Mike Davis' Austin 4.5 men's team won both of their matches yesterday and now must beat 0-2 Richmond to assure a trip to the National semi-finals.
The morning match against Florida was pretty easy...a 4-1 victory which included only one third set tie breaker. The rumor of a missing Stuart Holland appears to be true, and so far Austin has relied on Chad Case and Graham Thurman as their singles guys. I don't know how good Thurman is, but I'm fearful that a missing Holland could mean the difference between winning and losing somewhere down the road.
The afternoon match with Cary, NC was much tougher, as Austin prevailed 3-2. Schlotterback and Kattawar lost both of their doubles matches yesterday, so it will be interesting to see if they remain in the lineup today and what kind of confidence Davis will have in them on Sunday. Graham Thurman was the other loser in the afternoon match, with Case and Strawbridge/Gold winning in straight sets. The clutch win was provided by Wicks and Brunetta, who pulled out a third set breaker. Case has continued to roll along, dropping just four games in each of his matches at the National Championships against (presumably) some of the best 4.5 league players in the country.
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Good to see Austin doing well. Keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteJust heard that Austin won 5-0, and even got to work some other guys into the lineup. I was told that overall the competition seems to be a bit weaker at the 4.5 level this year on the men's side.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Betsie's team didn't fare as well this year. I'm sure she'll be back though.
They rolled Mid Atlantic 5-0, today. Graham Thurman is pretty tough, Stuart said he's been losing to him in practice.Open men are 2-0 also. Although there is no such thing as sandbagging at the Open level, check out the Middle States roster, Wayne Odesnik showed up to play and has won both his matches...
ReplyDeleteGraham is actually a better pick for nationals than Stuart. He lacks fire power and weapons.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who get bored following what other players are doing at league nationals, please feel free to sign up for a little tourney I am organizing at Memorial Park Oct 12 - 14 (no matches before 4:30 pm on Friday.)
ReplyDeletehttp://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=61655
Tournament ID: 809677807
Deadline: Monday October 1
Oldschool,
ReplyDeleteVery nice blog over there at Austin tennis. I just now got around to getting over there. Very informative.
Greg, you gonna let this guy show you up?
Have you thought about expanding posting privileges to allow others to post articles/threads?
Just a thought.
Chris,
ReplyDeleteAnthony is doing a great job at the Austin blog. I think any Houstonian who is immersed in the tennis scene would find it informative and enjoyable. He's certainly doing a much better job with his blog than I am here. If this blog has inspired him in any way I am happy about that. I will try to "steal" some of his ideas when time is more available to me. I like the look of his blog as well as the wealth of information available. Having previously lived in Austin for a decade I find it particularly interesting.
I would be open to anyone who felt they would like to contribute to this blog. Currently much of that is done through the comments section (which is admittedly much more interesting than the stuff I write), but if you or anyone else would like to write anything, please drop me a line and let me know and I'm sure I can expand the posting privilege list. I would absolutely love it if you or anyone else on your team could contribute some type of "Nationals diary" chronicling either y'all's preparations or your experiences at Nationals or both.
I've been teaching/coaching so I haven't had much time to pay attention to the local tennis scene. Plus, there is another informative blog devoted to the Houston tournament scene, so I don't want to encroach too much on their "territory".
It looks as though the Austin team's season has come to an end with a 3-2 loss to New England in the National semi-finals.
ReplyDeleteChad Case finally tasted defeat at number 2 singles, though I'm sure that won't put a dent into the 5.0 rating he will surely receive at the end of the year. Graham Thurman won at 1 singles.
Schlotterback and Kattawar were again in the lineup and again came away empty. Brunetta and Wicks won in straight sets at 3 dubs...but a third set tiebreaker went the wrong way for Strawbridge and Gold at number two and the season has ended.
It's always easy to play "what if" at this point. What if Holland had come: would Thurman have been an option in doubles? Would Kattawar or Schlotterback been given a match off to regroup? Other than Jason Lee and Davis, I'm not sure who else made the trip. If Bo Bowman had sat out another match at Sectionals or perhaps earlier in the season, would he have avoided getting a third strike and helped to make the difference? So often it can come down to one twist of fate, and pretty clearly the best team does not always come home with the title.
Well, the season's not quite at an end yet, they still will play off for 3rd & 4th. Regardless, they have set the bar pretty high for the 3.5 and 4.0 guys coming up.
ReplyDeleteThat is a tremendous accomplishment for the AUS team and Betsie's team too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like TX was well represented at the 4.5 level this weekend.
Many congrats to both teams.
Greg, Drop me a note about your earlier post. I am sure we can work something out.
Chris
Guys, thanks for the compliments on my blog. I'd say mine is "different" in that I'm not focusing on the adult leagues as much. But, the thing is that I can't get any comments ! You guys get over 100 comments on a regular basis, I can barely manage five on a good day. Anyway, keep up the good work over here...only what...7 more months or so until the USTA season starts up again ?
ReplyDeleteBetsie,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a great season and a nice run at Nationals....from looking at tennislink it looks like you were on the sad end of a couple of 3rd set tiebreakers.
Once again, GREAT job this year and congrats to you and your team.
Austin Cap:
ReplyDeleteI was cheering for you up in Dallas as well. You all made a good run. Good luck to the Freeman 3.5 crew next weekend.
Thanks, Jason. Live by the sword - die by the sword. Eastern went on to lose both the semis and 3rd/4th place match by 3rd set TBs.
ReplyDeleteYour guys (for both teams) are tournament tough and that will definitely help you. You've also got a lot of depth which will help even more.
So Cal stood out for the women because they had the 2 best singles players there and lots of depth at doubles. After that I'd say the other 3 pool winners were pretty even as evidenced by their match scores.
The Austin guys did great considering they were without Holland. I think everyone there knew if they WANTED to win 3rd place they would have.
I think perhaps the 3rd/4th place match should be eliminated. It's somewhat pointless in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, Davis was able to get a couple of people into the lineup in the 3rd place match, but on the other, Torch Acosta will now probably end up with a 5.0 rating at the end of the year due to his convincing win in what was essentially a meaningless match. I'm surprised we haven't seen more outright tanking in the 3rd place match, especially considering the importance Nationals has in the ratings formulation.
Greg, I think it depends on the team. I talked to the women we played after they lost and they pretty much didn't want to play either. Especially after the deciding line was won by a double fault at match point. Also, they had a 1:00 flight back to NY and were pretty sure they were gonna miss their flight.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I can see where it means something to some teams to say they came in 3rd place - vs 4th place. I guess I'll have to wait 2 more years to try again before I can speak from experience.
Hey Greg, this has been a great Blog. Thanks for putting it together. I'm sure things will be quiet here until Nov 30 when ratings come out.
I thought for sure we'd see some questionable scores in that 3rd place match.
ReplyDeleteFellow Tennis Lovers,
ReplyDeleteI'm helping organize a one-day tennis tournament this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2007 at the Downtown Club at the Met from 2-6. I know this conflicts with the Fall Fest, but if you are not playing the Fall Fest, you can get your tennis fix here. Please tell your tennis friends about it, and get back with me asap to get an idea of how many players we will have. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME. This is traditionally a laid-back social event with food and drinks,and prizes as well as a lot of great fun!
Check out www.casaargentina.org and scroll down and click the tennis tournament link to sign up.
Email me at copa.dulcedeleche@gmail.com for any questions you might have.
Thank you,
Adrian Santesteban
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOld school,
ReplyDeleteIt's my opinion that you don't get many commments per posting or day for one of two reasons:
1) you are posting way too often and thus the comment strings never get a chance to develop before people are focusing only on the newest post (everyday is way too often).
2) you are being too kind/non-opinionated in the headline post, thus not provoking enough rebuttle, disagreement comments to get things going.
The comment strings on this site would be no where near as long without all the trash talking and strong opinions being expressed.
