Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

I am so very pleased to wish you all Season's Greetings.  This is always a wonderful time of the year.  I love the Christmas Spirit and it's true meaning.  I am not sure I like the cold temperatures but something about a "White Christmas"; the possibility of snow in the forecast warms the heart.

Bronxville, NY is such a beautiful small town.  How wonderful to take a walk or short drive about the surroundings of the college to see the Christmas Spirit alive and well.  Houses decorated in such a way that the night is lit up without the need for street lights.  Also, the sounds of church bells ringing and voices singing Christmas Carols in the distance.  Fantastic.

I am glad that the players had the opportunity to travel to destinations full of family or have family visit here in New York.  I certainly hope that everyone is enjoying their time with their families as, at the end of the day, family is what really especially matters at this time of the year.

I hope that all of my loyal readers worldwide have a Merry Christmas and enjoy everything that the season offers.  I look forward to seeing many of you again soon.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Nuff said...

Selecting a Uniform...

We are undertaking the arduous task of selecting uniforms for the upcoming season.  We always ask the team for suggestions and their opinions concerning this as they are the ones wearing them and they must be comfortable.  Naturally, we would like to look mighty sharp while representing the college.  Below is a possible combination. 

 

 Nuff said...

Take Your Pick...

Or just maybe it is this one below?

Nuff said...

A Time For Prayer...

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night and give your angels charge over those who sleep.  Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and for all your love's sake.

- George Baum

Amen

It's the end of the semester as we know it...(click the title)

End of the semester greetings everyone!!!

No more homework, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks.  Players have survived 12/12/12, have taken their finals and many have already boarded planes headed home for the holidays. 

This is always a bit of a tough time for a coach.  Even though one gets a little break from the teams and subsequent practices, matches, strength and conditioning sessions and so on, there is also a downside.  I guess I am always a little concerned about this month off.  I am keenly aware that for us to be successful in May, we must continue with our preparation.  This is not always easy as the players must do this on their own mostly.  There are certainly the temptations to relax more than usual and to avoid tennis and conditioning in favor of reconnecting with friends and family.  As fortune would have it, the players have received a reasonable conditioning packet for the break which will not only keep them in shape but will also enhance their fitness levels and ensure that we hit the ground running in January upon our return to the courts.  I know that the team desires to be special this year and I am therefore certain that all will judiciously follow the program.  I have this trust.  We are a players first program and that must also mean that the players want to win and are willing to do the work. 

I too will be preparing.  I celebrated just a little too much this past Thanksgiving and have grown larger.  The team will see a new and improved Coach when they return for the spring semester.  You have my word.  Now, I am not saying that I will be joining them for the plyos but I will be fitting into my uniform for sure.  I guarantee it.

I wish everyone safe travels.

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Christmas Season Tennis...

Final Exam Week...

Well it's that time of the semester.  The end of the term is near and that means final exams.  As frequent readers know, we are very proud of our academics here in Clipperville.  I pretty much take any opportunity to boast about last year's ITA All-Academic team status achieved by both squads and having seven ITA Scholar Athletes.

With that being said, please join me in wishing all of our fine student athletes good luck as they take their exams.  We hope to make being recognized for strong academic performance a tradition here with Concordia Tennis.

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Former Clipper Cristiano Borrelli '04 (right) and girlfriend Sonaira (left) with Roger...

The End...

Well folks, that's all she wrote for the fall semester as far as tennis is concerned.  According to NCAA legislation, Rule 17.1.6.2.5 in case you were wondering, just a small paragraph of the ridiculously cumbersome and over-bearing 358 page finely printed 2012-2013 NCAA manual, countable athletically related activity (CARA) must cease after 11/30/12, yesterday.  Essentially, the NCAA decrees that no supervised athletic activities in our sport may take place from one week prior to our final exam period through the end of the semester.

Of course, it is becoming increasingly difficult to remember my college days but as I recall, I was a pretty decent student.  I approached my studies, and especially final exams, seriously.  Further, we expect our student athletes to succeed in the classroom as demonstrated in both teams achieving ITA All Academic status last season.  However, I am pretty certain that I did not completely cease all other activity so as to prepare.  In fact, I thought is was important to continue with my conditioning and/or athletics to clear my mind and to relieve any stress that may have accumulated.  Well, sadly, the NCAA feels that 6 weekly hours of plyometric conditioning out of 168 total hours in the week is unreasonable and far too taxing.  Oh well...

