News and information about Houston's USTA Men's Tennis league
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Interesting Roster Addition
Red/Tim's Hangover team has added a stud. David Bvunzawabaya, former satellite player from Zimbabwe with a computer 4.5 rating will certainly put them in the hunt for a return trip to Nationals.
Typical Red Benzon. Funny how Tim Green/dinker swore up and down Red wouldn't be adding college level ringers to the team. Just like Allen Teague said his team wasn't behind any protests in 5.0. Any team associated with Red Benzon is shady and corrupts the league for the honest players.
What a fockin scumbag. Green wrote this a week ago
Dinker said...
For the person who said Red is shady and will add college players to the hangovers...its never going to happen. First of all, Red is not the captain. Ken and myself sre. Second, only one match is left in the season before playoffs. We have plenty of talent and depth on the team to make someone have to work to beat us.
How the fock they gonna get this guy into two matches if they only got one left? Red is biggest cheater in city with Green right behine him.
The funny thing is the blogger is just as bad as green/benzon et all. He is always right there to stick up for them and defend their ridiculous teams. Tim Green he no credibility wasnt he earlier claiming Tim Hurlbert with wins over davis cup players is just your average 4.5. Then you have benzon who played on the team last year that was all 5.5 players. He tried to do the same thing in 5.0 and couldnt get anybody to play for him so he decided to start protesting anybody who won a match against his team. WHen even that didnt work he just switched gears into 4.5 and went back to work loading up on ringers. These guys are an embarrassment.
If This New Addition to the Hangovers is a Satellite Player why doesn't someone protest him. I thought satellite players had to at Least Self Rate as a 5.5. Why don't people get it that once you have a rating in the system and it's Computer or Benchmarked it's the End of Discussion they are Eligible to play. Once again 1 player doesn't make a Team so if you think a person is out of level you should protest because all this whining on the blog about Players being to Good is starting to get old. Every Team in the League has Good Players but what do you expect the League to be full of the same Level of Players?
Please check comments made earlier by A-Hole. Red and Tim are not the problem. USTA and TTA are! They are the ones who make the rules and enforce them. If they don't, then anyone is fair game. The sad part is that soon, people like Tim, Red and Betsie H. won't be good enough to play on their own teams and will soon be looking to get rated lower since clearly the 4.5 level has been poisoned. There are people rated 4.5 that might have played in high school all the way to people who played division I and satellite professional tennis. If the USTA, TTA and those that go to their meetings can't see what is going on, then it proves my point that they don't care, and money is their only motivation. I would suggest getting Pete Sampras self rated at 4.5. They probably wouldn't notice. Thanks Tosha, Cheryl, Ken McAllister et al for ruining the system and having little or no leadership in trying to solve this problem. Why is it so hard that no one can redefine what a 4.5 player is. This can't be that hard. Please take a look at the definition and at least define what it isn't. Having the new template is a good idea, but it is only used for new self rated players. Clearly the self rating system is a joke. The new template should apply to everyone now! If you played division I in the last several years, I'm sorry, but you will have to play at the 5.0 level or higher. How hard is it to say that. The 5.0 level would be full of players. Then maybe more of the legit 4.5 players would play league thus raising more money. Can't TTA figure that out? Clearly from previous comments, there are many people who are upset and want change. WAKE UP AND DO YOUR JOBS!!
I think a team captain should protest David Bvunzawabaya. If you do a google search on his name, you will find links to ATP stats/links to Davis Cup play for him. The USTA and TTA should DQ this one too. He probably tanked his mixed doubles match under the advice of his team captain so his match appeared competitive or they played him with a really weak woman.
Red would never cheat or add ringers. You guys are insane. Red is the most honest guy in league I know this from personal experience. Red would much rather lose an honest league match than win one with questionable players. As soon as he finds out about this addition I promise you he will remove him. Its that damn Tim green you should be mad at. You just can't trust a guy that skinny.
David Bvunzawabaya's results are staggering. Playing for the Davis Cup perennial powerhouse, he gave Nick McDonald 6-1, 6-0 drubbing. Oh wait, he lost. Darn that google search. I wonder if Eric Piskura is playing for a Davis Cup team now.
Has anyone seen Bvunzawabaya play, if yes then please post your comments? He played with a 5.5 woman (Tina Hoang) and lost. I don't think you can say that was a weak player.
This goes back to prior posts about players that are in the computer being almost untouchable. That is the current system. Far from perfect, but still better than the old one.
We need to stop blaming the Texas USTA crew because they are way too under staff to properly police the self-raters. They can only do that with our help. If you have any questions about protesting a player, then please stop Red and ask him how it is done.
Last note, guessing from the large interest in this blogg, do you think that any future high level player will be able to self-rate himself without showing up here.
What, this David Zambawabagaga guy couldn't get on Westside's World Team Tennis team so he decided to do the next closest thing and sign up for a Men's 4.5 USTA League Team. How can you guys have any problem with that? If you make the call I am pretty sure Ryan Newport is looking for a gig.
There is no protesting a "Computer" rating, you can have all the evidence in the world and it won't make a difference. The TTA and HTA have no discretion in the matter.
"This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the sceond serve. This player tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles."
Please notice the words "begun" and "beginning". "Begun to master the use of power and spins..." "..is beginning to vary game plan..."
Who cares about the computer since it obviously hasn't a clue. But for you guys and gals out there that are teaching pros or any college players, is this the category that describes your game? For the teaching pros and college players; have you "begun" to master the use of power and spins? Are you "beginning" to vary your game plan according to your opponents? If this is the case, then how did you play at the college level, and/or how could you call yourself a teaching pro? How embarrassing. Do your students know your qualifications? Do they really pay you money if you are just beginning to learn the forementioned attributes to playing tennis? Many tennis students should read and think about this and whether they should ask for their money back. You, so called, teaching pros and college players are either not what you say you are or are just wimps for playing at this level. Do you have something to prove? How about a legit 4.5 player playing at the 3.5 level? I am sure he or she would feel really important to their peers. What a joke. I can't wait for the comments on this one. The truth hurts, doesn't it?
It looks to me like the "computer" doesn't know what the definition of a 4.5 players is. If the "computer" doesn't know, then why use this system? Who programmed the computer? Shouldn't it know what each different level of play is? The answer is, because it is not a human that can know the qualifications of a player. Now if everyone, and I mean everyone had to fill out a new player profile, then the computer could know the past history of each person. If they played college tennis and/or is a legit teaching pro then obviously by definition, those people would not be able to self rate at 4.5. For those of you just reading this, please refer to the definition listed a couple comments above before commenting.
The computer can't know by definition what a 4.5 player is. The entire DNTRP system is predicated by benchmark players. BUT, don't think that just because you're a benchmark player that means you're at the top of your level. It just means you played at a Championship Level (local playoffs, sectionals, or nationals). From there it is simply a trickle down affect beginning with the players at nationals. The computer decides, based on nationals results, who the low 4.5, mid 4.5, high 4.5, etc players are based on their match results for everyone that played at Nationals. Then those players trickle down to the Sectional level (ie. how did the Section do against the National benchmark players). Then locally.
I don't think either system is perfect but I do believe the DNTRP system is better than visual ratings. I don't think the the HTA, TTA, or USTA is at fault because there are people who are able to get around the self-rating system. The system is actually good.
Does everyone out there really think it is such a simple task to come up with a grid with the exact criteria of what level a person should be based on where they played - AND that everyone would agree with it. Everyone will always have their opinion. Anyone who has played college knows that within each division there's a huge difference between conferences and schools. Within colleges there's a huge difference between playing line 1 and line 6. And this changes from year to year. Some would argue that a JUCO player from Tyler JUCO is as good as a D2 player and should have to play 5.5. So, do you penalize all JUCO players because Tyler has a history of studs. Was it always the case that a player from Baylor was a stud? How many non-college players out there have beaten a college player?
The grid is simply a basis/starting point for letting people enter the system. It is a given that some people will be forced to enter higher than they should and some will be allowed to play lower than they should. The system is good - it's up to us bloggers to maintain the integrity of the system. And just complaining about it aint gonna cut it.
I guess you didn't read the comment before stating the definition of a 4.5 player. Do you really think that any college player is "beginning" to master the use of power and spins? or is "beginning" to handle pace? Give me a break! Who do you think you are kidding?
I agree with you there. It seems that the USTA did not take into account the level definitions already set up by the USTA. Yes, there is definitely inconsistency there and can certainly understand concerns over how a level is defined and that not matching the player profile guidelines.
Chances are the computer is right and David B is truly a 4.5. I have met too many players who tell me they "really are 4.5 instead of 4.0" (or 5.0 instead of 4.5). Get over yourself, if you are 5.0, the computer would show it.
And if you think you are just 4.5 because Tim G happens to be "incorrectly a 4.5 benchmark" I can only recommend to play open level against true 5.0 players over and over again. But you will not find any 5.0 players in so called 5.0 tournaments, and even in Houston's 5.0 league they are rare.
I think what we've discovered after all the bashing and name calling is that the system is possibly flawed beyond repair. Unless as someone mentioned previously, we go and re-self-rate everyone in the USTA. I can tell you right now - that's not gonna happen.
We've got so many players who are grandfathered in at a certain level it's keeping the benchmark too high. This is creating a false sense of reality when it comes to the new players entering the system. They see who the computer rated players are and think it's ok to be in that level. Someone like Broach, Bourne, Hurlbert, who I've seen multiple times mentioned as out of level play against Red and Tim and while they might beat them feel that it was a competitive match and it's ok to play at that level.
A perfect system does not exist, and the current one will not be completely overhauled in a vain attempt to catch the cheaters. So stop all of the complaining and take it out to the court.
If you think there are too many players rated too low in league, then you need to go back and play in your club where the local pro will rate you as a 5.5.