I have had the same problem on my Houston tourney blog because people are either not interested in what I am posting about or are being too kind to each other relative to what I expected. I was hoping for the site to be more about banther and friendly jabs at one another instead of trying to be a source of local news. Thus far I have failed at both relative to the visits this league site generates in comparison.
My two cents anyway.
Congrats to the Texas teams who went nationals and I hope all you sandbaggers get bumped.
Bottom line is a blog is only interesting if there are topics which will provoke emotion. For the most part it's the usual suspects in tournaments and everyone realizes the real players are at home drinking beer. HTA league just doesn't cut it either (except for those who haven't, don't, and never will succeed in USTA) although I hear there's a pretty good grievance going on right now in the Men's 5.0 division.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of Grievance is going on in the 5.0 division?? Can you elaborate a little more on this topic.
ReplyDeleteYeah. We need some drama in here. Nothing exciting happens til ratings come out (except for Freeman's trips to Nationals).
ReplyDeleteIt was with my team. The other captain was upset because my captain wasn't at the beginning of the match to exchange the lineups. Also, because the early lines didn't go on until 7:10. That guy needs to get a friggin life. Like I said - HTA is a haven for all the Whiny Cry Baby USTA LOSERS!
ReplyDeleteIf that is actually true, that is the most pathetic "grievance" I have ever heard of. That's the equivilant of someone filing a grievance about their lips being chapped.....this guy does not deserve to be a captain and have team.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a captain and someone filed a grievance against me for those allegations I would just laugh along with the HTA officials who recieved it.
Who were the players involved? 5.0? Where at?
How funny!
5.0 Singles League at Memorial Park. And I kid you not. This is true. I agree - VERY pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI've played HTA League for almost 20 years and I don't think we've every exchanged line-ups before the matches went on. It's HTA League - the one time when league is supposed to be social, laid-back, fun - when levels can mix it up to play with friends. This guy is a BIG TIME LOSER.
Changing the subject a little, it's time for "Freeman goes to Nationals, Part I". I hope they represent Texas well, and don't lose too much $$ at the craps tables.
ReplyDeleteTennisLink shows that the Match between MPTC Heat and Rice is under dispute by MPTC Heat captain.
ReplyDeleteHTA League captains are volunteers!
ReplyDeleteI now see why some people hate league tennis.
KICK ASS Freeman! You guys deserve to be playing on Sunday. Please keep us all posted on your results.
Nope - that's a different dispute. It's btwn MPTC and HCC.
ReplyDeleteThat's between Goldberg and David Hall. This will be interesting. It must be David protesting. I can't imagine Goldberg would file a dispute over something petty like that.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. I think the HTA should ban Hall from captaining for filing such a stupid dispute. People work - parking sucks at MP. Gee - I can't beat your team so I'll find something stupid to complain about. What's the HTA gonna do. "Bad boy, Brian - you didn't have your lineup at the beginning of the match - you lose all your lines". Does Hall really want to win HTA LEAGUE that badly?
ReplyDeleteThe Prize of winning a HTA mug or a Towel must be pretty nice to wanna win due to a Grievance. It shows Brian's Team winning 4-0. do David Hall and The Copperfield Captain know each other??
ReplyDeleteHall is famous for that stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat's such BS.
ReplyDeleteIs it the same David Hall that always talks about how much he likes playing ringers? Thats a weird dude.
ReplyDeleteAnyone that plays for that a-hole should demand that he apologize and/or stop playing on his teams. I'm sure his teammates are embarrased at his actions, I would be.
ReplyDeleteHAHAHAAH
ReplyDeleteActually, it was all part of Goldberg's master plan. He had been working on this scheme for months. It took a lot of coordination, but with his ties to the city, he was able to pull it off!!
Way to go!!!
Don't forget - not only is he able to keep the lights on longer for his team he also has that covetted HTA connection which reaps him many benefits. After all, he wrote all of the HTA rules.
ReplyDeleteWhen he's signing his posts, David says he likes playing the ringers, but Anonymously he's just as bad as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteFreeman's 3.5 time has a relatively easy flight. PNW, Intermountain, and MO Valley - not your typical powerhouses. But, you can never tell.
ReplyDeleteyep I see Freeman's team doing well in their flight, the Sunday matches will be very tough though. I think their toughest might be the one they are playing now against PNW. Mo Valley is never all that strong. Intermountain will give them a test as well. I see the first results were all 3-2 matches, so there must be some level competition so far. I have some friends who played against the So Cal team from SD and said they are amazing and they squeaked by Nor Cal in the first match so who knows, Freeman wouldn't see them until the Finals.
ReplyDeleteWow, I haven't read this blog since the summer league ended and now I am the star! Someone on my team told me to take a look at my new found popularity. I have to say guys, that it really is not fair to crusify someone without at least hearing the other side of the story. Before I begin I would like to set you straight on my past history.
ReplyDelete1. The only grievances that I ever remember filing were related to summer mixed doubles league.
2. In both cases it had to do with two different ladies who played division (I) tennis that were rated 4.5. I along with many others have been fighting for years to get USTA to define more clearly what a 4.5 player is. I think that I succeeded because now they have a template that says if you played division (I) tennis, you can still play at 4.5 if you are a certain age like 45 years old or something. By the way, I lost both grievances, but I succeeded in the long run because TTA realized that there were some problems to fix and they are doing a good job now to address these issues. I am sorry if I made those involved in these greivances mad. But I still don't think that Division (I) players have any place in the 4.5 level unless, as TTA says, they are of an older age.
3. I have played on a national 4.5 team. We came in second at nationals in 1993. And I do like to play better players.
4. The most important thing that you need to know about my personality is that if we are given a set of rules to play by, then I expect everyone including myself to play by those rules.
This is a good transition to the grievance.
Diana in the HTA office sent out an email to all of us on September 29th to outline HTA rules that are continually being violated. It was written mostly in red to show importance. My wife who also goes to the HTA board meetings came home a few weeks ago after a board meeting going on and on about these same problems mentioned in Diana's email. Diana's email begins by saying, "The HTA Board of Directors has requested that the HTA league rules be emailed to all of our members."
The two items of interest in Diana's email speak about teams showing up prior to 7PM to be ready to begin play on time so that the late matches won't run into lights being turned off in the middle of the match. The second item she pointed out was that the captains or their representive should exchange line ups before matches begin. The problem is that when Brian showed up around 8PM to play his match, he then showed me his line up. The problem is that who he had playing line 1 on his sheet was actually playing line 2 and the guy he had written down to play line 2 was actually playing at line 1. And that is really my only beef. Also, Brain, being on the HTA Board should be one of the people who should be setting the example for the rest of us. Wouldn't you agree?
And in reality, for those of you who really know me without prejudice, I don't really care about the singles league. I play to try to improve my doubles game which is really what I like to play. My team isn't going to win the league, we just want to play as well. So, Brian and Greg, please read this next sentence very carefully:
I only filed this grievance because for once, I want to see if the rules that HTA makes us play by really mean anything. This is not intended to be a personal attack on you guys. It is a test of the system. Since this is Fall league and only plays for T-Shirts or mugs, it really doesn't matter. My team does not want any credit for any wins or defaults in that match. You guys won your matches fair and square. And even if you had your lines 1 & 2 playing opposite, you probaly would have won those matches as well. Again, all I am trying to do is find out if HTA will enforce, what they claim are "the rules" or not. If not, then why does Diana waste her time and our time spouting off rules that don't mean anything? Then you wonder if any of the other rules in the HTA manual mean anything.
So, Brian and Greg, I am formally appologizing to you guys for what I am doing. I did not realize that the response would be so strong. I did not know that so many people hate my guts out there. I am not going to play any more singles league matches, and once the grievance result is finished I will not be captain any more of this singles league team. I am just trying to see if HTA has any teeth.
