Merry Tennis Christmas!

States!

Egon Luengo, in what had to be one of the great matches of the season, cinched the win for Lancaster's 3.5 adult team to take the NEOTA chapionship and proceed on to states next week. Egon battled from one set down to get to a match breaker and win it 13 to 11. His young 20 year old opponent was disconsolate afterwards and had to be put on cry watch by his team mates because he double faulted match point. We think he was intimidated by Egon's brilliant outfit, especially those spiderman shoes! Grey Kennedy took his singles match in straight sets by using his brain and letting the errors reign from the other side. The Legends ( Lancaster and Pare) played their usual game of getting one more ball back and frustrated the 3rd doubles North Canton team. Der dinkmister had a great day! Todd and Mack were up against one of the strongest doubles teams we've seen. Ackerman (the famous Ackerman, over forty with the body of an eighteen year old!) and Gross ( the big serve Gross) were unbeatable all season in their North Canton play. Todd and Mack took them in straight sets winning a second set tie breaker. Lastly, Steve Poe and Jay Hanser, both of whom looked out of sync today, (too much party Jay?) lost to a righty and lefty from NC. Congratulations to all on this team.

Fire!

Thanks to Rick, Linda, and Dick for another wonderful steak and corn roast. Joe cooked the steaks while Tim gave advice. There was fire that same morning as River Oaks beat Towpath 5-0 to advance to NEOTA playoffs.

They Want Pictures!

"What happens in the Court Room stays in the Court Room unless it reaches the blog!"

John must be using some of Steve Poe's stuff!

The "Legends" Pare and Lancaster sit in front of the wall of legends.

Jay tells Ron not to put so much spin on the ball. The opponents always leave frustrated! We want them to have a good feeling about River Oaks! Grey is our "Kid" on the adult 3.5 team. He's telling the "Legends" how to improve their game.

Super Seniors Take NEOTA Title And Go To States

Congratulations to John Clark's super senior team. They have again won what is considered by those in the know to be the toughest league in NEOTA. They sent the perennial favorite North Ridge team home again.

LEGENDS GET TENTH WIN!

Lancaster's legends, adult style, celebrated another undefeated regular season dining on cold pizza and drinking warm Pepsi at North Olmsted on Wednesday. In most cases, experience won out over youth as the legendary Pare/Lancaster doubles team won a hard fought match tiebreak victory with the entire match hanging in the balance. The 3-2 victory was icing on the cake as the guys had already clinched and will play Hall of Fame in the first qualifier on 7/25. Onward and upward! See you on the courts!

THE PERFECT SEASON...10-0!!!!

The "IT" Girls of Summer have "IT": The Perfect Season, 10-0!!! We will now advance to qualifiers on Wednesday vs. Chagrin Valley 1. Great job Girls!!! Thanks for all the support we receive from our teammates, families, and friends. A special thank you to our tennis pros: Todd, Shaun, and Steve who have worked with us over the past few months....you guys are the best!

9th WIN...FOR THE "IT" GIRLS!!!

The "IT" Girls of Summer won the 9th match of the season with a 3-2 victory over North Ridge!!! The girls were awesome!!! Thanks to all the support of our teammates, friends, and families....we couldn't do it without you! The "IT" Girls of Summer clinched a playoff spot a couple of we ago, and will advance to qualifiers!!! YAHOOO!!!!, however we are gunning for the perfect 10-0 season and first place in our division. Next up: Western Reserver 1, the perfect season, the home court advantage, and the RED SHOE PARTY!!!

RO Lancaster 3.5 adult team chinch playoff spot.

Although this team is full of old timers, they successfully staved off the youngsters to gain a seat in the playoffs by beating Cleveland Racquet Club 3-2 on Wednesday. Things were relatively quiet as their singles player kept his cool this time. (Where was Egon?) Thanks to our proxy captain Rick. Captain Lancaster had gone diving, and his senior team followed on Tuesday when Mucklo was the proxy.

What? Seniors Lose???

