Thursday, March 11, 2010

Pro-Am Ushers In New Era Of Tennis At Ross

By Brett Mauser

Louis Siegler, a summer camper at the Ross School, reached the finals with his partner, former pro Luke Jensen. Photos by Brett Mauser

East Hampton - The bubble roof was shed, the sun was out, and it shone brightly on six brand-new clay tennis courts newly opened for play at The Ross School. The state-of-the-art facility was appropriately celebrated on Saturday at the school's inaugural Tennis Pro-Am at the new tennis center, which was created with the help of many and welcomed dozens of the sport's enthusiasts.

Todd Martin, a two-time Grand Slam finalist on the ATP Tour, belts a backhand back to his opponents' side.

The school's founder, Courtney Sale Ross, was joined by Congressman Tim Bishop, Assemblyman Fred Thiele, lead financial contributors Juergen and Anke Friedrich, Head of Schools Michelle Claeys as well as Jim Grabb, a former No. 1 doubles player on the world tour, in cutting the ribbon to officially kick-off the Pro-Am.

"We're so happy to be opening the new athletic facility," Ross said in addressing the crowd prior to the ribbon-cutting. "We're hoping that everyone can enjoy it as much as we did putting it together and building it."

Tennis began sharply at 9:30 a.m. with 12 of the 20 doubles teams taking the six courts underneath a bright sun. Former pros such as Todd Martin, Murphy Jensen, and Luke Jensen exchanged groundstrokes and high fives with Ross students and other members of the community until the semifinals were set.

Once lunch and a live auction were completed, the tennis action resumed. In the finals, Gary Siegler and Alex Teixeira, a pro from Brazil, met up with Louis Siegler, a Ross summer camper who is also Gary's son, and Luke Jensen, a 1993 French Open men's doubles champion with brother Murphy. The match went back and forth but eventually Teixeira and Siegler pulled it out by a 21-17 count. The day was punctuated by a kids clinic, during which prizes were given, attended by approximately 50 children.

From left to right, Head of Schools Michelle Claeys, Founder Courtney Sale Ross, daughter Nicole Ross, and lead contributors Anke and Juergen Friedrich cut the ribbon that officially opened up the tennis pro-am.

Anke Friedrich, who with her husband Juergen and the JAF Foundation donated $1.5 million to the project, spoke glowingly of the finished product as well as about those who put their best foot forward in the facility's construction. "You have this in your heart and in your soul," Friedrich said. "You cannot learn it, you cannot take it, you cannot buy it. It's given. This is, for the whole community, the biggest present on earth, I tell you this. ... Courtney inspired us with all of her work. She and her daughter took it to the end for other children and for the community. I think you have to support this kind of work."

Congressman Bishop also showered praise on those who helped usher the facility along. "I want to commend everyone associated with this project," Bishop said. "I particularly want to commend Courtney Ross because she's such a leader in terms of educating young people. She's really made a difference and it has been noticed locally and in Washington."

Max Friedrich keeps the point alive and smashes a forehand back over the net.

Ross Varsity Head Coach and Tennis Director Vinicius Carmo, who came to the school prior to the 2008-2009 school year, coordinated the tournament. Above any talk of league or county championships for the Ravens squads, Carmo can't speak highly enough about the opportunity it provides Ross students as well as the public, not only on the court but recreationally. Adjacent to the courts is a two-floor structure in which attendees can play table tennis, board games or Wii, lounge on the couches or, like on this day, take in a few hours of Wimbledon. In the end, Carmo hopes it encourages kids in the community to pick up a racquet.

I think it's great because it's a place that kids can come and play tennis year-round, especially during wintertime when there's nothing to do," Carmo said. "It's affordable tennis for the community. The goal is to get kids to play tennis and on a Friday night they can play tennis, watch a movie and enjoy the facility."

Assemblyman Thiele, a graduate of Pierson, said of the tennis center "I've always felt that we're underserved by recreational facilities out here anyway, if you look at other communities," he said. "This entire project is not only great for the school but it's also great for the whole community."

Ross' tennis facility is open to the public for lessons, clinics, summer camp and to purchase court time. Visit www.ross.org/tennis for additional information.