William Campbell and Lindsey Liles Lead Arkansas Junior Tennis Rankings

William Campbell and Lindsey Liles, both of Little Rock, currently hold the #1 tennis ranking in the USTA Arkansas Junior Boy's 18s and Girl's 18s divisions respectively. Other Arkansas junior tennis players that are also #1 in their age groups include:


Boy's 16s- Julio Olaya of Little Rock
Girl's 16s- Mary Wright of Hot Springs



Boy's 14s- Jake Jacoby of Little Rock(pictured left)
Girl's 14s- Tiffany Tang of Rogers

Boy's 12s- Marshall Ney of Rogers
Girl's 12s- Katherine Tang of Rogers

Boy's 10s- Andrew Wood of White Hall
Girl's 10s- Thea Rice of Hot Springs


*** See Comments for All Ranked Players

Former Arkansas Razorback Tennis Star, Blake Strode Wins U.S. Open Nat'l Playoff Event in Atlanta, Georgia

Blake Strode, a former All-American for the University of Arkansas tennis team won the championship match of the U.S. Open National Playoffs in Atlanta, 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1), over Cecil Mamiit. Strode will receive a wild card spot in the 2010 U.S. Open Qualifying Tournament for an Aug. 24th showdown with other qualifiers at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.

Strode won a USTA Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Arizona and advanced with 15 other regional winners to the U.S. Open Nat'l Playoffs in Atlanta. He earned his spot in the playoff field by winning the U.S. Open Nat'l Playoff SW Section in Surprise, AZ, in June at the Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

The St. Louis, MO native was an All-American for the Razorbacks by advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Individual Championship in '09 and has been accepted into Harvard Law School, but is pursuing a professional tennis career before enrolling.

Arkansas Women's 2.5 and 3.5 Tennis Teams Capture Southern League Tennis Championships

Two Arkansas League Tennis Teams- Arkansas Women's 2.5 Tennis Team (pictured above, after winning National Championships) captained by Beth Clark from the Rogers area and the Arkansas Women's 3.5 Tennis Team captained by Teresa Williams from the Little Rock area, captured the Southern League Tennis Championships in Birmingham, Alabama.

Arkansas Women's 2.5 Team-Clark/Rogers defeated Louisana/Shreveport 3-0 for the Southern Sectional Women's 2.5 Title. Members of the team include Beth A. Clark, Carolyn Dianne Gilmore, Alysia Diane Treece, Kiki Hoener, Andrea Kapales, Kathryn Miller, Paula Kaufmann, Deanna M. Moser.

Arkansas Women's 3.5 Team- Williams/Little Rock defeated Alabama/Gulf Shores 4-1 for the Southern Sectional Women's 3.5 Title. Members of the team include Teresa L. Williams, Shannon Taylor, Wende L. Walraven, Annie J. Turchi, Catherine Edwards, Jenni R. Rickman, Dee N. Whalen, Katie Alice Staggs, Catherine Piaton, Beth Wilborne, Jonie D. Burks, Mary Kathryn Nelson, Martha F. James, Jennifer Moline, Mary Carolyn Bailey, Laurie Houff.

Other Arkansas teams that came close to winning sectionals were the Senior Women's 4.5 team captained by Judi Fess and Vicki Taylor and the Regular Women's 4.5 team captained by Tamara McColey. The Senior Women's 4.5 Team-Judi Fess/Taylor lost 2-1 in a close match to the winning team from North Carolina. Judi H. Fess/Anne Magee were defeated by Sheila T. Ernest/Saundra G. Denny 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 at #1 Doubles in the deciding match. The Women's 4.5 team-McColey lost to Kentucky's team which might have cost them the championship, too.

Good Luck to these Arkansas teams as they head to Nationals!!!

Central Arkansas Tennis Association (CATA) Sponsors Free Conway Junior Tennis Program

The Central Arkansas Tennis Association (CATA)is sponsoring The Free Conway Junior Tennis Program as it continues with its Fall Season on September 6th. This 8-week tennis lesson plan is free for children ages 6-13. Contact Chuck/Cindy at tennis@pinnacletennisacademy.com or call the office at 501-570-6755.

