’s largest Grand fans, as did the Maria Sharapova- the “prep” look capitalized on the
Slam be indicative of consumer prefer- inspired “I Feel Pretty” line of shirts. white trend in a big way. And any
ences for the rest of the country? It’s And while the Serena Williams appar- piece with the signature Polo pony
hard to say, but we asked tennis retailers el selections drew extreme opinions, was popular with consumers.
who staffed booths at the NTC what the
big winners were for US Open fans. WILSON
The crowds at the Wilson store
BOLLE seemed to be buying everything from
Bolle’s Sports Performance collection per- grips and string to shirts and rac-
formed well at the Open, according to quets. And Wilson’s women’s W line
booth personnel. In particular, the Com- of racquets seemed to be doing
petivision Series for tennis did so well especially well. Shipments were
that when we visited, they were sold out BOLLE replenished daily. According to one
of the model, expecting store manager,
a new shipment the “Everyone wants
next day. what Roger Federer
plays with,” and
HEAD accordingly, the
Head says its Airflow nSix-One Tour 90
line of racquets for nCode racquet, plus
women, launched in strings, were cham-
July, not only did well at HEAD LACOSTE pion sellers.
the Open, but has been
selling well throughout YONEX
the country. Also, at The big surprise at
the Open, the Metallix Yonex, said booth
10 racquet was popular personnel, was the
with fans, as was the popularity of their
Tour Team and Flex- shoes and shirts,
point racquet bags. which aren’t avail-
NIKE POLO
able in many retail
LACOSTE outlets. Grip tape
Big sellers at Lacoste made the big seller
included the popular list at the Open, as
white hat with croco- well as the RDS-001
dile logo, and both racquet in the 98-
men’s and women’s T- square-inch head
shirts with the croc size and the RQS-
symbol and “New York WILSON YONEX 11 racquet in 100
Tennis” logos. Also, square inches.Q
Photos by Bob Kenas

Bob Kenas
O
N THE ONE HAND, had Kirk Anderson not taught at And now, for all of his efforts in bringing people into the
a park and rec tennis program one summer before game and keeping them playing—including his pivotal role
college and been paid for his efforts, there’s a good within the industry as one of tennis’s premier teachers of ten-
chance his life could have turned out vastly different from nis teachers—Racquet Sports Industry is honored to recognize
what it is. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine the recre- Kirk Anderson in our Champions of Tennis issue as our 2006
ational game without Anderson heavily involved in it. Person of the Year.
Anderson, who is the USTA’s director of Recreational “Tennis,” says Anderson’s wife, Carol, “is just a part of
Coaches and Programs, started playing competitively when him. He always says how fortunate he is to be in an atmos-
he was a sophomore at Parchment High School in Parchment, phere where others have so much fun and appreciate it so
Mich., a suburb of Kalamazoo. When he entered Western much. I think he just wants people to enjoy it.”
Michigan University in Kalamazoo, as a physical education Adds Kirk, “I always tell people I have the best job in the
major, he wasn’t on the tennis team. But he played well world.”
enough that he made the team as a walk-on. Within the industry, one would be hard-pressed to find
“I was on the team for only an hour,” Anderson recalls. “I another person with Anderson’s unique blend of creative
was kicked off the team when I signed some papers that said ideas, upbeat attitude, and single-minded purpose. But, in
I had taught for money the previous summer at a rec pro- typical Kirk Anderson fashion, he pushes aside praise of his
gram, and at that time, you couldn’t do that. own accomplishments and, in his own sincere way, directs it
“I was extremely disappointed, but then I decided I’d con- to his talented team at the USTA. “I’ve got some pretty dog-
tinue to teach and become the best teacher I possibly could,” gone good people here,” he says. “We get along so well, we’re
he adds. “So I taught throughout college—kids, adults, in supportive of each other. It’s a great working environment,
camps, and doing community education in gymnasiums for but you can hardly call it ‘work,’ though.”
adults, teaching over the summers. I even worked at a sport- “That’s just Kirk,” says Carol. “He’s really a quiet person,
ing goods store and strung racquets.” but he loves creating and working in a friendly atmosphere,
Anderson’s goal to become the best tennis teacher possi- on the court and in the office.”
ble was realized in 2003, when the International Tennis Hall Walk into Anderson’s well-organized office at USTA
of Fame honored him with its Tennis Educational Merit national headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., and you immedi-
Award. ately get that sense of friendliness. For one thing, his door is

Kirk Anderson’s
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
always open. He likes to keep his office neat, but he’s not a premier tennis teacher has never
neat freak—it’s not a sterile, everything-in-its-place kind of stopped learning. He is one of only Q To be an effective teacher, you
environment. Like Anderson himself, his office is warm and a handful of tennis teaching pros need to find your students’ hot
buttons—what motivates them.
Q Junior players really soak up any
friendly, especially when you get a look at the walls. worldwide who are designated as
Mixed in with plaques and certificates recognizing his “Master Professionals” in both the
tips you can give them to help
achievements in the industry are dozens of photos of family, PTR and USPTA. their game. Skip the long intro-
friends, staff, and other tennis people. One of Anderson’s hob- “Kirk’s been a learner for so ductions and lectures with kids.
bies is framing and matting photos and posters, and his office long, and continues to be,” says Q Spend as much time as you pos-
walls are a testament to his skill in this area of his life, too. Carol, who herself is the executive sibly can to make sure you hire
In addition to photos of his son and daughter, Anderson director of the USPTA’s Midwest the best people. “I have the best
shows off photos of his granddaughter and grandson. On the Division. “He’s had the privilege of staff in the world,” says Ander-
walls, there’s a nice shot of Anderson with Arthur Ashe, anoth- gaining a lot of knowledge through son. “Most of the time I only
er with Rod Laver, then Vic Braden, Chris Evert… it goes on and a lot of great people. He’s had provide direction and vision and
on, including shots of Anderson with his USTA staffers. And many wonderful opportunities.” they are off and running. I am
most proud of the fact that they
alongside these photos, he has three framed poems, titled Anderson, who lives in New
are always looking for ways to
“Impact of Coaches,” “To Any Coach,” and “Success.” Fairfield, Conn., frequently is a fea-
make others look better.”
“Kirk always has so much energy, and he’s so great to tured presenter, both oncourt and
work for,” says Kelly O’Laughlin, who reports to Anderson as off, at industry conventions. And he is one of the co-directors
the USTA’s coordinator of recreational coaches. “One of his of the highly successful USTA Tennis Teachers Conference,
favorite sayings is, ‘No one should be able to tell if you are the annual gathering in New York City in late August, as the
having a bad day,’ and if you know Kirk, you know that’s true, US Open is beginning, that attracts hundreds of teaching pros
he’s always upbeat. And he’s always on the go. He loves to get from the U.S. and around the world. In 2006, the TTC drew
out and meet people in the field.” nearly 750 attendees, the largest since 2001.
He also is in charge of the on-court activities for the yearly
ANDERSON’S FIRST JOB after college was teaching phys ed Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which takes place at the USTA Billie
in school, and teaching tennis during the summers in city Jean King National Tennis Center on the Saturday before the
recreation departments. Then he hooked up with the West US Open begins. In 2005, more than 33,000 kids attended the
Hills Tennis Club in Kalamazoo, which offered him a full-time event.
job. After a few years, he went to Battle Creek, Mich., and
taught at the YMCA tennis center, then it was on to Hawaii, IN HIS ROLE as USTA director of Recreational Coaches and
where he worked for Peter Burwash International for a year at Programs, one of Anderson’s key initiatives is the Recreation-
a resort on Kauai. al Coach Workshops (www.usta.com/coaches), designed to
He came back to Michigan and spent six years at the Hol- get parents and other volunteers involved in teaching and
land (Mich.) Tennis Club, coaching players at the
and along the way he recreational level. The
returned to Western national program, offered
Michigan University and in cooperation with the
earned a master’s degree USPTA and PTR, offers
in exercise science. In the training to help develop
mid-1980s, Anderson these rec coaches.
joined the Midwest Tennis “In the last six years,
Association and became we’ve trained over
the schools director in 23,000 new coaches,
Springfield, Ohio, where which is pretty cool,” says
he remained for six years Anderson, who credits
before moving to Atlanta staffer O’Laughlin for
to work for Penn Racquet coordinating the pro-
Sports as its promotions gram. “We started the
manager. RCWs because we took a
He joined the USPTA look at the research and
as its director of educa- saw that most people
tion, a post he held for were entering the game
two years, before coming in community programs,
to the USTA in 1996 as the in parks, etc., where the
manager of the Play Tennis America program. This past Sep- people teaching them were most likely seasonal, with no for-
tember, Anderson celebrated his 10-year anniversary with the mal training themselves. Now, the RCW is a six-hour on-court
USTA. program that gives these coaches some skills and tools.”
But throughout his journey within the tennis industry, this The Recreational Coach Workshops offer ideas on every-

