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

2017 Preview

Hopefully this beautiful summer weather finds all of you in great spirits and ready for some outstanding grass court doubles competition at the River Glen Lawn and Tennis Club as the 13th Masters of Grass Championships is finally upon all of us. Throughout the years, this brilliant tournament has provided wonderful memories and tremendous competition from some of the best players in the area’s history, currently and from yesteryears. This year promises to be an outstanding field, as Todd Dobben claims that “the four best players in the history of Spring Arbor University tennis, along with its greatest coach, as well as Western Michigan University’s all time wins leader” are sprinkled through the draw. The time to determine who will become the true grass legends of the River Glen Lawn and Tennis Club. Once again, the dress code will be strictly observed, and an all-white attire is asked of all the participant

The top half of the draw features a fierce display of competitors, both young and experienced. The #1 seeds, Michael and Craig Calderone, hardly need any introduction. Michael is a three time MOG champion, while Craig is a former Sidmore Memorial champion. They better be on guard early, as they will take on eager and competitive new comers Cam Blakemore and Noah Archer. The next matchup could not be more intriguing. Multiple times MOG semifinalist, Todd Dobben, paired with his son, Sam, a collegiate star nearby at Concordia U, take on former MOG champion Doug Blume playing with his son Tyler. Next, former MOG finalists, Johny and Derrick Sammons, take on the ever present dangerous duo, Tony Krupa and Austin Huynh. Finally, the top half concludes with the local legend Ron Labelle, multiple times Spring Arbor Open and Sidmore Memorial champion, as well as former MOG semifinalist playing with Jason Engle versus youngster Ben Cooper and Alex Rand, who will surely look to take advantage of their tremendous athleticism.

While the top half is without a doubt loaded, the bottom half features just as much intrigue. Opening up play are Spring Arbor vets Bobby Pratt and Dan Vanderhill taking on Matt Lantz, a Spring Arbor University legend, former MOG finalist and champion of the Spring Arbor Open paired with David Cavender, also a SAU alumnus and former champion of the MOG himself. Next, yet another historically great pairing of David Darling, former MOG and Sidmore champion, and Terry Darling, former MOG finalist and Sidmore Memorial champion taking on the firepower of Alex Dolley and Cecil Burhart. Opening up the bottom quarter, we find the SAU alumnus Tony Mayotte paired with a former Trine University top of the lineup player, Andy Steiner, taking on Charlie Dobben and Jonah Engle. Completing the draw, we have the youthful promise of Isaac Hawkins and Jon Shaw taking on multiple times former MOG champions, Dave Lassanske and Horia Neagos, who will surely look to raise the trophy last won in 2013.

This year’s tournament promises to be wide open and as noted above, it includes a number of local legends seeking to taste sweet victory once more. As such, the organizers are hoping for a large turnout of fans, and especially encourage parents to bring along young ones to share in the beauty that is grass court tennis. Food and drinks will be provided throughout the event, and entrance as usual will be free. Play is designed to begin on July 11, with first round matches sprinkled through the week at night. Saturday morning, July 15, the play begins at 9:00 am. We are looking forward to seeing everyone out there, and may the best team win!