Good start...

 

Our spring trip, and I use the term "spring" loosely,  not that it is actually spring even in Florida, has started pretty well with two wins.  Temps struggled to get out of the 40's for the first few days in the sunshine state but at least there was indeed some sunshine to go with the cold, windy days. 

We were able to sneak out a win at Embry-Riddle Monday, the NAIA's #1 ranked team.  This is always a difficult match being our first day out of doors playing tennis.  In addition, ERAU always has a great team with players that are willing to do the work up and down the lineup.  I was pleased with most of the play as I really just was looking for the team to compete well, win or lose.  Well, I wanted to win too...We always seem to get exactly what we are looking for in the ERAU match.  It is always competitive, the conditions are fairly tough, and ERAU always fights for every point which makes us do the work so as to prepare for the matches to come.  I am so thankful that we are able to play this match and always enjoy chats with Coach Paschal who is a good guy and a great coach.

Our second match of the trip was a good one.  With a quick turn around time wise, as we returned to the condos after 9pm Monday night, we played and defeated Augusta State, the 9th ranked team in NCAA D2.  It was nice to be able to play this match close to "home" here at Flagler College and early in the day at 9:30am so as to have some free afternoon time.  

Wednesday was a day off so to speak although we did spend some time on the practice courts to get better.  I hope that we did and continue to do so.  I did a little sight seeing with Andrey as we headed over to the St. Augustine lighthouse and took some photos and got a nice history lesson.  We ended the day with a team dinner cooked up by Chef Tarangioli.  Delicious baked ziti with garlic bread was served and we are all certainly carbo-loaded for the near future for sure. 

Up early today with a visit to the complex gym.  Workout creativity reigns supreme as there is not a lot of equipment to work with.   That being said, I give a shout out to all the old timers that are there and putting in the time.  I like being called "young fella" as well.  I did break down and make a purchase at GNC as I really needed a protein fix.  I hate to support this overpriced retail organization but I had no choice.  GNC SUCKS!

We will head over to Flagler, who is #33 in D2, for a 2:30pm match.  We have a lengthy history with Flagler which began with only losses.  However, in recent years, we have come out of my favorite place in D2 tennis with wins.  I have pretty much made it known that I will be the next coach at Flagler if they will have me.

Friday we will be taking on Armstrong Atlantic, the #1 ranked team in D2.  This is a great challenge as, in my opinion, this is the best program in the country.  I always look forward to playing this team as, for me, they are the standard and the measuring stick.  These guys just flat out do it better than I do and I really want to get into their class.  It is difficult to be on that level this early in the season, but I really like my team and will certainly learn things from this match.

I will be back later and hope to have good news for you.

He's coming...

Nuff said...

A bit chili...

 

We have been greeted not so warmly here in the sunshine state.  It seemed a little odd to head off to our first practice in the out of doors with temperatures in the low 50's.  In addition, much like New York, it was also quite windy.  However, this mattered not to the players who were ready, willing and able. 

I often say that some things are worse for the coaches.  This is one of those things.  For me, it would have been much better to play rather than to watch.  The players had little trouble adjusting to the conditions which is a terrific indication of what I hope is to come.  To look so sharp after a long day of travel and in the weather elements is a credit to the mental toughness of the players and shows me that they are ready to compete.  I know that this team as a whole feels the lack of respect from the ranking chair and committee and has a mission to prove it's case.

We were able to grab a decent meal at Outback and get some grocery shopping done before retiring to our condos.  We certainly need a good night's rest which would have come earlier if not for Benas Majauskas' "extreme energy" and subsequent need to order everything on the menu.  It seems as though Sunday will be slightly more favorable for tennis and we have two practice sessions planned.  We will travel to Daytona Beach to play Embry Riddle on Monday.  We always like to start the trip with an NAIA opponent as preparation for the NCAA matches.  ERAU is always a strong and well coached squad and this year is no different as they are ranked #1 by the NAIA.

In any case, I must now go on a quest to find a GNC type store to get some protein.  I really hope I can avoid GNC (because it sucks) and it's absurdly high prices as perhaps there is another option here by the beach mall.  Then off to the gym.

Check in with you later.

Nuff said...

Flying Jason Quintana...

Wake Up Little Neily...

Good morning all...

Well I am happy to report that I avoided the CiCi's Pizza fiasco. Most of the boys, including the man with which I am sharing living quarters, including the restroom, attended the low quality pizza mania. However, I enjoyed a nice salad and a bowl of butternut squash soup at Crispers, a Panera Bread knockoff. Very tasty actually but a but expensive.

