
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Midwest Annual Meeting and Gala

Congratulations to the 2009 Board of Directors
Congratulations to all.
President Ruth Smith, Alden
1st Vice President Don Newport, Alpena
2nd Vice President Paul Wieland, Traverse City
3rd Vice President Wendy Reeve, Harbor Springs
Treasurer Dick Ruemenapp, Petoskey
Secretary Rochelle Cotey, Munising
Past President Mary Sivula, Petoskey
Directors
Harold Calton, Manistee
Vickie Lampel, Alpena
Jennifer Gerling, Alpena
Pat Blewett, Ishpeming
Thank you to Marilynn Smith, Tom Van Deinse, Chris Michalowski, Ed Watson, Bryn Lynch and Denise Bickel for their enthusiastic support of the Board in years past. It is your spirit of volunteerism that is passed on to our new Board
Margaret Ruemenapp: Executive Director
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Northern Michigan Winners 2008



Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Northern MI Tennis Association Annual Meeting
The NMTA Annual Meeting will be held following the Awards Luncheon
Please come and sit in on the NMTA Annual Meeting.
Voting members like to have the input of the tennis community when making decisions about the direction of tennis in our Northern MI District.
Please plan to attend or send input on what changes you would like to see in tennis to benefit the growth of this great sport !
Input to:
Margaret Ruemenapp, NMTA Executive Director
231-347-6312
northerntennis@sbcglobal.net
2008 Northern MI Tennis Association Awards Luncheon
It's waaaaay more fun if people are there to support these worthy award winners.
Sunday, Nov.16th, 2008 Northern MI Tennis Association Awards Luncheon:
Stafford's Bay View Inn, US 31 in Petoskey,
Please RSVP to Margaret Ruemenapp:
phone / 231-347-6312
email / northerntennis@sbcglobal.net
Gather at 1 pm
Lunch at 1:30 pm - $15.00
Cake and Awards at the conclusion of lunch.
Nominations for the 2008 Northern MI Tennis Association Awards..........
Each year our Northern Michigan Tennis Association nominates 2 individuals, 1 family, and 2 juniors (one each male and female high school seniors) for an award in our District. This year is no exception.
Chair of the Awards Committee is Bryn Lynch and nominations should be returned to her at
Ms. Bryn Lynch
1220 Peninsula Court
Traverse City, MI 49686
bremal25@hotmail.com
Nominations will be accepted for :
The Phyllis Laurila Award: Awarded to the individual who has contributed to the development of tennis programs from the grass roots level up for five years or more
The Volunteer of the Year Award: Awarded to the individual who has given willingly of their time to support and promote the game of tennis in the Northern Michigan District.
Family of the Year Award: Presented to the family in the Northern Michigan District who has at least one adult and one junior member who are actively involved in playing/promoting tennis in our District.
Junior Female Sportsmanship Award: Awarded to the 18 and under age division female player from NMTA who demonstrates the highest standard of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship, appearance and amateurism.
Junior Male Sportsmanship Award: Awarded to the 18 and under age division male players from NMTA who demonstrates the highest standard of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship, appearance and amateurism.
We ask that you submit your nominee(s) in writing and return to Bryn Lynch by October 15, 2008. Thank you.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Mixed Doubles State Championships
Northern Michigan's 7.0 team involved Paul Wieland (captain), Mark Fischer, Kirsten Pappas, Katie Lowran, Sandra Johnson, Gay Soupiset, Eric Bergsma and Mike Rubino. Our 8.0 team consisted of Dree Lo, Tina Blackman, Pam Osterlund, Brian Phillips, Denny Green (captain) and Patrick O'Neill.
Western Michigan was the star of the show taking all 4 titles for the State and moving on to the Sectional tournament in Indianapolis this coming weekend.
