Tuesday, November 10, 2009

4.0 Final Weekend/Masters Weekend

So things are just about done and then it is blog vacation time. Ahhh. I wish I had enough time and info to post up a 4.0 Masters thread but I don't but ANON you are always free to send me one if you want to and I will post it. Feel free to post any thoughts about Eddie and Brandon's progress throughout the weekend.

Now back to league.

Flight A:
This flight is all but sewn up, Greenhill is the #1 seed even with a loss this weekend. Lakes will be in as the #2 seed unless a small miracle happens and they lose to the Oakland Raiders led by Jamarcus Russell (aka Lucky Thunder). Too many IFs in this scenario to make it relevant.

Flight B:
This flight is easy. Garland in as the #1 seed no matter what. The second team in will be a winner go home match between JCC and Fretz. This one is tough to call, I think it will be a first for both of these teams at least in recent memories to make the playoffs so either way it should be good for the league to see some new names in the playoffs. If both send their best 8 players my money is on JCC.

Flight C:
Brookhaven has nailed down a spot as the #1 but another battle for #2 seed happens here between Village and Canyon Creek. The only catch is CC must win 4-1 or better. That seems like a tall task when you are talking about good teams so I will have to go with the Village on this one.

Flight D:
All kinds of scenarios here but essentially OC and BH have their destiny on their racquets, if they lose they better make it 2-3 and then hope Huffhines (oh wait) this just in Team Bob already won 5-0 so the loser of the OC/BH match will have a tough road although with a quick glance at tiebreakers OC would probably still make it in. Could Team BOB miss the playoffs? No way around it; a good team will be staying at home in this flight.

230 comments:

  1. After the playoffs is set, we can put a pickem pool like the NCAA but anons must place their names.

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  2. FLIGHT D
    HP/Somabut will beat Huffines 5-0. No question.

    If Brookhaven beats Oak Creek 3-2 then Bob Somabut's team misses the fall playoffs and both Oak Creek & Brookhaven advance.

    Any Oak Creek wins eliminates Brookhaven and allows HP/Somabut to make the playoffs.

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  3. How many Dallas area folks are going to masters this year?

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  4. How about a poll for who will win the match between the great Eddie and B. Meyers?

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  5. Terrell,Brouer,Ryan,and Jones from John Sisk's 4.0 team will be down there as well as Somabut,Keith Robinson from Bob's team

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  6. Previous poster missed Fenn from Bob's team also playing doubles.

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  7. I believe there are a few 4.5 guys and 3.5 guys going as well

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  8. Trey McKinney and Ben Hawkins from my team will be going. They got a really tough flight though so it will be an uphill battle.

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  9. Hill wins it all at 4.0. he is tough in tournaments.

    Eddie

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  10. McKinney, Hawkins & Griggs also

    Wow, how bad is 4.5 Masters this year?
    Hawkins has done ok in tournaments but Griggs just plays every tournament and McKinney might have a losing record in 4.5.

    Were there only 8 that signed up?

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  11. Its hard to say on most of these guys records. Griggs has had a really good year, but he gets alot of his wins in the smaller tournaments. Eitehr way - his performance at Sectionals says he deserves in.

    Hawkins and McKinney really only played Majors this year so their competition was at a much higher level.

    You look across all the levels - if someone makes the masters they can play, if it wasn't Griggs and McKinney sneaking in it would be someone even worse than them. Fact is the economy has taken a toll as less people are willing to travel to the bigger tournaments.

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  12. That's all you have to say Eddie?

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  13. The statement about the economy is very accurate. Tournaments have been slowly dying over the last few years anyway because people realize that they can sleep in their own bed and play one or two league matches every weekend for a lot less cost. Plus league is much more fun. I have been a hardcore tournament participant for almost ten years but I expect to play very few in the future.
    The USTA does not listen to the desire of the player with these tournaments and they have seen a drop in participation as a result.

    It's actually ridiculous that there is even an entry fee for this tournament. Those that qualify for this event are the players that play the most tournaments and therefore contribute the most money to the USTA throughout the year. It would be a nice reward if the USTA offered this event for no charge. They have made enough money off these players all year. Also, I heard the got rid of the prize money for the Texas Excellence Circuit, yet another way for them to make more profit this year.

    As far as the field in 4.5, all of the players who made it are ranked in the top 20. Winning one round in 5 major zones is almost enough to make top 20 with so few people playing. Juan and Jochen are the clear favorites in 4.5 in my opinion so whoever wins between them will win the division.

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  14. nobody cares. eddie will win

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  15. I would guess that 0 of the 3 comments are Eddie.

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  16. Been out of the blog loop for a while and just looked at the 4.0 week 8 thread, there is a pretty good post on some of the midseason bump ups.

    Wow, somebody really did there homework on that one. I looked at a couple of the names that I know and pulled up there records and I think anon was spot one in his analysis.

    Nice work anon, keep it up!

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  17. The DTA should organize a LOCAL tournament circuit with players accumulating points for their local tourn performance and maintain local rankings in sgl & dubs by NTRP level.

    Maybe local circuit tournaments at Brookhaven, Canyon Creek, Oak Creek, Huffines, Village, whatever. No need for additional tournaments just accumulate points based on existing local tournaments. Then hold a year-end masters event (for point leaders) at a nice facility like T-Bar or Brookhaven.