thing from handling groups and lesson progressions to team staffers Jason Jamison, Karen Green and Barb Stones.
practices and on-court activities. Some of the games and activ- Beyond school tennis, Anderson heads up initiatives to
ities in the RCWs are more appropriate for kids, says Ander- identify, recruit, and train off-court tennis organizers. “This is
son, but a lot of the skills and lead-up activities are appropriate critical for any of the programs we have,” he says. “We need
for beginning adults, too. The RCWs are not meant as a replace- people to organize activities, match kids up with coaches, make
ment for training and certification by recognized teaching asso- schedules, and so on. Clubs have done this routinely, but we
ciations, but the people the workshops reach, says Anderson, need to do this for our Junior Team Tennis program, after-
“are the front line in getting and keeping players.” school programs, etc. We can’t solely rely on teaching pros.
“We have a long way to go,” he adds. “We want parents to Anne Davis has been doing a terrific job heading this up.”
think about team-tennis programs like they do about soccer or There’s also the “Welcome Back to Tennis” program, also
Little League baseball. We really want to increase our num- run by Davis, for former players over age 50. “It’s a one-day
bers.” event to reintroduce them back into sport,” says Anderson. All
Then, there’s the school’s initiative, which has a number of of the initiatives his department deals with, he adds, are sup-
parts, including the high-school no-cut program. “We’re trying ported administratively by USTA staffer DanaMichelle
to recognize high-school coaches who have no-cut policies and Atkinson.
we’re trying to assist those who do cut kids from their teams
to adopt a no-cut policy,” says Anderson. Right now, he adds, THE NEWEST INITIATIVE is the transition-ball project, using
there are about 340,000 high-school players and 15,000 foam balls, low-compression balls, and different size courts to
coaches. help people get involved in the game. “Of all the things we’re
“If every coach could keep just a few more kids on the doing, this could have the greatest significance because it can
team, then we can allow kids to develop
make a significant techniques and tac-
impact,” he says. “In tics at a much
this regard, we don’t younger age,” says
want to be like soc- Anderson.
cer, where they have “Kirk’s been a
a tremendous num- great advocate for
ber of kids playing up changing the way
until 13 or 14, then young people are
when they get to high introduced to tennis,
school, most are elim- and introduced in a
inated. We want way that will get
there to be plenty of them to like it right
opportunity for high- away,” says Scott
school tennis play.” Schultz, the USTA’s
Another of Ander- managing director of
son’s objectives is to Recreational Tennis,
create a viable feeder to whom Anderson
system through mid- reports. “Many of the
dle schools. “There’s initiatives that we
a huge emphasis right now on keeping kids active,” he says. have are based on Kirk’s advocacy and leadership.”
“We’re trying to mirror what we do in high school. The perfect Both the PTR and the USPTA praise Anderson for his lead-
scenario would be if those kids in middle school could feed ership in the “36-60” pilot program. The numbers refer to the
right into high-school no-cut tennis teams, playing with their dimensions of a “short court” for starting kids in the game and
friends.” involve using transition balls and modified scoring.
Related to this is creating intramural activities at the ele- “Kirk’s one of these guys who thinks outside the box, and
mentary level, including playground tennis. “We’re looking at he’s a consensus-builder, he can bring people together,” says
our transition ball project, thinking that’s where it might plug Dan Santorum, the CEO and executive director of the PTR. “If
in well,” says Anderson. “Elementary schools may not have we could replicate around the country Kirk’s strong work
tennis courts, but they can easily use gyms, parking lots, and ethic, his in-depth knowledge, and his tremendous passion,
other rec areas.” tennis would be a top-10 participation sport.”
The last component of the schools initiative is the new “I’ve always appreciated Kirk’s enthusiasm and high level
curriculum, written by noted educator Dr. Robert Pangrazi, of energy, and his ability to pass on his passion for tennis to
an expert in teaching physical education to children and participants,” says USPTA President Ron Woods.
author of more than 30 textbooks. “Our new curriculum is “I’ve known Kirk for almost 25 years,” adds Schultz.
appropriate for any teacher,” says Anderson. “We’ve made “There’s really no one in tennis as professional, dedicated,
it so simple that most anyone can teach it in their pro- and hard-working at trying to get more people to play.”
grams.” This educational program is coordinated by USTA —Peter Francesconi

H
ome to 37 tennis professionals, 18 tennis courts, three thing in a very deep and rich way to accommodate all levels
platform tennis courts, an extensive pro shop, a nurs- of play.”
ery, café, fitness center, and Pilates studio, the Mid- Health and fitness is big at Midtown. According to the Ten-
town Tennis Club was the first of the 13 Tennis Corporation nis Industry Association, the club has one of the most suc-
of America clubs to cessful Cardio Tennis
open in the Chicago programs in the country.
area. TCA, which has a The 16 Cardio classes
well-deserved reputa- (advanced classes are also
tion for outstanding offered) pull in more than
tennis facilities, was 100 participants each
founded by former week.
USTA President Alan Midtown also hosts
Schwartz and his father about 12 events a month
36 years ago. Schwartz with strong social ele-
and his son, Steven, ments to them, such as a
still run the company. wine or beer tasting or a
As the flagship for coffee-house theme. “This
TCA, Midtown has a lot makes it more than a ten-
going for it. And it’s nis club,” says Mahoney.
this combination of “We’re here to connect
amazing facilities, programs, and per- with and serve our members.”
sonnel that has led us to name Mid- Head Pro Butch Staples (far left) has been with
town Tennis Club as RSI’s 2006 Midtown for a year, after working at another TCA
Private Facility of the Year. club in Florida and prior to that, at the PTR Head-
Midtown, says club member Ben- quarters in Hilton
net Wang, “pays attention to every detail and is constantly Head, S.C. With fellow pro Mike Midtown
making improvements. They have a hard-working, dedicated Barrell, Staples created the Junior Tennis Club’s
staff and cater to their membership in a very family-oriented, Development Pathway, to allow
unpretentious way.” Wang and his family have been mem- 6- to 8-year-olds “a chance to TIPS FOR SUCCESS
bers of the club for three years. learn with graduated-sized balls, Q Have a process to recruit, hire,
The club features one-of-a-kind comprehensive programs courts and nets,” he says. and reward enthusiastic, quali-
for toddlers through seniors. Along with leagues, instruction at The club also hosts a number fied, and service-minded profes-
all levels, and inter- and intra-club play, Midtown features a of high profile national events sionals that includes
Junior Development Program that teaches skills and encour- throughout the year, including opportunities for advancement
and professional development.
Q Create programs with your mem-
ages a love of the game by providing kids 3 to 18 with a solid many junior tournaments. In Feb-
background in tennis basics. ruary, the Men’s National Indoor
bers' needs in mind: convenient
One of the club’s biggest success stories is its innovative Collegiate Championships, an
schedule, compatible groups, and
“Tennis in No Time” program, designed for beginners. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association fun. Serving specific niches is
patented TNT program is held every May and June and uses a event, will be played at Midtown. important: beginners, juniors,
multi-media approach to teaching tennis, employing on-court But Midtown is more than just seniors, early birds, night owls.
and off-court instruction and videotaping. Since Midtown Ten- a club for area tennis players; it’s Q Create programs that will intro-
nis Club opened in October 1970, about 25,000 people have also a leader within the industry duce new players to each other
participated in TNT, and this past spring, the TNT program itself. and include a social element.
introduced 950 “newbies” to the game. “In all my travels around the Q Always offer beginning players
“Tennischools” is another original program for newcom- country to various clubs and the most convenient time slots
ers, offered monthly. It’s a modified version of Tennis in No events,” says Jim Burda, the for lessons.
Time and attracts about 125 beginning players each month. director of U.S. promotions for Wilson Sporting Goods, “Mid-
General Manager Michael Mahoney (above right) stresses town is more involved in the tennis industry and community
the importance of the atmosphere Midtown has sought to cre- than any other club.”
ate. “It’s a social atmosphere where you can build old and “What really distinguishes Midtown,” says Wang, “is its
new relationships,” he says. “The club becomes part of your mission to be part of and promote tennis now and in the
routine for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. We offer every- future, not only in Chicago but globally.” —Cynthia Sherman

