Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Tri-Level Event






It’s time for Tri-Level!
 Date: Jan. 29-30, 2011
 Location: Lost Forest Racquet Club
 Men and Women form separate teams. Select from two levels of play: 4.5/4.0/3.5 or 4.0/3.5/3.0. Players may only play on one team. Players must be 18 years or older by December 31, 2011. Players must play one match to be eligible to advance to sectionals.
 Format: Three lines of doubles. Max 12 players per team. At the 4.5/4.0/3.5 level, line 1, 2 and 3 will consist of two 4.5s, two 4.0s and two 3.5s, respectively. At the 4.0/3.5/3.0 level, line 1, 2 and 3 will consist of two 4.0s, two 3.5s and two 3.0s, respectively.
 Regular scoring will be used with a 3rd set Coman match tiebreak
 Cost: $26 per person
 Important Note: The 4.5/4.0/3.5 level teams cannot have self rated players. All players must have 2010 Year End computer ratings. The 4.0/3.5/3.0 teams can have self rated players.
 Deadline to request a team number and have a majority of your team signed up is January 15th.
 Sectionals: February 18th-20th at Kingwood Country Club.
 Nationals for the 4.5/4.0/3.5 level will be at Indian Wells, Ca during the BNP Paribas Open Tournament March 17th-20th. There is no National event for the 4.0/3.5/3.0 level.
 All players must be an HTA member.
Contact Catherine Blevins at htaleauges@houstontennis.org for more information and to attain a team number.

85 comments:

  1. Why is Catherine in charge of this? I thought the HTA paid Harriet to coordinate tournaments.

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  2. The Tri-level event is technically a USTA LEAGUE event that is all rolled into one weekend. This is not classified as a tournament. Catherine is responsible for league items and Harriet is responsible for tournament items. This event falls under the umbrella of LEAGUE.

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  3. Was there a tri level team last year?

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  4. Yup. Freeman usually knows to Nats. Can't remember if he made it last year.

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  5. Houston beat Dallas in the sectional final last year 2-1 and went to nationals.

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  6. 5.0, 4.5 4.0...that would be legit! or even 5.5, 5.0, 4.5

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  7. Happy New Year y'all. Any tennis resolutions?

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  8. USTA does not offer 5.0/4.5/4.0. The only levels offered are 4.5/4.0/3.5 (Natl event) and 4.0/3.5/3.0 (Sectl only). The flier LanceL posted lists more details.

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  9. Have any teams signed up yet? Anybody out there planning on playing?

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  10. If you are a 5.0 or 5.5 you might as well quit tennis there is nothing for you to play!

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  11. Anybody know what is up with the Spring League? I was at Memorial Park and tried to pay; since we start January 13. They didn't know anything. Who is stupid Houston Park & Rec or HTA or...do we have the blind leading the stupid?

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  12. All the fun events like combo and tri level never make for 5.0's. It's the TTA/USTA loss.

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  13. 10:54 You may have another week. On our flight, it looks like it starts January 20. I am not sure why Catherine has such a hard time providing accurate info.

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  14. Dude, stop with the hate and overcriticizing. Catherine has probably 30-40, if not more, leagues/divisions she is managing. She sends out a general note informing us when to expect league to start but based on the number of teams in each division the start date probably changes. I also received an email that the schedule was ready for viewing and easily found out that the league was starting a week later. With the holidays and weather, I personally am glad my league is starting a week later than expected.

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  15. You are so right Jim B. She works for the HTA. Why would anyone expect accurate info?

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  16. Dude--30 or 40 leagues? What are you drinking? Is she working some other city part time? HTA doesn't have 40 leagues/divisions total for the entire year.

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  17. DUDE - I'm not Jim B. Just someone who doesn't live in a glass house and tries to walk in someone else's shoes before judging. And FYI there are 36 divisions in Houston. This assumes that Catherine administers all leagues. And if she doesn't, I would have a beef with that considering she's a dedicated full time HTA employee. WD 12, WS 3, MD 10, MD 4, MXD 7

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  18. 36 divisions just for the Spring League DUDE

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  19. Pseudo Jim more that I thought (21), but from the HTA website:

    Mens Dubs:
    3.5
    4.0
    4.5
    4.5 +
    5.0 +

    Ladies Dubs
    3.0
    3.0 Friday
    3.5
    4.0
    4.5
    4.5 +

    Mixed
    7.0
    8.0
    9.0

    Ladies Sings
    3.0-3.5
    3.5-4.0
    4.0-4.5
    4.0-4.5

    Mens Sings
    3.5
    4.0
    4.5-5.0

    & I think Daryl is still doing singles, but really who knows?

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  20. We're talking Divisions, not just levels. There are multiple divisions within each level, each of which needs to be scheduled. DUH

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  21. Don't we have anything else to discuss other than HTA administrative items. Any predictions for the Spring leagues - men, women or mixed?

