Thanksgiving weekend was anything but quiet at The Greenspring Racquet Club in Lutherville, Maryland. One hundred and sixty junior tennis players ranging in age from 7 years (8 and under division) to 18 years (18 and under division) whom participated in the annual Turkey Bowl Junior Tennis Classic.160 boys and girls playing for 3 days. Busy, two weeks before their onslaught, 30 juniors just in the 14 and under division played in the Yonex Junior Open at Greenspring Racquet Club run by yours truly.

American tennis on the professional level might be somewhat declining, but the junior tennis across the country is booming. The kids are good, dedicated and hungry. Where we’re losing out however is the second step, the next step after the juniors, the college level. I came up through the collegiate team concept at UCLA. So many of my era played college tennis and thrived. It was and is a great training ground to develop your game. Jimmy Connors, Harold Solomon, John McEnroe, Roscoe Tanner, Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Eddie Dibbs, Dick Stockton, Brian Gottfried, Vitas Gerulaitis, Bon Lutz. Believe me this list could fill the entire page. They all played college tennis and went on to excel on the pro tour.
In today’s world Americans get shafted at the collegiate level. The scholarships by far go to the foreign players. This prevents our own from developing their games. I suggest! Let’s put a limit on this! NOW! Why can’t someone please stand up for our own kids? This is ridiculous. Maybe Patrick McEnroe could get involved. He has the connections and is well respected. We’re losing out here, there’s talent out there. Let me say it again. College tennis is a training ground for the pro tour period! American kids need it; and deserve better!
Until next time. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving Holiday!

The Photos

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