As the Economy Falters, Leslie Pfeiffer's Salary as The Executive Director of ATA Balloons to over $91,000

The Executive Director position of the Arkansas Tennis Association (ATA)is a very nice job during hard economic times. After reviewing the Federal Form 990 for Organizations Exempt From Taxes, Leslie Pfeiffer earned over $91,000 in 2008. Not a bad job considering it was an increase from over $69,000 in the previous year, and comparable salaries in neighboring state tennis associations are around $50,000.

While businesses are cutting salaries and jobs during these times, the ATA is enjoying its time lining their own pockets, attending lavish social tennis events, and supplying staff with free cell phones. Why does our executive director earn $91,000 while other state tennis associations pay $50,000? Check out page 7 on Form 990 to verify these figures!

The Form 990 is open to public view by going to the link below:

http://dynamodata.fdncenter.org/990_pdf_archive/237/237372183
/237372183_200812_990O.pdf


Please feel free to offer your comments!!!

Hunter Reese and Catherine Harrison Capture the Southern Junior Closed Tennis Championships at Burns Park

Hunter Reese of Georgia and Catherine Harrison (pictured left) of Tennessee won the Southern Junior Closed Boy's 18s and Girl's 18s Tennis Championships at Burns Park Tennis Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Hunter Reese defeated an injured Garrett Brasseaux of Louisiana 6-4, 6-0 in the Boy's 18s finals. The most interesting match was in the Girl's 18s in which Catherine Harrison defeated Whitney Kay of Georgia 6-2, 7-6. Harrison played an aggressive backcourt game by ripping two-handed forehand winners from all over the court. Kay was forced to play defensive tennis most of the match and rely on Harrison to commit unforced errors in order to win points. It was a very fun match to watch with the two contrasting styles of play. The finalists were blue-chip college tennis recruits receiving attention from top college programs across the nation.

A list of Arkansas juniors that performed well in the tournament included Ryan Hudelson, Mario Martinez, Grant Adams, Kaitlin Ray, Lindsey Liles, and Darby Brandon. Other Arkansans participating in the event included Amy Andersen, Bishop Bass, Caleb Fackler, Forrest Hickey, Robert Hodous, McKenna Kraus, Seth Laster, and Caleb McReynolds.

Lindsey Liles and Ryan Hudelson Win Arkansas State Junior Qualifying Tennis Championship

Lindsey Liles of Little Rock defeated Darby Brandon of Little Rock 6-3, 6-2 to capture the Girl's 18s in the Arkansas Junior Qualifying Tennis Championship. Ryan Hudelson (pictured right) of Little Rock won the Boy's 18s title with a 7-6, 7-6 victory over Grant Adams of Texarkana, TX. Other divisional winners include
Boy's 16s- S.R. Colton of Little Rock,
Girl's 16s- Mary Wright of Hot Springs,
Boy's 14s- Taylor Cramer of Texarkana, Tx,
Girl's 14s- Tiffany Tang of Rogers,
Boy's 12s- Max Mendelsohn of Little Rock,
Girl's 12s- Tatum Rice of Hot Springs,
Boy's 10s- Zachary Humphries of Maumelle,
Girl's 10s- Thea Rice of Hot Springs

*** See comments for other results

Quick-Start and Cardio Tennis Lessons/Programs For All Ages

If you are interested in learning "The Game of Tennis", Quick-Start and Cardio Tennis Camps/Clinics/Programs are offered across the state of Arkansas. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tennis lessons are available for all adults and juniors. Below is a short list of quality tennis instruction programs for all ages in alphabetical order of the cities in which they are located.

City/ Contact Name /Phone Number

Cabot / Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Conway / Chuck Cavin /501-570-6755

El Dorado /Eric Sixby /870-814-5122

Fayetteville/ Jake Shoemake/ 479-204-1009

Hot Springs/ Ronnie Bran /501-624-2153

Jonesboro /Gary Jones /870-932-6556

Little Rock/ Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Maumelle / Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Texarkana/ Billy Power/ 903-244-4061

Taylor Cramer and Kaitlin Ray Top National Rankings for Arkansas Tennis Juniors

Taylor Cramer of Texarkana and Kaitlin Ray (pictured left) of Little Rock lead the current list of nationally ranked Arkansas juniors. Taylor Cramer is ranked #114 in the Boy's 14s, and Kaitlin Ray is ranked #86 in the Girl's 18s. Other Arkansas juniors breaking into the top #200 of all nationally ranked juniors are Mario Martinez of Maumelle, #138 in the Boy's 18s and Max Mendelsohn of Little Rock, #152 in the Boy's 12s.

