Summer 2019
Summer Symposium 2019 August 16, Western & Southern Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., lunch included
August 15, Awards and Hall of Fame Induction
from the president Hello Midwest Professionals, I hope you are well and your summer tennis programs are in full swing and going well. Take care of yourself during those hot, “dog days” of summer. As I sit down to write this letter, I am encouraged how strong our organization is and where we are headed. Midwest Regional Vice President, Mike Graff, and I attended the national executive committee meetings in Orlando, on April 4-6. I am pleased to report your national board and staff are moving the organization in the right direction. The national board is reassessing their goals and coming up with a new five-year plan. It is a thrilling time to be a USPTA professional with our accreditation with the USTA and the exciting opportunities this will bring our organization. All the goals set forth are done with the idea of raising the standards of teaching professionals and giving the consumer the best possible experience and in turn, growing the game of tennis. Second, we have our annual Summer Symposium coming up on August 16. There is more detailed information later in this newsletter. Make sure you check out the great line up speakers for Friday. Our Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony will be held Thursday evening, August 15. Not only will you earn education credits for attending, but you can watch world class tennis at the Western & Southern Open. As a reminder, every three years professional level members under age 65 need to obtain 6 education credits to keep your certification in good standing. If you have not earned your 6 credits, the Summer Symposium is a great opportunity to earn all 6. We hope to see you there! Third, the national staff is busy putting the final touches on the National Conference held in Las Vegas, September 23-26. The national conference has not been in Vegas for over 10 years. Last time it was there it was a smash hit and I am sure the same will be said about this year. This will be great opportunity to listen to world class speakers, enjoy the sights and sounds of Vegas, network with fellow professionals and earn additional credits for your continuing education. Finally, I would like to thank all of you for your continued commitment to the USPTA. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about our organization, please feel free to contact me any time. Enjoy your summer and have a great day! Sincerely,
Scott Ansay USPTA Midwest President
2 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
The Midwest Connection, the official newsletter of the USPTA Midwest Division is published four times a year. Submit items to the editor. 2019 Officers President Scott Ansay • 262-241-4250 scottansay@hotmail.com Regional Vice President Mike Graff • 248-866-0508 mike@baselinetennis.net Second Vice President Matt Davis • 224-854-2483 tenace4@gmail.com Third Vice President John Frausto • 920-860-0751 johnefrausto@gmail.com Treasurer-Secretary Cathy Thomas • 513-218-0782 cthomas6@cinci.rr.com
State Presidents Ohio President David Brooks • 740-649-7119 davidbrooks_13@yahoo.com Wisconsin Dan Oliver • 920-227-7005 danonhgb@aol.com Illinois Lindsay L. Geiger • 773-960-4117 lindsaygeiger@sbcglobal.net Michigan Chip Fazio • 313-670-3277 chipfazio@gmail.com
Head Tester Mike Lange • 630-978-6746 mike.lange@rushcopley.com
Editor Carol L. Anderson USPTA Midwest Division 503.941.5137 carol.anderson@uspta.org USPTA World Headquarters 800-USPTA-4U uspta@uspta.org
Summer Symposium 2019 August 16, Western & Southern Open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., lunch included
As your summer activity calendar begins to fill up, make sure to block out August 16th to join us in Cincinnati for our annual Summer Symposium held on the grounds of the Western & Southern Open. This is a wonderful opportunity to combine education and world class tennis in one place. At this point, everyone is well aware of the requirement for professional members under age 65 to earn six education credits every three years to maintain USPTA professional certification and membership. Some of you are at the beginning of a fresh three-year cycle, others are in middle of their three-year cycle depending on when they joined the USPTA. Our August event is the perfect time to earn all six points at an amazing venue with the added opportunity to watch the best players in the world compete. We are looking forward to a great line up of speakers again this year including: Morning presenters: Sid Newcomb, USPTA Elite Professional, USPTA National Tester
Mark Bey, USPTA Elite Professional, High Performance Coordinator Glenview Tennis Club, Midwest USPTA Hall of Fame Dr. Whitney Moore, Assistant Professor Kinesiology, Health & Sport Studies, Achievement Motivation Theory Specialist, Wayne State University
Lunch and USPTA National update: Cari Buck, USPTA Elite Professional, USPTA National Board Member Afternoon presenters: Stan Oley, USPTA Master Professional, Product Marketing Specialist for Playmate Ball Machines John Frausto, USPTA Elite Professional and Jason Frausto, Owner/Founder of www.tennisunleashed.net
Join us on August 16th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and experience the camaraderie, education and fun like only the Midwest USPTA can provide. $75: Aug 16 - Summer Symposium Education Event
August 15, Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction
The USPTA Midwest Division Awards Dinner and Hall of Fame Induction beginning at 5:15 p.m. on Thursday, August 15; limited dinner tickets available.
