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Latest GCTA News
DECEMBER 2023
Central Ohio Junior Wrap-up for 2023
The 2023 calendar year was certainly one of the best years that Ohio junior tennis players have had recently. Central Ohio earned three championships and had two finalists in the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) tournament, which were held in the spring for the boys and in the fall for the girls.
Bexley's Amiya Bowles - Click to enlarge |
Gahanna's Brandon Carpico- Click to enlarge |
CA's Yasemin Bilgin-Arya Chabria- Click to enlarge |
The outstanding efforts included the following achievements. Bexley's Amiya Bowles repeated as the Division II State Singles Champion. Gahanna's Brandon Carpico also repeated as champion after being a finalist last year and champion two years ago. Columbus Academy's Arya Chabria - Yasemin Bilgin were the Division II Girls State Doubles champions. Pavan Uppu of Pickerington North was the finalist in Division I Boys State Singles. New Albany's Richardlyne Francois - Paige Cornelius were finalists in Division I Doubles. All of the above players were seniors except Bowles, who is a sophomore.
To view all of the results in the OHSAA State Tournament, click for the Boys Draws and for the girls, click Girls Draws.
In the Boys State Team Tournament, Olentangy Orange represented the Central District in D1 boys and Columbus Academy was the D2 representative. Click for the Boys State Team Tournament Draws.
In the Girls State Team Tournament, Upper Arlington and Columbus Academy represented Central in D1 and D2, respectively. Click for the Girls State Team Tournament Draws.
Central Ohio did not fare as well in their respective State Team Tournaments. For the boys, Olentangy Orange finished fourth in the state in the OhioTennisZone.com Division I rankings and Columbus Academy finished fifth in the state in D2. Upper Arlington finished third in the state for the girls in Division I and Columbus Academy was third in Division II.
The Southwest District won all of the team championships. Those schools were: D1 Boys - Sycamore, D2 Boys - Seven Hills, D1 Girls - Mason, and D2 Girls - Indian Hill.
Note that all of the photos listed below can be enlarged for easier viewing.
The State Qualifiers for the boys (listed in seed order) were:
Olentangy Orange - Click to enlarge |
Columbus Academy |
Upper Arlington |
Columbus Academy |
Division I
Singles: Gahanna's Brandon Carpico, Pickerington North's Pavan Uppu, New Albany's Jackson Clements, and Upper Arlington's Ethan Samora.
Doubles: Olentangy Liberty's Jay Ramakkagari - Hummza Ali, New Albany's Ben Bilenko - Tyler Thomas, Olentangy Orange's Kallan Arledge - Nikhil Bhimireddy, Olentangy's Sujan Sriram - Mitch MacDowell.
Division II
Singles: Wellington's Sanjan Shanker and Columbus Academy's Lucas Xue.
Doubles: Bexley's Sam Lessard - Stefan Schiff and Columbus Academy's Nason Lo - Rowen Lo.
The Girls State Qualifiers were:
Boys Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Girls Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Division I
Singles: Dublin Coffman's Lauren Burkett, Dublin Coffman's Pritika Ghosh-Choudhuri, Olentangy Berlin's Soleil Cordell, and Olentangy Orange's Avery Reed.
Doubles: New Albany's Richardlyne Francois - Paige Cornelius; Dublin Jerome's Lydia Foster - Adayla Coakley, Upper Arlington's Isabella Roth - Alexa Roth; and Worthington Kilbourne's Libby Alderman - Tyra Butler.
Division II
Singles: Bexley's Amiya Bowles and Columbus Academy's Tamanna Arya.
Doubles: Columbus Academy's Arya Chabria - Yasemin Bilgin and Columbus Academy's Grace Philip - Sophie Wu.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone.com web site.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023
GCTA Awards Banquet
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) Awards Banquet continues to grow in popularity and in attendance. This year's banquet was brought to order by new GCTA President, Aaron Ockerman. He replaces Geoff Bibo, who led the GCTA during the tumultuous COVID summer season. Approximately 100 people were in attendance to accept their awards and to support others who received awards. As in previous years, it was held at the Westerville Everal Barn and Homestead.
2023 Award Recipients - Click to enlarge |
Those honored and the awards that they received are listed below:
Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Award - Recognizing an individual who represents the best of tennis in the greater Columbus area and deserves special recognition.
- Bill Warrens (in memoriam)
Special Recognition Awards - Recognizing an individual who contributes to tennis in the community, giving freely of his or her time to promote involvement in tennis for players of all levels and ages, and assists in developing tennis program and participation in these programs.
- Steve Hofman and
- Jane McMeekin
Columbus Recreation and Parks Award - Recognizing an individual who represents the best of tennis in the greater Columbus area.
- Eby Day
Family of the Year - Recognizing a family who has been involved in, and contributed to, Columbus area tennis programs throughout the years.
- Eberlyn Family - Preston, Jerry, and Alex
Bowles Family- Click to enlarge |
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Gibson Family- Click to enlarge |
Female Player of the Year Award - Recognizing a female player for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Amiya Bowles - Bexley High School
Male Player of the Year Award - Recognizing a male player(s) for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Will Gibson - New Albany High School
The League Champions that were honored in both the Women’s and Men’s Leagues can be found by visiting their respective home pages (links provided below).
Click to view photos of all of the award winners on the GCTA Awards Page.
JULY 18, 2023
Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tournament
No summer would be complete without the Mary Diaz & William Copeland Jr. Memorial Tournament. The purpose of this tournament is to raise funds to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. This was the 17th annual tournament and it took place on Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15. Since the tournament was founded, it has raised over one million dollars. This year's donations exceeded $65,000.
PanCan Clinic Participants - Click to enlarge |
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This year's Honoree was Dave Gil-Martin Herold. Last year's Honoree was the GCTA's own Terri Jones.
The outdoor venue was at Ohio State Lincoln Tower Park, with indoor back-up provided by Racquet Club, Players Club and Elysium.
One hundred central Ohio tennis players participated in Friday's clinic and 140 competed in the round-robin tournament on Saturday.
The Phil and Donna Diaz family and their many relatives throughout the Midwest and East Coast hold this great memorial each year.
Click on the images to the right to enlarge them. The group photo was taken on Friday evening at Northam Park. The player photos were taken on Saturday at OSU during competition.
For more information about the memorial and to donate to this great cause, click on Diaz Tennis.
MARCH 2023
Sad Tennis News - The Passing of Bill Warrens and Peter Homorady
Two highly respected names in Central Ohio tennis recently passed away.
Bill Warrens died on March 7, 2023. His obituary can be found here.
Peter Homorody passed away on March 30, 2023. Peter and his son, Jason, regularly played in Father/Son tournaments. Click for Peter's obituary.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Brenda Toney - New GCTA Secretary
We are pleased to announce that Brenda Toney has been appointed to the position of board secretary. She will be a wonderful addition to the board in this leadership role. She is excited to learn more aspects of the GCTA and to continue to promote tennis in the greater Columbus area.
GCTA Secretary, Brenda Toney |
Brenda has been involved with tennis in a number of different ways. She has been a member of GCTA since 2008 when she started playing at Gahanna High School. In 2016 she became the captain of the 3.5 tennis team at Champions. Additionally she participates as a volunteer coach with the summer camps for middle and high school students. In 2016, she joined the GCTA board, where she has served on the rules committee and has been a part of the Clay Court Championship tournament. Currently she also serves on the Champions leadership team as a trustee.
She replaces Jane McMeekin who had served as the secretary since 2008.
Please welcome Brenda to this new position.
NOVEMBER 2022
Central Ohio Junior Wrap-up for 2022
Central Ohio juniors competing in high school tennis had a solid year. The big successes were: Bexley's Amiya Bowles' Division II State Singles Championship, Gahanna's Brandon Carpico's runner-up finish in Division I State Singles, and New Albany's Richardlyne Francois - Paige Cornelius' runner-up finish in D1 State Doubles. Bowles is just a freshman while Carpico, Francois, and Cornelius are juniors. Carpico won the State Singles Championship in 2021.
Bexley's Amiya Bowles - Click to enlarge |
To view all of the results in the OHSAA State Tournament, click for the Boys Draws and for the girls, click Girls Draws.
Central Ohio did not fare as well in their respective State Team Tournaments. All of the teams finished third.
In the Boys State Team Tournament, New Albany represented Central in D1 boys and Bexley beat Columbus Academy to represent Central in Division II. Click for the Boys State Team Tournament Draws.
In the Girls State Team Tournament, New Albany and Columbus Academy represented Central in D1 and D2, respectively. Click for the Girls State Team Tournament Draws.
The Southwest District continued to dominate the state by winning both the D1 and D2 Boys and Girls State team championships. The Southwest District also claimed six of the eight OHSAA State Championships.
Note that all of the photos listed below can be enlarged for easier viewing.
The State Qualifiers for the boys (listed in seed order) were:
New Albany - Click to enlarge |
Bexley |
Upper Arlington |
Columbus Academy |
Division I
Singles: Gahanna's Brandon Carpico, Upper Arlington's Ethan Samora, Worthington Kilbourne's Owen Alderman, and Pickerington North's Cole Alcala.
Doubles: Olentangy Orange's Parth Patel - Kallan Arledge, Dublin Jerome's Max Fickas - Tanish Pairu, Olentangy Liberty's Jay Ramakkagari - Hummza Ali, and New Albany's Declan Freedhoff - Ben Bilenko,
Division II
Singles: Columbus Academy's Lucas Xue and Bexley's Sam Lessard.
Doubles: Bexley's Austin Flamm - Stefan Schiff and Columbus Academy's Ryan Panley - Rowen Lo.
The Girls State Qualifiers were:
Boys Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Girls Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Division I
Singles: Dublin Coffman's Pritika Ghosh-Choudhuri, Dublin Coffman's Dasha Chistyakova, Olentangy's Sheryl Gerald, and Dublin Jerome's Lydia Foster.
