USTA Colorado Annual Awards
USTA Colorado Annual Awards
Each year, USTA Colorado recognizes players, administrators,
facilities and volunteers who have distinguished themselves over the course of
the year. Each award is named after an outstanding individual, whose
contribution to tennis in our state has had a significant positive influence to
the Colorado tennis community.
2009 Annual Award Winners
Rosemary Fri Award
Presented to the Outstanding Female College Player in Colorado (may be attending
a Colorado college or a Colorado player attending an out-of-state college).
Named after Rosemary Fri, Head Tennis Coach at the University of Northern
Colorado for over 30 years. She is a member of the UNC Athletic Hall of Fame and
Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Krista Damico (Parker)
A junior standout ranked nationally as high as No. 6 in the country, Krista
continued her success in college, where as a freshman at the University of Texas
she competed in the top three singles and top two doubles positions.
Vernon John Award
Presented to the Outstanding Male College Player in Colorado (may be attending a
Colorado college or a Colorado player attending an out-of-state college). Named
after Vernon John who was an NCAA singles finalist and National Clay Court Men’s
finalist in 1936.
Clancy Shields (Grand Junction)
In 2009, Clancy was named WAC Player of the Year, leading Boise State to the
NCAA team championships. He also received the ITA/Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship
Award for character, academics and tennis accomplishments.
Joan Birkland Award
Presented to the Outstanding Female Player in Colorado. Named in honor of Joan
Birkland, who twice held state titles in both tennis and golf in the same year.
She is the long-time Executive Director of Sportswomen of Colorado, and is a
member of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame and the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Lauren Strasburger (Denver)
A former Colorado State University standout, Lauren won the Boulder Open and
reached the quarterfinals at the Denver City and Colorado State Open.
Jim Landin Award
Presented to the Outstanding Male Player in Colorado. Named in honor of Jim
Landin, who won more Open titles in Colorado than any other male player. Jim is
a member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Clancy Shields (Grand Junction)
Clancy began the local tournament season with a win at the Elam Classic,
followed by doubles victories at both the Elam and the Men's Safeway Open, a
pro-caliber event. He was also a finalist at the Denver City Open.
Jack Cella Award
Presented to the Outstanding Male High School Player in Colorado. Named in honor
of Jack Cella, an inaugural member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame and the
first three-time No. 1 singles winner of the Colorado High School State
Championship.
Casey Macmaster (Fort Collins)
A senior at Rocky Mountain High School, Casey capped back-to-back perfect
seasons with his second 5A high school singles championship, earning him Player
of the Year honors and a spot on the All Colorado Boys' Tennis Team.
Richard Hillway Award
Presented to the Outstanding Boys’ High School Team in Colorado. This award
recognizes achievement in high school tennis but is not determined solely on
win/loss record. Named after Richard Hillway, who has coached more than 30
Colorado High School Championship teams.
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Kent Denver won its second consecutive Colorado Boys’ High School State 4A Team
Championship (fifth title in school history), sweeping every title match it
played.
Sam & Sid Milstein Award
Presented to the Outstanding Senior Male Player, age 50-and-over, in Colorado.
Named after Sam & Sid Milstein, top Colorado players who also ran tournaments
and leagues, and compiled rankings during the 1930s-50s. The Milsteins are
members of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Gene Wilken (Fort Collins)
Gene picked up his first racquet at the age of 10, and in 2009, he swept the M80
singles and doubles titles at the Colorado State Open.
Fay & Dorothy Shwayder Award
Presented to the Outstanding Senior Female Player, age 50-and-over, in Colorado.
Named in honor of Fay & Dorothy Shwayder, top tennis players in the 1930s. Fay
won the Denver City Open women’s singles title in 1933 and again in 1960. She is
a Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame member.
Janice Aoki (Littleton)
Janice ends the year ranked No. 1 in Colorado in the Women’s 65s division. In
2008 and again in 2009, she won the singles championships at both the Denver
City Open and the Colorado State Open.
Ade Butler Award
Presented to the Outstanding Umpire as determined by the Colorado Tennis Umpires
Association. Named after Ade Butler who “professionalized” umpiring in Colorado.
He is a member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Patrick Zuraski (Colorado Springs)
An active official at all levels of events, Patrick joined the CTUA in 2001 and
has served on its board of directors since 2006, as secretary and treasurer.
Jerry & Lillian Brawer Award
Presented to the Outstanding Wheelchair Player in Colorado. The award is named
in honor of Jerry & Lillian Brawer who run the Doris Denker Wheelchair Sports
Foundation and actively promote wheelchair tennis on the Western Slope.
John Vcelka (Highlands Ranch)
An avid wheelchair player and member of the Colorado Wheelchair Tennis
Foundation board, John works to provide tennis opportunities for wheelchair
athletes. He competes in events statewide, enjoying consistent results.
Jim & Anne Dyde Award
Presented to the Outstanding Female High School Player in Colorado. Named after
Anne & Jim Dyde, long-time Colorado volunteers, players and supporters. Anne was
a top player in the 1950s and ’60s, and is a member of the Colorado Tennis Hall
of Fame.
Sammie Watson (Denver)
One of Intermountain’s top ranked players, Sammie plays No. 1 singles at Kent
Denver, winning consecutive 4A Singles Championships. She was named Colorado
High School Player of the Year for 2008-2009 by The Denver Post.
Willa Wolcott Condon Award
Presented to the Outstanding Girls’ High School Tennis Team in Colorado. This
award recognizes achievement in high school tennis but is not determined solely
on win/loss record. Named in honor of Willa Wolcott Condon, a dominating force
in Colorado women’s tennis, who is a member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Cheyenne Mountain High School (CO Springs)
The Cheyenne Mountain High School tennis team capped off their 2009 season
winning the 4A Girls' High School Team Championship, bringing home individual
state titles at the No. 3 singles and No. 2 and 4 doubles positions.