In any case, back to the condo for a nice shower, which was quite welcomed as there was a water main break which left us without water in the units until 7:30pm. I might add that we had practice until 6:30pm and some of these fellas are a little spicy to begin with.

The couch was a little uncomfortable as I kept falling between the mattress and couch. Up early and went to kill it at the well stocked gym at the complex. Met some nice folks and enjoyed being called the young fella. Wish I hadn't told the truth when they asked me what I did for a living as I ended up answering question after question about their ailments. It's all good, happy to help actually.

Still waiting for good old coach Neil to wake up from a well deserved sleep. I am sure he was exhausted from the trip and the ill advised 1.5 hour hot tub soak last night. The condo complex has instituted a "last call" at 11pm just for folks like Coach Neil.

We will have double session practice today and hope that the weather holds up for us. Every minute we get to hit some balls in the out of doors conditions will only help us in the matches to come.

That's all for now. I am going to wake up the bear from his cave and get some food.

Nuff said...

Return to Ocean Gallery

We have made our safe arrival to St. Augustine, FL and things look pretty much the same. We are here a day earlier than normal this year as our first match is Sunday vs. Embry Riddle.

We have a party of 12 this year as the roster is an even ten with the two coaches. As a result, we have three condos rather than two. However, we do not get the third until tomorrow. As a result, close quarters tonight for the fellas.

We will take a couple of hours to relax from the long trip and early rise. I will make my claim to the pull-out couch and let old man take the bedroom. We shall see how my back holds up on that center bar. Practice is set for 4pm. It will be our first opportunity to get accustomed the conditions. I fully expect some early difficulty but have every confidence that the team will ready themselves quickly for the tough competition to come.

I have brought the sticks with me and expect to hit a few balls in the 85 degree temps. Alert Flagler Hospital...I might be back.

Catch you all up soon.

Nuff said...

Counting Down...

This is the final week of preparation prior to the "real" beginning of the season. We will travel to Florida on Friday to our friendly confines at Ocean Gallery in St. Augustine. It will be very difficult to reproduce the success of last season's undefeated spring trip as the schedule is a little tougher and our team is somewhat less experienced.

Even with the warmer winter in NY, we have not yet been able to practice out of doors to get acclimated to the conditions. However, regardless of how we do, we will gain match experience and hopefully continue to bond as a team.

I am excited to see how the players respond and preform versus some of the top competition in the country. We are a very young team this year so the most important thing at this point is simply to improve every time we take to the courts. I am pretty confident that we will be there in the end once again this year but the the road traveled will most probably be a little different.

As I mentioned in the season preview on the college's web page, our freshmen will determine how far we go this year. They have progressed quite a bit since the fall and continue to work hard to get themselves where we need them to be in order for us to be successful. It seems as though the team as a whole is starting to grasp the coaching philosophy...finally. Thankfully, Coach Neil bought me an electronic megaphone for Christmas which has certainly come in handy.

Nuff said...

Let The Matches Begin...

Morning greetings and blessings to all out there in Clipperland...

With all due respect to our friends at STAC and FDU, today feels like opening day. Of course, we have these two matches under our belt, but today, the first of our Florida matches will be played at ERAU (#3 NAIA) with a 3:30 pm start time. Embry Riddle is always a tough opponent. In fact, last year was the first time in our history that we were able to drive home from Daytona Beach with a win, which if you recall, prompted coach T. to essentially shave his head.

Good fortune is with us as the weather is quite a bit better than expected. The folks at the weather center predicted showers overnight and into this morning but so far, not a drop and the sky is clearing as I type. It is a little cooler however and we always expect wind in Daytona.

In other news, the team, for some reason that I will never understand, wanted to go back to CiCi's Pizza again last night. As we have two mini-vans, I had to go as well to transport the fellas. However, there was no way that I would step foot into that place ever again. As a result, it was dinner for two over at Sonic with Andrey. Nothing against CiCi, but honestly, the food is terrible and I see no real need to shovel piece after piece of processed crap down into my digestive system. Certainly not a surprise to me that there was the remnants of vomit in the parking lot most likely from some recent CiCi patron.


Follow me on twitter for match updates. Wish us luck and stay tuned.

Nuff said...

Monday, Monday...

Good morning folks. Yes, normally Monday morning is a time to be a bit sluggish as one starts the work week. Well, not this week. 80 degrees and sunny and ready to hit the courts for another practice.