Doubles: Upper Arlington's Ava Richard - Isabella Roth, New Albany's Richardlyne Francois - Paige Cornelius; Dublin Coffman’s Lauren Burkett - Emily Yoshino, and Upper Arlington’s Ellis Mizer - Alice Hawley.
Division II
Singles: Bexley's Amiya Bowles and Worthington Christian's Meghan Mayotte.
Doubles: Columbus Academy's Arya Chabria - Yasemin Bilgin and Wellington's Katie Zerbi - Kate Thompson.
Finally, Central Ohio now receives two spots for States for the Division II girls tournament. Central had been limited to just one spot for years.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone.com web site.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
GCTA Awards Banquet
This year's Greater Columbus Tennis Association Awards Banquet was back in fine form as COVID-19 continued to drift further away in the rear view mirror. The event highlighted the central Ohio award winners and the GCTA team champions. The awards honor those individuals in the central Ohio tennis community who have contributed to the success of the GCTA throughout the years. As in previous years, it was held at the Westerville Everal Barn and Homestead. Approximately 65 people were in attendance
Sharon Rusk & Jane McMeekin - Click to enlarge |
Those honored and the awards that they received are listed below:
GCTA Award of Appreciation - In recognition of her dedicated service to the Greater Columbus Tennis Association as Interim Executive Director.
- Cindy Ferrara
Terri C. Jones Promotion of Tennis - Recognizing efforts that have greatly promoted tennis and the growth of tennis programs in the greater Columbus area.
- Nancy Lucas
Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Awards - Recognizing an individual who represents the best of tennis in the greater Columbus area and deserves special recognition.
- Jane McMeekin
Columbus Recreation and Parks Award - Recognizing an individual who represents the best of tennis in the greater Columbus area.
- Jake Diefenthaler
Family of the Year - Recognizing a family who has been involved in, and contributed to, Columbus area tennis programs throughout the years.
- Gary and Dianna Hibinger
Gary and Dianna Hibinger - Click to enlarge |
Female Player of the Year Award - Recognizing a female player for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Ella Franz - Olentangy Berlin
Male Players of the Year Award - Recognizing a male player(s) for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Parth Patel - Olentangy Orange
- Kallan Arledge - Olentangy Orange
The League Champions that were honored in both the Women’s and Men’s Leagues can be found by visiting their respective home pages (links provided below).
Click to view photos of all of the award winners on the GCTA Awards Page.
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022
GCTA Awards Nominations
It is that time of year for nominations for the 2022 Greater Columbus Tennis Association Annual Awards which will be given out at our GCTA Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 29, 2022.
2021 Awards - Click to enlarge |
The GCTA is looking for nominees who deserve recognition for their roles in the promotion of tennis in our community. Do you know someone in your tennis circle who is making a difference? The person could be a coach who goes the extra mile; a community leader who starts or runs a new tennis program; a family who is focused on tennis for their family and community; a team captain who goes the extra mile to make your league awesome; a staff member who makes your tennis facility a special place; a media outlet that is focused on covering tennis in a positive way; or a long time leader in our tennis community. If so, then please use the link below to nominate someone for these special awards.
The award categories are:
- Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement - Recognizing a lifetime of contributions to the greater Columbus tennis community.
- Special Recognition - Recognizing an individual who contributes to tennis in the community giving freely of his or her time to promote involvement in tennis for players of all levels and ages, and assists in developing tennis programs and participation in these programs.
- Terri C. Jones Promotion of Tennis - Recognizing efforts that have greatly promoted tennis and the growth of tennis programs in the greater Columbus area.
- Columbus Recreation & Parks - Recognizing an extraordinary individual or family participant in the CR&P program.
- Family of the Year - Recognizing a family who has been involved in Columbus area tennis programs through the years.
- Junior Female Player of the Year - Recognizing the outstanding 16 or 18 and under age division junior female player for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship, and amateurism.
- Junior Male Player of the Year - Recognizing the outstanding 16 or 18 and under age division junior male player for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship, and amateurism.
- Media - Recognizing the journalist, sportscaster, newspaper, radio, television station, or website which has contributed the most toward promoting tennis in the greater Columbus area.
Nominations are due no later than Monday, August 22, 2022.
Click for the GCTA Awards Nomination form. For any questions about the form, please enter a GCTA Feedback or email GCTAED@gmail.com.
Previous GCTA award winners from 2002 to 2021 are listed on the Awards page. Please scroll down to see all of the recipients and their photos.
APRIL 5, 2022
Continuing Our Mission..
One of the toughest jobs that the Greater Columbus Tennis Association now has to do is to fill the position once held by Terri Jones, our Executive Director, who passed away on March 16, 2022.
Promoting Tennis to Young and Old - Click to enlarge |
If you are (or know of) a great, high quality person who is passionate about tennis and who may have an interest in this position, please contact Aaron Ockerman. Ockerman is the GCTA Vice President and he is leading the search committee. He can be reached at aaron@ ockermanconsulting.com.
Click for the Executive Director job description.
These are going to be really big tennis shoes to fill but the GCTA needs to continue with its mission to promote and to grow tennis in Central Ohio.
Thank you in advance for your help.
MARCH 23, 2022
Tribute to Terri Jones
On March 16th, the Columbus tennis community lost one of our own. Terri Jones lost her nearly year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Terri served as a member of the GCTA Board of Trustees since 2006, as well as our Executive Director since 2009. In addition to promoting tennis here in Columbus, Terri was an active participant in numerous committees at the national (USTA) and regional (USTA/Midwest Section) levels.
GCTA's Terri Jones - Click to enlarge |
According to Jim Amick, the Midwest Section Tennis Service Representative "Terri’s willingness to always better tennis was unmatched and will live on forever. Though serving for only one term as a member of the Midwest Section schools committee, she was chosen as the committee chair because of her valuable insight and leadership skills. Terri played an integral role as the local lead for the USTA 10 & Under pilot initiative. This initiative brought tennis to many of the Columbus Public Schools. As a result, Columbus was recognized as one of the leaders across the country with this initiative. Terri was also instrumental in aligning with the Midwest Section on implementing new initiatives in the area if it could lead to the growth of tennis participation."
Geoffrey Bibo, President of the Greater Columbus Tennis Association, commented to the membership that “Terri’s impact on tennis in Columbus cannot be overstated, but the impact she had on many of us in the tennis community is even more profound. Terri will be remembered by many, and her legacy of giving back to the community will carry on through the work of the GCTA board and numerous others around Columbus whom she touched.”
Click for Terri’s obituary.
NOVEMBER 2021
Central Ohio 2021 Junior Wrap-up
The Central Ohio juniors had some great successes this past year. Thankfully, the 2021 school year proceeded much more smoothly than 2020 when there was no boys high school tennis season because of COVID-19. In Ohio, the boys season takes place in the spring, while the girls play in the fall.
For the boys, Brandon Carpico of Gahanna won the Boys 2020 Division I Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Singles Championship while New Albany's Ryan Mudre and Devin Boyer were the D1 State Doubles Champions. Columbus Academy's Arie Tuckerman and Jack Madison were finalists in D2 doubles. Click for the Boys OHSAA Draws.
Olentangy Berlin's Ella Franz had a great state tournament and she finished third at States. Click for the Girls Draws.
New Albany (from 2019) |
Columbus Academy |
Upper Arlington |
Columbus Academy |
In the Boys State Team Tournament, the New Albany team finished second and Columbus Academy finished third. Click for the State Team Tournament Draws.
In the Girls State Team Tournament, both Upper Arlington and Columbus Academy finished third in their respective divisions. Click for the State Team Tournament Draws.
The State Qualifiers for the boys were:
Division I
Singles: Gahanna's Brandon Carpico, Olentangy Liberty's Vishnu Bodavula, St. Charles' Reece Yakubov, and Pickerington North's Pavan Uppu.
Doubles: New Albany's Ryan Mudre - Devin Boyer, New Albany's Ben Bilenko - Declan Freedhoff, Dublin Jerome's Max Fickas - Tanish Pairu, and Dublin Jerome's Kevin Liu - Eli Wiblin.
Boys Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Girls Division I State Qual. |
Division II State Qual. |
Division II
Singles: Wellington's Griffin Biernat and Sanjan Shanker.
Doubles: Columbus Academy's Arie Tuckerman - Jack Madison and Wellington's Evan Manley - Brayden Chawla.
The Girls State Qualifiers were:
Division I
Singles: Olentangy Berlin's Ella Franz, Upper Arlington's Megan Basil, Dublin Coffman's Dasha Chistyakova, and Dublin Coffman's Pritika Ghosh-Choudhuri.
Doubles: Olentangy Orange's Tyler Reed - Karol Korotkin, New Albany's Richie Francois - Paige Cornelius, Upper Arlington's Ava Richard - Anna Leach, and Dublin Jerome's Lydia Foster - Adayla Coakley.
Division II
Singles: Columbus Academy's Arya Chabria
Doubles: Wellington's Alexis Burkhalter - Katie Zerbi
Note that Central Ohio now receives just one spot for States for the Division II girls tournament.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone.com web site.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2021
GCTA Awards Banquet
This year's Greater Columbus Tennis Association Awards Banquet was scaled down a bit, but it was still great fun. The event highlighted the organization’s award winners and the team champions. The awards honor those individuals (or groups) in the central Ohio tennis community who have contributed to the success of the GCTA throughout the years. As in previous years, it was held at the Westerville Everal Barn and Homestead.
Wolfe Park Coaching Staff - Click to enlarge |
To provide those who were unable to attend the event an opportunity to watch, the event was also recorded. Click to view the recording on YouTube.
Those honored and the awards that they received are listed below:
Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Awards - Recognizing an individual who represents the best of tennis in the greater Columbus area and deserves special recognition.
- Ralph Walton – Coach, Volunteer, Teaching Pro
- Neal Newman – USTA, GCTA
Awards of Appreciation - Recognizing an individual who has shown extraordinary devotion to the Columbus tennis community for decades through selfless devotion and dedication.