G
rant Morgan says his introduction to tennis “was years, traveling on the pro circuit and at the Grand Slams and
about as low-end as you can get.” He started by play- other events. After moving back to Memphis for a few months
ing what he calls “apartment- to “regroup,” Schweid asked him
complex tennis” with friends. From to string at the 2003 US Open.
there, though, Morgan took lessons and “As I was getting ready to
became a fairly decent player. When he leave the Open, Jay asked me if I
realized that he was spending a lot of would do Davis Cup in Slovakia,”
money getting his racquet restrung fre- says Morgan. “That’s where I met
quently, he decided to learn how to Andy Roddick.” Morgan, based
string for himself. out of Memphis, became Rod-
“I had a tabletop machine,” Morgan dick’s personal stringer. “I was on
says. “After a while, I talked to [the orig- the road with him for about nine
inal owner of String ‘n’ Swing in Mem- months or so, and life was about
phis]. He was buying a new machine and as good as it could be for a
was going to sell his old one for $1,000. stringer.”
I had $500 cash, and he said, “Work for But while with Roddick in
me and you can work off the other Spain for a Davis Cup match, “My
$500.’ So that’s what I did.” two goals came together,” says
That launched a pro stringing career Morgan. “I’m here with my guy
that has taken Morgan around the world, on the team, and all I’m thinking
stringing for top touring pros. In 2004, about is going home. That’s how I
he moved back to Memphis, where he ended up back in Memphis.”
became a part owner of String ‘n’ Swing. As it turned out, the String ‘n’
Morgan still strings for pro events, but Swing owner offered to sell the
it’s his service for recreational players business to Morgan. “It’s been a
that is winning raves, too. And for 2006, really good move,” he says. “I still
Morgan is RSI’s Stringer of the Year. string for Davis Cup, so I get to
Now Morgan, a Master Racquet Tech- see the guys at least twice a year.”
nician, says he strings about 10 racquets When he strings frames, Mor-
a day. “I’ve done the ‘meat grinder’ of gan says he uses a special pattern
the pro tour, pounding out 30 racquets a that he learned from Schweid.
day. It’s a “It’s a ‘box’ pattern that is a bit
Grant Morgan’s tough way more difficult and a little slower,”
to go.” he says. “But it’s completely unique. Now, I can look at a rac-
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Q Go after junior players. “It’s a mon- of years and getting his certifi-
After stringing for a number quet and immediately tell if I did the work. And the pattern is
better for the racquet and holds tension longer.”
eymaker,” says Morgan, “because cation from the U.S. Racquet “Grant’s consistency is amazing,” says David Neese, a 5.0
they burn through strings.”
Q In dealing with juniors, “make
Stringers Association, “I had player who says he has three or four racquets strung every
pretty much topped myself out month. “The racquets all feel the same when they come off
mom’s life simple,” says Morgan.
He keeps a list of kids who are play- as far as the Memphis commu- the machine. And they do some nice touches, like poly bags
ing tournaments, then gives the nity goes,” he says. Then, in over the racquets when you get them back.”
mothers a call a few days before, 1997, he saw a classified ad String ‘n’ Swing guarantees 24-hour turnaround for its cus-
reminding them to get the racquets from Jay Schweid looking for tomers and does customization work, too, “which in the
strung. “They become so loyal to stringers for the US Open. Memphis area separates us out huge,” says Morgan, adding
you that it’s crazy. And if you make “That’s how I got into the pro that over the last four years, the store has averaged 23 per-
one happy, she’s telling everybody.” tour.”
Q Consistency is king. Keep your
cent growth every year. In early 2007, the store will move to
In 2000, Morgan moved to a larger, 5,000-square-foot location, which will have an indoor
stringing machine in as good a con- Orlando and worked with hitting area (a half-size court) to demo racquets.
dition and as clean as possible, cali-
Head Racquet Sports as a tech- But you can bet that the consistency and quality will still be
brated every day. Have a good
nical representative. Then he the same. “Grant,” says Neese, “is one of the very few people
supply of tools, stay organized, and
keep records on your customers. moved to New York and I trust to string my racquets.”
worked with Schweid for a few —Peter Francesconi

I
t seems that when it comes to court builders, the best ones a set of values that they live by and manage the company by.
frequently have a strong family presence in the business. Their culture is to work hard, do good work, and service their
And so it is with RSI’s 2006 Builder/Contractor of the Year customers as best as they can.”
winner—the Court- Adds Rob Righter of Nova-
smiths of Toledo, Sports, “Mike and Pete are like
Ohio. extended members of our
The company was family. They build premium-
started by the late quality tennis courts with an
Kevin Smith (below honesty and integrity that is
left) in the early 1970s. often rare today.”
“My father loved ten- And their approach to the
nis and got us kids business of building tennis
involved in it,” says courts is paying dividends.
son Mike Smith. Kevin, Mike says that over the last
who passed away in five years, they’ve seen about
April, was a founder of a 40 percent jump in business.
the American Sports “The tennis business is a lot of
Builders Association word of mouth,” he says, “and
and a past chairman that’s really been growing for
and Tennis Division us. If you put out a quality
president. product, your name gets
“Kevin was one of the around and you start getting more
most generous and pro- calls.”
tennis contractors The Courtsmiths frequently are
around,” says Carol hired as the general contractors for
Hogan, the ASBA’s exec- their jobs, “where we come in, con-
utive vice president. “His sult with the owners, and design the
dedication to the sport is courts or facility for them,” says Mike,
something he passed on who is the main designer and also
to his children. Currently, does sales. Pete runs the work crews.
son Pete Smith is on the board of directors of the ASBA.” The company has about 15 employees, including seasonal
“Mike and I were both 14 when we each started in the workers.
business,” says Pete (above right, with Mike). “We both “We do a lot of high-end jobs, especially in the northern
enjoyed it so much that we stuck with it.” Now, Mike’s son Ohio area and around Detroit,” says Mike. “And we rehab a
and stepson are involved in the company. lot of courts, too.”
“My father didn’t start playing tennis until around age 40,” Currently, the Courtsmiths Courtsmiths’
says Mike. “We had a neighbor who used to be the No. 1 play- are working on rehabbing the TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Q Weed out your subcontractors.
er at Notre Dame, and one day he took my dad to a tennis eight hard courts at Wayne
club and dad fell in love with the sport.” State University, and also putting Make sure they know exactly
The Smiths at the time were in the paving business, and in six subirrigated clay courts at what to expect.
occasionally would coat tennis courts. But by 1985, Kevin the Corazon Club in Dublin, Q Give customers different options,
Smith split off the Courtsmiths from its parent company to Ohio. The company recently depending on what they want to
concentrate on the court-building business. Now, says Mike, completed renovating the 10 spend, and make sure to give
while the Courtsmiths also do latex running tracks, basketball hard courts at the Detroit Coun- them the pros and cons of each
courts, and putting greens, tennis courts make up about 80 try Day School and the eight at option.
percent of the business. The company is involved in design Detroit Mercy High School. Q “Teaming up” with customers will
and build, and they do both hard and clay courts. “My biggest thing when we give them the best job possible.
But the “family” theme is a dominant one with the Court- deal with customers is that I’m not working for them, I’m
smiths’ approach to their business. working with them,” says Mike. “It’s my job to educate the
“The tennis construction business is in their blood, and customer as much as possible so he can make an educated
they really enjoy it,” says Randy Futty of Lee Tennis. decision on the options he has. It’s not us vs. them—it’s a
“They’re truly in it for the long run. Their father passed down team effort.” —Peter Francesconi

I
t wasn’t so long ago when a sales representative’s
job typically involved selling a company’s products
to a store whose customers had limited alternative
methods of buying those goods. Exceptional customer
service included returning phone calls and following up
on orders when the sales representative returned to the
office after spending days on the road.
Sales representatives still spend days on the road,
but their jobs are now assisted—and complicated—by
technology, according to Jim Willwerth of Jupiter, Fla.,
a racquet sports territory manager for Wilson Sporting
Goods.
Willwerth uses a Blackberry to organize contacts
and appointments, as well as instantly respond to e-
mail and voice-mail messages. While the internet
speeds communication, however, a myriad of technol-
ogy-highway-bred online and mail-order companies
threaten to usurp his accounts’ customers—conse-
quently affecting his business as well.
As a result, Willwerth doesn’t simply send his apolo-
gies to an account that needs a particular Wilson prod-
uct more quickly than it can be shipped from the
company. Instead, he gets on the phone and then in his
car, tracking that product down whenever possible so
he can then pick it up from a different account and
deliver it to the store in need.
“Sales representatives still sell products, but now
we’re also responsible for promoting them, marketing
them, and making sure they get sold to consumers,”
says Willwerth, who freely shares his expertise on any
topic that may benefit an account. If a store’s racquet sales demonstrates sales excellence and unwavering customer ser-
are lagging, for example, he’ll sug- vice while managing the biggest volume territory in the com-
Jim Willwerth’s gest offering free string or another pany.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS incentive with any racquet pur- “The ability to plan, organize and execute is key when
Q Embrace technology. Learn new

chase. you’re dealing with a large, diverse account base, and he does
“It’s my job to help my it as well as or better than anyone,” says Adams, noting that
programs, use a PDA or other
accounts [combat] the perception Willwerth oversees close to 150 advisory staff members and
technology to speed communica-
tion and become more organized. that an internet or mail-order more than 250 accounts ranging from small pro shops to spe-
Minutes saved throughout the company is cheaper or easier to cialty dealers along Florida’s east coast.
day add up quickly—and prof- do business with,” Willwerth says. “Jim is easygoing, but shifts gear and becomes very
itably. “You have to be willing to go focused when it’s time to achieve our goals,” Adams adds.
Q Your account’s problems are your above and beyond for your “He cares about his family, Wilson, and his customers, and
problems. A sales rep’s job today account so you can both be suc- maintains strong convictions as to how best manage his terri-
extends beyond product knowl- cessful.” tory. He is an exemplary individual.”
edge into marketing and other And it’s this willingness to go “Jim does all the basics well, and also understands his
areas. Sharing your accumulated above and beyond in servicing his accounts’ business needs,” says Jon Muir, U.S. director of
expertise will help your accounts
accounts that has prompted RSI to sales and marketing for Wilson. “Territory managers are the
sell more products and develop
name Willwerth as our 2006 Sales front-line ambassadors that drive the industry. A strong terri-
loyalty.
Q Exceptional customer service Rep of the Year. tory manager certainly helps strengthen Wilson’s brand, but
goes a long way in keeping Jeffery Adams, South Central it ultimately helps grow the industry overall. Jim is one of
accounts happy and motivated. regional sales manager of racquet those people who exceeds expectations at all levels.”
sports for Wilson, says Willwerth —Cynthia Cantrell

