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October 1, 2008
BLAST

USTA names two Coloradans to World Team Championships squad
The nation’s top tennis players in age groups from 35-80 will compete against 375 teams from 38 countries around the globe at the ITF World Team Championships, October 12-18 in Antalya, Turkey. Among the players selected are two Coloradans, Willie Dann of Denver and Susan Wright of Grand Junction.
The United States will be defending championships in six of the 19 divisions at the Men’s and Women’s Senior & Super-Senior Championships. The American teams finished 1st or 2nd in 12 of the 19 divisions last year.
Having played on six consecutive national Cup teams, Wright and her teammates will be striving to defend the championship they won in 2007, also played on the red clay courts in Antalya. In fact, the US has brought home the Bueno Cup four out of the past five years.
Upon graduating from high school, Wright spent several years playing tennis on the pro tour. Since returning to competition in 2003 at the senior level, Susan has won eight national singles titles, 15 national doubles titles, and two Super Senior Father/Daughter national titles. Other accomplishments include: ITF Senior World Doubles Champion, 2005; Outstanding Female Player of the Year in Colorado, 2005; Sportswoman of Colorado Tennis, 2004. Wright is currently ranked No. 1 in the USTA national singles rankings and number two in the ITF world rankings for her age group.
Willie Dann is also a veteran of the World Team Championships, having played for the American Italia Cup squad (Men's 35) last year. Dann was the top-ranked doubles player in Colorado (2007), and a finalist at last year's USTA Grass Court Championships (M35). Earlier this summer, Dann captured the singles and doubles title at the USTA National Men's 35 Indoor Championships.


Boon honored with USPTA Star
The USPTA Star, recognizing teaching professionals who make an indelible mark on their communities through the sport of tennis, has been awarded to David Boon of Fort Collins. Boon has always been dedicated to helping youth achieve their greatest potential – both on and off the court. He has been very committed to growing the game of tennis in Fort Collins – for more than 20 years Boon has been recognized as a leader in his community for his work with at-risk youth. In 2005, he established the only First Serve Chapter in the Intermountain area. Now at-risk youth can get homework assistance, learn valuable life skills, and get tennis lessons from a USPTA Professional for only a $5/year membership to the Boys and Girls Club. He works directly with more than 4,000 youth each year through First Serve, the Boys and Girls Club, three different public school districts, and through his initiative of 20 “Free Fridays” to get youth and adults started in the game of tennis. He has independently raised more than $90,000 in just three years to further support after-school programming at the Boys and Girls Club and at local schools throughout Fort Collins. His lunch-time tennis has become a huge hit at local public schools. He targets schools with high free-and reduced-lunch participation and spends two hours teaching and supervising self-directed tennis play and games during lunch time recess for free. Boon’s passion and dedication are an inspiration to those around him and the many ideals he instills in youth include a commitment to helping others. Through tennis and its life lessons, Boon serves as an excellent role model for youth and he has made a huge difference in the lives of all the youth, which is evident in significant improvements in their behavior, attitude and self-esteem.


Town of Superior searching for Tennis Professional
The Town of Superior, Colorado is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to serve as the tennis professional for the Town’s highly successful outdoor year-round tennis program. The services specified within this Request For Proposals (RFP) are for a contractor to provide a full service program that will include: competent tennis instruction for all groups and levels of play, organization and promotion of United States Tennis Association (USTA) Leagues, Colorado Association of Recreational Athletics (CARA) Youth Leagues, tennis camps, youth and adult lessons, fitness tennis classes, private and semi-private lessons, tennis clinics, tournaments, etc. The Town will enter into an agreement with the successful candidate for a period of one (1) year with an option of renewing the agreement for up to four (4) years. Please download the RFP, or for more information please contact Juanita Dominguez, Director of Parks, Recreation & Open Space at 303.554.9005. The proposal deadline date is October 22, 2008 at 3pm.