- Wolfe Park Tennis Coaching Staff
- Shirley Neibauer – Past GCTA Treasurer
Special Recognition Awards - Recognizing an individual who contributes to tennis in the community giving freely of his or her time to promote involvement in tennis for players of all levels and ages, and assists in developing tennis programs and participation in these programs.
- Susan Caruso – Northam Park
- Adam Beckett – Columbus Metropolitan Tennis
Carpico, Basil, Yakubov - Click to enlarge |
Promotion of Tennis - Recognizing efforts that have greatly promoted tennis and the growth of tennis programs in the greater Columbus area.
- Barb Hathaway – Scarborough Tennis Club
- Patrick McColgan - USTA, GCTA, ITA
Special President’s Award
- Larry Samuels – Jefferson Country Club
Male Players of the Year Award - Recognizing a male player for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Reece Yakubov – St. Charles Preparatory High School (2021)
- Brandon Carpico – Gahanna High School (2022)
Female Players of the Year Award - Recognizing a female players for high standards of tennis, character, conduct, and sportsmanship while in high school.
- Ella Hazelbaker – Upper Arlington High School (2021)
- Megan Basil - – Upper Arlington High School (2022)
The League Champions that were honored in both the Men’s and Women’s Leagues can be found by visiting their respective home pages (links provided below).
Click to view photos of all of the award winners on the GCTA Awards Page.
There was no awards banquet for 2020 because of COVID-19. The larger number of awards distributed this year reflected that.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
Celebration of Life for Dick Klitch
The Klitch Family, The City of Upper Arlington and the Northam Park Tennis Advisory Committee invite you to attend a Celebration of Life in honor of Richard D. Klitch.
Dick Klitch - - (taken by unknown photographer |
The celebration will be held at the Northam Park Tennis Courts located at 2850 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Please join us at any time between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021 to honor and celebrate Dick's life and career.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be held outside at the courts, social distancing is recommended, and no food will be provided.
We hope that you will take this opportunity to renew old friendships and share memories of Dick's contributions, accomplishments, and legacy. All are welcome and the Klitches would love to reminisce with all of Dick’s old friends and students.
If you have weather related concerns, you can call the Upper Arlington events hotline at (614) 583-5345 for information.
FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021
Want to Play More Tennis? Try a Flex League
If you have never played Flex Singles before, Think of Flex as a citywide singles tennis ladder where you choose the time and place you want to play. It is the perfect option for busy professionals to find players for the weekend, tennis fanatics looking to tune-up their singles game, newcomers to Columbus who do not know any players yet, student players getting back into match play, or beginning players (3.0) wanting to play matches for the first time.
Click for More Information |
Click on Flex League for more information. If you have a USTA account, use your USTA number/email address to login. IF you do not have a USTA membership, choose CREATE ACCOUNT and follow the prompts. When finished, TennisLink should redirect you to the Flex Leagues home page.
For any questions, please contact:
Susan Storrer
USTA Summer Adult League Coordinator
susanstorrer"at"gmail.com.
614-309-2968
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021
GCTA Mission and 2021 Tennis Season Update
Dear Central Ohio Tennis Community,
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) is first and foremost a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) organization that has been in existence for over 50 years. Our primary funding source is the $15 GCTA player/season fee that all of you support. Every summer season, the GCTA provides a portion of those funds to the City of Columbus Rec and Parks division, and other Columbus tennis communities in Franklin and surrounding counties. Many of those receiving the benefits of our funding experience tennis for the FIRST time thanks to your support. Our hope is they JOIN the tennis ecosystem, that they enjoy the introduction to tennis enough to continue to learn the game, pay to participate in future clinics, take private lessons from our area professionals, and join local tennis clubs. GCTA is the first step to growing the local tennis community. You can learn more about the GCTA history on the GCTA website, www.gcta.net.
Summer Tennis - Click to enlarge |
GCTA 2021 SUMMER LEAGUE PLAY
GCTA also provides support to the tennis league that thousands of you participate in each summer. Each year we have ~55 GCTA volunteers that help make things run smoothly behind the scenes scheduling and managing scores from ~1,100 different matches (Club A vs. Club B) that result in ~4,000 individual doubles matches being played each summer. The volunteers do this across ~50 different tennis facilities all in a short summer season! This dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly to ensure you have an enjoyable season. All of our work is supplemented and fully supported by your tennis club pros, your club general managers and community leaders, and others at your tennis facilities, some of whom are also members of the GCTA volunteer board of trustees and participate on various committees. As league participants you likely only see our efforts during the summer, but the year-round coordination is necessary to efficiently manage the summer season.
SUMMER 2021 TENNIS SEASON
More details about the list below will be forthcoming in March/April but based on member feedback, here is a brief preview of some of what is coming your way. In essence, we are reverting back to our 2019 season as has been requested by many of you:
- Women's Daytime Levels 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and Gold will again play five courts
- Women’s Daytime Level 4.5 will play four courts (as they always have)
- Women's Career Levels will play three courts (as they always have)
- Women's Platinum Level will play three courts (as they always have)
- Men and Women’s Teams
- One can of tennis balls per court
- Competing in 2021 with year-end championships
- Full third sets instead of the 10-point match tiebreak (except where the league’s rules allow otherwise)
Club logistics - Food and beverage, mask use, parking, and other similar matters will be managed by each host facility based on their own safety protocols. Home team Captains will communicate details to visiting team Captains.
As stated earlier please look for additional email updates in March/April from Lori Brown and Bill Curry, our Women's and Men’s Chairpersons for the 2021 season.
As GCTA President, the goal of this letter is to welcome you to the 2021 GCTA Summer Season and THANK YOU for your continued support. In the last dozen years our organization has provided over $250,000 DIRECTLY to the Columbus tennis community - none of which would have been possible without continuing support from you, your clubs, the tennis pros, and the club general managers. Thank you for your continued support of the local Columbus tennis community and look for additional information in the near future. See you on the courts soon!
Best regards,
Geoffrey Bibo
President, Greater Columbus Tennis Association
THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021
Richard "Dick" Klitch - December 15, 1933 - January 31, 2021
Central Ohio lost one of its tennis legends on January 31st. Richard “Dick” Klitch passed away in Austin, Texas surrounded by his family. As a life-long athlete and tennis pro, Dick was more than a coach, he was a gifted teacher who taught life lessons through sports. He brought tennis, the sport that positively changed his life, to as many people as possible.
Dick Klitch - Click to enlarge |
While living and working in Columbus, Dick coached more than 20 state champions (including daughter, Jenny, 1980), and developed numerous college and professional athletes. One of his proudest contributions was supporting grass-roots tennis programming that reached all communities throughout the greater Columbus area through coaching numerous GCTA teams, as well as improving the game of hundreds of tennis players through individual coaching.
Dick and his future wife of 65 years, Joan, attended Miami University where Dick was later inducted into the MU Hall of Fame in both tennis and basketball after a storied career in both sports, winning the MAC championship in basketball three out of four years and the MAC tennis championship his senior year in 1955. Other honors included Dick's induction into the Portsmouth High School Athletic Hall of Fame where he was the 1951 state tennis champion, the Flood Wall of Stars as a Portsmouth Ambassador, and also the Northam Park Tennis Wall of Honor in Upper Arlington.
A celebration of life will be held in Columbus, Ohio, at a later date when all can gather in person. The family asks that you please consider paying it forward by encouraging, mentoring, or supporting a young person.
Click for his full obituary.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020
Get a GCTA Grant
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association is committed to promoting tennis at the local level. To that end, the GCTA is offering grants to help organizations and/or individuals to initiate or expand their tennis activities. Grants may be used to start instructional programs or leagues for players of all ages, abilities, and populations. In addition, grants may be used for tennis equipment, tennis advertising, and other tennis projects. The grant money may be a supplement to funds from other sources.
GCTA's New Grant Application - Click to app |
Now to make it even easier to apply for a grant, the application has been placed online. Click to access the new application.
Organizations that have benefited from grants include: Buddy Up Tennis, Columbus Parks & Recreation, and Tennis Ace with Love.
OCTOBER 2020
Upper Arlington's Ella Hazelbaker and Megan Basil Win the Division I Doubles Crown | CA's Sydni Ratliff and Wellington's Burkhalter and Zerbi Finalists
The Central Ohio girls brought home one State championship from the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Tournament and two finalists. Upper Arlington's Ella Hazelbaker and Megan Basil did not drop a set during their run. They defeated Centerville's Caroline Hinshaw and Clara Owen in the finals. Last year's D2 singles champion, Columbus Academy's Sydni Ratliff came up one match short in her attempt to repeat in Division II Singles. In Division II Doubles, Wellington's Alexis Burkhalter and Katie Zerbi also had a great run before being beat in the finals. The tournament was held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center (the Western & Southern Open site) on October 23 and 24. Attendance was limited due to COVID-19 concerns.
Basil | Hazelbaker - Click to view |
Sydni Ratliff |
Division I State Qualifiers |
Division II State Qualifiers |
The players representing central Ohio as state qualifiers are listed below. Click on the player names for more information.
Division I:
Singles: Olentangy Berlin's Ella Franz, Olentangy Liberty's Dani Schoenly, Dublin Coffman's Dasha Chistyakova, and Worthington Kilbourne's Libby Alderman.
Doubles: Upper Arlington's Ella Hazelbaker - Megan Basil and Noah Mizer - Ava Richard, Olentangy Orange's Caroline Sproule - Tyler Reed, and Olentangy's Sydney Nickel - Archita Sriram.
Division II:
Singles: Columbus Academy's Sydni Ratliff.
Doubles: Wellington's Alexis Burkhalter - Katie Zerbi.
Note that Central Ohio now receives just one spot for states for the Division II girls tournament.
Click to view all of the state draws on OhioTennisZone.com.