    Would be great fun w/o all the headaches & expense of traveling. Clubs would benefit from greater tournament participation.

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  18. Griggs performance at Sectionals means he deserves a spot at Masters - So winning one match? Um, Ok.

    5.0 is even worse. There are guys with a 2-9 record and 1-1 record in the field. So don't say someone who makes it to Masters can play.

    Corey's right - Masters should be free entry. But I don't think that would matter. The cost of hotel/gas far outweighs entry fee. Not sure what the answer is. Hopefully the low participation for Masters is a one time anomaly. It's a great idea that a lot of other sections should incorporate.

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  19. Corey isn't right! He's way off base.

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  20. Where is he off base? Sounds about right to me from a common sense stand point. Entry fee doesn't matter though, such a small piece of the expenses.

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  21. Well it is different for 4.0 and 3.5. For the FW MZ there were close to70 people entered. For SA Sectionals over 80 people. At 4.0 there are well over 100 people with more than 5 tournaments played. The TOP 15-20 4.0 guys are very strong. For this masters tourney everyone in the top 12 registered and they only take the top 8. I believe it is very similar at 3.5.

    My tournament record is 25-5 this year. Brandon's is like 15-3. The #2 ranked guy was 22-6. #4 24-5. All but 3 of the top 8 guys have won Major Zones with at least 50 guys in the field. 4 of the top 8 have already be midseason bumped to 4.5.

    I get that 4.5 may be different, but 4.0 for tournaments is tough.

    Eddie

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  22. ^
    Which makes it all the more strange that 4.5 tournament play (and the Masters) is dead....

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  23. QUIT PICKING ON NANCY!

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  24. I wasn't trying to say it was easy to get into Masters, I was just saying the point system is set up to where making it to the Round of 16 or quarterfinals in 5 major zones is about all it takes. It's a great achievement that I've never done and I have respect for those that do it. The 4.5 level is suffering more than most and I'm not sure the reason. As far as the numbers still being high in 4.0, they are, but they were still a lot higher before. I played the Houston Major Zone one year when it was a 256 draw in 4.0.
    People are just not willing to commit the time, effort, and money for a trophy that looks the same as all the others.

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  25. Friday starts is what kills it for a lot of people. Why not start tournaments on Saturday? That way only a few people have to take off work, instead of everyone.

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  26. I agree with Anon 1:28. When I was in juniors, every tournament started on a Saturday and was done on Sunday. There is no reason to have tournaments starting on Friday. This requires most people to take off work. Start the tourney on Saturday, and you start to cut the cost of attending a tournament.

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  27. TO: JOHN KRAEMER VP LEAGUES
    John, are you out there? I hope you can improve DTA league administration in 2010.

    Most important: If you want league players to trust the DTA then have TRANSPARENT processes. Tell players how things are run. Don't keep everything a big secret.

    Regarding placing teams into flights:
    - Take 15 min to explain this process on the DTA website or in an email to captains.
    - If you seed teams, then announce the seeded teams just like they do for tournaments
    - Place unseeded teams into flights by random draw (as is customary in tennis) observed by captains

    Players do NOT expect perfect placement of teams into flights. They just want a fair & open PROCESS.

    If we truly have a major league / minor league approach to level 4.5 please tell us exactly how this is supposed to work.

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  28. I completely agree with the last tournament post. I never understood the point of starting tournaments on Friday. Why not do Saturday/Sunday/Monday? Then, the only people that have to take off work are the semifinalists and finalists, instead of every player.
    Friday and Saturday are my two most profitable work days now and missing both of them for a tournament is no longer an option.
    Why punish everybody by making them miss a day of work? When you add the money lost from work to the money spent for travel/hotel/entry fees, tournaments become an expensive proposition. All for ranking points and $5 trophies.

    How many of you would play more tournaments if they started on Saturdays?

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  29. If they could guarantee that matches would not start until after 5 pm, I would play some. Until that time, I just play league

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  30. on friday after 5 pm

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  31. some organized approach to local tournaments would be a step in the right direction

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  32. Yep I couldn't agree more about tourneys which is why I rarely play them. I was excited when I saw in the schedule booklet this season a listing about One Day 50 pt tourneys. But it seems those did not take off. I think this is actually a great idea to have something different. Because I do like tourney atmosphere and the style of play but 3 days off and travel is not an option for me. I get maybe one weekend a month off from my job and if I told my wife that i would be spending it with a bunch of sweaty guys in another city I would have to keep that hotel for longer than a weekend.

    In So Cal our own tennis group had four one day tourneys a year (ala Grand Slams) and they would start at 9a and go till we finished, round robin style and the levels were made depending on who showed up, etc. You generally go 5-6 matches which may or may not have including a semi and final. Usually one 8 game sets.

    I hope the USTA Texas Tourney system will follow up with the one day tourney idea I would sign up for a couple and possibly travel if I knew it would just be a one night stay.

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  33. I too thought those 50 point tournaments would be a popular idea but I didn't see any scheduled across the entire state and they were not even mentioned at the USTA tournament directors' meeting last month. I think the USTA will keep things the way they are until entries drop too far and facilities stop hosting tournaments. Only then will they look to make drastic changes.

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  34. 50 point tournament results in virtually zero ranking points and a 50 cent trophy. Why bother?