E.L. Griffey Award
Presented to a Colorado organization for outstanding contributions to its tennis
community. Named after E.L. Griffey, Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame member and
founder of the Denver Tennis Club who also served as its president from
1928-1951.
Arvada Tennis Center-Apex Park & Recreation
(Arvada)
Consistently ranked among the top five facilities in the state for league
participation, Arvada Tennis Center is home to many events and programs
including sanctioned tournaments, coaches trainings and wheelchair tennis.
Carter & Lena Elliott Family Award
Presented to a Colorado family who demonstrates outstanding service to the
tennis community. The Elliott Family is largely responsible for the growth of
tennis on the Western Slope. Carter and Lena are inaugural members of the
Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
The Young Family (Colorado Springs)
Rich has served on the board of directors of USTA Colorado for 10 years, while
Pennie, Matt and Brad began Stars Tennis, a student-led summer instructional
program for under-served kids in Colorado Springs.
Jody Riser Knudsen Award
Presented to an individual for their demonstration of enthusiasm and dedication
as a volunteer for USTA Colorado and the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation. Named
after Jody Riser Knudsen, a tireless volunteer for many years.
Sonia Schwartz (Arvada)
Sonia was key to the success of the USTA Colorado Diversity TennisFest Series,
bringing tennis to diverse populations at Colorado’s largest ethnic festivals.
Dorothy Mauk Award
Presented in recognition of excellence in the reporting of news and features
which promote the sport of tennis in Colorado. Named for Dorothy Mauk, Denver
Post sportswriter, whose extensive coverage of tennis helped fuel the popularity
of the sport. She is a Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame member.
Andy Zodin (Lakewood)
Andy is host of “In the Tennis Zone”, a weekly radio show that features tennis
coverage of the local tennis scene, as well as interviews with some of the
sport's most iconic figures, including Billie Jean King and Rod Laver.
Margaret Rogers Phipps Award
Presented to a Colorado girl, 14-and-under, who exemplifies sportsmanship,
leadership and achievement. Named after Margaret Phipps, a generous tennis
philanthropist and inaugural member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Nicole Kalhorn (Colorado Springs)
Nicole earned a top-20 Intermountain ranking in 2009, capturing several
tournaments at the state level. A member of the Team Colorado Select Squad, she
won her first 12s title at the age of 10.
John Hough Award
Presented to a Colorado boy, 14-and-under, who exemplifies sportsmanship,
leadership and achievement. Named after John Hough, an exceptional sport who
played at Denver East High School.
Luke Lorenz (Colorado Springs)
Luke won the Boys’ 12s singles and doubles at the ITA Memorial Day Circuit, also
capturing the doubles at the Easter Circuit. A member of the Team Colorado
Select Squad, Luke has been recognized for his work ethic and leadership.
Phyllis Lockwood Award
Presented to a Colorado girl, age 15 to 18, who exemplifies sportsmanship,
leadership and achievement. Named after Phyllis Lockwood, inaugural member of
the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame, who amassed 62 state titles in her storied
career.
Brittan Sutphin (Lakewood)
The No. 1 singles player at Wheat Ridge High School, Brittan received Jeffco
Player of the Year honors in 2009. After a near-death experience, she has made
it her mission to place AEDs in all Colorado schools and sports facilities.
Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy Award
Presented to a Colorado boy, ages 15 to 18, who exemplifies sportsmanship,
leadership and achievement. Named after the Reidys, administrators and players
in the 1940s-60s. Mike was the first secretary of USTA Colorado and Gene brought
the 1963 Davis Cup to Denver. All three are Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame
members.
Alex Clinkenbeard (Loveland)
A two-time finalist from Loveland High School at the 5A High School
championships, Alex was the team captain. He is a stellar student and volunteer.
Charlie & Ira Brown Award
Presented to the participant of a Colorado Parks & Recreation program who
demonstrates sportsmanship, leadership and achievement. Named after Charlie &
Ira Brown, brothers who helped foster the growth of tennis in Denver parks.
Stephanie Schwartz (Arvada)
A frequent competitor in tournaments, leagues and on her high school tennis
team, Stephanie organizes and teaches at fundraising tennis camps, also coaching
a middle school tennis team in an under-served neighborhood.
Arthur Ashe Award
Presented to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the
growth of tennis among under-served populations in Colorado. Arthur Ashe used
tennis as a means to knock down racial barriers and was an advocate for youth.
Art Rimando (Denver)
Art has been the Berkeley Park tennis coordinator for more than 15 years,
helping to grow tennis in that highly diverse community. A USTA Colorado board
member, Art chairs the Diversity Oversight Committee.
Clyde Rogers Award
Presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to recreational tennis
players in Colorado. Named in honor of Clyde Rogers, former tournament director
of the Memorial Day Washington Park Tournament, later named after him in honor
of his Service.
Mike Shellman (Aurora)
An NTRP Verifier, USTA Umpire and tournament director, and long-time tennis
instructor/administrator at South Suburban and Highlands Ranch, Mike also serves
on the USTA Colorado Adult Recreation and Tournament Committees.
Bud Robineau Award
Presented to an individual for outstanding contributions to our tennis
community. Named after Bud Robineau, the founding president of the CTA and a
philanthropist who generously supported tennis in Colorado. He is a member of
the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.
Vicky Matarazzo (Lakewood)
A long-time high school coach and USTA School Tennis Clinician, Vicky is the
volunteer tennis director for Special Olympics Colorado, coaching athletes with
physical and intellectual disabilities while training Special Olympics coaches.
She also regularly volunteers on the adaptive court at Arthur Ashe Kids Day.
