Gibbs Wins First WTA Level Match, Will Play Serena Williams in Stanford Second Round; July National Open Winners; Tim Russell's Response to Sean Hannity
NCAA champion Nicole Gibbs received a wild card into the Bank of the West Classic, the annual WTA Premier event played on the campus of Stanford University. Gibbs, who just cliamed the title at the $50,000 Pro Circuit event in Denver on Sunday, won her first round match today over qualifier Noppawan Lertcheewakarn of Thailand 6-4, 6-4 and will face Wimbledon champion Serena Williams in the second round Wednesday. Gibbs' teammate Mallory Burdette, the NCAA finalist this year, also received a wild card and is scheduled to play her first round match against Great Britain's Anne Keothavong this evening.
Gibbs, 19, was down a break in the opening set to Lertcheewakarn, ranked 174 at 3-4, but she won the last three games of the set. In the second, Lertcheewakarn was again up a break, at 3-2, but was immediately broken back at love. At 4-5, the 2009 Wimbledon girls champion had serving problems, with two costly double faults, including on match point, handing Gibbs her first WTA main draw win.
Next up for Gibbs is none other than five-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams, who had a first round bye.
Gibbs, who was six years old when Williams won her first slam, spoke about facing the top seed in this San Jose Mercury News article. And the Stanford women's tennis website, has put together this amusing Tale of the Tape comparing their lives and careers.
The July National Opens are complete and here is the rundown of the finals results:
B12s:
Axel Nefve (1) def. Andre Xiao (2) 6-2, 6-1
Brian Shi (4) def. Ryan Fu (3) 6-1, 6-0
Keenan Mayo (1) def. Jenson Brooksby (2) 6-2, 6-1
Andrew Fenty (1) def. Jaycer Calleros (5) 6-3, 6-2
G12s:
Josie Frazier (1) def. Alexa Butera (2) 6-3, 6-2
Clarissa Hand (2) def. Rachel Lim (1) 2-6, 6-3, 10-3
Carson Branstine (2) def. Taylor Johnson (3) 1-6, 6-4, 10-4
Jasmin Tripathy (1) def. Samantha Gillas (5) 6-3, 6-0
B14s:
Gabriel Pilones (1) def. Mwendwa Mbithi (3) 6-0, 6-1
Connor Hance (1) def. Jacob Brumm 6-1, 2-6, 6-2
Patrick Kypson (5) def. Zeke Clark (1) 6-4, 7-5
Connor Johnston def. John McNally 6-3, 7-6(5)
G14s:
Jaeda Daniel (4) def. Nicole Conard 6-4, 6-2
Jessica Livianu (3) def. Jada Hart (1) 6-3, 7-5
Priya Niezgoda (2) def. Morgan Coppoc (4) 6-2, 6-1
Isabella Lorenzini (2) def. Madison Battaglia (3) 6-2, 6-0
B16s:
Nicolas Podesta (3) def. Kyle Seelig (2) 6-1, 6-1
Kial Kaiser (2) def. Nikolas Ramadan (5) 6-2, 6-4
Ziqi Wang (5) def. Walker Duncan (4) 7-5, 6-3
Chase Colton def. Maximilian Fliegner (1) 1-6, 6-4, 6-0
G16s:
Meghan Kelley (1) def. Evan Siskova 6-2, 6-4
Alexis Pereira (3) def. Kenadi Hance (4) 6-0, 6-1
Katerina Stewart (1) def. Chloe Ouellet-Pizer (2) 6-2, 6-1
Caroline Dolehide (8) def. Michaela Gordon (7) 6-2, 6-3
B18s:
Jeremy Lynn def. Jordan Daigle (1) 6-3, 7-6(3)
Quentin Monaghan (5) def. Matthew Nardella 6-1, 6-2
Deiton Baughman (3) def. Henry Craig (1) 6-4, 6-3
Roy Lederman (1) def. Thomas Mayronne 6-3, 7-5
G18s:
Kimberley Yee (1) def. Moncia Robinson 6-1, 6-3
Spencer Liang (3) def. Rachel Pierson (2) 6-3, 6-4
Kiah Generette def. Carolyn Xie 6-1, 5-7, 6-2
Brooke Austin (1) def. Jerricka Boone (8) 6-2, 6-0
In response to Sean Hannity's critical post on the upcoming changes to the USTA junior competition calendar and format, USTA Junior Competition Committee chair Tim Russell has posted this detailed reply.