By the way, Brian, if I lose this grievance, which very well could happen, you should ask yourself, since you are on the HTA board, if any of the rules that HTA puts out there mean anything, and why have HTA employees waste our time with these meaningless emails.
To, Greg. I will reply to your personal email that you sent to me once the grievance is over. I believe that you have a lot of facts wrong about that issue you were talking about. I will let you know what happened, as far as I know, in that incident that had nothing to do with me.
Sincerely,
David Hall
WOW - David is pretty defensive! If he wanted to "test the teeth of the HTA" as he is now claiming, he should have picked something a little more meaningful than lack of a line-up or showing up 10 minutes late (but still before the default time). Unfortunately, while there are LOTS of rules in the HTA, none of them specifically state what the damages should be. The HTA is ALWAYS (yes, David, ALWAYS) consistent when the rules are broken with a specific penalty is indicated.
ReplyDelete"The Rules" are supposed to be guidelines. The HTA knows that the league is social and they never have and never will micro-manage every aspect of the league. People work and often times can't be there 15 minutes before the match starts - especially given the parking situation at Memorial Park.
BTW - It amazes me that David Hall would think that he single handedly helped shape the guidelines for self-rating for the entire nation. Once again shows what a sanctimonious person he is.
As per #4 (Your Personality). You only want to play by and accept the rules that YOU agree with. The fact STILL remains that when you were filing those protests in Mixed Doubles - those players were following the rules - back then - BEFORE profiling. But, since you didn't agree with it, you got up on your soap box and acted like a friggin baby.
ReplyDeleteDavid, you need to learn that everyone has an opion on things (they're usually both valid and the truth/reality is somewhere in the middle - it's called compromise) but the way you come across is like a sherman tank in a nursery. You make it sound like noone else's opinion counts for shit. You're probably one of THE MOST narrow minded/opinionated people I know.
On another, more positive note, Jason's team rolled past PNW 4-1. Good going, Jason. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I hate to see that Jason's glory is being overridden by some piddly bull shit grievance that Hall filed to "test the system". What's funny is, that actually makes it worse in my mind. The HTA Board are volunteers. So, he's going and sending in a petty dispute like that to waste Cheryl's, the Grievance Committee, and Brian's time.
ReplyDeleteJust like our wonderful legal system, he should be penalized for a frizolous grievance.
ReplyDeleteso that as well. Jason's team is playing the intermountain team in a little while who also won 4-1 but had much closer match scores. IF they get past that match Sunday looks to be a lock. I am curious to see his lineup for the INTMN match. Is Dan Goodwin in Vegas, I noticed Doug played with Francis and accounted for the 1 loss. Daniel and Doug although streaky had great team work on the doubles court. I would think Francis might play singles against Intermountain.
ReplyDelete"saw that as well" sorry
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting that you write your personal attacks under anonymous. I guess that says something about your character. You must not have read my comment very carefully. I said that I lost in both of my previous grievances. Hate will get you nowhere in the long run. I also appologized to Brian et. al. for the crazy response that this very minor issue is bringing. I am very aware of how trivial this issue is. Maybe HTA should have one section that is titled "rules" that are punishable by some penalty that they decide, and another section titled "guidelines" that have no consequence. Or have no rules and then just play tennis. Then we don't need HTA at all and don't need to pay dues etc.
ReplyDeleteBut really guys, if you want to have a legitamate, grown up and professional conversation, please sign your blogs and don't be afraid to show everybody who you are as you personally attack me. I am not personally attacking you, so show some respect and return the favor. Otherwise, I would ask that the person who runs this blog to please delete those blogs from those people who are too whimpy to state their name. For all I know, I am having a conversation with someones 12 year old who is just trying to get me going.
David, since you're the "Illegal Player Police Chief" and Advocate of Fair Play, shaping the league for the entire nation and ridding the 4.5 world of all those naughty Div 1 players - I wonder, did you happen to file a protest against your wife's summer team (isn't your wife an HTA OFFICER and League Coordinator). If I'm not mistaken, her team had an illegal divison 1 player on her 4.0 team (Yes, David, that's not a typo - D1 player playing 4.0). I wonder, now that she knows there's an illegal player on her team, will she set a good example and not play on that team, or better yet ask her captain to remove the D1 player from the team. Or, does that Moral Rightousness and Rule Following only apply to those whose last name is not Hall?
ReplyDeleteBack to the David "I am the keeper of all that is good and right" Hall storyline...
ReplyDeleteDavid, this incident only cements my opinion of you as someone that will look for ANY and all excuses to explain a loss. Also that you look for any and all excuses to show your lack of dignity and maturity.
The HTA provides us a structured league so that we can have league play outside of the usual USTA league. I came from a city that did not have this type of additional format, you should be thankful for whatever they do, not looking to criticize and look where you can prove to people how right you are.
I even heard that in your complaint that you personally attacked and insulted the league coordinator. Come on Dave, these people are doing this on a volunteer basis and expect us to be mature and play a GAME. Were you expecting the “teeth” to be that we fine people for showing up within the allotted timeframe, maybe kick them out of the league??
From what I hear, the sad thing is your only valid complaint was about a mix up in the line up. I believe in my heart, that you would have NOT SAID ONE WORD had you won. Not your team, but YOU personally. You are using this excuse of the “testing the teeth” as a feeble excuse to explain your childish, self-centered actions. The only thing you are testing is your maturity.. and so far you are failing.
Your lack of maturity over the years, yes YEARS, amazes me. The funny thing is we have all come to accept that you are this way and hope that one day you will grow out of it, but once again, you have let us down.
I sincerely feel sorry for people that can not simply walk away from you when you go into this "I am better than you" act that you obviously can not avoid.
Please take a hard look at yourself and if you can not keep your mouth shut, say good things or generally be someone that doesn’t make the majority of us cringe, please quit the league and take up some other sport.
The league coordinators have enough crap to deal with without you opening your mouth and proving to us all your lack of character once again. Not too mention, did you ever think for one second that these people have feelings?
In fact, we should all stop rolling our eyes at how you are and finally say enough.
Dear anonymous who is afraid to sign their blog. I have no idea who plays on my wife's team. If what you say is true, then yes that person should be off that team. I have no problem with that. Why don't you talk to my wife and or her captain about it. My wife may not know this information. She might want to know this. So give a call or an email and let her know. That is if you are brave enough to let everyone know who you are. Because, right now, you show that you have no character at all. I don't think that attacking my wife has anything to do with the original reason for all this chatter. Mr. Blogger, please have all the 12 year olds stay off this blog. Please delete their immature comments or just close this blog up and shut it down.
ReplyDeleteShock of all shocks: David doesnt like something and wants every one to be quiet and go away. I agree with the post earlier, you need to grow up.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny that you are focusing on the fact that they are posting Anonymously and not what they are saying, because as far as what they are saying about you, I would have to agree.
By the way, I don’t think they were attacking Darryl, the general consensus is that we have a great deal of respect and pity for her.
The question was directed at you, if you were going to protest her, not AT her. I know you think that you will get sympathy if you make it look like you are defending her.
The problem is she handles herself with class and dignity, so focus on defending yourself, not someone that doesn’t need it.
One last note, with all of this apologizing, did you apologize to the coordinator? (Diana I am assuming)
I have to agree with the previous poster. Most of the Houston Tennis-playing community has learned to accept David's tirades and chalk it up to a bad childhood. David, you're beyond pathetic. I can no longer feel sorry for you after this last episode. Why do you feel so compelled to take ever situation and use it as an excuse to prove yourself right to the rest of the world? Why did you think it was so necessary to use the incident on Monday night as an excuse to attack the HTA and it's board members (including Brian and the league coodinator). It's inexcusable.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone is blowing this out of proportion.
ReplyDeleteI know everyone involved and have had dealings with all of them that have been positive.
I do however find the thought process interesting about challenging the system....lets see how that turns out.
Quit with the anonymous "hit and run" character assassinations. Both BG and DH are stand up guys.