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  35. That is more for the people that just want to play tournaments for the actual match play, which is sort of the reason we are supposed to be playing right? But your opinion is the reason no facilities have stepped up to try to host one of these I'm sure. They would only appeal to a small number of players. Only positive for USTA is that they would be getting people that don't normally play tournaments to play.

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  36. Yep trophies and ranking points don't mean a thing to me. I do like tourneys for the conditioning factor as well as getting to play people I don't know and get to see different styles.

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  37. Yes, and if you keep the entry fees low it will be a great cost-effective way for some of us to keep our ratings down.

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  38. Terrell,Brouer,Ryan,and Jones from John Sisk's 4.0 team will be down there as well as Somabut,Keith Robinson from Bob's team

    Keith was removed from Bob's team this season, apparently due to insubordination.

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  39. Moser d. Hawkins
    Dekruff d. McKinney
    Hawkins d. McKinney

    Ben told me he was up 6-1 and served for the second set twice. Tough break for him but it was impressive for him to rebound and win his next match.

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  40. Anon 11:55 am

    That's why we have the fall league _ to provide opportunities to keep our ratings down.

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  41. Hill lost 7-5 5-7 10-8
    Myers won 7-6 7-6

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  42. I don't lose as everyone knows. I beat myself!

    Eddie

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  43. The Lakes win 4-1. They're in the playoffs. Their #1 singles player Matt Fankhauser remains undefeated!

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  44. Keith and Bob are in the 4.0 doubles final. Brandon is in the 4.0 singles final and Chris Jones is in the 3.5 singles finals.

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  45. go bob, keith, and brandon!!!!!

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  46. Anyone knows what happened to the OC1/BH-Bartlett match?

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  47. OC1 / BH Bartlett is scheduled for Sunday 1pm.

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  48. I heard BH abd OC agreed to the scores before the match to keep HP out

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  49. i heard that a bicycle just fell over in China.

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  50. Congrats to Bandon Myers on winning it all in Austin this weekend. Also to Bhaven Bartlett, village and JCC for clinching playoff spots in tough final week matches!

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  51. LTF Rules. I keep telling you guys, maybe now you'll listen.

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  52. What happened to Chris Jones at 3.5, he quit? What a lightweight.

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  53. Chris Jones was the best 3.5 player by far. He made the 3.5 Finals in both Singles and Doubles. Way to go.

    Enrique Molina

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  54. Chris Jones pussed out in the singles final of the final 8 the same way he couldn't play singles in the 3.5 playoffs for Huffines.

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  55. You have no idea what you are talking about. Chris pushed as far as his body let him. 8 matchs in 3 days. I was there.

    Enrique

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  56. So no Bob, SWAT and Eddie in the playoffs, what will I do with my November now?

    Congrats to the 8 teams that will be playing in December.

    I will post something up as we get closer although I am sure anon wants odds and thoughts but it is too far away to get ready quite yet. It is almost like waiting for the BCS title game, a month after the teams have been decided.

    Knowing the teams I have to give the early favs to Garland and OC. I hope they are in different flights because that would be a good final.

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  57. Chris Jones is a quitter. If he is in both events, he should prepare better for the possibility of so many matches. He is nutless.

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  58. Well if Chris's body won't let him play that much, he should've stuck to 1 event and not let his dbls. partner down. It's one thing to not be there for yourself, but another when you let your teammate or teammates down. I understand when on Huffines team, they had a dr. on the team, that tried to get him to correct his problem and he didn't.

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  59. No doubters today with Bartlett’s Brookhaven team. That line 1 doubs team is one to watch. The one guy has game.

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  60. To ANON 6:26 AM-

    The fact that Jones carried Leon Kincy to the 3.5 final says all you need to know. How did Jones let KINCY down? Jones carried HIM to the final. Are you an idiot or just jealous? I'm thinking both

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  61. that is true, kincy was the worst player outta that bunch this weekend

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  62. Bartlett must be importing players to get to the playoffs. The one guy playing doubles was sporting a San Diego State TENNIS shirt.

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  63. to poster 7:03, no doubt that jones carried kincy, but he let him down. why go all that way just to not be able to finish? he should've just played 1 event, then he could've won or they could've won.

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  64. like the other poster said, he did not let Kincy down, no one else in the state could of carried kincy that far...and they lost a close final

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  65. People still bitching about 3.5 tennis? lol

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  66. Ratings come out in the first week of December...... other than Weymer & Kemp who else get's bumped to 4.5?

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  67. Who will be the top 4.0 singles/doubles players next year? Any standouts to look for?

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  68. How old is the banjo boy anyhow? Jones can't be older than 30, and his body is already falling apart, what a loser.

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  69. Top playoff teams in order of liklihood of winning the fall:

    1) Sisk
    2) Bartlett
    3) Greenhill
    4) OC
    5) Pearlman
    6) Lakes
    7) Village
    8) JCC

    Any of the top 5 has a fighting chance

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  70. Guys that might get bumped to 4.5.

    (First I want to qualify the following opinion on two things before the anons start peppering me. First, there are many solid players that I am not familiar with that may get bumped so if you're not on the list don't take it personally. Second, I'm a product of the public school system.

    Stonebridge-Justin Lutes -He's a great player with 4.5 strokes and is mentally tough. His team didn't make the playoffs but he could compete with anybody in the league.

    HP-Bazan- Bill Stevens, Paul Burton, and Trae Bowman have great games and good record in 2009 to go along with it. At least one of those guys will not be in the 4.0 ranks much longer.