It has been my mantra since the particulars of these USTA changes first surfaced that the new structure is too complicated, and change for change's sake is likely to have unintended consequences. Moving away from four junior majors and 128 draws saddens the traditionalist in me, and I do not feel a consensus was reached at the grass roots level before proceeding with this far-reaching reorganizaton. I spoke to Professor Russell about my objections in a meeting at the NCAAs in Athens, and received many of the same responses as Mr. Hannity does here. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss the issues, but because the changes had already been voted on and approved, the debate was more academic than practical.
I believe the USTA wants what we all want: what's best for American tennis. I genuinely hope these changes point us in that direction.
38 comments:
Russell's argument is typical of the USTA's flawed mindset.
He states (correctly) that structures can not develop champions, but they can develop the culture that creates champions. But the USTA has not addressed the main issue affecting United States tennis: fewer people are playing this sport seriously, as tennis in the U.S. faces steep competition from basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and a myriad of other youth sports. Additionally, there is little "scholarship incentive" with 4.5 or 8 scholarships per team, many of which are taken by foreigners (an entirely different issue).
In this light, why would the USTA choose to shrink draw sizes? They try to justify it with "increased competition," but in reality, this is going to result in (a) fewer American kids playing the sport, and (b) fewer American kids getting exposure to college coaches. The national team championship is a great idea--but only the top 64 can participate? Why not make more Zonals events in which many more kids can participate and travel together? While we're on the subject of bringing costs down, how the heck does the USTA justify charging what they do for tournament entries?
Russell's, and the entire USTA argument, is very dismissive of the wide lack of support of tennis families who have been in the system for years. One will see, when reading Russell's response, that he uses several examples of individuals; however, individuals are rarely representative of the entire population. Regardless, these changes are the new law. Everything is codified into a bland system that will benefit the top few (including, of course, those top players who are with USTA PD).
I should end this by saying I consider myself quite liberal, and am not just supporting Sean Hannity from a political standpoint, as he is a man with whom I strongly disagree on nearly all counts. But the USTA changes, and even worse, their dismissive and authoritarian attitude towards those who oppose said changes, is truly disappointing.
While we're at it, anyone remember the "Lost Generation" that the USTA told to skip college and go straight to the pros a few years back? Where's their apology to those kids? The USTA is acting like they always know best. History proves otherwise.
What a great experience for Nicole to play Serena. However, Serena's interest level in the match will be extremely low and preparation will be minimal. Tough to compare where Nicole's level is compared to Serena as she will be jet-lagged, no practice, barely to no intesest in the match. Unfortantely this match is not a us open or at a bigger tournament.
Thanks Professor Russel for giving us a good laugh.
Instead of drafting a 17 page response letter, riddled with cherry picked quotations,, why don't you spend some time at tournaments speaking with USTA members.
We stopped counting to your references to your Phd on page 12....in music no less. Explains a whole lot.
Please for ward this to a math professor and a physician. Travel is travel, whether you are driving 2 hours or 9. Now add the cost of having to pay a coach to travel with your 2 or 3 other children to DIFFERENT sites , because the option was removesd to play outside of the region, where multiple age groups may be playing. Now the tournaments are shortened, so potentially(and it has happened) kids may be playing 8 hours a day. 2 singles and doubles. It's tool much tennis, and theses kids get injured.......all in the name of saving money.
Dr. Russel, you speak alot about grass roots, perhaps you should return to yours.
They clearly didn't study Tennis Europe that much. Take the french system. You get the best of both worlds. You have to "earn" your way to playing the best players as Russell is so in love with but you also play tournaments almost every day if you want increasing competitive opportunities as Hannity wants.
