End of Session II Wristbands

Thanks to everyone for such an incredible second session, we've got one more starting Aug 3rd and hope to see everyone back on the courts!

FYI - if you want more tennis, check out the Walla Walla Country Club, they have adult and junior programs, drop in sessions and you don't need to be a member.

OK, here are last weeks achievements, and yes, it is getting HARDER to pass. This is on purpose so that specific skills are developed before moving on with the game. Wear your bands with pride and a smile as you work for the next one, however difficult it may be.

Please let us know if I've accidentally left you off the list and a very special thanks from coach John for the special birthday art, it made my day!

Red Bands:
Erich
Jackie
Macyn
Morgan
Julianna
Katy


Dark Red:
Asha
Cassie

Green:
Carter
Alexis
Oriana
Patrick

Intermediate Band 2:
James
Alyssa

Striped Band 1:
Parker

Striped Band 2:
Elizabeth
Malcolm

WA State Games Tournament Draws

The draws to the Subway State Games can be found here

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=93665

If you are playing in the tournament please check your start time.

Play day revisited (added full court playing)

Don't forgot tomorrows free play day at the Whitman indoor courts. We are playing on the short courts (beginning level) 1pm-2pm, medium court (advanced beginning) 2:30-3:30pm and full court (intermediate level and Academy I) 3:30-4:30pm. This will be a GREAT way for new players to some point play experience.

Also we are looking for some parents to help us organize future play days. We would like to offer these play days at least once a month but need parental volunteers to make it happen. Parents volunteers don't need much knowledge of tennis just the ability to organize players into matches. If you would be willing to help contact Coach John or Jeff.

Wristbands this week!

It was a terrific week of tennis and with this weekend's exciting USTA tennis tournament Sat/Sun at Whitman and our Friday match play for players not in the tournament, it's going to keep on rolling in Walla Walla.

Earning an Orange Band today are:
Maya Bairstow
Isabel Garcia
Cassie Dixon
Malory Elmenhurst
Julianna Fazzari
Madelyn Castaneda
Marissa McBride
Marin Rugraff
Laurel Skorina
Asha Bairstow
Morgan Merritt
Katy Payne
Jackie Jones
Erich Kregger
Gracie Garcia

Earning a Red Band is:
Claire McDevitt

Earning a Dark Red is:
Lily Turner

Earning a Purple Band is:
Mattie Bialozor
Mattie Maheras
Mary Rose Russo
Joyce Huang
Patrick Elmenhurst
Henry Clancy
Mark Bogley
Rowan Rathburn
Lily Clancy
Chris Davin
Oriana Golden
Carter Schreindl
Clancy Hampton

With a Yellow Band on a full court we have
Erin Chapin
Ryan Chapin
Alyssa Stremcha
James Bogley
Parker Pontarolo

In the Academy group, earning a level 1 Striped Band are:
Ben Johnson
Elden Griggs
Russell Skorina

And finally, with our highest band to date, the level 2 striped band:

Cole Woelfle
Rachel Schueller
Emily Schueller
Colton Norsworthy


Outstanding efforts, and let's have a fun and fair weekend of tennis!

Play time on the short court!

We would like to invite all the younger tennis kids to participate in a FREE match day this Friday. From 1pm-2pm we will have have the short courts set up for the beginning class to play (using our stage 2 ball). From 2:30-3:30pm we will have the 60' courts set up for play with our stage 3 ball (advanced beginning class). We will be using a short format so everyone gets a chance to rotate around and play different people.

This is a great kick off for the Subway Washington State Games junior tournament that starts Saturday morning. We have players from all across the region coming to participate in this tournament so it should be a blast. Over the weekend feel free to drop by to watch the tournament. Many local players are participating so come out and cheer them on!

For the mini-court tournament we need players to sign-up. Either send coach Jeff an email (northam@gmail.com) or sign-up during lessons tomorrow.

Coach Jeff and John

Last call for tournament entries

I'm going to start putting the Subway State Games tournament tonight (Monday). There are ability levels for all ages..beginning (first tournament), some experience, and fully competitive players. If you haven't done so and still want to enter send me an email today.

northam@gmail.com

Remember the July session of Parks and Recreation starts tomorrow. If you didn't sign up because you can't make the entire session talk to coach John or Jeff. Even a day or two of tennis is better than none!

Tennis Equipment for youngsters

Hi everyone.

As so many children in our first session had a great time with the Quickstart tennis format we used (foam and large low compression balls, small rackets and short courts), I wanted people to at least know some places where they can purchase this gear so the kids can keep practicing and playing outside of planned tennis classes.

While local shops like WalMart and Big 5 may have some equipment, you can find lots online. A good source for good prices is the United States Tennis Association (USTA) website at http://www.ustashop.com/Getting_Started_Ages_5_6_s/17612.htm

Also, if people want to get together for a bulk order which could alleviate shipping, we get slightly better prices (not much, though) on Wilson, Gamma and Head equipment and would be happy to place an order for you.

Have a great 4th and we hope to see lots of you next week on court and at the Subway State Games Tournament right here in Walla Walla!

Coach John

Subway State Games Tournament

The entry deadline for the Subway State games is right around the corner so if anyone is planning on playing now is the time to sign up. This is a unique opportunity for junior players in Walla Walla to play in a USTA tournament (the same organization that puts on the US Open). The tournament has a level for everyone: players in their first tournament, players who play some organized tennis (schools/club), and a level for the top juniors in the Pacific Northwest.

For our younger players we will be offering a free mini tournament Friday morning! We plan on having a division on the 36' court, 60' court and full court. This will be a fun way to get in some tennis. Let Coach John or Jeff know if you want to play.

Have a great 4th of July.

Coach Jeff and John