The Greater Columbus Tennis Association Annual Membership meeting was
held September 19, 1996, at the Swim and Racquet Club. President Gary Alexander
called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. and announced the Board meeting
would be held immediately following the General Membership meeting.
In Attendance:
Jean Shaw. Mark Vannatta, Fran McCabe, Gwen Dulin, Carol Alexander,
Marni Nordstrom, Brooks Naffziger, Jim Hendrix Sharon Rusk, Les Varnado,
Andy Alexander, Connie Everhart, Doug Snapp, Bud Petersen, Pat Anderson,
Bill Hennessey, Jake Will, Oner Kirk, Gary Alexander, Bill McCabe, Mark
Anderson, Kim Forman, Jeff Johnston
President Gary Alexander spoke on behalf of the GCTA in expressing
his appreciation to Brooks Naffziger for all his hard work in serving as
Treasurer.
Budget Committee:
President-elect Doug Snapp presented the 1996-97 proposed budget. Doug
explained that any outstanding bills not paid prior to closing the books
for the 1995-96 could still be reflected. Two noticeable changes to the
new budget are 1) the elimination of the line item for the USTA Satellite
Tournament and 2) the elimination of the line item for the National City
Junior Team. Both of these items have not been used for a number of years;
but if they were to be needed at some point, they would be put back in
to the budget. Jake Will moved to approve the 96-97 budget. Brooks Naffziger
seconds and the motion passes unanimously without discussion.
Nominating Committee:
Chairman Mark Vannatta reports that four members of the Board of Trustees
are no longer able to serve e. Betty Cassady, Joan Buffington, Connie Splawnyk,
and Kelly Rings have requested to be removed from the Board due to other
commitments. All others up for renewal want to remain on the Board. Mark
reports the committee nominates Janet Craycraft, Connie Everhart, Mary
Sims, Craig Caruso, Chuck Merzbacher (the new OSU Women's Tennis Coach)
to replace the departing Board members and calls for a vote for their approval.
Gwen Dulin moves for a vote to elect the new nominating committee candidates,
Sharon Rusk seconds, and the motion carries unanimously.
Board Members with terms expiring in 1999:
Carol Alexander, Marni Nordstrom, Arnie Jones, Craig Caruso, Mary Sims,
Gary Alexander, Jean Shaw, Sharon Rusk, Chuck Merzbacher, Gwen Dulin, Brad
Frick, Les Varnado, Jr., Janet Craycraft, Jim Lathrop, Annette Hrach, Wayne
Wookey, Connie Everhart.
The nominated officers for 1996-97 are Doug Snapp, President, Jeff
Johnston, Vice President, Mark Vannatta, Vice President, Marni Nordstrom,
Vice President, Brooks Naffziger, Treasurer, and Jean Shaw, Secretary.
Bud Petersen moves to approve the nominated officers, Les Varnado seconds,
and the officers are unanimously accepted.
President Gary Alexander closes the General Membership meeting and
ends his official duties while thanking all committee members for their
contributions in making 1995-96 a success. Gary then introduces Doug Snapp
and passes on responsibilities to the new President of the GCTA.
President Doug Snapp calls the first meeting of the 1996-97 year to
order.
New Business:
Doug introduces Bill Hennessey, Director of the Big Bear Tennis Tournament.
Bill presents a proposal to the Board offering the GCTA a role as a beneficiary
of the tournament in exchange for the GCTA providing volunteers to serve
in a variety of ways. Bill outlines various benefits to the GCTA including
public relation opportunities, remuneration for soliciting sponsors, ticket
sales, etc. Bill notes the tournament will be held June 12th though the
16th of 1997 at the New Albany Country Club and the tickets will range
in price from $15 to $32.
Treasurer's Report:
Brooks Naffziger gave the treasurer's report. Les Varnado, Jr., explains
the balance in the Southeast Open Tournament checking account also includes
proceeds from the USTA Satellite Tournament. Sharon Rusk moves to accept
the Treasurer's report, Kim Forman seconds and the report is approved.