**** See 1st comment for a list of all nationally ranked Arkansas junior tennis players

ALL STATE High School Tennis Athletes for 2009/2010 Season

...............2009/2010 TENNIS ALL STATE.............
7A BOYS - SINGLES ................. 7A GIRLS - SINGLES
Rob Hodous Fayetteville ....... Oksana Hillyer Bentonville
Bill Blake FS Southside ......... Morgan Ryan Bentonville
Andrew Fox LR Catholic ........ Rebecca Bailey Mount Saint Mary
Mario Martinez LR Central ...., Stephanie Gray Russellville
7A BOYS - DOUBLES ................. 7A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Trenton Ellis Bentonville ........ Amy Anderson Bentonville
Matt Tabler Bentonville ......... McKenna Kraus Bentonville
Austin Crawford LR Central...... Lindsey Liles LR Central
Robert Emerson LR Central ...., Trinity Randolph LR Central
6A BOYS - SINGLES ................. 6A GIRLS - SINGLES
Jason Morgan Jonesboro .......... Irene Jadie El Dorado
Corey Dillard Lake Hamilton....... Kara Williams Jonesboro
Todd Turner Lake Hamilton ...... Elizabeth Gerlach Sheridan
Fredrick Harris Marion ............ Amber Weigand Sheridan
6A BOYS - DOUBLES ................. 6A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Angelo Caparus Jonesboro .......... Alyssa Caparas Jonesboro
Rodger Hurt Jonesboro .............. Rebecca Harrington Jonesboro
Drew Morgan Jonesboro ............. Kailey Nix Jonesboro
Dylan Huggins Jonesboro ............ Taylor Zane Jonesboro
5A BOYS - SINGLES .................. 5A GIRLS - SINGLES
Will Campbell Cen. Ark Chrstn ...... Krystal Pham Batesville
John Mark Rowden Greenbrier ...... Helon Ricks Lakeside
Parker Allen Lakeside/Hot Spgs..... Mary Wright Lakeside
Julio Olaya Pulaski Academy ......... Kelly Swanson Pulaski Academy
5A BOYS - DOUBLES ................. 5A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Bishop Bass Greenwood ............. Ali Rowden Greenbrier
Leighton Forshee Greenwood ...... Gabrielle Rowden Greenbrier
Drew Atkinson White Hall .......... Morgan Saxton Greenwood
Josh Guy White Hall ................. Allie Wilson Greenwood
4A BOYS - SINGLES ................. 4A GIRLS - SINGLES
Garrett Johnson Highland .......... Elizabeth Teed Arkadelphia
Wesley Locke Malvern .............. Abbey Difani Pocahontas
Andrew Evans Shiloh Christian...... Alisha Hedgecock Shiloh Christian
Chris Metcalf Valley View ........... Hannah Hesse Valley View
4A BOYS - DOUBLES ................. 4A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Caleb Brock Heber Springs ............ Hillary Sherrer Mena
Jeason Wiedower Heber Springs ...... Brittany Willard Mena
Jeremiah Nortier West/Jonesboro..... Mollie Arnold West/Jonesboro
J.T. Nortier West/Jonesboro .......... Kelsey Dement West/Jonesboro
3A BOYS - SINGLES ................... 3A GIRLS - SINGLES
Tim Dinehart Episcopal Col........... Sarah Camras Bismarck
Peter Ketch Episcopal Col............. Maggie Beetstra Episcopal Col.
Rodney Green Fountain Lake......... Katie Bridges Episcopal Col.
Brady Burton Prescott ................. Haley French Piggott
3A BOYS - DOUBLES ................... 3A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Marshall Jones Episcopal Col........ Bingo Martin Bergman
Bo Turney Episcopal Col. ............ NIkki Moore Bergman
Rex Hayes Parkers Chapel ...........Rachel Garrett Episcopal Col.
Jacob McKinney Parkers Chapel ..... Erica Rogers Episcopal Collegiate
2A BOYS - SINGLES ................... 2A GIRLS - SINGLES
Geoffrey Synco Murfreesboro ...... Bonnie Argo Ridgefield Christian
Robby Whitlock St Joseph/PB ...... Emily Young Ridgefield Christian
Seth Laster Union Christian ........ Brandi Mikula Union Christian
Patrick Meador Union Christian..... Diana Pearson West Side/Grs Fry
2A BOYS - DOUBLES ................... 2A GIRLS - DOUBLES
Caleb Stanton Conway Chrstn ....... Kelli Saddler East Poinsett Co.
Will Wooten Conway Chrstn ......... Hailey Shankle East Poinsett Co.
Adam Morgan Ridgefield Chrstn ..... Amanda Smith Union Christian
Reese Thrasher Ridgefield Chrstn... Kathryn Willis Union Christian