The district thanks the Board of Directors, League Committee, District League Coordinator and the staff and Friends of Thunder Bay in Alpena for a job well done. You were gracious hosts in your National Award winning club . We wish Western Michigan well in their competition this weekend and eagerly look forward to Tri-Level in October - it is such great fun !!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
USTA Tri-Level League
- Mens & Ladies - 3.0 / 3.5 / 4.0
- Mens & Ladies - 3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5
Requirements:
- Play occurs at three consecutive NTRP Levels per team match
- Players must be USTA Members with an NTRP rating or computer self-rating
- Players must be at least 19 years of age
Contact Nancy Butson at (231) 264-5469 or nmtanancy@charter.net to request a team number. Deadline to request a team number is September 29, 2008. Once a team number has been received, you must have your team members register online at Tennislink http://tennislink.usta.com/leagues/
Deadline for team members to register is October 7, 2008.
Grand Traverse Resort has offered a special $79 room rate for this event. Please mention Group Code NMTA08 when making your reservation.
If you have any questions, or require more information, please contact Nancy Butson at (231) 264-5469 or Paul Wieland at nmtawieland@gmail.com
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dear Northern MI District tennis players... I thought I would share an email from Peg Hanna (USTA Midwest Section - USTA League Coordinator) regarding the qualifiers for this years USTA League National Championships. Its time to start thinking about your 2009 teams!
NOTE: The 2.5 Men from Central Indiana have an automatic berth in the National Championships because there was NO OTHER COMPETITORS! If you know any beginner (2.5 level) players who might be interested in playing competitively, please have them contact me asap. I would be happy to educate them on the process of organizing and coaching a team.
Paul WielandNMTAWieland@gmail.com
Good Morning:
We could not have been blessed with glorious summer weekend that was the best in the past 9 years that I have been doing the USTA League program. A very special thanks goes out to the following Midwest Staff and Midwest Volunteers who helped me run a near perfect championship. Those people are Joyce Engle, Deb Thallman, John Ryan, Karen Birch, Jan Orban, Linda Spann, Diane Ansay, Mary Pat Kalbas, John Kolner, Mike Puck (outstanding job on the signs and banners) Kathy Dalla Costa, Katie Waggoner, Jen Conley, Karen Sefton and Nick Werth.
The winning teams are:
2.5 Women Northwestern Ohio Captained by Laura Barned Toledo
3.0 Women Chicago Captained by Lisa Aronson Chicago Suburbs
3.5 Women Northern Indiana Captained by Dawn White Fort Wayne
4.0 Women Wisconsin Captained by Kelly Lagman Madison
4.5 Women Southeastern MI Captained by Loraine Black Detroit Suburbs
5.0 Women Ohio Valley Captained by Brandi Schuermann Cincinnati Suburbs
3.0 Men Central Indiana Captained by Bill Bane Indianapolis
3.5 Men Chicago Captained by Chris Springer Chicago Suburbs
4.0 Men Southeastern MI Captained by Joe Pantaleo Detroit Suburbs
4.5 Men Middle Illinois Captained by Matt Morkin Bloomington Suburbs
5.0 Men Wisconsin Captained by Scott Ansay Milwaukee Suburbs
Going Straight to National with no Sectional Championship
2.5 Men Central Indiana Captained by Bill Bane Indianapolis
5.5 Men Northeastern OH Captained by Steve Kuri Cleveland Suburbs
Open Men Southeastern MI Captained by Dan Goldberg Ann Arbor
Hope you are enjoying your summer playing tennis in USTA Leagues!
Peg Hanna
USTA/Midwest Section
USTA League Coordinator
Adult / Senior/ Super Senior
peg@midwest.usta.com
419-666-9914
419-666-9924 fax
Friday, August 15, 2008
Petoskey Tennis Events
Here is a list of up-coming events in the Petoskey area. Hope to see you at one of them. Please pass these on to other team members, friends and players in your community.
1. Friday, August 15th: mixer at Bay Tennis. Starts at 5:30 and goes until 7:30. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. The cost includes court time, drinks and snacks. Please call the club to sign up, 487-1713.
2. Petoskey City Championships: August 20-24th. Cost is $15 per event. Opportunities for mixed doubles, ladies and mens doubles and singles. Please call Margaret Ruemenapp to sign up. Deadline is Saturday, Aug. 16th.