    Stonebriar-Two under the radar players who have had a great fall is Ryan Caras and David Layden. They are both on the bubble but Ryan probably has the greater chance since he has had some nice singles wins.

    Eldorado-Hampton- Robert Sandell is undefeated this fall with some nice wins. However all of his wins have been in doubles, which moves you up slower supposedly. He's another unsung but solid player.

    JCC-Michael Reiman-Phenomenal player! Much stronger in singles than doubles but can play both. His team is in the playoffs and I believe he can take down any singles player in Dallas. No doubt. Before any anons pepper me over this go and watch this guy play. After five minutes your mouths will be shut. I think the only reason he is still playing 4.0 is that his work/family take up much of his time. But I expect him to be ready for the playoffs.

    GH- Marc Rossouw, Chad Carlquist, Greg Ohl. It is a matter of when not if.

    BH-Pearlman-Todd Stein- A former 4.5 and still should be playing there. He is undefeated this fall at 4.0!

    BH-Bartlett-Phil Lazzara. Huge serve and good volleys. A great record in 2009. He'll be on Harlee's 4.5 team next spring.

    HP-Somabut- Jarad Kemp. I think he needs no explanation. A great guy and a great player who will do well at the 4.5 level.

    The Lakes-The only player we have up here that might get bumped is Matt Fankhauser who is undefeated this fall.

    See you guys mid December in the playoffs!

    Mitchell Fix

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  71. Wow, a post not attacking someone, very nice

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  72. Prather are you just bragging or do you have something to contribute.

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  73. 4.5 bump-ups:

    I think Mitchell has put together a good analysis.

    I think Bartlett has a few more guys that could get bumped based on their Fall records at 4.0 & 4.5. Mattes, Heltebran, Smith & Ellis are also all in danger.

    BH Perlman could also lose Jacinto & Ludwig.

    JCC's Lieberman also has a strong record.

    As for the Lakes, Mitchell has 4.5 game as does Richardson, Sinclair & Whittaker. I think they'll hang onto Matt as he hasn't played enough matches but some of the big one sided wins may hurt him.

    I also think their are a bunch of Garland guys who could get bumped including Brouer, DeFeo, Obannon and Terrell.....

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  74. Weymer and Fenn are possibilities as well.

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  75. oh definitely! Weymer is a certainty! I thought that goes without saying.

    I agree Fenn is a possibility also

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  76. I heard banjos are tough on the shoulder!

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  77. Does anyone think that there will be many bump downs this year either from 4.5 or down to 3.5?

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  78. His sister is the most upset. She was enjoying the love melodies he was strumming til the shoulder ordeal.

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  79. Anybody know when the NTRP ratings will come out this year?

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  80. Prather is trying everything he can to get bumped down to 3.5

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  81. How can Prather go from being ranked #1 in the state of Texas and not be able to win a 4.0 match. Please we are not that stupid. Very obvious! What happen to all the ethical talk last year.

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  82. 3.5 must of really sucked last year...or Prather must be tanking

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  83. Back to Prather tanking again. BORING!!!!!

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  84. Did I see that score correctly, T. Newman from Garland lost in SINGLES to S. Bennett from Lifetime? Are you kidding me? What was that the donut match? Holy shit, was there an EMT at the court just in case? That was truly a "heavy weight" match!

    One thing is certin and that is nobody from Lifetime 4.0 needs to worry about being bumped up but most of them might be in danger of heading back to 3.5 (not sure that wasn't part of the plan all along).

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  85. The fall is all about tanking scum. Kudos to the guys with the balls not to tank this fall.

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  86. my guess is there will be many bumps to 4.5. Remember the most important wins/matches are the spring sectional and national results. Lifetimers and HP/Bob'ers that won matches at that level are most likely locks to stay at 4.5 or be moved up.

    Also players with good DCC results that faced these guys are recalibrated based on how those players did at sectionals and beyond plus tourney results, etc.

    I have no doubt you will see a lot of names, the only question will be is how will the appeal process work because unless I am mistaken I didn't see a single appeal go thru after mid season ratings.

    Mitchell I think your list was a good start but there will be many more, I think Bill Stevens from our group is borderline but Paul and Trae should be ok.

    I am sure Greg Ohl likes your compliment but I don't think he will be at 4.5 nor does he want to be.

    And BTW you and Ramesh might be bumped with your rather strong record. Fankhauser is bumped as well and in fact he was a few games here and there of being on the DQ bubble although I don't think it would have a been warranted, he is a strong 4.0 singles player.

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  87. Lucky Thunder, see you at 3.5 next season, I bet Grandpa Ed will have a spot for you after Lipsie gets bumped to 4.0!

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  88. last year texas allowed some of our benchmark players to appeal down. i think it was mostly seniors. i wonder if that will happen again?

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  89. Bitter Beer Face says he can beat Cary at singles.

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  90. Trust after a losing streak I was on I thought I might be headed for 3.5 but I think I got back on track and plan on staying at 4.0 but I have seen stranger things happen in the ratings.

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  91. And just so I can find some good matches during the winter and some easy wins as I work on my singles game. I know there isn't a single 3.5 (computer rated) player that can take me in singles, no way, no how.

    Bring it little biatches.

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  92. I think some 3.0's can take Cary!

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  93. Match #1

    Bazan vs Lippy Renata (Alzuro)!!!

