Greater Columbus Tennis Association

Each year at the end of the summer season, the GCTA has an awards ceremony to honor the winning teams and individual Champ of Champs from those teams. These winners are listed on the respective Men's and Women's League pages. Area Junior Qualifier champions and runners-up are listed on the Area and District Qualifer page. Jr. Davis Cup team members and Jr. Wightman Cup team members are listed on the Jr. Davis and Wightman Cup page.

GCTA Media Award
Anthony Rothman
NewsCenter Sports Anchor and Reporter
ABC-6 and Fox-28

Anthony Rothman is NewsCenter Sports Anchor and Reporter for ABC-6 and Fox-28 and studio host for Buckeye Football Fever Pre- and Post-game Shows on ABC-6.

Anthony began his television career in the smallest market in the country. He was Sports Director at CBS in Alpena, Michigan. From there, he moved to CBS in Rockford, Illinois, before arriving in Columbus in 1994.

A Chicago native, Anthony played varsity tennis for Highland Park High School and won the Chicago Indoor Tournament in 1988 at the Mid-Town Tennis Club. He continued his tennis at Indiana University where he was a varsity player.

Before his TV career began, Anthony was an assistant teaching pro at country clubs in the northern suburbs of Chicago. His idol was Bjorn Borg, whom he was fortunate to meet and interview at the Big Bear Senior Tournament at New Albany Country Club in 1994.

Anthony has been awarded the highest honor in television broadcasting. Receiving an Emmy Award for Best Sports Anchor in 1998, 2003, and 2004 selected by the Ohio Valley Region covering markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia. He also received the Best Sports Anchor Award from the Cleveland Press Club and the Best Regularly Scheduled Sportscast Award by the Ohio Associated Press.

Anthony has done a number TV pieces featuring local tennis personalities. He did a particularly nice piece on OSU Women's Tennis Coach, Chuck Merzbacher. In his interview with OSU Men's Tennis player, Jeremy Wurtzman, Anthony went on court and showed that he still has some of that tennis ability.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Bob Herold

Bob Herold was born in Columbus and was the oldest of five boys. The family was very athletic. Two of his brothers, Jim and Don, have their pictures hanging in the OSU Wrestling Hall of Fame in St. John Arena.

Bob joined the Navy and served the last full year of World War II. He was drafted into the Army and served two years in the Korean War.

Bob retired from the Columbus Fire Division after 30 years of service. He attained the rank of Lieutenant.

Bob joined Continental Athletic Club and serve as captain of a number of GCTA Gold, Silver, and Platinum teams. After the CAC closed, Bob captained teams at Wickertree Tennis Club. Most recently, Bob has captained teams for the Otterbein teams. Bob is a tireless captain who is always on top of his teams. His competitive nature is very apparent. He and his wife consider his participation in tennis as one of the reasons why he is enjoying good health at 76 years of age.

In addition to tennis, Bob plays golf regularly. However, his first love was "Duplicate" Bridge. He has been a "Life Master" for 25 years. Ten years ago, he became a "Silver Life Master" and is very close to becoming a "Gold Life Master."

Bob has been married 39 years. His wife, Pat, also plays tennis and has captained teams at CAC. She presently plays for the Tower Tennis Gold Team.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Brooks Naffziger

Brooks Naffziger has been involved in sports all his life. He played football, hockey, and baseball in secondary school and continued with football but but added wrestling while at Yale University. His wrestling skills progressed so strongly that he tried out for the 1952 Olympics. He was beaten out (but not pinned) by Dan Hoge, the eventual Silver Medal Winner. While at Yale, his football skills didn't suffer either-- a local sports writer awarded him "the single most outstanding defensive play of any college football player in the U.S. in 1948." This was in the Yale versus University of Wisconsin game.

After college, Brooks has been involved in tennis, skiing, and swimming. He has participated in many Columbus City and Northam Park tennis tournaments. His highlight was a doubles victory when he partnered with Ken Thomas to defeat Ted Coates and Wayne Rittenhouse in the finals of the Columbus City Tournament in the mid-1990's. He has played on and captained Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Diamond League teams at Northam Park. Not just a player, Brooks was the inspiration and organizer of the age-oriented Silver, Platinum, and Diamond equating to 55, 65, and 70 years of age. Brooks has won 23 medals in the Columbus Senior Olympics ranging from darts and football throw to bicycling, swimming, and tennis.