As usual, in condo VDL 1/7 we have a tale of two coaches. Yours truly up early and to the gym followed by a blog update for your benefit, and now ready to make a coaches breakfast. The old coach, Coach Tarangioli, still asleep. I am willing to cut him a little slack as he is still recovering from a bad cold, which has prompted the ever so kind act of my keeping the air conditioner fixed to above 65 degrees in the condo. By this time, I would have that thermostat hovering around 58 degrees, but hey, even I have a heart.

We have a 10am practice and then hopefully some time to relax at the pool or beach...perhaps some sight-seeing in town. I have been coming here since 1987, with some gaps, and have continued my Ponce de Leon-esque search for the famed fountain of youth, but have yet to be successful. We will hit the courts for a second practice in the afternoon sun, which will be our final practice before match play.

Today I will institute a strict sunscreen rule. Many players did not use the good judgement with respect to sunscreen application and have come away looking the color of last night's lobster at the South Beach Grill.

Ok, I must now wake up Coach T. Time to make the donuts.

Nuff said...

Let's Get It Started...

Good morning Clippernation!

A long day! Up at 5am. To JFK. 8:15am to JAX International. Safe arrival at JAX. One plus hour drive to St. Augustine and Ocean Gallery. Unpack. Hit the courts for a 2 hour practice. Shower (I hope the whole team had a shower). Off to CiCi's Pizza (which I will never, ever do again). Winn Dixie for grocery shopping...yes I still have my Winn Dixie card. A little television and sleep...sleep...and some more sleep. A heck of a day indeed.

I must say that we did look pretty good out there for our first outdoor practice of the year. Of course, there are many things to adjust to including the sun, wind, temperature and the passing by of young coeds. All can distract the college tennis player. However, for the most part, we were unfazed. Now I am not going to tell you that we looked as good as we do indoors in the perfect conditions of tennis, but for the most part, not too shabby. Always a good thing when I don't witness the cursing or the racquet throwing.


In any case, after a nice night of sleep, I woke of and visited the resort gym. Certainly not going to be mistaken for Phoenix Fitness back in NY, but enough to get the job done. Today is another day of tennis and preparation on the courts. We will have two sessions today at 12 noon and again in the evening. It is a nice advantage this year to have an extra day to prepare for our first match. In addition, we have scheduled a bit wiser and have our important matches at the end of the week.

Well I am off to get the coffee for Coach T. and then to the courts. After practice I hope to take a jaunt to the beach and soak up some rays. I may even retrieve my skim board this year and have a go at it. I will be sure to alert the Flagler Hospital ER just in case. I am sure that they remember me there as I think I have an outstanding bill.

Have a great day.

Nuff said...

So Long Winter Weather...

Well after flirting with spring, 65 degree temperatures and some possible outdoor tennis, which sadly did not come to pass, we are finally off to Florida for our annual spring trip. For sure, we will have some warmer pastures in the near future that accommodate outdoor play, not to mention the resort jacuzzi.

We will leave early for the airport tomorrow morning and barring any NY air traffic quagmire, should arrive in St. Augustine, FL, via JAX (Jacksonville airport) just after lunch time.

Generally, we get settled and relax for a tad and then right to the courts, which are indeed located on the grounds of Ocean Gallery, where we are staying. It is always a stiff challenge to get acclimated to the outdoor tennis conditions that most Clipper fans know are quite a bit different from the perfect conditions of our indoor facilities. However, I believe that our players will be up to the challenge and actually thrive in the presence of the slower game that requires a bit more patience. As we all know, we will need to do just that in order to reach our goals and defeat some of the division's (NCAA II/NAIA) best teams while here.

Spring Trip Matches:
Tuesday 3/1 at Embry Riddle @ 3:30pm (#3 NAIA)
Wednesday 3/2 at Flagler College @ 2:30pm (#17 NCAA II)Thursday 3/3 at Rollins College @ 2:00pm (#6 NCAA II)Friday 3/4 vs. Barry University @ Flagler College @ 12noon (#1 NCAA II)

We would all definitely appreciate your well-wishes, support and prayers as we embark on our tennis journey. We have a unique opportunity to do something very special and can also establish ourselves as a top 5 NCAA II team and a threat to capture the NCAA II National Championship in May.

I will have my trusty notebook computer and flip video camera and will thus keep you apprised of our happenings throughout the trip. Stay tuned.

Nuff said...

Off with his hair...