It is amusing to see that Tim Russell spends so much time and effort in crafting a 17 page rebuttal to Hannity. A couple of things need to be added to the points already made. The historical perspective of the USTA leadership is - wait your turn and make your mark. That is what Tim is doing. He convinced himself (and a few others around him)that the system was broken and he was going to fix it. Nobody raised their hand and said - the system IS NOT BROKEN, maybe just needs a little tuning. And why? One basic premise in the USTA is that you never, never go against the Committee Chair. Otherwise, you would be put out in a flinch. Anyone who attended the JCC meetings can tell you that they consisted of Dr. Russell mostly talking and talking. Maybe a little discussion before the votes but mostly the deal was made behind curtains. Board approval was a rubber stamp.
As far as surveying the general public of coaches and parents, it is just not true. There are 40 or 50 reputable junior coaches in the country that never were contacted. The few people Tim mentions are no question trusted and selected supporters. Parents the same way. There is not a single parent that has come forth and stated that they were able to make input to the process.
Once again, this is one more exercise in trying to legislate what a Committee thinks is good for the population. This is a free country. If people want to spend their money, they are entitled to do so. Legislating the game is akin to what is going on in Washington nowadays. As an example, both players should learn something when they win 6-0 or lose 6-0. The parent that took the #400 player to the Nationals has a good idea what the outcome is going to be. Still, it is their money and their decision.
Where the JCC also has failed is in not working the root cause issue of why there are not more American champions. The issue of the better athletes going to other sports. The issue of athletic ability. The issue of helping local coaches develop players. Basically, they took the easy way out making some legislative changes.
Someone already said that the changes are already made and they have to be lived with. That is the way it has been and will continue to be until somebody issues a wake up call... not likely. US will sadly continue to lag until the mind set of the organization changes.
No matter what decision the USTA makes positive or negative, some people will love it and some people will hate it. The only way to develop a champion is to get lucky enough to develop a champion. The kid has to be hungry as hell and have insane talent. They also have to be put in the right environment with the right people around them. Everybody quit complaining about the future of US and find a kid with heart/talent and work him to the ground. You know what the article didnt mention about Courier and Agassi at Bollettieri? They were sent to a field and told to run until they puked. Please find a "training center" or "academy" that is going to do that to a kid nowadays. The great weight room and high tech facilities wont produce a champion. Get a group of kids wanting it more than life itself and one of those kids will have the talent to actually go somewhere with tennis. Spoon-feeding the top kids telling them they are good isnt going to do it. Ask everyone around about Nick 35 years ago, himself and the program has changed since then. It used to be on the edge of abusive. Well that worked. And id ask the top guys in the world...most worked their ass off. We just need to get tougher bottom line. Thanks.
What is this Cuba? Director of Midwest allegedly fired for being the voice of membership and dissenting to changes.
If a junior is supposed to "win" their way out of their section to get a chance to compete nationally, then I sure do hope the USTA is ready to cough up the funds to supply a ref on every tournament court just to make sure that cheating to "win" does not become the norm. Can you even imagine....
Do the USTA leaders read what people say? Does Tim Russell? Does anybody care? People are begging that someone do something about the way the Association is being run and yet they continue to kick the can down the road. Another two years, another President, another Board, another Committee but the same attitude.
Truth: Absolutely, producing top 20 players is a freak accident, quite simply. You'd be hard pressed to argue that any system is supreme over another in that regard. So it comes down to the mid-level players, who are ultimately most affected by system changes, and this new system screws them over.
It boggles the mind that the USTA isn't addressing actual issues. The rampant cheating that goes on due to lack of line judges. The many kids being injured due to overtraining or incorrect training. The exorbitant entry fees. The lack of emphasis on clay court tennis or doubles or team events. All real problems.
Has anyone considered the fact that our guys simply aren't hungry enough? Most haven't had to struggle a day in their lives. Compare that to Djokovic, who played in a swimming pool and while hearing bombs. Look at the number of quality ball-hitters we've churned out into the top 200, the top 1000. These guys just don't have the heart, and that's more an indictment of our entitled American mentality than anything else.
yes tennis parent you are correct..the elephant in the room that neither Mr. Ph.D. nor anybody with the USTA will ever address or fix is the enormous amount of cheating that skews the results.