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  22. Question for CB (doing a good job, btw): Will tri-level results count towards ratings? Can you pick up a strike playing tri-level? Are self rated players allowed?

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  23. Yes Tri-Level counts towards ratings. Yes, you can pick up a strike at Tri-Level. No self-rates are allowed. And BTW - new USTA rule is all exclusive M and T rates still have to self-rate for 2011. This eliminates a big loophole that was being abused previously. Also, even if your self-rate expires you can not self rate less than your last offical computer rating.

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  24. No offense but I'd rather hear the answer from Catherine or someone in the know. Too many times the wrong info gets posted on here from people who think they know what they are talking about.

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  25. Whew, why all the beating? An Outlook folder full of Kudos portrays a different story:).

    From T. Smith:
    Yes they do count towards your rating.
    You can also get strikes as well but remember computer rated players with a B or C do not get DQ'd. Receiving a default does not count as a match played.

    Anon 10:32 is partially right. Regarding self rates: There are no self-rates allowed at the 4.5/4.0/3.5 level (which probably encompasses the bloggers) but self-rated players are allowed at the 4.0/3.5/3.0 level.

    CB is handling all the leagues; that would include Singles.

    LLTC capt confused about the BYE the first week of league: Revising 4.0 I schedule now. Your first match will be 1/13. I hope this makes your life better and that you are now more satisfied with the HTA. Just because a team has a BYE 1/13 doesn't mean the league begins later. All Men's Doubles Leagues begin 1/13/2011.

    Anon MPTC Capt. I apologoze for the confusion. I sent the schedules out to you all first before sending the information to the facilities. I was hoping to correct any potential errors prior to the facilities receiving them. I sent the information to the facilities Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. I hand delivered to Otis yesterday. In hindsight I see where I should have told you all to wait until Tuesday to pay your fees. I do learn from my mistakes and will communicate better. Glad to get the feedback. Knowing expectations helps me, thus helps you all.

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  26. Good. I can tank Tri-level then. If I play two tri-level matches will I generate a computer rating at the end of the year?

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  27. You can tank the entire spring season and move down 2 levels if you want. If you are 4.5, then play in the division with the 4.0 and tank. I implore you to do that so your fat lazy @ss is out of 4.5.

    We don't get paid, so play your best and enjoy the camraderie and exercise.

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  28. i like to occasionally check the logs to see where the blog traffic comes from. "houston tennis blog" is by far the leading search term. surprisingly, "minka" shows up somewhat frequently. today i got a hit from "minkaxxx"...this website was on page 46 of the yahoo search results. hard to imagine someone would click through 460+ minka links to finally hit our blog. anyway, that's your trivial fact for the day.

    the moral of the story? more minka discussion = more website traffic! j/k

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  29. Catherine,

    If reading, don't pay too much attention to the flames on the blog. Anonymous posting allows for inflammotory discussion without any accountability.

    We appreciate your efforts. Most posters choose not to volunteer time or effort to USTA/HTA. Most don't even want to take on the burden of being a league captain.

    The blog is both a blessing and a curse, it allows most information to flow. Unfortunately, it is not always useful or productive.

    Still much have the blog as it helps keep a pulse on Houston League Tennis. At the very least, it shows a lot passion around tennis and league.

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  30. She's an Asian Porn Star. Google Minka XXX. I think she is size KKK. Betsie's 4.5 team played against her when they went to Nationals in 2009.

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  31. not worth the google....check out the wives and girlfriends of some the thursday men. better ....much

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  32. Anybody hear the latest Red Benzon news?

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  33. the sex change operation was a success?? Good for Red. I am so happy now that he can play as the woman on a mixed team!

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  34. So what was the latest news?

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  35. So with all the 5.0's now in Houston, will the league be more competitive? It seems like the 5.0 tournament scene is the same old people.

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  36. What happened to the Houston Tournament Blog?

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  37. It died. I heard some major tournament stuff will be posted here.

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  38. They're used to be some comical stuff on the tournament blog. I miss reading Thomas Reader comments. Lord of the Strings.

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  39. Did anyone else read the new 2011 HTA league rules Cheryl sent out?

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  40. tl;dr

    I figure since the court size hasn't changed yet and it's not USTA league I would just show up on Thursday's and hit the ball.

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  41. Anyone interested!!! Jo Keene asked me to post on the blog that they need a volunteer assistant coach at UH. Non-paid for now but could lead to a paid position. Here are the details:

    The position is unpaid, however I have listed the paid opportunities within the position, and also some other incentives/bonuses involved with the position.

    The volunteer assistant's responsibilities would include:

    Assisting in Practice, Match Preparation, Match Coaching and stringing duties. Potential for Team travel and individual player hitting. Opportunity to be director of summer/winter camps, and/or tournament director. (Director of any of these would be a paid position)

    Potential incentives/bonuses include Nike clothing and shoes, and appropriate equipment.

