The Greater Columbus Tennis Association Board of Trustees meeting was
held April 10, 1997, at the Swim and Racquet Club. President Doug Snapp
called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM.
In Attendance:
Jean A. Shaw, Mark Vannatta, Jeff Johnston, Gary Alexander, Paul Kobelt,
Kim Forman, Brooks Naffziger, Tom Nelson, Les Varnado, Jr., Jake Will,
Mary Sims, Fran McCabe, Jim Hendrix, Janet Craycraft, Carol Alexander,
Andy Alexander, Tim Thomas, Doug Snapp, Bill McCabe, Connie Everhart
Approval of Minutes:
Jake Will moves to accept the minutes as submitted from the January
meeting, Jeff Johnston seconds and the motion is accepted.
New Business:
President Doug Snapp introduces Tom Nelson, director of Play Tennis
America in Columbus. Tom discusses the importance of this new program to
the future growth of tennis in our area. Play Tennis America was organized
3 years ago (this being the first year for the program in our area) to
introduce new players into the game by providing free lessons to participants.
The goal is that players would then join leagues or continue with instruction.
Jim Hendrix applied and a grant was given to our area ot aid in the start-up
costs for the program. Jim stated the money would be used for newspaper
ads and possibly city-wide flyers. Tom has had a meeting with local leaders
to locate sites for instruction. Thus far 7 sites will be involved: Olympic,
Racquet Club of Columbus, possibly 4 city-wide sites, one site in Chillicothe
and one in Newark. Tom welcomed input. Doug Snapp thanked Tom and Jim for
their hard work in organizing this program.
Doug introduced Paul Kobelt and Tim Thomas from New Albany Country
Club. Paul and Tim will be coordinating USTA Junior Team Tennis in our
area. They discussed the format of this new program and encouraged everyone's
participation. There is concern because the number of juniors playing tennis
has declined in recent years. Paul and Tim stressed that this program can
provide an opportunity for junior players to play competitively in a team
atmosphere and eventually help create more players.
Treasurer's report:
Brooks Naffziger reports the total balance as of January 16, 1997,
as $11,225.23. With a cash balance of $30,845.17, deposits of $0.00 and
disbursements of $2,929.76. The balance in checking remains $8, 295.47,
South East Open checking $300.00 and money market flex-fund is $22,845.17.
General savings account is $45,684.96, Mansfield is $980.40 and money market
flex-fund junior development is $4,107.82. Gary Alexander moves to accept
the treasurer's report. Les Varnado seconds and the motion passes.
Area and District Qualifier:
Tournament Director Janet Craycraft tells the board that 247 kids participated
in last years tournament. Janet stressed more player participation and
more involvement from parents would be appreciated. Play begins May 14th.
Junior Wightman and Junior Davis Cup:
Doug Snapp reports that Marni Nordstrom will coach the team for another
season. Doug tells the Board that Craig Caruso has stepped down as coach.
Doug is seeking a replacement.
Women's Leagues:
Director Mary Sims reports 140 teams are expected to participate in
the summer leagues. The numbers are expected to be similar to last year's.
Final rosters are due May 1, 1997. The Captains' meeting is May 16th and
play begins June 1st. Mary also told the board the women's winter parties
went very well.
Men's Leagues:
Jeff Johnston reports organizing is on schedule with play slated to
begin May 31, 1997. Jeff is searching for scorekeepers. The Champion of
Champions will need a new location. Past host, Scioto Country Club, will
be undergoing construction.
Mixed Doubles:
Mark Vannatta will begin contacting captains. Play will begin the first
week in June. The Board discussed changing the format in order to encourage
more participation.
OVTA:
Chair Carol Alexander reports the next meeting will be held on the
first weekend in May in Chillicothe. The Girls 16's Districts will be held
at the OSU Stickney courts. Tournament Director Carol Alexander presents
a motion to the Board that she be advanced $2,000 to cover tournament expenses.
Jake Will moves the motion, Mark Vannatta seconds. All approved and the
motion passes.
Umpires:
Kim Forman currently has 22 umpires with 8 new umpires this year. Kim's
group will be officiating lots of tournaments this season.
Parks and Recreation:
Connie Everhart tells the board that summer preparation is underway.
There will be 24 novice sites with lessons and match play. Four sites will
be available for adult instruction. The Big Bear Tennis Challenge will
conduct a clinic for the city kids on June 13, 1997. Connie discussed concern
for the sponsorship for the Central Ohio City Tournament. Healthpower,
HMO could be pulling out of their past sponsorship. The Board agreed to
help in some manner when Connie knows more details.
Southeast Tennis Open:
Director Les Varnado encourages everyone's participation June 1-8th
at Reynoldsburg High School. There will be 18 events this year.
Big Bear Tennis:
Doug Snapp tells the Board that we must supply the volunteers for this
year's tournament. GCTA will benefit by being listed as sponsor in addition
to other perks including $500 being contributed to our organization.
Awards Ceremony:
The banquet will be held September 28, 1997, from 7-9 PM at the Upper
Arlington Municipal Building.
Newsletter:
Doug Snapp is working with an OSU student to possibly assist with the
newsletter as well as other promotions.
Old Business:
Andy Alexander has 4 new racquets that he would like to donate as awards
for juniors. Connie Everhart would love to have any used tennis balls,
racquets or clothing for the parks program.
Adjournment:
Kim Forman moves to adjourn the meeting. Fran McCabe seconds the motion
and the meeting is dismissed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean A. Shaw