3. USTA Clay Court Tourney: Runs the week-end of Sept. 5-7. Registration in on-line at the USTA.com website. Cost is $33 per event. There is only doubles play with flights being at 7.0 and 8.0. There will be an Open division also. Saturday night is a party to be held at the club. Any other info is on the website or you can call Doug, Jason or Mary at 487-1713. It should be fun. We are reviving the original clay tourney.
Mary Sivula
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Summer Splash 2008 Results
6.0 Men:
First Place - Doug & Leonard Hower
Second Place - Dave Rushlow & Terry Stull
Third Place - Murali Srinivasan & Mukesh Verma
7.0 Men:
Champions - Mark Fischer & Dan Watson
Finalist - Rene Boullion & Brad Zucco
Consolation Winners - Dan Fouch & Jim Massaroni
8.0 Men:
Champions - Stephen Weinstein & Paul Wieland
Finalist - Eric Bergsma & Erik Falconer
Consolation Winners - Jeff Hall & Jim Jantz
6.0 Women:
First Place - Maia Conway & Cindy Gokey
Second Place - Nadine Donajkowski & Vicki Goodburne
Third Place - Jill Hower & Sally Reeves
7.0 Women:
Champions - Barb Hodge & Nancy Schaefer
Finalist - Chris Davis & Tunie Fliss
Consolation Winners - Mary Lee Bretz & Gay Soupiset
8.0 Women:
Champions - Terri Counterman & Diane Gillespie
Finalist - Carolyn Ebbinghaus & Barb Polzin
Consolation Winners - Olivia Lagina & Maxi Neugebauer
6.0 Mixed:
First Place - Nadine Donajkowski & Pete Schmidt
Second Place - Sally Reeves & David Grams
Third Place - Dianne Richter & Dave Rushlow
7.0 Mixed:
Champions - Gail & Jeff Hall
Finalist - Amanda Flowers & Dave Sizemore
Consolation Winners - Karen Rosa & Jim Massaroni
7.5 Mixed:
Champions - Wendy Reeve & Johan Kruger
Finalist - Faith Gavaldon & Andy Holbrook
Consolation Winners - Jen Moore & Vince Szymanski
8.0 Mixed:
Champions - Terri Counterman & Rick Magnan
Finalist - Tonia Shoup & Tim Welsh
Consolation Winners - Kim Guilbeau & Jordi Llorejustribo
Congratulations to everyone who participated!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Mixed Doubles District Title Goes to. . . . . .

Our District Mixed Doubles Winning Teams for 7.0 and 8.0 divisions are:
7.0 Team: Captain, Paul Wieland
Players: Eric Bergsma, Paul Wieland, Mike Rubino, Mark Fischer, Gay oupiset, Katie Lowran, Sandra Johnson, Kirsten Pappas
8.0 Team: Captain, Denny Green
Players: Pam Osterlund, Tina Blackman, Dree Lo, Patrick O'Neill, Denny Green, Brian Phillips
These two teams will represent Northern Michigan at the Mixed Doubles State Championship at Thunder Bay Recreation Center in Alpena, September 12 and 13. Congratulations and Good Luck.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
SENIOR VICTORY
Go Northern Michigan!!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
USTA Leagues: Northern Michigan Champions
FOR ADULT LEAGUE 2008
4.0 Women Grand Traverse Resort: Captain, Diane Whorton-Gillespie
Ruth Smith, Linda Gillam, Karen Wright, Dree Lo, Dinae Whorton-Gillespie, Sue Green, Laura Chamberlin, Tina Blackman, Jen Gerling, Pam Osterlund, Jean Bishop
**********
4.0 Men Bay Tennis & Fitness: Captain, Denny Green
Denny Green, Patrick O'Neill, Dan Dryden, Brian Phillips, Gerry Mayes, Jim Spencer, Fred Ball, Erik Lundteigen, Dick Collie, Ken Kruzel, Jeff Knight, Ron Turner
