Naples tennis championships wrapping up

When legendary composer Richard Rodgers and noted lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II needed a marquee tune for the 1945 Broadway hit Carousel, they must have been thinking about this time of year.

“June Is Bustin’ Out All Over” became a classic.

And as June begins to bust out today in the May-long City of Naples Tennis Championships at Cambier Park in downtown Naples, a chorus of top local tennis players is making some smashing music of its own.

Cambier tennis director Kevin Walker says that by Friday, the vast majority of draws will be finished in the 37th annual affair. The Art Allen Tennis Center is the focal point of activity on a daily basis, with evening feature matches drawing appreciable crowds.

One of the showstoppers Wednesday evening was the women’s Open singles championship showdown. The top-seeded Kate Lutgert took on Jessie Yaneva, who in her opening round, took out second-seeded Juliana Garcia.

In the men’s Open singles, the clay-court action is getting down to the nitty gritty as well. Unseeded Manuel Encalada has advanced to the finals as the result of his 6-2, 6-4 semifinal decision over Tripper Carleton.

The other men’s Open semifinal is scheduled for 7 tonight, when top-seeded Reid Carleton will face fifth-seeded Tye Myers.

The men’s Open doubles championship will pit the team of Rick Carleton and Carlos Perez against Franco Mata and Juan Carlos Osario.

The women’s Open doubles draw was a round-robin, with the team of Juliana Garcia-Jessie Yaneva capturing overall honors.

The tournament involves all age players with singles, doubles and mixed doubles divisions being contested.The men’s 5.0 singles has Joel Prowless in the finals after he stopped No. 1-seeded John Jerome 6-3, 6-4. Prowless will face either Armand Procacci or Gerd Franke in the finale.

Jerome is the top seed in the men’s 4.5 singles as well, and he beat Tony Kamen 6-1, 6-2 in the semis. His finals opponent will be either Thomas Zucci or Derrick Fennspra. In men’s 4.0 singles, top-seeded Billy Tucker is in the finals, awaiting the winner of Chris Torkelson vs. Kris Wilkosz.

Nicholas Kalvin won the men’s 2.5 singles round-robin and David Scholl was tops in the men’s 45 singles round-robin.

Craig Bouchard emerged the champ of the men’s 50 singles when he reeled in Rich Whale, 6-4, 6-1, in the title match. Ali Moezzi won the men’s 55 singles championship over Billy Tucker, 6-3, 6-2.

The men’s 60 singles titlist was Thomas McCune, a 6-1, 6-0 victor over Jim Wheeler in the finale. Al Allison snared 65 singles kudos with a 1-6, 6-4, 7-5 decision over Charles Nagy. Monson Douglas earned the 70 singles crown by trimming Gene Landrum 6-3, 6-3. Guillermo Figueroa won the 75 singles final over Bruce Becker, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2.

Erica Cossairt is a finalist in the women’s 4.5 singles after defeating Shannon Darrow 6-1, 6-1 in the semis. Cossairt will play either Shelly Freshwater or Mollie French for top honors. Women’s 3.5 singles honors went to Susan Colgan, a 6-0, 6-4 victor over Irene Nirmaier. Jill Hudson claimed top spot in the women’s 3.0 singles final, taming Michelle Thomas, 6-2, 6-4.

Some junior draws are finished. Girls 18 singles honors went to Jessica Bryant, a 6-2, 6-3 victor over Sammi Perri. The girls 16s champ is Leslie Raymond, who beat Mackey Wesner, 6-0, 6-0 in the finals. The girls 12 singles finale was won by Nikki Kallenberg, 6-2, 6-1 over Mariana Antonio.

Mark Allen earned the title in the boys 12 singles, toppling William Shisler, 7-5, 6-4 in the championship match.For the 10th straight year of the city tourney, ASG is the event’s presenting sponsor. The DeVoe Automotive Group is on board for the eighth time as a Platinum-level sponsor.

Silver sponsors this year include Henry Johnson Law Office, Morgan Stanley-The Stephens Group, The Inn on Fifth, Wynn’s Market, Architectural Network and the Naples Beach Hotel.

Bronze sponsors are The Dock & Riverwalk Restaurants, Bentley Electric, Olde Naples Self Storage, T-Shirt Express, Sir Speedy Printing, Real Estate Management Services, Robert of Philadelphia and Naples Grande Resort.

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The USTA Naples has announced a new, innovative summer league for adult and senior age groups. Called the “BMW Combo” leagues, the program calls for a three-court format of doubles for men or women. There is no effect on ratings and the levels of play are the combined levels of 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5.

Both day and night teams may be formed. This is an opportunity to take the court with players one normally doesn’t have the chance to play with. For example, a 3.5 can play with a 3.0 in the 6.5 level.

Local play will start with a registration/captains meeting at International College on June 22 at 5:30 p.m. Play will begin the week of July 10 and go through August.

