April 24, 2008
Super-Champ Update, Shin, Hagar See 16s, Cahill Competing with the Top
At the Houston Super Champ Major Zone 16s and 18s, the Austin Tennis Academy posted impressive progress from many competitors. Some pushed themselves to the brink of national qualificiation, while others succesfully oriented themselves to a higher level of play. Head Coach Jack Newman and Coach John Schoenmakers were on-site in Houston.
For Josh Hagar and Charlie Shin, the Houston Super Champ Major Zone was a first opportunity to see “the next level of tennis”, said Coach Newman, who went on to say that Josh and Charlie “competed well in their first experience against bigger, stronger players”. Charlie Shin won four main-draw matches, advancing to the semi-final round of his first 16s Super-Champ Major Zone. Charlie beat (5) seed Sujith Kochat 6-1, 6-3, advancing to the final four round. Josh Hagar won two main-draw rounds, showing what Coach John said was “good energy and attitude”, while beating ATA teammate Matthew Sparks in straight sets to advance to the quarter-final round of his first 16s Super-Champ Major Zone. Sparks made the second round by overwhelming Paul Zachry 6-2, 6-3. Taylor Shamshiri defeated Shane Trebisky 6-2, 6-2 in the back-draw. Esteban Kaufmann played “fully committed tennis”, according to Coach John Schoenmakers. Este fought very hard, beating Ajit Kurki 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the first round main-draw.
Claire Cahill’s consistent main-draw Super Champ Major Zone results are positioning her to possibly compete on a national stage. Claire again won two main-draw matches, including a comeback win over (9) seed Jessica Ramsay 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. She was down 1-6, 1-4, before staging her comeback. Coach Newman saw Claire “showing the ability to compete with the top tier of Texas 16 and under girls”.
In other girls’ 16s play, Hailey Posas played hard in two girls’ 16s matches, credited with a back-draw win over Ramsay. Zoe Kearl bounced back from a close first round loss to Meagan Harvey. Zoe beat Kelsey Richardson 6-2, 6-3 in the back-draw, “giving an incredible effort level to secure the win”, commented Head Coach Newman. In boys 18s, Jon Stockdale fought hard in a close loss to Celso Rojas: 5-7, 6-3, 6-2. Blair Jones picked up a win by beating Megan Ocanas 6-0, 6-2 in the first round back-draw win.
Congratulations to all of ATA’s competitors at the Houston Super Champ Major Zone. For ATA, the event was characterized by full effort and across the board competitive commitment. The ATA staff anticipates another strong showing at the May 9th-12th SCMZ in Dallas. Register now, the deadline for entry is April 22nd.
Back to News Summary
+1 512.276.2271
+1 512.276.2272
