Tennis News
Published: June 26, 2009, Richmond Tennis Association website
College Week Tennis Camp is a Blowout Success
by Charles Tilley
Willow Oaks Country Club hosted the College Week Tennis Camp this past week, June 22-26. Cris Robinson, the chief coordinator of the event and head pro at Willow Oaks, was overjoyed at the large turnout and high level of tennis being exhibited by junior players from local clubs and the Mid-Atlantic region at large. The camp brings in different college coaches and tennis instructors each day to provide specific insight and drills for the players. This week, representatives from several esteemed programs were on site for specific days: Brian Kalbas of University of North Carolina, Mark Guilbeau of University of Virginia, Paul Kostin of Virginia Commonwealth University, Jay Bruner of College of Charleston, Billy Boykin of University of Richmond, and Ramsey Smith of Duke University.
Needless to say, the opportunity to meet and be instructed by such high level coaches is an invaluable experience for any junior player. Cris Robinson, camp director, was adamant about the advantages gained by players attending the camp, saying, "In addition to match play, the children were able to participate in real college practices as instructed by real college coaches. They are given advice the coaches would give their own players, including tips to position themselves for a college tennis career. It is simply a tremendous opportunity to learn from the best college coaches in the country."
Each day the players hit the courts from early morning to mid-afternoon, leaving the courts only for a lunch break with food provided by the club. There is a good deal of drilling and match play, often under the watchful eye of a college coach. At the conclusion of the week a pool party with a DJ was arranged to cap off the terrific experience. There will be another session of the camp with different coaches later this summer, August 17-21. Two chief attractions of this week will be Chuck Kriese, Thailand National Tennis Coach, and John Roddick of the Roddick Total Tennis Academy. There are still spots available in this upcoming camp; Cris Robinson can be contacted for further information.
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The College Week Tennis Camp is an opportunity for juniors to get acquainted with some of the top college coaches in the nation. |
Cris Robinson, the head pro at Willow Oakes Country Club, is instructing during a camp session. He is a former member of the Clemson Men’s Tennis Team and ACC Champion. |
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Hunter Koontz, top singles player for state runner up Deep Run High School, just stroked a serve during one of the practice drills. |
Ramsey Smith, coach at Duke University, led the Blue Devils to a top 20 national ranking and is posing with up-and-coming junior player Emma Carl. |
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Zach King, a powerful baseliner for state champion Mills Godwin High School, is eyeing a backhand during an intense drill. |
Brady Strauss, an impressive ball striker for prep champion Collegiate School, is lining up for one of his trademark topspin forehands. |
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Edgar Vitkovski, another Godwin player, has just walloped a forehand in a baseline rallying game. |
Zachary Carl, a player for 2007 state runner up Douglas S. Freeman High School, is confidently ripping a topspin backhand. |
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Matt Waddell, a crafty baseliner for Douglas S. Freeman High School, is giving a stare down to his opponent before thumping another serve. |
Evan Charles, another key member of Deep Run High School’s team, is undoubtedly feeling the effects of a tough week on the hot clay of Willow Oaks Country Club. |
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All the players are glad for a rest after leaving everything they had out on the courts. |
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