As more people continue to play league and tournaments, the computer will place them at their correct level. If they decide to sandbag and throw games in order to manipulate the computer, then that is their shame to carry.
Ratings are pushed down from the national level, so you cannot say that benchmarked players are artificially keeping the playing level high. Their rating is based on results as compared to similar players nationally.
If you are getting your @ss kicked by these benchmarked players, then you are playing out of level and should drop down.
I am not "sticking up for" Tim and Red. I simply mentioned the roster addition and didn't comment positively or negatively.
As usual, I can see both sides of the argument. I have been in their shoes before and have added studs in an attempt to give my team a better chance to get to Nationals. We did always try to keep my "core" players in the mix and really never added more than a player or two a year to our core group. We had the opportunity to add more players but I always felt it would cheapen our accomplishment if we attained our goals with too many "outsiders".
On the other hand, I can see the league shrinking as teams try to "keep up with the Joneses" and some teams are no longer able to be competitive. However, if the system functions correctly the end of the season will see players end up where they should be.
As for the situation with David B, I don't know if much should be made of it. I believe the Hangovers have already played or at least almost finished their matches with Kingwood and YUTTS and I think they have just those two matches with MIB remaining. I'm not even sure if MIB is still fielding a team so it may be a moot point. Personally I have no idea how good a player David B is...I quickly found a satellite result but he got his butt whooped in that one. Somebody mentioned Davis Cup or something but I didn't see anything about that anywhere.
Let me give you example of how league works. Tommy Connell #1 Nationally in 55's (Doubles) and Top 3 in 55's (Singles) He got a rating through Tournament play. He's been a top Player in the Nation since 45's singles and doubles. He is a ringer but that's what the syatem popped out so he plays 4.5. Almost all Serious Captains do a search to see which players got a Bench Mark Rating or Computer Rated Rating when the year ends.This Year is Different never before have I seen the High Caliber of level players get Bumped down by the Computer whether from 5.5 to 5.0 or 5.0 to 4.5 and 4.5 to 4.0. Every single level has added Firepower this Year and The Texas Section will Bring Home another National Championship it may be 4.0's Freeman's Team or his 3.5 Team they Lokk really Strong and Deep. If you want me to list more Good Players Let me know.
It surprises me too. Typically if your section does well at Nationals, the Section has players get bumped up not bumped down.
For a long time Hawaii and Carribean were getting their butts waxed at Nationals. Their players were gradually bumped down to make them more competitive at Nationals.
As for Tommy, if he got a tournament exclusive 4.5 computer rating, I have no doubt he's where he should be. I know he would NEVER EVER give up a single game, let a lone a match if he didn't have to. If you look at how he's done in mixed league this summer there's not one match that stands out.
The sad part is that I know of many players that lose just about every match but don't get stomped, except by the top players and they never get moved down. They may win one match and the computer leaves them at their level. You and I know they can't compete at their stated level and it is not fun for them. Yet there are players who are rated at one level, play tournaments at a higher level, win, and never get bumped up. This makes those other players mad.
I have read this page and can't help but know that the Westside BlackSheep got screwed. They lost Asushi after 4 matches to benchmark players that have been losing this season. My team beat them heads up and that is just the way it should be played but the system encourages cheating. Other teams have satellite player or college players rated at 4.5 and something is not right as a computer can't always get it correct. The Westside BS have no recourse, no appeals and are fighting for 2nd/3rd place after having 4 wins removed overturning a 3/2 win. I'm in the 4.5 III division, have seen Asushi play and win but he is no 5.0 considering who else is rated 4.5 . Learn the rules, yes, but you're better off to learn to cheat the system, know the honest teams are suckers, accept that the system is flawed and the ones that are suppose to fix it and update it, don't really care. Welcome to HoustonTennis.com/typicalpoliticalbs
USTA summer league is a joke. The best teams are all cheaters. The TTA and USTA dont give a sh**. Protest every bogus player and boycott summer league in the future.
OK, we have stipulated that we are all cheaters. Now let's play tennis and have fun. The reality is that we have had way too much rain around here and we need to get out and hit some balls to get therapy. See the rest of you cheaters on the court. Bring beer.
Can't we all just get along? So the honest players who suck and play at or above their level resent the sandbaggers who are cheaters and beat them all the time. It's a fact of life - get over it! Never gonna change... We'll all have a margarita in your honor at Nationals! Didn't your mothers teach you "Life's not fair!!!".
Either you play tennis for fun and excercise or you play to Try and be a Competitior,but League is mainly about Winning and Trust me when a Group of Guys get together and Hear about Road Trips and Traveling to Compete for Bragging Rights for your City it gets way out of Hand But with that Being said we are all Amateurs.
Hey Guys, I was unable to find anything on Google about this Lukas Jendek guy but accordng to Wikepedia, not only was he a highly ranked junior in Europe but he also dated Gisele Bundchen and authored a published Molecular Physics paper on "ultrafast exciton dynamics in semiconducting single walled carbon nanotodes".
Can we utilize this information to get him DQ'd too.
I believe Atushi was a computer DQ. If he were on Red Benzon's team this would have never happened though since he would have been properly instructed on avoiding these types of mishaps.
Does anyone agree that a computer rated player should have a right of appeal if computer bumped? I think in the very least, a way to state the case to people who can over-rule a machine.
In response to Red and I adding David B to the roster...Red had nothing to do with the addition. I (Tim Green) added David. Its funny how everyone on this blog complains of the self rated players and when I add someone with a current computer rating everyone complains more. For the person who is anonymous and wants to call me names such as "scumbag", my phone number is 832-414-9208. Have enough nerve to call me if you have a problem with me. Why does everyone have this desire to discuss Red as cheating in league when was not the captain in San Antonio last year or the captain this year? As to earlier attacks on the TTA...the TTA desides benchmarks based on players playing at sectionals and Nationals. If the rating system is in question, it starts at the top and filters down. If you have a problem with the USTA system to where you can no longer stand it and feel you need to attack others through the form of this blog... then you need to stop playing in the league. Boycot if you wish and the same group of us who have continued to compete and be dedicated to this league for years will lose no sleep over it. I for one appreciate this league and will continue to play in it. Best wishes to all.
Tim, don't sweat it. Haven't you figured out that no matter what you do there will always be whiny cray babies claiming that you're a dishonest cheater. You add self-rated players they cry, you add a computer rated player they cry. You're supposed to add the loser cry babies to your team and don't even bother with the computer-rated players. They'll end up on Dallas' or Austins all-star team and go to Nationals. Let's just F _ _ K Houston's chances of ever going to Nationals again because we all want to take the morale high ground, second guess the computers, second guess the TTA and USTA.
"It's not the critic that counts". Famous Teddy Roosevelt saying and I live by it. It's easy to sit back and criticize those who do things, make decisions, and succeed in life. Complain that life's not fair and someone out there is cheating you. Well, if you have a f'ing problem with the system then do something about it. Otherwise, quit f'ing bitching about it.
If my team doesn't make it to nationals this year my wife is going to leave me for Red Benzon. My first wife already left me for Timothy Green. Getting to nationals is the fountain of youth. Drink at your own risk.
Red Benzon, now theres a guy with whom not to be messin'. Hes gonna go and teach all you fools a good lesson. Only chance you boys is with a new smith and wesson. Tim Green, what you fools be sayin about him is obscene. Hes a lean mean tennis katyusha missle machine, just the sound of his voice sends crackas runnin to the latrine.
Did anyone notice that two guys from Houston played in the 4.5 Finals in Tyler Jochen Moser and Greg Schmucker? Looks like Schmucker took out Moser who is the top dog in 4.5. Funny because Schmucker plays 5.0, but now for some reason is playing down at 4.5 which I think is BS. Also, he plays on Tim Greens Hangover team as well. I play 4.5 tournaments and league and it really pisses me off when players like Schmucker play down when they should be playing Open or 5.0. I bet Green loves having players like that on his team. Funny I wonder if Schmucker is going to play San Antonio or play here in Houston during the playoffs. I for one hope he stays here in Houston cause its all BS!
We have obviously exhausted the latest topic, so let's move on to this week's match ups. By the way, have any of the multitude of rain make ups been played yet?
You're so f'ing stupid. So what if Schmucker played up to avoid you whiny cry babies who suck too much to be on their team. He didn't play against one 5.0 player in the entire tournament. Just because you play in and win a "5.0" tournament doesn't mean you should play 5.0 in league also. You can play Open for all the computer cares and win the whole damn thing but if you're beating 4.0 and 4.5 players you're not going to get rated as a 5.5 player.
Hmmmm - maybe the reason Tim and Red's teams always do so well is because they work on their games, play in tournaments all the time to be match tough, and challenge themselves to play better players by entering in the 5.0/Open division so that when they play 4.5 league they are that much more prepared. I guarantee if they get whipped playing in a 5.0 tournament they're not gonna go whining about it and claim their victor should be a 5.5 player like you f'ing losers.
Scumucker loses pretty regularly in 4.5 tournaments he is a 4.5 player. Don't look for him to see much action in the playoffs or sectionals. 4.5 players tend not to do well at those events.
I know when Green's team went to nationals Schmucker didn't go with them. I don't think he really cares about league. I must say he does have very good groundstrokes and he wins a lot of matches because of his fitness. Something Green will need if his tteam makes it to sectionals. I still think Schmucker is a sandbagger.
This is starting to get good. I was wondering when someone would try to rip on G. Schmucker for something. He may change what level he thinks he should be playing at more often than I change the channel on the tv but his winning a 4.5 Major Zone over another 4.5 player is definitely not an indication that he is a ringer. Tim Green makes easy work of him regularly from what I recall. Anyway, the biggest shock is that he signed up for that tournament and actually showed up in Tyler to play.