This proves that it is about nothing but money to them as the solution is obvious. Look at all othe sports.
Baseball pitchers and batters do not call their own balls and strikes
Come on Tim. Federer didn't struggle a day in his life and neither did Nadal..... Sampras- what a deprived childhood. Really!!
What a disaapointing effort by one of the best female college players Nicole Gibbs, wins 3 games over an extremely jet lagged, Serena played on Gibb's home court. Serena has not been on a hard court in months. very dissapointing. Where is the development in women's college tennis?
Does anybody know when mr. Phd's reign ends?
Hey...and to comment on lack of competition in first rounds at big tournament. First round futures in Rochester, NY. A total of 6 6-0 sets in 16 matches. Thats ridiculous and some other blow out sets across the board. Seems like they should cut the draw to 16 at futures ;) sarcasm
Eeeeewwwww. Just opened this thread then googles some of the chairman of Usta's comments. He goes on and on and on and on. Can't imagine what's he's like in person.
The empires wears no clothes.
I am going to try and do my best to address each point that all of you uninformed parents and coaches are rambling on and on about....it is pretty funny that everyone on this blog chooses not to address the real issues. As someone who has not only competed at the highest level and has been around the game all my life, I will try to help educate the ignorant entitled parents rambling on this blog.
I will go blogger by blogger....
Tim (not PhD Tim
Fewer players in the sport: that is why the USTA has invested a lot of time and resources into 10 and under tennis. We are only 30 years behind some European countries when it comes to making tennis kid friendly. Numbers are already on the rise from what I have read on the web.
College (4.5 scholarships) and international players- this is pretty much out of the USTA control folks...title ix and football has pretty much but a cap on the number of opportunities for the men...if our kids want more opportunities then get better ( we will touch on this word called entitlement a little more throughout this response ). It single handily could be the cause of why we are we're we are.
Draw sizes: these are only shrinking at the top of the pyramid. Hey Tim I bet you would have loved to play Wimbledon but you probably weren't good enough!!! Didn't anyone agree with mr PHD said about the Olympics. You don't here the Spanish complaining that their number 5 player who is the 17th best player in the world, didn't get into the Olympics or that the Olympics is only a 64 draw. There will actually more opportunities for the masses to play locally within their section. Here we go again with entitlement The studies have been shown by rating companies that only 25 percent of matches at the nationals are competitive. Kids only improve of they are pushe through competitive competition.
Entry: as the usta national only controls te entry fees for the level 1-3, the majority of the td s make very little money on these events, so how do you suggest we tell the officials they should charge less and how do we control the cost of clay and indoor court time . Everything isn't the USTAs fault.
Lost generation of college tennis: only thing I will agree with you "Tim ". Under the new group try are pushing hard for players to go to college and use it as a dev pathway. Players like Steve Johnson and Rhyne Williams all went to college and now are ready to compete at the highest level. We can't change the past only focus on the future.
Chicago...wow you are truly uneducated and feel entitled to something...you should be ashamed of yourself. People like you should have to disclose your name the name of your child and what their ranking is for the sake of putting things into perspective...where do I begin with you....
Cherry picking : I think Dr. Russell hit all of the issues. You might not like what he has to say because the truth hurts. How do you know who he has talked to and consulted. Cooborate your facts before you just spew thoughtless comments. All of the parents who are upset all have kids who have no business playing the nationals. Back to that big word you can't spell call entitlement. Just because you pay your usta dues doesn't make you eligible to compete at the US Open. It is called earned advancement. Go check how the old system worked when we had 6 Americans in the top 100 that were born in 1981 and 1982. They all had to earn it. John McEnroe had to earn his trip to Kalamazoo. This is a pretty hard concept for Americans to comprehend because you are probably the same tennis parent who carries their child's bag and checks them in at the front desk.