**********
3.5 Women Thunder Bay Recreation Alpena: Captain, Ann Diamond
Ann Diamond, Denise Burke, Marga Decker, Mary Lewandowski, Louise Burg, Julie Hoppe, Amber Gunderman, Mary Ellen Glawe, Jean Bishop, Eileen Wegmeyer, Laura Kemp, Vicki Konczak, Nadine Donajkowski, Vickie Lampel
**********
3.5 Men Grand Traverse Resort: Captain, Paul Wieland
Brad Zucco, Erik Falconer, Mark Fischer, Eric Bergsma, Mike Johnson, Jim Schmuckal, Greg Blanche, Vince Szymanski, Bob Francis, David Bearss, Rene Boullion, Nick Taylor, Cliff Girard, Dan Watson
**********
3.0 Women Thunder Bay Recreation Alpena: Captain Vicki Konczak
Vicki Konczak, Terri Rondeau, Mary Miller, Thanh Pham Bullock, Judith Grenkowicz, Vicki Goodburne, Nancy Lamp, Kelley Blade, Leigh Ann Jewell, Maria Kowalski, Nadine Donajkowski, Janelle Pilarski, Dorie White
**********
3.0 Men Bay Tennis & Fitness: Captain, Steve Witte
Steve Witte, John Kenzie, Rafael Garcia, Matthew Clarke, Todd Malpass, Bob Gault, Barry Siegel, Brad Rellinger, Mike Bacon, Tom Behan, Steve Murray, Larry Rellinger, Michael Moore
CONGRATULATION AND SUCCESS AT THE NEXT LEVEL!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Player looking to hit in Petoskey this Summer
Michelle Reyes lives very close to the Petoskey High School Courts.
She is in town for the summer and would like to hit.
3.5 / 4.0 level and likes singles.
Please call Michelle to set up a time to hit and help make her summer a happier one.
Michelle Reyes / 231-347-4467
Friday, May 9, 2008
NMI JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS UNDERWAY
FRIDAY, MAY 23.
REGISTER NOW!! AT ID# 856950108
THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD IN TRAVERSE CITY MAY30-JUNE1. PLEASE CALL TOM VAN DEINSE AT 1-231-933-9622 AT GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING THE TOURNAMENT. HIS EMAIL IS TVD@GTBAYYMCA.ORG
YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT TOM VAN DEINSE REGARDING THE USTA/MIDWEST/DISTRICT TEAM CUP EVENT (FORMERLY JUNIOR DAVIS CUP) 14'S AND 18'S.
PLEASE CONTACT TINA BLACKMAN REGARDING THE MARIAN WOOD BAIRD CUP (FORMERLY JR WIGHTMAN CUP) AT 231-330-2946. HER EMAIL IS BLACKMANMOM@YAHOO.COM TRYOUTS ARE BEING ARRANGED FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 17-18,2008 IN PETOSKEY AT THE PETOSKEY HIGH SCHOOL COURTS. FLIERS ARE IN THE MAIL.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
2008 Northern Michigan USTA Super Senior Leagues
PLAY AGAINST PEOPLE YOUR OWN AGE-OR OLDER-IN USTA LEAGUE TOURNAMENT.
TEAM CONSISTS OF 6 PLAYERS OF SAME GENDER.
PLAY 2 OUT 3 SETS WITH TIE BREAK AT 6 ALL IN A SET. THIRD SET IS A 10 POINT TIE BREAK
IF YOU HAVE AN NTRP RATING SIGN UP ACCORDINGLY. IF YOU DO NOT -YOU SELF-RATE. (DON’T GO HIGHER THAN YOUR ABILITY DUE TO EGO!)
YOU MAY FORM TEAMS OF STRAIGHT NTRP LEVELS—3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 OR COMBINED FOR 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
(combined would be a 3.0 and a 4.0=7.0)
ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT PLAYED OUTDOORS
JUNE 14 & 15….SITE TO BE DETERMINED.
SIGN UP BY JUNE 1---tennislink.usta.com
COST IS $24 (PLUS $3 that USTA adds for tennislink)
WE HOPE WE HAVE TEAMS FROM NORTHERN MICHIGAN AS IF WE DO WE WILL HOST STATE SUPER SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.