On a second note, why is it that I/we should care about how Houston shows at Sectionals / Nationals if we are not a part of it. How does Houston fielding a stronger team of ringers at a National competition reflect on any of us not involved in the actual playing? Did this become State Davis Cup and I did not get the memo that I should take personal offence if the sandbagging ringers from another state took down a bunch of sandbagging ringers from my own town who I had never heard of until they emerged out the woodwork as six sylable last name on some other teams roster. I just don't get how that matters regardless of how competitive a person you are.
Don't you think its funny that Schmucker plays 4.5 when he should be playing 5.0 or Open? I mean come on he blew through the field up in Tyler. Also when was the last time Green played Schmucker in a tournament? It has been a long time and I believe Schmucker would take him out now. I know he drops from tournaments from time to time, but I really don't think he cares about tennis that much.
Perhaps he was instructed by Green to tank or drop out of tournaments because of shi_tty league who knows. With the Hangovers anything is possible.
I'm surprised Schmucker is catching flak in here. Hes nowhere close to the best 4.5 on the hangovers much less in the league. That team has 7 or 8 guys that would easily win these major zones. Schmucker is too consistent for a lot of 4.5 players but hardly a ringer. Ringers are the san antonio team last year and david b., jendek, hurlbert, etc certainly not schmucker.
Ok, comment from Austin. I've played both Greg and Tim in tournaments and I don't think either one is sanbagging. I'd say Tim is one of the best 4.5 players out there (he killed me) but not a league 5.0 like Max D. He'd have a tough match against some of the guys the Austin team will bring this year. On another note, you guys are lucky that you can add players to the roster during the season, our rosters are frozen the night before league play starts. -AT
Both Schmucker and Green played college tennis. So that to me equals ringers. Anyone that has played college tennis should NOT be playing 4.5. I heard Schmucker beat another college player in Tyler and this other college player beat the Baylor womens ex-coach before playing Schmucker. So the USTA should make all college to ex college players play Open no matter what.
Takes the fun out of league and tournaments for the ordinary players.
Schmucker is 40 years old or something like that. Look at his 4.5 tournament results the past 2 years he loses quite a bit. Lets keep the focus on actual ringers. Theres a reason Schmucker doesn't get into the league matches much hes too weak compared to the other guys on his team.
Quit yo hating. How can you be sandbagging when a player has consistently been playing league and tournaments and that is where the computer spits him out at? I have known Tim for a long time and have seen him work very hard to improve his game.
Maybe you should get off yo fat @ss and try to improve, or else you will continue to lose because the competition ain't getting easier.
Sorry, I've been very busy this week and will get to this week's matches when I get home to my computer (I can't even remember my password to do it here).
BTW, Greg Schmucker is a good solid 4.5 player. He's not a ringer. I'm not sure he'll see any playoff action, perhaps against a weaker team.
As AT (Anthony Tatu) noted, many other cities don't have the ability to add players mid-year. Adding players late has its pluses and minuses. Often times captains can avoid defaulting a line with a last minute addition, but I do understand how some teams can get their hopes at having a legitimate chance at Sectionals come crashing down when another team adds some superstars late in the year.
New Topic from the "skirt": I keep hearing people claim that players are tanking matches either by deliberately losing a match when the line is not needed, or losing games to make the score more competitive. Since it seems most of the bloggers prefer to post anonymously, I'd like to know how many players out there have done this. Also, are there any players who have been asked by their captain (specifically Red and Tim since it appears that most people feel that Red/Tim will stoop to anything to win)to tank a match or lose games. And not just speculation - you personally lost a match or games or were asked to.
Congrats to Schmucker for having gone from no mention whatsoever on this blog to being the most mentioned name on the blog that has elicited the most response comments yet. He has a good game and I have lost to him before but he is not a ringer using "league 4.5" as the definition. In tournaments, he would be a ringer in most any local draw and possibly in smaller MZ draws like Tyler. But as stated, eveyone else on his team would be an even bigger ringer in 4.5 tournaments. I am not that great of a player but even I have beaten several former JUCO / Division III college players so college experience is definitely not a guarantee that someone is better than a 4.5 player. More often or not, they do turn out to be major A**holes unfortunately (trying to stick to my major theme).
Man, you guys and gal are giving these specifically mentioned guys way more than their 15 minutes of fame. If we are going to do that, then let's talk about Paris Hilton. She would be much more interesting to talk about and look at. Hell, Roger Federer doesn't get as much press as Tim Green. That's just wrong. Please, let's move on! Who is playing this week? What are some good playoff match up to look for? Who are the best doubles players on each playoff team? These singles players are getting too much press.
This whole blog thing is quite funny. First time I have been on here and everyone is ripping on Greg Schmucker, Tim Green, and Red. I am friends with those guys and man talk about putting those guys down.
Greg wins Tyler MZ and everyone here seems like putting the guy down instead of saying congrats. BTW Greg is 38yrs old and I don't think has ever been on this blog.
Green because he puts successful league teams together and happens to beat everyone on this blog I bet in singles and doubles.
Red because he whips up on everyone in doubles and is a nice guy easy to get along with.
Just my thoughts. All three are good friends of mine. Damn people whine about everything.
HTown Hacker, maybe that can be your new topic "Should all rosters be frozen before league play starts" or "Should all sections operate under the same rules." In Austin we have a 17 person limit for rosters, I don't think they have that limit in Dallas. AT.
We should make some new league rules. If you win a set 6-2 or worse then the winner or winners of that set have to chug a beer before play begins in the next set. The losers can join in, but the winners have to supply the beer. Now this is a way for some of the winners to possibly throw a whole set. On the other hand this may give the fat losers an incentive to beat the crap out of these hot shot players.
Now the argument shifts to the important topic of whether Greg is 38 years old or 40 years old. Somebody please clear up this confusion because I don't see how we can move forward on any future topic until we clear this up once and for all. For my two cents, I have heard from several people that he just turned 40 earlier this year or at the end of last year. If true, I give him credit because he definitely can hang for a long time on the tennis court.
Here is a new worthy topic. Who do you think is the fattest, most out-of-shape player that is successful at either singles or doubles in Houston League play. And no offence but please do not mention any 3.5 or 4.0 players because by the very fact that they play at that low a level, they are not truly successful tennis players. Sorry to offend anyone who is 4.0 rated or below who actually thinks they are great players.
Yeah Schmucker came out of nowhere on this thing. I've played him hes a good pusher probably one of the better legit 4.5 players. He is nowhere close to the level of the top 4.5 league ringers.
Damn I thought Schmucker was in his early thirties. That guy can stay on the court all day and top it off in the middle of summer. He has my vote for the fittest tennis player in TX.
Red is pretty fat. Maybe that is why he plays doubles all the time.
You think Schmucker is a pusher? I know he has a very good moonball game if he is just messing around on the court. Other than that he has a huge forehand, but no net game. Surprised everyone is talking about him so much because of Tyler.
I'll bet money Greg just anonymously pronounced himself the fittest player in the state of Texas. Sorry but if that were true, why has never been able to outlast Jason Gound in a match at either 4.5 or 5.0.
I am actually jealous of how much attention this guy is getting for doing something that has nothing whatsoever to do with league. I am almost want to throw my name out there so you can make fun of me and then I can say that I am younger than I actually am and lie about my fitness.
Keep in mind that most of the Tyler tournament went to modified sets due to rain. Anything can happen in that format. Topspin Assasin or A-Hole might even be able to pull off a round or 2.
Yeah schmucker got killed by tim hurlbert last year like 3 and 1. He can't hang with the real ringers. And yes he is a pusher he just waits for people to make mistakes. Nothing wrong with that strategy pusher isnt necessarily a put down.
I know Topspin was only trying to lighten the air, but Rothe and Bialas come to mind. No offense big guys, but man, you boys can play and get around the court. IMO - best big guys in the 4.5 league.
Now to another topic. H'town. Why don't you start a Fantasy Tennis League. That way even the losers have a chance to win and actually make a little bit of dough in the deal. You're gonna be lovin those ringers then!!!
Who are the top beer drinkers in the league? Who takes a hit the best in doubles? Who has the biggest serves? Who is the quickest on the court?
These would be fun questions to answer. Please include people from other teams. You never know, in the 4.5's the two teams that keep getting mentioned may get surprised at city wide playoffs.
Rothe and Bialas want to start a new league. Not by rating level or by age, but buy combined weight class. Now can you imagine who would be in the "light weight" class?
I attended Greg's 40th b-day so I cannot see how he could now be only 38. For anyone to win a major zone in the Tyler heat at any level is an accomplishment. Great job Greg.
This has been a very entertaining comment thread, plus it has already topped 105 comments. Got things to do other than sit on my A** reading a blog so off I go. I'll have to check later and see where this thing goes. I agree that Peter and Kevin are very strong doubles players, hefty or otherwise.
How about this one, who do you think is the fattest, most out of shape player that actually thinks he is fit and/or thinks he can play when he really can't. Perhaps no one fits this description in the Ultra-Competitive World of Houston League Tennis. Hard to believe that though cause there are definitely a bunch of fat guys playing, many with very high opinions of themselves.
I called Greg S and informed him of his status here on this blog. He thought it was funny receiving so much attention for winning a MZ. Perhaps we will get a response out of him.
I think it is the Mob Squad members that started all of this.
Sorry if I ruined a good thing. Sometimes I seem to get a bit too cynical. Guess, its just cause I am so jealous and tired of sucking so bad. Oops, there I just went and did it again.
Anyway, here is one I will pose in seriousness. If you could only achieve one, and assuming you have never done either, which would you rather do: win a Major Zone tournament at 4.5 or 5.0 or be on a team that wins City Wides and goes to Sectionals. Curious to see if on this blog dedicated to League Dominance there is anyone else who enjoys tournaments more than he enjoys league. I'm sure it would be cool to be the winner of a line 1 match to secure the City Wide title but I don't get how anyone can get so excited by the fact that they are willing to put in more time than the other captains in securring a roster of ringers if they are not themselves part of the oncourt success. But thats just me.
