NJTP SMASH TALK Newsletter Winter 2011   PRESIDENT’S CORNER By STEVE TSCHERNE NEW YEARS DEDICATION As we break in a new decade we need to look within ourselves and ask: “are we really committed to being successful in tennis? Do we always make practice and when we are practicing, are we truly giving a 100% of our attention and effort? Do we practice on the off-days and play on the weekends? Are we cross training by running, strength training, riding bikes and doing yoga, cardio or other sports? Are we playing tournaments, taking private lessons, reading tennis books and magazines and studying tennis strokes on line?” Tennis is a fun game. It’s hard but simple at the same time. Two players with the same ability can play and the one who has put in the most time on court will almost always win. It’s simple. Keep a weekly diary of the amount of hours on the court; good players practice at least as many hours as they are old. Up to 15. If you are 6, then 6 hours is about right. If you are 13, 13 hours is perfect. Adopt this simple strategy and your game will explode. Max your ability and talent, that’s all you can do. SUMMER CAMP AT RIVIERA SERVED UP A BIG HIT The Riviera Foundation continues to succeed in bringing the best tennis camp experience possible to the Achievers and Challengers players of the NJTP. This five-day twenty-hour camp combined tennis drilling, instruction, and Davis Cup style competition. As always, the level of play was very high with several instructors with high school, college and even professional backgrounds. Despite temperatures reaching 100° plus in the San Fernando Valley, the climate at the Riviera Tennis Club in Pacific Palisades was a perfect 67-82 degrees through the five-day event. This summer camp was highlighted with an afternoon swim and cookout at a generous neighbor’s house. The local paper reviewed the event with an article and pictures of the kids swimming and playing tennis. Once again, thank you Riviera Foundation and Riviera Tennis Club for your wonderful commitment to helping the NJTP and other tennis foundations throughout the year.   NOVICE, SATELLITE AND OPEN TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE PLAY TWO TOURNAMENTS IN ONE QUARTER AND NJTP WILL PAY FOR THE THIRD! This quarter runs from: January 1st to April 1, 2011. For tournament schedule check the website at: www.SCTA.USTA.com     TOLUCA LAKE PRO-AM SLAM IS A SLAM DUNK Ben Brunkow, the director of tennis at Toluca Lake Tennis Club, reached deep into his bag of tricks to hold the Toluca Lake Pro-AM Slam. The event was held on September 11, 2010, exactly nine years from the date of the tragic 9/11 event in New York City. There wasn’t anything tragic about this event however. It was all smiles and fun for the local professionals and amateurs who participated in the doubles round robin. Bank of the West made it all possible with a generous donation as the key presenting sponsor. A raffle and silent auction were held in conjunction with the event. A special thanks go out to Ben Brunkow and his wife, Rosanna, and all the members of the Toluca Lake Tennis Club for all their support. Thank you again. SAMANTHA NUÑO WINS CITY CHAMPIONSHIP Sammy Nuno made her school (Granada Hills), her parents, and the NJTP very proud as she won the City Championship. She won the Team championships and backed it up with a #1 doubles individual championship as well. Sammy has a bright future ahead as she is only a freshman. Granada Hills High School won its third straight City Championship. Way to go Sammy, you make us proud!!!! Sarah Nuño Champion – SF Valley Tennis Classic - Girls’ 14’s Open Sarah Nuño Champion – Racquet Center - Girls’ 14’s Open Sarah Nuño Finalist – Rose Bowl- Girls’ 14’s Open Sarah Nuño Finalist – Santa Barbara - Girls’ 12’s Open Sarah Nuño USTA Nationals went four rounds Sarah & Ryan Nuño Champion – Northridge- 14’s Doubles Samantha Nuño City Champion – Granada Hills– Team & #1 Doubles Ryan Nuño Champion – Ventura County - Boys’ 12’s Open Ryan Nuño Champion – Calabasas - Boys’ 12’s Open Ryan Nuño Champion – Pasadena - Boys’ 12’s Open Ryan Nuño Champion – SF Valley Tennis Classic - Open Ryan Nuño Champion – Racquet Center - Open Ryan Nuño Champion – Santa Barbara– Boys 10’s Ryan Nuño Finalist – Nike Invitational - Boys’ 10’s Open WE LOVE OUR NJTP STAFF AND COACHES ANNIE ARAUJO is 25 years old and a critical link to the outside world. She does everything from the billing, to flyers, e-mails and, of course, teaching. She played #1 singles at Sylmar; she won the City Invitational Championship and played #1 doubles and singles at Glendale College. She has been with the NJTP for 13 years, 10+ years as a coach. She is a pillar of strength and a rock of reliability; she is truly a huge asset to the NJTP. NICK ARAUJO is 18 years old and a super jock. He played #1 singles at Sylmar High, wrestled at the 135-weight limit, played varsity football, and did the Bike, 5K or ½ Marathon five times. He has been with the NJTP for 9 years as a student and 1 year as a coach. He attended the summer Navy program at Annapolis, Maryland. He brings enthusiasm and a youthful air to his classes. HUGO NUNO says he can recognize talent and enjoys building and developing the talent, but more importantly, the person. Hugo has an impressive background as a runner. He completed 7 Marathons, including LA and San Francisco. He had an impressive 2.37 marathon time. He has worked with elite tennis students including his own children who continue to compete at high levels. His calm demeanor and well conceived lessons bring the best out of his students. We are thrilled to have his services. CORA DAVIS is 55 years old; she is relatively new to the NJTP. She loves to teach and looks forward to being with the children. Cora is an active player and recently won the LA Metro Open in the 45’s. Her husband, Gordon, has won an impressive 30 plus gold balls. Her son, Scott, reached #1 in the world in doubles and won about 33 professional titles during his career. The Davis family is truly a tennis family. BARBARA TSCHERNE is 53 years old, a founding member of the NJTP, and the glue that helps hold the program together. She is an outstanding Peewee and beginner coach who gives her students a great foundation of strokes, but more importantly, imparts her love of the game!!! Her experience includes school trainee for USTA, NJTP site-coordinator for L.A., and 17 years of coaching for the NJTP. She played at the college level at CSUN and Pierce College. She has always attended numerous workshops, including three USPTA world conferences and the National Teachers Conference in New York in conjunction with the US OPEN. Barbara does it all and with a smile. STEVE TSCHERNE is 56 years old, President of the NJTP, and also a coach for 20+ years after playing college and tournament tennis. He has attended five USPTA world conferences, as well as, the National Teachers conference in New York. Steve also is directly involved with the NJTP Fundraisers, primarily the Pasadena Marathon on May 15th and the Toluca Lake Pro-Am showdown held in the fall. He has completed 17 consecutive Marathon fundraisers, which included 14 Bike marathons, two full 26.2 running marathons and a 5K. Steve works directly with the Riviera Foundation, is responsible for the quarterly lightning, leagues, and the May Satellite Tournament, which this year will be held at El Cariso Park. Steve loves to work with young talent and is very comfortable on the court. QUARTERLY LIGHTNING TOURNAMENT SCHEDULED There will be two lightning tournaments this quarter. The first will be a make-up for the October lightning tournament which got rained out, and the second will be our regular lightning for this quarter. Mark Saturday, January 22nd at El Cariso Park, the second will be at Saturday, February 12th, starting at 12:00 pm. Entry fee is $5.00 