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  94. Match #1 will be sponsored by Victorias Secret brand bras. Each player gets a free one.

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  95. DTA has set the flights for the play-offs

    Blue:
    Greenhill
    BH Bartlett
    Village
    JCC

    Red:
    Garland
    Oak Creek
    Lakes
    BH Perlman

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  96. Cary would lose to 3.0 bump up from Lifetime Ryan Esleman. Set that match up.

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  97. I know this is late, but congratulations to Brandon Myers for achieving Best 4.0 Singles player in Texas for 2009. Well done highlander. There can only be one. Well done you cajun Peacock.

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  98. Greenhill vs Oak Creek in the finals

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  99. B-MO should be a bump down, no question.

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  100. Actually BMO, Hill is still ranked #1 in the state.

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  101. Doesn't really matter. What counts is that no matter how you look at it, someone from Lifetime is always on top.

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  102. I think most Lifetime players like bottom.

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  103. Your mothers, sisters, and girlfriends bottom that is.

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  104. I like the supposition of the anon from 10:21 am regarding Greenhill. We would like to be there on Sunday but I feel that beating Brookhaven will be a tough task; and the JCC doesn't look like a push over either.

    Lastly I think Sisk might beat OC; but I could see it go either way. I think that Sisk has slightly better singles and OC slightly better doubles (no offense to my partner Ryan).

    It's gonna be fun. Hope we are there on Sunday

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  105. Whoever didn't give Lakes a fighting chance in the earlier ranking of playoff teams is underestimating them - I think they'll win at least 1 singles and 1 doubles line against any team out there - making them a tough team to take out. Should be interesting

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  106. I guess the anon never liked that movie The Highlander?

    - Who cuts your hair Kurgan?

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  107. greenhill has the best team on paper. russow recruited well from all around. He also has thunder carlqest.

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  108. Sisk has the best team on paper. Brower is amazin

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  109. It will be interesting playoffs. Fun to watch/play. Sisk might of put together a great team yet again.

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  110. Where are people playing this winter weeknights as well as weekends?

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  111. rossouw team is a bunch of jokers. They did not have to play any one good... maybe, Lakes? Lakes will get killed 5-0 by any top team from other flights. Rossouw and his gang will be out of playoffs on day 1. I predict they will lose every match in their flight. Jews vs Sisk in the finals, hehe!

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  112. Cary-Keith Clark will play you on Saturday or Sunday if you want.

    I was hoping for Don Smith to be on the other side, but now we'll have to settle for a beer at Snuffer's after our match on Friday. My treat Don!!
    He's done a fine job with 3 teams and looking forward to a good weekend win or lose.
    Fall winner gets a berth to QT not DCC anymore, or did I read that wrong?

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  113. Where did you see that John?

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  114. Congrats to Brandon for winning Masters, quite an accomplishment. You will enjoy 4.5 competition next year and you will do well.

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  115. brandon is the best in the state, but second behind Eddie on his own team. sorry brandon you havent accomplished all

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  116. Anon November 17, 2009 7:41 AM

    What did they put in your muscle milk this morning.

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  117. john,

    that is interesting, do you mind posting or forwarding that info to us "non-playoff" teams.

    If that is true that is very interesting and shows the DTA does listen because that was a suggestion I made two seasons ago.

    I just felt it was a more just reward for winning the fall and would keep incentive for the winning team to put their best effort out during the spring season.

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  118. Extract from instructions emailed to play-off captains this week:

    "DTA/USTA Dallas Fall League Winners

    How the Fall League winners qualify for the USTA Dallas City Championships in July.
    1. Participate in and win your level in the Fall League.
    2. Have at least 70% of the players on the Fall roster participate as a team at the same level in the following Spring/Summer League. Additional players may be added to the Spring roster.
    3. Whether a team wins their flight in the Spring/Summer League or not, all qualified players on the Spring roster are eligible to participate as a wild card in the USTA Dallas City Championships in July."

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  119. Thanks!

    To me that's a good change. It is still an incentive for teams to play and win in the fall. But fall winners do NOT get a "bye" all the way to the DCC.

    The past rule was just too ripe for abuse.

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  120. Uhhh....It looks the same as previous seasons the way I'm reading it.

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  121. It says wildcard to DCC, not entrant into QT - no change.

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  122. It is the same. Winner of fall goes straight to City in the spring.

    I'm not really sure I understand why people think this should not be the case. There should be a reward for teams succeeding in the fall. I know there are alot of people that do not take the fall seriously but there are also many that are competitive at all times and want to win. There are 37 teams in the fall vs 40 in the spring..... I don't think it is that watered down.

    Personally I think the team that comes second in the fall should get a wildcard into the qualifying tournament. This would promote fall play.

    The negative is that bump-ups may well destroy the competitiveness of the qualifying team. for example, if Brookhaven win the fall and lose 6 players to 4.5 they may not have a team that can compete at City in the spring as they have lost their best players.

    However, please note that HP/ Somabut won the fall last year and went on to come 3rd at Nationals. Given that fact I'm not sure the system is broken....

    I'm sure some Anon's will set me straight and tell me I'm an idiot though

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  123. I agree with you Mark. People already say the fall is meaningless. If the winner only advanced to QT, then it really would be. The fall winner is good enough to make the QT on its own 99 percent of the time anyway. There are several teams over the last few years that have won the fall and the spring. It's a tremendous advantage and it's a deserved reward in my opinion.