Brooks has served the GCTA as a Board of Trustees Member, Scorekeeper for the Men's League, and GCTA Treasurer. It was Brooks who put GCTA expenditures and income onto a spreadsheet and moved the organization into the computer age.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Neal Newman

Neal Newman is a psychologist at the Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service and in private practice. His athletic career began when he played varsity tennis and basketball at the High School of Music and Art in New York City. He continued at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

Neal is the winner of 27 USTA national doubles titles. That equates to 27 Gold Balls. He has teamed with Phil Landauer, Larry Turville, Armistead Neely, Bill Lofgren, Jody Rush, and his son, Cole Newman. As a matter of fact, he and his son have won 4 national father-son doubles championships.

Neal has represented the United States in international competition on numerous occasions. He was a member of the Dubler Cup team that won the 45-and-over World Team Championship in Saarbruecken, Germany, in 1995. He was also a member of the 4 man U.S. Fred Perry Cup team that represented the U.S. in the 50-and-over World Team Championships in Bielefeld, Germany. He has been a member of teams that have competed in other international competitions in the Bahamas, Spain, Canada, and England.

Neal has received numerous athletic awards: the Wendell M. Stanley Senior Scholar-Athlete Award from Earlham College, the Carl Meyer Award as the Ohio Valley Tennis Association Outstanding Player (Phil Landauer and he were co-recipients), and Neal was a Leo Yassenoff Jewish Center Sports Hall of Fame Inductee. In 2001, Neal was inducted in the Earlham College Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1967-1968 basketball team.

Neal has been ranked number one nationally in doubles in the 35's, 40's, 45's and 50's age groups. His ranking in singles has consistently been in the top 10 in these age groupings.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Bob Rubery

Bob Rubery was a 1952 graduate of Notre Dame University and received his Masters Degree from Rutgers University. He then worked for the Jersey Bell System for 10 years. For the next 30 years, he worked for the Xerox Corporation as a manager of the Information System. Following his retirement, he has worked for H&R Block as a senior tax advisor and as a desk clerk at Wickertree Tennis Club.

In 1954, Bob ran his first tennis tournament: the New Jersey State Championship. It was held at Princeton University and included Gardner Mulloy, Vic Seixas, and the Governor of New Jersey, Bob Meynor, as participants.

Bob has served as Tournament Chairman for the USTA/ITA National Hardcourt Tennis Championships at Ohio State for 14 years. This was formerly called the Gold Ball USTA National Amateur Hardcourt. Before that, he served 15 years as Tournament Chairman of the Columbus Indoor National Tennis Championships under Tournament Director, Harvey Beahm.

"Rube" has given unselfishly of himself to the game of tennis for over 30 years. During this time, he has become a very popular and well respected tournament official. He truly loves being around the "kids."

Bob has been a member of Worthington Hills Country Club for 25 years. He was the Club Tennis Champion in 1978.

Bob has been married to his wife, Kay, for 48 years. They have three children and four grandchildren.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Geri Schlegel

Geri Schlegel is a GCTA Board Trustee and a Vice President of the organization. For a number of years, she has assisted with the organization and hosting of the GCTA Awards Ceremony. She has served as the GCTA Women's Chair at Northam Park. She is on the Northam Park Advisory Committee and designed the logo for the Northam Park Courts. From May through August, she writes a Suburban News Publication column titled "Northam Tennis."

Geri designed advertising boards in support of increasing the numbers of USTA umpires. Without properly trained officials, local tennis events cannot continue. These boards will be placed in clubs and other tennis locations.

She is currently working to add a Platinum League to the Women's League.

She is an active 3.5 USTA/GCTA player and has been "addicted" to tennis since age 19.

GCTA Special Recognition Award
Jeremy Wurtzman

Jeremy Wurtzman reached All-America status--the first Ohio State player in program history since Ty Tucker in 1991-- after a stellar senior campaign.

In that campaign, Jeremy defeated three Top 10 players in the country en route to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Indoor title Nov. 9 in Ann Arbor, Mich. He captured the ITA Midwest Regional crown Oct. 28 in East Lansing, Mich. and went 14-1 in fall tournament play Jeremy was ranked No. 1 in the ITA Division I Singles polls from Jan. 13-Feb. 24 and again from March 23-April 20. He finished the season ranked No. 3 in the ITA singles polls and No. 1 in the Midwest Region IV polls. Jeremy was named the co-ITA/Farnsworth National Senior Player of the Year and was the Midwest Region IV Senior Player of the Year. He was a unanimous selection for First Team All-Big Ten. Jeremy was selected as the No. 3 seed in the NCAA singles championship and advanced to the third round at the NCAA singles championship. Jeremy saw action at the No. 1 singles position for the Buckeyes in 29 matches and posted a 26-3 duals record and a 42-5 overall singles mark. He compiled 108 singles wins in three years as a Buckeye which placed him at the No. 5 spot in the program's record books; he had 42 season singles wins which placed him at the No. 2 spot in program history. Jeremy traveled to China during the 2004 summer as a member of the American Express Collegiate All-Star team; the All-Star team is comprised of 10 of the nation's top collegiate tennis players and are selected by the ITA.