Travel: 2 hours you can drive and 9 hours you can still drive. Get creative...carpool or share resources. What you seem to be missing is the fact that if you can't win where you walk you shouldn't drive. If you can't win we're you can drive you shouldn't fly. The best players have always had to travel. The goal was to cut down the cost for the majority who have no business traveling to chase points.
Grass roots: why don't you reach out to Russell and get a feel for his knowledge of grass roots before you make uneducated comments.
Poor effort: all I can say you are a disgrace and comments like that should not be tolerated by this blog. Taking pit shots at a young lady who just won her first WTA tour match and then who arguably plays the greatest player ever to play is a disgrace.
What was the score of the Australian Open Women's final: 6-2 6-1...? Oh man I guess Azarenka has no business competing in the finals.. Where is the development at the top of the women's game? My point being you don't know what Gibbs was feeling that day nor do you know what Azarenka was feeling?
Great job Nicole. We know you will represent is well..
Congrats to Nicole for winning a main draw WTA match as well as last week's event. Nice move up the rankings (after 3 events). Good luck in Southern California next week. Keep up the progress!
Ms. Entitlement:
Wow - are you for real???? You may have played at the highest levels, but what makes you so sure no one else on this blog hasnt?? I think a person like you should reveal your name and your kid's name and ranking if you even have a junior in the sport...
Secondly,you did not for some reason, address the issue of cheating. It is an issue ALREADY at many tournaments. If there are only a few spots in each section to advance to a national, what pressure do you think a child would be under to win at all costs? The temptation to take a line call in a tight match would be to great for some players who would face consequences by an angry parent should they lose the match!! Everyone in junior tennis has seen this happen!! I feel sorry for the kids to be put under so much pressure..
If the USTA thinks this is good for competition and mandating it, then they need to make it fair for all players and supply refs for every match. Let the best players win fair and square and eliminate the possibility of players "cheating" their way to a national. I can not imagine a single person who would disagree.
Guess what ms entitlement ...I too have competed at high levels. Its not the same .and 2 of my children ranked nationally in top 15 nationally.
Reveal yourself. I'm still in the game here and am managing schedules.they earned it .they do win locally and beyond. They do not chase points.only a handful of kids do.
If the goal was to cut down costs, it was short sighted...I can drive 90 minutes out of my region or 8 hours to a sectional in my region....
I'm not sure who you are but must be somehow affiliated with USTA.,because nobody in their right mind could justify your sentiments.
Are we seriously talking about the "cheating" that goes on in junior events and that is a big cause of why juniors are losing matches? What is going on with this generation of parents? And yes - it is YOU parents who create the atmosphere and discipline of your children and shape/influence their behavior.
Your child is not winning because of someone cheating - but because he/she is not good enough to win those matches.
Here is a hint - call out the score after each point - change the scorecard on your court. Have a roving umpire to watch the important games. If your son/daughter is good enough - they will win.
Cheating did not start this year - it has been going on in junior tennis since the beginning and wil remain forever. get use to it and get better.
Chicago,
If you have two players that are both Top 15 Nationally, then why are you so passionately against this proposal? If you played at such a high level, then you would have played under the old system, and understand how this will benefit the youth of tomorrow?
Please explain your rationale for making all the above comments.
Ms Entitlement:
FYI - My child was ranked #1 in the country. I think I know what I am talking about..
I think parents who have a problem with cheating should take a look at golf. There is a code of conduct that all players follow. They have to call their own penalties and report their own score on a scorecard. Why has this become such a big problem in tennis and you don't hear golf parents at the top of the game complaining? Just a thought?
Great debate! Has anyone taken a critical look at the phenomenal success of the Southwest Section while under Dr. Russell's reign? (Sarc)
First let's talk sectional endorsement quota. The Southwest Section offers TWO sectional endorsed players per age group. Hmmm...Phoenix is the 6th largest city in the U.S. and while I understand there is a ratio involved of USTA players vs. population in determining that quota, and I admit to not knowing that exact formula, the argument for years is that the section needs to be able to endorse more junior players. What exactly has Dr. Russell done within his section to provide a fair solution?