Any more valuable news on the 3.5 guys? On the question earlier about Daniel Goodwin..I did speak to him over chat this week and he was going. Not sure why he was not in the lineup.
Cheers,
Chris
I would agree with you, Chris (re. challenging the system), but let's pick something a little more worthwhile than lack of a lineup and showing up a little late for a match. Do you really advocate wasting the HTA's time on something this meaningless????
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid we're gonna have to move the venue of this case as it has received entirely too much pre-trial publicity. Do you think David would get a fairer trial in Dallas or Austin???
ReplyDeleteBOO. David
ReplyDeleteApplause for Brian.
1-0 Brian is winning
I was thinking things would be pretty quiet here until the ratings were out. Guess I was wrong. I hate to see the blog being used as a forum for throwing out personal attacks on anyone. That's not fair and I'm sorry to see it happen.
ReplyDeleteBeing a former HTA Board member, I understand David's point because players/captains are a bit remiss about following the HTA rules so I can somewhat see David's point here. However, I too wish he had not filed a formal grievance and follow it up with some bold statements directed at the Board and Brian personally. I think a more acceptable avenue for "testing the waters", given the triviality of the complaints, would have been a plea to the League for a verbal warning to Brian and his team. His grievance does seem a little harsh given the banal nature of the incidents involved.
I did have a question for David. It appears that you might have some remedy in mind in your attempt to "test the teeth of the HTA". At least, you feel there's something that should/could be done to punish the rule violators. Exactly what do you feel would be an apt punishment imposed on Brian and his team for these rule infractions? Even in USTA League the matches stand as played if teams/players accidentally play the wrong line. Same for being 10 minutes late for the match. I'm pretty sure the grace period is up to 15 minutes after the start of the match.
ReplyDeleteBad news for Freeman's 3.5:
ReplyDeleteIntermountain wins 3-2. They swept the singles in straight sets and took out Hart/Freeman at line #2 dubs 6-3, 6-1. Ouch! I can't imagine anyone beating Jason and Michael that bad. Unless something miraculous happens that will be the end of their run. Good news for my NTRP rating since I got blitzed by Jason and Michael, I should be 3.5 soon enough. Call me Jason if you want to put together a 3.5 team next year, maybe we can recruit some players from around the US to compete since the competition seems pretty fierce. Maybe we can downrate this David Hall guy, he sounds like a winner.
Betsie has a good point, David. What exactly do you expect the HTA to do?
ReplyDeleteBetsie,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to thank you for being one of the only ones that can talk to me and sign your name.
Your question is a good one. I am not interested in winning any of my team's lines by default. I really want to know if HTA has a penalty for this, and if so if they would follow through with it or not. My suspicion is that there is only a warning. And if there is a warning, the second offense should be defaults. It is the principle of the thing. Either we have rules to play and abide by or we don't. If we don't, then I think everyone would agree that we then don't need HTA and thus can save our money in annual fees. Any rule violation no matter how trivial you or anyone else thinks it is, is still a rule violation.
By the way, us captains out there volunteer a lot of our time to be captain. So it is not just HTA volunteers that spend a lot of free time on this stuff.
My wife mentioned recently that league participation is down because they are having trouble getting people to be captains. This whole incedent is a perfect example of why no one wants to be captain. I am trying to make sure the system is fair. I didn't think that this was going to make such a big stir. Based on the negative, and personal attacks, don't worry, I won't be a singles league captain any more. I am still a mixed doubles captain for this season. I may drop that as well. This is not worth the effort.
You're probably right. A warning for the first infraction. I suppose you've got to start somewhere and if you don't say anything, that "first warning" will never be issued. I believe you were criticized due to the abrasivness of your accusations but hindsight is 20/20. I'm sure you would have done things differently, maybe not at all, had you known you'd receive the barrage of attacks that you did. We've all done and said things we wish we hadn't.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you don't think or expect to win any lines from this and understand that in the heat of the moment it can be frustrating when other teams seemingly care less about following the rules. I hope everyone will put this behind them, move on, and try to enjoy HTA League tennis again.
Betsie you're being way too nice. David was caught with his pants down - end of story. He doesn't regret filing the dispute. The only reason he's got his tail between his legs now is because he didn't expect his piss-ant dispute to be broadcast over the blog. That's the only thing he regrets.
ReplyDeleteDavid, your tirades, whining and attacks are additional reasons why people don’t want to be a captain.
ReplyDeleteBeing a captain, I think we should establish a code of conduct for captains.
1st draft would include not sending rants (you really shouldn’t include several people when you send out a rant calling people names) and treating officials with respect even if things are not going your way.
“Testing the Teeth” “challenging the system” = sounds like a weak cover up to your self-centered, childish temper tantrum.
For those who think that David is getting treated too harshly, you should know all the facts and you would not have that opinion.
This eMail has been forwarded to most of the HTA Men's league players. But, in case you haven't read - ENJOY. What a loser.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, Brian had nothing to do with the proliferation of sentiment towards David. The guy brought it on himself. Just as David did with his team, Brian asked his teammates for their account of the events of the night. He had nothing to do with Greg's response. Greg acted on his own and replied directly to David. David Hall is a self righteous ass. Quite frankly, I'm sure the HTA is relieved that David will neither be captaining or playing in the Singles League anymore. David wants everyone to be educated on all the facts? - well here they are, in his own words. In case you had a sympathic bone in your body for this guy, your opinion will certainly change after you read this. I hear his actual grievance is just as bad.
Dear All,
I just received this email from Greg Schmucker, a player on Brian Goldberg's team involved in my grievance from yesterday. Do I really have to take this? Is this what happens when a captain files a grievance?
Brian Goldberg is on your board, is he not? Is this how board members treat other captains in the league if they file a grievance? Send out their attack dogs? I am formally quiting as captain of the HCC Men, and will not play any more league matches with them. This is wrong and not worth my time and effort. We play by a set of rules, and when we don't it is not fun any more, especially when it involves board members who help make up the rules.
Sincerely,
David Hall
Just as someone mentioned previously, does the guy thing that noone has feelings? The irony is, he sent this to just about everyone on the HTA Board including Brian himself.
ReplyDeleteTowle, you still think he's a "stand-up guy"?
ReplyDeleteI find it really hard to believe that David went through this effort to belittle the HTA Board and the institution (ie. it's rules and regulations) knowing that it would probably only result in a warning to Brian and his team. Nut-up, David. You did it because an opportunity arose to throw jabs at the HTA (and finally show everyone how useless and futile the HTA is and how you're such a great guy - are you really that insecure) and you pounced on it. Isn't that what you're attempting to do by trying to take credit for the USTA Self-Rate Profiling - what a joke. David's thoughts: "I kept telling them they were wrong and I was right... They finally listened and you all should kiss my ass for helping to save the pathetic rating system".
ReplyDeleteI've gotta admit - this has been the most interesting and entertaining chain to date. Seems David thinks "everyone would agree that we then don't need HTA and thus can save our money in annual fees." I don't think it would be too difficult to start a fund to defer the cost of David's HTA membership fee so that he won't play league anymore. David, you should seriously consider taking up Solitaire. I don't think anything involving human interaction is safe for you.
ReplyDeleteFamous quotes by David Hall:
ReplyDeleteI want to see if the rules that HTA makes us play by really mean anything.
I only filed this grievance because for once, I want to see if the rules that HTA makes us play by really mean anything.
It is a test of the system.
Again, all I am trying to do is find out if HTA will enforce, what they claim are "the rules" or not. If not, then why does Diana waste her time and our time spouting off rules that don't mean anything? Then you wonder if any of the other rules in the HTA manual mean anything.
I am just trying to see if HTA has any teeth.
Brian, you should ask yourself, since you are on the HTA board, if any of the rules that HTA puts out there mean anything, and why have HTA employees waste our time with these meaningless emails.