Jeremy ended his OSU career tied at the No. 2 spot in program history for season doubles wins with 30 victories. He holds the No. 6 spot for career doubles wins with 74. He claimed the doubles consolation title with partner Joey Atas Oct. 11 at the ITA All-American Championship. He was selected to the NCAA doubles championship with Atas. He advanced to the second round in NCAA doubles play. Jeremy was ranked as high as No. 25 in the ITA Division I Doubles polls with Atas. They finished the season ranked No. 29 in national doubles and No. 2 in the Midwest Region IV polls. Jeremy posted 17 wins at the No. 1 doubles spot.

In addition to being named the OSU team co-captain at the beginning of the season, in the post season he was named the Buckeyes' Most Valuable Player and was awarded the Power Club award by the strength and conditioning staff.

Jeremy is the son of Steve and Judy Wurtzman. He has an older brother, Marc, who was a standout for the Buckeye program from 1994 to 1997 and is currently the Ohio State men's tennis assistant coach. Upon graduation, Jeremy plans to play tennis professionally. He enjoys golfing, reading and hanging out with friends.

Outstanding Promotion of Tennis
Doug Snapp

Doug Snapp started playing tennis after college. Both he and his wife, Deena, were teachers and had their summers free. Doug began helping Dan Witteman with the boys' team at Westland High School. Doug took the girls' tennis coaching position and coached for almost 20 years. He ran the sectional and district boys' and girls' tennis tournaments for the Ohio High School Athletic Association for a number of years.

He has been involved with the GCTA as a Board of Trustees Member, a Vice President, President, and he is currently the Secretary of the organization. He serves also as a score keeper for the GCTA Men's League.

He helped coordinate the first junior tennis teams for the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and has served as Chair of the Tennis Community Recreation Committee for the CPRD.

Doug is a Vice President of the Ohio Valley Tennis Association; he is on the Management Committee and serves as Chair of the Competition Committee. He served on the Communications Committee for the USTA Midwest Section. He presently serves on the USTA Collegiate Committee. Doug organized and coordinated the volunteers for the last Nuveen Seniors Tournament held at New Albany Country Club.

Doug and his son, Bart, created the GCTA web site: gcta.net. Doug continues to maintain the site for the GCTA.

Margo Mansfield Award
GCTA Female Player of the Year
The Margo Mansfield Award Fund was established by Margo's friends and family at her passing. Margo was a tennis enthusiast and dedicated much time to the Junior Wightman Cup. It is said that she was more interested in how you played the game than if you won or lost. Sportsmanship and character are very important criteria for this award.
Kirsten Flower

Kirsten's Father Accepting the Award

Kirsten Flower played for the Upper Arlington High School tennis team in 2003. In October of that year, she won the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division I Singles Title. She also led her team to the 2003 Ohio Tennis Coaches Association State Division I Team Title. She finished 2003 as the champion of the Midwest Open Indoor 16-and-under and a finalist at the 16-and-under National Open in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

February of 2004 had Kirsten playing in the 16-and-under National Open in El Monte, California, where she was a semi finalist. She was a finalist in the 16-and-under Ojai Championships in Ojai, California, in May. In June of 2004, she won the Midwest Closed 16-and-under. She place 3rd in the 16-and-under National Hard Court Championships.

Kirsten teamed with Jessica Rhee to win the 16-and-under National Open in November of 2003. Christine Johnston and Kirsten were the winners of the Midwest Closed in June. In July, Kirsten paired with Denise Dy to win the National Clay Court Championships.

Kirsten's recent honors are numerous: OVTA Carl Meyer Player of the Year Award, SNP Tennis Player of the Year, High School All-American, and the Sportsmanship Award at the Midwest Closed.

She has National ranking in the 16-and-under of 31. Her Midwest ranking is number 2.

She has hobbies of drawing and photography. Her favorite professional player is Jennifer Capriati. Kirsten is the daughter of Jim and Joan Flower. Kirsten and her father are unique in that he also won the OHSAA State Singles Championship: father and daughter--state champs! Kirsten's ambition is to play at a high level in college tennis and then to have a successful career on the pro tour.

GCTA Male Player of the Year
Chase Buchanan

Chase's Mother Accepting the Award

Chase Buchanan capped off an incredible run with last month's victory at the Boy's 14 and Under National Championships.

