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!
2016 Recap
Craig Calderone and Thomas Calderone came out as the victors this year with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Michael and Terry Darling
A well-played final that had to be delayed for rain. Unfortunately, Dave and Horia could not make it back in time with the rain delay and the
Darkness looming. We had a delay rain issue on Thursday night and most of the day on Sunday.
The Masters of Grass has come and gone for 2016. We had 33 players in the tournament this year.
A record turn- out filled the seats. We had over 120 for the Saturday event and a rough total of over 150 for the week.
We had players come from each side of the State. ( Holland, Muskegon, Coldwater, Gross Ille and even Angola Indiana )
Matt Lantz, Dave Lassanske, Vince McShane, Horia Neagos, Nick Ramano, Tommy Calderone, Jonah Engle, Jason Engle, Michael Darling, Terry Darling,
Brad Wilcox, Tony Mayotte and Andrew Fitzpatrick either graduated or will be attending SAU this year. This tournament is a great way to bridge the gap
from the older veterans and the youthful future. We always look forward to sharing memories and talking about the great shots at the MOG.
Some of the greatest shots that I saw during this year’s tournament…. Brad Wilcox running up the right sidelines towards the net post for a drop shot
and then hitting a cut or squash shot back down the middle. Pretty shot Brad. Match point with Sam and Michael, Sam returned Craig’s overhead
and then Craig it a short angle drop shot. Michael dove for it and came up short.
I would like to Thank all of the people who played and came to watch. The court played wonderful this year. Most of that is because of Chris Pollack. His preventative maintenance really helped this year.
Dave Lassanske for his Web support and Horia for his consulting role.
A special thanks to Scott and Bobbi Blakemore, Steve and Patti Ordway, John and Joan Dobben, Brian, Finn, Nash and Angela Crosby. They helped with food or chairs or blowing the court off.
Would not be possible without my wife and all of the cleaning and cooking she did for those days. By the way, this is still the only Doubles tournament in Jackson and
The longest running tournament in Jackson. ( 10 days in total )
See you next year everyone…Plan on the 2017 MOG sometime towards the end of July
Let me know if you want to come hit on the court during the year.
2014 Day 1 Results
Engle|Engle advance with an 8-4 win.
Krupa|Huyhn advance with an 8-2 win.
Darling|Fitzpatrick with an 8-0 win.
2014 Preview
Hopefully the last weekend in July, 2014 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 10th Masters of Grass Championships is finally upon all of us. Incredibly enough, this is the tenth edition of this hollow tournament, and thankfully it brings back not just wonderful memories but tremendous competitors from yesteryears. The time to determine who the true legends of grass court tennis in the wonderful state of Michigan really are. Once again, the dress code will be strictly observed, and an all-white attire is asked of all the participant
Familiar Old Faces Triumphant Again
Well, the 2013 Masters of Grass was a tremendous success again. This year’s tournament brought the most fans the tournament has seen going back to 2007, which of course was the infamous Matt Lantz, one of the original Masters, year. While Matt did not prevail in 2007, his popularity in the local tennis community was through the roof due to his position as the Country Club’s head tennis pro. Accordingly, the tournament enjoyed an absolute record number of fans that came to watch Matt play. It is estimated that the final between Matt and Horia had approximately 150-200 spectators. Enough with the trips down memory lane, and let’s recap this year’s action.
Saturday, the weather was less than cooperative, however, the complex’s grounds crew proved to be up to the challenge. Delayed on three occasions, the Riverview Lawn and Tennis Club was able to muster to completion upwards of 18 matches on central court. The tournament director wishes to offer a heart felt “thank you” to all who helped with the tarps to keep the court as dry as possible. In the top half, the first round matches provided some great tennis as the “underdogs” proved to be up to the challenge. First on Friday night, Sam and Mikka gave David and Nate, the heavy tournment favorites coming in, all they could handle before bowing out in a very close match. Jon and Derrick Sammons’ power proved to be a tad to much over the east side pairing of Bill Massie and Corey Jorgenson. The father son combo of Gary and Matt Wojo, with tremendous support from the stands from Mrs. Wojo, had all the right answers against their challengers Matt Manion and Herman Yee, prevailing in a very close match 8-5. Finally, the last match of the top half’s first round pitted Ron Labelle and Ben Lassanske, the 4th seeds, versus the up and coming pair Jade Collins and Dave Oancea who were up to the task yet fell just short 8-2.