Then we don't need HTA at all and don't need to pay dues etc.
Either we have rules to play and abide by or we don't. If we don't, then I think everyone would agree that we then don't need HTA and thus can save our money in annual fees.
I am trying to make sure the system is fair.
Wow. It certainly has been busy around here. I have only scanned the comments, so I don't have much of an opinion to add.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that people are being a little harsh with David, but I can understand their opinion. David is a very rules-oriented person. He believes that rules are in place for a reason and that they should be adhered to and enforced to the letter. That's his philosophy and it is a consistent one. In theory it is a great philosophy, but in practice it sometimes seems to put him in a bad light. One year he complained about my team when we didn't have our players signed up for the USTA season by the deadline date. Our team was supposed to have a certain number of players signed up by a specific date and we were out of compliance. I thought it was a petty complaint at the time, but David was definitely on the right side of the rules in his complaint, as he almost always is. He believes the rules are there for a reason. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, though when he made the complaint about our team I was definitely not happy about it. I wondered at the time if he'd made similar complaints about weaker teams whose rosters were also smaller than the rules required.
Rules, and adhering to them or bending them, are part of what makes league tennis interesting. Many of the truly successful captains have found ways to bend the rules or use the rules to their advantage, while admittedly there are some captains that go beyond bending the rules. I have to admit I've both bent and broken them in the past. Sometimes it's good to have a David Hall type to keep people in check, though I think most of us would agree that some minor rules violations should be overlooked or ignored.
Greg, you're right about David. When I was growing up my parents always got after me about my attitude. They would say, it's not what you're saying, it's how you say it. Someone said earlier he's a like a sherman tank in a nursery. That's true. He rams his opinion down your throat. He comes across like an ass. He shouldn't criticize the HTA or it's rule. It's fine to have an opinion and to be a rule follower but quite frankly people are tired of him being such a prick about it.
ReplyDeleteDid you read the eMail he sent to the HTA and Brian. What a D _ I C K!!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I think we've gotten the picture regarding some peoples' opinions on David Hall.
ReplyDeleteI think future discussion should move past the personalities involved and perhaps focus on the broader picture with regards to rules and how strictly they should be enforced.
Being a moderator is the equivalent of being a baby sitter on an elementary school playground....children cannot play well together.
ReplyDelete"I know you are, but what am I?"....this is truly comical..the "character assassination" by anonymous...
On the question to me earlier about Hall and my opinion of him; my sentiments are not swayed by pluralistic ignorance and groupthink by what people say on a website.
Well, it looks like it's over for Freeman's 3.5s. Intermountain won the flight, and moves on to the semis. I'd like to see their 3.5s that wasted Dutchover, Kraemer, and Freeman. Tune in in three weeks for the sequel.
ReplyDeleteGreg, why'd you remove the post about David needing therapy. That was the most useful piece of constructive criticism yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm the last person to join the David Hall Fan Club. I've been on the other end of much of his crticism and his disputes but he's within his rights. However harsh he may come across at times, the personal attacks are uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I'm in the Hall Camp when it comes to allowing college players to play 4.5. The same system that makes me play 4.5 (not having picked up a racquet until I was 30) has allowed college players to play at my level. The only difference between David and I is that I try to work with the system (for my benefit) instead of against it. For that, I am criticized. Captains/players like David ARE the only reason we have the current system (however flawed it may seem).
Think about this - not much more than 40 years ago blacks and women were still being unfairly discrimated against. If not for the efforts of some seemingly harsh and radical critics of the system we would not be as close to equality as we have today.
Betsie, that's not the only difference. You're a big enough person and open minded enough to acknowledge the validty and right of another person's opinion. David doesn't.
ReplyDeleteHaving said all that, I will vehemently defend the rights of mine and any other college player playing 4.5 as long as they entered the league prior to 2006. 2006 was officially when the USTA fully implemented the current Profile Grid.
ReplyDeleteI think this is one of the main beefs David (and many others) has with me and my "tactics". I fully believe that until and unless the USTA has a full-blown reprofiling of everyone in the current system (which will never happen), those players with 4.5 computer ratings (it doesn't matter if they were All Americans at Stanford), have just as much right to play 4.5 as I do.
I understand that is fine in principal but here's the problem with my philosophy and I fully admit to it and witnessed it first hand at Nationals. As long as those college players are playing 4.5, just their playing in the league will help perpetuate the problem because they will continue to keep the bar raised.
Betsie, aren't you being a hypocrite? Weren't you the one critical of Allison Lui and some other college players playing 4.5 who weren't on your team?
ReplyDeleteBTW - good try in your attempt to change the subject and deflect the attention from David. I hadn't seen the eMail from him - thanks to whoever shared it with us. He's still a big time loser!!!
NO - I'm not being a hypocrite (not in this case at least :-)
ReplyDeleteRemember, I said prior to 2006. The players I was referring to entered the league in 2006 or later. They were Div 1 players and as much as I DO NOT agree with it (in the case of Allison - not that she's not a great player). based on the grid she should have self-rated herself a 5.5 player. That's my only point. It truly sucks for the women especially, because what are you supposed to do with a 5.5 rating?
Also, you're taking that out of context. My point in bringing that up was not an indictment of self-ratings it was as an example that many college players are playing 4.5 (even 4.0), but they don't get the attention because they're not on my team.
Also Betsie, maybe your argument about change should be used towards David. Maybe the problem is people have sat back and made excuses for David for being such a jerk all these YEARS and not said anything for too long. Maybe it's good that he knows what a pompous ass he is and how he comes across to others. Until he hears it first hand he'll never change either.
ReplyDeleteEven if he IS a pompous ass, you're starting to look like an obsessive one trick pony with your Hall-bashing. We get the point. Give it a rest.
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny. I have read what Mr. Hall is complaining about. And it seems a very small matter. And this anonymous character assassination person is unrelenting against Mr. Hall. For what? For such a trivial matter, this anonymous persons seems to be rather defensive. Could this person be related to Mr. Goldbergs team? What do you have to hide, mr. anonymous? Are you afraid of missing out on a mug or t-shirt? You and your team are beginning to look very low class to me. Anyone has a right to file a grievance. If Mr. Hall loses the grievance, then so what. If otherwise, so what. But making a character assasination on someone and hiding yourself as anonymous is embarrassing. You, mr. anonymous, are the one that needs to be ejected. I agree with Mr. Hall's comment, that you are a 12 year old. Maybe you are the one who had childhood issues. If I were, Mr. Goldberg, I would be embarrassed about this whole thing.
ReplyDeleteEveryone I managed to get a copy of Schmucker's email he sent to David Hall. It is quite funny. Let me know if you want me to post it or just let this matter die done.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Brian has anything to be embarrassed about. Furthermore, I suspect it is not JUST Brian's team postig negative comments about David. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteInteresting email I received from you regarding the grievance filed from Monday's match. I really take exception when you accuse Brian Goldberg buddy buddy with the Memorial Park employee in the pro shop and also throwing in the HTA connections as well. The same can be said about you and Gary Lempe being seeded higher then other players in the 4.5 doubles for Fall Fest year after year when those players are ranked a lot higher than you and Gary. I guess that wouldn't have anything to do with Gary on the HTA committee now would it? By the way my team lost two matches because the lights were turned off already this year so if Brian had so-called connections then the lights would of stayed on.
Regarding the issue if players were late or not. Well that can be resolved quickly because both # 1 and # 2 singles played on Monday. If we were late then we would of been forfeited plan and simple no excuses. Those are the rules are they not?
We just play in the league to have fun. Most of us play real tournaments all over the state and can care less about the HTA league. It is a way to meet new players and perhaps find a new hitting partner. I was rather disappointed to receive your grievance letter to the HTA, because I know without a doubt if your team won the matches this past Monday this grievance would of never been filed.