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  124. All good comments. But it is also true . . .
    that the team that wins the fall can play the ENTIRE SPRING SEASON without really trying. Guys can manage their scores and protect their ratings. Ringers can stay under the radar playing 3rd doubles with weak partners. For the fall winner, none of their matches count until they reach the DCC. (Its like playing a bunch of exhibition games in football.) So there is no incentive for any of their guys to play their best. That's not healthy in my view.

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  125. you forgot the words...Except, there is not a good alternative. Some cities allow them in an automatic bid into the Wildcard for spring Sectionals. I think we got ours right. you should at least be able to make it past the QT no matter what. Allows your weaker players to get better during the regular season.

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  126. Well, I respect your opinion. But I think an entry into the QT is a better approach. That would (1) give the fall winner an incentive to still try to win 1st place (& go directly to the DCC) while (2) guaranteeing them at least a QT entry. Some incentive to actually win spring league matches is better than no incentive at all. I'm more concerned about the integrity of spring league matches than I am about the fall league participation. (The DTA is of course more concnerned about the $ they receive from fall league participation.)

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  127. Rank Name City State Points

    1 Hill, Eddie V. Plano TX 1655
    2 Myers, Brandon Frisco TX 1605
    3 Murray,James P. Schertz TX 1580
    4 Ruiz, Pedro Houston TX 1480
    5 Nguyen, Tuyen Pasadena TX 1455

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  128. Very cool...congrats Brandon and Eddie. You guys have much to be proud of.

    Jason

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  129. Brandon will pass Eddie when the new rankings come out. No shame in coming in second though.

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  130. Team Good Looking Rankings
    Name rank points (10 best rating)
    1.) Jason Fraser 9.92
    2.) Ice Pick 9.8
    3.) Snoop Doug 9.7
    4.) Marc Rossouw 9.68
    5a.)Jarad Kemp 9.6
    5b.)Craig Weymer 9.6

    Honorable mention-
    Brandon Meyer

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  131. Final rankings only take into account the 5 best tournaments played?

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  132. 8:08 pm anon is a flaming homosexual, and blind on top of that.

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  133. I think the QT reward is enough, I don't the fall league should have as much importance placed on it in fact I would be OK with no auto bid to the Spring at all.

    But I do think rewarding the fall team so largely is way too tempting for these winning teams to manage scores, while 2nd thru 40th place teams have to play all out and not hide any players.

    I still like playing in the fall and don't really need anything at the end of the rainbow.

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  134. Cary, you've seen how shitty FW league is in the fall. Take away the incentive for fall in Dallas and that's where this thing will end up.

    2nd - 40th should have played better in the fall. Then they could kick back and play with a beer in one hand, racquet in the other during the spring like the 1st place team :)

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  135. Now, She plays on their mixed doubles team, but she is still blind!

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  136. typo: No, She plays on their...

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  137. Eddie,

    Isn't that like Safina being better then Venus?

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  138. Cary,

    Why is spring more important than Fall? I've only being playing USTA for about 2 years so am still learning all of this.

    In the fall we play with USTA approved balls, on courts that are the same size as in the spring, against 4.0 or lower rated players, same number of lines as in the spring and the same scoring system as in the spring..... why is it different?

    Again, I think the team that comes second in the fall should also benefit and get a wildcard into the Qualifying tournament.

    If teams from the fall can win; and keep 70% of their players; and manage ratings (through playing time and partners not by tanking) so that they don't lose alot of players to 4.5 then they certainly deserve alot more than a "well done!"

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  139. Rossouw is right.

    Why not make the fall more important. Give the winner a trip to the DCC and second place a spot in the qualifying tournament.

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  140. Joel Pickett is so hot right now!

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  141. if you ain't first, you're last

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  142. Obviously we have run out of things to talk about.
    Anon, stop trying to start shit and keep it to tennis...

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  143. Little Baby Jesus with a little baby Jesus soft baby butt says you got to win the superbowl if you want to be considered #1

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  144. I don't agree with Rousseau on a lot of things, but he might have caught onto something here.

    First place gets the bid into the DCC, 2nd place gets auto bid into QT.

    Talk about putting pressure on the spring league if you don't win fall. Up to 2 spots missing from the Spring. Wow, that puts pressure on Fall AND Spring season.

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  145. Dear Lord Baby Jesus, I want to thank you for this wonderful meal, my two beautiful son's, Walker and Texas Ranger, and my Red-Hot Smokin' Wife, Carley

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  146. Yes, Pickett is real hot looking, especially when he has that orange tan crap going.

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  147. There is no superbowl in Tennis. Just end of year rankings. 9 major tournaments. Brandon won 3. Eddie won 2. The pts say Eddie is #1. It is what it is.

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  148. and he gets even less of a reward for that than he does for "winning" the city championship, woohoo!

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  149. Winning the fall exposes you to more bump ups at year end so it ought to be worth the risk. Besides, you still have to win city in the spring. Not made any easier by playing all spring with a beer in one hand.

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  150. No offense to Johnny Depp, but Joel Pickett is the Sexiest Man Alive.

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  151. I've seen some of Bob's new players for the Spring. You guys are still just playing for second.

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  152. Doug, will you please keep the stuff about Joel Pickett to yourself.