PGA Tour
Superstores’
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Q Cora says customers enjoy the
“interactive experience.”
W Q Use store personnel who are

hen the first PGA Tour Superstore opened, in it’s close to overwhelming,” says
Roswell, Ga., just outside of Atlanta in March 2005, Cora.
experts in their fields to provide
CFO Jorge Cora was disappointed. Never mind that And if you like to golf, too, there
products and services to cus-
the place offered a huge selection of tennis gear—racquets, are putting greens, dozens of simu- tomers.
shoes, and accessories num- lators Q At PGA Tour Superstores,
bering in the thousands—to to “You’re immersing yourself in an
satisfy even the most hard-core prac- obsession,” says Cora. “We sell
player. It just didn’t quite cut it. tice the entire lifestyle.”
“We wanted to include a your
full-size tennis court in the chips and drives, sand traps to
store,” Cora says. “Unfortu- hone your bunker skills, and,
nately, there wasn’t enough of course, a large assortment of
room.” products. “Combining golf and
That “problem” was tennis makes sense,” says
addressed with the next two Cora, whose background
stores, which have opened in includes a stint at mega-store
the last year in Duluth and Ken- Home Depot. “Many people
nesaw, both suburbs of Atlanta. play both sports, or have one
Each one features a full-sized person in their family who hits
tennis court so customers can the links and the other the
demo racquets and participate court.”
in clinics and lessons. “We “They offer a whole new
wanted to give players the ulti- superstore concept to tennis,
mate shopping experience,” which has never been done
Cora says. before,” says Kai Nitsche of
And that’s exactly what the Head/Penn, citing the stores’
burgeoning chain does. Cur- wide selection of products and
rently, three of its six stores knowledgeable staff both on
(two in Myrtle Beach and four the court and on the sales
in the Atlanta area) have full- floor, along with the expert
size courts. But it’s not just this stringing services available.
unique feature that makes the The PGA Tour Superstores
PGA Tour Superstores RSI’s are the largest golf and tennis
choice for 2006 Chain Retail- specialty shops in the country.
er/Mass Merchant of the Year. Those in Kennesaw and Duluth
It’s also everything else they do are 65,000 and 76,000 square
for customers—all in a big way. feet and occupy two-thirds of
In each store, you’ll find what were once Wal-Mart
more than 2,000 pairs of shoes stores.
and 1,100 racquets (perfor- Cora also plans on expand-
mance and prestrung). Bags, ing well beyond the Atlanta
balls, and strings? Check, area. In the spring, two stores
check, and check. There’s a will open in the Dallas area,
special section for juniors and a and Cora is talking about enter-
racquet diagnostic center. ing markets in San Diego, Los
Unlike most large sports Angeles, Phoenix/Scottsdale,
chains, where the sales staff is Houston, and Florida.
about as helpful on questions “Our tennis business has
about tennis gear as John been increasing since day
McEnroe is on questions about one,” Cora says, though he
tennis etiquette, a PGA Tour Superstore employs three certi- won’t discuss sales numbers. “We’re happy with the results.”
fied teaching pros. “The experience is just … to some people —James Martin

M
ost specialty shops stand out for one or two things. before buying,” says Swetka. “We figure over 80 percent of
Maybe it’s the wide selection of products available. people on the demo program make a purchase.” Currently,
Or it could be the knowledgeable and helpful staff. the store has 700 racquets to demo, and there are 300 cus-
Or possibly frequent sales, which keep customers coming tomers involved in the demo program.
back. “Our demo program helps us get to know the people who
But when you walk into Swetka’s Tennis Shop in Mountain come in each week to drop off a racquet and pick up another
View, Calif., you’re getting the one,” Swetka says. And that customer-staff relation-
whole package—excellent ser- ship works for both parties.
vice, knowledgeable staff, innova- “At Swetka’s, it’s a very personal buying experi-
tive programs, regular sales that ence for the consumer,” says John Rushworth, the
offer value to customers, and Prince territory manager for Northern California,
much more. It’s this combination who’s done business with the shop for 20 years. “It’s
of A-pluses that makes Swetka’s a unique situation. There’s hardly any turnover in
Tennis Shop RSI’s 2006 employees, and it’s a really nice family-run business,
Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year. the opposite of some of these big-box stores. It’s just
And when you provide great really nice to do business with them.”
service, selection, and sales, busi- Rushworth first dealt with John Swetka’s father,
ness just keeps getting better. Alex, who started the store with his wife, Sally, in
“We haven’t had huge increases 1969. “They were both schoolteachers, then my dad
in business,” says owner John
Swetka (right), “but we’re up con-
sistently a few percentage points
each year. This year, we had our
best August ever.”
There are a number of things that Swetka’s does to stand
out. For starters, the 2,800-square-foot shop set up a regular
schedule of sales (in April, July, late August to early Septem-
ber, and November), which have proved hugely popular with
customers.
Another innovation is having a ball machine to rent to cus-
tomers. For $20 a day, players can rent a Tennis Tutor
portable machine. It’s not a huge
Swetka’s moneymaker, says Swetka, but
TIPS FOR SUCCESS it does bring in players and cus-
Q Offer a frequent stringing pro-

tomers, and it also has led to
some Tennis Tutor sales, too.
gram. Swetka’s Tennis Shop
But even more innovative is
gives customers a card to fill in;
once they have 10 string jobs, Swetka’s racquet demo pro- really got into tennis,” says John. The Mountain View location
the 11th is free. gram. For $40, a customer can is about 45 miles south of San Francisco, near a public tennis
Q Swetka’s took a cue from retailer try as many racquets as he’d like facility, which is convenient because the staff are avid players.
Dale Queen in Atlanta and offers for up to four months. They’re The store also provides top-notch stringing, with three
customers buying a new racquet allowed one week per racquet, stringing machines that “are going nonstop,” says Swetka.
the chance to buy a second rac- until they find the perfect frame, “Right now, we string 30-plus racquets a day.” Ken Arnold,
quet of the same model for 20 and if they buy within that four- who’s been with the shop for 20 years, is the U.S. Racquet
percent off, when purchased at month period, the $40 goes Stringers Association certifier in the region. Jim Miller, a Mas-
the same time as the first frame. toward the purchase of the rac- ter Racquet Technician who has been with Swetka’s for more
“It’s been a real success,” says
quet. It’s a program that Swet- than 10 years, is the main stringer. And Thanh Huynh has
John Swetka.
Q Work with teaching pros in your
ka’s has offered for more than also been stringing for the store for many years.
area. Swetka’s directs customers 25 years. “John and his staff are knowledgeable, passionate guys,
to teaching pros, and pros send “There’s always new product totally focused on tennis,” says Sean Frost, the area’s rep for
customers to their store. coming out and people get curi- Völkl Tennis. “They really know the sport.”
ous about it and want to try it out —Peter Francesconi

I
n a legendary town, Bwana Chakar Simba is a Los Angeles brother or sister is
tennis program legend. For the past 13 years, “Chakar,” as in the program.”
he is known in the tennis community, has been at the Simba uses Junior
Rogers Park facility, introducing youngsters to the game. For Team Tennis to
the eight years before that, he ran Amateur Athletic Founda- move NJTL young-
tion Southern California Tennis Association/National Junior sters into the competitive arena.
Tennis League activities at both Rogers Park and Jim Gilliam Having taught school and been involved with the Depart-
Park. ment of Corrections, Simba understands kids. And working
Chakar Simba’s And it’s Simba’s special with Simba is more than about tennis—he provides direction
“give them love” talent that for young lives, influencing their futures. Many in his pro-
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
has earned him recognition grams have gone on to enjoy intercollegiate success at col-
Q Get the parents involved. Simba as RSI’s Junior Development leges such as Clark Atlanta, Howard, and Morehouse.
offers parents a free lesson so they’ll Champion for 2006. “You have to earn their trust,” says Simba. “A lot of
bring the kids along.
Q Get a commitment from the park
“I’ve worked with thou- instructors are, ‘It’s my way or no way.’ This doesn’t make a
sands of kids,” Simba says. successful instructor. When I’ve come up with change, I’ve
director. Simba lets park directors
know that he will work with them, “We have 150 in the year- found a changed person.”
not above them. round program, and at least “Chakar is a great guy,” says Arlene Barco, the director of
Q When working with kids, be flexible 225 in the summer. We deal the AAFSCTA/NJTL program. “He puts a lot of kids through the
and willing to improvise. “It’s made with kids between the ages of program. And he makes it possible for kids to have someplace
me a better person,” says Simba. 7 and 17, but we have had to go to all the time—after school and during the summer.”
them younger if an older —Mark Winters
S
uccess doesn’t always come easily, but Beverly Bourguet summer, 30 children from 6 to 16 partic-
of Albuquerque, N.M., has proven that persistence, ded- ipated in the program, which not only
ication, and passion are key. focuses on tennis, but also on education and life skills. VAMOS
Bourguet’s launch of a National Junior Tennis League pro- has earned honors from the USTA Northern New Mexico Ten-
gram in one of Albuquerque’s neighborhoods, and her con- nis Association, of which Bourguet is immediate past president,
tinued efforts to grow the game across the city, has earned and the USTA Southwest Section. But her efforts to serve her
her RSI’s 2006 Grassroots Champion of the Year award. community and grow the game don’t end there.
In the neighborhood of Bourguet has played a significant role in securing funds for
Beverly Bourguet’s Barelas, others had tried court renovations and construction, as well as other tennis
TIPS FOR SUCCESS unsuccessfully to start pro- needs in Albuquerque. Also, last April, she was part of a group
Q Be sure to have someone behind the grams to serve its under- that met with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to make
project that is 110 percent committed privileged, at-risk youth. “I school courts available to the public and to tennis programs
to the time, energy, and effort it was resolved that we were during the off-season. “We’ve made an impact in our tennis
requires. going to get this started,” community,” says Bourguet.
Q Find out your audience’s needs, set says Bourguet, a former To help keep those courts staffed with capable instructors,
some goals and objectives, and create high-school counselor. Bourguet has hosted the PTR’s ACE Program, which stands
an action plan.
Q Identify local, regional, and national
And she did just that in for Advance the Commitment to Education. ACE offers edu-
the summer of 2005, when cational workshops to coaches and teaching pros interested in
resources for your project. Be enthusias-
she started VAMOS NJTL teaching in multicultural neighborhoods.
tic and show gratitude to your commu-
with the help of a “Bev doesn’t give up,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “She’s
nity.
USTA/PTR grant. This past persistent and passionate about tennis.” —Kristen Daley