The top half quarterfinals were thrilling. First up, David and Nate had to come up with all the right solutions in a absolute firecracker of a match versus Jon and Derrick. In the end, their all american experience was a bit too much and they won a very close, rather wet match, 8-4. Ron and Ben entertained the father son challenge from Gary and Matt. This match truly went back and forth for the duration and there were no losers. Simply put, Gary and Matt ran out of time and Ron and Ben saw themselves through to the semis in a close 9-7 win.
The bottom half’s first round was every bit as enjoyable. Friday night, the 3 seeds, and two of the original masters, Todd and Matt faced a tremendous challenge from Johnny Sammons and Jake Cross. After some heavy hitting on both sides, Todd and Matt barely prevailed in a tight 8-2 match. The second match in the bottom half had Matt Hurt and Drew Herlein sporting an old fashioned power game versus the father son combo of Malcom Hall and Jon Hall, both benefiting from having been coached by Spring Arbor University Hall of Fame coach Terry Darling. In a thriller, Matt and Drew proved to be a a tad more consistent and went through 9-7. Michael Darling and Doug Blume faced off versus Troy and Tony. This had Western Panthers v Jackson Vikings written all over it and in typical fashion, the match went down to the wire with the Panthers prevailing 9-7. Finally, the 2010 champions Horia and Dave faced stern up and coming competition from Zach Biederman and Caleb Hurt. After breaking Horia’s serve right off the bat, the only time he was broken all tournment in fact, Zach and Caleb came up a bit short and Horia and Dave saw themselves through to the quarters. First up, Todd and Matt faced off versus Matt Hurt and Drew. This match showed up four incredible forehands, one harder hit then the one before it. In the end, Todd and Matt used their grass court guile to go through to another semifinal at the Riverview Lawn and Tennis making it seem like 2005 was just yesterday. Finally, Michael and Doug looked to build on Michael’s recent win over Horia at the Spring Arbor Open in June and defeat the old champions. Showing some all court overage, and getting just lucky enough, Dave and Horia managed to sneak into the semifinal after a very close match.
Sunday, the weather was once again less than cooperative, but the players were motivated . The prize money and the crystal trophies were up at the tournament desk to add to the ever increasing motivation. First up, the original four masters faced off in the first semifinal. Dave and Horia. Matt and Todd. These four guys have seen it all, accomplished most of what can be accomplished in the Jackson area tennis tournements, and while the warmup was full of laughter, the competitive spirits quickly began to drive the match. After a see saw battle, the score was 7-6 on serve, with no break points even for either team. Dave and Horia were able to break Todd’s serve, by being just a little bit savy, using their tailor made games for grass, and as always, as they both say “better lucky than good.” However, Matt and Todd were not ready to become fans just yet, and turned around to do what’s usually impossible on grass: break Dave Lassanske’s serve. Using some MASSIVE forehands, Matt and Todd saw themselves right back in the match. Next up, Matt’s serve, which had been automatic all match saw some unexpected challenge. Ultimately, Dave took control of the net, and Horia stayed out of the way just enough to give themselves a chance to serve for the match at 9-7. Using the wind to his advantage, and again, letting Dave control the net, Horia was able to close off the match and give himself and Dave a chance to regain their doubles crown which they were unable to defend last year due to work commitments.
The second semifinal saw the crafty pairing of Ron and Ben attempting to unseat last year’s champions David and Nate, fresh off their all american season at Spring Arbor University. Unfortunately, David and Nate simply did not miss. While this writer had the privilege of watching and taking notes for this column, it is not hyperbole: David and Nate did not miss. Ron and Ben mixed and matched their strategy, and while perhaps not playing their best, they were simply unable to move the ticker in their favor much because, once again, David and Nate refused to miss a single point. Ultimately, David and Nate bought themselves another ticket to a showdown in the final versus the “old” champs (literally…).
