Tennis Lessons at Bernalillo High Schools Courts

My Little Tennis Companion / Mango

Beginning Monday, April 4th at 9:00 AM, we will be holding lessons for those who are interested in working on their tennis game.  New to tennis, or seasoned players, our lessons are geared toward stroke development, error detection and correction with emphasis on technical improvement.

The 1 1/2 hour lesson is provided by PTR Certified Instructor: Ron Barron PTR-I, who has designed a program for beginners to get you playing and enjoying the sport of tennis in less time than may think.  Juniors, Adults and Seniors:  Everyone can play tennis, so sign up and lets have some fun!

The following schedule is available and updated instantly for you to schedule the perfect time to get yourself on the court!

Click here for the Booking Schedule

Click on the link to check the schedule.

When we Lose a Friend…Dick Gorman Passes

Dick Gorman

Dick Gorman USTA Southwest Hall of Fame recipient has passed away at the age of 82. Gorman was a guiding light for tennis in the USTA Northern New Mexico area, particularly the Albuquerque area.

Gorman had been involved with USTA Southwest tennis for much of the last four decades, as a player, volunteer, board member, and even as a writer. Gorman founded the “Sun Country Tennis” newspaper, and was a longtime chronicler and advocate of tennis happenings in the Northern New Mexico areas.

He was also the first-ever president of the Community Tennis Association of Albuquerque (Now, USTA Northern New Mexico). He served on USTA Northern New Mexico’s board of directors from 1992-98, and on the USTA Southwest board from 1994-98.

A late arrival to the game (Gorman picked it up in his 30′s), Gorman was a consistent player of both leagues and tournaments, helping to set up the Adult Grand Prix circuit. He helped arrange travel teams of senior players to participate in European tournaments. For his continued service to the game, in particular his involvement in Albuquerque, Gorman was inducted into the USTA Southwest Hall of Fame in 2002.

Gorman continued playing the sport he loved well into his 80s. Born in Utica, New York, and a graduate of Notre Dame, he received his master’s degree from Georgetown University and two subsequent PhD in psychology and philosophy from Fordham University.

“He was a good friend to everyone in our tennis community,” said former USTA Southwest president and Albuquerque resident. “He was a former psychology professor, so he was obviously very bright and very vital. Everyone knew who he was and was very fond of him. He always bragged on and was so supportive of everything we tried to do to grow tennis.”

Gorman passed away in his longtime home of Albuquerque on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010.

Reprinted from: USTA Southwest News
Photo by:  Ron Barron

The Coleman Vision 75K Challenger Attracts Big Name Talent

Michelle Larcher DeBrito

The 2010 Coleman Vision 75K Pro Challenger is again being held at Tanoan Country Club September 19th through the 26th and the list of talented players that are expected to participate in this years event continues to grow.

This Professional Challenger event is one of only five 75K dollar events in the country has been attracting quality talent from the professional tennis ranks since it’s Albuquerque debut in 1999.   Alexandria Stephenson, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy and Michelle Larcher DeBrito are just a few that have been a part of the Coleman Vision Championship in past years with this years list of talented players developing as no exception.

A host of activities are planned for this years event which includes fast start clinics for mid-school and for seniors in the 55+ bracket, Kids Day on Tuesday and Thursday, silent auctions and a whole lot more!  This is the annual tennis event that you don’t want to miss. 

For more information, check out the Coleman Vision website:  COLEMAN VISION

Proceeds from the Coleman Vision Championship benefits the “New Mexico Youth Tennis Foundation” a non profit organization designed to “Promote Education and Opportunity through tennis” for New Mexico youth.

The schedule will be posted here as well as draw information so check back with us for updates.

Albuquerque’s Challenge Ladder Now Under New Management

The New Mexico Tennis Challenge ladder has been revised.  Formerly an exclusive Jerry Cline Tennis Center ladder operated by the City of Albuquerque, NMTENNIS.COM has taken over the administration of the program and will continue to provide support for the ladder without disruption.

One of the advantages of this change is that we now have the opportunity to improve and add several new features to the program that will encourage more players to take advantage of this service.

Some of the upcoming changes to the program is that we are now adding Doubles to the challenge system.  You will have the opportunity to participate with other members of the doubles ladder to challenge anyone on the list.  This is a great way for USTA teams to get in some much needed match play before their particular league season gets underway.

We are in the process of developing a very aggressive plan for the ladder which will be expanded to include several different levels as well as new locations to encourage a broader range of matches for all our members.  If you are interested in participating in the challenge ladder, sign up here and we will be sending you our new welcome package on how to get on the league.  ITS FREE and you don’t have to be a USTA member to participate.

Click on the navigation link under pages: NEW MEXICO TENNIS CHALLENGE LADDER

LOBO Tennis Club Is Sponsoring A Mixed Level Doubles and Barbecue This Saturday

The Lobo Club is hosting a Doubles mixer and family Barbeque this Saturday  05/01/2010 at 3:00 PM.  This is a blind draw tournament where you partner is picked out of a hat!  (Maybe you will be matched up with the club pro!?!)

The event is open to everyone and the cost is only $17.00 dollars for non members and $14.00 dollars for all Lobo Club members.

This is a great way to have some fun, play a little tennis and work up an appetite for the Brats, Brew and Salads! 

If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the event, call before April 28th and get in on the fun!  (Gui at 505-925-5991)

TENNIS ON CAMPUS SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO LAS CRUCES

Several of the top collegiate, co-ed club teams will descend upon Las Cruces, New Mexico on Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12th through the 14th, for the Tennis on Campus Championships – USTA Southwest, held at New Mexico State University’s Tennis Center.