Arkansas Senior 9.0 Mixed Doubles Team Places 2nd at National League Championships

The Arkansas Senior 9.0 Mixed Doubles Team captained by Joe Murphy placed 2nd in National League Championships in Orlando, Florida over the weekend of April 9-11. The Arkansas Team lost to the Florida Team captained by Dave Gunn 2-1 with Arkansas scoring their one point at #3 doubles. Leslie Jackson and Randy Jackson lost at #1 doubles to Gewan Maharaj and Carolyn H. Franca 7-6, 6-4. Greg Fess and Judi Fess lost at #2 doubles to Chet D. Benson and
Sharon J. Benson 6-3, 7-6. John Bailey and Brenda Jeter won at #3 doubles by defeating Felix Tromp and Leslie C. Godwin 7-6, 4-6,
1-0.
Forida-Gunn finished the round robin format with an undefeated record of 4-0. With their loss to Florida, Arkansas-Murphy finished 3-1 in the round robin play.

Former Arkansas Razorback Tennis Star Phil Landauer Upsets Top-Seeded Roscoe Tanner at Bocage Sr. Invitational Nat'l Cat. II Prize Money Tournament

Former Razorback Tennis Player Phil Landauer upset former Australian Open Grand Slam Winner Roscoe Tanner in the semi-finals at the Bocage Racquet Club in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Competing in the Men's 55 singles, Landauer played flawless tennis in stopping the big-serving Tanner and forced Tanner into playing a baseline game which he was unaccustomed to executing on the clay courts of Bocage. Later, Landauer lost a heart-breaker to Chris Reynard in the finals.The atmosphere was as festive as always with great Cajun food and entertainment. Not far from the club was a $50,000 USTA Pro Challenger event which was free for all Bocage players, and the crowd witnessed Kevin Anderson of South Africa defeating Tobias Kamke of Germany in a three-set thriller.

Arkansas players that had a successful tournament were Larry Back, a runner-up in the Men's 60s division, Mike Coleman, the consolation winner in the Men's 45s, Kevin Hickey, who played a great Men's 40s match on the stadium court, Steve Duffel, Sharon Adkins, and Myke Loomis, currently a Destin, FL resident and renowned Int'l Senior Tennis Star who won the Women's 45s.

St. Vincent Auxiliary New Outlook USTA Pro Circuit Tournament Begins April 3rd

The St. Vincent Auxiliary New Outlook Pro Tennis Tournament is scheduled for April 3-11 at the Pleasant Valley Country Club.
This is a fun tournament to watch that sometimes features future stars. Past players have been Donald Young, Taylor Dent, and Kei Nishikori to name a few.
The 2009 Champion was Matej Bocko of Slovokia.
The price for this event is at a very affordable rate- FREE!!!

Leslie Pfeiffer Hall of Fame?

Leslie Pfeiffer has spent 25 years with the Arkansas Tennis Association. Due to the increase in revenue from the help of hard-working teaching pros promoting the growth of the game and the aid from the USTA & Southern Sectional offices, the budget has increased 25 times from the original budget in 1985.During her tenure the ATA owns its own office space, has a long-term lease on a 27 court facility, and employs staff throughout the state.

Many rumors are circulating that Leslie is nearing the end of her career as the executive director of the ATA, and this award might allow for a positive spin to a career with many controversial twists.

Please feel free to make any comments for the pros and cons of Leslie Pfeiffer's tenure at the helm of the ATA.

Quality Tennis Lessons/Programs Across The State of Arkansas

If you are interested in learning "The Game of Tennis", Tennis Camps/Clinics/Programs are offered across the state of Arkansas. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tennis lessons are available for adults and juniors including Quick-Start Tennis Programs. Below is a short list of quality tennis instruction programs for all ages in alphabetical order of the cities in which they are located.