Midwest Award Winners
High School Coach of the Year - Paul Lauterbach Midwest Pro of the Year - Chris Chopra Charity Event of the Year, $10k Plus - Cathy Thomas Midwest Diversity Award - Burrell Shields Under 30 Pro of the Year - Alex Guthrie Nancy Mickler Award - Annette Malloy Fay Tooley Award - Burrell Shields Illinois Pro of the Year - Umang Chadda Wisconsin Pro of the Year - Scott Ficks Ohio Pro of the Year - Brian Mogus Michigan Pro of the Year - George Lowe
USPTA Midwest Division Hall of Fame Mary Herrick John Weil
Congratulations to all Midwest Connection Summer 2019 | 3
4 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
Call for Midwest Board Nominations This year’s USPTA Midwest Division board’s term ends December 31, 2019. The next term will run January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021. If you are a Master or Elite level certified professional and interested in running for one of these offices — State President, President, Regional Vice President, Second Vice President, Third Vice President or Secretary/Treasurer, please submit the following material to Mark Faber, faberm10s@aol.com, by July 7, 5 p.m. 1. Pro’s name and office of interest 2. 200 words on why interested in serving 3. Best contact number
2019 Professional Tennis Tests and Upgrades contact USPTA to schedule: 800-877-8248 July 27 Indianapolis, Ind. Indianapolis Racquet Club Dean
Western & Southern Open ticket policy for USPTA members Current USPTA Professionals in good standing can obtain a grounds pass per member/per session of the Western & Southern Open, August 10-18. Grounds passes will be distributed at the Will Call area of the tournament ticket office, located at the north entrance. Members will be required to provide driver’s license and 2019 membership card, plus register their name, club and membership number with Will Call personnel. Tickets will be distributed in person, day of the session only (no phone orders, online orders or email requests), with distributions for day session tickets beginning at 9 a.m., and evening session tickets beginning at 5 p.m., as applicable. Only one ticket per session per membership card will be provided.
Aug. 11 Chicago, Ill. Midtown Chicago Aug. 14 & 15 Cincinnati, Ohio The Club at Harper’s Point Aug. 24 Eau Claire, Wis. Eau Claire YMCA Tennis Center Sept. 7 & 8 Aurora, Ill. Rush-Copley Healthplex Sept. 29 West Bloomfield, Mich. The Sports Club of West Bloomfield Nov. 9 Mequon, Wis. Elite Sports Club Mequon Nov. 16 Big Rapids, Mich. Ferris State University
Print out your membership card at documents.uspta.com or go to USPTA homepage and sign in. Planning to stay overnight? Suggested hotels are listed on www.wsopen.com.
2020 Midwest Conference
in connection with state high school tennis coaches associations Michigan – Jan. 24-25, Hope College, Holland Illinois – Jan. 31 Vaughn Center, Aurora Indiana – Feb. 6-8, Indianapolis Racquet Club Ohio – March 1-2, Columbus Marriott Northwest, Dublin Wisconsin – March 13-14, Hitters Complex, Middleton
More Education Opportunities in 2019 June 29 - Train the Trainer Clinic for adaptive and wheelchair tennis, University of Michigan Varsity Tennis Center, 2250 S. State St., Ann Arbor; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., free clinic open to the public 2-3:30 p.m. August 10 – Tennis Haus World Conference 2019, The Club at Harper’s Point, 8675 E Kemper Rd, Cincinnati; 9am-7pm, lunch 12:30-2pm; $125 USPTA member, $149 non-member. Register www.tennis.haus. Direct questions to davord@stonecreekclubandspa.com, 504-435-3048 November 9 - Wisconsin Mini-Conference, Lake Geneva Tennis Club Midwest Connection Summer 2019 | 5
Share your sport in your community USPTA pros Mano Kehoss, Jeff Medrow and Alex Klaas plus other staff at the Wisconsin Athletic Club - Lake Country taught 245 kindergarten-2nd grade kids at Hartland North Elementary. The day was filled conducting all the gym classes with stations growing the lifetime sport of tennis!
Fellow USPTA Professional, Hundreds of USPTA pros like you have benefitted from the USPTA Career and Leader program and this is your chance to get involved and take your career to the next level.