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Concordia (N.Y.) men’s tennis team earned its first ever win against Embry-Riddle edging the Eagles 5-4 on Thursday at the Crotty Tennis Complex. The Clippers, ranked ninth in NCAA II, improved their overall record to 3-2, while the fourth-ranked Eagles move to 6-2 on the year.

Wins at No.1 and No. 3 doubles gave the Clippers a 2-0 edge as Alex Grubin and Andrey Boldarev topped Jan Hoekzema and Alexis Huegas 8-4 and Tamas Dobrotka and Andreas Lindell bested Charlie Rice and Luke Maricic 8-3. The Eagles got a point back when Peter Francis and Istvan Bolgar rallied for an 8-6 win over Raphael Namias and Felix Missal at the second doubles spot. Zander Woodford-Smith quickly tied things up with a 6-0, 6-1 decision over Lindell at No. 6 and Rice’s 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Missal at No. 4 put the Eagles ahead 3-2. Dobrotka pulled the Clippers level again with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Bolgar at the fifth spot. The remaining three matches on the court all needed three sets to determine the outcome. After dropping the first set 6-3, Francis rallied to take the second set 6-1 but was unable to hold off Namias who took the third set 6-4. At No. 2 singles, Huegas won his first set 6-4, but a third set was forced when Boldarev grabbed the second 6-3. Huegas fell behind 5-2 in the third set but won the next two games to make the score 5-4. Boldarev managed to hold serve in the next game to score the clincher with a 6-4 win. #1 singles was decided in a match tie-breaker with Jan Hoekzema defeating Alex Grubin 6-4, 3-6, 1-0 (10-6).

This wraps up the spring trip on a positive note upsetting the good folks at Dell who were hoping for an order from yours truly for a new laptop. In other news, Coach Tarangioli vowed to shave his head given a win over Embry Riddle. I certainly look forward to him keeping his word and also the shine off his head in the Florida sun at the beach tomorrow on our day off. Luckily for me, I never make such promises. Well, to tell you the truth, considering the quagmire that Coach Neil calls a hairstyle, maybe this new look will be a good thing.

We will head back to New York 3/6/10 where we will have a short break until the conference schedule begins. I hope for an early spring and some nice warm weather. As always, be well everyone. Take one last look of Coach Neil with hair.

Nuff said...

My laptop survives another day...

The Clippers got into the spring trip win column by beating up on #16 Flagler College 8-1 Wednesday. Finally, the good tennis showed itself and the fellas produced results that we have all been expecting. Flagler had been red hot, making a huge jump in the recent NCAA II rankings.

Singles:

1. #6 David Cotrone (FCM) def. #2 GRUBIN, Alex (CNYMT910) 2-6, 7-5, 1-0 (10-8)
2. #3 BOLDAREV, Andrey (CNYMT910) def. Gino Ramirez (FCM) 6-3, 6-0
3. NAMIAS, Raphael (CNYMT910) def. Harry Snoxell (FCM) 6-4, 6-1
4. DOBROTKA, Tamas (CNYMT910) def. Peter Coulis (FCM) 6-2, 6-3
5. MISSAL, Felix (CNYMT910) def. Tim Hansson (FCM) 6-2, 6-3
6. LINDELL, Andreas (CNYMT910) def. Mason Addison (FCM) 6-2, 6-0

Doubles:

1. #1 GRUBIN, Alex/BOLDAREV, Andrey (CNYMT910) def. David Cotrone/Gino Ramirez (FCM) 8-5
2. LINDELL, Andreas/DOBROTKA, Tamas (CNYMT910) def. Harry Snoxell/Tim Hansson (FCM) 8-6
3. NAMIAS, Raphael/MISSAL, Felix (CNYMT910) def. Stephen Coulis/Mason Addison (FCM) 8-3

The Clippers will head down to Daytona Beach, not for spring break but to play Embry Riddle University Thursday, 3/4/10 at 3:30pm. The Clippers have never beaten the Eagles yet hope to end the spring trip on a positive note.

Nuff said...

Things can only get better...

Well, it was another tough day for the Clippers as we lost today to the #1 team in the country Armstrong Atlantic State University 7-2.