A
ccording to Money magazine, Cary, N.C., is among the program
top five places to live in the U.S. In this Research Tri- for new
angle city of 106,000 people, the economy is strong, players
arts and culture are thriving, and great schools and beautiful starting
parks abound. at age 4,
Now, though, Cary has something else to promote: The 30- a junior
court Cary Tennis Park is acade-
Cary Tennis Park’s RSI’s 2006 Municipal Facili- my pro-
TIPS FOR SUCCESS ty of the Year winner. gram, and a high-school team tennis program, among others.
Q Invest in quality people. It will help in
The versatile complex, The Challenge Singles ladder has more than 120 adult players.
all aspects of your programming and which opened in 2002, Also, the facility hosts about 20 big events each year.
facility management. includes a stadium court Linda Smith supervises the facility, and nine teaching pros
Q Provide quality programs with a clear (seating 2,500) and a teach- operate under the direction of Sean Ferreira. Jonathan Fralick
pathway for player development—and ing court, a pro shop, lock- is the head pro and Donny Weed is the juniors coordinator.
don’t compromise. ers, and backboards. The “The staff understands the community, which results in
Q Develop a niche, such as a tournament park’s landscaping and lay- something very vibrant,” says Virgil Christian, the USTA’s
or a program, that your facility will be out enhance the experience director of community development, who used to work at the
recognized for and will set you apart for players and spectators Cary facility. “The outstanding management skills of Linda
from everybody else.
Q Invest in quality people. It can never be
alike. Programs are plentiful and Sean, coupled with the vision of Parks Director Mary Hen-
for all ages and skill levels, derson, result in a very well-designed, outstanding facility.
repeated enough.
including a development They really get it!” —Cynthia Sherman
B
ruce Karr, a wheelchair athlete himself, has dedicated pate in the pres-
more than two decades to helping others get just what tigious event
they need to compete at their highest level. To do this because they
nationally, he established the didn’t have the
Bruce Karr’s
C.J. Head
National Wheelchair Sports funds for travel.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS Fund (www.nwsf.org) in 1986, “It was getting
Q Appeal to corporations and their

which helps defray the costs of to the point
travel and other expenses for where I was helping to raise money for athletes,” he says.
charitable foundations, especially
wheelchair tennis players. He and his wife, Verena, founded the NWSF to help wheel-
those in your area. Also, hospitals
But that’s not all. Karr and chair athletes across the U.S. in tennis and other sports by
and rehab centers often are willing
to be identified with proactive pro- the NWSF also sponsor wheel- providing for equipment, travel, training, and other needs.
grams and may have a budget for chair events and are advocates With an annual budget of $250,000, raised through donations
donations. for wheelchair players. And for and contributions, the NWSF also presents the Florida Open
Q Start a fund-raising campaign, all his efforts, Karr is RSI’s International Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Boca
which can build a base of individual 2006 Wheelchair Champion of Raton, which is also the USTA National Wheelchair Hard-
donors and ensure future contribu- the Year. courts. Considered the biggest wheelchair tourney in the
tions. Apply for USTA grants at the Karr, who competed in four world, the event attracts 200 players a year, and the NWSF
district, section, and national levels. Paralympic Games including
Q Appeal to companies in the busi-
provides for lodging and meals.
the first one in Rome in 1960, “The NWSF is a leader in creating opportunity for people
ness of supplying to the needs of
says he often saw top athletes with disabilities,” says Dan James, the USTA’s national man-
the disabled population.
turn down an offer to partici- ager for Wheelchair Tennis. —Kristen Daley

H
ow would you like to play your softball championship All of this is why
at Yankee Stadium, or a pickup basketball game in the USTA Billie Jean
Madison Square Garden? Well that, says Bill Mount- King National Tennis
ford, is exactly what it’s like when you play tennis at the USTA Center is RSI’s 2006
Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Public Park of the
N.Y., the home of the US Open. Year.
USTA BJK NTC’s “Anybody can play on the The NTC currently
TIPS FOR SUCCESS same courts that the top pros has 20 field courts
Q Compliment profusely. Make sure
play on,” says Mountford, the and nine bubbled
to offer seven encouraging com- director of tennis. That’s indoor courts. A new
ments for every one constructive because the NTC is the country’s indoor facility, featur-
criticism. ultimate public park. And it has ing 12 courts, is sched-
Q Be concise. Strive to get your an amazing array of junior, uled to be completed in 2008. There are 15 teaching pros on
message across quickly and pre- adult, senior, wheelchair, and staff year-round—more during spring and summer.
cisely. Too much talking means special populations programs, “It’s so fitting that the world’s largest public tennis facility
students hit fewer balls. clinics, lessons, leagues, teams, be named in honor of Billie Jean King,” says Marcia Bach, the
Q Choose your spots wisely to offer Cardio Tennis, and tournaments park and recreation tennis coordinator for the USTA.
advice. Wait for patterns to (including, last spring, the 80th “We have a program for every class of player,” says Danny
emerge before trying to correct
National Public Parks Tennis Zausner, the USTA’s managing director of facility operations.
students, as opposed to offering
Championships, which drew “During 11 months of the year, there is an overwhelming
input after every single mistake.
over 1,200 players). amount of activity here that is all public.” —Peter Francesconi
W
hen it comes to developing tennis at the grassroots past year,
level for all players, you want to copy the best. And the MCTA
in terms of community tennis, the best is the formed the
Montgomery County Tennis Association in Silver Spring, Md. Mont-
The MCTA is committed to promoting the growth of tennis gomery County Tennis and Education Foundation to provide
in Montgomery County for play- support in multicultural communities. Additionally, its TEAM
MCTA’s ers of all ages and levels. The program (Tennis, Education And Mentoring) offers tennis and
TIPS FOR SUCCESS organization’s recent accomplish- academic support for at-risk middle-school students.
Q Go beyond typical league

ments include increasing adult The MCTA’s Community Tennis Advocacy Committee suc-
and junior participation, forming cessfully advocated for $1.4 million to save from demolition
recruiting efforts by diligently
matching adults with existing a foundation that includes acade- the public Wheaton Indoor Tennis Facility. “Before we got
teams while creating new ones, mic support, mentoring, advoca- involved, the Montgomery County Council thought tennis was
and expanding the junior pro- cy, and much more. For all its dying,” says MCTA President Frank Hatten. “They needed to
gram into the summer. accomplishments and initiatives, be educated about how tennis can grow and prosper when
Q Establish a web presence, and the all-volunteer MCTA is RSI’s given the right opportunity.”
keep it updated. A continual Community Tennis Association of It is this commitment to advocacy that impresses David
stream of relevant information the Year. Slade, the USTA’s national manager of CTAs. “The MCTA is
keeps members coming back for For example, USTA Adult leading the way for developing tennis at the grassroots level,”
more—online and on court.
Q Become an advocate for tennis
League play soared from 2,500 he says. “They’re doing a lot of what we want to emulate
participants in 2003 to more than across the country.”
infrastructure and programming.
5,000 players in 2005. And this —Cynthia Cantrell

I
f there’s one characteristic that Ajay Pant believes is vital the major tennis organizations,
for a tennis teaching pro to have, it’s consistency in word including the USTA and TIA. He
and action. has spent countless hours offering
In his own career, this PTR master pro’s focus has not only his time and energy as a clinician,
been on continually helping his students to grow in the game, tester, and speaker for the PTR. Since the 1990s, Pant has
but also on supplementing his own knowledge and experi- conducted 10-hour certification workshops for potential PTR
ence. For these reasons, Pant has been named RSI’s 2006 pros, all followed by a test for certification.
PTR Member of the Year. In the workshops, Pant says the role of the instructor is to
Ajay Pant’s Pant’s résumé is extensive de-emphasize the stress of taking the test. If he feels a student
TIPS FOR SUCCESS and impressive, including work isn’t ready, he’ll let the person know and offer his continued
Q Continually work on developing
alongside Nick Bollettieri and support. “It’s easy to say, ‘He or she was not a good student,’”
your own professional personality. Arthur Ashe. For the past two says Pant. “The better question is, ‘Am I doing a decent job as
Q Show continued support for your years, he has been the national a teacher?’”
students. director of tennis for the Tennis And he always follows through. “There has to be consis-
Q As a representative of your com- Corporation of America, where tency in what you say and what you do, otherwise it’s just
pany or facility, always put your for 13 years he has worked his talk,” he says.
best foot forward. way up the ladder from his first PTR CEO and Executive Director Dan Santorum says the
Q Frequently review how you’re role as a staff pro to now over- organization receives many positive responses to Pant’s
doing as a teacher, and remem- seeing 11 clubs nationwide. workshops. “He’s very detailed and very professional,” says
ber, you are only as good as your Away from his full-time job, Santorum. “It’s nice to know there is someone out there rep-
last lesson.
Pant is a mainstay in many of resenting us who is held in such high regard.” —Kristen Daley
D
uring his 30-year teaching career, USPTA member USPTA Member of the Year.
Brett Hobden of Naples, Fla., has worked with Andre “Brett is one of the most
Agassi, Tommy Haas, Iva Majoli, Meredith McGrath, knowledgeable teachers of the
and Anne Miller. Now modern game of tennis,” says
Brett Hobden’s as director of tennis USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. Hobden
for the Greater Naples is the founder and developer of
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Q Keep an open mind. Tennis is a sport of tradi- Modern Tennis LLC,
YMCA and CEO of System 5, a system for developing
tactical awareness in tennis that became the first teaching
tion, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t
he is helping juniors system to be sanctioned and adopted by the USPTA.
remain open to new technology and teaching
and adults of all levels He says he founded Modern Tennis
technique.
Q Build it and they will come. Shortly after tak- play more like the (www.moderntennis.com) about two years ago in order to get
ing his post at the Greater Naples YMCA, pros. the message out that players will be more excited to learn and
Hobden helped establish the Academy of A USPTA member stay with the game if they are taught the modern hitting tech-
Modern Tennis On the Rise for junior instruc- since 1985, Hobden niques of their favorite players rather than traditional text-
tion, leagues, and camps. In just seven weeks, has long been respect- book-style strokes.
the number of participants had swelled to 40. ed as a coach, pro- Hobden travels nationwide on behalf of the USPTA and
Q Promote the game by promoting yourself. If gram developer, Wilson Sporting Goods. He is also working with the USPTA to
you have a new tennis product or service, author, and speaker. write more articles and produce more DVDs in his Modern
don’t keep it a secret. Create a website. Give Because of these Tennis series.
lectures and write articles. Get your ideas out
accomplishments, he “The game has changed,” Hobden says, “and it’s time the
there.
is also RSI’s 2006 way we’re teaching it does, too.”