For more information, write Donna Koenig, BMW Combo Coordinator, at Donna@naples.net or Linda Kleitch at racquets99@aol.com.

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The USTA Adult/Mixed League teams will hold flight playoffs this Saturday and Sunday.

The playoffs will be between the night/day teams (flight winners) and between Winter/Spring winning teams. The playoffs will be held at the Tennis Naples Resort at Naples Bath & Tennis Club each day from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.The final regular-season standings as of May 20 are available at naplesnews.com.

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Thinking about going to the U.S. Open tennis showcase later this year in New York? Want to get a jump on tickets?

Tickets are available for purchase with any American Express Card through the Web at USOpen.org — or by calling TicketMaster at 866-OPEN-TIX from 9 a.m. Monday, June 5 through Saturday, June 10.

Tickets for the U.S. Open go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 12 at 9 a.m. through USOpen.org, at all Ticketmaster locations, or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-866-OPEN-TIX, or the USTA National Tennis Center box office in Flushing, N.Y.

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A tradition of summertime tennis locally is women’s play that rotates among various clubs. The action will begin June 6 in both 3.0 and 3.5 NTRP divisions. Play will occur each Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and run through Aug. 1 in both divisions.

To compete in the round-robin format, players need only to sign up a week in advance at the host club. The fee each week is $3.

The 3.0 schedule (with host club phone numbers) follows:

-- June 6 – The Strand, 592-1928, Ext. 254.

-- June 13 – Quail West, 593-4160.

-- June 20 – Longshore Lake, 566-2783.

-- June 27 – Sterling Oaks (9:30 start time), 566-1800.

-- July 11 – Quail Creek, 597-9725.

-- July 18 – Naples Bath & Tennis (10 a.m. start), 261-5524.

-- July 25 – The Players Club, 298-5775.

-- Aug. 1 – Cambier Park, 213-3060.

The 3.5 schedule (with host club phone numbers) follows:

-- June 6 – Sterling Oaks (9:30 start time), 566-1800.

-- June 13 – Naples Bath & Tennis (10:30 start time), 261-5524.

-- June 20 – Cambier Park, 213-3060.

-- June 27 – Quail West, 593-4160.

-- July 11 – Longshore Lake, 566-2783.

-- July 18 – Quail Creek, 597-9725.

-- July 25 – The Strand, 592-1928, Ext. 254.

-- Aug. 1 – Bonita Bay (9:30 start time), 495-3573.

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The next USPTA/JusTennis tournament will be a singles competition at the Vineyards and Veterans Community Parks on Saturday, June 10. The deadline for entry will be Thursday, June 8. Those interested in these events designed to ease newcomers into tournament competition may contact Spike Gonzales at 248-0894.

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A series of four “Junior Jamborees” will be held throughout the month of June at the Quail Creek Country Club. Juniors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. Action will be each Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. There will be refreshments and prizes.

The opening event of the series will be June 7, with additional jamborees on June 14, June 21 and June 28.To find out more, phone the Quail Creek tennis shop at 597-9725.

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Local clubs are gearing up their staffs and plans for a busy summer of junior activity. A rundown of clubs listing activities follows:

-- The Club at Sterling Oaks — June 5 to Aug. 18; open to the public; phone David Mix at 566-1800.

-- The Players Club and Spa at Lely Resort – a wide variety of camps, age ranges, and dates; phone Denny Rager at 298-5775.

-- The Preeg-Doherty Junior Tennis Academy – begins June 6 at the Dunes in North Naples; phone John Preeg or Lisa Preeg at 593-9736.

-- USA Tennis School Summer Camp – run by Bogdan Badiu and Pavel Slozil for tournament players ages 10-18; June 5 through Aug. 4; Phone 285-3129.

-- Summer Camps for Kids — at The Academy at the Naples Bath & Tennis Club beginning June 5; Phone the NBTC pro shop at 261-5777, Ext. 29.

-- Ultra Tennis Academy summer junior program — at The Club at Sterling Oaks beginning June 5 and running through Aug. 4 for age 9 and older; Contact Nestor Nunez at 649-6698.

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A rundown of activities and events follows:

-- Imperial Tennis Club Spring/Summer programs — Dave Scholl-led activities; Tues. 8-9 a.m. Cardio Tennis $15; Tues. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Cardio Tennis $15; Wed. 6-7 p.m. Beginners clinic (rackets supplied) $15; Thurs. 8-9:30 a.m. Ladies 3.0 clinic (Instructional drills and strategy) $20; Sat. 9:30-10:30 .m. Cardio Tennis $15; contact Dave Scholl at 949-4410; Jason Thomas also offering a men’s round-robin 3.0-4.5 Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m.; phone 566-3442.