201 9 US PTA CA RE E R AND LE A DE R PROG RA M ME NT E E INV IT E
The program is a 1 year commitment and includes 4 quarterly mentoring calls ranging from 30-60 minutes, and 1 monthly email exchange between the mentor and mentee for followups and updates. This program counts towards continuing education credits for mentors and mentees.
We HIGHLY recommend you respond ASAP as we will make
6 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
selections based on how quickly people apply AND how much detail they provide about themselves and their career and leadership aspirations. IF YOU JOINED THE PROGRAM LAST SEPTEMBER, THIS IS THE TIME TO REAPPLY. This is a great opportunity to get mentored by some of the top pros in the industry and to receive continuing education credit while participating. To receive an application, please contact us at USPTAMENTORING@gmail.com.
Kevin Theos Chair, USPTA Mentoring Committee
Welcome to the USPTA Midwest Division! Charles Bison, Elmhurst, Ill. Benjamin Brito, Schaumburg, Ill. Jessica Doyle, West Chicago, Ill. Connor Poe, Dayton, Ohio Todd Scheve, Cincinnati, Ohio Dane Schmidgall, Skokie, Ill. Adam Schrock, Columbus, Ohio Steven Shields, Big Rapids, Mich.
Be aware of signs of illness Knowledge of fitness and health is part of being a teaching pro. Did you know you can receive USPTA continuing education credits for attending CPR/AED classes? More education courses are listed on page 8. You many have earned education credits because you were not aware courses count toward USPTA credit. Take a moment to see if you have unclaimed activities during your 3 year education cycle and submit proof to USPTA education department.
Bryan Smith, Indianapolis, Ind. Dale Walker, Des Plaines, Ill.
Outside Opportunities Paul Lauterbach USPTA Elite Professional; Lake Geneva, Wis.
As a teaching professional and high school coach living and working in the Midwest, I look forward each year to the spring and for the opportunities to work with individuals and teams outdoors. After a brutal winter, most of my clients also can’t wait for the warmer weather. However, when it comes to playing outdoors, most would prefer the consistent, controlled environment of indoor tennis. We all know the complaints … It’s too hot, it’s too cold, it’s too windy, and my favorite, it’s too sunny. The more the complaining, the more I encourage outside sessions. There is a tremendous opportunity to teach and learn when playing in a variety of conditions. The added importance of spin and percentage tennis when playing in windy conditions, modifying the ball toss on a serve if the sun is an issue, the additional necessity of hydration and conditioning when the court temperature is 90+, the importance of proper clothing and the extra stuff to keep in your bag for the “what if” scenario, are just a few examples. I like challenges, and the weather can definitely challenge players making it a perfect teaching opportunity. There is a saying, “Variety is the spice of life.” Embrace, teach, learn and enjoy from what the weather can throw at you both as a player and a teaching professional. Before you know it, we will have to be back inside … Winter is right around the corner.
Midwest Connection Summer 2019 | 7
How Does It Feel? Mark Medow, USPTA Professional since 1975; Head Professional SentryWorld Sports Center, UW-Stevens Point Women’s Tennis Coach
Anyone who has watched the world’s best players warming up or practicing prior to the start of a match can’t help but admire how easy they make it look. Their strokes are so “well grooved” they have the appearance of déjà vu. Through an inordinate amount of hard work and talent they have captured a sense of feel for each stroke which they seem to effortlessly recapture. One of the many challenges we embrace, as tennis professionals, is to help our students develop a refined kinesthetic sense which will help them to diagnose, maintain, or if necessary, correct their stroking patterns. Ideally a tennis player’s groundstrokes, serve, etc. should be the same with or without the ball. The ball should not make them change their stroke. Having your students show you their groundstrokes without adding a ball will show you if the stroking pattern meets your approval. When adding a ball their stroke should feel the same. If the stroke changed what caused the change? Was the ball too close or too far from the player affecting their balance and leverage? Was the follow through different? Identifying the problem may be the first step to a positive correction. Keep in mind that when your students develop “the correct feel” they will not only hit the ball well but look good while they are doing it. A similar philosophy is used to simplify teaching the serve. Perhaps that will be shared some other day.