This is my seventh year to go to sectionals. Been there done that. But in 15 years of trying, I've only won one MZ. I'll take a MZ win any day over sectionals.
However, make that nationals, and it's a different story.
Topspin, I'm sure you'll give me some kind of grief over this, but here goes. I've been playing tennis for almost 11 years starting out as a 3.5 player. Won City Wide at each level a total of 10 times. Went to Sectionals 2x @ 3.5, 3x @ 4.0 (1 Nationals), and 3x @ 4.5 (1 Nationals). Probably wil go to Sectionals and decent chance at Nationals this year. On my 4.0 team, I was one of the key players in winning Sectionals (came from behind at 8-3 in the 3rd set tb to win it for the team). On my 4.5 team, I was a scrub, however, there was still a sense of accomplishment being the captain. Anyone who has done it knows how much work goes into it (btw - the captains gifts at natioanls are always awesome). I also won the Coke 4.0 Womens Doubs. I would stack rank those accomplishments as:
1. 4.0 Nationals 2. 4.0 Coke Win 3. 4.5 Nationals
So, to answer your question or comment on your question - The best case scenario for me is to feel a sense of personal success based on your own merits. I've never had the luxury of being a "ringer", or someone the rest of the league felt was playing down, on a Sectionals team, so I don't know how to answer your base question. What good is it to win if you're beating truly below your level?
Another thing is, I think most people who play tournaments and league would agree that the best players at each level don't play tournaments, or only play the local ones. So that is why a tournament win may not seem that important to some people.
I just realized, actually your question was geared more towards captains and not players. I think you answered the question yourself. The accomplishment is no different than a chess match. It's the time you put in doing all the recruiting, player and team research, trying to get into the head of the opposing captain, and then ultimately the strategy behind the lineups. Then watching your hard work pay off. It's really not much different than Fantasy Football. You research the players and teams, figure out your draft, determine which players to play based on your match ups. And then Sunday comes and you watch and hope that your team wins.
The Fantasy sports analogy fits to a degree but in this case it is like you are putting together a fantasy team of Major League baseball players to play in a Minor League fantasy game.
It is too bad that there was not a Texas Sectional level league, seperate from the city league so that you could have your stacked team playing against other stacked teams from around the state on a weekly basis during league season (maybe 4 home and 4 away matches against regionally closer opposing cities so you don't get forced to drive to Abilene)with the 4 best teams playing in a round robin sectionals to determine who goes to nationals, and those of us content to just play for friendly competition instead of the life or death competition you guys make it out to be could play each other on local teams that actually represent the stated NTRP level for a lesser city title where all teams might have a shot instead of only the 2 or 3 super stacked teams. And relatively competent players are not left on the bench as ringer after ringer is added to team over the course of the season. More people might actually participate in league if that were the case.
If you are only interested in playing for friendly competition, then you can play HTA in the spring and fall seasons. The USTA summer season has the sectional and national carrots, and that is why individuals want to play in this season.
Though I have found that the majority of the teams from the HTA seasons remain together and compete in the summer.
I am a mid range 4.5 player and lookd forward to playing the other top 4.5 players in the summer time, because I don't see them in tournaments regularly.
I am the king of HTA Spring and Fall league. Not in terms of dominance but longevity of participation. There is no comparison between HTA and USTA leagues. In HTA, weaker players play up and in 4.5 you are just as likely to play a middle of the pack 4.0 as you are a 4.5, though you do usually see strong 4.5-5.0 level guys at line 1. But nothing is on the line, the rosters are short on players, and half the matches get rained out and never made up. Fun yes, competitive, not really. Plus, there are no playoffs or citywide championship. You just play and if you are lucky you get a mug or a folder with a HTA logo on it. Woop-de-doo! Though I in no way enjoy summer league as it exists with the massive sandbagging and what not (I might feel differently if I had the option to sandbag down to 4.0 for the summer), I would prefer to play tennis with a more serious feel to it than what exists in the HTA seasons. If there is someone out there that cares as much and puts as much work into captaining a spring or fall HTA team, then God help you because you are sick.
Topspin, and others who share his opinions: I really do understand your sentiment or perception that captains such as myself, teague, green, etc. want to win at all costs. I totally agree with you that, as a captain, my team winning in USTA League is huge and I spend many many hours trying to put together a winning team. What bothers me is when it is deemed a character flaw or negative personality trait that we want to win. For me, given the way I was raised, settling for less in anything I do is not acceptable or desireable - that's just my personality and I won't apolgize for being that way. I credit this personality trait to all my successes in life and it's not something I can or want to turn off. I actually admire that you're able to play in the league, content to have fun hanging out with your buddies, get exercise, drink beer etc. and sometimes wish I could be that way. I'd certainly save money on hair coloring to hide the greys. And I do understand your frustration from being whipped by the "sandbaggers" - that's not fun especially if you feel your opponent is patronizing or projects an elitist attitude towards you.
That being said, I don't condone captains truly doing ANYTHING to win (the ends justifies the means mentality). You still need to have a conscience and play within the rules and guidelines of the league.
Your comment on HTA not being challenging or competitive enough is a good one and is something that could be brought to the attention of the HTA. Perhaps require teams to play HTA at the same level they played USTA, or something like that. Typically, the sandbaggers don't play HTA, so the true High-Level players would be playing at your level now.
Thank God 3.5 and 4.0 players are not considered "truly successful tennis players"....especially when topics like "the fattest, most out-of-shape player" comes along. I was sweating that one out until I saw I did not qualify under your 2nd paragraph.
We didn't get our 4.5 HTA Mugs this year for winning the HTA league. What eles were we playing all those weeks for? Maybe we wanted to be social...stay in shape...and yes, compete to win each match we played. We must be terrible individuals.
Betsie was spot on in her previous comment. It is a honorable trait that most individuals will never understand.
ENOUGH about Tim Green... most of the league Captain are a BIG JOKE, wannabe successful players but really lack REAL tennis background, training, skills, and most importantly PERSONALITY. They will sell their spouse and kids for a chance to win. They are a strange breed that ruin tennis for all. GOOD LUCK PLAYING in the HEAT losers.
Summer League is the worst ... its hot and too many ringers. I am a 5.0 player and been approached by Don Nguyen of Sienna to play in the 4.0. They have no moral or compassion for others. I feel sorry for the community of Sienna Plantation that their tennis league is becoming a NIGHTMARE because of a few individuals trying to be Captain.
Sienna team, sandbagging ? hahaha They look like middle age wannabe tennis players, borderline between 3.5-4.0. too OLD You are playing against big boys league 4.5, 5.0 and some college level ringers. Sienna will lose, better luck next time boys :-) too HOT today ehhh
Typical Red Benzon. Funny how Tim Green/dinker swore up and down Red wouldn't be adding college level ringers to the team. Just like Allen Teague said his team wasn't behind any protests in 5.0. Any team associated with Red Benzon is shady and corrupts the league for the honest players.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fockin scumbag. Green wrote this a week ago
ReplyDeleteDinker said...
For the person who said Red is shady and will add college players to the hangovers...its never going to happen. First of all, Red is not the captain. Ken and myself sre. Second, only one match is left in the season before playoffs. We have plenty of talent and depth on the team to make someone have to work to beat us.
How the fock they gonna get this guy into two matches if they only got one left? Red is biggest cheater in city with Green right behine him.
The funny thing is the blogger is just as bad as green/benzon et all. He is always right there to stick up for them and defend their ridiculous teams. Tim Green he no credibility wasnt he earlier claiming Tim Hurlbert with wins over davis cup players is just your average 4.5. Then you have benzon who played on the team last year that was all 5.5 players. He tried to do the same thing in 5.0 and couldnt get anybody to play for him so he decided to start protesting anybody who won a match against his team. WHen even that didnt work he just switched gears into 4.5 and went back to work loading up on ringers. These guys are an embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteIf This New Addition to the Hangovers is a Satellite Player why doesn't someone protest him. I thought satellite players had to at Least Self Rate as a 5.5.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't people get it that once you have a rating in the system and it's Computer or Benchmarked it's the End of Discussion they are Eligible to play.
Once again 1 player doesn't make a Team so if you think a person is out of level you should protest because all this whining on the blog about Players being to Good is starting to get old. Every Team in the League has Good Players but what do you expect the League to be full of the same Level of Players?
Please check comments made earlier by A-Hole. Red and Tim are not the problem. USTA and TTA are! They are the ones who make the rules and enforce them. If they don't, then anyone is fair game. The sad part is that soon, people like Tim, Red and Betsie H. won't be good enough to play on their own teams and will soon be looking to get rated lower since clearly the 4.5 level has been poisoned. There are people rated 4.5 that might have played in high school all the way to people who played division I and satellite professional tennis. If the USTA, TTA and those that go to their meetings can't see what is going on, then it proves my point that they don't care, and money is their only motivation. I would suggest getting Pete Sampras self rated at 4.5. They probably wouldn't notice. Thanks Tosha, Cheryl, Ken McAllister et al for ruining the system and having little or no leadership in trying to solve this problem. Why is it so hard that no one can redefine what a 4.5 player is. This can't be that hard. Please take a look at the definition and at least define what it isn't. Having the new template is a good idea, but it is only used for new self rated players. Clearly the self rating system is a joke. The new template should apply to everyone now! If you played division I in the last several years, I'm sorry, but you will have to play at the 5.0 level or higher. How hard is it to say that. The 5.0 level would be full of players. Then maybe more of the legit 4.5 players would play league thus raising more money. Can't TTA figure that out? Clearly from previous comments, there are many people who are upset and want change. WAKE UP AND DO YOUR JOBS!!