If this issue really bothers you perhaps if my team wins the HTA league this Fall I will give you the purple HTA cup for first place. Because honestly I really don't care who wins or loses.
Sincerely,
Greg Schmucker
I have another hot button to bitch about after the seemingly poorly run event from this weekend.
ReplyDeleteWho is Terry St. John and how big is that stick that is stuck up his ass?
He really needs to work on his people skills, I understand this is a stressful situation with the weather and all, but MY GOD that guy should not be the customer interface for any organization.
Maybe they should have him fullfill some "back office" function like making sure the ball cans are open or that people's wine glasses stay full.....
I have played these HTA events for several years now and EVERYTIME I interact with him I cannot help but think that HTA could do better with someone with some PR/people skills.
Here's a thought:
1. When someone checks in and your opponent has forfeited, tell the person you are sorry and that you wish you could have known earlier to contact you (even if you don't mean it) -- Have some EMPATHY for their situation.
2. When there is a rain delay and people ask you questions, DO NOT seem visually annoyed with their inquiry. 70% of your communication is non-verbal and your physical actions say a lot more than your words do.
3. When someone brings balls and reports scores, tell them "THANK YOU."
4. When someone asks about Mixed doubles, don't act like that does not matter and that you will have to finish the match on Monday as HTA has some greater obligation to the singles and gender events...the last time I checked my mixed entry fee is the same.
5. Last but not least --- SMILE. Anyone who has worked in ANY service function (hotel, restaurant, travel, brothel) knows that when your customer is mad/upset/irate that most of the time they just want someone to smile, listen and understand what they are going through.
I personally do not know this guy, he may be the most fantabulous organizer and could be a great guy, but my sole interaction with him comes at these events twice a year and EVERYTIME I walk away thinking, OMG that guy is a jackass.....
That is interesting. Gary Lemp is not the only one who has to do with the tournament seedings. I believe that Brian does along with others like Harriot. I guess you want to attack your own captain on that one. Maybe you want to attack Harriott as well?
ReplyDeleteI've been on the seeding committee and I'd say in general it's pretty innocent and hard to play favorites. The process is dictated by the TTA (I think - if not it's the USTA). They either go by the rolling 12 month or the last fiscal year rankings - it may have changed since I stopped being on the board. A lot of times if there are not enough seeded players they will use past tournament results.
ReplyDeleteBasically, each person on the committee is assigned to do the seedings for a particular event. They are given a list of all the entrants along with their current record/ranking. Then a 2nd person validates the seedings. Then Harriett eyeballs it as well to make sure it makes sense before she enters them in the system. They usually keep people from seeding an event that they would be entered in.
My decision is make on this one now. It is clear now after reading all these blogs that David Hall has apparently touched a nerve on what should be a trivial issue. I have been involed in a grievance myself. Emails and grievances are filed. The only people originally privy to these messages are the HTA and grievance committee and the two captains involved. Now that I see in a previous blog that apparently original letters from David Hall have been released to the blog. The only obvious answer is that Brian Goldberg or one of his teammates are behind these personal attacks against David. David Hall has a right to file a grievance as well as anyone else. Whether he has a legitamate beef or not doesn't matter. The grievance committee will decide. On the other hand, Brian Goldberg and or his team are obviously trying to taint the process. What are you afraid of, Brian? In a previous blog, David mentioned that he is only interested in a warning. Brian, if you are a member of the HTA board, as David suggests, then I think that you should remove yourself from that position. If this is the treatment that anyone gets to file a dumb grievance, and worse yet, involves an HTA board member, then we really do have problems.
ReplyDeleteNow, Brian, your attack dogs are attacking people who have nothing to do with the grievance, such as
Gary Lemp. I don't know Gary very well but I agree with the last blog, if you are attacking Gary then you are attacking Harriott and the whole process. Brian, whether you are directly involed in this or not, it is obvious that your teammates are. Your whole team should be kicked out of the league. Your personal attacks against David are pathetic.
Yes, obviously a nerve has been struck but it's premature to start pointing fingers and isolate Brian's team. I think you would find many players out there (outside of Brian's team) who would and could have written those posts. Let's not forget, as one poster has already said, Brian did nothing more than what David did. He queried his team for any comments on the matter. Of course David's grievance was attached - you need to know what you're commenting on. Greg's reply to David was probably unnecessary but what's done is done. David then sent the eMail that he did with Brian included. I'm not on either team but speaking for myself, I think I probably would have done the same thing - forward it to my team. I'm sure Brian did not intend this to get out to the entire HTA community. It only takes 1 forward and the thing grows like bacteria.
ReplyDeleteLet's all just kiss and make up.
Honestly, you guys are acting like a bunch of women!
ReplyDeleteBrian is a great guy and you're not gonna meet a nicer guy on or off the tennis court. Brian didn't do anything that I wouldn't have done. I can't control what my players do and I certainly can't keep them from sharing an eMail I sent them that another captain sent to me.
I think it was better when you all were beating each other over the head with your racquets.
Racket beating is exclusively a mob squad thing! They may have a patent on it. LOL
ReplyDeleteYou guys are on crack. I am NOT on Brian's team. I agree that some of the personal attacks are entirely too personal but bottom line is Hall is a bona fide ass.
ReplyDeleteShould we all put our heads on our desk and raise our hands to vote for whom we like more: Brian vs David
ReplyDeleteOverall David attacked Goldbergs character by accusing him of HTA connections and because of those connections the Memorial Park employee left the lights on.
ReplyDeleteI think that is why Schmucker sent David the email because he felt David was attacking Goldberg.
My two sense.
Hello, I play league in Dallas, and I must say, that the Austin guys were right. You people down in Houston are a bunch of cry babies with no ethics or morals. All I have seen over the summer months were character assassinations of individuals in your leagues down there by anonymous. What a bunch of losers. Now, this latest issue takes the cake. I feel like I am watching an episode of the "Supranos". Here is what I see from all the blogs before:
ReplyDelete1. David Hall files a grievance with the Houston Tennis Association, which he or anybody else should have the right to do.
2. I don't see anywhere on here where David posted this grievance on the internet for all to see.
3. No one would have ever known about this until either Brian Goldberg or one of his apparent "anonymous" hit men published what should be, private letters, on the blog. Any grievance should be private until the committee has made their decision.
4. I don't see where David is attacking Brian directly. In fact, he himself appologized on the blog to Brian for this misinterpretation.
5. What I see, is that David is questioning the legitamacy of your local tennis association, who puts out rules or guidelines, and then unfortunately, Brian, who apparently is a board member of, disregarded these guidelines or rules. I can see this, can't you?
6. Someone said on a blog that David is famous for this stuff. According to what David said, he has only now filed 3 grievances over the years. Are you kidding? We have guys complaining here every week! Do you have proof that David is lieing about this?
You all say that Brian is a nice guy. I haven't seen anything on here that suggests that David isn't either. I don't see David personally attacking anyone.
The big problem that I see is that if a captain files a grievance against another captain that happens to be on your local tennis board, then a massive campaign ensues to slander and degrade the filing captain's reputation. Either this Goldberg fella needs to get his teammates under control or the Houston Tennis Association needs to get him off their board. Because to this writer, it looks like mafia rule down there. "Don't mess with us or we will send "Vinny" out to get you".
I am certainly not going to sign this blog because I am afraid that someone on Goldberg's team will come up here with "Vinny". I am glad I don't play leagues in Houston.
I see nothing has changed in the blog world...anonymous attacking anonymous. Strange events around this Hall issue. Hall must have some other motive other than just attacking Brian. In mixed last summer we played against Hall's team and we had a player running late. Hall allowed us to play the match starting late but stated that if we ran out of lights that we would have to take the loss. We agreed and my team ended up winning the match. By doing this it is as if the captains agreed to play at a later time then the original schedule. If Goldberg and Hall allowed their teams to play the matches which started late then that is the time they agreed to play at. Hall should have instructed his team to not play if he did not agree to start late. I believe that would have sent a message to the league without attacking another captains character in the process.