    This position gives both collegiate coaching experience and is an excellent resume builder.

    The volunteer assistant coach is considered an assistant coach on staff with the University of Houston Womens Tennis program.

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  42. Do you have to pass the background check?

    How come no positions like this never say "bank account balance building"

    Resume building is such a cliche'

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  43. Is the U of H women's team any good? Why doesn't U of H have a men's team?

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  44. You can thank the incompetent implementation of Title IX for the cancelation of numerous men's tennis, golf, and wrestling teams across the country.

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  45. It's gonna be a cold start to spring league this week. Good luck ladies and gentlemen.

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  46. Matches this week are postponed. You pansies!

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  47. "Impending hazardous weather conditions"...really Catherine? The HTA throws up yet another brick when making a decision. According to kprc.com 48/26 partly cloudy.

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  48. better be on the cautious side...also captains are free to schedule their matches on the side if necessary or desired.

    Worst comes to worst...you could just play at your home courts with your team.

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  49. It was a cautious decision to delay meaningless matches for 1 week. Big deal.

    So this is getting ridiculous. Catherine actually takes the time to come on here, identify herself and answer some of your questions (at least the reasonable ones) and the response is to call her out by name on every gripe or after every HTA decision??

    Look, I'm not a huge fan of HTA overall and I'm still trying to figure out why we have to pay HTA fees on top of USTA fees to participate in USTA leagues but don't shoot the messenger. Catherine is obviously putting forth a lot of effort and seems to be paying a lot of attention to what the players have to say- even those that post as anons on this blog. It's a far from perfect system but she is not the problem and should be given a chance. It's fine to keep bitching about HTA but A) keep some perspective and B) quit calling her out by name just because she sends the emails.

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  50. Why shouldn't HTA charge a fee. The USTA fee is for the use of TennisLink. The HTA does a lot for Houston tennis - not just Leagues. It supports Jr and Adult tournaments, NJTL, annual scholarships, community development efforts. That all comes at a price. There are association employees and multiple other expenses. Geez - this blog is getting ridiculout. Quit bitching and if you don't like what's going on then get off your fat ass and volunteer on the board or get on one of their committees. You don't have to be a board member to serve on a committee or help out.

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  51. Simply pointing out that in a vast majority of cities, the USTA fees cover your local league administration. Spring and fall HTA- fine, charge a local fee but to say we can't participate in the summer USTA league w/out paying local fees when other cities don't- that does not make sense.

    By the way, these other cities have their own local associations that do plenty for the community as well and they raise money (through tournaments, etc.) to do so, but it is separate from the USTA league.

    My point was that it's fine to have issues with HTA and point those issues out on here but don't blame everything on Catherine (who seems to be doing a very good job) and stop calling out individual HTA administrators for enforcing the rules regardless of whether you agree with them.

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  52. At least you have some organization in Houston. In San Antonio our association controls all USTA leagues and have really made a mess of things. The San Antonio Association arbitrarily changes league parameters during the middle of the season without any input from captains that are being effected. The changes are likely due to the lobbying of individuals from the club where the majority of the associations board members play. Truly corrupt......

    We payed around $10 back when the San Antonio association was not in control and now we pay $25 for a season. The quality of tennis has far from doubled and the funds that were suppose to go to junior programs is spent on lavish parties and wasted.

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  53. To raise additional money, I think USTA should offer to lower a player's rating...for a fee. Say for $300. The added bonus is that it would remove the spineless tankers from leagues.

    It looks like TTA is influenced by a select group of members, so why not just offer to sell their services to the rest of Texas' tennis playing population?

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  54. why do that when I can tank for free? Or close to it.

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  55. countdown.......only 4 more months until summer league

    the captains are actively recruiting
    1. looks like a merger with duecebags and titans; if they can maintain jim, hung, j.bui, borkop, then they will be top2.
    2. blacksheep roster looks the same. had destiny in their hands last year. no superstar davila this year. desperately needs a singles stud or two. lacy is back down to 4.5, that's great cuz he's very intense on the court, but super cool off the court
    3. copperfield roster looks the same. if they can recruit kudrick. kent was a great addition last year, but they need more production from him this year, then they will be top3.
    4. lakeside almost made it last year. norkus played for their fall team. if lakeside recruits the norkus/weaver duo, combined with wright/connell duo, then that's almost 2 guaranteed victories. both teams were undefeated last year. hess will mostlikely return, but dont know about q.bui.
    5. schwings and the other westside will look for another year of exercise. callaway is the only standout, and hope to see him back and better
    6. canes have been silent and dont see anything spectacular from them. the best news for them is ted pumma will be back at 4.5. sarosh almost had a breakout season last year, but ended in a sour note. however, there have been a few players like chambert and grego showing their improvements. foster's first year at 4.5 was successful

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  56. Canes definitely get the edge this year in 4.0 with Vu and Dwyer in the lineup.

