Austin Tennis Academy News

October 8, 2008

Strong Weekend for ATA's Supers' in Tyler and Arlington

Austin Tennis Academy’s super championship qualified players from all age groups traveled to Arlington and Tyler this past weekend to compete in the some of the most competitive tournaments Texas has to offer. The Bob Faulkner Super Champ Major Zone in Tyler hosted the top 16's and 18's players from all over the state, while the best 12's and 14's convened at the Arlington Tennis Center Super Champ Major Zone. The ATA junior competitors represented themselves and their academy well, earning successful results all over north Texas.

Although both are still eligible to play in the 16's division, Chase Curry and Jeff Offerdahl entered the boys’ 18's singles draw in Tyler and teamed up in the 18's doubles draw to test themselves against Texas’ best. Curry recovered from a 1-3 deficit in the third set of his first round match, only to earn four straight wins on his way to a spot in the finals. He defeated ATA’s Blake Davis in the third round and the number two seed Chris Camillone in the quarter-finals 7-5, 6-2. Jeff Offerdahl beat Jake Golman 6-4, 6-1 to earn a spot in the round-of-16 where he fell to the number five seed. Alex Durham won his opening round match in convincing fashion before falling to his friend and high-school teammate Russell Bader 6-2, 7-5.

In doubles, the team of Curry and Offerdahl proved that toughness and determination are more important than age and size. The two jumped on the top seeded and defending sectional champions Camillone and Guthrie, winning convincingly, 8-3.

“Curry and Offerdahl played unbelievable doubles this weekend,” coach Newman said.

They earned another victory before matching up with ATA’s Durham and partner Bader in the semi-finals, falling 8-5.

In the boys’ 16's A draw, Chris Dale earned three wins and a spot in the quarter-finals where he fell to Kosuke Hasegawa 7-6, 6-1. Josh Hager fought for a three set first round win before also meeting Hasegawa who beat him in a highly competitive match 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Charlie Shin had a breakout tournament defeating the five seed Tam Trinh 6-2, 6-1.

“Charlie totally defused Trinh’s style by playing outstanding defense,” coach Newman said.

Shin went on to earn two mare victories before going down to the number two seed. Matthew Sparks battled to beat Sean Liu 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 first round before he too fell to the two seed Tanner Brown.

After dropping his opening match in the boys’ 16's B draw, Aaron Chaffee rebounded to earn two wins and a spot in the consolation quarter-finals. Elliot Blatt and Austin Mayo also competed in this draw, matching up against one another in the first round of consolation. Mayo came away with the win 6-3, 6-3. Conor O’Rourke defeated James Moss first round 6-0, 6-2 before going down in a close second round match.

In the girls’ 16's, Claire Cahill beat Mary Alice Blacketer 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to earn her second win and a spot in the consolation quarter-finals. In the B draw, Kate Cahill fought for a three set victory over Kaitlyn Reed 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, before falling to the number 3 seed.

In Arlington, Ben Smith defeated teammate Rohan Makhija 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round of the boys’ 12's B draw. Smith went on to earn two more victories and a spot in the finals. After facing the number two seed first round, Matthew Milliken rebounded to defeat Luke Lipinski in a battle 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. In the boys’ 12's A draw, Dylan Ritter beat Cole Davis 6-3, 7-6(7) before falling to the number four seed.

“Dylan Ritter showed amazing energy and intensity battling to beat a player he had lost to only a couple of months earlier,” coach Notis said.

Jake Berber defeated Samuel Giammalva 6-4, 6-2 to get to the second round where he went down to the three seed and eventual finalist Jacob Daugherty 6-3, 6-4.

“The group is getting better as a whole,” coach Strecker said. “It’s nice to see their work and ours translating into success on the court.”

In the girls’ 12's draw, Maggie O’Meara won two matches and defeated the number nine seed Camila Wesbrooks 6-1, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals. Allie Burak beat Anna Bright 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the semi-finals of the consolation draw.

Brittney Brewster won three matches and knocked out the number five seed Farris Cunningham 6-3, 6-3 to earn a spot in the quarter finals of the girls’ 14's A draw. Morgan Barnhill worked for two victories before matching up with the number one seed in the third round. Barnhill/Williams teamed up to win the girls’ 14's doubles draw. “Morgan played with great poise to bring home the doubles title,” coach Notis said. Living up to her number three seed, Brooke Hughes won four matches on her way to the semi-finals where she fell to the two seed Peggy Porter in three sets. Nicole Karaklis rebounded after drawing the top seed first round to beat Laura Cardno 6-3, 6-3. Also competing in the A draw was Sydney Young who gained valuable experience in two matches, and teamed up with Karaklis to earn a win in the girls’ 14's doubles.

Coaches Moros, Strecker, and Notis traveled with the team this weekend to Arlington, while Coaches Newman, Houston, and Collins traveled to Tyler.

The ATA super championship players from ages 12 to 18 commuted long hours across north Texas to compete in their respective Major Zone, showcasing their hard work and representing their Academy. These junior athletes conducted themselves with pride, earning on court results and off court respect for their discipline and determination that shines brightest on this big stage.

Next up for will be the Spenco ATA Thanksgiving Open Nov. 7-9. The deadline is Oct. 24 so enter now!

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