GCTA Board Meeting
9/19/02
In Attendance: Doug Snapp, Shirley Neibauer, Harvey Beahm, Sharon Rusk,
Bud Petersen, Carol Alexander, Andy Alexander, Les Varnado, Jr., Gary Alexander,
Terri Jones, Geri Schlegel, Rita Brown, Jane McMeekin, Connie Everhart
Annual Meeting
Jeff Johnston called the meeting to order and asked that the committees
present their reports.
1. Nominating Committee Report
The committee chair was Doug Snapp; he gave the report. The nominating
committee met September 4th. The following trustees whose terms were up
in 2002 were removed from the board: Brad Frick, Marni Nordstrom and Deb
Thallman. Bob Hilborn, Jane McMeekin and Shirley Neibauer were chosen to
replace them. Their expiration year will be 2005. The next group of trustees
that was reviewed had a renewal date of 2003. Robin Comfort, Kim Forman,
Terry Gee and Deb Long were removed. The following were chosen to replace
them: Paul Schlegel, Kim Shepherd, Vince Solomon and Dan Witteman. Their
renewal year will remain 2003. No trustees were removed from the 2004 group.
The committee then reviewed the officers. Jeff Johnston was removed as president.
He has completed his two-year term as limited by the constitution of the
organization. Harvey Beahm was nominated as president. Callie Ryan and Janet
Craycraft were removed as vice presidents. Neither had a desire to serve
as president. Rita Brown and Ron Linville were nominated as vice presidents.
Les Varnado was retained as a vice president. Jake Will, Jr., will remain
as treasurer. Doug Snapp will remain as secretary. All officers are nominated
for a one year term. Jeff asked for a motion to accept the report and to
vote to accept the slate of trustees and officers. Sharon Rusk gave the motion,
Carol Alexander seconded and the motion passed. The suggested trustees and
officers were elected.
2. Budget Committee Report
Jeff was the the committee chair but asked Jake Will, Jr., to give the
report. Jake noted that our income was down some and we had some one-time
expenses that were not in the projected budget for 2001-2002. Jake said
that less money came in from the qualifier and from the USTA for our participation
in the USA-named programs. The $400 for the organization's laptop with the
Tennis Information software and the costs of processing information regarding
the winter Wickertree tournament were two of the unexpected costs. Jeff explained
the Wickertree situation. Wickertree was to pay for the mailing of information
as well as the labor of the mailer. Wickertree paid the postage but did
not pay the labor. Andy said he thought it was clear that they had to pay
the whole amount. Jeff answered that Wickertree only thought they were paying
postage. Jeff gave an amount of around $420 that it cost us for the mailer's
labor. Jake provide a sheet with the proposed 2001-2002 figures, the actual
2001-2002 figures (there are still some bills that have not been turned
in) and the proposed 2002-2003 figures. Here is a listing of the proposed
2002-2003 budget (with the 2001-2002 approved budget in parentheses). These
were income: Dues, $29,700 ($29,200); OVTA, $1,000 ($1,960); Interest, $2,900
($2,400); Girls 16's District, $2,480 ($2,000); Area Qualifier, $9,600 ($9,000);
USTA Leagues $1,400 ($2,200); Junior Dues, $1,000 ($0). The following were
expenses: General, $1,500 ($2,000); Financial Review, $400 ($200); Men's
Leagues, $2,500 ($3,000); Women's Leagues, $8,500 ($8,500); Jr. Davis Cup,
$500 ($400); Jr. Wightman Cup $400 ($400); Wheelchair Tennis, $500 ($500);
USTA District Adult, $3,900 ($3,900); Umpires, $300 ($500); USTA Program
Coordinators, $2,500 ($2,500); Columbus Recreation and Parks Department:
Novice Programs, $6,000 ($6,000)-Jr. Team Tennis Programs, $2,100 ($2,100)-Adult
Programs, $3,500 ($3,500); Junior Tournaments: Girls 16's District, $1,800
($1,900)-Area Qualifier, $11,000 ($10,000); Champion of Champions, $2,000
($2,500); Awards Ceremony, $1,000 ($1,000). Les Varnado asked about the Wheelchair
Tennis program and why no money was spent this year. It was explained that
Larry Hunter was no longer running the tournament here in Columbus. Deb Long
who had been the coordinator of the programs had not been in contact with
us for over a year. Money was kept in the budget in hopes that a program
with a coordinator would come forward. Jeff asked for approval of the committee
report and acceptance of the budget; Les moved, Shirley Neibauer seconded,
the motion passed. The budget was accepted.
3. Adjournment of the Annual Meeting
Jeff asked for a motion to adjourn the annual meeting. Gary Alexander moved,
Sharon Rusk second and the motion passed.