Singles:

1. #2 GRUBIN, Alex (CNY) def. #7 Mikk Irdoja (AASU) 6-2, 1-6, 10-5
2. Eudaldo Bonet (AASU) def. #3 BOLDAREV, Andrey (CNY) 6-1, 2-6, 6-1
3. #5 Rafael Array (AASU) def. NAMIAS, Raphael (CNY) 6-0, 6-1
4. Matus Mydla (AASU) def. DOBROTKA, Tamas (CNY) 6-0, 6-1
5. Daniel Regan (AASU) def. LINDELL, Andreas (CNY) 6-3, 6-0
6. #38 Paul Fitzgerald (AASU) def. MISSAL, Felix (CNY) 6-1, 6-3

Doubles:

1. #1 BOLDAREV, Andrey/GRUBIN, Alex (CNY) def. #4 Rafael Array/Mikk Irdoja (AASU) 8-6
2. Matus Mydla/Daniel Regan (AASU) def. DOBROTKA, Tamas/LINDELL, Andreas (CNY) 8-4
3. Eudaldo Bonet/Paul Fitzgerald (AASU) def. NAMIAS, Raphael/MISSAL, Felix (CNY) 8-0

The Clippers will play local Flagler College tomorrow at 2:30pm. The Saints are ranked #16 in the NCAA II. I hope I have better news for you all next time or my laptop may go flying off my balcony into the pool...

Nuff said...

Tough start...

Spring break got off to a rough start today as the Clippers lost to #2 Barry University today 8-1. Conditions could not have been better as God blessed us with a beautiful day, 72 degrees and sunny. However, moving from indoor play to outdoor play proved to be difficult for the fellas. Of course, not to forget that today’s opponent was extremely tough and came to win.

Doubles:

#1 Emanuel Fraitzl / Max Wimmer BU def. Grubin / Boldarev CC 8-5
#2 Ales Svigelj / Andrew Sharnov BU def. Missal / Namias CC 8-2
#3 Marko Mokrzycki / Sergio Velez BU def. Lindell / Dobrotka CC 8-6

Singles:

#1 Mokrzycki BU def. Grubin CC 6-2, 6-4
#2 Svigelj BU def. Boldarev CC 6-2, 7-5
#3 Fraitzl BU def. Namias CC 6-4, 6-7 (7-3) 1-0 (11-9)
#4 Wimmer BU def. Dobrotka CC 7-6 (8-6), 6-3
#5 Sharnov BU def. Missal CC 6-1, 4-6, 6-1
#6 Lindell CC def. Velez BU 6-7 (7-3), 7-5, 1-0 (10-8)

Things do not get any easier for the Clippers tomorrow as they will travel to a neutral site on the campus of the University of North Florida to play the #1 team in the NCAA II and two-time defending national champion Armstrong Atlantic State University. First serve is scheduled for 2pm weather permitting. We certainly hope for a better result to share tomorrow.

Nuff said...

Ocean Gallery or Bust...

If you believe in the power of prayer, put you hands together as the team is scheduled to fly to Florida tomorrow 2/27 at 8am. A quick check of the weather in Saint Augustine, FL reveals temps only in the high 50's and low 60's, which is below normal for this time of the year. However, I can't complain as I would rather swing a tennis racquet and not a snow shovel.

I can only hope that the good folks at Jet Blue will have the ability to get us on a plane and in the air to our destination. With any good fortune, I will be in the jacuzzi at this time tomorrow. Woo hoo.

Nuff said...

Spring trip finalized...

The schedule for the annual spring trip to Florida has been finalized and is brimming with opportunity for the 2010 Clipper tennismen. The team will fly to Jacksonville, FL Saturday, February 27th and head to Saint Augustine, FL and a the familiar confines of the Ocean Gallery Beach Resort (pictured below). After a few days of practice in the out-of-doors and adjusting to the warmer temperatures, sun and wind, the Clippers will open up against the Bucs of Barry University on Monday, March 1st on the campus of Rollins College, a neutral site. The match is scheduled for 10:30am. Barry, currently ranked #2 in the ITA/NCAA II National poll, eliminated the Clippers in last season's National Semi-final.

Next up will be a shot at Armstrong Atlantic State University, the current #1 ranked team in the NCAA II and two-time defending National Champions. The match is scheduled to be played on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL on Tuesday, March 2nd at 3pm.

The Clippers will stay in Saint Augustine to play the Saints of Flagler College Wednesday, March 3rd at 2:30pm. The Saints are currently ranked #34 in the NCAA II.

The final match is scheduled for Thursday, March 4th versus Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Dayton Beach, FL. The Clippers will be looking to beat the 2nd ranked Eagles (NAIA) for the first time in their history.

Clearly, any win will be a good win for the 9th ranked Clippers, especially an upset over either of the top two ranked programs in the NCAA II.

Nuff said...