That being said, our conditioning segment was quite successful as the players have performed well and have shown  measurable increases.  The team surely understands that their fitness is, and will be, vital next semester.  We will play top competition and need to be ready physically, mentally and emotionally for the grind which hopefully culminates in Surprise, Arizona and near 100 F degree temperatures.  We are still learning and thankfully it is only December.  I like my team this year and think we have a chance to be special in May if we prepare properly.  

Some of the key notions that have been stressed:

• the importance of playing every point hard / not taking points off
• closing time / finishing strong
• never quitting 
• playing for each other and being an unselfish teammate 

A special shout out to Clipper alum Doug O'Connell '89.  My good friend and former teammate has challenged himself to train side-by-side with the fellas and has represented the 45 and overs well.  It has been a pleasure to have him with us and he has added something special to the sessions.  The team looks forward to having Doug involved in the spring.  I think they especially like hearing some of the old stories of my playing days including my always respectful behavior and interactions with the coach...

Other notes:

• I received a call from former Clipper Henning Ruenz this week.  Henning is back in Germany and currently working for Volkswagen.  He sends his regards to everyone and looks forward to returning to campus in the near future.

• The team looks forward to the arrival of 2 players next semester.  More on that to come later...

• Our women's team will also have some key additions.  Announcements forthcoming.  I have had so much fun coaching on the women's side and look forward to advancing our ranking.

Well, that's all for now Clipper-nation.  Check back frequently for updates and by all means join this site as a follower for improved access.  

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Pain...

There are two types of pain in this world...

Pain that hurts you

and

Pain that changes you...

Nuff said...

Getting Some Help???

If you should have some free time on your hands check out this blog (Tennis has a steroid problem).  What do you think?  Does tennis have a steroid problem?

Nuff said...

Happy Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving greetings to all of you! 

I am traveling this year and my good spirits (referring to my mood and not alcoholic beverages...well actually both) have come with me.  I know for certain that my zest for food has done so as well. 

It looks to be a brilliant weather day here in the Northeastern/Mid-Atlantic states, a perfect day for a morning Turkey Bowl.  I do not expect to lace up my retired cleats nor don my weathered receiver gloves this year as more of my efforts will be spent nestled up to the dinner table. 

I do miss the Thanksgiving morning football game with old friends which was always slated to begin "sharply" at 10:00AM.  This starting time proved over and over to be quite ambitious as Thanksgiving Eve in Bronxville was, and probably still is, the grandest, how do I say, "go-out" night of the year.  Not at all conducive to an early out of bed scenario followed by plenty of athletic movements and half-hearted sprints.  Who knows though, the team has recently become quite fond of "American Football" and begin each practice warming up with something that very slightly resembles the sport.  Thus, for me, there may be a return to the gridiron forthcoming.  Maybe I should even wait by the phone for a call from the Jets coach Rex Ryan (speaking of big eaters) to suit up...

In any case, I hope that all of you celebrating the day have a wonderful feast of fellowship.  Thanksgiving truly is one of my favorite days of the year. 

Be well everybody.

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Fall Rankings Released...

The fall/preseason rankings have been released by the ITA and your Clipper (Men) have been placed placed at #14 Nationally and #1 in the East Region.  For a complete list of the national rankings click here. 

We will certainly be looking to make a homecoming to the top few teams in the country with the return of Andrey Boldarev and the addition of Illinois State University transfer Juuso Ojanen.  Andrey returns in top form and is eager to compete with the nation's elite players whereas Juuso has made an immediate splash by defeating Andrey at this year's ITA regional in September.

The Eastern rankings feature eight Clipper netmen including the top seven and also Ricardo Frey at #18.  It is quite an honor and achievement to have our full roster appear in the rankings and we will be working hard to stay there if not improve our position.  For a complete look at the eastern rankings click here.

The team has dedicated itself to a very disciplined approach going into the off season and leading up to the spring semester.  They are pushing harder than ever with their training and it is already paying dividends.  With this year's National Championships being held in Arizona, where the average temperature is scheduled to be in the high 90's F, player fitness will definitely be an issue and we will not accept conditioning as an excuse for poor performance if we are fortunate enough to qualify.

Check back soon for the release of the spring schedule.  We will continue to travel as much as possible to compete versus the top teams in the country including #1 Armstrong Atlantic State and #2 West Florida.

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