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  153. Really? That may be what you and a handful of other cheats do but I'm pretty confident that you do not speak for the majority of fall players. Most people playing at this level are competitive and want to win everytime they step on the court. Where in the league instructions or sign-up details does it say that the fall is for score management? Do we pay less in the fall for the watered down league? Are ratings calculated differently? Who is the dumbass?

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  154. If you have any doubt that people don't tank in the fall see David Prather's record

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  155. Do Prather and Fraser get their shorts at the same place? They are so short and tight you can see their camel toes.

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  156. Marc,

    Try captain for a 8 straight years and ask me why the fall league isn't as important. For the most part sections don't even have a fall league. I think it is great that we do and it is competitive but there is no need for it to be tied into the spring league. The spring league is more important because there is a progression whereas in the fall there is not anything past cities. In So Cal we actually had a fall sectional with teams from around the section and even played the Nor Cal winner and it was still a "less" important league.

    The bottom line is I would like a "break" much the the pros are asking for as it is right now we don't get an off season.

    Maybe I am just burnt out a bit but the fall deadline sign up occurs during the spring sectionals so there is no real break for the top teams and I think placing so much importance on the fall just makes the spring feel like it just keeps on going.

    I am sure Bob would keep 3rd place at nats and will gladly take off the next month from league tennis.

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  157. Yep, the fall league is a big waste of time. Better to just play with your buddies and take a break from the hassles of weekly league matches.

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  158. Wow what an honor! I want to whole heartedly thank the committee for the nomination this year to the top of the "Team Good Looking" rankings. This has been an honor that I've been aspiring to ever since I started playing tennis those years ago; and to have surpassed Joel Picket (the perennial favorite and 4 time winner) makes this award all the more special. I feel Joel will take back the honor next year as I plan to retire after this incredible winning moment and go out on top. No hard feelings Pickett but I think the voting community was finally looking for someone not so pretty; and someone that they could more relate to. Someone with more of a keg than a six pack, some really "short and tight" shorts, a little "camel toe" and grey hair in the beard. Just a regular dude won the honors this year. Lol voting committee that was humorous.

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  159. wow i guess someone was right when they were talking about some gay guy on this site; watching Jason F. & my shorts, although mine are not actually that short, but I wouldn't want to ruin it for whoever. My fall league record is truly awful, but that's just the way I played.


    prather

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  160. I'm so tired of all the anon's running their mouths on this site! If you have something to say post your name and stop hiding behind anonymous logins!!!..

    Most of the brookhaven 4.0's mentioned for bump up including myself played on my 4.5 team in the fall.

    I was told fall season doesn't count for anything and most of my guys will not be bumped. Is this true?

    I'm okay with getting bumped to 4.5. I would like some of my guys to get bumped aswell! it will ensure I have a 50% 4.5 players roster for the spring season 4.5 season.

    If I don't get bumped, it let's me play one more season at 4.0 and possible make a run for nationals.

    Anyone that posted their name is okay by me!

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  161. fall 4.0 payoff's, I foresee an all Brookhaven final! Pearlman vs bartlett

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  162. Prather, nobody is checking you out, it's the damn distraction you create that's the problem. Nobody wants to look at you, but since they play against you, they have no choice. I think you are a transvestite personally.

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  163. "The bottom line is I would like a "break" much the the pros are asking for as it is right now we don't get an off season."

    Ok just shut up Cary. You need a break from captaining like the pros need a break on tour? Are you high? First, you get 4+ months w/ nothing right now between Fall/Spring. Second, if you're so TIRED from all your captaining - Don't captain 800 teams at once.

    Maybe don't captain at all and work on your game some.

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  164. Andy,

    Fall definitely counts towards the USTA rating. I know this from a conversation with the guy in Austin who is in charge of USTA ratings for Texas section.

    That is why some Anon's claim that "fall is for managing your rating". They think results don't matter but you can use poor results to stay at your current level. However, I do believe that these guys are in the minority. Most people come out to play and win everytime they step on the court.

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  165. Cary,

    I hear what you are saying but it really sounds like a personal issue. Please don't take this as a personal attack. Not how it's meant. You're a good captain but it's alot of work. I'm sure you have guys on your teams that would be willing to be "interim" captain for you in the fall so that you can recharge your batteries and then take-over again in the spring?

    Bottomline though is that the majority of players are not captains and don't have the problem that you are claiming is the reason for your lack of interest in the fall.

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  166. Cary last time I checked your team didn't even make it to Cities, so you were done with the spring in early June. That 3 months till start of Fall. Now your team is done in 1st week of November. That's 5 months til the start of spring. Seems like you got 8 months off in the past 12 months. You already figured out how to get rest. LOSE... you seem pretty good at it too.

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  167. Eddie and Brandon should both sign up for the last big tournament of the year to settle this #1 thing. Looks like if Brandon wins the 200pt Cotton Bowl Classic tournamnent he will be #1. If Eddie wins it he keeps the top spot. If Brandon makes the Final and losses to someone other than Eddie, they end up tied. If Brandon does not make the final, Eddie keeps #1 spot by himself. Seems like a fun thing to keep an eye on in December if they are both willing to do it. It will be like Federer and Nadal next week fighting for the year end #1 ranking. Fed has the advantage, but if he slips up Nadal can end the year #1.

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  168. The final ranking is based on your top 5 results.

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  169. Eddie we know it is you that keeps posting about who is number 1. Nobody else cares and will spend the time to discuss it. You might as well just sign your name and give it a rest!