In the state team tournament, both Upper Arlington and Columbus Academy finished second in their respective divisions. This tournament was held at Reynoldsburg on October 25. Click for the draws that determined which teams would represent Central Ohio.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone web site.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020
GCTA Ready to Roll
It has taken a great deal of behind-the-scene efforts to get this far, but the waiting will come to an end this weekend as the Greater Columbus Tennis Association launches its season on Saturday, June 20, with men's play and on Monday, June 22, for the women.
WHCC's Scott West - Click to enlarge |
There are special rules and a waiver that players must agree to and sign in order to participate. Click to view the most recent documents.
Special COVID-19 Rules & Assumption of Risk and Release Agreement
Team Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Form
Please also review the email sent by GCTA President Geoff Bibo.
There are 160 women's teams and 68 men's teams competing this year on teams from public courts and private clubs. Approximately 3,000 players will be competing, which makes the GCTA one of the largest tennis leagues in the nation.
Special thanks go to the GCTA executive committee. Geoff Bibo (President), Aaron Ockerman (Vice President), Lori Brown (Women's Chair), Bill Curry (Men's Chair), and Terri Jones (Executive Director) worked long hours to work through the issues that allowed this year's season to be held.
Again, thank you for supporting tennis in the Columbus area. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns using the GCTA Contact page.
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020
Current COVID-19 Plans
While we all are dealing with the reality of the COVID-19 situation, here at the GCTA, we want to start planning with the hope that we will be able to have a season this summer. First off, we want to make sure everyone knows that we will put the health and safety of the players and club members as the number one priority. We have created a plan that we believe will allow us to get key elements in place while also allowing us to adjust as we learn more about where we are in the curve. The intent of this posting is to share those plans with all of you so that you have the information you need to prepare for an upcoming season.
Whetstone Park of Roses - Click to enlarge |
We have compressed the pre-season activities to provide as much time as possible for each of you to gather information on courts and players. We are approaching these pre-season activities with the mindset that we will play this summer. There will be many items that we may not be able to fully confirm. As an example, it may be impossible to get public officials to confirm match times on public courts. We ask that you provide your best information based upon what you know at that time. Using the public courts as an example, if you cannot get confirmation on court times for your matches, please use the times you have had in the past. Once you can confirm those items, please provide us with an update.
To help avoid hesitation by players not wanting to commit due to GCTA League fees, we have pushed back all payments this season until July 1. Currently, our thoughts are that if we are not playing by July 1, 2020, we will not have a league season this summer. If that occurs, we are planning on having a series of events to get players on the courts in a fun environment (clearly dependent on the COVID-19 situation).
Here are the new dates for key activities:
4/26: Club Reps - Team Forms Due
5/3: Captains - Preliminary Rosters Due
5/26: Schedules published
6/1: Matches start
Should we remain under a stay-at-home order when the season is scheduled to begin, we will not start the season. Instead, we have contingency plans that will be put into place. We strongly believe that most players will want the opportunity to play this summer if we are able. Additionally, as the league fees provide for GCTA grants (many of which are for youth programs), we want to do what we can to ensure we can fund those activities this summer. The youth in the Greater Columbus area need an opportunity to get out and participate in activities that many will not be able to without the GCTA grants.
Again, thank you for your help in supporting tennis in the Columbus area. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns using the GCTA Contact page.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2020
Ladies Winter and Mixed Doubles Parties
The dates of the always popular, indoor winter parties have been set. These parties are for GCTA Members and there is no cost to play. The GCTA will take care of everything - balls, snacks, and courts divided by levels. You can enter drawings for gift certificates and you will get to see your friends from the summer leagues!
All events take place at Racquet Club on 1100 Bethel Road from 6:00PM - 10:00pm. Please only register if you can make it to the party no later than 6:00pm.
There will be round-robin play, and players will switch courts every half hour.
The Ladies parties will take place on January 18 and February 15. Both are Saturday's. To insure that more women have the ability to play, participants can only play on one of the two dates.
The Mixed party will take place on February 1 and February 29. They are also both on Saturday.
Both parties limit the number of participants so please sign-up quickly. Because the parties are first-come, first-serve, please only register yourself.
Sign-up for the Ladies Winter Party - Click to enlarge |
For the Ladies Party, please choose ONE of the dates below.
Saturday, January 18th
or
Saturday, February 15th
On the subject line of your RSVP, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Party you want to attend
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
For example: Mary Smith - January 18 - 3.5 - MarySmith@example.com - 614-555-5555
For the Mixed Party, please choose ONE of the dates below.
Saturday, February 1st
or
Saturday, February 29th
On the subject line of your RSVP, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Party you want to attend
- Gender
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
Providing all this information at once is very, very helpful!
Please register now before all of the spots are filled.
Please RSVP to GCTASpecialEvents@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 2019
CA's Sydni Ratliff Wins the Division II Singles Crown | Dublin Jerome's Nagireddy / Dudipala Win the Division I State Doubles Championship
The Central Ohio girls brought home two State championships from the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Tournament. Columbus Academy's Sydni Ratliff did not drop a set during her Division II Singles Championship run. In Division I Doubles, Dublin Jerome's team of Arya Dudipala - Lalasa Nagireddy beat teammates, Reagan Resor and Katherine Wang for the championship. The tournament was held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center (the Western & Southern Open site) on October 21 and 22.
Sydni Ratliff - Click to view |
Dudipala-Nagireddy |
Division I State Qualifiers |
Division II State Qualifiers |
The players representing central Ohio as state qualifiers are listed below. Click on the player names for more information.
Division I:
Singles: Pickerington North's Cassie Alcala (who finished 3rd), Olentangy Liberty's Maddie Atway, Olentangy Liberty's Dani Schoenly, and Olentangy's Nour Khayat.
Doubles: - Dublin Jerome's Lalasa Nagireddy - Arya Dudipala, Dublin Jerome's Reagan Resor - Katherine Wang, Olentangy Orange's Kortney Reed - Erin Storrer, and Upper Arlington's Ella Hazelbaker - Wendy Shi.Division II:
Singles: Columbus Academy's Sydni Ratliff.
Doubles: Wellington's Alexis Burkhalter - Katie Zerbi (who finished 4th)..
Note that Central Ohio now receives just one spot for states for the Division II girls tournament.
Click to view all of the state draws on OhioTennisZone.com.
In the state team tournament, both Upper Arlington and Columbus Academy finished third. This tournament was held at Reynoldsburg on October 21. Click for the draws that determined which teams would represent Central Ohio.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone web site.
SEPTEMBER 2019
GCTA Award Winners for 2019
The GCTA Awards Banquet was held at the Everal Barn on September 26. The individual award winners are listed below. For photos of the team and individual award winners, click on Photos and Awards.
2019 Awards Ceremony- Click to enlarge |
The Award winners for 2019 were:
- Sydni Ratliff (Female Junior Player)
- Trevor Ball (Male Junior Player of the Year)
- Jim Scowden (Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Erin Ortman (Award of Appreciation)
- Terry Finneran (Award of Appreciation)
- Cempre Family (Family of the Year)
Congratulations to this year's winners!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18, 2019
GCTA Clay Court Championship Results
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association's (GCTA) Columbus Clay Court Championships were held August 9 to August 11 at The Country Club at Muirfield Village. There were 13 divisions competing.
WHCC's Bob Birzer - Click to enlarge |
In the big Men's Open division Pablo Russo and Kyle Collette defeated Skyler Engel and Riyad Bennoui.
The results of the other Men's Divisions were:
Men 3.0: Final unplayed - Mike Thompson / Steve Russell versus Joe Flynn/Neal Becker
Men 3.5: Nieset / Ballmann defeated Baugn / Petroff
Men 4.0: Semi-final unplayed
Men Platinum: Lenny Comeras / Ben Durfee defeated Nick Conkle / Dave Boyd
Men Silver: Sid Couling / RJ Lemaster defeated Jim Organ / Ed Rode
Men Diamond: Hiram McCoy / Don Epps defeated Jack Hartman / Paul Burke
The winners of the Women's Divisions were:
Women 2.5: Charlie Theodoris / Fian Kunesh defeated Michelle Redman / Janice Joos
Women 3.0: Vineeta Khardia / Grace Ukairo defeated Heather Brown-Borden / Dawn Baltputnis
Women 3.5: Jennifer Murphy / Jennifer Narramore defeated Mary Sampsel / Liberty Gregory
Women 4.0: Nicole Kemp / Carole Myser defeated Lori Russell / Shelley Finley
The Mixed Champions were:
Mixed 6.5 & below Combo: Heather Brown-Borden / Chris Brown defeated Dawn Balputnis / Chris Baltputnis
Mixed 7.0 & above Combo: John Lindaman / Heather Lindaman defeated Greg Gillman / Kristen Gillman
To view all of the tournament results, click on the Tenniscore links above.
SUNDAY, JULY 7, 2019
Sign-up for GCTA Clay Court Championship
The registration is now open for the Greater Columbus Tennis Association's (GCTA) annual Columbus Clay Court Championships. The tournament will take place from Friday, August 9, to Sunday, August 11. It will be held at a new location this year - The Country Club at Muirfield Village. To sign-up, click on the GCTA TennisScores website and then click on the Tournament tab. Up to 16 teams can compete in each division.
WHCC's Reuben Lo - Click to enlarge |
Divisions will include: Men 3.0, Men 3.5, Men 4.0, Men Diamond, Men Gold, Men Platinum, Men Silver, Mixed 6-5 and Below Combo, Men's Open and Mixed 7.0 & Above Combo.
The Women's Divisions are: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, Open, Gold, and Platinum.
The cost is $40 per team for all divisions except for the Men's Open. The cost for the Men's Open is $60 per team and prize money will go to the champion and runners-up teams.
The registration deadline is Monday, August 5 at 11:59pm.
Draws will be posted on Wednesday, August 7.