When the summer teams are fielded, which year after year, is more difficult to do, the BEST players - the ones that have "earned their way", get absolutely annihilated by not one, but two Southern Cal teams. They struggle against the not one, but two Florida teams, same with Norcal fielding 2 teams. Southwest section has problems competing with virtually every section. On a rare occasion, the SW players might pick up a win against Hawaii-Pacific or the Northwest section. I doubt Tim Russell would have any clue how these top endorsed players from HIS section are faring in these summer team competitions, but ask the many coaches that have witnesses these team events. A successful team is the exception but without question, the players who do have success are the national players, the ones who have exposure and more experience in that arena....you can go to the bank on that one.
The Southwest Section has watched it's two premier tournaments, the Copper Bowl and Winter Nationals go from being prestigious to a near joke. I totally agree with Hannity. For the brave families that leave their homes during the holidays and have to endure these two tournaments while forking over THOUSANDS of dollars for hotel, food and airfare is shameful. Take a look how many top 50 players play in these two tournaments. Not many. Very embarrassing.
The players that succeed in growth and competition LEAVE the section and by doing so, they get better! Nathan Ponwith is a top junior out of the Section and he's improving tenfold with national and international competition. Yes, he still plays some sectional tournaments, but by mandating that he stay in his section will only hurt his game in the long run! Hailey Driver, a top junior left her section about 4 years ago and trained in SoCal and competed well nationally, given the opportunity. Tyler Hochwalt moved to Texas to train 7 or 8 years ago after dominating the section. At least in this section, there is such a wide disparity between the top players and lower ranked players, there is no benefit or value gained from repeated competition between these players...couldn't disagree with Tim more. Stagnation is not a good thing.
How can Russell fix this system, make ridiculous recommendations and believe in it so much when his Section is abysmal. Courts are being removed from facilities, junior programs are dwindling...what is the saying "you can't see the forest through the trees?"
Last but not least and this has been much longer than I wanted... Arizona State University, the largest public university in the country, where Tim Russell teaches (or taught...not sure) cancelled the Men's Tennis Program in May of 2008 along with 2 other programs (both of which were re-instated). Certainly there is no direct correlation or even a financial relationship between the USTA, the Southwest Section and ASU, but it is food for thought as to how such a thing can happen in Russell's proverbial back yard.
Junior players, their families, coaches and fans yearn for strong leadership and positive changes in our section. Russell and his charge have proven nothing here and it's frightening to think about the future.
Tim Russell's term as Committee Chair of the JCC technically ends at the end of the current two year cycle. A lot of Chairs usually get reappointed to another two year term unless there is opposition or they are judged to have done a bad job. The incoming President makes the appointments and should be aware of the massive disatisfaction with what Tim and the JCC has done. If he is not, people should tell him.
In addition, the USTA Board could probably approve a motion at the Semi Annual meeting to invalidate all of the changes. To do that it would take someone to line up the Sections and coordinate to vote. That is a massive and very political undertaking that no one is likely to lead. So every one is stuck unless the USTA comes to their senses.
Confused. How did a windbag like Russel get to be chairman? Seriously when someone stated he wrote a 17 page response to a criticism. Hopefully he and Patrick Mac will show enough of an interest in the junior development program to show up, be accountable and watch the best juniors in the country compete in the ntl clays. ....that we parents are do dearly paying for...and that they have made thes ridiculous changes for " for our financial benefit". Or will our development director (Mac)be looking more out for his financial interests...commentating. We are watching. He should be here every step of the way....to actually watch for talent..not send his coaches to watch already enlisted USTA players. This isnhow they do it in the big leagues.
Player development director should be ther early in tournament..not for finals.
Player development is just that..not see who wins early then develop.
Better do it now before the pool shrinks..nice changes USTA
I actually think Phoenix is on to something. Contrary to Hannity's comment - I think this HURTS the top 30 players. Tell me if I'm wrong, but Clays and Hards are going to be selected totally on sectional quotas. I.e. not use NSL (in conj with low quotas) like it does today.
So for the higher players who now spend their time and resources playing nationally as they should - they will need to play a fair bit of sectional tourneys which is a waste as Phoneix described.
