April 2, 2008
Present vs. Past and Future, Claremont Colleges vs. ATA All-Stars, To The Wire
The ATA All-Star Team took on the capable Claremont Colleges squad Thursday at the Austin Tennis Academy. Many ATA parents and players came out to enjoy the beautiful spring day and watch a true college style match, complete with the unique intensity of tennis in a team format.
Coached by former ATP Tour player Paul Settles, the Claremont team ranks among the best in NCAA Division III, boasting three top 20 nationally ranked players and former ATA standout Ryan Berber. The ATA-All Star squad melded an able crew of youth and accomplished experience, among them former Claremont National Champions Jack Newman and Bill Konya (NCAA Division III National Champions 1982-1983), and top current Texas Section players including Jeff Offerdahl and Mary Bain.
In a 15 match dual, the All-Stars started fast, wresting 4 of 5 doubles matches from the Stags. Claremont clawed back, capturing close singles wins at #3, #5 and #6, closing on the All-Stars’ lead. Claremont seized the dual with wins at #8, #9, and #10, where Coach Settles took down incoming St. Edwards University prospect Mary Bain, and former All-America Team member William Ellison knocked off super-champ 16s Matt Sparks. Overall, the dual was an 8 to 7 nail-biting win for the Stags.
Congratulations to the ATA players and family for their efforts in the ATA All-Stars vs. Claremont dual match. The match provided a great opportunity for our future collegiate players to experience the unique pressures, rigors, triumphs and joys of a college style dual match.
Back to News Summary
+1 512.276.2271
+1 512.276.2272