Regular Meeting
Jeff turned the meeting over to the new president, Harvey Beahm. Harvey
expressed his feelings of honor and gratitude to be in this position. He referred
to the past presidents of the organization and gave his commitment to the
continued growth and promotion of all the areas of tennis that we are concerned
with. He stated his hopes to be neutral and positive. He felt with his background
that he can bring things together. He shared that he had already talked to
a number of people to get background on the areas of our interest.
1. Approval of Minutes
Harvey asked members present to review the minutes from the July meeting
that were provided on the tables. He reminded all that these minutes had
been mailed to those who do not have e-mail, they had been e-mailed to those
that do and they had been posted to the web site. He asked if there were
changes or corrections; hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the
minutes. Rita Brown motioned, Shirley Neibauer seconded and the motion passed.
2. Treasurer’s Report
Jake Will, Jr., gave the report. He said that as of August 2002, the checking
account had $117, the flex fund had $75,175, the junior fund had $5,284,
the Mansfield fund had $1,431 and all money had been taken from the mutual
funds. Jake added that some expenses have not been turned in as of yet. Harvey
asked for a motion to accept Jake's report; Gary Alexander moved, Bud Petersen
second and the motion passed.
3. Women’s Leagues
Rita Brown gave the report. She said that the season was over; letters
had been sent asking for any rule changes. A meeting of the women's board
would take place in early October. A general meeting would follow if there
are issues the need to be addressed. Rita made a point to thank all the women
who serve on the women's board.
4. Men’s Leagues
Gary Alexander gave the report. The season is finished other than the Champ
of Champs tournament. Gary said that we were up about 10% in the number
of participants and up in teams. There were new divisions in the Gold: a
4.0 and an Open. Gary said he feels that more people can get recognition
because of this. He noted that some teams won this year that have not been
award winners in the past. Gary confirmed that this is his last year to be
Men's League Chair. Gary continued that we were able to get money back from
the USTA by using the USA designation on our summer leagues. This amounted
to approximately $40 per team. He suggested that we find someone to take
care of the paper work to do this. That person could be paid. It would be
a matter of entering information on forms. The USTA is concerned with the
numbers of people playing the game; this is why they are willing to pay for
this information. Rita asked where the forms to do this could be found. Chad
Docktor at the Midwest would be the contact. Discussion followed about whether
the forms would be available online. Harvey thanked Gary for what he has
done as Men's League Chair. Jake Will, Jr., also thanked Gary saying that
there were no complaints this year at the 4.0 level. A round of applause
followed. Gary said that without scorekeepers Jake Will, Sr., Jake Will,
Jr., Doug Snapp, Andy Alexander and Brooks Naffziger, he would not have been
able to have as easy of a time; they were very valuable. Gary concluded by
saying he will help get the new person get started; all of what is needed
is now on computer. Harvey asked that we be aware of this position to fill
and let him know if a name comes up.
5. USTA Leagues
Terri Jones gave the report. She was happy to relate that there were no
protests. The leagues have grown: 8 teams more than last year, 4 new teams
in the 4.0 Men's League. Terri discussed the need for some more rules regarding
the leagues. Some of this had to do with teams entering and not paying their
money, late registrations, forfeits and withdrawals from the league. Terri
stated that Joyce and Dave Engle were great help to her. Terri had a number
of contacts from people who were interested in playing on these USTA Summer
League teams. Doug said that the GCTA web site had also received a number
of requests for information about teams that could be joined. Terri concluded
by saying there are fewer rating clinics and that might actually encourage
more play.
6. Ohio Valley Tennis Association
Janet Craycraft was not present; she was hosting the Louisiana State University
women's tennis team to supper. Janet's daughter had played for LSU. The
team was in town to participate in the OSU Prince Cup at the Stickney courts.
Gary Alexander gave the report. He shared that Doug Snapp had been nominated
as a vice president of the Ohio Valley Tennis Association. He reminded us
that there are grants still available. The GCTA is unique in that our funding
comes mostly from our summer league dues. Other areas of the Ohio Valley
do not have the league dues and are very dependent on grants. The next OVTA
meeting is November 3rd in Cincinnati. Harvey encouraged us to fill out the
questionnaire in the tennis newspaper that was mailed to USTA members.
7. Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
Connie Everhart gave the report. She said that the junior programs were
finished and had been run at 24 parks around the city; there was great participation
and the kids really enjoyed the programs. The adult programs continue till
the beginning of November. Connie will be seeking input as to long range
planning with regard to resurfacing of courts, building of new courts, elimination
of courts, etc. Rita commented on the need to improve the courts at Whetstone
Park of Roses. Connie answered that they may even reduce the number of courts
at that location. It was quickly pointed out that several schools use those
courts as do four GCTA teams. In addition, several USTA teams play there.