City/ Contact Name /Phone Number

Cabot / Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Conway / Chuck Cavin/ /501-570-6755

El Dorado /Eric Sixby /870-814-5122

Fayetteville/ Jake Shoemake/ 479-204-1009

Greenbrier / Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Hot Springs/ Ronnie Bran /501-624-2153

Jonesboro /Gary Jones /870-932-6556

Little Rock/ Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Maumelle / Chuck Cavin / 501-773-9521

Morrilton / Chuck Cavin / 501-570-6755

Texarkana/ Billy Power/ 903-244-4061

Vilonia / Chuck Cavin / 501-773-9521

2009 Final Arkansas Junior Tennis Rankings

The 2009 Arkansas Junior Tennis Final Rankings are in and the following junior tennis players hold the #1 ranking in their divisions:

Boy's 18s- Parker Allen of Hot Springs
Girl's 18s- Kara Williams of Jonesboro

Boy's 16s- Austin Crawford of Maumelle
Girls 16s- Lindsey Liles of LR

Boy's 14s- Jake Jacoby of LR
Girl's 14s- Tiffany Tang of Rogers

Boy's 12s- Marshall Ney of Rogers
Girl's 12s- Alye Darter of Rogers

Boy's 10s- Parker Stearns of LR
Girl's 10s- Morgan McAlexander of Jonesboro

Congratulations to these Arkansas Junior Tennis Players for achieving their fine accomplishments!

*** See comments for complete ranking results

NTRP RATINGS BLOWN UP!!!!!!!!

The USTA player ratings for 2010 have caused quite a stir in Central Arkansas. Teams have been blown up! New NTRP rules are in place and teams are forming quickly as players are moving in all directions.
Feel free to post any news, opinions, or related info. We all need to keep up.

Central Arkansas Tennis Association (CATA) Announces 2009 Annual Award Winners- "click here for other cata news"

The new Central Arkansas Tennis Association (CATA ) announced its annual tennis community award winners.

Denise Bradley received the Meritorious Education Award.

Bill Sanders was awarded the Outstanding Service Award.

Brian Knopp, City Parks Director, received the Community Service Award.

Chris Dussourd was awarded the Top Junior Player of the Year.

Betty Courtway received the Lifetime Achievement Award.


Congratulations to these individuals for their generosity and unselfish commitment to our tennis community!

*** For more information log on to: www.centralarkansastennisassociation.blogspot.com

Rebecca Bailey and Julio Olaya Capture Arkansas High School Overall Championships

Rebecca Bailey (pictured below) of Mount St. Mary defeated Helon Ricks of Hot Springs Lakeside 6-1, 6-3 in the Girl's Finals of the Arkansas High School Overall Championships. Julio Olaya (pictured right) of Pulaski Academy won the Boy's Division with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over defending champion Mario Martinez of LR Central.




Below are the Classification Winners:
Boys 7A- Mario Martinez of LR Central
Girls 7A- Rebecca Bailey of Mount St. Mary

Boys 6A- Jason Morgan of Jonesboro
Girls 6A- Irene Jadic of El Dorado

Boys 5A- Parker Allen of HS Lakeside
Girls 5A- Mary Wright of HS Lekeside

Boys 4A- Andrew Evans of Shiloh Christian
Girls 4A- Elizabeth Teed of Arkadelphia

Boys 3A- Tim Dinehart of Episcopal
Girls 3A- Maggie Beetstra of Episcopal

Boys 2A- Seth Laster of Union Christian
Girls 2A- Brandi Mikula of Union Christian

*** See comments for full results

Arkansas Senior Women's 3.5 Team Loses to Texas Team in Semi-Finals of USTA National League Championships

The Hunter/Holmes Women's 3.5 Senior Team from the Little Rock area representing the Southern Section lost a heartbreaking match to the Texas Section Team 2-1 in the semi-finals of the USTA National League Championships in Indian Wells, CA. At #1 Doubles Pricilla Backus/Deborah Bennett defeated Mirtha Herrrera/Lourdes Bolado 6-1, 6-1 for the Arkansas Team's only point. The Texas Team won at #2 and #3 Doubles in 10-point match tiebreakers.
The Hunter/Holmes 3.5 Team went on to beat the New England Section Team 2-1 to win 3rd place in the event.
The Arkansas Senior 3.5 Team members include Pricilla Backus, Terri Holmes, Betty Harrison, Kathy Campbell, Melanie Riley, Deborah Bennett, Tricia Buchman, Shirley Hunter, Maureen Dickson.
Congratulations to another great Arkansas Team!

*** See comments for full results