ReplyDeleteI think a team captain should protest David Bvunzawabaya. If you do a google search on his name, you will find links to ATP stats/links to Davis Cup play for him. The USTA and TTA should DQ this one too. He probably tanked his mixed doubles match under the advice of his team captain so his match appeared competitive or they played him with a really weak woman.
ReplyDeleteTim Green is an idiot. He would sell his friends or at least benched them for any chances of going to sectional/national.
ReplyDeleteRed would never cheat or add ringers. You guys are insane. Red is the most honest guy in league I know this from personal experience. Red would much rather lose an honest league match than win one with questionable players. As soon as he finds out about this addition I promise you he will remove him. Its that damn Tim green you should be mad at. You just can't trust a guy that skinny.
ReplyDeleteDavid Bvunzawabaya's results are staggering. Playing for the Davis Cup perennial powerhouse, he gave Nick McDonald 6-1, 6-0 drubbing. Oh wait, he lost. Darn that google search. I wonder if Eric Piskura is playing for a Davis Cup team now.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone seen Bvunzawabaya play, if yes then please post your comments? He played with a 5.5 woman (Tina Hoang) and lost. I don't think you can say that was a weak player.
This goes back to prior posts about players that are in the computer being almost untouchable. That is the current system. Far from perfect, but still better than the old one.
We need to stop blaming the Texas USTA crew because they are way too under staff to properly police the self-raters. They can only do that with our help. If you have any questions about protesting a player, then please stop Red and ask him how it is done.
Last note, guessing from the large interest in this blogg, do you think that any future high level player will be able to self-rate himself without showing up here.
WE ARE THE POLICE.
What, this David Zambawabagaga guy couldn't get on Westside's World Team Tennis team so he decided to do the next closest thing and sign up for a Men's 4.5 USTA League Team. How can you guys have any problem with that? If you make the call I am pretty sure Ryan Newport is looking for a gig.
ReplyDeleteThere is no protesting a "Computer" rating, you can have all the evidence in the world and it won't make a difference. The TTA and HTA have no discretion in the matter.
ReplyDeleteLEARN THE RULES!!!!!!
If Benzon ever puts togehter a 4.0 team look for Newport at one singles. Must cost Red some bucks but he has a large budget for this sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteYou say there is no protesting a computer rating. Of course, because Red owns the computer.
ReplyDeleteHere is the USTA definition of a 4.5 NTRP:
ReplyDelete"This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the sceond serve. This player tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles."
Please notice the words "begun" and "beginning". "Begun to master the use of power and spins..." "..is beginning to vary game plan..."
Who cares about the computer since it obviously hasn't a clue. But for you guys and gals out there that are teaching pros or any college players, is this the category that describes your game? For the teaching pros and college players; have you "begun" to master the use of power and spins? Are you "beginning" to vary your game plan according to your opponents? If this is the case, then how did you play at the college level, and/or how could you call yourself a teaching pro? How embarrassing. Do your students know your qualifications? Do they really pay you money if you are just beginning to learn the forementioned attributes to playing tennis? Many tennis students should read and think about this and whether they should ask for their money back. You, so called, teaching pros and college players are either not what you say you are or are just wimps for playing at this level. Do you have something to prove? How about a legit 4.5 player playing at the 3.5 level? I am sure he or she would feel really important to their peers. What a joke. I can't wait for the comments on this one. The truth hurts, doesn't it?
It would be interesting to see what other D1, D2 or D3 players currently playing league (at whatever level) that are computer rated.
ReplyDeleteNames some names please, but leave out the ones already mentioned earlier.
It looks to me like the "computer" doesn't know what the definition of a 4.5 players is. If the "computer" doesn't know, then why use this system? Who programmed the computer? Shouldn't it know what each different level of play is? The answer is, because it is not a human that can know the qualifications of a player. Now if everyone, and I mean everyone had to fill out a new player profile, then the computer could know the past history of each person. If they played college tennis and/or is a legit teaching pro then obviously by definition, those people would not be able to self rate at 4.5. For those of you just reading this, please refer to the definition listed a couple comments above before commenting.
ReplyDeleteThe computer can't know by definition what a 4.5 player is. The entire DNTRP system is predicated by benchmark players. BUT, don't think that just because you're a benchmark player that means you're at the top of your level. It just means you played at a Championship Level (local playoffs, sectionals, or nationals). From there it is simply a trickle down affect beginning with the players at nationals. The computer decides, based on nationals results, who the low 4.5, mid 4.5, high 4.5, etc players are based on their match results for everyone that played at Nationals. Then those players trickle down to the Sectional level (ie. how did the Section do against the National benchmark players). Then locally.
ReplyDeleteI don't think either system is perfect but I do believe the DNTRP system is better than visual ratings. I don't think the the HTA, TTA, or USTA is at fault because there are people who are able to get around the self-rating system. The system is actually good.
Does everyone out there really think it is such a simple task to come up with a grid with the exact criteria of what level a person should be based on where they played - AND that everyone would agree with it. Everyone will always have their opinion. Anyone who has played college knows that within each division there's a huge difference between conferences and schools. Within colleges there's a huge difference between playing line 1 and line 6. And this changes from year to year. Some would argue that a JUCO player from Tyler JUCO is as good as a D2 player and should have to play 5.5. So, do you penalize all JUCO players because Tyler has a history of studs. Was it always the case that a player from Baylor was a stud? How many non-college players out there have beaten a college player?
The grid is simply a basis/starting point for letting people enter the system. It is a given that some people will be forced to enter higher than they should and some will be allowed to play lower than they should. The system is good - it's up to us bloggers to maintain the integrity of the system. And just complaining about it aint gonna cut it.
I guess you didn't read the comment before stating the definition of a 4.5 player. Do you really think that any college player is "beginning" to master the use of power and spins? or is "beginning" to handle pace? Give me a break! Who do you think you are kidding?
ReplyDeleteI won the Junior Grand Slam and I am playing 3.0 tennis. Is something wrong with that.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you there. It seems that the USTA did not take into account the level definitions already set up by the USTA. Yes, there is definitely inconsistency there and can certainly understand concerns over how a level is defined and that not matching the player profile guidelines.
ReplyDeleteChances are the computer is right and David B is truly a 4.5. I have met too many players who tell me they "really are 4.5 instead of 4.0" (or 5.0 instead of 4.5). Get over yourself, if you are 5.0, the computer would show it.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you think you are just 4.5 because Tim G happens to be "incorrectly a 4.5 benchmark" I can only recommend to play open level against true 5.0 players over and over again. But you will not find any 5.0 players in so called 5.0 tournaments, and even in Houston's 5.0 league they are rare.
I think what we've discovered after all the bashing and name calling is that the system is possibly flawed beyond repair. Unless as someone mentioned previously, we go and re-self-rate everyone in the USTA. I can tell you right now - that's not gonna happen.
ReplyDeleteWe've got so many players who are grandfathered in at a certain level it's keeping the benchmark too high. This is creating a false sense of reality when it comes to the new players entering the system. They see who the computer rated players are and think it's ok to be in that level. Someone like Broach, Bourne, Hurlbert, who I've seen multiple times mentioned as out of level play against Red and Tim and while they might beat them feel that it was a competitive match and it's ok to play at that level.
A perfect system does not exist, and the current one will not be completely overhauled in a vain attempt to catch the cheaters. So stop all of the complaining and take it out to the court.
ReplyDeleteIf you think there are too many players rated too low in league, then you need to go back and play in your club where the local pro will rate you as a 5.5.
As more people continue to play league and tournaments, the computer will place them at their correct level. If they decide to sandbag and throw games in order to manipulate the computer, then that is their shame to carry.
Ratings are pushed down from the national level, so you cannot say that benchmarked players are artificially keeping the playing level high. Their rating is based on results as compared to similar players nationally.
If you are getting your @ss kicked by these benchmarked players, then you are playing out of level and should drop down.
I am not "sticking up for" Tim and Red. I simply mentioned the roster addition and didn't comment positively or negatively.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I can see both sides of the argument. I have been in their shoes before and have added studs in an attempt to give my team a better chance to get to Nationals. We did always try to keep my "core" players in the mix and really never added more than a player or two a year to our core group. We had the opportunity to add more players but I always felt it would cheapen our accomplishment if we attained our goals with too many "outsiders".
On the other hand, I can see the league shrinking as teams try to "keep up with the Joneses" and some teams are no longer able to be competitive. However, if the system functions correctly the end of the season will see players end up where they should be.
As for the situation with David B, I don't know if much should be made of it. I believe the Hangovers have already played or at least almost finished their matches with Kingwood and YUTTS and I think they have just those two matches with MIB remaining. I'm not even sure if MIB is still fielding a team so it may be a moot point. Personally I have no idea how good a player David B is...I quickly found a satellite result but he got his butt whooped in that one. Somebody mentioned Davis Cup or something but I didn't see anything about that anywhere.
HTown Hacker
Let me give you example of how league works. Tommy Connell #1 Nationally in 55's (Doubles) and Top 3 in 55's (Singles) He got a rating through Tournament play. He's been a top Player in the Nation since 45's singles and doubles. He is a ringer but that's what the syatem popped out so he plays 4.5. Almost all Serious Captains do a search to see which players got a Bench Mark Rating or Computer Rated Rating when the year ends.This Year is Different never before have I seen the High Caliber of level players get Bumped down by the Computer whether from 5.5 to 5.0 or 5.0 to 4.5 and 4.5 to 4.0. Every single level has added Firepower this Year and The Texas Section will Bring Home another National Championship it may be 4.0's Freeman's Team or his 3.5 Team they Lokk really Strong and Deep. If you want me to list more Good Players Let me know.
ReplyDeleteIt surprises me too. Typically if your section does well at Nationals, the Section has players get bumped up not bumped down.
