the lines are still good

Follow the happenings of an animated college tennis coach and his teams in their pursuit of an NCAA National Tennis Championship. It is always the impressive trophy that is displayed for all to admire that gets the attention, but it is the journey to claiming that trophy, the relationships built, the people served and the memories created, that live forever...and what I hope you will find interesting...

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Plyo Workouts...


It seems as though the fellas are really excited about the plyometric workouts and the subsequent soreness. We were able to use the gymnasium for a speed and agility training Monday and it seems as though we have a ways to go to be in top condition. Thanks to my colleague and friend, Dr. Don Chu, and his book "Power Tennis Training", we will be working hard to get fit to my satisfaction.


I never liked the sprinting and agility 20 years ago either but I am quite sure I felt my best when training with them.

Hope the players are ready to work.

Nuff said...

Saturday, September 25, 2010

ITA Regionals...


Many other ITA Regionals are taking place throughout the country this weekend and several more to come next weekend as well. There are 8 Division II regionals in total with the the champions from each to meet in Mobile, Alabama for the National Championship and a berth in the Small College Superbowl of Tennis. The Superbowl is played by the champions from the NCAA DII, NCAA DIII, NAIA and Junior College. The winner of the Superbowl receives an entry to the NCAA DI Indoor event.

It win be interesting to follow along and see which players from the other regions will join us in Mobile. Click here to follow the other regions.

Enjoy.

Be well and nuff said...

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Food Wars...


A fair amount under the weather, I found myself dozing in and out of Wednesday night television. Although I did miss the majority of Coach Dano abode favorite, Man vs. Food, I did come out of a flu-like stupor just in time for Food Wars on the Travel Channel.

As luck would have it, the program featured the Philly Cheesesteak challenge. Those close to the tennis team here at Concordia know that we have great affection for Pat's King of Steaks, one of the competitors on tonight's show. I must say that, even though I am sporting a modest fever, my mouth still watered like a Pavlovian dog awaiting my reward after the ringing of a bell.


I hope I am able to stay lucid long enough to share the winner of the "war" pitting Pat vs Tony Luke. Have a look at some footage...



The verdict is in...the winner of the Food War and the finest cheesesteak in Philadelphia is...Pat's King of Steaks in a split decision.

Certainly not a surprise to this man with high cholesterol.

I say to myself tonight "be well" and as always,

Nuff said...

Monday, September 20, 2010

ITA Titles...


Well it was a long weekend of tennis for so many of us. However, there is much good news to report. Andrey Boldarev has repeated as East Regional Champion of singles and has advanced to the National event in Mobile, Alabama in October. Andrey defeated his teammate and doubles partner freshman Daniele Piludu 7-6, 6-2 in the final.

In addition the doubles pair of Boldarev and Piludu have won the doubles championship and will also advance to Mobile. They defeated fellow Clippers Tamas Dobrotka and Geza Bazula in the final 7-5,
6-3.

Essentially the Clippers were well represented throughout the entire event. In the "A" singles (click here for draw), we had 6 of 8 quarter-finalists, 3 of 4 semi-finalists, and as mentioned, both members of the finals and the champion. In the "A" doubles (click here for draw), we had 3 of 4 semi-finalists, both teams in the finals and the champion as well.

We had a long but enjoyable weekend for sure. It was nice to get to know the new players a bit better and also to witness their level of play. It seems as though we have another great group of talented young men and I look forward to great experiences to come.

We were very lucky once again to have had the good weather with us for the entire weekend and we also thank those involved in hosting the tournament. So many people work hard behind the scenes to make the weekend a nice time for the players and coaches alike. Not sure I thought the turkey burger was worth $8.50 however.


I also think that the players made some new friends as well. The event hosts both men and women so it was easy for some of the players to be distracted from the tennis at hand...for some more than others...

Sadly, yours truly, did not get enough rest this weekend and is a bit under the weather. A special thanks to Coach Tarangioli and the jack hammer snoring :) I hope to be feeling better soon, but right now...throat sore!


Congratulations to the entire team on a great weekend. All of the players competed well and are well on their way to another successful year.

Nuff said...

Thursday, September 16, 2010


We are off to the ITA East Regional in Philadelphia tomorrow. I hope that the players understand how important this event is. We have won the singles and doubles draws three years in a row and have enjoyed advancing to Alabama to compete in the national event. I am in no mood to see this string of success discontinued.

I think we have many of the favorites to get the job done as the tournament is more wide open this year without Alex Grubin in the draw. Queens College has added several good players that should be a factor as well. I look forward to seeing what the other teams in the region have added.

A few nagging injuries have presented themselves and I hope that they do not become large concerns over the weekend. This tournament is quite early in the season and forces the advancing players to be on the court for as many as 9 matches in 2 1/2 days. I think we should extend the event to 4 days rather than 3 in the future.

Nuff said...

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Thought...


"Why hit two serves when you can get the job done with just one?"

Nuff said...

Saturday, September 11, 2010

A day of remembrance...



Please take a moment to remember those losing their lives 9/11/01 and also those whom have sacrificed so much to keep our nation safe.

May God bless you all.

Be well and nuff said...

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

What to do...


Doubles teams...injuries...

With so many new faces and minor injuries, a coach's head can spin. With any luck, we can get everyone back on the court at full capacity to figure out some doubles teams and prepare for the ITA East Regional.

This is no easy task as the powers that be at the CACC have shortened our fall non-championship season to 30 days when the NCAA in fact allows 45 days. Thanks so much for that! It's hard enough to prepare for some important events when we have the 45 days to work with...insert curse words here.

Nevertheless, things will work out. We have a great bunch of guys. We do have some work to do on the doubles for sure.

I look forward to full practice beginning soon.

Be well and nuff said...

Saturday, September 04, 2010

2010 Fall Schedule Released


The fall 2010 schedule has been finalized and released. Of course, this is a limited slate as the fall season is the non-championship segment for men's tennis.

Sept. 18 - 20: ITA Regional Championships @ Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center, Philadelphia, PA

Oct. 2 - 3: Concordia vs. Queens Challenge @ Queens College, Queens NY

Oct. 9 - 10: Stony Brook Invitational @ Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY

Oct. 14 - 17: ITA National Small College Championships @ Copeland Cox Tennis Center, Mobile, AL

I look forward to a great season and hope to continue the team and individual success.

Nuff said...