for NJTP students, $10.00 for non-NJTP players and adults. Trophies will be awarded to the champion and finalist. This tournament is for Rising Stars, Challengers, Achievers and Adults. RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY Eventually mother nature had to win. Remarkably the NJTP held its 43rd lighning tournament over a ten year period before their first rain out ever. It rained the day of the event Sunday, October 17th. It rained hours before and minutes after, but never during the tournament time slot. To keep our long time tournament commitment we will reschedule the October 2010 event and hold it Saturday, January 22nd, 2011. January lightning will be held Saturday, February 12th, 12:00 pm. 100% PARTICIPATION REQUESTED The NJTP is a 501-C non-profit organization and it is a must that we fund-raise annually. This year we will be participating in the Pasadena 5K, Half-Marathon, Marathon and Bike Marathon on a new date - Sunday, May 15th, 2011. This is the most crutial fundraiser of the year and we need 100% participation. NJTP will pay your entry fee, give you a gift, and provide free training bike rides and walks leading up to your event. This is a family affair, bring your friends, pick an event that fits your fitness level and have some fun and help the NJTP fundraiser be a smashing success. Call Steve or Barbara at (818) 362-1068 for more information.   PARENTS BEWARE It’s time to get in shape, burn some calories and eliminate some stress. Let’s take the NJTP Tennis Cardio Class. This class is held each Thursday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost is $50.00 for a six-week course. If your child has been taking lessons for a while, you’ll need to brush up on your strokes before your kids leave you in the dust. Tennis is truly a family game and it’s great to go out to play together as a family. Get involved, take some lessons, have some fun and bond with your children. Call (818) 294-2671, before your children move off to college or you are too old or out of shape to play. LIGHTNING CHAMPIONS JANUARY 2000 —TRISTAN WELLS APRIL 2000 —TRISTAN WELLS JULY 2000 - MIKE DEGUINO OCT. 2000 – ROXANNE PLATA JANUARY 2001 -S PENCER COHEN APRIL 2001 — OSCAR VELEZ JULY 2001 - TRISTAN WELLS OCTOBER 2001 — NATALIE SIORDIA JANUARY 2002 —TRISTAN WELLS APRIL 2002 —TRISTAN WELLS JULY 2002 — TRISTAN WELLS OCTOBER 2002 — TRISTAN WELLS JANUARY 2003 — RUDY CORDOVA APRIL 2003 —TRISTAN WELLS JULY 2003 — ROXANNE PLATA OCTOBER 2003 — SPENCER COHEN JANUARY 2004 — ROXANNE PLATA APRIL 2004 — NATALIE SIORDIA JULY 2004 — ROXANNE PLATA OCTOBER 2004 — JULIO BELLOSO JANUARY 2005 — JULIO BELLOSO APRIL 2005 – BRIAN ROBLES JULY 2005 - SHEENA JOHNSON OCTOBER 2005 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT JANUARY 2006 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT APRIL 2006 - KIMBERLY ALBALLATT JULY 2006 - KIMBERLY ALBALLATT OCTOBER 2006 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT JANUARY 2007 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT APRIL 2007 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT JULY 2007 - SAMANTHA NUÑO OCTOBER 2007 - SHEENA JOHNSON JANUARY 2008 - KIMBERLY ALBALLAT APRIL 2008 - ANTHONY DAVISON JULY 2008 - SAMANTHA NUÑO OCTOBER 2008 - SAMANTHA NUÑO JANUARY 2009 - SAMANTHA NUÑO APRIL 2009 - JOSEPH REYES JULY 2009 - JOSEPH REYES OCTOBER 2009 - BRANDON LAM JANUARY 2010 - JOEY TSCHERNE APRIL 2010 - JOSEPH REYES JULY 2010 - WILL CHUNG         CHALLENGE MATCH RESULTS Sabrina Nuño def. Eduardo Alvarez 3-:6, 6:0, 6:1 Laurel Fish def. Abigail Alvarez 6:4, 6:2 Kendric Marcy def. Joshua Gomez 6:0, 6:0 Sabrina Nuño def. Anderson Park 6:2, 6:1 Sammy Nuño def. Joey Tscherne 6:4, 6:0 Sarah Nuño def. Ryan Nuño 6:4, 6:4 Joey Tscherne def. Kendric Marcy 6:0, 6:1 Ryan Nuño def. Josua Gomez 6:0, 6:0 Joshua Gomez def. Eduardo Alvarez 6:0, 6:0 Laurel Fish/Kendric Marcy def. Sabrina Nuño /Joshua Gomez 7:5, 6:1   HEAD-PENN POINT SYSTEM