SUMMER 2009 - the Colorado Tennis Association

pa g e 30
colorado tennis SUMMER 2009
i can't believe i'm about to do this....
there's only one thing i like to do more than to hear myself talk, and
that's to read my own stuff in print. so why in the world would i lease
out my cushy column
by kurt desautels, colorado tennis editor
In what will likely turn out to be the only time I ever do this, I am going to refrain from
exercising my privilege to blather needlessly. Instead, I'd like to print a terrific column
from Mike Hall, South Suburban Parks and Recreation's Head Tennis Professional, one
of the founders of the Team Colorado program and a person who has willingly shared his
passion for tennis with others for decades. Mike, who goes by Cowboy Bob to his students,
sent this to me last fall, but as tournament season is again upon us, it's an important lesson
for tennis players and parents to be reminded of: respect and dignity never go out of style,
regardless of the outcome of a match. – KD
Some Draws are Tougher Than Others
By Cowboy Bob
We were one of the host sites for a prestigious, six-state
junior tournament held last summer. Returning from lunch on
quarterfinals day, I asked the site coordinator if everything
was running smoothly. Expecting the customary reply of “yes,
we’re right on time,” I was surprised when he pulled me aside
beyond earshot of players and spectators.
“Thanks for asking,” he said, “it’s been going great but I’m
concerned about a Boys’16s match now going on court. He
asked if I, as the head pro, could keep an eye on the match
“Certainly, I replied, “Which player should I be aware of”
He didn’t identify either player but said there had been some
very volatile situations in two recent tournaments. Motioning
for me to follow, he walked briskly to a shade tree near our
storage shed.
“It’s not the players who concern me.” He indicated that
the mother of one player had been a consistent thorn in the
side and hoped that the presence of more official types would
quell her aberrant and abusive behavior. I observed the first
set than ended without incident and returned to my office to
complete a project due the next morning. Later, I learned that
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her history was to remain in control during the early part of
matches and then, in the later stages, to erupt. This match
went true to form.
In the deciding set, her son had numerous chances to
put away the match but seemed too anxious and outcome
obsessed to execute his shots. The mother, now a full-fledged
participant in the match, (a sideline saboteur) was beyond
agitated. Spectators and other tournament players cringed
as her outbursts redefined the word R A G E. Predictably,
the boy’s tension and embarrassment cost him the match. As
he came off court, the player received and earful – definitely
not repeatable here.
As I was leaving the center an hour later, a car abruptly
emerged from between two out of state SUVs. It jerked to a
stop nearby and I looked closer. It was immediately apparent
that a player was receiving a verbal lashing. I could see
two wildly animated arms motioning feverishly…..trying to
make a point. There was no response from the shaken junior
who, earlier in the day, had looked forward to this important
match.
I immediately felt the urge to pull my car out and block the
exit. I wish I could have tapped on his window, reached out
to him with understanding eyes, and said “nice match.” I also
XIEXIE
merci
would have liked to tell him that he has rights as a player and
to call the state tennis association for help.
It’s unfortunate that an aspiring player has to overcome his
toughest draw at home before he ever enters the warmup. I
found myself praying for this player later that night. I prayed
that he would recognize the absurdity of this situation and
confront his misguided mom. I hope I see him thriving next
summer as tournament season heats up. Perhaps he’ll feel
less anxious on the courts if his mother stays away or gets the
help she needs.
Ninety-seven per cent of the parents at tournaments exhibit
good sportsmanship and dignity. Some enlightened ones
have even viewed their child’s match from our pro shop or
from a distance so as not to create a distraction. The bottom
line is that as competitive pressures increase, so should positive
reinforcement from parents and coaches.
Just like the heart patient who may require cardiopulmonary
resuscitation to survive, young athletes thirst for CPR
(continuous positive reinforcement) so their spirits thrive in the
challenging world of tournament tennis. 3
Kurt Desautels' column will return in the Fall issue of Colorado
Tennis. That's a promise. Or maybe it's a threat....
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