Seven colleges, a total of 12 teams, will be at this year’s third annual sectional championship held at the New Mexico State University’s Tennis Facility.  Defending champions, Arizona State, as well at the 2008 champions, University of New Mexico, will be taking part in this years event, including New Mexico Institute as well as Texas – El Paso fielding who are also expected to field teams.

The match format is similar to World Team Tennis (WTT) which consists of mens and women’s singles, mens and women’s doubles and a mixed doubles event to accumulate points.  Each will play a single pro set, first to 6 format, no ad scoring with points totals as games won. 

The WTT format allows for some exciting competition when a team that is trailing in points can still win by continuing to accumulate points during the mixed match! 

Fast action and some high level competition is expected when teams take to the courts for this well anticipated annual collegiate showdown.

This three-day event is an automatic qualifier for the winning team to move on to the Tennis on Campus National Championships being held at the Surprise Tennis Complex in Surprise, Arizona this year.

Schedule is Friday: 4-6 PM, Saturday: 9am – 4pm and Sunday: 9am – noon with the awards presentation to be held directly after completion of the finals on Sunday.

The host hotel for the event is: Hotel Encanto, 705 S. Telshore Blvd., in Las Cruces.  You can contact the hotel by calling 575-522-4300 and make your reservations by January 28th for a special room rate by mentioning that you are with the “USTA Southwest Group”.

Shellaberger Hosting First Annual PRO-AM Tournament

Warren Fulgenzi, Former touring pro participating in the First Annual Shellaberger Pro-AM

NM Tennis will be covering the first annual Shellaberger Tennis Complex’s first annual PRO-AM Tournament.

Corey Matney, director of Shellaberger tennis center located in Santa Fe asks that anyone wanting to participate in this event should contact him at the facility. The cost for the event is $125.00 per person with proceeds benefiting former UNM Assistant Coach, LOREN DILS to aid in his battle against ALS.

Everyone is invited to participate in an exciting weekend which takes place Friday Jan 29th and ends Sunday Jan 31st.

All entries are guaranteed 3 rounds of play with social events including meals and drinks each day.  Professionals from all over the U.S. will be on hand to double up with guaranteeing some great tennis with a little top notch instruction from your tennis pro partner.

The event kicks off Friday Jan 29th, with a pro auction, where players will have the chance to bid on playing the the pro of their choice.

To sign up or for questions, contact the Shellaberger tennis center: Corey Matney, Director at: 505-473-6543.

SILVER RACQUETS NOW “SILVER QUICKSTART”

The Silver Racquets Senior Tennis Program has changed its name.  Now known as the Senior Quickstarts, the program is growing in popularity and are presently signing up new and returning participants.

Joe Felice at Sierra Vista West Silver Racquets Program

Wendy Thomas, director of the SILVER QUICKSTART senior tennis program for the Northern New Mexico Tennis Assn., released this years quickstart program’s start dates.

The program is for Seniors 60 and over.  The lessons will be held twice a week beginning the week of March 22nd 2010 at various locations.

Four Hills Country Club – (Central / Tramway)
D’Wayne Begay 239-3500

HighPoint Sports & Wellness – (Montgomery / Tramway)
Wendy Thomas 610-0186

Arroyo Del Oso – (Spain / Wyoming)
Dick Johnson 507-6795

Jerry Cline Tennis Center – (Constitution / Louisiana)
Don Larrichio 452-6069

Sierra Vista West – (Coors / Montano)
Joe Felice 898-6197

Chamisa Hills Country Club – (Rio Rancho)
Fred Abbott 896-5014

The Silver Quickstart program (formerly Silver Racquets) is now taking application for beginning tennis lessons for seniors 60 and over who would like to learn or rekindle their love of the game of tennis, considered a “life sport” by all generations of tennis enthusiasts.

All lessons taught by experienced certified professionals geared toward the senior players level of experience.

“We provide a fun pathway to leagues and new friendships”, says Wendy Thomas, who is also one of the instructors for the program.

The cost of the program is only $20.00 dollars for the entire 12 weeks which includes 6 weeks of instruction twice a week with 6 weeks of organized play and a free T-Shirt.

The Silver Quickstart kickoff party will be held March 22nd at Four Hills Country Club.  Check back here for more information or contact the local Pro located closest to your location.

Lobo Tennis Club Mid-Day Doubles League Starts January 18th

Loren Dils, Director of the Lobo Tennis Club in Albuquerque, is forming a Mid-Day Doubles league for women with a combined rating of 6.0-7.0.  Play will begin on Mondays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm beginning January 18th.

The cost will be $125.00 per person for non-members and $100.00 per person for members in good standing.  This is an indoor league but out door courts may be used if the weather permits.

The league will last for 8 weeks depending on the number of teams that sign up for the event.

For more information, contact Loren Dils, eldils@aol.com or by calling the Lobo Tennis Club at: 925-5832

Sun Country Tennis Back In Print Form

Sun Country Tennis, the local news and information paper for Northern New Mexico, was always considered a staple in the tennis bags of so many New Mexicans over the past several years that it was hard to come to grips with the end of an era as the print medium abruptly faded from existence.

Sun Country Tennis was not only the window to the tennis community, but was the primary source for tennis related information to the Northern New Mexico’s tennis playing public.

As the electronic age engulfed the tennis community, it forced many smaller publication to reconsider their delivery venue and to combine into more cost-effective mediums.

Fortunately, I noticed a real information void in our tennis community and that the need for the written word has not been totally extinguished.  I believed that a smaller more personal publication could harmonize with its electronic counterparts and better serve the New Mexico tennis community’s with more content concise information.

Therefore, I have made it my goal for this year to take the reigns of a once great publication and resurrect it from the depths of oblivion by breathing some new life into its bellows.  With the assistance of the NNMTA’s Website manager, Susan Bender, we will do our very best to keep New Mexico Tennis patrons well-informed.