Events
Celebrate the New Year with Tennis!
DON'T MISS EL CERRITO TENNIS CLUB'S NEW YEAR'S DAY RED EYE DROP-IN TENNIS EVENT/PARTY.
Format: Mixed, Round Robin, No need to get a partner
Cost: FREE
ECTC's Annual Meeting will follow the round robin. In the event of rain, we will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Susan Brand, 6154 Bernhard Ave., Richmond, 94805. Coffee and refreshments will be served.
Date: Sunday, January 1, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00/1:00 p.m.
Location: Arlington Park Tennis Courts (Refreshments will be provided. Please bring your own water.)
Contact Susan Brand at sbrand@brand-design.com for information.
Two Reports from US Open 2011
In the summer of 2011, the club auctioned off two pairs of US Open tickets donated by the USTA in recognition for our participation in the QuickStart program. The winners were Margo Takemiya and Lynn Tsumoto, shown below with Fred Takemiya. Here are their stories.
For a recreational player member of the USTA who plays on public courts maintained by a municipal government and our local tennis club, attending the US Open as guest in the President's Suite was an extraordinary experience. I've watched all the Grand Slams for years on TV, including the US Open when it was at Forest Hills. I had dreamed of going to one "someday," and suddenly it happened!
The President's Suite and Box afford the best seats in Arthur Ashe: baseline, first tier, all the way down to courtside. Behind you is an air-conditioned suite decorated in cool off-whites with knowledgeable, cordial concierges who offer you programs, the draw, and even seats in Louis Armstrong if there is a match there you'd like to watch. We went to Armstrong watch Sam Stosur and John Isner. The bar in the suite serves a variety of beverages, the coatroom attendant offers you a hat if you forgot yours — or just want one that says "US Open 2011" — and a formal dining room upstairs presents a fabulous buffet, if you like oysters, lobster rolls, turkey with sweet potato gravy, and the usual melon purée served in aperitif glasses. We happened to sit at the same table as the builder of Ashe Stadium who talked about its history and why it's not likely to be covered (too big and built on landfill).
I go to the BNP Paribas at Indian Wells with grounds tickets and can only say how much I truly enjoyed and appreciated all of the privileges and amenities of that very special day at the Open. Refreshing drinks and restrooms were available without having to exit the stadium, stand in long lines, and miss at least three games before being admitted back into the stadium. The seats were cushioned and offered closeup views of court action so you could see the speed and spin of the balls, footwork, and incredible shotmaking. Thank you, USTA for offering these tickets to local tennis clubs to raise funds so we members can maintain our courts and play regularly.
Let's see, which bathroom would you use? The one where you'd have to stand in the hot sun in the line out the door and around the corner of the building? With the empty towel dispenser, suspicious liquid on the floor, a crowd of sweating men shuffling toward the door?
Or the air-conditioned one with marble counters, quality towels, my choice of hand lotion, face lotion, sunscreen . . . mouthwash?
Let's see, which drink would you get? The one where you'd have to stand in line in the muggy heat for 15 minutes, pay $11, and get a small, sticky plastic cup with no napkins?
Or the one where a smiling bartender, at a marble bar in an air-conditioned lounge, hands it to you on a napkin, no charge, and by the way, your choice of fruit juices, sparkling water, red or white wine, or any cocktail whose name you could remember (or pronounce)?
Let's see, which lunch would you prefer? The one where you wait in line 10 minutes for a wilted salad on a hard, fried tortilla (you think) that cost $15, then another line to pay $11 for that sticky drink — all the while in a huge crowd, with people constantly bumping into you, stepping in front of you, around you, or on your shoes?
Or the one where you are served your choice of a dozen salads, sliders, hors-d'oeuvres, sandwiches, meats, deserts, wines, etc. — free? In an air conditioned private dining room with waiters and white tablecloths, where you could meet the builder of the stadium and grill him on "why no roof?" Where the former mayor of New York, David Dinkins, sits at the table next to yours chatting with the president of the USTA?
Let's see, where would you sit to watch tennis? On the aluminum bleachers where the seats are designed so that your knees extend beyond the shoulders of the person in front of you, who seems to be leaning backward between your legs in an odd show of (mostly unwanted and unwelcome) public intimacy? Where the seats are machined with sharp metal ribbing that cuts into your flesh?
Or the ones where you can sit behind the tennis player on the court and read the laundering instructions on the tag on his shirt? Where you can almost reach out and tap the ballboy on his head or, if you are so inclined, object to line calls by hitting the linesman with your drawsheet? Where you could have a conversation with the TV cameraman? Where you could look up — yes, up — at your 22,999 fellow spectators? All the while sipping that free glass of chilled Chardonnay?