ReplyDeleteFor a long time Hawaii and Carribean were getting their butts waxed at Nationals. Their players were gradually bumped down to make them more competitive at Nationals.
As for Tommy, if he got a tournament exclusive 4.5 computer rating, I have no doubt he's where he should be. I know he would NEVER EVER give up a single game, let a lone a match if he didn't have to. If you look at how he's done in mixed league this summer there's not one match that stands out.
The sad part is that I know of many players that lose just about every match but don't get stomped, except by the top players and they never get moved down. They may win one match and the computer leaves them at their level. You and I know they can't compete at their stated level and it is not fun for them. Yet there are players who are rated at one level, play tournaments at a higher level, win, and never get bumped up. This makes those other players mad.
ReplyDeleteProbably they could get bumped down by appeal though if they are within the allowable range though. Have they tried that?
ReplyDeleteI have read this page and can't help but know that the Westside BlackSheep got screwed. They lost Asushi after 4 matches to benchmark players that have been losing this season. My team beat them heads up and that is just the way it should be played but the system encourages cheating. Other teams have satellite player or college players rated at 4.5 and something is not right as a computer can't always get it correct.
ReplyDeleteThe Westside BS have no recourse, no appeals and are fighting for 2nd/3rd place after having 4 wins removed overturning a 3/2 win.
I'm in the 4.5 III division, have seen Asushi play and win but he is no 5.0 considering who else is rated 4.5 .
Learn the rules, yes, but you're better off to learn to cheat the system, know the honest teams are suckers, accept that the system is flawed and the ones that are suppose to fix it and update it, don't really care.
Welcome to HoustonTennis.com/typicalpoliticalbs
That's a good idea, let's put in a protest to bump a player down. I definitely know a few players that can be "protested" this way.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great idea. Certainly, Ken Burkhardt is a 4.0, along with Bobo. Let's protest to get them down.:)
ReplyDeleteUSTA summer league is a joke. The best teams are all cheaters. The TTA and USTA dont give a sh**. Protest every bogus player and boycott summer league in the future.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, you go ahead and boycott the league. We will miss you, NOT.
ReplyDeleteAre u saying anybody better than u is a cheater? very interesting...
ReplyDeleteSounds to me YOU KIND of people is the problem for the league
OK, we have stipulated that we are all cheaters. Now let's play tennis and have fun.
ReplyDeleteThe reality is that we have had way too much rain around here and we need to get out and hit some balls to get therapy. See the rest of you cheaters on the court. Bring beer.
Tim Green amd Red Benzon are cheaters.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteCan't we all just get along? So the honest players who suck and play at or above their level resent the sandbaggers who are cheaters and beat them all the time. It's a fact of life - get over it! Never gonna change... We'll all have a margarita in your honor at Nationals! Didn't your mothers teach you "Life's not fair!!!".
ReplyDeleteI believe Scott Carr's Westside Team did try to get Ryan Newport on their 4.5 team but he failed the drug test.
ReplyDeleteEither you play tennis for fun and excercise or you play to Try and be a Competitior,but League is mainly about Winning and Trust me when a Group of Guys get together and Hear about Road Trips and Traveling to Compete for Bragging Rights for your City it gets way out of Hand But with that Being said we are all Amateurs.
ReplyDeleteHey Guys, I was unable to find anything on Google about this Lukas Jendek guy but accordng to Wikepedia, not only was he a highly ranked junior in Europe but he also dated Gisele Bundchen and authored a published Molecular Physics paper on "ultrafast exciton dynamics in semiconducting single walled carbon nanotodes".
ReplyDeleteCan we utilize this information to get him DQ'd too.
try "lucas jendek" ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Westside 4.5 team tried to get Mark Philippoussis but he had a date every Thursday for the next 16 months and was only rated as a 4.0
ReplyDeleteBTW, who lodged the protest against Atsushi Fukunaga?
ReplyDeleteHas any other 4.5 or 4.0 players been DQed this season?
I believe Atushi was a computer DQ. If he were on Red Benzon's team this would have never happened though since he would have been properly instructed on avoiding these types of mishaps.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone agree that a computer rated player should have a right of appeal if computer bumped?
ReplyDeleteI think in the very least, a way to state the case to people who can over-rule a machine.
We need to make bumper stickers and t-shirts.
FREE ATSUSHI
In response to Red and I adding David B to the roster...Red had nothing to do with the addition. I (Tim Green) added David. Its funny how everyone on this blog complains of the self rated players and when I add someone with a current computer rating everyone complains more. For the person who is anonymous and wants to call me names such as "scumbag", my phone number is 832-414-9208. Have enough nerve to call me if you have a problem with me. Why does everyone have this desire to discuss Red as cheating in league when was not the captain in San Antonio last year or the captain this year? As to earlier attacks on the TTA...the TTA desides benchmarks based on players playing at sectionals and Nationals. If the rating system is in question, it starts at the top and filters down. If you have a problem with the USTA system to where you can no longer stand it and feel you need to attack others through the form of this blog... then you need to stop playing in the league. Boycot if you wish and the same group of us who have continued to compete and be dedicated to this league for years will lose no sleep over it. I for one appreciate this league and will continue to play in it. Best wishes to all.
ReplyDeleteTim, don't sweat it. Haven't you figured out that no matter what you do there will always be whiny cray babies claiming that you're a dishonest cheater. You add self-rated players they cry, you add a computer rated player they cry. You're supposed to add the loser cry babies to your team and don't even bother with the computer-rated players. They'll end up on Dallas' or Austins all-star team and go to Nationals.
ReplyDeleteLet's just F _ _ K Houston's chances of ever going to Nationals again because we all want to take the morale high ground, second guess the computers, second guess the TTA and USTA.
"It's not the critic that counts". Famous Teddy Roosevelt saying and I live by it. It's easy to sit back and criticize those who do things, make decisions, and succeed in life. Complain that life's not fair and someone out there is cheating you. Well, if you have a f'ing problem with the system then do something about it. Otherwise, quit f'ing bitching about it.
If my team doesn't make it to nationals this year my wife is going to leave me for Red Benzon. My first wife already left me for Timothy Green. Getting to nationals is the fountain of youth. Drink at your own risk.
ReplyDeleteYour wives left you because you are a whiny little sh!t with no BALLZ.
ReplyDeleteTim, don't sweat the guys with no BALLZ. They are world class whiners when anyonymous.
ReplyDeleteThat explains a lot. All the nut-less whiners are on Top Spinners 4.5 Women's team. I heard they can't cut it in the women's league either...
ReplyDeleteRed Benzon, now theres a guy with whom not to be messin'.
ReplyDeleteHes gonna go and teach all you fools a good lesson.
Only chance you boys is with a new smith and wesson.
Tim Green, what you fools be sayin about him is obscene.
Hes a lean mean tennis katyusha missle machine, just the sound of his voice sends crackas runnin to the latrine.
Did anyone notice that two guys from Houston played in the 4.5 Finals in Tyler Jochen Moser and Greg Schmucker? Looks like Schmucker took out Moser who is the top dog in 4.5. Funny because Schmucker plays 5.0, but now for some reason is playing down at 4.5 which I think is BS. Also, he plays on Tim Greens Hangover team as well. I play 4.5 tournaments and league and it really pisses me off when players like Schmucker play down when they should be playing Open or 5.0. I bet Green loves having players like that on his team. Funny I wonder if Schmucker is going to play San Antonio or play here in Houston during the playoffs. I for one hope he stays here in Houston cause its all BS!
ReplyDeleteScumucker is probably the worst singles player on the hangovers team. That ought to tell you something about how league works.
ReplyDeleteHey Mr. Blogger,
ReplyDeleteWe have obviously exhausted the latest topic, so let's move on to this week's match ups. By the way, have any of the multitude of rain make ups been played yet?
You're so f'ing stupid. So what if Schmucker played up to avoid you whiny cry babies who suck too much to be on their team. He didn't play against one 5.0 player in the entire tournament. Just because you play in and win a "5.0" tournament doesn't mean you should play 5.0 in league also. You can play Open for all the computer cares and win the whole damn thing but if you're beating 4.0 and 4.5 players you're not going to get rated as a 5.5 player.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm - maybe the reason Tim and Red's teams always do so well is because they work on their games, play in tournaments all the time to be match tough, and challenge themselves to play better players by entering in the 5.0/Open division so that when they play 4.5 league they are that much more prepared. I guarantee if they get whipped playing in a 5.0 tournament they're not gonna go whining about it and claim their victor should be a 5.5 player like you f'ing losers.
Dude he just won a Major Zone so I doubt he is the worst singles player on Green's team.
ReplyDeleteScumucker loses pretty regularly in 4.5 tournaments he is a 4.5 player. Don't look for him to see much action in the playoffs or sectionals. 4.5 players tend not to do well at those events.
ReplyDeleteI know when Green's team went to nationals Schmucker didn't go with them. I don't think he really cares about league. I must say he does have very good groundstrokes and he wins a lot of matches because of his fitness. Something Green will need if his tteam makes it to sectionals. I still think Schmucker is a sandbagger.
ReplyDeleteThis is starting to get good. I was wondering when someone would try to rip on G. Schmucker for something. He may change what level he thinks he should be playing at more often than I change the channel on the tv but his winning a 4.5 Major Zone over another 4.5 player is definitely not an indication that he is a ringer. Tim Green makes easy work of him regularly from what I recall. Anyway, the biggest shock is that he signed up for that tournament and actually showed up in Tyler to play.
ReplyDeleteOn a second note, why is it that I/we should care about how Houston shows at Sectionals / Nationals if we are not a part of it. How does Houston fielding a stronger team of ringers at a National competition reflect on any of us not involved in the actual playing? Did this become State Davis Cup and I did not get the memo that I should take personal offence if the sandbagging ringers from another state took down a bunch of sandbagging ringers from my own town who I had never heard of until they emerged out the woodwork as six sylable last name on some other teams roster. I just don't get how that matters regardless of how competitive a person you are.
