ATHLETICS
Encourage a Child’s
Interest in Tennis at MAC
T
he MAC junior tennis program is a
great resource for parents looking to
introduce their child to this much-loved
sport, or for those who are looking to
help their child develop a new interest.
Whether a child is an active preschooler,
a sports-oriented elementary student, or
a middle-school team competitor, MAC
tennis has something to offer.
Play together
Children love to play with their parents,
so a great way to encourage their interest
in tennis is to just play with them – in the
driveway, at the park, or at the club. Use
modified equipment, such as a smaller
racket, that is tailored specifically to chil-
dren. A ball made of soft foam bounces
lower and moves slower, allowing children
to hit it with greater accuracy. All of this
helps to promote rallying, which builds
confidence and increases the fun.
Members of the MAC 12s-and-under junior tennis team celebrate
Take a class
winning their first match. From left are Andrew Kabacy, Ian Elsenbach,
Louis Kallgren, Sophie Hamilton, Zoe Parkel and Carly Allen.
Another option is to sign up for classes
at MAC. The tiny tot program, led by
MAC Pro Wayne Pickard, is a great intro-
a pro-set format, against a variety of skill MAC junior tournament
duction for children ages 4-6. Classes
levels from other clubs.
provide a fun foundation of tennis skills in
The MAC junior tournament is Friday,
Many MAC junior players who have
a playful atmosphere.
Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 6. This event
started in the tiny tot program are now
Beyond this entry program, there is
is great for those entering the tournament
playing competitively. One example is
a continuum of classes for children of
experience, those in classes, and junior
nine-year-old Andrew Kabacy, who started
all ages and skill levels: Mighty Mites
team tennis members. The cost is $12 per
in the MAC junior program five years ago
(ages 7-9), Rookies (ages 9-12), and Aces
person. There are prizes and consolation
by attending one of the tiny tots classes.
(ages 9-12). Contenders class is offered
rounds.
He has continued to take classes and
for young players (ages 10-14) who are
Quick Register TE018
private lessons and is currently an enthusi-
interested in gearing up for tournament
astic member of one of the junior teams.
MAC singles tournament winners
play. Junior varsity and varsity classes are
Parent volunteer Krista Kabacy captains
The club’s annual singles tournament
offered for older players (ages 14-18) who
his team and reports that this program
Oct. 7-10 featured hard-fought rivalries
are interested in trying out for a high
is a good way to introduce students to
and memorable victories. It was fun for
school team.
competition, as well as a great way to meet
participants and spectators alike.
Look for more information on tennis
friends. MAC junior teams are organized
classes in the Winter Class Guide insert in
Results
by age (12s, 14s, 18 and under, beginner
this issue of The Winged M. 1st, men’s open – Eric Pickard
and intermediate levels), and are led by
finalist, men’s open – John Helmer
Try team tennis parent volunteers. For more information,
1st, men’s 4.0 – Brandon Iles
Members may also sign up for a team.
contact Karey Van Pelt (tennis@themac. finalist, men’s 4.0 – Brian Rundle
Tennis is an individual sport but also a
com).
1st, consolation, men’s 4.0 – Carsten Gleeson
great team sport. Junior team tennis gives
Look for more information about junior
1st, men’s 3.5 – Todd Eckelman
finalist, men’s 3.5 – Adam Lane
children the chance to develop basic tennis
USTA opportunities outlined in a spring
1st, consolation, men’s 3.5 – Lindsey Horenblas
skills in a team setting. Players compete in
article in The Winged M.
1st, men’s 3.0 – Steve Milehan
singles, doubles and mixed doubles using
Continued on page 56
DECEMBER 2009 | The Wınged M | 55
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64