Beginning in 2003, Chase dominated 12 and under boy's tennis in the United States, winning the GCTA Area Qualifier, the Ohio Valley District, the Midwest Closed Section, and the Super National Hard Court Championship. All with out dropping a set!

Chase teamed with Rhyne Williams of Tennessee to win the National Clay Court and Hard Court Doubles Championships.

Chase finished his 12 and under career by making the finals of the International Orange Bowl Championships, the most prestigious 12 and under tournament in the world.

Due to these accomplishment, Chase was the first ever 12 year old boy invited by the USTA to represent the United States in the two most prestigious international 14 and under tournaments: the Teen Championships in England and the Le Petite As in France.

He returned from Europe in February and began tearing through the USTA 14's just as he had the 12's. He won the National Open in Texas, the Columbus Indoor National Invitational, the National Open in Maryland, and the National Open in Michigan: four championships and only one set lost along the way. This run culminated with his win at the USTA Boy's 14's National Championship in San Antonio and a current ranking of number one in the United States!

Chase and his coach, Al Matthews of Scarborough East, are currently preparing for December's International Orange Bowl in Miami as well as his return trip to Europe for the Teen Championships and the Le Petite As.

Chase balances his training regime with his studies as an 8th grader at Gahanna Middle School East. He is the son of Melissa and Tod Buchanan and has a younger brother, Chad, and a sister, Chloe.

Chase was unable to be present for the presentation because he was working out with the U.S. Davis Cup Team in Charleston, SC.

Lifetime Achievement Awards
Phil Landauer

Phil Landauer grew up and played tennis in Ponca City, Oklahoma, under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Wally Smith. Phil earned a tennis scholarship to the University of Arkansas and played number one singles and doubles for them.

He moved to Columbus in 1976 and has taught at several of the local indoor clubs. He currently serves as part-owner and active coach at The Players' Club.

Since 1986, Phil has continued to compete in USTA National Senior Tournaments. He has won sixteen Gold Balls for National Championships. Phil has teamed with Neal Newman to represent our country in many international competitions.

Phil has been teaching for over thirty years and still considers working with upcoming, hardworking juniors a thrill. Phil has helped over two hundred kids get scholarships to college and still stays in touch with most of these kids. Along the way, his students have won 8 National Championships as well as Orange and Easter Bowl victories.

Phil lives in Dublin and is most proud of his two sons: Philip, a graduate of the Ohio State University, and Chris, a senior at the University of Arizona.

Lifetime Achievement Awards
Bill Warrens

Bill Warrens has been a longtime teaching pro in the central Ohio area. He is currently a teaching professional at The Player's Club. Over the years, Bill has worked with or managed the tennis programs at Tennis East Club, Wickertree Tennis Club, Olentangy Indoor Tennis Club, and The Racquet Club of Columbus.

Bill has been involved with many outstanding local players. The list includes names like Wendy Lyons, Lemar Roose, Shawn Walton, Nicole Monsul, Sheri Bash, Julie Beahm, Amy Young, Jennifer Beahm, Peri Golden, Michelle Fry, and many, many more. Perhaps his most outstanding protégé was Ann Grossman. Ann reached a top 50 world ranking. Bill did many tennis exhibitions with these players at such places as a Chicago Bull's basketball game, World Team Tennis events, and numerous doubles exhibitions. Such players as Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, and Don Budge participated in the events.

Bill was the director of the Avon "Futures" Tournament, the Western Open Boy's Tournament, and the Mid-Western Junior Circuit. He reinstated the Columbus Indoor Junior Tournament and was a co-founder of the Tennis Tots College. Bill was a presenter along with Jim Loeher at the Junior Players Seminar.

Most important to Bill are his two daughters, Tara and Alexa.

Umpire Award
Bob Schafer

Bob Schafer was born and grew up in New York City in the Bronx. He graduated from Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. He attended the University of Rhode Island where he received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1958. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1958 to 1968. He retired from General Motors Corporation after 33 years in Plant Engineering. He and his wife, Sidney, have been married for 43 years and have three children. Sidney is retired from the West Jefferson school system with 25 years of service.

Bob's interest in tennis did not develop until the mid-1970's. In about 1976, he assisted in raising funds for public tennis courts in West Jefferson, Ohio. He organized a tennis team for General Motors to participate in the Columbus Industrial Tennis League. He was involved with that team for about 15 years. He organized GCTA teams that played at the Grove City courts. These teams participated at the 4.0 and the Silver level of the GCTA Men's League.

Bob has volunteered at the ATP-Masters events in Cincinnati for the past 6 years. In 2003, he became a certified USTA official working tournaments in the Columbus area. His help with the GCTA Area Qualifier, the Girls' 16's District, and the Men's League Champion of Champions has been very beneficial to the GCTA.