Q
uality plus quantity equals success. That’s the equa- women’s
tion by which David Steinbach of Brookfield, Wis., programs are divided into six different
has led his high school tennis teams for 25 years. And teams, each with a full schedule and its
the results have been impressive in more ways than one. own coach. Former players have
As a pioneer in no-cut team tennis, Steinbach is the inau- expressed gratitude to Steinbach. Some
gural winner of RSI’s High School Tennis Coach of the Year have gone on to play tennis recreation-
award. ally, at the college level, and as teaching
Steinbach accepted the coaching job at Brookfield Central professionals. “If they had been cut,”
High School under the condi- says Steinbach, “they probably would
Dave Steinbach’s tion that he be allowed to run have gone on to a different sport.”
TIPS FOR SUCCESS a no-cut program. Last sea- In addition to his coaching duties,
Q Discuss with the school’s principal son, the school’s girl’s tennis Steinbach also serves as chair of the USTA’s No-Cut Coach
and athletic director how a no-cut team boasted 120 players, Advisory Team. Steinbach and two colleagues focus on con-
program will be a positive influence and the boys’ roster was 95 vincing coaches that the value of running a no-cut program far
on the school community. strong. And the teams’ outweighs any inconveniences. The advisory team also helps
Q Make it a positive experience for all record—12 state champi- them figure out how best to run and organize a no-cut team.
players, with daily instruction and onships and 13 final appear- “He’s definitely been a leader,” says Kirk Anderson, USTA
competitive play. ances between the director of recreational coaches and programs, who runs the
Q Try to get team recognition through two—have other schools fol- USTA’s No-Cut Coaches program. “He’s just a tremendous
school announcements and local lowing suit. expert with groups and teams.”
media.
Steinbach’s men’s and —Kristen Daley
N
o one will ever claim that USTA Texas is the Little Sec- communities and
tion That Could. They’re the third largest of the 17 sec- try to do more lis-
tions and enjoy a climate that’s mostly tennis-friendly tening and assist-
all year. ing than anything
That’s not to say the section faces no challenges. But lately else. We’ve been able to add to our junior tennis numbers,
their primary problem is managing their own success, easing we’ve been able to help CTAs, participation in our Lonestar
the growing pains caused by their introductory league programs has jumped, and we’ve seen a
USTA Texas’s flourishing programs and mem- 5 percent increase in league tennis.”
TIPS FOR SUCCESS bership. Those are good troubles USTA Texas’s success last year is easy to measure: Mem-
Q Think long-term and provide
to have, and they’re why USTA bership surpassed 50,000 for the first time; high-school team
room for growth. The new people Texas is the winner of RSI’s 2006 tennis participation grew to nearly 40,000 players; and they
your programs attract will need USTA Section of the Year Award. increased the number of state junior tournaments by over 15
opportunities and places to play. Section Executive Director percent.
Q Target youngsters—they’re the Ken McAllister attributes much of “From the leadership on down, they have a clear definition
future of your section. Go to the their recent accomplishments to of what they’re called to do, and they do it,” says Virgil Christ-
schools, educate physical educa- the USTA’s Tennis Service Repre- ian, director of community development at the USTA’s nation-
tion teachers, provide lots of sentative initiative. “Our program al office.
junior tournaments.
Q Listen to your TSRs. When you
with the TSRs has been the most “When I was a kid,” says McAllister, “if we wanted to go out-
significant thing that’s happened side and play baseball, we could always find a place to play.
help locally, you help the whole
to us,” McAllister says. “Our reps That’s my dream for this sport, too—that if a kid gets turned on
section.
get in touch with people in local by tennis, there’s a place to go.” —Chris Nicholson

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One Advantage Court Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 USTA (US Tennis Association) email: kcurry@lbhgroup.com
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P 800-2 TENNIS 630-321-0760 White Plains, NY 10604
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P.O. Box 4739, 116 Shipyard Dr. 840 McFarland Road F 310-793-3899
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Master Sports Tecnifibre Dunlop Sports Group America Klip America
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HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Wilson Racquet Sports Tecnifibre Wilson Racquet Sports
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string PLAYTEST
Klip Detonator 16
Klip Detonator is another of Klip’s many
Detonator is made up of 18-gauge K-
Pro Doubles hybrid string offerings, this Boom and 17-gauge Excellerator.) The
one combining Klip’s K-Boom poly with coils measured 23’8” (K-Boom) and
its Excellerator nylon. Klip recommends 24’2” (Excellerator). The diameters mea-
sured 1.17-1.21 mm and 1.24-1.27 mm
using K-Boom in the mains, and the
prior to stringing, and 1.17-1.20 mm
Excellerator in the crosses. We’ve pub- and 1.18-1.22 mm after stringing (K-
lished playtest reports of four other Klip Boom and Excellerator, respectively).
hybrids, Blast 17 (April 2004), X-Plosive We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 73
RDC units immediately after stringing at 16-gauge strings.
17 (November 2004), Screamer 17 (June
60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 At the same time, it also scored above
2005), and Lightning 16 (January 2006). x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull machine. average for Playability, Control, and Spin
The K-Boom poly is a co-polymer with After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed Potential, which means that not only does
a carbon resin finish. In USRSA lab tests, stiffness measured 66 RDC units, repre- it last, but it’s a pleasure to use.
we found that K-Boom 17 is one of the senting a 10 percent tension loss. Our con- The bottom line is that Klip Detonator
softer polys, with a dynamic stiffness of trol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original
234 pounds-per-inch. Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immedi-
EASE OF STRINGING
The Excellerator nylon is a DuPont ately after stringing and 71 RDC units after (compared to other strings)
high modulus PA66 multifilament, twisted 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension Number of testers who said it was:
and bonded together with a softer loss. Detonator added 15 grams to the much easier 1
polyurethane resin. The result, according weight of our unstrung frame. somewhat easier 14
to Klip, is a high-end multifilament with The string was tested for five weeks by about as easy 20
30 percent more fiber than most other 37 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings not quite as easy 1
multifilament strings. The unique bonding from 3.0 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with not nearly as easy 1
of the high-density filaments uses less playtesters receiving unmarked strings in OVERALL PLAYABILITY
resin, providing more of a gut-like feel. In unmarked packages. Average number of (compared to string played most often)
USRSA lab tests, we found Excellerator to hours playtested was 19.7. Number of testers who said it was:
be about average in dynamic stiffness at Our playtesters found Detonator easy much better 1
195 pounds-per-inch, with a tension loss to install. The bit of coil memory on the K- somewhat better 6
of only 11.44 pounds. (See the Septem- Boom isn’t bad because you’re only work- about as playable 10
ber/October 2006 issue of RSI for full ing with half a set, and then only for the not quite as playable 17
string lab test results.) mains, where it glides through the grom- not nearly as playable 3
According to Klip, Detonator is mets. The Excellerator is soft and easy to OVERALL DURABILITY
designed for string breakers who are weave in the crosses, yet blocked holes are (compared to other strings
looking for more feel than is typically not a problem. of similar gauge)
available in an all-poly string-job, and for No playtester broke the sample during Number of testers who said it was:
players just looking for a clean, crisp-play- stringing, six reported problems with coil much better 5
somewhat better 19
ing string hybrid. memory, two reported problems tying
about as durable 8
Detonator is available in 16 and 17 in knots, and none reported friction burn.
not quite as durable 4
silver/natural. It is priced from $10.50 per not nearly as durable 1
set with 22-foot mains and 22-foot cross- ON THE COURT
es. For more information or to order, con- If you remember how well other Klip Pro RATING AVERAGES
tact Klip at 866-554-7872, or visit Doubles hybrids have rated in our From 1 to 5 (best)
www.klipstrings.com. Be sure to read the playtests, you’ll not be surprised by the Playability 3.2
Durability 4.1
conclusion for special pricing on Detona- results for Detonator. Detonator scored
Power 3.1
tor for USRSA members. well above average for Durability, Holding
Control 3.4
Tension, and Resistance to Movement, Comfort 2.9
IN THE LAB each of which is important for a string that Touch/Feel 2.8
We tested the 16-gauge Detonator, you want to last. Twenty-four of our 37 Spin Potential 3.2
which is made up of 17-gauge K-Boom testers told us that Detonator has better or Holding Tension 3.6
and 16-gauge Excellerator. (The 17-gauge much better durability compared to other Resistance to Movement 3.8