ReplyDeleteBoth teams would be at fault for playing matches without first having the line-up. If Brian brings the line-up late and you guys are playing based on a different line-up that was handed in by a representative for his team...then the line-up that was exchanged before the matches is the one you should use. That is the one agreed upon and that the matches are being played based on. If no line-up was turned in then why did any matches occur? Either way it should not be an issue if Brian brought a different line-up around 8pm.
Congrats to David, Greg, Betsie and the others who have been using their names on posts.
Cheers,
Tim Green
Or could it be that someone on David's team is sabotaging Brian's team. HMMMMMM - something to think about it. Rightfully so or not, the email/grievance has been blasted all over the HTA men's tennis community. Who knows exactly who started this on the blog.
ReplyDeleteTo Mr. Dallas - I don't think it takes a literary genious to pick up on the underlying tone and biting criticism in Hall's eMail. This whole notion of trying to "test the system" and challenge the HTA seems childish and sanctimonious but as has already been established he certainly has the right to do so.
ReplyDeleteThe Austin and Dallas guys calling Houston unethical and cry-babies. Now, that's something I will be losing sleep over.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget that what most people have an issue with is HOW David raised the issue. And if you re-read the posts, this is not one person entering thier thoughts, but many.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have heard, he first sends an email demanding reversal of the loss and calling officials names if he doesnt get his way and then when he is calmly told to file a grievance he includes his own team in the CC when he files it.
Anyone is more than welcome to file a grievance. NO ONE at the HTA or in that matter the league should have to put up with disrespectful communication. I have a feeling that you would not want Daryll to recieve anything close to that.
David, either publish on here your first email or shut up and we will have the final answer on your character. I for one would love to see the contents to see what all the hub bubs about. You have a way to end this once and for all, but you have had that out since day one and so far havent used it.
For the record, I am not holding my breath because I dont think you want everyone on here knowing what you wrote. And as far as cry against anonymous character attacks, where were they when Red, Greg, Tim and many others were on here being attacked?
email #1 from David:
ReplyDeleteDiana,
I just came back from a singles league match at Memorial Park. My team the HCC Men were playing against the MPTC The Masters in the 4.5-5.0 singles league. Brian Goldberg is the captain of the MPTC team. Brian is on your board of directors, is he not? We were the visiting team of which I am he captain. This is in response to your email below. Brian's line 1 & 2 singles players didn't get to Memorial Park until 7:10. All four of my singles players which included TC Chang-Ex-President were there prior to 7:00 as you requested in this email. Two lines were to start at 7 then the other two at 8:15. The first two lines didn't start playing until 7:20. My match at line 3 didn't get to start until after 8:30. While we were in the middle of the second set, the horn went off at the park. I thought that it meant that we had 5 to 15 minutes to finish. I didn't take any breaks on change overs. My opponent took his time. None of this really matters. The bottom line is that my team lost all four lines. My match went on for at least an hour after the horn went off. I believe the the guy running the front desk knew my opponent. And that doesn't really matter. What matters is what you have written here in this email. WHAT GOOD IS YOUR EMAIL IF THERE IS NO CONSEQUENCES FOR THE HOME TEAM THAT SHOWS UP LATE, BUT TECHNICALLY NOT AT DEFAULT TIME?? WHAT GOOD IS YOUR EMAIL IF THE CAPTAIN OF THE OPPOSING TEAM IS ON YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS?? My wife Daryl is the singles league coordinator, and she has just gotten an ear full from me. If what you say is "HTA LEAGUE RULES", who and when and how are they going to be enforced? I told Daryl that is these are indeed HTA rules then either enforce the rules or quit your job as coordinator. I and the other team captains of the league will see what you and Daryl and Cheryl decide on this episode. Then we will know if you people have the guts to enforce the rules that you have written below. I will wait for your and Daryl's response!
eMail #2 from David - seems he DOES ask for default of all 4 lines AND his own wife's resignation (in email #1). WHAT A DICK!!!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
In addition to my complaint from last night, there is another league rule that you have stated below that was violated last night. No line up were exchanged prior to the match. My line up was ready before the match, and the two guys who showed up late to play told me which of them was to play lines 1 & 2. Brian Goldberg, their captain, did not show up until around 8PM, an hour after the matches were to begin. Brian had his line up card with him. His written line up had the guys at lines 1 & 2 switched from what they told me when they walked up. The matches had already begun. So based on his written line up, the guy playing at line 1 was supposed to be playing at line 2 and vice versa. All of this is a clear violation of HTA League Rules “Problem 1” that you have stated below. This and what I have written below is my official grievance. I believe that all four lines from the Memorial Park team should be defaulted. I also believe that if you want the rest of us to abide by your stated rules, that board members of the HTA should be held to a higher standard.
David Hall
P.S. I would also like to know why the guy running the desk at Memorial Park blew the horn, meaning that lights will go out within 15 minutes, didn’t actually turn out the lights until 1 hour later, after our match finished. He seemed very chummy with my opponent, David Heiland, after the match. Why did someone in the crowd that was watching our match tell me that in one minute the lights were going out no matter what? This was at the end of the second set prior to the beginning of the third set tie break. Why with all this pressure, I did not take a water break on any change overs to speed everything up, and my opponent took long breaks? My opponent will tell you that he had an upset stomach and threw up water once. Guess what, my stomach was upset and I was beginning to cramp. This may have to do with his chummy relationship with the guy running the pro shop controlling the lights. None of this may mean a thing but I thought this to be a bit curious as Brian Goldberg told me that the guys running the MPTC pro shop never give anyone a break on the lights. (Except for tonight). Why was I the only one told to hurry up and play from the side line and my opponent took his own time? Daryl tells me that I should a-would a-could a- done the same thing but I was trying to abide by the rules and fair play to get the match done quickly. This forced me to rush my game and then lose a match that I had complete control of prior to all this BS. Poor sportsmanship all around!!! This email will be forwarded to EVERY captain in the HTA leagues pending the outcome of this complaint!
POOR SPORTSMANSHIP? OH MY GOD!!!
ReplyDeleteIs this proof enough that this is NOT a very nice guy.
I love the way EVERY time he makes reference to the fact that Brian is on the board he follows up it with - IS HE NOT? Pompous Ass is an understatement.
yeap sounds like david hall - chic
ReplyDeleteHAHAHA - wouldn't it be funny if it's his own wife, Daryl, posting on the blog. Something to think about David - even your own wife hates you. Also, I suspect the anonymous poster from Dallas is actually David. Totally mimicks David's own arguments too closely and who in their right mind thinks that Brian would sick his attack dogs on him. Even uses the same words. David, you're pathetic dude.
ReplyDeleteI would like to request David's resignation as Team Captain, Tennis Player, and member of the human race.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, David. Just because someone is on your team doesn't mean they condone or agree with your rants and tirades.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very true statement. I was on your Mixed team when you filed one of your grievances. It was embarrasing. You even had the nerve to imply that your entire team was behind you and agreed with what you said. Yes, a lot of us thought you might have a point but the way you went about it was terrible. I actually called up the player you were protesting and their team captain to apologize for what you had said. You said so many hurtful and mean things. I don't think half the time you realize what you are saying. You seem conscousless when you get in these rages.
ReplyDeleteDude, I think I was one of the few people who tried to defend your position or at least your right to complain. After reading those eMails I can't take your side anymore. That's just classless, man. Your own wife?????
ReplyDeleteThe man running the desk at Memorial park has left the lights on many times in the past for my teams. If the match is close to finishing such as going to a third set tiebreak, or late in the second set, he often will watch some of the match as it finishes from the side lines. Attacking him may cause him to turn out the lights earlier the next time we play at Memorial park. Hangovers vs Crush would never be able to finish if he does not leave the lights on longer for us on occasion.