Come play or come watch as the Columbus-area's top teams compete
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019
Columbus Wins the Ohio Valley Cup for 9th Straight Win
Columbus-area players competed in the Ohio Valley Cup Tournament in Huntington, WV, and for the ninth straight year, they won the championship. The tournament was held on June 15 and 16. The various teams are made up of players who reside in the major cities in the USTA's Ohio Valley District. The other teams in Columbus' division were Cincinnati (Columbus won 9-1), Dayton (CBUS won 8-2), and Charleston, WV (Columbus won 10-0).
Ohio Valley Cup Champions - Click to enlarge |
The coaches / players and their respective high schools are as shown in photo order: Otterbein Coach Tyler Stephen; Olentangy's Nour Khayat; Olentangy Orange's Erin Storrer; Olentangy Liberty's Dani Schoenly; Upper Arlington's Ella Hazelbaker; Dublin Jerome's Lalasa Nagireddy; New Albany's Devin Boyer; Olentangy's Omar Khayat; Olentangy Liberty's Vishnu Bodavula; New Albany's Ryan Mudre; and Worthington Kilbourne Coach Steve Metzmaier.
The links go to the players' OhioTennisZone Player Profiles.
This was an OTVA / GCTA event.
JUNE 2018
Wellington Wins Division II State Team Title | Columbus Academy Doubles Are Champs and Finalists in D2 Doubles
The Central Ohio boys had a great weekend at the Ohio High School State Tournament (OHSAA) and at the Ohio Tennis Coaches State Team Tournament. The OHSAA tournament was held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center (the W&S Open site) and the State Team Tournament was moved from Reynoldsburg to Elysium because of inclement weather.
It was an all Columbus Academy doubles final as two of their teams competed for the OHSAA Division II championships. After a three set battle, Suriya Sundaram and Rhian Seneviratne beat their teammates, Arie Tuckerman and Jack Madison. Sundaram is the only senior in this group.
In what has been an ongoing problem at OHSAA States, Wellington's Trevor Ball and his opponent, Ursuline's Greg Morgione, were unable to continue playing after their semi-final match because of the heat. They competed in Division II singles. The often high temperatures and the lack of rest time between matches has led to numerous defaults and uncompetitive matches over the years for the semi's and finals.
Wellington repeated as Division II State Team champions. Wellington won both of their matches, 3-0, against Cincinnati Country Day and Youngstown's Ursuline. Wellington had strong depth throughout their team, but their top three players, Trevor Ball, Milan Gonela, and Griffin Biernat carried most of the load during the season. All three will return for next year.
New Albany represented the Central District in the State Team Tournament and they technically finished third, but the biggest match of the day was their first round match against Mason, the eventual champion. It was "oh so close" but Mason won 3-1 with one court unfinished. New Albany's seniors, Robert Cash and Nathan Jose, will be playing for Ohio State and Army, respectfully.
Seneviratne|Sundaram - Click to view |
Wellington |
Division I State Qualifiers |
Division II State Qualifiers |
The players representing central Ohio as state qualifiers are listed below. Click on the player names for more information.
Division I:
Singles: St. Charles' Reece Yakubov, New Albany's Ryan Mudre, Dublin Jerome's Anish Patel, Thomas Worthington's Kai Britz.
Doubles: New Albany's Nathan Jose - Devin Boyer, Olentangy Orange's Soham Pradhan - Alex Heiden, Olentangy's Omar Khayat - Sam Routzahn, and Olentangy Liberty's Vishnu Bodavula - Marcelo AguilarDivision II:
Singles: Wellington's Trevor Ball and Columbus Academy's Drew Haffer
Doubles: Columbus Academy's Suriya Sundaram - Rhian Seneviratne and Columbus Academy's Arie Tuckerman - Jack Madison.
Click to view all of the state draws on OhioTennisZone.com.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone web site.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019
Wolfe Park Tennis Association Awards
The Wolfe Park Tennis Association (WPTA) has been providing tennis clinics for youth in Columbus for close to 25 years. Each year the Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) Grant Committee has been proud to support these efforts. Recently, the WPTA held an “end of the season” event honoring twenty-eight young achievers in the program who have also excelled in their academic endeavors. The WPTA honored its scholar athletes who over multiple reporting periods achieved honor roll level report cards.
WPTA |
For more information about how to obtain a GCTA grant, please click on More Information about GCTA Grants.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2019
Ladies Winter Parties | Mixed Doubles Party
Even though there is several weeks of winter to go and we cannot play outside, there are indoor tennis parties coming up for GCTA Members. We will take care of everything - balls, snacks, and courts divided by levels. You can enter drawings for gift certificates and you will get to see your friends from the summer leagues!
All events take place at Racquet Club on 1100 Bethel Road from 6:00PM - 10:00pm. Please only register if you can make it to the party no later than 6:30pm.
There will be round-robin play, and players will switch courts every half hour.
The Ladies parties will take place on January 19 and February 9. Both are Saturday's. To insure that more women have the ability to play, participants can only play on one of the two dates.
The Mixed party will take place on February 23. It is also on a Saturday.
Both parties limit the number of participants so please sign-up quickly. Because the parties are first-come, first-serve, please only register yourself.
Ladies Winter Party - Click to enlarge |
For the Ladies Party, please choose ONE of the dates below.
Saturday, January 19th
or
Saturday, February 9th
On the subject line of your RSVP, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Party you want to attend
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
For example: Mary Smith - January 19 - 3.5 - MarySmith@example.com - 614-555-5555
For the Mixed Party, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Gender
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
Providing all this information at once is very, very helpful!
Please register now before all of the spots are filled.
Please RSVP to GCTASpecialEvents@gmail.com.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018
Central District Players at Girls States
Central Ohio girls competed well at the state high school tournament. Olentangy Liberty's Dani Schoenly and Maddie Atway were the Division I State Doubles Champions. They were also the champions last year. Columbus Academy's Sydni Ratliff repeated as the Division II State Singles Finalist.
Schoenly|Atway- Click to enlarge |
Sydni Ratliff |
Division I State Qualifiers |
Division II State Qualifiers |
The players representing central Ohio as state qualifiers are listed below. Click on the photos for the player names and for the schools that they represented.
Olentangy Orange represented the Central District in the State Team Tournament and they finished fourth.
Columbus Academy finished second in the state in the Division II State Team Tournament.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site. The links above take users to the OhioTennisZone web site.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
GCTA Award Winners for 2018
The GCTA Awards Banquet was held at the Everal Barn on September 13. The individual award winners are listed below. For photos of the team and individual award winners, click on Photos and Awards above.
2018 Awards Ceremony- Click to enlarge |
The Award winners for 2018 are:
- Madeline Atway and Dani Schoenly (Female Junior Players of the Year
- Robert Cash (Male Junior Player of the Year)
- Dan Witteman (Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Brad Baker (Promotion of Tennis)
- Diane and Marlena Smith (Special Recognition)
- Heil Family (Family of the Year)
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2018
Columbus Wins the Ohio Valley Cup (Again)
Columbus-area players competed in the Ohio Valley Cup Tournament, and once again, were victorious. This is the eighth year in a row that Columbus has won the title. It was held in Huntington, West Virginia on June 16 and 17.
Ohio Valley Cup Competitors - Click to enlarge |
The team was led by Coaches Steve Metzmaier and Tyler Stephen.
The players were: Rhyan Cook (Pickerington North), Erin Storrer (Olentangy Orange), Lala Nagireddy (Dublin Coffman), Ella Hazelbaker (Upper Arlington), Colten Clark (Lancaster), Stu Brdicka (Olentangy), Jordan Phelps (Olentangy Orange), and Alex Heiden (Olentangy Orange).
This was a GCTA / USTA event. For a frame of reference, however, their high schools are included in the parentheses above.
Click to read the "Tennis: Team Columbus captures Ohio Valley Cup" article written by ThisWeekSport's Frank DiRenna about the event.
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018
Save the Date! Columbus Clay Court - August 10, 11, 12
It is time to go to the refrigerator, grab a snack, and write down on the fridge calendar that the third annual Columbus Clay Court Championship is going to be here soon. Mark your calendar for August 10, 11, and 12th to join the fun. The Brookside Country Club will once again be the host site for the tournament.
Columbus Clay Court |
Women: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, Gold, Platinum, and Open.
Mixed: 6.5 and below and 7.0 and above
Men: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Open
Other divisions may be included based on the number of entries.
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2018
Central District Players at Boys States
The Central Ohio Boys performed great at the state high school tournament.
Robert Cash - Click to enlarge |
Jose | Boyer |
Connor / Griffin Biernat |
Wellington D2
State Champs |
Division I State Qualifiers |
Division II State Qualifiers |
In Division I, New Albany's Robert Cash was the State Singles Champion and New Albany's Nathan Jose and Devin Boyer were the State Doubles Champion. St. Charles' Jack Dabek and Reese Yakubov were finalists.
In Division II, Wellington's Biernat brothers, Connor and Griffin, were the State Doubles Champions. Wellington's Trevor Ball was the finalist in the state singles tournament.
In the State Team Tournament, Wellington earned the Division II Championship.
New Albany placed second in the state in the Division I State Team Tournament.
The players representing central Ohio as state qualifiers are listed to the right. Click on the photos for the player names and for the schools that they represented.
OhioTennisZone.com gave permission to the GCTA to use these copyrighted images on the GCTA web site.
THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2018
Columbus City League - GCTA Grant Recipient
Columbus City League players and coaches once again benefited from a generous grant from the Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) this year. This grant enabled players from the Columbus City Schools to receive six indoor sessions to work on a variety of tennis drills. The program ran from January 24th to early February 28th and it was held at Olympic Indoor.
Columbus City League Clinic- Click to enlarge |
All levels of boys and girls were welcome and an anonymous donor provided many of the kids with racquets that they could use. The number of players ranged from 18 (on the 5 inch snow day) to 26 during the program's six week duration. Schools who had players attending included: Beechcrot, Centennial, Whetstone, West, Linden-McKinley, and and Columbus Academy High School (CAHS), and Metro. Click on the picture to view the players in more detail.