Well, it rarely happens, but yes, Dick's Seniors lost their first of the season by a 2-1 count to Chagrin Valley Athletic Club. Of course, the Captain cannot be blamed as he was vacationing (again). Ron & Chuck were defeated by the ever talented Staf Worely and Bob Stroup 7-6, 4-6, 1-0 on court one. Egon and Joe were victorious 6-1, 3-6, 1-0 on two and John and Mack lost to the foot fault brothers, Wigglesworth and Wigglesworth 6-4, 3-6, 1-0. We really should have won because their guys had more knee braces than our guys. Next week, the big one vs. Northridge . A win will clinch first place. See you on the courts!

Girls just want to have FUN!!!!

The "IT" Girls of Summer just want to have fun...and fun is EIGHT OHHHH!!!! The "IT" Girls of Summer remain undefeated going into the all star break!....Our last away match of the season at Raquet East Wednesday night was a victorious 4-1, bringing our record to 8-0. Way to go girls...let's keep working hard and playing hard, and the W's will come!!! We have July 4th off, and will return to the courts on July 11 at River Oaks vs. North Ridge 1.

Wings Beer and a Win for River Oaks

Five Seasons' Jim Seifer's 3.5 adult team put out a great spread of wings and beer even after loosing to River Oaks. I think they drink as much beer as we do. Wally Mueller used his unique spin to twist victory from Miguel Quinones 1 and 1. Grey Kennedy had a marathon match of over two hours against Jon Steinman. Grey was tested but won a second set tiebreak to cinch victory. In there ought to be a law category, Brian Reese of Five Seasons complained that Todd Renselman was too..00 tall to lob over. Tod played with Mack Thomas to easily take Brian Reese and Jim Seifer at 1st dubs. Two guys with 130 years between them, Lars Eriksson and Frank Mucklo teamed up to play Adam Ravens and Kevin Robertson, a couple of thirty somethings. Lars and Frank showed their age a bit in the second set but went on to win 6-1 6-4. Playing by themselves on the otherside of the club, Dick Lancaster and Rick Rogalski lost a long tight match to Tim Henahan and lefty Charlie Kutina. Darn those lefties.

And Seniors win again!

Lancaster's guys did again last night cruising to a 3-0 win over River Oaks 2, to go 7-0 for the season. Next week is a bye week and then home vs. CVAC on July 10. Have a safe and happy 4th! See you on the courts.

Looks kinda like the Courtroom.

Supers defeat North Ridge

Clark's super senior team devastated their nemesis North Ridge with a 3-0 win. Hank T had recruited a gaggle of new players this year, throwing the old ones to the wolves, in the hopes of once again reigning supreme over the super senior circuit. Our advice to ol' Hank...retire! The River Oaks boys are now in control.

Time problem

Yes it's true, Dick and Joe aka "the legends" , lost their court to a North Ridge team last night. Fortunately the rest of the team did their jobs and won the match 4-1. Maybe it was too late for those guys to be out. Our scheduled 7:30 match turned out to be at 9:00. Meanwhile we were entertained by the IT Girls looking fine and playing some fine Tennis. In other news, the Lancaster Senior team rolled over Mentor on Tuesday night.

All is Good...

Last Wednesday, The "IT" Girls of Summer, boosted their record to 6-0, with a sweep over Mayfield Village 2. "IT" was sweet. This week, after being on the road for 3 matches we return home to River Oaks to vs. Western Reserve 5. Let's keep "IT" going...

Looking for Michelangelo

After Thursday nights win it has been whispered that the legends of the court, Lancaster and Pare are to be painted in on the Court Room wall next to Edna. The Super seniors pulled another one out of their bag of tricks to beat a very active (by super senior standards) Mayfield team. Results: Court 1: Pare and Lancaster beat Norty London and Horace Simmons, 6-7, 6-1, 1-0. Court 2: Art Stehlik and Pete Gallo lost to Charley Brooks and Art Kraus, 7-6, 4-6, 1-0. Court 3: John Shami and Ron Longoria beat Marty Arscham and Don Vogel, 6-4, 7-5.