ReplyDeleteWhy did the matches get played without the line-ups? If one captain has a problem with playing the without the line-ups then he should refuse to play the matches until he has the line-up. You cannot agree to play without the line-up and then file against the other team. Did one of the players at 7 bring a line-up prior to Brian bringing a different one?
It seems a statment would have been made better had the matches not been played by the choice of the captain with the complaints.
NOBODY is chummy with David Heiland. Hall has more friends than Heiland, so I'm not buyin' that argument.
ReplyDeleteWHATEVER!!!! Give it a rest...
ReplyDeleteI bet David whined and complained to his wife all night till she told him to shut up about it.
ReplyDeleteDavid take a deep breath and just remember HTA leagues are just for fun. Just chill out.
Hall's gripe was not with Heiland - it was a blatant and direct attack at Brian (especially harsh since he's on the board), at Diane who didn't make the rules she was just assigned with sending out a friggin email, with the HTA Board, and with his own wife the League Coordinator.
ReplyDeleteAre these letters posted here what was actually filed with the grievance committee?
ReplyDeleteMr. anonymous, since you are so smart about this whole thing, what was actually filed with the grievance committee?
ReplyDeleteNamely, who was named in this grievance?
What penalty was actually asked for in the grievance?
I'm not claiming to be smart in this whole thing and typically the penalty is not asked for in a grievance. That's why they have a committee. To decide the penalty. David CLEARLY states that he believes Brian's team should have to forfeit all 4 lines. And goes on to say that if that is not done, the HTA needs to consider resigning. Furthermore, as if it's some terrible threat - all HTA Captains will find out the outcome of the grievance.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that the actual grievance is in PDF format so not easily cut and copied. Does anyone have the time to retype David's grievance.
I bet Hall is squirming hoping that noone takes the time to post his grievance.
ReplyDeleteHere is the letter sent to the grievance committee from David:
ReplyDeleteTo Grievance Committee:
I'm writing in regards to the infraction in the singles league. It states men's 4.5 - 5.0, but I have failed to find my penis that is why I'm sending this frivolous grievance. I (David Hall) request everyone to search for it and if you cannot find it, please at least give me a vagina so I have an excuse to file this grievance.
Sincerely,
David No Penis Hall
So he apparently names himself and request everyone to search high and low.
For me, it doesn't matter if he's a saint in the actual grievance, it doesn't negate the fact that he deliberately and was very calculated in his attack on the HTA. Look, he was out to point the finger at the HTA, it's board, and coordinators and try to show the whole world that they're powerless and incompetent. That was his motivation.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear that anonymous doesn't know what was actually filed with the grievance committee. I have been involved with grievances before and people can write a complaint letter to the league office before they cool down. I believe that you, Mr. anonymous have been arguing one side of an arguement this whole time and only entering what should be private communications on the blog. What communications have you conveniently left out? What verbal conversations did you actually sit in on? When you criticize someones written comments, you don't have any idea what context it came from, nor the background of the whole arguement without knowing all the facts surrounding the issue. Let's be glad that you are not a judge. By the way, I am not David either. But I am tired of seeing your rants on the blog. Why don't you let the greivance committee make a decision and let's move on. Brian is not on trial for murder here, so give it a rest.
ReplyDelete"By the way, I am not David either." Riggghhhhttt
ReplyDeleteIf you are a parent and your child acts out in an inappropriate way just because he or she doesnt get thier way, would you right it off to "well kids do that before they calm down"?
Now take this situation and you are back to the original point, if you dont say "that is unacceptable" then anyone with an email can fire off a childish rant "before they calm down" and it never stops.
It doesnt matter about subsequent conversations, this IS unacceptable. We should be focusing on sending the message to David and any other captain that "before you calm down" letters should never be sent.
David is not the first nor will he be the last player to do this so let's raise the bar and be grown ups. No matter what "other people" do. David might be feeling singled out, but I hope this will cause pause to anyone wanting to act in this manner. We are supposed to be adults here.
The problem lies in the history and track record of David's. This is his M.O. - typical way he handles most situations. Childish, immature, irreverant, patronizing. Whatever you want to call it - it's same old same old.
ReplyDeleteMan - dude, whoever you are who can't resist bashing David at every opportunity. I think most of us realize the kind of person he is and there's no need to pound the issue into the ground.
ReplyDeleteOk David
ReplyDeleteThere are several things I wanted to clear up about with some misconceptions that I will post here on thursday when I have some more time about the situation, just no specific information about the grievience, since that is for the grievience board only.
ReplyDeleteJason, knowing when to hold and when to fold - that's the name of the game.
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned Terry St John being a bit rude running the tournament desk this weekend. I didn't think it could be Terry as SHE is about 70 years old and I don't believe she does tournaments. Isn't it ironic now that I have discovered from the Houston Tourney blog that the person who was actually was running the desk was Gary Lemp - close chum of David Hall's.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I would like to say I wish my name made it to the blog because of my game and not the Incident. I will not be posting any specific information about the Grievience because that is meant for the grievience committee only, not the blog.I was a little disappointed that the first part of the Grievience was posted on here, which was inappropriate. Some of the information that was posted on here didn't tell my side of the story and made a judgement of me where specific information was left out, maybe from selective memory of what really happened.
ReplyDeleteI would not file a grievience unless a serious thing happened. During this season and seasons past some minor rules were broken, did I file a grievience because of that,of course not.The rules are there so each person has a right to do it if they feel it is the right thing to do.
My position volunteering on the HTA Advisory board has NOTHING to do with me playing an HTA singles league match. I volunteer my free time to benefit the Houston Tennis community, not to "get over" on HTA singles league rule infractions as implied.If you know me, I am not like that.
The light issue that was stated on the blog is true that I can't tell the guys running the desk at Memorial Park how and when to do there job, and that there were 2 other matches going on in the back area at the same time too, but that part was left out, of course. Everybody playing league should say Thank You to the guys running the desk because they do stay over sometimes.
As stated in a prior blog of the issue of the lineup and lateness just remember that you only heard one side of a story and until ALL the facts are given to the committee.
Someone stated that I should receive a verbal warning without hearing ALL the facts again and I was in the right and after my side of the story was told. There was no "heat of the moment" or any inkling that there were any issues that need to be dealt with and that I " care less about following the rules" without hearing my side of the story. I don't want you in my jury box.
I have no problem with Darryl Hall. She is a good person and should be left out of this, even though she is in the middle of this inadvertently.
I did not tell Greg to send a letter to David Hall to send out my attack dogs as stated, he is a grown man and was only defending my character,which I appriaciated. I can't tell people what to do. Instead of being accused of something I told them to do, shouldn't you be ASKED first if you did it?
I am not behind the personal attacks as stated in a previous blog because this is my first posting. The treatment has nothing to do with me because I didn't tell people to go after other people, that's not me. I never knew before that I HAD attack dogs and henchmen.I don't even watch the Sopranos.
As previously stated incorrectly,nobody has personally apologized to me on this issue, in person or on the phone.
In closing, because of this experience I may step down as singles league capt. next season and just play. I capt. and play while Volunteering for the HTA board because of the fun of playing with/against friends, the competition, and to make the Houston Tennis community better,and it would leave me more time to concentrate on work, graduate school, and a personal life.
Brian
Brian, go take your frustrations out at Nationals and come back with the ball!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust to clear some things up about the line up issue. Greg "whatever" Schmucker flip floped lines one and two due to Greg wanting to play Moser that night. It's funny in this case because the HCC team was playing Moser at line one that week anyway so it didn't work out for him. Greg "I don't care" Schmucker simpley wanted a better matchup. The whole reason to turn in a lineup early is to prevent this from happening. A rule was broken. Was it worth all this fuss? no. Did David cry about it too much? yes. Is Greg a huge poser with his not caring attitude? of course.
ReplyDeletethe results would have still been 4-0, with MPTC beating HCC
ReplyDelete