As for the rest of the players, I'm actually not too worried about the changes. If someone ranked 250 can't get into a national tourney I think it's fair that they get better and earn it. I suspect players ranked <200 will get into most things they want.
Will these changes result in a big move to playing ITF juniors? Or maybe the ITA summer stuff? I guess we'll see.
I think this conversation has become pretty amusing. It seems since Ms Enthusiast and others have laid out the facts that others have had no rebuttals that are worth noting. The conversation quickly turned to cheating. That argument was shot down by the golf parent. Then you have people turning trying to blame one man for the reason why the SWS is weak. Why doesn't anyone blame the coaches or the players. One man isn't responsible for the lack of players in one area.
Nobody has talked about the parents in this whole discussion. We are part to blame because we influence our kids on a daily basis. Take a look in the mirror and stop trying to always blame other people.
Then they try and blame this professor for the loss of Arizona State? People, you need to find some better arguments. Maybe the reason ASU lost its program was because the people in charge didn't do their job. Has anyone asked what PHD tried to do to save the program? As the Chair of the Collegiate Committee he was actively involved in trying to bring tennis back to ASU.
Can we have an honest conversation about the facts and not get side tracked with unrelated topics that have nothing to do with this discussion.
If everyone put their energy behind this proposal and railed around American tennis we might actually start competing with the rest of the world. Negativity and continued bashing of a system that is here to stay does not move the dial forward.
I never tried to blame Tim Russell for the loss of ASU...where did that come from? I said it is an ironic twist of fate that the program was lost at his university.
Tennis fans in Phoenix and Tempe want that program back so bad it hurts. As head of the Collegiate Committee, and if he truly attempted to bring that program back, well then he didn't do a very good job did he?
FYI...ASU still has their courts (in excellent condition), their facility, referees, men's locker rooms, offices and of course, their women's tennis team with 8 full scholarships. Thank you Title IX.
Tim Russell has everything to do with the lackluster SWS! He has failed to lead, grow the game and promote junior development. Period. In his hands, the SWS is a near-farce. If it isn't achieved at a small sectional level, how in God's creation will he achieve it on a national platform. That is my point.
I guess The University of Colorado didn't do a great job of trying to bring back their program. The AD promised the program would be reinstated if they raised the money. They did and they still cut the program. The ASU program was going to take 1 million dollars to reinstate year one and 5 million dollar endowment to keep. Sounds like you are from PHX so why didn't you write the check.
As someone who has been around the game for over 40 years, the SWS section hasn't produced any male players since Gary Dinnley and Jim Grab back in the 80's. They were developed under the old system which is just like the new system. They played each other outside of tournaments because they knewtheycould make each other better.
You are right in that this system is working to develop the next war of players. Look how you create great players. College Park has produced some of the countries best players just by creating a local training enviornme t with great coaches pushing the players and the player pushing each other. Maybe the SWS should ask their coaches why they dot work together. This has to be a team effort.
Sounds like there are a lot deeper rooted issues in your section other than one man.
College man.... Great training environment is the best. Now have them play against each other for the increasingly limited spots for nationals, which they must qualify for...in their region..against each other.
Look at the Midwest...which dominate all. Their players winning super nationals and inter sectionals. They will be knocking each other out. A player from mountain region , or oterh equally weak region, elawill get in over them based on his dominance in a weak area, while A worthy player will have not.
Hey Mr. Phd..do that math...oh I forgot you are a music teacher.
Chicago Man -
You are exactly correct.
Let's give it a rest.
The parents and players in the trenches are obviously vehemently opposed to the chainges for a widee variety of reason ( they are experiencing it) .nobody in USTA cares. I picture 12 people, led by a windbag, affecting the fate of millionss of paying members
Why look at the old system . Times and parental priorities have changed. Look at how many children of immigrants succeed. Also look at the money. When.I played
Virginia slims tour was the thing and prize money small.
It's not the same
I have nothing against immigrants or increased prize money, but the game is not the same.
I'm done. If a tree fall in the forest and.....
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