Well, DUH!!
It was a real treat, a special opportunity, and we are now forever spoiled.
July 10 Picnic Lots of Fun
More than 40 people, several of themfirst-timers, showed up at Arlington Park for the club's annual picnic and round robin on a day when the fog that dominated the past few days decided to take a rest.
The event went smoothly except that once again the picnic area was double-booked, and we had to help the other group set up in a different area. The courts were used almost the whole time — except when players couldn't resist the food — including the two overflow courts at Cerrito Vists.
See photos at this Picasa Web Album.
Second QuickStart Season Comes to a Close
The Spring season of the QuickStart Junior Tennis program ended with a potluck and awards ceremony Sunday, May 22, at Arlington Park courts. Awards and favors were given to all the participants, who enjoyed warm sunshine and tasty finger food.
The program boasted an increase in participants and the addition of junior tennis player Liam Burmester from Berkeley High School, who assisted with the coaching at all the practices. A shout out of thanks to all the volunteer coaches: Joseph Chang, Susan Brand, Jan Bridges, April Tanalski, Clifton Bishop, Ellen DeNeef, Eileen MacDavid, and Margo Takemiya.
Look for information on the next season of junior tennis in February 2012.
Annual Mixed Tournament Another Success
On Sunday, September 19, 42 players took part in the club's annual mixed doubles tournament at Castro, Cerrito Vista, and Arlington parks. This year, the two divisions were at the 7.5 and 6.5 levels, instead of 7.0 and 6.0 as in past years.
There were a couple of minor hitches. It was raining nearby, and we had to phone some players and tell them the event was still on. And then the picnic area was double-booked, but the other party agreed to share, and we brought out extra tables, and it was fine.
Winners in the 6.5 division were Eileen McDavid and Al Shew (left). Runners-up were Lisa Schliff and Frank Salerno. In the 7.5 division, Liz Zapelac and her father Bob took top honors over Helen Bae and Joshua Breyman.
See photos at this Picasa Web Album.
Report from US Open 2010
In the summer of 2010, the club auctioned off two US Open tickets donated by the USTA in recognition for our participation in the QuickStart program. Rosalyn Moya and her niece were the winners.
What a once-in-a-lifetime experience!!! My first US Open, my first slam, and in the Presidential Suite to top it all!
To be honest, I didn't really know what the Presidential Suite entailed, so I didn't have many expectations, but it was clear that access to the Presidential Suite stood out from the rest. Seeing the thousands and thousands of eager tennis fans waiting to enter Flushing Meadows, we dreaded joining the herds of people in line. Holding on to our snail-mailed invitation from the USTA director, we asked an usher for the Presidential Suite entrance. He pointed us to a wall. Unsure and somewhat skeptical, we learned the power of the golden ticket . . . no not yet, just the envelope seemed to do the trick. Flashing the envelope to the guards, we found the express lane where we were first and last in line — next to the crowd. It felt like FasTrak at full speed during commuting hours — we didn't even have to slow to 25 mph.
After watching the smaller stands, we went through a side entrance to access the Presidential Suite. The red carpet welcomed us like celebrities, and what cost an arm and a leg out in the concession stands was given to suite guests at no extra charge: pins, hats, and the best food that's ever touched my lips in a sports arena; it probably even surpassed Yelp's 5-star restaurants. I recommend the rack of lamb and shrimp pasta. Although beware of the jacket requirement — they will make you wear one.
Finally, sitting from the sixth seat up from the tennis court wall on the deuce side, Kim Clijsters graced us with her opening match. Apparently we were so close, friends watching the US Open at home saw us. After Clisters, we saw Roddick's rocket serves from so close behind the service line that I wanted to return it myself or duck for dear life. The Presidential Suite also included an easy access OPEN bar at no extra charge, as well as ice cream on hand, which made the triple-digit skin-cancer-causing sun and sauna-quality humidity an arctic treat.
The only bad thing about the experience was that it had to end. Thank you for making this experience possible!
Nice Turnout for Annual Picnic and Round Robin July 18
Upwards of 40 players showed up for the club's annual summer event this year on a beautiful summer day. This was especially remarkable in view of the fact that two of our USTA league teams had playoff matches that day, both at Harbor Bay (the women won, the men lost). Play was followed by a nice barbecue, after which some players went back and played until 2:30 in the afternoon.
See photos at this Picasa Web Album.
First QuickStart Session Ends with Picnic
The first session of the El Cerrito Junior QuickStart league was completed with a picnic potluck and awards ceremony on Sunday, May 23. Good food was enjoyed by all as the last team matches were completed. Prizes and medals were awarded to all players. The coordinator, Margo Takemiya, promised all that the next session will have twice as many participants with the same dedicated coaches/assistant coaches who gave so much of their time and expertise. Thanks goes to all the parents who helped out as well.
