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Ritzville Project 56: A grassroots
partnership to revitalize tennis
By Terry Valdez
R
itzville, Wash., lies just off Interstate 90 about 60 miles
west of Spokane. Known for being at the center of
Washington’s wheat country, Ritzville is also becoming
known for its grassroots spirit. At the heart of this grassroots
spirit is Project 56.
Project 56 was formed by a group of former Ritzville
High School athletes who are passionate and determined to
improve the athletic facilities for the school and the community
at large. Th e group calls their fundraising eff ort Project
56 because its founders were all members of the Ritzville
High School graduating class of 1956. Th anks to their hard
work and fi nancial support
from organizations
such as the Ritzville High
School Bronco Boosters,
Project 56 has recently
completed their fi rst major
project: newly refurbished
tennis courts.
At one point, the fi ve
high school tennis courts
located near the town’s
city park and aquatics center were in poor condition and
slated for demolition and sale by the school district. Luckily
these plans stalled and Project 56 stepped in. Th e group
feels that many outdoor facilities at Ritzville High School
need improving but the tennis courts rose to the top of the
priority list. Project 56 President Spike Arlt explains, “One
of the major turning points was my attendance at the USTA
Pacifi c Northwest Court Symposium this past summer in
Portland. Project 56 needed professional assistance and has
received full support while working with the USTA Pacifi c
Northwest to fi nish the project.”
I was fortunate to be asked to represent the section at the
Ritzville Project 56 court dedication and QuickStart Tennis
clinic held this fall. In attendance were Gayle and Gaynel
Gering who in addition to Arlt were leaders in the eff ort to
save and resurface four of the fi ve courts. Gordon Gering
was also an integral piece of the puzzle as he was directly
involved with the court construction. Joining Project 56
A Presidential Day at the US Open
By Gail Benzler
I
t doesn’t get much better than the US Open if you’re a
tennis fan. It’s all there: bright lights, big city, an electric
atmosphere and amazing tennis…and this is all from the
bleachers.
You can’t buy entrance into the exclusive President’s
Suite at the US Open but for eight lucky tennis fans from
the Pacific Northwest, it was the only way to go as they
were treated to the comfort of watching on-court action
from a private suite complete with sumptuous buffet and
cool drinks while hob-knobbing with celebrities under a
shady awning. What a way to beat those hot summer days!
This year, four USTA Pacific Northwest Community
Tennis Associations took part in the US Open President’s
Suite fundraising event: Grants Pass (Ore.) Community
Tennis Association, Greater Portland Tennis Council,
Portland After-School Tennis and Amy Yee Tennis Center
in Seattle. A total of $5,700 was raised. “The USTA has
offered this exciting fundraising opportunity for Community
Tennis Associations (CTAs) and other organizations
for a long time,” explains David Slade, USTA National
Manager for CTAs. “It’s a great way for organizations to
raise money that helps to grow programs back home in
� Gayle (left) and
Gaynel Gering were
important players in
the Project 56 eff ort
to save the high
school’s tennis courts.
� Project 56
President Spike Arlt
(far right) joins the
Ritzville High School
cheerleaders to
celebrate the newly
refurbished courts.
members at the court dedication and clinic were representatives
of the local school board, chamber of commerce, varsity
cheerleaders, girls’ varsity volleyball team, community newspaper
Ritzville Journal, and various other community residents
excited to see tennis revitalized in Ritzville.
Plans are already underway to resurface the fi ft h court and
have it painted to accommodate the new QuickStart Tennis
format for children age 10 and under. In addition, Cami Galbreath
a local parent and former collegiate player is exploring
the development of a 2009 summer tennis program with the
help of USTA resources and training.
The next time you drive along I-90, take a few moments
to visit Ritzville at Exit 226. A short three quarter mile
drive into town will find four newly resurfaced courts in
US Open blue. I imagine you can round up a hit or two.
You will also understand why the words grassroots, support
and partnership are at the heart of what makes this a very
special place to live. �
their communities.”
Mike Destefanis of New York received his President’s Suite
invitations after donating to the Grants Pass Community
Tennis Association at their annual Caveman Classic. It was
clear that he enjoyed the experience. “What a fantastic way
to spend a day. I’ll tell you, if these invitations come around
again, count me in.”
Danice Brown of Portland attended on behalf of Portland
After-School Tennis with her niece Abby. “It was such a
remarkable experience. We received a back stage tour at the
Open and Abby really enjoyed the matches,” Brown shared.
“She plays USTA Jr. Team Tennis and Challenger tournaments.
It made her so happy to see her favorite players up
close and personal.”
Each year the USTA Pacific Northwest receives a limited
number of President’s Suite invitations to give to community
tennis organizations as a way for them to generate
donations. All money raised stays with the organization
and donors get exclusive entrance to the President’s Suite
at the US Open. It’s a win-win and your organization could
be next. Stay tuned for information on how you can get in
on the fun for 2009. �
University of Victoria Tennis Club after winning the
USTA Pacifi c Northwest Campus Championship for the
second straight year.
University of
Victoria Vikings
reign supreme
at USTA Pacifi c
Northwest Campus
Championships
By Mark Toppe
T
wenty-four teams from 12 colleges across the
Pacific Northwest converged on Tualatin Hills
Tennis Center in Beaverton, Ore., for the seventh
annual USTA Pacific Northwest Campus Championship
where they battled for one of three automatic
bids to the USTA National Campus Championship
scheduled for April 2009 in Surprise, Ariz.
In the end, the University of Victoria Vikings
took top honors as they knocked off the University
of Oregon Ducks, 7-2 in a super tiebreak for the
championship. Meanwhile, Western Washington
University took third place to earn the final automatic
bid to the national championships. All other
participating sport clubs are eligible to register for
an at-large bid into the tournament on a first come,
first serve basis.
Other schools who participated in the event
include Linfield College, Portland State University,
Oregon State University, Eastern Washington University,
Washington State University, University of
British Columbia, University of Washington, and
Central Washington University.
The USTA National Campus Championship is
the culmination of the USTA Tennis on Campus
season which features co-ed teams participating
in intramural and intercollegiate (sport club) play
on more than 450 colleges and universities nationwide.
The USTA Tennis on Campus program was
designed to provide college students with opportunities
for team camaraderie, social networking
and competition.
Although there are many opportunities for
Pacific Northwest college students to get involved
with the tennis sport club team on their campus,
there are still many schools in the section that
do not have active clubs. As a USTA Tennis on
Campus Club President, you’ll develop management
and leadership skills, enjoy tennis and form
many new friendships. If you would like to begin
a tennis club on your campus, please contact Mark
Toppe by phone at (360) 758-9970, or by email at
markt@pnw.usta.com. �
[ MORE CTD ON PAGES 14 & 30 ]
www.pnw.usta.com � WINTER 2008/09 TENNIS TIMES
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