Argonaut's New Backboard
Kudos and gratitude to our tennis court carpenters who went to work in the cold last week installing the new backboard. The backboard purchase was a joint effort between the Argonaut High School Tennis Team, Amador Tennis Club, and Amador Junior Team Tennis. However, funding did not include installation. Most of the project was handled by Jerry Beeman and Andy O’Loan. Though instructions said the job could be done in 3 hours with 2 men (one smart, one strong––we leave it to you to place those titles), it was greatly facilitated with help. John Shepherd, general all around good guy, responded to a plea for an extra set of hands. Rosalie Escamilla, served as painter extraordinaire––the 2x4’s behind the thing, not the green board itself. John Escamilla assumed the dual roles of Quality Supervisor and #1 Go-fer. Caoch Andy says you are not allowed on the tennis court until you can control 30 volleys against the new backboard. Get practicing!

More photos...

Our annual tradition will continue on 1/1/11! Shake off the previous evening and ring in the new year with fresh air and a modest workout. Weather permitting, we'll meet at the Argonaut courts at 10am for round robin tennis and potluck brunch. Please bring a dish to share. In case of rain, proceed directly to 227 Mountain View in Jackson (Escamilla's house) for brunch and tall tennis tales. We've only been completely "weathered out" 1 time in 5 years. Be there or be nowhere!

Our Fall season presented some challenges with the early rains. Nearly 50 kids wrapped up the league on Halloween with coaches in costume and a Jamba Juice awards party. Jr. Team Tennis offers boys and girls ages 7-14 the opportunity to learn tennis while playing co-ed doubles on teams with friends. No tennis experience is necessary; beginners are welcome! Children have one practice per week and one match each weekend. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring (April-May timeframe)!

Check out all the photos from Fall JTT

The ATC board met in November to discuss a new backboard at Argonaut, plans for 2011, and more. Our next meeting will be in January (date TBD) and we will elect new officers at that time. We will also discuss a Spring Fundraiser Tournament and begin planning Spring Jr. Tennis. There was some discussion of reducing JTT to only a Spring season every year so we don't burn out our volunteers. We will discuss running a longer season (8-10 weeks) and offering other junior clinics and camps in the Fall.

Nov. meeting minutes...

USTA and local teams forming for the future. Watch your email if you are interested in participating in league (fun competition) play; more information will be forthcoming.