We Won't Take Wet for an Answer
About a half hour before the annual New Year's Red-Eye was scheduled to begin, a brief rain shower soaked the courts. Recognizing that the courts wouldn't be dry at 9:00, the organizers declared the event canceled and moved the club's annual membership meeting to its alternate site.
Players who showed up at the courts had other ideas, though, along with an impressive supply of towels and squeegees. One court after another was dried to the point where it wasn't slippery, and play began.
The coffee, bagels, and champagne made their way from the alternate site, and soon it was like new years past. In all, a couple of dozen players participated, and play went on until after 1 p.m.
See pictures at this Picasa Web Album.
Mixed Round Robin Tournament Results
Forty-two players showed up for our annual mixed doubles tournament on on a perfect fall Sunday, September 20, 2009.
The 7.0 winners (pictured with club president Margo Takemiya) were defending champions Jan Wilkins and Dave Gerstal. Runners-up were Cathy Roberts and John Smiriga.
In the 6.0 division, the winners were Helen Bae and Jim Robinson, with second place going to the "mixed" pairing of Clif Erickson and Dave Liu (we ran out of women!).
Everyone enjoyed a leisurely barbecue lunch thanks to the Board (specifically Ellen de Neef, who coordinated).
Pictures at this Picasa Web Album.
Summer Picnic Round Robin 2009
a record number of tennis players enjoyed a great day of informal, round robin, doubles tennis on Sunday July 26. Beautiful weather, good food, and good companionship kept the courts full well into the afternoon.
Pictures at this Picasa Web Album.
Foggy New Year to Us!
Unlike some years, New Year's Day 2009 saw the courts mostly dry, needing just a little squeegeeing and toweling on the shady south side. A couple of dozen people showed up for round robin play, and with the four-game no-ad format, no one had to wait too long to play. Coffee, bagels, and champagne were on hand, but the champagne went unopened; it seems we value our coordination too much.
See photos at this Picasa Web Album.
Record Turnout for Fall Tournament
The 2008 edition of the fall mixed doubles tournament on September 14 saw a record 56 entrants in two divisions, 7.0 and 6.0. With cool weather for the tennis and sunny weather for the picnic, what could be better?
Winning, maybe. Gift certificates to Plaza Tennis were awarded to the winners and runners-up in each division. In 7.0, that was Jan Wilkins and Dave Gerstel in first and Marty Jewett and Ned Waring in second. The 6.0 division needed a 10-point tiebreak to decide the winners. In the end, Susan Jaffe and Darrell Staley prevailed over Kellie Applen and John Ranucci, a first-time team from Berkeley who found out about the tournament through this website.
See photos here — mostly of 7.0 play because that was where the camera was.
Summer Picnic Round Robin 2008 Chilly and Fun
It was late July, but no one got too warm at the club's second annual picnic and round robin. The overcast at Arlington Park had many keeping their layers close at hand.
We had a good turnout for the event, lots of food and drink, and full courts until well after the scheduled 1:30 ending time.
See photos at this Picasa web album.
ECTC Serves In the Year 2008
About 30 players turned out for mixed doubles on a dry, sunny first day of the year. Play began at 9:00 a.m., and the last point ended about 1:00 p.m. Matches consisted of four games, so no one had to wait too long to play again. Pairings were done by where your racket came up in the line on the fence. This was just informal play: there were no champions (or was it that everyone was a winner?).
Thanks to everyone who showed up and to Jan for the bagels and pastries and Darrell for the coffee.
Check out the pictures at this Picasa web album!
Fall Mixed Tournament a Success!!
The 2007 annual Mixed Doubles Tournament was a rousing success with approximately 44 participants. Everyone enjoyed many rounds of good competitive tennis. At the end there was even a playoff between the top two 7.0 teams, Jean-Manuel Izaret and Anne Lohier vs. Kora Cypress and Eddy Quijada. The winner was Jean-Manuel and Anne; second place went to Kora and Eddy. The winners of the 6.0 section were Clif and Bonnie; second place went to Debra and Rajive.
A delicious barbecue lunch was coordinated by Susan Brand as well as great breakfast goodies provided by Jan Wilkins!
Thank you all for participating. See photos here.
The ECTC 1st Annual Summer Picnic Round Robin
The El Cerrito Tennis Club sponsored a fun event Sunday July 8, 2007, 10:30 – 1:00 at Arlington Park. A great time was had by all who attended our 1st Annual Picnic. Sorry to say, our intrepid photographer got so excited about playing tennis the camera was totally forgotten.
Thank you one and all for attending and having a great time!