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  57. Most importantly, I think the USTA has finally done something right this time. They have effectively eliminated one of the biggest rating loopholes to date. That being the M and T exclusive ratings as well as the Self Rate rule. In summary (and someone please correct me if I'm wrong)

    1. If you have a year end M or T rating you still need to self rate the following year and your rating can not be less than your last year-end rating. You have to file an appeal if you want your rating lower than your M or T rating

    2. If your self rate expires you can not self rate lower than your last S rating and you have to file an appeal if you want your rating lower than your last S rating.

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  58. Good analysis @10:16

    Black Sheep always seem to find a new top player every year. We'll see if they add one this year.

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  59. Copperfield has no chance....they always look ok on paper but they never field their team

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  60. To Houston area tennis fans:

    Mats Wilander is coming to Texas during the week of July 11 - 17, 2011 as part of his Wilander on Wheels fantasty camps. Check out www.wilanderonwheels.com for details, and contact Cameron Lickle by phone or e-mail (see website for contact info) if you would be interested in Mats and Cameron coming to your club. Thanks!

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  61. Copperfield and Westside's success is limited because their team can only be made up of club members, maybe they should combine teams like Sugar Creek & Deucebags. Freeman did not have a Fall or Spring team, but I expect him to put together a competitive team for the summer from players available on his past teams.

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  62. canes will always have a competitive team each year. but this year, almost all of their young guns have been bumped. at least the will have pumma as a solid singles and li/regent as a solid dubs. also grego/chambert is a solid line2 dubs as well.

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  63. combination sugar creek / deucebags will be tough. that team has singles and doubles depth. without knowing the hurricanes, I'd say creekbags are the team to beat

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  64. Creekbags. I like it.

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  65. Mergers of whole teams sounds good but ultimately don't work. Way too many players and way too few matches. These two teams have played together so long that it's going to be difficult to pull off smoothly (decisions will have to me made and feelings will get hurt).

    My money is on implosion (already heard some internal grumbling).

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  66. without any new additions to dubs, creekbag's dubs will still be the same. same players, no outstanding team that could guarantee them a win. havent seen any signs of any singles player joining them. they'll be competitive but not effective

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  67. Ken Douds is too loyal to the scrubs on his team. Dave Matthews will need binoculars to see the court from the end of the bench. Douds might need them too despite his lucky postseason play.

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  68. creekbags with simon, borkop, nguyen and bui. two of them will hold single and make a tough double. potentially that is 3 lines with just those four. there is still potentially tran, dugas, and several very solid doubles.

    based on rated players that is as strong a team out there. we still have the freeman selfrates coming, but creekbags will make playoffs and would be strong candidate to sectional.
    they wouldn't make out at sectional but...

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  69. the pool of good players for freeman to self rate is drying up. most of those players from freeman's pass have been bumped to 5.0 and will be there for a long time. i dont predict any surprises like last year, with bharath and femi.

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  70. Looks like Nguyen, Bui, Quach and Diep all have defected over to the Chancellors team, and no guarantees that Borkop will sign back with the Creekbags for the Summer. This Summer is wide open.

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  71. that's great for those guys! so the rumors are true with the duecebags having leadership issues. creekbags will just be another average team

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  72. It's a long way til summer league. All these assumptions are hearsay for right now.

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  73. I don't think the pool of self-rates ever dries up.

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  74. Hello Everyone. My name is Jimmy Fenn and I'm a 4.5 player from Dallas. I'll be traveling to Houston almost weekly this year for work and would like to play some tennis while down there. I'm going to be staying near the Galleria most of the time but can meet to play in the evenings basically anywhere. If you'd like to play, please let me know. I'll pay my court fees as well if you're a private club member. My email is fenn.jim@gmail.com, cell is 214-585-3398. Thanks!

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  75. Jimmy, you can contact the pro shop over at the Galleria tennis club (private), and ask them to hook you up with a few of their 4.5 members:
    http://www.thegtac.com/ContactUs
    Or if you prefer public courts, you can contact the pro shop at Memorial Park, and see if they can help:
    http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/tennis.html

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  76. I wouldn't mind playing you Jimmy but I need some practice first. This weather has been hell and the holidays added about 10 pounds. LOL

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  77. True, but he chased Sarosh into retirement. At the very least, we should be grateful for that.

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  78. Jannuzi sucks? Can you beat him?

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  79. what happened with men's tri level? None of the teams are complete, was in cancelled?

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  80. Men's 3.0/3.5/4.0 didn't make. Men's 3.5/4.0/4.5 will play. The teams are still registering. Both levels in the Ladies' league will play.

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