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

2013 Preview

Hello friends,

That wonderful time of the year is almost upon us again.  The time to determine who the true legends of grass court tennis in the wonderful state of Michigan really are.  This year’s draw promises to present some fascinating matchups to determine our new champions.  Once again, the dress code will be strictly observed, and an all-white attire is asked of all the participants.

Familiar faces once again are sprinkled through the draw, while new up and comers and promising challengers are waiting in the wings to surprise.  Leading favorites according to the local bookkepers are the defending champions David Darling and Nate Scholten.  Coming off a blistering final season at Spring Arbor University, they are the hands down favorites for the odds makers.  The top half of the draw contains other impressive challengers such as the pairing of Ron Labelle and Ben Lassanske.  While this may be a first time pairing for the two of them, their individual records are off the charts.  Ron is a multiple times Sidmore and Spring Arbor Open Champion and has repeatedly featured in the semifinals and quarterfinals at the MOG in the past.  Ben was part of the runner-up team last year, and has repeatedly animated tournaments, singles and doubles, throughout the midwest in recent years.  Other interesting challengers include Jon and Derrick Sammons who played wonderful tennis at the recently contested Spring Arbor Open, as well as the father son combinations of Bill and Tucker Massie and Gary and Matt Wojo.

The bottom half of the draw seems to provide a perfect blend of past and current contenders.  Leading off the bottom half are none others than two of the original Masters.  Todd Dobben and Matt Lantz, are reunited and it truly does feel so good to see these two combine their powerful fearhands once more.  Their resumes need no commentary, and their powerful games will be on display for all to once more marvel at.  Current Spring Arbor tennis teams of Drew Herlein/ Tony Mayotee and Jon Hall/ Malcolm Hall look to impose their athletic will on their opponents.  A blast from the past reunites Tony Krupa and Troy Heselschwerdt to form an imposing finesse/power combination.  Michael Darling and Doug Blume are sure to give anyone fits, with Doug’s booming serve and Michael’s “Darling trademark” consistency.  Finally, the bottom half sees former champions Dave Lassanske and Horia Neagos reunited after a one year hiatus due to Dave’s work commitment.  While their better days are certainly behind them, these aging pair hopes to rekindle some of their old magic, use the court surface to their advantage, and see what is left in their old beatup Wilson black racquets.

While others may not be mentioned, this year’s tournament promises to be wide open.  If the great Roger Federer can go down in the Wimbledon’s second round, then surely despite David and Nate’s overwhelming favorite odds, everyone must believe that “maybe just maybe, we can win this thing.”  Play is designed to begin on Monday, July 24, with first round matches sprinkled through the week at night.  Saturday morning, July 29, the play begins at 10:00 am.  The organizers are hoping for a large turnout of fans, food and drinks will be provided, and entrance as usual will be free.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone out there, and may the best team win!