Past Champions
  • 2016|Craig Calderone & Thomas Calderone
  • 2015|Michael Calderone & Thomas Calderone
  • 2014|Doug Blume & Dave Cavendar
  • 2013|Dave Lassanske & Horia Neagos
  • 2012|David Darling & Nate Scholten
  • 2011|Michael Calderone
  • 2010|Dave Lassanske & Horia Neagos
  • 2009|David Darling
  • 2008|Horia Neagos
  • 2007|Dave Lassanske
  • 2006|Horia Neagos
  • 2005|Horia Neagos

2012 Preview

Ladies and Gentlemen, that awesome time of the year is here.  The 2012 Masters of Grass draw is out, and excitingly enough we are playing doubles again.  The draw reveals some familiar names looking to add to their already impressive accomplishments in the competitive Jackson area tennis tournaments.

The top half of the draw is highlighted by the number one seeds, Todd Dobben and Tommy Calderone.  Dobben needs no introduction, as he is one of the original Masters and a former semifinalist at the MOG. He is also a former finalist at both the Sidmore Memorial and the Spring Arbor Open. Tommy Calderone also needs no introduction as he is a local All American doubles players from Spring Arbor University and a finalist in the 2011 MOG tournament. Tommy is also a former finalist at the Sidmore Memorial and the Spring Arbor Open.  Challengers in this top half include up and comming team of Sam Dobben and Jonah Engle , willy veterans Jade Collins and Dave Oancea, and the all court playing pairing of Chris Pearson and Mark Jones.  Also included in the top half are the All American doubles pairing of David Darling and Nate Scholten.  Both need little introduction as David Darling is on his way to being the winningest player in Spring Arbor University’s history topping such legends as Dave Lassanske, Matt Lantz and Terry Darling himself.  In addition, David is the 2009 MOG champion, a 2010 finalist in the doubles tournament and the 2012 Spring Arbor Open champion as well as 2009 Sidmore Memorial finalist. His partner, Nate Scholten is a true throwback with an aesthetically pleasing attacking game that is perfectly suited to the fast grass surface. Nate is also a 2012 Spring Arbor Open semifinalist and a 2011 semifinalist at the Sidmore Memorial.  Finally, Matt Lantz and Jason Engle bring some serious heat on the grass with powerful forehands and return games.  Of  course, Matt is one of the original masters, a MOG finalist in 2005 and 2006, and semifinalist in 2007. Matt also is a former winner of both the Spring Arbor Open and the Sidmore Memorial tournaments.

The bottom half also includes some familiar names and local legends.  None more legendary than the pairing Terry Darling and Ron Labelle.  What can be written about these two that hasn’t already.  Terry Darling was just named the ITA national coach of the year after guiding Spring Arbor to their most successful year in the program’s history.  In addition, Terry is a multiple Sidmore and Spring Arbor Open winner looking to add the Masters of Grass to his ever growing case of trophies.  His partner, Ron Labelle, is without a doubt the most popular and decorated tennis players in JATA’s history.  He has won the Sidmore Memorial tournament and the Spring Arbor Open countless times, and is also looking to add the MOG to his storage full of trophies.  Challengers in this half include the college pairing of Michael Darling and Andrew Fitzpatrick from nearby Spring Arbor University, via Western High School.  In addition, Matt “Wojo” and Gary “Wojo” form a tremendous pairing of father/ son – new school/ old school type of tennis very “easy on the eyes.”  Tony Mayotte and Jake Cross are another dangerous combination featuring attacking styles and big serves. Doug Blume and Landon Hallow are certainly an impressive athletic duo featuring tremendous athleticism on one side and great tenacity and veteran guidance on the other side.  Finally, Horia Neagos is partnered up with “the famous other” Lassanske brother, Ben.  Ben brings tremendous all court variety to the grass courts, featuring a “Gasquet-esque” backhand and tremendous footwork.  He is former NCAA all american standout, making his debut in the Jackson area.  Neagos is a former 4 time MOG champion, one of the original Masters, and former Spring Arbor Open and 2003, 2009 Sidmore champion.  While far from his prime, Horia hopes to jump on yet another Lassanske brother’s back all the way to a record fifth Masters of Grass title.

The competition will be fierce and the draw is loaded.  The organizing committee hopes to see many fans come out and enjoy some star ladded grass court doubles.  There is no entrance fee for spectators  to this year’s tournament and the festivities are open to the public!

***All Players need to wear White shirts, White shorts and White socks. The shoes can be your choice in Colors. ( White is better )***