QUESTIONS OR HELP:
Nancy Butson---District League Coordinator
nmtanancy@charter.net 231-264-5469
Northern Michigan USTA Senior Leagues
OPEN TO MEN AND WOMEN AT LEAST 50 YEARS OLD.
(There is a separate division for 60 and older if you wish)
TEAMS CONSIST OF SIX PLAYERS (THREE DOUBLES TEAMS OF SAME GENDER.
FORMAT IS 2 OUT OF 3 SETS WITH TIE BREAK AT 6-ALL AND A 10 POINT TIE BREAK FOR THIRD SET. YOU PLAY A ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT.
COST IS $24 (plus $3 that USTA charges for tennislink)
TEAMS REGISTER FROM TRAVERSE CITY, PETOSKEY, HARBOR SPRINGS, ALPENA AND ANYPLACE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. SUMMER RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME.
PLAY AT NTRP LEVEL OF 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 AND 4.5
IF YOU HAVE AN NTRP RATING YOU USE THAT OR IF YOU DO NOT YOU WILL SELF RATE. (Don’t rate higher due to ego!)
REGISTER AND SELF RATE ON-- tennislink.usta.com
MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED OUTDOORS ON MAY 30-JUNE 1. --SITE TO BE DETERMINED.
TEAMS MUST BE REGISTERED BY MAY 10
FOR HELP OR QUESTIONS:
Nancy Butson District League Coordinator
nmtanancy@charter.net 231-264-5469
Monday, March 24, 2008
Grand Traverse Resort Spring Open
Entries close Tuesday, April 15. Register on line, now, at our website address www.northernmichigan.usta.com
Junior Team Tennis- 10 and Under
Cost for the 6 week indoor league which includes a one hour match, 1/2 hour practice and USTA registration fee is $120.00
For further information regarding this program, please call one of the steering committee members: Andrea McNamara- 622-4580: Kristie Bixby- 348-9794: Laura Chamberlin- 526-8869: Lynne Lesky- 348-2692.
Monday, March 17, 2008
2008 Northern Michigan Junior Indoor
The Northern Michigan Junior Indoor, a level 4 District - level 6 Midwest tournament was held March 14-15: Boys and Girls 16 at Thunder Bay Recreation in Alpena, Boys and Girls 14 at Bay Tennis & Fitness in Harbor Springs, Boys and Girls 12 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City and Boys and Girls 10 at Grand Traverse Bay YMCA in Traverse City. Congratulations to our winners and runners up in all divisions:
Boys 16:
- Andrew Greenman, Traverse City def Tyler Brown, Petoskey 6-0,6-4
- Consi: Daniel Seguin, Alpena def Troy Rondeau, Alpena 6-4,5-7,6-4
Girls 16:
- Michelle Guarino, Midland
- Elaine Elliott, Midland
- Ashley Giordano, Alpena
Boys 14:
- Julian Guerra, Midland def Zachary Phillips, Harbor Springs 6-0,6-64
- Consi: Peter Pappas, Traverse City def Adam Blachut, Petoskey 6-0,6-4
- Kali Phillips, Harbor Springs
- Margaret Jensen, Petoskey
- Erin Clutter, Petoskey
Boys 12:
- Jonathan Small, Midland def Luke Mills, Midland 7-5,6-1
- Consi: Michael Roehmer, Mt. Pleasant def Jacob Fedrigon 6-0,6-0
Girls 12:
- Dominique Vasile, Oakland
- Tiffany Tuori, Ada
- Kelly Burns, Holland
Boys 10
- Dylan Jensen, Petoskey
- John Merrill, Traverse City
- Austin Wieland, Traverse City
Girls 10:
- Amanda Bandrowski, Traverse City def Taylor Weckstein, Traverse City 6-3,6-4
- Consi: Alexis Merrill, Traverse City def Elizabeth Templeman, Midland 6-0,6-0
Friday, March 7, 2008
The Bob Scholarship Winners
Erin Wiethoff, Escanaba
Ali Gribi, Traverse City
Justin Marzinski, Manistee
Derek Harrington, Kingsford
Sarah Malone, Traverse City
Emily Lelandais, Traverse City
Congratulations to all recipients and best of luck in your future!