-- Ken Flach Junior Academy — open to public for students of all ages at Tennis Naples Resort at the Naples Bath & Tennis Club; Special package pricing available; Phone 261-5777, Ext. 30.

-- 3.0 and 3.5 men’s round-robins - at Quail Creek

Country Club; Every Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m.;

Must have appropriate NTRP rating; Cost: $3 per

player; Sign up by calling 597-9725.

-- 3.0 and 3.5 women’s round-robins – at Quail Creek Country Club; Every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.; Cost: $3 per player; Sign up in advance by phoning 597-9725.

-- The Plantation Club at The Dunes - Preeg-

Doherty Junior Tennis Academy: Monday through

Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.; Ladies Day: Tuesdays, 9 to 11

a.m.; Men’s Day: Thursdays, 9 to 11 a.m.; Ladies 3.0

Clinic: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.; Ladies 3.5 Clinic:

Fridays, 9 a.m.; Phone 593-9680.

-- Pelican Bay Community Park events - Most

levels of round-robins for men and women available

each week; Adult and junior clinics held daily; For

specific days-times, phone 598-3025.

-- Quail Creek Junior Tennis -Tuesdays and

Thursdays: Tiny Tots from 3:30-4 at $6; Beginners

from 4 to 4:45 at $9; Intermediate and Advanced from

4:30 to 5:30 at $12; Clinic and Ralleyball to be

included; All directed by Doug Welsh; Phone

597-9725.

-- Quail West Tennis programs - Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Saturdays; Events include 3.0-3.5

ladies round- robin from 9 to 11 and 3.5-4.0 men’s

round robin from 9 to 11; 3.5-4.0 ladies doubles

clinics on Wednesdays from 9 to 11; Also: Wednesday

clinics for men and women from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Also:

“3 students and the Pro” on Mondays; Phone

592-1139.

-- Weekly mixed doubles round-robin - Fridays at

Pelican Bay Community Park; Phone 598-3025.

-- Men’s, women’s and mixed round- robins -

Each day of the week at Pelican Bay Community Park;

Phone 598-3025.

-- Adult clinics - for all levels at Pelican Bay

Community Park; Phone 598-3025.

-- Men’s round-robin match play - at Imperial

Racquet Club; for days and times, phone Dick

Morrissey at 566-3442.

-- Colliertennis.com - the official Web site of the

Community Tennis Association of Collier County.

-- matchpoint.homestead.com - Web site providing

relevant and unique local information updated on a

timely basis.

-- Collier Tennis Connection - Phone Connie

Kormanyos at 394-8061 or 394-3144, Ext. 224.

-- Tennis instruction, lessons - For schedule at

Miromar Beach Club, phone pro Rick Kobleur at

992-0024.

-- Private lessons and group clinics for all levels -

Scheduled regularly at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf

Club tennis center, which is open to the public; For

more information, phone Chris Eddy at 435-4351.

-- Individual, group and team instruction - at Vanderbilt Country Club; given by Director of Tennis Mike Curran and head pro Christina Oldock; For clinic times and fees, phone 348-1725.

-- Marco Island Racquet Club - Round- robins,

league play, USTA competitive teams, Stroke of the

Week clinics, beginners lessons, junior programs and

racquetball challenges; For the complete schedule,

phone 394-5454.

-- Men’s and women’s round- robins - at Imperial

Tennis Club; men on Mondays, Wednesdays and

Fridays at 9 a.m. for 3.0-3.5 players and at 10:30 a.m.

for 4.0 -4.5 players; women on Tuesdays and

Thursdays at 9 a.m. for 3.0 players; Phone 566-3442.

-- Ladies Day Round Robin, Men’s Day Round

Robin, Saturday Mixed Round Robin - at Cambier

Park Tennis Center, Phone 213-3060; Tuesdays at 11

a.m. women of all levels welcome to participate;

Thursdays at 11 a.m. men of all levels welcome to

participate; Saturday mornings are “Mixed Troubles”

round robin at 9:30.

-- Bridgewater Bay Tennis Club - Weekly activities

include: Tuesdays beginner/intermediate clinic 5

p.m., Thursday mixed round robin 6 p.m.; Saturdays

intermediate clinic 9:30 a.m.; Phone 450-1000.

-- Saturday Mixed Doubles Round Robin - at

Cambier Park Tennis Center at 10:45 a.m.; Phone

213-3060.

-- NBTC Adult Tennis Academy - at the Naples

Bath & Tennis Club; 4-day Super Session and 3-day

Training Program available; Phone 261-5777 Ext. 29.

-- Tony Kamen Youth Tennis Clinics - For

beginners/intermediate/high school players; Mondays

and Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. at Naples High School

courts. $15 per session or $96 per month; Phone

272-9223; Also, Beginner to Intermediate players

ages 6-12 on Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m. at Naples High

courts; contact Fleischmann Park at 213-3013.