City League coaches who regularly volunteered included: Bruce Duffner (West), Daphne Hess (Beechcroft), and Patrick Harsch (Whetstone JV). Other coaches offering assistance included Steve Cudney (Linden-McKinley) and Barb Stevenson (Centennial). Coaches Hess, Duffner, and Cudney also provided players with transportation to and from the practice.
Olympic Indoor pro, Bob Gordon, was the paid pro who assisted.
The GCTA provides grants to many deserving programs. This grant totaled $1,577. For more information about grants, click on GCTA.net.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2018
Mixed Doubles Winter Party
Participants of the GCTA Summer League are invited to a free mixed doubles indoor pre-season party! The GCTA will take care of everything, including balls, snacks, and courts.
Mixed Winter Party - Click to enlarge |
There is room for *only* 40 women and 40 men so please register soon. All will be divided by level of play among the courts. Each rotation will be a half hour of play using the no-add scoring system. When not playing, participants can relax with friends and enjoy the snacks.
On the subject line of your RSVP, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Party you want to attend
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
For example: Jim Smith - January 27 - 3.5 - JimSmith@example.com - 614-555-5555
Please register now before all of the spots are filled.
Please RSVP to GCTASpecialEvents@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018
Ladies Winter Parties
Even though there is several weeks of winter to go and we cannot play outside, all Women participants of the GCTA Summer League are invited to a free round robin indoor preseason party. We will take care of everything - balls, snacks, and courts divided by levels. You can enter drawings for gift certificates and you will get to see your friends from the summer leagues!
Ladies Winter Party - Click to enlarge |
Please choose ONE of the dates below and register ONLY YOURSELF. (It is the only way to be fair when it is a "first come" basis.)
Saturday, January 27th
or
Saturday, February 24th
Both events take place at Racquet Club on 1100 Bethel Road from 6:00PM - 10:00pm.
On the subject line of your RSVP, please state:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Party you want to attend
- GCTA Level of Play that you want to play at the Party
- Contact Email and Cell Phone Number
For example: Mary Smith - January 27 - 3.5 - MarySmith@example.com - 614-555-5555
Providing all this information at once is very, very helpful!
Please register now before all of the spots are filled.
Please RSVP to GCTASpecialEvents@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2017
Greater Columbus Tennis Association Awards Banquet
The Central Ohio tennis community gathered on the evening of September 28, 2017 at Westerville's Everal Barn to recognize this year's Greater Columbus Tennis Association's (GCTA) individual and team award winners.
2017 Event Program - Click to view |
- Zoey Weil (Female Junior Player of the Year
- Mitchell Thai (Male Junior Player of the Year)
- Ed Amos (Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Award)
- Walt Thieman (Promotion of Tennis)
- Kate Goudy (Columbus Recreation & Parks)
- Carr-Hilborn Family (Family of the Year)
- Thai Family (Family of the Year)
Click on 2017 Event Program to view all of the team award winners.
Sharon Rusk was also recognized by the GCTA by renaming the group's Lifetime Achievement Award to the Sharon Rusk Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 115 people in attendance enjoyed the chicken buffet dinner that was provided by Catering by Scott.
Sponsors of the event included: Signature Dermatology; Fitness Matters, Inc.; and Woodland's Backyard. The printing of the program was courtesy of Rena Richied at Harper Engraving & Printing.
To view photos from the event, click on GCTA Photos for 2017.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2017
GCTA Columbus Clay Court Championship Winners
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association Clay Court Championship was held from August 11 - 13 at the Worthington Hills Country Club and the Brookside County Club. This third annual event featured great play and dryer weather than in previous years. The Saturday evening GCTA membership party at Brookside was also a success. It featured music from the Blue Cats, a three piece blues-jazz band.
Joey Frank / Philip Diaz - Click to enlarge | |
GCTA Clay Courts / Party - Click to enlarge |
The winners in each group were:
Women's Draws
2.5 - Nellen Lo / Sondra Barklay
3.0 - Sharron Evanko / Elena Sanders
3.5 - Jennifer Rittenberry / Carol Davis
4.0 - Jodi Rhodes / Missy Grether
Mixed Draws
7.0 and above - John & Heather Lindaman
Men's Draws
3.0 - Jonathan Taylor / Dan Taylor
3.5 - Jerry Williams / Sriram Srinivasan
4.0 - Steve Craver / Steve Scherer
Open - Riyad Bennoui / Skylar Engel
Silver - Sid Couling / RJ LeMaster
Platinum - Mike Hardesty / Frank Heil
Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 2017
Register to Play / Attend -- GCTA Columbus Clay Court Championships and GCTA Membership Party
The Columbus Clay Court Doubles Championship and Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) Membership Party is right around the corner. The tournament takes place from August 11 to 13. The GCTA Membership Party is on Saturday, August 12 at 5:00pm. The deadline to register for the tournament and/or the party is Monday, August 7th.
GCTA Clay Courts / Awards - Click to enlarge |
There will be seven women's and eight men's divisions to accommodate a wide range of skill levels. We have added a mixed doubles division this year! The cost to participate is $20 for GCTA members and $35 for non-GCTA members. Click to register for the tournament. Note that your team needs to register by August 7th.
The GCTA Membership Party will follow tournament play on Saturday, August 12. Click on RSVP to register for the party. Please include the names of the attendees under Comments. The Blue Cats, a three piece blues-jazz band, will perform at the Membership party between 6 and 9pm. The band includes the GCTA's own Terry Finneran. There will be a cash bar and grill available. There will also be complimentary bar snacks (such as nuts, pretzels, salsa and chips). The party is free for GCTA members. Again, please RSVP for the party by August 7th.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2017
GCTA Summer Action
Summer time sees GCTA in full swing. Our Men’s and Women’s leagues play 7 days a week. You can find the schedules for all of our teams’ matches at Tenniscores.com. Click for more information about the Men’s League. For the Women’s League, click Women.
Westerville Lazelle & Lakes CC - Click to enlarge |
The picture to the right is of the Westerville Lazelle and Lakes Country Club 3.5 Career Teams as they prepare for a match. They are (l-r): (back row) Lisa Hartig, Pam Smith, Alica Brombacher, Chelsea Sharp, Becky Savage, and Gabrielle Ariser. (front row) Carrie Kramer, Alisa Disalvo, Holly Besold, Maria Crotty, Beth Jerauld, and Stephanie Mauger.
GCTA is also in the midst of the Youth Team Tennis (YTT) season. This weekly activity introduces kids 10 and under to tennis with age appropriate equipment and fun, fast paced games. Currently we have 125 participants in Westerville, 50 in Dublin, 30 in Hilliard, and 95 in Southwest programs that run six weeks. Erin Ortman, Hilliard program director, says that Hilliard HS tennis players volunteer with the YTT participants, and encourage the youngsters to continue on with the sport into Middle School. What a great way to introduce and get kids excited about tennis!
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2017
Columbus Wins Ohio Valley Cup - 7 Years Straight!
As the Columbus juniors competing for the Ohio Valley Cup can attest, winning never gets old. This group extends Columbus' winning streak to seven years.
Click to enlarge |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017
Winter Parties Planned
Summer tennis is still a few months away but that does not deter the GCTA from having several fun tennis activities.
February 25 Winter Party - Click to enlarge |
Watch for emails with more details coming soon. If you are new to the area or if you are unsure if your name is on the GCTA mailing list, please submit a Feedback message.
Please respond quickly after receiving the email. These parties are very popular and spots are limited.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 15, 2016
GCTA Clay Court / Results / Draws / Information
The GCTA Columbus Clay Court Championships are underway and matches are on-slate for this weekend. There are 55 men's and 40 women's doubles teams competing. To view the most recent results, draws, and start times, please click on the links in the table.
Clay Court Championship Draws | |
Women's | Men's |
Please note the following guidelines / rules for the tournament.
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled match time
- 10 minute warm up
- Each level draw will be limited to the first 16 doubles teams that register
- Matches will be played best out of three sets. A two minute break will be given between the 2nd and 3rd sets, in the case of split sets
- The third set will be determined by a 10 point match tie-breaker
- There will be a two match per day limit, with a single elimination format
- Matches will begin on Friday evening and conclude on Sunday evening
- All GCTA Rules apply (with tournament director’s discretion)
- Refer to the www.tenniscores.com site for inclement weather updates
Special thanks to Racquet Club for allowing play to resume on Sunday at their indoor facility. The rain would just not stop!
Also a big "thank you" to our grand slam sponsor, Massucci Law Group.
The GCTA Membership Appreciation Party and Awards Ceremony followed tournament play on Saturday.
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2016
Register to Play / Attend -- GCTA Columbus Clay Court Championships and GCTA Membership Party
The Columbus Clay Court Doubles Championship and GCTA Membership Party is right around the corner. The tournament takes place from August 12 to 14. The GCTA Membership Party is on August 13 at 5:00pm. The deadline to enter is August 5th.
The event will take place at Brookside Country Club, 2770 West Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus 43235.
There will be six women's and seven men's divisions to accommodate a wide range of skill levels. Click to register now. Note that both doubles players need to register by August 5th.
The GCTA Membership Appreciation Party and Awards Ceremony will follow tournament play on Saturday, August 13. Click on Contact to RSVP for the party. Again, please register by August 5th.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016
John Campbell - January 11, 1939 - April 10, 2016
The GCTA lost one of our stalwart members on April 10. John Campbell succumbed to cancer after a long and valiant fight. Through the years John had contributed much to the Columbus tennis community, and was recognized with the 2006 Promotion of Tennis Award. John was an integral part of the creation and maintenance of the Champions Tennis program. This facility was renamed in 2015, The John Campbell Tennis Center in his honor. John’s energy and enthusiasm will be missed.
John's obituary follows:
- Click to enlargeJohn W Campbell, of Westerville, Ohio died peacefully after a courageous fight with cancer on April 10, 2016 at the age of 77. Survived by wife, Betty, son Kyle (Cindy); daughter Lisa; stepchildren, Terri (Scott), Kim (Tom), Pat (Cheryl), Mike (Jenny), 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; siblings, Brenda and Wayne; and numerous friends. Preceded in death by his parents John & Orpha Campbell.