CVAC Falls to Legends

Lancaster's 3.5 Legends defeated Chagrin Valley on the road Wednesday by a score 0f 4-1. , while the Captain watched nervously from above. Wally unmercifully destroyed his young opponent 6-3, 6-1. Afterward, this conversation was overheard. "Mom, it's just not fair. All he hit was spin balls." Rick and Frank prevailed 3 & 3, as did Lars at first singles, playing Steve Kuri's old high school teammate and winning 4-6, 6-1, 1-0. John and Mack struggled in a hard fought 6-0, 6-4, 1-0 loss at first dubs and team of Poe and Wacker outlasted their opponents in a tiebreak 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 in a match that lasted until all the food was gone. The good guys remain undefeated and in first place after six matches. Next up, Northridge at home. See you on the courts!

Long ride home for LaTuchie!

Dick Lancasters's Senior's were once again victorious in the return match vs. LaTuchie on Tuesday evening, sweeping them 3-0. In a peaceful first doubles match, Egon and Mack prevailed 6-4, 6-1. Ron and Jay won 6-1,6-3 at second, and despite sleeping through the second set, Rick and the Guru awoke in the breaker and and came away with a 6-0, 2-6 ,1-0 victory. After the match, winners and losers enjoyed beer, wings and conversation in the Courtroom.

The "IT" Girls of Summer take over first place

The "IT" Girls of Summer took over first place in their division on Wednesday night with a 3-2 victory over Western Reserve 1. It was a tough match, but we had "IT" and won the match... Great job Girls... We thank our teammates, friends, and families for coming out to support us. As always we followed up the match with FUN, FUN, FUN.... Next week we begin round 2 at Mayfield Village... Let's keep "IT" going...

Supers Put Western Reserve in the Soup

Amid cheers from the 3.0 women's team that still had players on the courts when the supers started, Clark's 7.0 super senior team descended onto the empty courts with extra spring in their old feet. The legends of River Oaks (Lancaster and Pare) played against the legends of Western Reserve (Ackerman and Burge). Lancaster and Pare pulled it out 11 - 9 in a match tie break. Veteran Art Stehlik teamed with youngster John Shami (just old enough to play this year) to win against Swearingen and Coy. Dave Hinckley (with his young wife cheering him on) and Frank Mucklo took the last court against Pine and Pieramici. This 3-0 win puts Clark's team in first place in the division.

North Omsted Baby faces get beat by Old Guys

A guy should be old enough to drink beer if he wants to play in this league. Lars Eriksson (happy 65th birthday) played against a kid just out of high school, still eighteen years old. Although age had the experience, youth had the legs and prevailed with a 6-4 6-4 win. The other courts all went to River Oaks with Grey Kennedy leading the way and winning despite very bad line calls by his opponent. Mack Thomas and Todd Renzelman had to dodge bullet servers but stayed the course. Lancaster and Pare played against another marksman that used Pare's head as a target. Joe and Dick eventually killed them with their pace. Jay Hansar and Chuck Buschert clawed their way back after being down 4-0 in the second set to take it 7-5 and win the match. After the match the old guys drank beer and bought some milk and cookies for the other team.

Peace at Cleveland Racquet Club

The Lancaster River Oaks Senior team played Cleveland Racquet Club on Tuesday night and all was peaceful. River Oaks won 2 to 1. Smoke from the previous encounter of the regular adult 3.5 team was still evident in the Bar. The Racquet club boys treated the River Oaks team to two pitchers of beer and some pop corn and pretzels. This sent the Oaks boys back to the West side and their hangout in the Court room where they promptly ordered their own wings and beer.

Brooms were out in full force!!!

The "IT" Girls of Summer posted their 4th win of the season Wednesday night with a sweeping 5-0 victory over North Ridge 1. As always, we appreciate the support from our fellow teammates, friends, and families (coming from as far as Wyoming!). I am happy (ok, a little grudgingly!) to report the match went smoothly, no line judges, no drama, and no police were required! Was the police car in the lot when we arrived a deterrent? We ended the night back at the Courtyard where we cosied up to the bar! Next up: the battle for first place...vs. Western Reserve 1....LET'S KICK SOME BOOTY....

River Oaks Lancaster and Clark Teams Win All This Week

Dick's Excellent Adventure..