The final began shortly after 2:00 pm on Sunday. Breezy and cool, it seemed perhaps too tall a task for Dave and Horia to turn back the clock enough, as David and Nate’s display in their semifinal match was imply exquisite. The very first game of the match seemed a sign of things to come. Dave and Horia had to claw and fight to simply hold Dave’s serve after a slew of break points. However, that hold seemed to give them some momentum and belief that they know a thing or two on grass, and especially playing doubles together. The first set seemed to run according to a perfect script. David and Nate used some big hitting, great serving by David, tremendous hands and guile by Nate to hold serve with ease. Horia and Dave actually seemed to turn back the clock, if not their bellies, at least in the way they moved at times and used their natural attacking skills to hold their own, keep serve with calm and keep their nose in front even if providing little threat to David or Nate’s serves. Serving at 5-6, there was little evidence to forecast the set ending in any fashion but a tiebreak. However, Dave and Horia used their experience to get a couple of returns in play below the net level, and rely on each other to give themselves a look for their first break chances of the day, which they were able to convert. This really seemed to be like 2003 Horia and Dave. Poor returning all day, good movement and volleying, great serving, get lucky and get a look late in the set, and the next thing you know they were up a set. Second set began in familiar fashion. Dave serving first, and both teams holding serve with ease. David’s serve was truly booming, and Nate displayed some magical hands at times. Serving at 2-2, Horia and Dave made some uncharacteristic errors, which allowed David and Nate to capitalize and go up a break at 3-2. There was little to think that Horia and Dave could come right back, as David’s serve literally felt like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro due to the pace and accuracy. However, perhaps taking advantage of David’s natural relaxation, the old champs were able to break right back using some good net play and taking the wind into account. The pattern went back to normal and the match saw itself deadlocked at 4-4 when the rain came. After a brief rain delay, key word being brief due to some outstanding grounds crew work, play resumed under some unexpected sun. Dave served a big game, as his body was seemingly 23 again showing no ill effects from the delay. Up 5-4, Horia and Dave seemed to make up their mind to simply take some cuts on their returns and see if they can put some pressure on David’s serve. After some aesthetically pleasing exchanges, they found themselves at double match point. Fittingly enough, all players got involved in a traditional all four up at net point, which saw Dave and Horia prevail in this ever entertaining match. When it was all said and done, Dave and Horia were perhaps a bit better, a bit more relaxed, and bit luckier to regain their crown first won in 2010.
2013 MOG was without a doubt a tremendous success. The crowds were plentiful, the tennis was gorgeous, the hot dogs were freely consumed, and the fellowship and time spent together was priceless. The Riverview Lawn and Tennis Club hopes all that participated, players, families, fans and the like, had a wonderful time and hope to see all of you the last weekend in July in 2014 for the special 10th anniversary of the Masters of Grass Tournament. Special thanks are to Brian Crosby, who was a welcomed addition to executive team for the host committee, and as always, to the THE MOST IMPORTANT hostess, the one and only Meghan Dobben, who welcomed all to the humble abode, provided refreshments and nutrients both days, and was Todd’s first and foremost fan. Please check back the site, as pictures from this weekend’s festivities will be posted shortly and we have many thanks to Brian for being gracious and taking the wonderful photographs.
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!
2012 Recap
Well folks, the 2012 MOG has come and gone and David Darling and Nate Scholten have been crowned 2012 MOG champions to cap off a fabulous weekend. The weather was spectacular, the beautiful green grass glistening under the gorgeous clear skies, and the players certainly stepped up to deliver tremendous tennis for the dozens of fans that came out to watch.
Saturday was the “quartefinal day” so to speak. In the top half of the draw Todd Dobben and Tommy Calderone, the number 1 seeded pair, faced a dangerous team in Chris Pearson and Mark Jones. Following a hotly contested middle portion of the 8 game pro set, Todd’s volleying and Tommy’s serving proved to be just a bit much for Chris and Mark and led to a 8-4 win. Just below, Matt Lantz and Jason Engle were able to use their powerful forehands to defeat Dave Oancea and Jade Collins in the first round. Next up were the number three seeds, David Darling and Nate Scholten. David and Nate jumped off to a big lead using David’s return of serve and Nate’s all court variety and just held off a late rally to win 8-4.
Saturday’s bottom half play was just as exciting. The experienced two seeds, Terry Darling and Ron Labelle faced off against Gary “Woj” and Matt “Woj”, a dangerous father/ son combo, fresh off beating Tony Krupa and Subba Ready in spectacular fashion despite Subba’s huge serves and Tony’s wonderful hands. In the end, Terry and Ron proved to be just a little to wily and cagey for the challengers nipping them at the end to win 9-8 (7-5 in the tie breaker). In the bottom section, Doug Blume and Landon Hollow used their serves to upstage Michael Darling and Andrew Fitzpatrick 8-6 and faced off in the quarters versus the four seeds, Horia Neagos and Ben Lassanske who were able to stave off a tremendous challenge from Tony Mayotte and Jake Cross. Despite Doug’s forehand and Landon’s incredible display of agility and foot speed, Ben’s all around court play was just a bit much in the end and Horia and Ben advanced to the semifinals.