Eleven outdoor tennis facilities winners in the Tennis Industry/American Sports . . . most from the Midwest Builders Association’s Facility-of-the-Year Awards were announced. Top honor, plus 6 of the remaining 10 awards went to Midwest facilities! The “Outstanding” winner was the University of Michigan’s William Clay Ford Courts. Of the other 10 “Distinguished” facilities, nine of these winners are hard-court complexes, with most at either schools or public centers, again pointing out that school administrators see the value of tennis for keeping students active and healthy. Cedarburg School District; Cedarburg, Wis. East Kentwood High School; Kentwood, Mich. Guilford Tennis Center; Rockford, Ill. Seven Hills School; Cincinnati, Ohio Greendale Community Park Tennis Complex; Greendale, Wis. Wheeling High School Tennis Complex; Wheeling, Ill.
Youth Tennis Instruction: Indoors vs. Outdoors Manolito Kehoss, USPTA Elite Professional; Pewaukee, Wisc.
Living in Wisconsin means embracing all kinds of weather. And when the sun is shining many people can’t stand the thought of being indoors. But when it comes to youth tennis instruction, being indoors isn’t only helpful, it’s essential. I have been a youth tennis instructor for many years and have done both outdoor and indoor instruction. My experience has shown that while it is necessary for kids at the higher level to practice outside to understand how to play in the elements, I believe young children greatly benefit from indoor instruction when first learning tennis. Younger children use lighter, age appropriate tennis balls to begin their instruction. I’ve found that when used outside, the wind can move the direct flight path of the ball and the students have a difficult time adjusting. The sun and hot temperatures also play a factor. Just like adults, kids become more sluggish and are not inspired to run in the heat and tend to prefer moving around in our indoor, air conditioned, controlled environment. The bright summer sunshine can also make it difficult when practicing. Trying to serve outside while looking into the sun forces the kids to adjust to low ball tosses and develop bad habits. There are also fewer distractions which allows for better focus and attention for the short time we have with your children. You never have to worry about class being canceled or changed due to weather. You don’t have to lather them in sunscreen to protect them, only to have it get into their eyes or turn their grips slippery. Rain or shine your tennis lesson will go on to help your children learn the necessary skills to enjoy many years of playing tennis. In addition to their tennis instruction, I strongly encourage kids to also play for fun with friends or family. That’s an equally important part of the process of learning and is essential in keeping kids engaged and motivated, while putting the skills they’ve learned into practice. So get outside, enjoy the weather and play some tennis! 8 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
Midwest Connection Summer 2019 | 9
Reach and Exceed Education Credits The list below is only a partial listing of events eligible for educational credit. If you have questions concerning events or activities not listed, please contact the Education Department at education@uspta.org or 800-877-8248. Members are responsible for submitting proof of attendance for non-USPTA events (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.). USPTA activities/events - Credits* Book review - 2 Business meeting w/education - 0.5-2 Conferences - 1-6 Education events/workshops - 0.5-5 Professional Tennis Management Program - 9-18 PTCA I - 4 Seminars - 0.5-2 Speaker (Conference) - 1 Specialty courses (4 hours) - 2 World Conference - 10 Webinars - 0.5-1 DVDs* * - 0.5-2 * * Only USPTA seminars, specialty courses or player development DVDs are eligible. “On Court with USPTA” DVDs do not qualify for education credits. Allied organizations activities/events - Credits* CMAA, PCA, IHRSA, TIA, ITA, NCAA, ATP, WTA, ITF, ITPA, HPI, ARC, AHA, NASM, AAPHERD, RPT, ASC, PTR, GPTA, YMCA, YWCA, etc.
USTA activities/events - Credits* High Performance Coaching Program - 12 High Performance Coaching Program Continuing Education - 2.5-11.5 Conferences - 1-6 Sport Science Exams - 2 Tennis Teachers Conference - 8 Officials clinic - 2-3 Workshops - 1-6 Seminars - 0.5-2 Annual meeting - 5 Semi-annual meeting - 3 Sectional meeting - 2-3 More sources Conferences - 2-5 College courses - 1-10 Courses and training - 0.5-10 CPR/AED - 1-4 Clinics - 0.5-5 Workshops - 0.5-5 USRSA Courses and Exams - 1-4 Seminars - 0.5-2 Certifications - 1-4
* Credit may vary according to the number of education hours included in activity. Credit given for events that are more than one day may vary depending on length of your participation. A reminder for non-USPTA events Send proof of attendance (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) by online form or postal mail, see below. Online form to submit credits https://www.uspta.com/USPTA/Education/Credits/Submit_Credits.aspx
Mail to USPTA World Headquarters Education Department 11961 Performance Drive Orlando, FL 32827
USPTA requires all certified members to earn 6 credits of continuing education in a three-year period. (International members and those 65 or older are exempt.) The time period coincides with the date you completed the certification exam or reinstated your membership. Please login to My USPTA to check your Professional Development Program end date to see if your credits are due by Dec. 31, 2019. If the requirement is not met, you will have your membership suspended. To help you meet that goal, USPTA provides hundreds of hours of education every year in the form of conferences, workshops, webinars, DVDs and more. TennisResources.com is an excellent resource for free education opportunities. 10 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
NIKECOURT FOOTWEAR
Approach your game with confidence and style.