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  170. The All John Stockton Team (Short Shorts Team)!!

    Each of these gets gets at least an additional win or two each season as their opponents not only have to worry about tennis balls flying at them, but also balls flying out of these guys shorts! A big distraction!

    1. Jason Fraser
    2. Shaun Nix
    3. Mark Ferrell
    4. David Prather
    5. Jerry Palacioz
    6. Chris Gordon

    Any additions?

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  171. Hey if I play in my speedos will you promise to add me to your list?

    Pickett

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  172. What a great week for me. Two huge first place victories. I wonder if the shorts victory helped me out with the team good looking rankings. Maybe there's a positive correlation...hmm...maybe.

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  173. The fall league can be broken down into two types of players. (1) Naive players who have no chance to win anything and (2) strong players who want to manage their ratings by getting in a few bad scores. (Much like a golfer turns in a bad round or two to keep his handicap high.)

    The naive players play hard. (And I hope they have fun because they are never going to win anything.)The strong players manage their ratings and get geared up for the spring.

    Thats the way it works boys and girls.

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  174. Thank you oh wise all knowing tennis God!

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  175. Add John Vacallis to your list from Lifetime 4.5. He is not afraid to go "Stockton"

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  176. hello 6:20 am, I guess you'd know about being a transvestite or queer wouldn't you?


    prather

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  177. to Anon "The fall league can be broken down into two types of players..."

    That is so naive of you to think that. Its like those questionaires about percentage of Americans that think others smoke weed, or do drugs (yes theres a difference), or steal. The ones that answer high percentages are the same ones that are surrounded by those types of people.

    You might not know this because you have chosen both your morals and your friends foolishly, but I have a real strong feeling you are in a very small minorty.

    I would love to see a poll stating 'Do YOU manage your scores' and see how many people could actually answer yes on this. I bet it is less than 3% of the players playing (if even that number).

    If you followed that question with do you think you have played someone whom was managing their scores against you, that number would again be low.

    Try to make yourself feel better and rationalize the above, but i have been playing a long time in this league and the amount of people that make bad calls and manage their scores or lose on purpose is small. (And yes, I have been to sectionals several teams - probably more than you because I choose to improve).

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  178. Pot will probably be legal within the next 5-7 years.

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  179. So Sisk, Somabut, and Feldman all fall into the "naive players who will never win anything" category??? They won their leagues last fall but since they were actually trying to win they can't be put in the second category. It seems you are missing a category for players that actually want to win the fall, which makes up 99% of players.

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  180. Must be nice to believe in the Easter Bunny!

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  181. A big thank you for the All Stockton team. Another thank you for spelling my name right.

    In order to take the top spot from Jason next year, I might were some running shorts in the spring.

    Anon, let me know if we ever match up. I do have a pair longer shorts that come out once and awhile.

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  182. Kudos to Anon 2:23pm and Cory - you guys beat me to it.

    By Anon 1:11pm's logic Bob Somabut and his team that won the fall last year and went on to take 3rd in the nation are "Naive players who have no chance to win anything".

    I don't know what you do for a living but with logic and ethics like that I sure hope it's nothing more complicated than nailing down railway sleepers....

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  183. TRUE, TOP TEAMS & TOP PLAYERS ARE MUCH MORE CONCERNED ABOUT PROTECTING THEIR NTRP RATINGS THAN WINNING IN THE FALL. AND THATS NOT GOING TO CHANGE.

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  184. Your argument was that none of the good players care about winning in the fall. The evidence says otherwise.

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  185. this discussion is stupid. ive been there on HPs team for the fall championship, sectional championship, and national run. have a deep team that plays smart and always recruit. thats how we did it. keep it simple.

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  186. Fraser, Kudos to you for relaxing a bit this time around with the anon comments ripping you. At least you're not making any stupid FBI threats this time around. I will say one thing, where there's smoke, there's usually fire. You have a little dough, buy some longer shorts would ya.

    And what's up with the unabomber Prather getting all uptight, did someone hit a nerve?

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  187. Prather is tanking but he didn't want anyone to know. Not too hard to figure out.

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  188. jason fraser is a sexual icon and doesnt need fashion tips from anyone. short shorts allow his third leg to air out after the strenous porn scenes...

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  189. I'm sure it does need airing out after he's done making those gay pornos. Only problem with the advise is that it's coming from his film star partners.

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  190. Thanks I'm wearing my shortest pairs to the playoffs (might even buy some new shorter ones). Maybe it'll distract the opposition. We gotta win whatever it takes.

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  191. I love Prathers shorts the best. They are tight in the right places... Even if he is tanking matches on purpose.

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  192. Nancy Noel must be loving this exchange

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  193. definately time for a new thread.....

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  194. Over the last several years Prather has been bumped from 3.5 to 4.0 several times. Each year he has appealed his rating. After he finished 1st in singles at the 3.5 level last year, he just couldn’t try to appeal his rating. If he did, everyone would have cut his nuts off. So he tanked his 4.0 league matches and didn’t play any tournaments this year. If you really look at Prather’s 4.0 matches / record over the last year, his sucks. Prather is the type of guy that likes to be a big fish in a small pond. Hopefully Prather will get bumped back down to the 3.5 level and he’ll stay there. The 4.0 league doesn't need a puss like Prather around.

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  195. thanks e. molina for the commentary on prather

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