Also advancing to the play on Sunday were Dave Oancea and Jade Collins in the top half for the consolation final after beating the up and coming pairing of Sam Dobben and Jonah Engle. Awaiting for them on Sunday would be Michael Darling and Andrew Fitzpatrick, who were just a little too fresh for Tony Krupa and Subba Ready.
Sunday, the weather was gorgeous and play was underway promptly at 10 am. First up, the number 1 seeds, Tommy and Todd faced off versus the number 3 seeds, David and Nate. The first set was a firestorm of huge serving by Tommy as well as wonderful net play by Todd, and saw the 1 seeds cruise to a 6-2 win. However, David and Nate seemed to weather the storm early in the second set, and were able to jump off to an early break lead by simply scrapping and returning tremendously. Dave and Nate were able to hang on to the one break lead throughout by evening the match at one set all. The super tiebreaker featured some amazing points, and in the end the comeback story was complete as David and Nate prevailed 10 – 4.
Next up, a totally different match-up ensued. Terry and Ron faced off against Ben and Horia in a truly throwback to the 70′s style tennis. The first set featured very consistent serving by both teams, and tremendous display of “cageyness” and “scrappines” with awesome net exchanges as well as numerous high lobs in the bright sun. (This prompted the tournament director to mention that he has never seen that many lobs in the same match in the tournament’s 7 year history). In the end, Ben’s forehand return and Horia’s net play was just a bit much and they eked out a 6-3 set win. The second set featured Terry’s scrambling ability as well as Ron’s tremendous “american twist” serve, which was nearly impossible to return on grass. The set was very tight throughout, and finally Terry and Ron were able to go up 4-3 by breaking Ben’s serve. At that point, Horia and Ben seemed to change strategy somewhat, and by using a more “go for broke” approach, they were able to turn the tide, break back and hold to go up 5-4. The final game was of course hotly contested, but in the end using some lucky bounces, Horia and Ben were able to advance to the final with a 6-3, 6-4 win.
The third match on Sunday, featured the consolation final between Dave and Jade versus Mike and Andrew. This entertaining match-up provided the fans with a dazzling display of serving and returning by Mike and Andrew as well as awesome scrambling and net play by Jade and Dave. In the end, Mike and Andrew proved to be just a bit fresher, as they were crowned consolation champions by winning 8-5.
The final match-up on Sunday pitted the 3 seeds, David and Nate versus the 4 seeds, Horia and Ben. In the beginning, it seemed as if Horia and Ben would be able to draw on their superior experience to perhaps out think their younger more powerful opponents. However, despite an early break, David’s huge serving and Nate’s net play allowed them to crawl back in the set and nose ahead while on serve. Finally, they were able to break Horia’s serve to get the necessary break and made it count to win the opening set 6-4. Second set featured more of the same, as David’s return of serve this time and Nate’s serving proved to be mesmerizing at times. Despite Ben’s own great serving and massive forehand returns, Horia’s serve seemed to the weak link in the hot summer afternoon. David and Nate seemed to have just the necessary beat on it, and they were able to do what was perhaps unthinkable just a few years ago, and broke Horia two more times in the second set alone. This proved to be too much to overcome despite Ben’s all court efforts. Using some absolute bombs, David served out the match to win 6-4, 6-4 and make David Darling and Nate Scholten 2012 Masters of Grass Champions.
In the end, the weekend was a total success. Dozens of fans were able to enjoy some tremendous grass court tennis as well as a tremendous familial atmosphere at the RiverGlen Tennis Center. 2013 MOG will once again feature doubles competition, and will see David Darling and Nate Scholten return to defend their title. Thank you to all the fans and the spectators that came out to add to the tremendous atmosphere. Thank you to Meghan Dobben and Charlie Dobben for their gracious hospitality. And finally, thank you to the tournament director, Todd Dobben, for once again providing all the competitors with an incredible opportunity to play in the Midwest’s top grass court tournament. We look forward to seeing all of you return in 2013 for more awesome days at the Masters of Grass.
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 )***