It was further indicated that it is important to keep a large bank of courts
because of their possible use for a tournament. Hosting a large tournament
requires sites with large numbers; this is the only site in the CRPD where
this could be done. Les wanted to know if the number of courts were reduced
at Whetstone, would additional courts be added at other sites? Connie's
answer was that they would probably not be added at other sites. The Schiller
Park and Wolfe Park courts were all resurfaced out of money from the Recreation
and Parks Department. Redoing and adding courts is so pricey that extensive
grant money is needed to augment what money the department has. There are
over 150 courts around the city. Connie said she could bring a copy of what
sites are used and where they are located. She said that cuts are being
made in the department; staff is not being replaced, so there is a shortage
of people to work sites. However, she feels that with the GCTA funding and
grants she has enough money to continue programs that are in place. There
was discussion as to what was being done with Champions Tennis Club. She
said that the courts are leased out from the CRPD and they are not a money
maker for the department. There was also comment that the Champions site
needs a lot of repair and some things are probably not worth repairing. Shirley
Neibauer agreed that Champions needs to be fixed up, especially the restroom
facilities. Connie answered that she has been after the department about
doing a better job maintaining and repairing. Harvey agreed that Champions
needed much work. There was discussion about the Central Ohio Tennis Tournament.
It was asked if there was the participation that there use to be when it
was the Gold Circle Tournament. Connie said that this was hardly the case.
The tournament was held entirely at Champions and Wolfe Park this year. There
is also no longer a major sponsor for this tournament as in the past. The
question was asked as to why there has been such a decline in this tournament.
It was pointed out that at one time, it was one of a very few tournaments.
Now there is a tournament practically every week. It was added that all of
those tournaments now have very limited participation, as well. The question
was asked as to how much use Wolfe gets. Connie and others said that quite
a number of events take place there. It was pointed out that we have several
GCTA teams playing out of Wolfe and Champions.
8. USTA Junior Team Tennis
Shirley Neibauer gave the report. 85 teams participated, but not all rosters
have been turned in. There were over 650 participants. Over 130 new USTA
memberships from the program along with over 100 renewals. There was discussion
about the players who participate in this program who live in the Pickerington
area of the Ohio Valley. We do not get credit as far as their memberships
to the USTA. That credit goes to the Pickerington area. It was pointed out
that we don't get credit for the memberships, but we do get $2 for each participant,
even if they don't live in our area. However, the importance of the USTA
memberships is that it affects our representation numbers at the next level
after the area qualifiers. There was discussion of us absorbing the Pickerington
area. The South Central area would need to agree to this. On another note,
Shirley continued that the next level of play for the junior team program
had been in Springfield. It was very nice, but Shirley felt that 19 teams
from Columbus had to travel whereas 3 teams from Dayton traveled; two teams
participated from Springfield. Rita agreed that the setting was nice but
she also thought that our kids should not have to travel. She said that a
two day tournament had been made into a one day tournament. It was suggested
that all these concerns be brought to the attention of the Ohio Valley Tennis
Association.
9. Champion of Champions
Shirley Neibauer reported that the women's event went well; the finals
were at New Albany Country Club. Players seemed to enjoy the event. The
awards will be given out on the 29th with our other awards. Two other sites
used for the early matches were the Lakes and Worthington Hills Country
Club. Doug reported that the men's event would be the 21st and 22nd at Northam
Park. Shirley said that she had heard that the men's event was canceled.
As the coordinator, Doug said the event was scheduled for the 21st and 22nd
of September back in late July. Doug said that part of the problem was that
club coordinators did not disseminate the information to their players. One
club pro had called him after the deadline saying that the information had
just been found. A captain had contacted him two days after the deadline
saying that no one from his club had informed him of the event. Doug said
letters as well as e-mails went out near the beginning of September. Information
was also on the web site. Doug concluded by saying that the draws were made
and Andy and Carol Alexander would run the event on Saturday because he would
be in Cincinnati. He would run the event on Sunday and the awards would also
be presented on the 29th.
10. Awards Ceremony
Geri Schlegel showed us the invitation for the event. She said that not
all had been sent at the time of the meeting. More were coming from the printer
and would be mailed shortly. She felt all the details were taken care of.
She expressed that Jean Shaw had worked very hard and was likely to be under
budget.
11. Umpires
Bud Petersen gave the report saying that they were in a position with no
leader. They try to do as much umpiring as they can. There are not the great
hassles with player behavior that we use to see at tournaments and matches.
Harvey agreed saying that kids are much better behaved now than they were;
this has been evident in the ITA tournament that he coordinates. Bud continued
that area needs new people to umpire. Carol Alexander suggested that people
don't know that there is personal compensation for doing matches and tournaments.