John was born in Logan, Ohio on January 11, 1939 and graduated from Otterbein University in 1962 with a degree in Education, where he was a member of the Country Club Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
John was a Teacher in Central Ohio for 30 years until he retired to be able to spend his time doing the things he loved. He was an avid tennis player, active and dedicated member of the Westerville Lions Club, a 40 year OHSAA Referee, and was also a 45 year member of the American Baptist Church of Westerville.
He enjoyed volunteering his time for numerous organizations including Otterbein O Club, The Central District Basketball Tournament and Champions/Olympic Tennis Club. He shared a love for all sports, playing, coaching, and refereeing, watching, and ruthlessly rooting for the Yankees and Bengals. From his outgoing personality and love of people, John had never met a stranger.
The family would like to thank the staff from the Ohio Health Hospice Center and everyone involved at the Kobacker House in Columbus. Friends may call at the MORELAND FUNERAL HOME, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Thursday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Service will be held at American Baptist Church, 401 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, Friday at 11 a.m.. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Contributions may be made to Otterbein O Club or Westerville Lions Club.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015
GCTA 2015 Award Winners
The Inaugural Columbus Clay Court Championship tournament and Awards Ceremony was blessed with beautiful weather and great tennis competition. One hundred and three teams participated in the three day event held at Brookside Country Club in Worthington, OH. Complete tournament results are listed below. Click on Photos to view pictures from the event. On Saturday evening the GCTA All Member Party/Awards Ceremony highlighted the weekend events.
2015 Award Winners - Click to enlarge |
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2015
GCTA Clay Court Championship Results
The weather was hot, but sunny as 50 women's and 53 men's doubles teams competed in the first annual GCTA Clay Court Championships.
Clay Court Championship Results | |
Women's | Men's |
In the marquis events, Philip Diaz Jr. and Joey Frank won the Men's Open Championship by defeating Luke Buchanan and C.J. Martin in the finals. In Women's 4.5, L.Brown and L. Reisz won the three team, round-robin tournament.
Click on the links to the right to view the results for all of the tournaments.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015
Ed Amos' Ace with Love Program
Just about every Saturday morning in the summer for the past 20 years, Ed Amos can be found on the Wolfe Park tennis courts. Hundreds of young tennis players have passed through the “doors” of his Ace with Love program. Ace with Love focuses on tennis fundamentals and player development by stressing proper nutrition, exercise, self-respect, respect for others, good sportsmanship, anger management and academic excellence.
Ed Amos (podium w/sunglasses) - Click to enlarge |
SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015
The Inaugural GCTA Columbus Clay Court Championships and GCTA Member Party
As many of you know, The Greater Columbus Tennis Association was named the United States Tennis Association’s Community Tennis Association of the Year.
This tournament will give every GCTA member, at every team level, the opportunity to compete for the title of “Columbus City Champion!” The tournament will be run over one weekend, with each player receiving a participation gift, and each level having a team to be crowned as “City Champion.”
The tournament will also include a year-end party for all GCTA members to showcase Columbus tennis at its best. This event party is to thank all GCTA members and to show our members all the great things the GCTA does all year long and how your contribution impacts so many people. The party will be held at Brookside Country Club, 2770 West Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus 43235, on Saturday August 15th at 5pm, and will include complimentary hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar.
Click to read all of the details and to register.
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
Champions Tennis Club Article
The Columbus Dispatch recently published an article about the Champions Tennis Club. Click to read the article titled, "Tennis club members maintain claycourt tennis center".
Champions 3.5 2014 Team - Click to enlarge |
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015
Buddy Up Tennis to Host Gala Celebration
Buddy Up Tennis, Inc. will host its inaugural Gala Celebration, A Sure Bet, on Saturday, February 28, 2015, 6:30pm at The Vue, 95 Liberty Street, Columbus, Ohio. Proceeds from the Vegas-themed event will directly benefit Buddy Up Tennis, Inc., a non-profit organization which provides individuals with Down syndrome with a weekly adaptive program focused on tennis, fitness and fun in 11 cities across seven states.
Buddy Up Tennis - Click to enlarge |
The event is sold out, but donations may be made online via the Buddy Up Tennis website – www.buddyuptennis.com.
Buddy Up Tennis was founded by GCTA Board Member, Beth Gibson.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2014
USTA Video about the GCTA
On September 20th, the GCTA hosted a videographer sent by the United State Tennis Association (USTA). His task was to create a 2+ minute video to show at the November 8th awards presentation to inform the crowd why we were selected as the 2014 Community Tennis Association of the Year.
USTA Video about the GCTA - Click to view |
Next stop was Scarborough Tennis Club to talk with Ed Amos about his Ace with Love Program, also a GCTA grant recipient.
Northam Park was the scene of Men’s and Women’s tennis matches which were used as a backdrop to illustrate our robust summer leagues. Racquet Club and the Whetstone Park courts were also featured in the short film. The finished product left no doubt as to the depth and breath of the GCTA and the Columbus tennis community!
Click to view the video.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2014
Community Association of the Year Awarded
The Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) was honored as the 2014 Community Tennis Association of the Year at the USTA’s annual Tennis Development Workshop in Atlanta, GA, on Saturday, November 8th.
l-r: Jim Snowden, Terri Jones, Shelby Rhyne, Phil Diaz - Click to enlarge |
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014
Buddy Up Tennis Receives More Recognition
Buddy Up Tennis continues to grow thanks to the efforts of Columbus' Beth Gibson and a great group of volunteers. The program, which provides tennis instruction and play for those with Down Syndrome, has expanded to eight U.S. locations.
Buddy Up Tennis' Will Gibson & Aidan Elliott - Click to enlarge |
Beth is also a GCTA Board Member.
THURSDAY, SEPTMBER 25, 2014
GCTA Awards Ceremony
On Thursday, September 25, 2014, the Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) held its annual awards ceremony. This event honors individuals in our area for their outstanding contributions to the Columbus tennis community, as well as the Men’s & Women’s Summer League champions.
GCTA Award Recipients for 2014 - Click to enlarge |
Concluding the ceremony, Joy Albi, from the USTA Midwest Section office, presented the GCTA with the USTA’s Community Tennis Association of the Year Award.
MONDAY, SEPTMBER 1, 2014
GCTA Honored at the US Open
The GCTA was represented at the US Open on Friday, August 29, by Executive Director, Terri Jones, Board Members, Jane McMeekin, Shirley Neibauer, and Erin Ortman. The GCTA representatives were invited to spend the Day Session in the exclusive President's Suite watching the Jankovic, Venus Williams, and Berdych matches from second row seats. Between the second and third matches of the day, the USTA announced the GCTA as the Community Tennis Association of the Year and showed the ladies on the jumbo scoreboard. It was a very exciting and rewarding day. We were treated as valued guests throughout the day and saw outstanding tennis.
Top Right: Erin Ortman, Shirley Neibauer, Jane McMeekin, Terri Jones. - Click to enlarge |
Thanks to all the hundreds of GCTA volunteers who made the award possible and to the Executive Committee for selecting the four of us to attend the Open.
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014
GCTA Honored as the USTA Community Tennis Association of the Year
The USTA announced that the GCTA was selected as the 2014 Community Tennis Association of the Year. According to the press release, the GCTA has promoted the game of tennis as a healthful recreation and physical fitness in Columbus.
“As defined by the USTA, Community Tennis Association is one ‘which supports or provides programs that promote the growth and development of the game of tennis’,” cited Phil Diaz, M.D., President of the GCTA. “I believe we do an outstanding job of meeting this definition. To be recognized by the USTA for this national award is a tremendous honor, especially considering the many excellent community tennis associations across the country. We are proud of what we do and the organizations we are able to help.”“The Greater Columbus Tennis Association defines what it means to be a great CTA,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive of Community Tennis. “The GCTA doesn’t just provide major financial support for local tennis programs; their members invest their time to make an impact on the residents of the community. We are proud to honor the organization’s leaders and many volunteers with the 2014 Community Tennis Association of the Year Award.”
Click to read the full press release from the USTA.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014
Otterbein Tennis' Mark and Pat Anderson
This spring Otterbein University saw both its men’s and women’s tennis teams winning their respective OAC Tournament Championships. By winning the tournament, both teams qualified for the Division III NCAA tournament. This is the first time in school history that the tennis programs have made NCAA appearances. The Otterbein men’s team is coached by GCTA board member Mark Anderson. The women’s team is coached by his wife (also a GCTA board member), Pat.
Otterbein's Mark and Pat Anderson - Click to enlarge |
The women's tennis team ended its season with a 5-2 loss to Trinity University in the first round of the NCAA championships hosted by the University of Mary Washington.
Following this record setting season, four members of both the men's and women’s teams received All-Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) honors for their performances throughout the season.
In addition to the honors earned by the athletes, head coach Pat Anderson was named OAC Coach of the Year for the fourth time in her career. Anderson earned the honor last season and also in 2003 and 2001, and head coach Mark Anderson was named OAC Men's Tennis Coach of the Year, a first for him in his six-year career.
Click to read Mark Znidar's Columbus Dispatch article, "Otterbein tennis: Coaches' competitive spirit a perfect marriage".
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014
Nominations for GCTA Annual Awards Now Open
Do you know someone in your tennis world who is making a difference? A coach who goes the extra mile; a student who creates a unique tennis opportunity; a community leader who starts a new tennis program; a family who is "all-in" on the court; an individual who "makes "your club a special place; a media outlet who is covering our sport; or a longtime leader in our tennis world? Please consider nominating this person for an upcoming GCTA Annual Award.
Please click on the link below to find the nomination form on the GCTA Awards page. You will also find the names of former award winners and copies of programs from previous Award Ceremonies.