TESTERS TALK
“ This hybrid has wonderful feel and great control—enhanced no doubt swingers, meek pokers, or finicky touch artists: Just string it loose
by a combination that provides the proper amount of bite, comfort, and and let the soft crosses shine.
”
power.
”
5.0 male baseliner with moderate spin using Prince O3 Tour MS strung at
5.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Babolat Pure Drive Rod-
dick strung at 68 pounds CP (Kirschbaum Touch turbo 17)
60 pounds CP (Prince Sweet Perfection 17)
“ With many years of playing and stringing behind me, I’ve
“ I really enjoyed the spin and control. The playability was found very few hybrids I really like. However, I like this one. There
exceptional.
”
3.5 male all-court player using Prince Turbo Outlaw MP strung at 60
is no problem stringing or tying knots. This string holds tension
well and the mains have very little movement. It not only provides
pounds LO (Gamma Synthetic Gut 16) plenty of punch and control, but exceptional ball bite.
4.5 male all-court player using Head Protector strung at 58
”
pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 16)
“ I really enjoy playing with this string. It is
easier on the arm than many of its peers, and
it has the right mix of control and feel. It is “For a hybrid, “ This is a great string, with good power
perfect for those who want durability with a
multifilament feel. Playing with this string
this is one of the and control. The durability and tension
maintenance are well above average. It is
makes you look forward to using it again.
”
5.5 male all-court player using Prince Airstick
softest I’ve ever a joy to use.
”
4.5 male all-court player using Head
OS strung at 58 pounds LO (Prince Premier used. It has good spin and i.Radical OS strung at 65 pounds LO
w/Softflex 16) (Alpha Gut 2000 17)
excellent durability. Surprisingly, it
“ This has better feel than most other

hybrids. More importantly, it is easy on the
has very good touch and is com- “ This is a high performance hybrid, one
of the nicest I’ve played. Though harsh at
arm. This is proof that hybrids have come a fortable on the arm. It is one of the first, it has great pop, excellent tension
long way in the last two years.
” best-feeling hybrids I’ve tried.” 5.0 maintenance, and very little
4.5 male all-court player using Prince Shark
DB OS strung at 63 pounds LO (Babolat Con- male all-court player using Head
movement.
”
5.0 male all-court player using Wilson
quest Ti 16) nTour strung at 55 pounds CP (Luxilon Big
i.Prestige MP strung at 56 pounds LO Banger Alu Power Rough 16L)
“ This hybrid strikes a better balance (Babolat Pro Hurricane 17)

between durability and comfort than anything
I have ever played. The stiff mains provide
“
This string holds up remarkably well.
Excellent tension maintenance, comfort,
spin and depth control, while the softer crosses add some nice pocketing,
comfort, and power. The manufacturer is right on the mark, creating a
and power.
”
3.5 male all-court player using Babolat Pure Drive strung at 58
hybrid that bites the ball instead of the tendons. For dirt-ballers with pounds (Natural Gut 16)
western grips, look no further: This is a confidence string designed for big
swings and mindless, all-day spin. The poly is not a deal breaker for timid For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)
garnered above-average overall rat- Seven playtesters broke the sample dur- (and the high number of positive com-
ings. Keep in mind that even ing play (presumably, the crosses). ments) from our playtesters, Detonator
though Klip recommends that ten- is a real contender.
sion of the K-Boom mains be CONCLUSION If you think that Klip Detonator
reduced by 5 percent from normal Detonator seems to be another great-per- might be for you, Klip is making a spe-
tension, we had our playtest team forming hybrid from Klip. And even though cial offer to USRSA members only: Buy
install mains and crosses at the you get the same Excellerator for the cross- four sets of Detonator, get one at no
same tension. Dropping the tension es as you do in Klip’s premium Lightning charge. See page 45 for more informa-
on the mains would give more Pro Doubles hybrid, Detonator’s per-pack- tion. (Limit one special offer per USRSA
power and comfort, and might age price is almost half that of the Light- member.)
even increase the playability. ning. Judging by the rankings it received —Greg Raven Q

tips and TECHNIQUES
Readers’ Know-How in Action

PROFESSIONAL using but wish to hang on to, you don’t 5 sets of Wilson NXT OS 16L to:
PRINCE STENCILS have to worry about cutting out the Ed Condon, Oak Hills, CA
After stencil- strings first (unless you have wooden rac-
ing the quets), because the strings will eventually MARKING DEMO RACQUETS
strings using lose so much tension that they won’t If you have a racquet demo program, it is
the Prince stress the frame. However, you need to important to be able to identify your rac-
stencil, pay quets when they are out on loan. Stickers
remove the attention and tape are
stencil and fill in the non-inked portions of to the removable,
the “P,” where the support bars are for replace- so the local
the inside of the “P.” Not only does the ment Head rep
finished stencil look as if the strings were grips. turned me
stenciled by the Prince factory, but you Leather on to his
don’t have to work as hard to get the grips are solution. I
stencil ink right up to the edges and into fine as-is, but remove any overgrip, so now drill a 1/16-inch hole at the butt cap,
the corners of the stencil where the sup- that it doesn’t leach out the leather grip which makes it easy to identify my
port bars are, because there won’t be any or, worse yet, become gummy and stick demos.
lines there after you do your touch-up. to the leather. If you have synthetic 5 sets of Gamma Flex Core
5 sets of Volkl Power-Fiber 18 to: replacement grips, be aware that some of Control 16 to:
Laura Hodges, Apple Valley, CA them can deteriorate into an awful, glue- Dan Kerr, Warton, ONT, Canada
like substance, given enough time and Editor’s note: On racquets with softer
LONG-TERM heat. You may be better off simply butt caps, you can also use a sharp
RACQUET STORAGE removing synthetic replacement grips awl to make an identifying hole.
If you have racquets that you’re no longer altogether before long-term storage. —Greg Raven Q

ask the EXPERTS
Your Equipment Hotline sion, the grommet strip may soften to the
HEAT-DAMAGED RACQUETS court, not enough to crack the frame, but
I TELL MY CUSTOMERS NOT TO point of failure, and the grips, overgrips, certainly stressing it over time. How can I
Q leave racquets in cars because the

heat can harm the strings and
eventually warp the frame. Nevertheless,
and grip tape will each deteriorate much
faster.
Warpage is much less of an issue since
protect myself against the possibility of one
of these "lightly stressed" racquets breaking
while I string it?
some of my customers do just that. What the introduction of metal and graphite
kind of damage should I be looking for,
and what tools are available to inspect
and detect warpage in frames?
racquets. Wooden rac-
quets require a press to
keep them from warping,
A THE CARBON FIBER/GRAPHITE IN rac-
quet frames is pretty durable stuff. It
takes a lot of stress with no ill effects. When
but that seems to be more an it does fail from too much stress, it's usually
A ACCORDING TO RACQUET design-

ers we contacted, heating a com-
pression-molded racquet to less than
issue with the pull of the strings
than with heat alone. Metal and
graphite racquets should hold their
pretty obvious. If an over-stressed (but
not yet broken) frame is mounted
and strung correctly, it
about 350 degrees Fahrenheit does not shape as long as they are stored at rea- should not break dur-
affect the racquet itself in the short term. sonable temperatures, with nothing heavy ing stringing. Just
This is not the case for an injection-mold- on top of them. To check for warpage, inspect each
ed racquet, however, as it can virtually simply sight down the frame. frame as you
melt in the heat of a car on a warm day. should be
Also, depending on the type of resin used, RESTRINGING ABUSED doing anyway.
the lay-up, and the “flow rate” used dur- RACQUETS If you find a
ing molding the racquet, one racquet can
be more sensitive to heat than others.
In either case, the strings will lose ten-
Q SOME OF MY CLAY-COURT cus-
tomers have the bad habit of hit-
ting the racquet lightly against the
crack (or even
obvious signs of
abuse) during your

