January 8, 2009
ATA Juniors Clash with National Competition at Copper Bowl
ATA’s junior athletes kicked off the year by traveling to Tucson to compete in the Copper Bowl. As a Level 3 National tournament, the Copper Bowl allows our juniors to clash with competition from coast to coast. Coach Newman and coach Moros accompanied the team to Arizona.
Playing up in the boys’ 18s, Jeff Offerdahl fought for five straight wins while knocking off three seeds on his way to the semi finals. First round he faced the number three seed Ken Mkrtchian of Reseda, CA. After dropping the first set 4-6, Jeff bounced back to take the next two sets 6-4, 6-4. In the round of 16 he faced fellow Texan Alex Van Velzer, the number twelve seed. Motivated by a loss in the Fall Excellence tournament to Van Velzer, Offerdahl earned the win 7-6(4), 6-3. After falling in three sets in the semi finals to Ben Guthrie, a top 5 in the nation ranked 16 & under player from 2008, Jeff faced the five seed Chris Camillone from Texas in the third and fourth place play off. Jeff came up with a 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 victory. In other 18s action Blake Davis continued his comeback from major knee surgery competing in his first national event in a year.
Taylor Shamshiri entered the boys’ 16s draw as the twenty nine seed. He exceeded his seeding prediction by earning four straight wins, three by way of third sets to earn a spot in the final eight. In the round of 16 he faced the six seed N. Montoya (brother of former ATA student Santiago Montoya) of Arizona, who he beat 6-3, 6-2 for a spot in the quarter finals. After dropping his first match, Chris Dale faced California’s Kyle Miller. Chris claimed the first set 7-6(2), but Miller took the next two and the match 6-3, 6-4. Josh Hagar competed hard in two tough matches, falling in his second match to the seven seed out of Nevada Jeff Vongman. After winning four matches to qualify for the draw, Aaron Chaffee lost two tough matches in the boys’ 16s.
In the girls’ 16s, Claire Cahill faced Sara Carlson of Novi, MI first round. Claire came out on top, earning the win 6-3, 6-4. Brooke Hughes started strong with two wins and a victory over the twenty eight seed. She then faced the number two seed, M. Cassens of Washington. After dropping the first set, Hughes responded by securing the second set to level the match 2-6, 7-5. In the end the Washington native proved to be to much, earning the win 6-2 in the third.
Morgan Barnhill came in to the girls’ 14s draw as the seventeen seed. Her first match paired her against Ksenia Bosina of New Mexico, with Barnhill prevailing 6-4, 6-0. After dropping her next match, Barnhill rallied to win four rounds and earn a spot in the fourth round of consolation. In her third match she beat Britta Moser of California 7-5, 6-0. After falling first round, Sydney Young worked for two wins and a spot in the third round of consolation. She faced C. Deleon of California in her third match. After splitting the first two sets 6-2, 4-6, Sydney would not be denied, earning the third set and the win 6-3. Brittany Brewster came in as the eighteen seed. She defeated Avery Wagman first round 6-3, 6-0 to reach the round of 64.
In the girls’ 12s, Allie Burak matched up with A. Martinelli of Denver first round. Burak earned the win 6-4, 6-0.
The ATA juniors began 2009 by competing against the best competition available. This is not a new resolution however. The Academy’s dedication to hard work and success is an ongoing process that is exemplified by these junior athletes commitment to competing with and succeeding against our nations best.
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