Approval of Minutes:
Brooks Naffziger moves to accept the minutes from the July 11, 1996,
meeting. Fran McCabe seconds the motion and the minutes are approved.
OVTA:
Carol Alexander announces the OVTA annual meeting is scheduled for
Sunday, November 3 at Scioto Country Club and that all are invited. Carol
reports the OVTA will be honoring outstanding players for the 1996 season.
Girls 16's District:
Carol Alexander reports a profit of $346.70 from the Girls 16's District
held in June. Carol expresses her appreciation to Betty Cassady and Alice
Scott for their dedicated assistance. Carol also recognizes Jim Hendrix
for his contribution in computerizing the draw.
Men's League:
Chairman Jeff Johnston reports the Men's Leagues have been completed
and that the Champion of Champions tournament semis and finals held September
14th and 15th at Scioto Country Club were a success. Jeff thanked Doug
Snapp and Jake Will for their invaluable service in putting the draws together
and running the tournament. Jeff explained that awards will be presented
at the annual Awards Ceremony September 29th rather than immediately following
play in hopes of offering incentive for attendance to the ceremony. Jeff
discussed revising the format for the Men's Open division to 3 courts from
the customary 5 courts. Doug expressed concern that reducing the number
of courts might reduce overall participation. To this Gary suggested that
the Open division be in addition to the 4.5 division. This would eliminate
the wide disparity of levels within the current 4.0 and Open divisions.
Jim Hendrix suggested that the GCTA adopt the USTA/NTRP rating system as
means of assuring players are placed appropriately. On another note, Mark
Vannatta proposed recognizing Scioto Country Club for its contribution
in furnishing the facilities for the Champ of Champs by at least sending
a note of thanks or even a plaque expressing the GCTA's thanks.
Women's Leagues:
Sharon Rusk reports the finals of the Women's Champion of Champions
was held at the Lakes Country Club and Scioto Country Club.
Mixed Doubles Leagues:
Chairman Mark Vannatta reports the Mixed Doubles League was a success
with good participation though he expressed disappointment in the number
of defaults.
Umpires:
Kim Forman reports that the GCTA will be providing umpires for the
upcoming OSU season for both men's and women's matches. Kim also mentioned
that Bernard Masters has donated $50 to run a provisional clinic for USTA
umpires in order to increase the number of available lines persons. Kim
also reported that there will be an ITA National Training School in January
to be held at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
Junior Wightman and Davis Cup:
Captain Marni Nordstrom reports the girls finished a respectable 2nd.
Captain Wayne Wookey reports the boys lost a heartbreaker in the finals
and finished 2nd.
Southeast Open:
Les Varnado expressed his appreciation to outgoing President Gary Alexander
for his hard work. Les would like to continue the Southeast Open and is
dedicated to making it bigger and better in years to come. Les added that
consideration should be given to dropping the Touch Tone Tennis for entries.
Awards Ceremony:
President Doug Snapp announced that the annual Awards Ceremony will
be held Sunday, September 29th at the Upper Arlington Municipal Building
from 7 to 9 PM. The ceremony will feature awards presentations including
team and individual photographs followed by a reception with refreshments
and desserts.
Parks and Recreation:
Connie Everhart reported the National Junior Tennis League Program
was hosted at 24 sites throughout the city this past summer. A total of
478 players participated. In addition, 2 clinics were held in which 550
players enrolled; this included 72 "pee wees" ages 6-8. Connie emphasized
she would like to increase the number of sites available for the "pee wees."
Connie mentioned the adult program is still going on although the number
of participants has dropped. Connie recommends applying to the USTA for
grants and awards to help promote the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Adjournment:
Before asking for a motion to adjourn, Doug Snapp complimented Past
President Gary Alexander for doing an outstanding job.
Jake Will moves to adjourn the meeting, Fran McCabe seconds and the
meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean A. Shaw