The Bob Tournament was held February 22-24, 2008 at the Grand Traverse Resort. Winners and Runners-up were:
7.5 Men: Johan Krueger & Dave Sizemore def Branko Gegich & J.P. Milliken 6-4,6-1
8.5 Men: Carl Doerschler&Derek Harrington def Scott David & Dennis Murray 0-6,6-2,10-6
Men's Open: First Place Scott David & Joe Havican
6.0 Women: First Place Jean Clous and Cindy Gokey
7.5 Women: Wendy Judson & Barbara Patterson def Barbara Hodge & Barb Polzin 6-4,6-1
8.5 Women: Erin Chadwell & Ali Gribi def Sarah Malone & Josie Caldwell 5-7,6-4,11-9
6.0 Mixed: First Place Cindy Gokey & Brad Lowran
7.5 Mixed: Kathy Easter & Dave Sizemore def Faith Gavaldon & Andy Holbrook 6-2,6-3
8.5 Mixed: Erin Chadwell & Mark Fries def Kristen Campbell & Branko Gegich 6-2,6-3
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Attention League Captains
Friday, February 15, 2008
Still looking for a woman Partner for The BOB
Hi!
We have located the partner for the women's division.
ARE STILL LOOKING ........
for a 4.0 woman to play in the 8.5 mixed
OR a 3.5 woman to play in the 7.5 mixed.
Ruth Smith
231-331-6810
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
BOB 'Matchmaker ' Looking for 4.0 woman......
We are looking for a 4.0 woman to play with an available 3.5 women in the 7.5 division.
We are looking for a 4.0 woman to play with an available 4.0 man in the 8.5 division.
If you are available and might be interested please contact:
Ruth Smith
231-331-6810
rasmithtennis@charter.net
Team Captain Alert !!
To decide what teams will be playing at which locations it is imperative the number of teams registered at each level be known.
If you have not had direct communication with Nancy Butson, USTA League Coordinator, acknowledging your “team registration” please contact her immediately.
Nancy Butson
230 Golfview Lane
Elk Rapids, MI 49629-9566
phone: 231-264-5469
Email: nmtanancy@charter.net
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Get ready for "The Bob"
Men's - Open, 8.5, 7.5 and 6.0
Women's - 8.5, 7.5 and 6.0
Mixed - 8.5, 7.5 and 6.0
For further information please email Ruth Smith at rasmithtennis@charter.net or call (231) 331-6810. Please go to the below listed link for registration information.
"The Bob" Registration
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Northern Michigan Junior Indoor - March 14-16, 2008
BG 16 U is being held at Thunder Bay in Alpena, Vicki Lampel, Director
BG 14 U is being held at Bay Tennis & Fitness, Margaret Ruemenapp, Director
BG 12 U is being held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Chris Michalowski, director.
BG 10 U is being held at The Grand Traverse YMCA, Tom van Deinse, Director
All divisions are FMLC. Draws will be posted on the "TennisLink" site for all divisions. Go to the link listed below to register!
Northern Michigan Junior Indoor
Hope to see you all there!
2008 USTA Leagues Dates
- April 12-13 - 3.0 & 4.0 M & W (Alpena / Petoskey)
- April 26-27 - 3.5 and 4.5 M & W (Alpena / Petoskey)
- May 2-4 - 3.0 & 4.0 M & W (Grand Traverse Resort)
- May 16-18 - 3.5 and 4.5 M & W (Grand Traverse Resort)
- May 30-June 1 - Senior M & W (Petoskey - Outdoors)
- June 14-15 - Super Seniors (Petoskey - Outdoors)
- June 14-15 - 2.5 M & W (Petoskey - Outdoors)
- June 28-29 - Senior M & W (Petoskey - Outdoors) if needed
- July 11-13 - Mixed (Petoskey - Outdoors)
- July 26-27 - Mixed (Petoskey - Outdoors)
- October 11-12 - Tri Level (Petoskey)