Please fill out a nomination by Monday, July 7. Return the attached form to: Terri Jones, GCTA Executive Director via email: tj3535s@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014
Ohio Valley Cup Champions
Again this year, the GCTA Ohio Valley Cup team won the Ohio Valley Cub Championship.
This makes the fourth year in a row that the team has brought the honor back to Columbus. The team won the Ohio Valley Cup by going 3-0 in team matches. Columbus defeated Charleston 9-1, MOVTA (Mid Ohio Valley Tennis Association) 10-0, and Cincinnati 10-0. Overall the team was 29-1 on the weekend.
Congratulations to the team and their coaches for another outstanding performance.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014
GCTA Grant Monies Put to Good Use
GCTA Grant money was put to good use last week at the Eagle Summer Tennis Camp at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, OH. Kids in grades 4-8 were engaged in drills, games, singles and doubles play.
Eagle Tennis Camp participants - Click to enlarge |
Coach Ryan Balaz called the program a “huge success” and hopes to see tennis in Sunbury area grow through camps like the annual Eagle Summer Tennis Camp.
Click to read more about Acquiring a Grant for Your Tennis Program.
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2014
Jim Amick Appears on WTTE Television Segment
Tennis in Columbus was highlighted on Thursday, May 22, when Jim Amick, our USTA Midwest Tennis Service Representative, appeared on WTTE’s Good Day Columbus’ 9:00am segment.
Jim Amick, Our USTA Midwest Tennis Service Rep, Demonstrates 10&Under Tennis to WTTE's Shawn Ireland and Marshall McPeek - Click to enlarge |
In the few short minutes that tennis was featured, Jim managed to mention many of the USTA tennis opportunities available in the Columbus area, including our Youth Team Tennis, Junior Team Tennis, and Start/Restart programs.
Way to go, Jim!!
Click to view the television segment where Jim is interviewed by WTTE's Shawn Ireland and Marshall McPeek.
SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014
GCTA Named the Midwest Community Tennis Association of the Year
The USTA/Midwest Section Community Tennis Association of the Year (CTA) Award is presented annually to recognize outstanding service rendered in the community served, and in the growth and development of the sport of tennis.
GCTA's Jim Hendrix, Shelby Rhyne, Terri Jones, and Les Varnado at the May 3rd Award Presentation - Click to enlarge |
Columbus GCTA board members, Jim Hendrix, Shelby Rhyne,Terri Jones, and Les Varnado were in Indianapolis to accept this prestigious award. The GCTA is now entered into the running for National CTA of the Year.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014
Columbus Recreation & Parks Recognizes the GCTA
At its April Quarterly meeting the Greater Columbus Tennis Association received a plaque of appreciation from the Columbus Recreation & Parks in thanks for the support GCTA have provided Columbus Parks and Recreation throughout the years.
CR&P's Denica Bruce Presents GCTA President Phil Diaz with Plaque - Click to enlarge |
The GCTA yearly budget includes over $13,000 to help fund the CR&P’s tennis programs. The GCTA is proud of its commitment to growing tennis in Columbus.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2014
Ohio State University Men's Team Wins Intercollegiate Tennis Association Tournament
Congratulations to the OSU Men's Team for winning their first ITA Championship. OSU beat #12 Florida, #13 Texas, #1 Virginia, and #3 USC to win the tournament, which took place in Houston. As a result, Ohio State is now ranked #1 in the nation.
Top picture courtesy of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. Bottom photo courtesy of Scott Gerber - Click to enlarge |
While it is unusual for a cold-weather school to win this tournament, it is even more unusual given the make-up of the team. Three players who are on Ohio State's team grew up playing Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA) tennis qualifiers. Peter Kobelt, Chris Diaz, and Kevin Metka all competed with and against each other for years in Central Ohio junior tennis.
Also note that Kobelt (New Albany), Diaz (Watterson), and Metka (Worthington Kilbourne) played Ohio high school tennis for all four years. This is rare in other states. All three are included in the picture to the right as 2009 Central District State Qualifiers.
For more information about the tournament, read Colette Lewis' ZooTennis blog, the OSU website, and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association website.
Attending an Ohio State tennis match is like a tennis reunion. To watch great tennis and see old tennis friends, click to view the Men's schedule and Women's schedule. Admission is free.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2014
USTA / Midwest Section - January Volunteer of the Month
Each month the USTA/Midwest Section features a volunteer who is making it happen at all levels. January's volunteer of the month is Jacqueline Boggs of Pickerington, Ohio.
Jacqueline Boggs - USTA/Midwest Section - January Volunteer of the Month- Click to enlarge |
Through Jacqueline’s efforts, hundreds of Pickerington elementary students and after-school program participants are learning how much fun tennis can be! Since most schools did not have tennis courts available, Jacqueline has lined the 10 and Under Tennis court dimensions on her school parking lot so that teachers can use them as tennis courts. Tennis didn’t stop in Pickerington when school let out. Pick10Tennis organized three Midwest Youth Team Tennis teams, summer camp clinics and offered an Adaptive Youth Tennis Camp and Youth Team Tennis Camps last fall.
In Jacqueline’s words, “Tennis gives me amazing opportunities to give back to my community, both through the schools and through other venues.” Jacqueline’s efforts in Pickerington will continue to promote tennis for years to come.
Jacqueline was the recipient of the 2013 Greater Columbus Promotion of Tennis Award. Thank you Jacqueline for all that you do to promote tennis in the Columbus area.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013
John Campbell Tennis Center
The temperature could not have been much above 30 degrees this afternoon but that did not stop over 50 people from coming to celebrate the naming of the tennis courts at The Champions Tennis Club to The John Campbell Tennis Center. This is a fitting tribute to the man who has been responsible for the impressive resurgence of the club in recent years.
Picture 1: John Campbell - Picture 2 (l-r): Steve Ballman, Mark Anderson, John Campbell, Richard Getz, Jim Scowden, and Charlie Getz. - Click to enlarge |
Only a few years ago the club was to be closed by the operating entity, Columbus Recreation and Parks. John Campbell spearheaded efforts that led to the courts being taken over by interested individuals who have continued to maintain the courts and organize tennis to this day. Well, no tennis today, but expect tennis to return to the John Campbell Tennis Center in the spring!
Congratulations, John!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013
2013 GCTA Annual Awards Ceremony
Each year the GCTA Board honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the greater Columbus tennis community. The 2013 awards were handed out Thursday, September 26th at the Everal Barn & Homestead in Westerville. In addition, summer league division champions and runners-up were recognized.
Picture from the 2013 Awards Ceremony- Click to enlarge |
Award winners from left to right: Francesca DiLorenzo (Female Junior Player of the Year), Delois and Dimitri Teague, parents of Canyon Teague (Male Junior Player of the Year), Jacqueline Boggs (Promotion of Tennis Award), Mitsi Niceswanger (Promotion of Tennis Award), Bill Rabinowitz (Media Award), May Summers (Female Junior Player of the Year), Sam Arisan (Special Recognition Award), Quentin Pruneau (Columbus Recreation and Parks Award), The Sandford Family – Brian, Alle, Anna, Beth (Family of the Year). Not pictured, Cristina DiLorenzo (Female Junior Player of the Year) & Canyon Teague (Male Junior Player of the Year).
Click here to download the program from the the event for more details.
TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2013
GCTA Grant Monies Fund Special Olympics Tennis in Westerville
The Westerville Special Olympics tennis program, funded in part by the Greater Columbus Tennis Association was very active this season. Listed below are basic components of this program.
- YAP (Young Athlete’s Program) –a six week program introduced youth ages 4-7 to the basic skills of tennis.
- A skills program geared toward our traditional athletes focusing on tennis skills.
- A weekly program running five months working with athletes who have already gone through our skills program.
- WSO athletes participated in the Ohio Special Olympics.
Pictures from Westerville Special Olympics - Click to enlarge |
Included in the above photos are the following players: picture 1: May, Kody, Mocelyn, Marlena Smith (Director), and Amber, and in picture 2: Kody, Jocelyn, and May.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2013
Turtle Around Town meets with 10 and Under Kids at Whetstone Park of Roses
Ohio's USTA Tennis Service Representative, Jim Amick, and Good Day Columbus', Dana Turtle, met up with some of our 10 and Under tennis friends at a fun gathering at the Whetstone Park of Roses on June 5th. The kids put on a great display of new games using modified equipment designed especially for kids under the age of 10.
Pictures and video from Whetstone Park- - Click to enlarge (or play) |
With 10 and Under Tennis, kids enjoy playing with balls that bounce lower and move slower through the air, making them easier to hit. Racquets are now sized for small hands, making them easier to grip and swing. Courts are smaller, so kids can cover them and have more success when they play. Kids have more fun—and want to play more often.
Tennis is a sport that gets kids moving, improves balance, agility and hand-eye coordination, and can teach self-confidence and self-assurance. Playing tennis, your child can make new friends in a safe, supportive environment. Your whole family can play together anywhere–driveways, gyms and playgrounds can all be transformed into your very own tennis court.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 2013
Ten and Under Tennis in Westerville
Jim Amick, our Midwest Tennis Service Representative, brought tennis excitement to Annehurst Elementary students on Wednesday, April 30th.
Pictures from Annehurst Elementary Tennis Assembly - - Click to enlarge |
The assembly culminated a four week tennis unit using equipment and teacher training supplied by the Greater Columbus Tennis Association (GCTA).
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013
GCTA Board Members Recognized for Outstanding Service
Pictures (l-r) Ed Amos and Beth Gibson |
Edwin Amos, of Columbus, Ohio, has been named PTR Member of the Year for the State. This award is presented to a PTR member in the United States who has shown dedication and diligence in promoting and supporting tennis and PTR.
Beth Gibson was recently featured in the New Albany Life Magazine for her Buddy Up Tennis and Fitness Program. Beth was also recognized at the DSACO Celebration of World Down Syndrome on March 21, 2013, for her tireless contributions to the Downs Syndrome community.
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