Bud was asked how much they were paid. He said it varied. They get about
$50 for doing OSU matches. Doug reminded the group that Jeff had sent a letter
to all high school coaches in the spring asking that they get involved by
completing umpire training. Doug said that to his knowledge there were no
takers.
12. Old Business
Doug shared that the web site had close to 7000 visits in July. That was
the high for the year. He added that there were many activities going on
during that period that led to the number of visits: our leagues, Jr. Davis
and Wightman Cup, the ITA tournament, etc. Starting in May the number of
visits typically increases. He said there would be a jump after the awards
were presented, then the number would decrease till our winter parties. He
asked for information so that the site could be kept current.
Les Varnado reported that he had been at the US Open not just as a spectator
but as a working member of committees. He gave Doug a number of hardcopies
of committee reports. He said much of the work they had done would be on
the USTA web site (www.usta.com). He talked about the new slate of officers.
He said that the attendance was great with 45,000 to 55,000 each day. The
amount of money taken in was beyond the event's expectations. This is the
premiere US tennis event , but there was concern due to security. It was
hoped that money from the event would be able to "grow the game" as the USTA
says. Les talked about the security measures in light of September 11th:
more police, bomb sniffing dogs, security checks upon entering. The USTA
does have terrorism insurance for the event; but, realistically, total coverage
would cost the event too much. Geri asked about role of the USTA with regard
to doubles matches. Les said that would be more an issue for the ATP and
the WTA as they are the governing bodies for the players. Harvey commented
that it was great to have someone like Les at the Open; it was informative
to have him report back to us.
13. New Business
Jeff and Doug provided information about conversations with OSU Women's
Tennis Coach Chuck Merzbacher. Chuck would like to see the facilities at OSU
turned into club facilities where people outside the OSU sphere could join.
This would give them some control over the use of the courts. Jeff shared
that he had been at the courts with his daughter, and people were skateboarding
and generally using the courts for other things than tennis. Jeff went on
to say that he had written OSU Athletics Director Andy Geiger a letter talking
about the abuse that the courts take. Jeff said that OSU certainly wouldn't
let people abuse the Stadium, the Bill Davis baseball stadium or the Jesse
Owens track facility; why do they allow the tennis facility to be abused.
By making the facilities into a club, it would also allow the OSU coaches
to run their own programs for kids, students and adults. Jeff thought it
would be neat to allow kids and/or adults play there and have the chance
to work with the coaches. He added that the coaches need to do more in the
way of coming to us and letting us know in what ways we can help them. Jeff
commented about how exciting the Big Ten Tournament was; other events could
be held at the Stickney courts that would be just as exciting. Doug agreed
and sited the ITA tournament that Harvey had run. Harvey added that for the
ITA event they had gone to the courts the night before the start of their
tournament to check on the facility. They did quite a bit of cleaning up.
The next morning when they arrived, they had to do the cleaning over because
of the number of beer and pop bottles and cans. With the negative talk about
the way the tennis facilities are handled, Connie related a positive note.
When the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Life in Sports program
was held at the OSU courts, the university was very helpful. She said that
Archie Griffin was present and very gracious.
Harvey shared that Ted Coates had died. Ted had been a longtime tennis
enthusiast. Both Brooks and Harvey had gone to the viewing. Harvey brought
the newspaper obituary and asked that information from it be put on web
site. Harvey talked at length about Ted as a very nice person who will be
missed by the tennis community. He finished by saying that Ted was a gentleman
on off the court.
Doug reminded members of the OSU Prince Cup being played at the Stickney
Courts at OSU and of the tournament that was continuing at Wickertree. Jeff
brought flyers regarding this. Doug said that information about both tournaments
was on the GCTA web site.
Carol Alexander discussed the need for score cards for the Girls 16's District
tournament. A number of parents have asked that cards be used. Carol thought
that we could buy a set of cards that could be laid on the nets. To keep
from losing them, the players would take them out for each match and bring
them back when reporting scores. Doug agreed that this would be a good addition
to the tournament. As a spectator, even one closely involved with the matches,
he said it is difficult to keep track of the matches' progress. Harvey also
thought it would be good because it would help the players remember the
score and possibly divert score controversies. It was suggested that Carol
check into the prices of portable cards and report to us in January. Carol
also said that we have several Roll-Dry court rollers and asked about getting
new rollers for them. Again, it was suggested that Carol check on the prices
and get back to the board at our next meeting. Harvey announced the dates
of the next four meetings: 1/16/03, 4/17/03, 7/17/03 and 9/18/03. All are
Thursdays at 7:30 PM; the location will continue to be the Swim and Racquet
Club.
14. Adjournment
Hearing no further discussion, Harvey entertained a motion for adjournment;
Connie Everhart moved, Brooks Naffziger seconded and the motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Snapp
GCTA Secretary