ATA Winter Camp Dec 28-Jan 1
Get a ton of tennis in over break and sign up for ATA Winter Camp that is starting Dec 28 and goes through Jan 1. Click here to learn more and sign up.
December SCMZ ATA wins 4 draws!
Caroline Wernli had a outstanding event. She was the runner up in G14 A draw singles, won the G14 doubles, and won the sportsmanship award. Doesn’t get much better than that.
Jesse Wikso won both of his B18 B draw singles and doubles.
Callie Creath won the G18 B draw doubles.
Other notable results from this past weekend:
Jake Riezebeek has been stepping up his game and got 4th place in B12s B draw, this is his 2nd tournament in a row that he has reached the semi finals.
Sarah Darbar had a great tournament and got 2nd place in G14 B draw doubles and reached the quarters in singles.
ATA CP Senior Erik Kerrigan Commits To University Of Chicago
ATA College Prep Senior Erik Kerrigan announced to his classmates and teachers last week that he plans to attend the University Of Chicago next fall – the number 4-ranked national university and the number 3-ranked NCAA Division III tennis program in the country.
“I am looking forward to stretching my mind and expanding my horizons at one of the top 5 universities in the world,” Erik said.
Earlier this month, Erik was also named a Commended Student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program.
About 34,000 Commended Students were recognized this year for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the to 5{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} of more that 1.5 million students who entered the competition by taking the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“I felt very prepared for the test,” Erik said. “The best way to do well on these tests is to do enough practice that you have effectively seen any kind of problem that will be asked.”
Erik specifically appreciated the guidance he received from ATA CP’s math and science specialist, Bryan Rutherford.
“Mr. Rutherford did a fantastic job when I came to him asking for help. He provided me with practice materials and was willing to take some of his free time to go over problems with me.”
Erik has been part of the ATA program for 6 years, and began ATA CP as a sophomore. Since beginning College Prep, Erik has become one of the best tennis players in the state. He is learning the importance of managing his time and his energy, thinking creatively and mastering problem solving, all of which are important preparation for a successful collegiate scholar-athlete.
“The biggest positives about CP for me include small classes, easy to access teachers, and lack of busywork,” Erik said. “All work assigned will help you grow, not just take up time.”
Erik’s daily routine at CP begins with a morning workout 7:45-9:30AM. He steps off the court and into school, selects a taco for breakfast and prepares for his CP Leadership meeting. Following a college block schedule, he moves from Computer Science to Debate to English Literature to Government to French on MW&F, and from Linear Algebra to Anatomy & Physiology on T & Th. His private lessons and fitness programming are interwoven throughout his days. Often, he finished with afternoon practice from 4-6PM and fitness from 6-7PM.
“I like that at CP, you can always find your teachers for help, and that classes don’t assign a lot of homework simply to take up time, they assign what needs to be known.”
This rigorous academic load is designed to prepare Erik and the other students for what comes next at a top-tier academic school. The intensity of two-a-day workouts, small group intensives, and individualized lessons are preparing him for elite college fitness training.
Erik will join a Men’s Varsity team at UChicago that competes in the NCAA DIII and consistently finishes in the top 5 nationally.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of making the lineup at a team contending for a National title, and being a leader on that team going forward.”
According to U.S. News & World Reports, the University of Chicago ties with Stanford and Columbia as the number 4-ranked national university. Erik will predictably step into a competitive environment with some of the brightest young adults in the world, including future teammate and ATA CP alum Liam Leddy.
“We’re very excited to have Erik joining us next year,” Liam said. “While I will have graduated by the time Erik gets to campus, it’s nice to know that ATA CP will still have representation on the team and at the university. I know that Erik will better the team, and UChicago will better him on and, most importantly, off the court.”
While the experience of living away from family and having a new setting around him are exciting, ultimately, it is the people he will spend his time with that set U of Chicago apart from other options.
“I think the combination of being near a big city, coupled with a great group of guys on the team, and a laid back coach made it a perfect combination for me.”
Denver and Kerry Qualify for Supers
This past weekend in the Austin CMZ, Denver Holden and Kerry Lum qualified for Supers. Denver is the youngest ATA super champ and he gave himself a great birthday present and won his draw to qualify. Kerry Lum made it to the semifinals and has enough points to qualify.
Coach Norm on Denver:
According to Coach Norm, “Denver showed tremendous grit and maintained a high level of energy while coming back to win his semifinal match after losing the first set and being down 2-5 in the second set. Denver fought his guts out and won 5 consecutive games to close out the second set, and then decisively won the third set.” Denver’s positive attitude, strong body language and fighting spirit were also displayed in his straight set victory in the finals. The fact that Denver Super-qualified on his 11th birthday, three months after he Champ-qualified, made it even sweeter. As Coach Norm assessed, “Denver is playing at another level and is on a big upswing.”
Coach Eric on Kerry:
Kerry’s path to Super-qualifying since she Champed-up in February has been marked by steady progress in her game and tournament results. In the last two CMZs, Kerry has displayed much improved footwork and a willingness to be more aggressive. Kerry has also learned to open up the court with sharply angled rollers and well executed drop shots. Coach Lucie believes yet another reason for Kerry’s improved tournament results is that “she is becoming quite the competitor, pumping her fist after great points and never giving up.” Kerry moves into SuperChamps with increased confidence and lots of positive momentum.
Sports: The Road to Somewhere – Just Not Where You Thought by Amy Pazahanick
This month’s article, from Growing Champions for Life, is by Amy Pazahanick. The article is about how sports help prepare the athlete for life ahead even though most will not be professionals in their sport. The article also gives some tips to parents at the end to read more click here.
Also, register for the free 45min webinar on “How to Help Your Child Conquer Fear,” on Dec 17th at 9pm EST.
Jake Riezebeek Earns Sportsmanship Award!
Jake Riezebeek was awarded the Clarence Mabry Sportsmanship award for the Wichita Falls Super Champ in November. It is an award voted on by the umpires and the tournament staff. He earned it by giving it his all every point, all while staying calm, collected and respecting his opponent. Congratulations to Jake for his accomplishment and for representing ATA well.
Aidan Canada Qualifies for Supers!
Aidan Canada qualified for B12’s Supers in the Dallas doubles champ. Him and his partner Grant took control in the final match and won 6-4,6-2. Aidan will be playing this first SCMZ in College Station this weekend!
Congrats Aidan!!!