If you are losing to Greg Schmucker on a regular basis, then you should be playing 4.0.
ReplyDeleteDon't you think its funny that Schmucker plays 4.5 when he should be playing 5.0 or Open? I mean come on he blew through the field up in Tyler. Also when was the last time Green played Schmucker in a tournament? It has been a long time and I believe Schmucker would take him out now. I know he drops from tournaments from time to time, but I really don't think he cares about tennis that much.
ReplyDeletePerhaps he was instructed by Green to tank or drop out of tournaments because of shi_tty league who knows. With the Hangovers anything is possible.
NEW TOPIC PLEASE Mister DJ!!!!!! The 4.5 Summer league is what it is, and always will be. Everyone has two choices: participate or do not participate.
ReplyDeleteIf you are losing to Greg Schmucker on a regular basis, then you should be playing 4.0.
ReplyDeleteHow bad have you lost to him? One of our Houston players wins Tyler and you diss the guy on here.
I assume you are a 4.0 player.
I'm surprised Schmucker is catching flak in here. Hes nowhere close to the best 4.5 on the hangovers much less in the league. That team has 7 or 8 guys that would easily win these major zones. Schmucker is too consistent for a lot of 4.5 players but hardly a ringer. Ringers are the san antonio team last year and david b., jendek, hurlbert, etc certainly not schmucker.
ReplyDeleteOk, comment from Austin. I've played both Greg and Tim in tournaments and I don't think either one is sanbagging. I'd say Tim is one of the best 4.5 players out there (he killed me) but not a league 5.0 like Max D. He'd have a tough match against some of the guys the Austin team will bring this year. On another note, you guys are lucky that you can add players to the roster during the season, our rosters are frozen the night before league play starts. -AT
ReplyDeleteMax Dunaev top Tyler Junior college player and UTSA player is not really a 5.0. How did he slip by the system that guy should be 5.5 for sure.
ReplyDeleteTim Green is much more of a sandbagger than schmucker. They ar two different levels of player.
ReplyDeleteBoth Schmucker and Green played college tennis. So that to me equals ringers. Anyone that has played college tennis should NOT be playing 4.5. I heard Schmucker beat another college player in Tyler and this other college player beat the Baylor womens ex-coach before playing Schmucker. So the USTA should make all college to ex college players play Open no matter what.
ReplyDeleteTakes the fun out of league and tournaments for the ordinary players.
Schmucker is 40 years old or something like that. Look at his 4.5 tournament results the past 2 years he loses quite a bit. Lets keep the focus on actual ringers. Theres a reason Schmucker doesn't get into the league matches much hes too weak compared to the other guys on his team.
ReplyDeleteQuit yo hating. How can you be sandbagging when a player has consistently been playing league and tournaments and that is where the computer spits him out at? I have known Tim for a long time and have seen him work very hard to improve his game.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should get off yo fat @ss and try to improve, or else you will continue to lose because the competition ain't getting easier.
Sorry, I've been very busy this week and will get to this week's matches when I get home to my computer (I can't even remember my password to do it here).
ReplyDeleteBTW, Greg Schmucker is a good solid 4.5 player. He's not a ringer. I'm not sure he'll see any playoff action, perhaps against a weaker team.
As AT (Anthony Tatu) noted, many other cities don't have the ability to add players mid-year. Adding players late has its pluses and minuses. Often times captains can avoid defaulting a line with a last minute addition, but I do understand how some teams can get their hopes at having a legitimate chance at Sectionals come crashing down when another team adds some superstars late in the year.
Htown Hacker
If you think Greg and Tim are ringers, then you need a reality check.
ReplyDeleteNew Topic from the "skirt": I keep hearing people claim that players are tanking matches either by deliberately losing a match when the line is not needed, or losing games to make the score more competitive. Since it seems most of the bloggers prefer to post anonymously, I'd like to know how many players out there have done this. Also, are there any players who have been asked by their captain (specifically Red and Tim since it appears that most people feel that Red/Tim will stoop to anything to win)to tank a match or lose games. And not just speculation - you personally lost a match or games or were asked to.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Schmucker for having gone from no mention whatsoever on this blog to being the most mentioned name on the blog that has elicited the most response comments yet. He has a good game and I have lost to him before but he is not a ringer using "league 4.5" as the definition. In tournaments, he would be a ringer in most any local draw and possibly in smaller MZ draws like Tyler. But as stated, eveyone else on his team would be an even bigger ringer in 4.5 tournaments. I am not that great of a player but even I have beaten several former JUCO / Division III college players so college experience is definitely not a guarantee that someone is better than a 4.5 player. More often or not, they do turn out to be major A**holes unfortunately (trying to stick to my major theme).
ReplyDeleteMob Squad was good at tanking and shaving games. Too bad they are not playing this year, we really miss their sportmanship.
ReplyDeleteMan, you guys and gal are giving these specifically mentioned guys way more than their 15 minutes of fame. If we are going to do that, then let's talk about Paris Hilton. She would be much more interesting to talk about and look at. Hell, Roger Federer doesn't get as much press as Tim Green. That's just wrong. Please, let's move on! Who is playing this week? What are some good playoff match up to look for? Who are the best doubles players on each playoff team? These singles players are getting too much press.
ReplyDeletedoubles guys are a dime a dozen.
ReplyDeleteBest doubles team is Greg Schmucker and Tim Green, period.
ReplyDeleteMob's player that got DQed last year, Farzad Heidari, is now rated as a 6.0.
ReplyDeleteNow that is a ringer...
Doubles guys are cheaters! They are actually the best players on all these teams. To heck with the single players.:)
ReplyDeleteThis whole blog thing is quite funny. First time I have been on here and everyone is ripping on Greg Schmucker, Tim Green, and Red. I am friends with those guys and man talk about putting those guys down.
ReplyDeleteGreg wins Tyler MZ and everyone here seems like putting the guy down instead of saying congrats. BTW Greg is 38yrs old and I don't think has ever been on this blog.
Green because he puts successful league teams together and happens to beat everyone on this blog I bet in singles and doubles.
Red because he whips up on everyone in doubles and is a nice guy easy to get along with.
Just my thoughts. All three are good friends of mine. Damn people whine about everything.
HTown Hacker, maybe that can be your new topic "Should all rosters be frozen before league play starts" or "Should all sections operate under the same rules." In Austin we have a 17 person limit for rosters, I don't think they have that limit in Dallas. AT.
ReplyDeleteWe should make some new league rules. If you win a set 6-2 or worse then the winner or winners of that set have to chug a beer before play begins in the next set. The losers can join in, but the winners have to supply the beer. Now this is a way for some of the winners to possibly throw a whole set. On the other hand this may give the fat losers an incentive to beat the crap out of these hot shot players.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that we would all agree that Tim Green needs to drink a lot of beer.
ReplyDeleteNow the argument shifts to the important topic of whether Greg is 38 years old or 40 years old. Somebody please clear up this confusion because I don't see how we can move forward on any future topic until we clear this up once and for all. For my two cents, I have heard from several people that he just turned 40 earlier this year or at the end of last year. If true, I give him credit because he definitely can hang for a long time on the tennis court.
ReplyDeleteHere is a new worthy topic. Who do you think is the fattest, most out-of-shape player that is successful at either singles or doubles in Houston League play. And no offence but please do not mention any 3.5 or 4.0 players because by the very fact that they play at that low a level, they are not truly successful tennis players. Sorry to offend anyone who is 4.0 rated or below who actually thinks they are great players.
Ha Ha Ha Ha,
ReplyDeleteSchmucker wins Tyler and everyone on here dislikes him or is putting him down.
What is the world coming too?
I know Schmucker is 38yrs, but why does that matter. Once your over 30 its all downhill from there.
Does playing drunk count? Because if it does, then Perez gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteYeah Schmucker came out of nowhere on this thing. I've played him hes a good pusher probably one of the better legit 4.5 players. He is nowhere close to the level of the top 4.5 league ringers.
ReplyDeleteDamn I thought Schmucker was in his early thirties. That guy can stay on the court all day and top it off in the middle of summer. He has my vote for the fittest tennis player in TX.
ReplyDeleteRed is pretty fat. Maybe that is why he plays doubles all the time.
Tim Green is the fattest, most out of shape player in Houston league.
ReplyDeleteLets put up Wanted Greg Schmucker posters at Memorial Park Tennis Center.
ReplyDeleteLOL
You think Schmucker is a pusher? I know he has a very good moonball game if he is just messing around on the court. Other than that he has a huge forehand, but no net game. Surprised everyone is talking about him so much because of Tyler.
ReplyDeleteThis whole thing is funny. I would put Magid, from the Rice team, up against all these guys in singles. Kudva isn't bad either.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet money Greg just anonymously pronounced himself the fittest player in the state of Texas. Sorry but if that were true, why has never been able to outlast Jason Gound in a match at either 4.5 or 5.0.
ReplyDeleteI am actually jealous of how much attention this guy is getting for doing something that has nothing whatsoever to do with league. I am almost want to throw my name out there so you can make fun of me and then I can say that I am younger than I actually am and lie about my fitness.
Keep in mind that most of the Tyler tournament went to modified sets due to rain. Anything can happen in that format. Topspin Assasin or A-Hole might even be able to pull off a round or 2.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI love short sets. Get one break and you win.
Also, the beer guy has some great points. A-Hole loves beer.
sincerely,
A-Hole
Yeah schmucker got killed by tim hurlbert last year like 3 and 1. He can't hang with the real ringers. And yes he is a pusher he just waits for people to make mistakes. Nothing wrong with that strategy pusher isnt necessarily a put down.