— Pelican Bay Community Park tennis facility — 764 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 8 lighted Har-Tru courts; park also provides users with racquetball courts, volleyball courts, basketball and bocce courts, softball and soccer field and an enclosed playground for children; 1-mile paved walking/jogging path and a pavilion overlooking a lake; For information on tennis programs or any information about the park, phone 598-3025.

-- Wednesday night mixed doubles round-robins - at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; Cost: $15 (includes balls, court time and light refreshments).

-- The Preeg-Doherty Tennis Academy — at The Dunes and the Imperial Racquet Club; for tournament players, intermediates and beginners; phone John Preeg or Lisa Preeg at The Dunes, 593-9736.

-- Round-Robin Mixers for Men and Women - at Naples Bath & Tennis Club; 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 & 4.0: Times are: Wednesday: 6-8 p.m. and Saturday: 9-11 a.m.; free for members and $10 for non-members; phone NBTC Pro Shop at 261-5524.

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USTA NAPLES ADULT SPRING LEAGUE

Standings as of May 20 and heading into playoffs

2.5 WOMEN

Marco YMCA-Mullin 3/9

Marco YMCA-Foust 1/3

3.0 MEN

Marco YMCA –Lewis 6/23 DISTRICT WINNERS

Pelican Bay Park – Elig/Girard 2/14

Vineyards-Shirghio 1/8

3.0 WOMEN-DAY

Naples YMCA-Shaughnessy 7/31 –FLIGHT WINNERS

Naples YMCA – Charbonneau 6/30

Cambier Park – Boyer 5/20

Naples YMCA – Vaughan 4/17

Island Walk – Costello 3/18

The Player’s Club – Freeman 2/13

Marco YMCA 1/8

Naples YMCA- Pinosky 0/2

3.0 WOMEN – NIGHT

Pelican Bay Park Manley/Austin 5/17

Naples YMCA – Salt/Pollock 4/18

Marco YMCA – Mullvain 4/19

Cambier Park – Green 3/18

NBTC – Zellner/Hofbauer 1/13

3.5 MEN

Naples Bath & Tennis Landers 6/25 (Spring Winners)

Naples YMCA- Blue/Thomas 4/18

Island Walk- Costello 4/17

Pelican Bay Park – Kerrigan/Tull 4/17

Sterling Oaks – Falbo 2/ 13

Longshore Lake-Sontag 1/6

Naples YMCA – Red/Williams 0/9

3.5 WOMEN- DAY

Naples YMCA- Johnson 5/20 (Flight Winners)

NBTC-Angell 5/17

Naples YMCA – Villani 4/18

The Colony – Kinder/Brooks 3/14

Imperial Koenig/Volkman 2/14

Port Royal – Tiffan 2/14

Naples YMCA-Charbonneau 0/8

3.5 WOMEN – NIGHT

Marco YMCA – Hayden 5/25 (Flight Winners)

NBTC Wenzel/Trapasso 5/24

Longshore Lake –Wolpert 5 /23

Naples Grande-Diehm 3/10

Cambier Park – Goettling 2/9

Vineyards – Mathews 1/10

Naples YMCA- Pollock 0/4

4.0 MEN

Naples YMCA-Harbold/Sittler 7/33 –DISTRICT WINNERS

Cambier Park-Johnson 6/23

Longshore Lake-Poulsen 5/25

Pelican Bay Park –Ferrell 3/18

Naples YMCA- Abbey 3/12

Monterey-Renner 2/10

Naples YMCA – McWaters 1/8

Naples Bath & Tennis-Landers 0/5

4.0 WOMEN-NIGHT

Naples Bath & Tennis – Levine 5/17

Naples YMCA- Kriek 2/12

NBTC – Wenzel/Myers 1/ 11

4.5 MEN

World Tennis Club-Franke 7/28

Longshore Lake-Tormey 6/25

Naples YMCA-Baker 2/19

Cambier Park-Laporte 1/8

4.5 WOMEN- NIGHT

Naples YMCA-Boe/Eber 7/29 DISTRICT WINNERS

Grey Oaks- Waylonis 6/21

NBTC Rees-Anderson 3/21

Naples YMCA-Freshwater/Wells 2/19

ADULT MIXED LEAGUES- SPRING-2006

7.0

Longshore Lake – Feldman 6/17- Flight Winners

NBTC – Landers 6/14

Marco YMCA 5/13

Naples YMCA –Pollock/Moustafe 5/12

Island Walk- Romano/Williams 2/10

Cambier Park- Goettling 2/6

Marco Racquet Center 1/7

Pelican Marsh – Steuerer 1/5

8.0

Naples YMCA-Baker/Levine 5/13

Nomads-Burge/Harkness 1/5

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Those wishing to have events or activities included in the weekly Thursday local tennis roundup should e-mail the information to Tom Rife at heart22@comcast.net by 6 p.m. on Tuesday.