Shop online at uspta.fromuthtennis.com for all your Nike Footwear.
The Official Distributor of Nike Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA.
Preferred USPTA MEMBER Pricing online at uspta.fromuthtennis.com.
12 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
Midwest Connection Summer 2019 | 13
2019 Member Benefits Racquets, Balls, Strings, and Accessories
Health Care
Wilson
• Ability to purchase discounted dental coverage through usptadentalplans.com
Member pricing with approved contract Supplemental Savings Program contribution
Apparel and Footwear
Nike/Fromuth Tennis
30% member pricing discount Supplemental Savings Program contribution
On Court Equipment and Awards
10-S Tennis Supply - AER-FLO Caribbean Sol - Har-Tru - NetKnacks USPTA special member discounts Supplemental Savings Program contribution
• Prescription discount card save up to 85% on medication costs
Education and Professional Development • Full access to TennisResources.com, USPTA’s online education resource library • USPTA World Conference and division conventions • Free monthly webinars • Specialist degree programs • Online educational opportunities • Free Net Generation certification background check for USPTA members completing the program • Positive Coaching Alliance discounts
SportMaster
USPTA fix-a-court referral program
• Accredited Professional Coach (APC) designation • Eligibility for national and division awards
Insurance
• $6 Million in on-court liability insurance • Ability to purchase sexual abuse & molestation insurance • Ability to purchase additional facility insurance • Ability to purchase non-member employee insurance • Liberty Mutual discounts on home, auto, pet, legal, and ID theft insurance • Access to Select Quote life Insurance marketplace
Business Opportunities
• TGA Premier Youth Tennis franchising opportunity
Job Search and Personalized Promotion
• Listing in USPTA Find-a-Pro Online tennis professional database • Personalized USPTA professional products available for purchase • Free personal tennis professional website • Access to the USPTA career center
• iPTA discounts
Additional Benefits • Tennis Industry magazine with ADDvantage • AIM Initiative - membership referral dues discount program • Avis Car Rental - save up to 30% at participating locations • Enterprise Rent-a-Car - save up to 5% at participating locations • National Car Rental - save up to 10% at participating locations • FTD Florist - 20% product discount • TrueCar.com - additional dealer discounts on new and used cars • US Open Series - free access to tournaments that lead up to the US Open • USPTA Surface Championships - compete against fellow Pros • Universal Tennis (UTR) membership and database access (Summer 2018) • BookingCommunity.com - travel and hotel discounts
Supplemental Savings Program Wells Fargo Advisors representatives, Bo Gard, Financial Advisor and USPTA Elite Professional and Marshall Lynch, CPF, First Vice President, have partnered with the USPTA to develop a program that provides USPTA-certified Professionals with the option of a savings and retirement plan, each customizable to their unique needs. The Supplemental Savings Program will feature a vendor-supported savings plan, with select vendors providing concessions to the USPTA for the benefit of participating member pros. For more information go to uspta.com/supplementalsavings
14 | Midwest Connection • Summer 2019
NEW LOOK. SAME DNA. The Official Ball of the USPTA sports a new look with Wilson’s premium tennis ball packaging. This durable ball remains a top option for club players, as high-visibility felt allows for easier ball tracking and penetrating ink provides excellent logo wear. SKU
WRT109500
NAME
ULTRA USPTA BALL
SURFACE TYPE
ALL COURT
As the official equipment supplier of the USPTA, Wilson provides USPTA-certified tennis professionals with the best and most innovative equipment in theindustry to enrich teaching and playing experiences across the country. Through this long-standing partnership, Wilson and the USPTA share a renewed focus on bringing excitement back to grassroots tennis.
United States Professional Tennis Association Midwest Division 14302 SW Azalea Place Tigard, OR 97224-1889
RAISING THE STANDARD TO
RAISE OUR GAME USPTA is the ďŹ rst and only USTA accredited tennis teaching professional organization. Together, we will set a new standard of excellence and provide even more opportunities for those who teach tennis to grow and advance.
To learn more, go to usta.com/raisingstandards Š 2019 USTA. All rights reserved.