USTA launches Tennis On Campus website
The USTA has launched a new website designed to serve as a resource for the more than 450 college and universities and nearly 30,000 players who participate in a Tennis On Campus program at their school. The official website of the Tennis On Campus program will provide an array of resources, materials and information to help support the rapidly expanding non-varsity side of college tennis. The Tennis On Campus program, launched in 2000, features co-ed teams participating in intramural and intercollegiate (club) play using the World Team Tennis format on campuses nationwide. Tennis On Campus also provides college students with opportunities for leadership development, social networking and rivaled competition. Perfect for athletes who have not made the jump from high school to college varsity, Tennis On Campus offers match play, regional and national championship competition while helping students maintain active and healthy lifestyles through their college years.

The Official Keys of Making Dreams Come True
Make a child's dream come true and get $75 in free gas.
2008 marks Subaru’s fourth year as official vehicle of USTA Colorado. Over the years, the automaker’s support has played a big part in our efforts to promote and grow tennis throughout the state. This year Subaru will also donate $200 to the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation for each car purchased by a USTA Colorado member. The CYTF is a fundraising arm of USTA Colorado that provides tennis opportunities to kids in need across Colorado. Find out more.

DU, Gates Tennis Center host Women’s Octoberfest
Join the University of Denver Women’s Varsity Tennis Team and Gates Tennis Center on Sunday, October 12 (1-4pm) for an afternoon of tennis fun. The $50/person (Women Only, All Abilities) event raises funds for the Tennis For Kids outreach program and DU Women’s Tennis. Participants will partner with a DU team member for a doubles round robin event. Also offered is a clinic with DU head coach Amy Jensen and a drills court. Fully catered. Register by Thursday, October 9, contact Karen at Gates Tennis Center at 303.355.4461 or 720.261.0477.

National League Champions to be crowned
Numerous divisions will be crowning National Champions this month, as USTA League Tennis wraps up for the year in California, Arizona and Nevada.

Playoff Schedules and other General Information
NEW for 2008! We have developed a new program to display match schedules for playoffs that is much more user friendly and integrated with information in Tennislink. This tool should help tremendously with the navigation of championship information. Hopefully you will find this new program to be a useful tool. Since it was developed in-house, we have the ability to make changes, so please contact us with your thoughts about it. A link to this new tool, as well as other important playoff information is available on our playoff information page.
Our playoff information page can be reached directly by clicking on the link below, as well as from the coloradotennis.com home page.
CLICK HERE to go to the playoff information page on our website.
Please Note: Schedule information is not currently displayed in TennisLink, so you must view it through our website.


Team Colorado Viewing Day Set
The Team Colorado 12s Squad and Developmental Squad viewing day will take place on Sunday, October 5 from 11am-2pm at the Ken Caryl Ranch House. Girls will be on court from 11am-12:30pm and the boys from 12:30-2pm. Players are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled viewing time. Team Colorado coaches and administrators will be on-site to watch the kids play and answer any questions that you may have. Please contact Jason Colter, USTA Colorado Player Development Director.

Tournament players encouraged to review results online
DUSTA Colorado Player Development/Competitive Tennis Director Jason Colter reminds tournament players that it is important to review player records to make sure that the current standings are accurate prior to the end of the calendar year. Review points carefully and make sure that you are receiving the correct amount of points for each round played.
Also a reminder of the following:
NTRP Singles/Doubles
Players accumulating a minimum of 150 points during the calendar year will earn a numerical ranking. Only a player’s three best results at Colorado Sanctioned events will count towards a year-end ranking.
Seniors/Championship/Family Doubles
Players accumulating a minimum of 100 points during the calendar year will earn a numerical ranking (two best results will apply to ranking).
Junior Satellite
Players accumulating a minimum of 150 points during the calendar year will earn a numerical ranking (three best results will apply to ranking).
Junior Championship
Players accumulating a minimum of 200 points during the calendar year will earn a numerical ranking (five best results will apply to ranking).


CYTF Racquets for All equipment recycling program
Collection barrels are beginning to be placed in select facilities in Denver and Fort Collins through the Racquets for All tennis equipment recycling program with a larger launch anticipated in the spring. Racquets, balls and other tennis equipment are being collected, refurbished and distributed to individuals and organizations lacking access throughout the state of Colorado. Volunteer coordinators are needed to oversee geographic regions of the Denver-metro area, in particular. If you are interested in learning more about this or other volunteer needs, please contact Kristy Harris.
We are also seeking possible business / warehouse storage locations throughout Denver-metro, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs to store collected equipment temporarily while it is being assessed and distributed. If you know a business or business owner that may be interested in this sponsorship opportunity, please contact Kristy Harris. Thanks to Lightning Labels for their donation to the program.
Organizations in need of tennis equipment are welcome to submit the Equipment Request at any time for consideration.

Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation seeking volunteers
Are you passionate about kids and tennis? Are you fun and energetic and interested in making a difference in the lives of children? If so, the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation is looking for you. The CYTF is a fundraising arm of USTA Colorado. Its mission is simple - to provide tennis opportunities to kids in need across the state. The CYTF is currently seeking volunteers for the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Committee. The 2009 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala will be held on January 31, 2009. Volunteers are needed in the areas of promotions and marketing, sponsorship acquisition, fundraising, logistics and auction management. If you have an interest, give us a call and get involved. Visit our website to learn more, or contact us at 303.695.4116 x201 or email Lisa Schaefer.

Find a Team/Find a Player
Are you looking for a team to play on or to find players for your existing team? The USTA Colorado league department keeps a list of players looking for teams and teams looking for players. Please visit our find a team page on COLORADOTENNIS.com and submit a player information form to Kailey Jonas (kailey@coloradotennis.com) or fax to 303.695.6302 if you would like to add your name to our list.


Upcoming Colorado Sanctioned Tournaments
(Entries closing in the next 45 days)
Tournament Name Entries
Open/Close
Tournament
Start/End
Highlands Ranch Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
LM(Op)sd; LM(A)sd; LM(B)sd; LM(C)sd; LW(Op)sd; LW(A)sd
06/29/2008 (Open)
10/11/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
10/18/2008 (Start)
10/19/2008 (End)
The Last Chance Tennis Championships
MW(Op)sd; X(Op)d; NMW(3.0-5.0)sd; NX(3.0-5.0)d
09/04/2008 (Open)
10/13/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
10/17/2008 (Start)
10/19/2008 (End)
Flying Horse Club Indoor Clay Stable Satellite
BG(18-10)s
08/24/2008 (Open)
10/14/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
10/24/2008 (Start)
10/26/2008 (End)
JCC Women's NTRP Challenge
NW(3.0-4.0)s
08/01/2008 (Open)
10/17/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
10/23/2008 (Start)
10/26/2008 (End)
Flying Horse Indoor Clay Downs Championships
BG(18-10)s
09/01/2008 (Open)
10/25/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/01/2008 (Start)
11/03/2008 (End)
Denver Winter Clay Court Championships
NM(3.0-4.5)s; NW(3.0-4.0)s
08/31/2008 (Open)
10/26/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
10/31/2008 (Start)
11/03/2008 (End)
Point Athletic Club Fall Junior Open
BG(18,14,10)s
09/06/2008 (Open)
10/30/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/06/2008 (Start)
11/10/2008 (End)
Rocky Mountain Tennis Center Turkey Shoot
NMW(2.5-4.5)d,SE
09/06/2008 (Open)
10/31/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/06/2008 (Start)
11/09/2008 (End)
Major Mortgage Autumn Junior Classic
BG(18-10)s,FMLC
09/22/2008 (Open)
10/31/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/07/2008 (Start)
11/09/2008 (End)
Flying Horse Indoor Clay Championships
NMW(3.0-4.5)sd
09/14/2008 (Open)
11/07/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/14/2008 (Start)
11/16/2008 (End)
Point Athletic Club Winter Open Kick-Off
BG(16,12)s
09/20/2008 (Open)
11/13/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/20/2008 (Start)
11/24/2008 (End)
Turkey Shoot Thanksgiving Junior Tournament
BG(18-10)s
09/20/2008 (Open)
11/20/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/27/2008 (Start)
11/30/2008 (End)
Greenwood Doubles Challenge
NMW(3.0-4.5)d;NX(3.0-4.5)d
09/28/2008 (Open)
11/23/2008 (Close)
at 11:59:00 PM
11/28/2008 (Start)
12/01/2008 (End)
 
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