He finally made it to the big show. Click on the picture or the title to re-live this lifetime achievement.

Oaks team in controversy again.

Oh YEAH! Oh YEAH!

Its good to be an "IT" Girl! With a 4-1 victory over Racquet East 2, The "IT" Girls of Summer accomplished our mission...Win #3!!! bringing our record to 3-0. YES it was fun, fun, fun! Thanks to our teammates, friends, and families for coming out to support us...this is always appreciated. We followed our match up with refreshments brought in by the team....however the "IT"Girls poll unanimously indicates Carson should cater our future home matches...

How about it Carson?

Lancaster;s 3.5 adult team wins over 5 Seasons Today

The captain did his magic lineup and it worked. Grey Kennedy cruised, Steve Hoelzer said it was harder than it looked, Lars Ericksson and John Clark gave a tennis lesson, Steve Poe and Dick Lancaster had a love in, and Wally Mueller and Frank Mucklo wore down their opponenets. The final result 5-0 for River Oaks. Way to go team!

Legends win again!

Lancaster's Senior Legends were "on the road again" last night and defeated Paramount tennis Club by a score of 2-1. Lars and Mack efficiently dismissed their court one opponents by a 6-4, 6-3 count. Steve and Jay won easily two and two on court two while Chuck and Tim went down in a match breaker on court 3. Next week, back home vs. River Oaks 3 at 6pm. See you all soon and good luck in your upcoming matches!

Early photo of River Oaks Team

Thanks to Lasse Eriksson for pulling this from his scrapbook. I think I recognize them by their bald heads. No wonder there was a flap at North Ridge about the beer.

Remember the picture from last year?

Usta season opener 3.5 seniors at River Oaks

2 DOWN...8 TO GO!!!

The "IT" Girls of Summer posted their second WIN of the season Wednesday night vs. Western Reserve 5. Our first road trip of the season did not disappoint. We were happy to see coolers (and backpacks!) were welcome. As always we thank our teammates and friends for cheering us on...no easy trek to wherever the hell that is! Next week: Home Sweet Home vs. Racquet East 2. To Kitt, who dominated at first singles: Are you sure you like to play singles?

Clearly Out.

As you can see by this instant picture taken from Frank's memory bank, the ball was out. This was not a "USTA" call.

Legends win a close one!

With the match all even at 2-2 and their teammates and the Racket East 4.0 ladies watching every move, Joe and Frank met the challenge and prevailed in a third set tiebreaker to clinch victory for River Oaks Lancaster's Legends over rival Northridge. After Grey and Egon went down in singles tiebreakers, Todd and Steve Hoelzer and Jay and Steve Poe prevailed in straight sets to even the match. After a slow start, Joe and Frank climbed back into the first set but lost it 5-7. After winning the second set 6-4, the guys never looked back and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. (and yes that last shot was definitely out!) Props to Northridge. They played tough and fell just short. Next week, home vs. Five Seasons. See you on the courts.

"IT" Girls of Summer post W

The "IT" Girls of Summer posted their first Win of the season on Wednesday night with a 4-1 victory over Mayfield Village 2. Thanks to our team, friends, and families for coming out to cheer us on! We had a great start to the season and as always enjoyed our after match socialization. Our first road trip will be this week as we head to Western Reserve....Tailgate Time!

Lancaster's Legends Victorious in Opener!

• The 3.5 Adult guys did it again in the opener against Chagrin Valley cruising to a 4 courts to 1 victory.

• Lars easily handled his first singles opponent 6-4, 6-1. Todd and Ron won easily 6-2,6-4 at first dubs. Steve and Joe sliced and diced their way to a 6-2,6-1 win at second while Rick and Chuck won easily 6-1, 6-2.

• And then there was Egon! He went toe to toe with his opponent, playing through an injury in the first set and winning 6-4. The second set ended in a tiebreaker at 6-7.

• The match breaker was a battle of epic proportions with the opponents matching each other shot for shot until the end. Egon fell just short and took a tough loss.

• That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Next week is away at Northridge. See you on the courts!

Seen and heard in the Courtroom on Wednesday!