ReplyDeleteI know Topspin was only trying to lighten the air, but Rothe and Bialas come to mind. No offense big guys, but man, you boys can play and get around the court. IMO - best big guys in the 4.5 league.
ReplyDeleteNow to another topic. H'town. Why don't you start a Fantasy Tennis League. That way even the losers have a chance to win and actually make a little bit of dough in the deal. You're gonna be lovin those ringers then!!!
That is another good subject for a new post - who are the best pushers in 5.0, 4.5 and 4.0.
ReplyDeleteGreg Schmucker in 5.0 and Mike Salinas in 4.5.
Who are the top beer drinkers in the league?
ReplyDeleteWho takes a hit the best in doubles?
Who has the biggest serves?
Who is the quickest on the court?
These would be fun questions to answer. Please include people from other teams. You never know, in the 4.5's the two teams that keep getting mentioned may get surprised at city wide playoffs.
Rothe and Bialas want to start a new league. Not by rating level or by age, but buy combined weight class. Now can you imagine who would be in the "light weight" class?
ReplyDeleteOk, which player in the league makes the most excuses before the match even begins?
ReplyDeleteI attended Greg's 40th b-day so I cannot see how he could now be only 38. For anyone to win a major zone in the Tyler heat at any level is an accomplishment. Great job Greg.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a very entertaining comment thread, plus it has already topped 105 comments. Got things to do other than sit on my A** reading a blog so off I go. I'll have to check later and see where this thing goes. I agree that Peter and Kevin are very strong doubles players, hefty or otherwise.
ReplyDeleteHow about this one, who do you think is the fattest, most out of shape player that actually thinks he is fit and/or thinks he can play when he really can't. Perhaps no one fits this description in the Ultra-Competitive World of Houston League Tennis. Hard to believe that though cause there are definitely a bunch of fat guys playing, many with very high opinions of themselves.
Topsping always seems to find a way of ruining the fun.
ReplyDeleteI called Greg S and informed him of his status here on this blog. He thought it was funny receiving so much attention for winning a MZ. Perhaps we will get a response out of him.
ReplyDeleteI think it is the Mob Squad members that started all of this.
Sorry if I ruined a good thing. Sometimes I seem to get a bit too cynical. Guess, its just cause I am so jealous and tired of sucking so bad. Oops, there I just went and did it again.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, here is one I will pose in seriousness. If you could only achieve one, and assuming you have never done either, which would you rather do: win a Major Zone tournament at 4.5 or 5.0 or be on a team that wins City Wides and goes to Sectionals. Curious to see if on this blog dedicated to League Dominance there is anyone else who enjoys tournaments more than he enjoys league. I'm sure it would be cool to be the winner of a line 1 match to secure the City Wide title but I don't get how anyone can get so excited by the fact that they are willing to put in more time than the other captains in securring a roster of ringers if they are not themselves part of the oncourt success. But thats just me.
This is my seventh year to go to sectionals. Been there done that. But in 15 years of trying, I've only won one MZ. I'll take a MZ win any day over sectionals.
ReplyDeleteHowever, make that nationals, and it's a different story.
Topspin, I'm sure you'll give me some kind of grief over this, but here goes. I've been playing tennis for almost 11 years starting out as a 3.5 player. Won City Wide at each level a total of 10 times. Went to Sectionals 2x @ 3.5, 3x @ 4.0 (1 Nationals), and 3x @ 4.5 (1 Nationals). Probably wil go to Sectionals and decent chance at Nationals this year. On my 4.0 team, I was one of the key players in winning Sectionals (came from behind at 8-3 in the 3rd set tb to win it for the team). On my 4.5 team, I was a scrub, however, there was still a sense of accomplishment being the captain. Anyone who has done it knows how much work goes into it (btw - the captains gifts at natioanls are always awesome). I also won the Coke 4.0 Womens Doubs. I would stack rank those accomplishments as:
ReplyDelete1. 4.0 Nationals
2. 4.0 Coke Win
3. 4.5 Nationals
So, to answer your question or comment on your question - The best case scenario for me is to feel a sense of personal success based on your own merits.
I've never had the luxury of being a "ringer", or someone the rest of the league felt was playing down, on a Sectionals team, so I don't know how to answer your base question. What good is it to win if you're beating truly below your level?
Another thing is, I think most people who play tournaments and league would agree that the best players at each level don't play tournaments, or only play the local ones. So that is why a tournament win may not seem that important to some people.
I just realized, actually your question was geared more towards captains and not players. I think you answered the question yourself. The accomplishment is no different than a chess match. It's the time you put in doing all the recruiting, player and team research, trying to get into the head of the opposing captain, and then ultimately the strategy behind the lineups. Then watching your hard work pay off. It's really not much different than Fantasy Football. You research the players and teams, figure out your draft, determine which players to play based on your match ups. And then Sunday comes and you watch and hope that your team wins.
ReplyDeleteGood analogy with Fantasy Football. Being captain is a lot like that.
ReplyDeleteThe Fantasy sports analogy fits to a degree but in this case it is like you are putting together a fantasy team of Major League baseball players to play in a Minor League fantasy game.
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad that there was not a Texas Sectional level league, seperate from the city league so that you could have your stacked team playing against other stacked teams from around the state on a weekly basis during league season (maybe 4 home and 4 away matches against regionally closer opposing cities so you don't get forced to drive to Abilene)with the 4 best teams playing in a round robin sectionals to determine who goes to nationals, and those of us content to just play for friendly competition instead of the life or death competition you guys make it out to be could play each other on local teams that actually represent the stated NTRP level for a lesser city title where all teams might have a shot instead of only the 2 or 3 super stacked teams. And relatively competent players are not left on the bench as ringer after ringer is added to team over the course of the season. More people might actually participate in league if that were the case.
If you are only interested in playing for friendly competition, then you can play HTA in the spring and fall seasons. The USTA summer season has the sectional and national carrots, and that is why individuals want to play in this season.
ReplyDeleteThough I have found that the majority of the teams from the HTA seasons remain together and compete in the summer.
I am a mid range 4.5 player and lookd forward to playing the other top 4.5 players in the summer time, because I don't see them in tournaments regularly.
I am the king of HTA Spring and Fall league. Not in terms of dominance but longevity of participation. There is no comparison between HTA and USTA leagues. In HTA, weaker players play up and in 4.5 you are just as likely to play a middle of the pack 4.0 as you are a 4.5, though you do usually see strong 4.5-5.0 level guys at line 1. But nothing is on the line, the rosters are short on players, and half the matches get rained out and never made up. Fun yes, competitive, not really. Plus, there are no playoffs or citywide championship. You just play and if you are lucky you get a mug or a folder with a HTA logo on it. Woop-de-doo! Though I in no way enjoy summer league as it exists with the massive sandbagging and what not (I might feel differently if I had the option to sandbag down to 4.0 for the summer), I would prefer to play tennis with a more serious feel to it than what exists in the HTA seasons. If there is someone out there that cares as much and puts as much work into captaining a spring or fall HTA team, then God help you because you are sick.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Topspin!
ReplyDeleteTopspin, and others who share his opinions: I really do understand your sentiment or perception that captains such as myself, teague, green, etc. want to win at all costs. I totally agree with you that, as a captain, my team winning in USTA League is huge and I spend many many hours trying to put together a winning team. What bothers me is when it is deemed a character flaw or negative personality trait that we want to win. For me, given the way I was raised, settling for less in anything I do is not acceptable or desireable - that's just my personality and I won't apolgize for being that way. I credit this personality trait to all my successes in life and it's not something I can or want to turn off. I actually admire that you're able to play in the league, content to have fun hanging out with your buddies, get exercise, drink beer etc. and sometimes wish I could be that way. I'd certainly save money on hair coloring to hide the greys. And I do understand your frustration from being whipped by the "sandbaggers" - that's not fun especially if you feel your opponent is patronizing or projects an elitist attitude towards you.
That being said, I don't condone captains truly doing ANYTHING to win (the ends justifies the means mentality). You still need to have a conscience and play within the rules and guidelines of the league.
Your comment on HTA not being challenging or competitive enough is a good one and is something that could be brought to the attention of the HTA. Perhaps require teams to play HTA at the same level they played USTA, or something like that. Typically, the sandbaggers don't play HTA, so the true High-Level players would be playing at your level now.
Thank God 3.5 and 4.0 players are not considered "truly successful tennis players"....especially when topics like "the fattest, most out-of-shape player" comes along. I was sweating that one out until I saw I did not qualify under your 2nd paragraph.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't get our 4.5 HTA Mugs this year for winning the HTA league. What eles were we playing all those weeks for? Maybe we wanted to be social...stay in shape...and yes, compete to win each match we played. We must be terrible individuals.
ReplyDeleteBetsie was spot on in her previous comment. It is a honorable trait that most individuals will never understand.
ENOUGH about Tim Green... most of the league Captain are a BIG JOKE, wannabe successful players but really lack REAL tennis background, training, skills, and most importantly PERSONALITY.
ReplyDeleteThey will sell their spouse and kids for a chance to win.
They are a strange breed that ruin tennis for all.
GOOD LUCK PLAYING in the HEAT losers.
Summer League is the worst ... its hot and too many ringers. I am a 5.0 player and been approached by Don Nguyen of Sienna to play in the 4.0. They have no moral or compassion for others. I feel sorry for the community of Sienna Plantation that their tennis league is becoming a NIGHTMARE because of a few individuals trying to be Captain.
ReplyDeleteSienna team, sandbagging ? hahaha They look like middle age wannabe tennis players, borderline between 3.5-4.0. too OLD
ReplyDeleteYou are playing against big boys league 4.5, 5.0 and some college level ringers.
Sienna will lose, better luck next time boys :-)
too HOT today ehhh
so what are the result today ? who made it to the final ??
ReplyDeleteBy the way, try GSM blocker to block all secret devices in your room or at work.
ReplyDelete