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
1. Publication Title: Racquet Sports Industry
2. Publication Number: 347-830
3. Filing Date: 10/10/2006
pre-stringing inspection, we recommend having the clamps much too tight. If 4. Issue Frequency: Jan-Aug Monthly, Sep-Dec Bi-Monthly
you contact the customer before pro- you’re crushing the string, you’ll also 5. Number of Issues Published Annually: 10
ceeding. Tell him about the crack (or see a change in the string’s appear- 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25
abuse) and explain that you won’t be 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication:
ance, but the indentations from the
Tennis Industry Inc., P.O. Box 428, Hurley, NY 12443
held responsible if the condition grows clamps will not return to normal. If this 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General
worse during or after stringing. Depend- happens, the string may be damaged, Business Office of Publisher: Same as #7
ing on the customer, you may want to which typically results in shorter string 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher
get more than a verbal waiver before you life. and Editor: Publisher: Jeff Williams, 79 Madison Ave, 8th
Floor, New York, NY 10016. Publisher: David Bone, 330
continue work.
Main Street, Vista, CA 92084. Editor: Peter Francesconi,
If the frame cracks during stringing, CLEANING TEXTURED 937 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Editor-in-Chief:
there was probably a problem with the CLAMP FACES Crawford Lindsey, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
way the frame was manufactured, or the I HAVE BEEN CLEANING THE 10. Owner: Tennis Industry Inc., P.O. Box 428, Hurley, NY
frame was damaged somewhere along
the line. If the frame does not appear to
have been abused, you can send it back
Q teeth on my machine’s string
clamps fairly regularly, using
alcohol and a toothbrush, but the last
12443. USRSA, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security
Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total
Amount of bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None.
to the manufacturer for warranty replace- time I did it I looked closely and saw 12. Tax Status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months.
ment. If it does appear abused, you will that there was some string residue still 13. Publication TItle: Racquet Sports Industry
be very happy that you discussed the embedded in the texture of my dia- 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Sep/Oct 2006
matter with your customer first. 15. Extent and Nature of Average No. No. Copies of
mond-coated clamp teeth, and it is
Circulation Copies Each Single Issue
very difficult to remove. At this point, I Issue During Published
SETTING CLAMPING FORCE am completely disassembling the Preceding 12 Nearest to
Q BESIDES BEING A NEW USRSA clamps to clean them as best as I can. Months Filing Date
member, I am also a new stringer. A. Total No. Copies 13,615 14,486

Is there a better way?
(net press run)
I have strung about 10 racquets so
far, and I think my string jobs are starting
to look pretty good. The problem comes
when I try installing certain strings: I can’t
A THERE ARE A COUPLE OF
options you can try. First,
Gamma offers a product called Clean-
B. Paid and/or Requested circulation
1. Paid/Requested
Outside-County Mail
Subscriptions Stated
12,116 12,987
on Form 3541
figure out how to set my clamps. If I get ing Stones, which are specially
2. Paid In-County 0 0
the clamp too tight, the clamps deform Subscriptions Stated
the string. When I loosen up the clamp, on form 3541
the string slips and the clamps chew up 3. Sales Through 0 0
the string. I have even tried using a busi- Dealers and Carriers,
Street Vendors,
ness card in the clamp, but that seems Counter Sales, and other
problematic too—the string managed to Non-USPS Paid Distribution
slip through and when I try to increase 4. Other Classes 0 0
the clamp pressure—it still deforms the Mailed Through USPS
C. Total Paid and/or 12,116 12,987
string.
Requested Circulation
A
D. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, complimentary and
IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH YOU are designed to clean dia- other free)
bruising the string when the clamps mond-coated clamp teeth 1. Outside-County as 674 674
are set tightly enough to prevent slip- Stated on form 3541
such as yours. Second,
2. In-County as 0 0
page. This means that the string is com- Babolat recommends using Stated on Form 3541
pressing enough to change its a wire-bristle brush to clean 3. Other Classes 0 0
appearance, but returning to very close to the teeth on the titanium- Mailed Through the USPS
its normal shape after the clamp is oxide-dusted clamps that E. Free Distribution 325 325
released. If that's the case, you don't Outside the Mail
come on its machines. This
(carriers or other means)
have anything to worry about. You need method should work with F. Total Free Distribution 999 999
to have the clamps tight enough that the other textured clamp teeth, G. Total Distribution 13,115 13,986
string doesn’t slip. If the string bruises at although we recommend you buy H. Copies Not Distributed 500 500
that point, then it bruises. As you’ve brass-bristle brushes, rather than those I. Total 13,615 14,486
already found out, some string is more with steel bristles. J. Percent Paid and/or 92.35% 92.86%
susceptible to bruising than others. Bruis- —Greg Raven Q Requested Circulation
16. Publication of Statement of Ownership Printed in the
ing will not affect the string’s playability We welcome your questions. Please send them to November/December 2006 issue of this publication.
or durability. Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 17. Signed, Jeff Williams, Publisher, 10/10/2006
However, you have to make certain 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: I certify that all information furnished on this form is true.
that you’re not crushing the string by greg@racquettech.com. and complete.

Your Serve
A Local Tie
The Davis Cup Cares Initiative, designed to
promote tennis at the local level, can be a
blueprint for success with smaller events, too.
BY SCOTT HANOVER
I
n early April, when the US Davis Cup team was the tie itself,” says Kellogg. “This drew
wrapping up a hard-fought victory over Chile in adults, as well as kids, into the fray.”
the World Group quarterfinals, most of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup have done
action was happening on the grass court at the community events for years, including
Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, clinics, assemblies, high performance
Calif. But behind the scenes, there was excite- camps, and more. The USTA Pro Circuit
ment, too, thanks to the Davis Cup Cares Initia- committee endorses a number of commu-
tive. nity involvement days. But this blueprint is
The Cares Initiative is designed to leave a also something local tennis leaders can
lasting impression of the Davis Cup in a copy for themselves to create enthusiasm
community where a tie is held. William Kel- for community-based tennis. And, for
logg, the current volunteer chair of the US local pros, facilities, and shops, generating descriptions as needed.
Davis Cup committee, says there are four this type of interest in tennis will also gen- 5. Think of who outside your tennis cir-
objectives: 1) Maximize the impact of com- erate customers and business. cle (multicultural groups, Girl Scouts, etc.)
munity activities; 2) Leave a legacy that stim- USTA Southern California Section might want to get involved.
ulates tennis growth; 3) Generate positive Executive Director Henry Talbert says there 6. Is there a local celebrity who plays
exposure for Davis Cup; and 4) Include mul- are plenty of tennis events where CTAs, tennis that you can invite?
ticultural communities in the activities and schools, clubs and parks can capture this At the Mission Hills Davis Cup tie, “The
growth initiatives. same enthusiasm, for instance, at high kids made out like bandits and had a won-
During this year’s first Davis Cup home school and college matches, World derful time,” says Tom Fey, the director of
tie in Kellogg’s backyard, La Jolla, Calif., the TeamTennis pro matches, section tourna- tennis at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
activities were many and varied. The initia- ments and league events, and generally “There were all levels of ability from all dif-
tive raised more than $20,000 for Youth anywhere tennis spectators gather. ferent walks of life. It was like a party, a
Tennis San Diego for the purpose of adding “The [USTA] section staff can broker whole different tennis atmosphere.”
about 20 new after-school tennis sites something between the event and the “I'm excited and encouraged with the
around San Diego County to their existing, individual groups and CTAs,” says Talbert, experience we've had this year and with the
highly successful program. Additionally, a “but the organizations have to have growing number of USTA entities that are
community clinic was held at the Barnes responsible people show up and be eager supporting and contributing to the Cares
Center for more than 800 kids, which fea- about tennis.” Initiative,” says Larry Dillon of New York,
tured Mike and Bob Bryan, and father Thinking about what you might plan? the Cares Initiative chairperson.
Wayne. Your USTA section may have resources to Whether it’s a Davis Cup tie or a local
Among the other efforts were: free tick- help you, from grants to Tennis Block high school match, there are plenty of
ets to matches for select clinic participants, Party Kits to a volunteer network. Here things you can do to capture, and expand
using local youngsters as ball kids, an are some steps to help you get started: upon, the interest and enthusiasm for ten-
advanced clinic for tournament-level players, 1. Pick a community tennis event to nis in your community. Q
and a Davis Cup hitting wall donated for a partner with.
selected site in the community. 2. Conduct an organizational meeting Teaching pro and longtime USTA
The Davis Cup committee and staff to discuss like goals, such as increased volunteer Scott Hanover is the
general manager of the Plaza
works with other groups, such as Communi- attendance at the event and/or fundrais-
Tennis Center in Kansas City,
ty Outreach, Community Tennis Develop- ing for a new program or project. Mo., and the chairman of the
ment, and Fed Cup, as well as local and 3. Contact your USTA section staff or USTA Community Tennis Associ-
section resources. “In both locations, the volunteer liaison for Community Develop- ation Development Committee.
key people involved in organizing the clinics ment, or local CTA.
We welcome your opinions. Please email
made a terrific contribution by finding and 4. Think about a volunteer meeting comments to rsi@racquetTECH.com or fax
organizing an army of volunteers to support and develop subcommittees and job them to 760-536-1171.

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November/December 2006

Volume 34 Number 10 $5.00

7 USPTA honors standouts in

30 Pro/Specialty Retailer 34 USPTA Member of the Year Advisory Board

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 3

True Champions of Tennis Publishers

T his issue marks our 6th Annual Champions of Ten-

able to present 13 of our 17 awards in person, and it Design/Art Director

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Jane Brown Grimes Nominated

Nominated as directors at large are:

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Advantage Net Posts Head/Penn, USPTA Extend Agreement

Tail Creates Cardio

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

Oncourt Brody Honored by USTA

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

Tennis Beyond Big Shots Prince Adds O3 Hybrid Tour

USRSA MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS advantage of all my game’s strengths.”

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Tennis Industry Association U P D AT E

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

SHORT SETS initiative at the US Open to educate

> Team Billie Jean King, led by Pete Sam-

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

• Maria Sharapova claimed the 2006 US

• Young tennis stars Sam Querrey of the

• John McEnroe is the recipient of the

• The Intercollegiate Tennis Association

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

ore than 640,000 fans swarmed

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

Q Embrace technology. Learn new

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

W Q Use store personnel who are

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29

Q Offer a frequent stringing pro-

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31

Q Appeal to corporations and their

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Q Go beyond typical league

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 33

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Alpha Sports Fromuth Tennis Water Removal Equipment Sports Eyewear

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 41

42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

“ With many years of playing and stringing behind me, I’ve

“ This has better feel than most other