JTCC notched five titles at the 2013 Junior TeamTennis Maryland State Championships this past weekend
In a crowded and record-breaking field of 63 squads, the teams representing the Junior Tennis Champions Center left an indelible impression.
Over three days this past weekend (July 19 to July 21), the Tennis Center at College Park (TCCP) hosted the 2013 USTA Maryland Junior Team Tennis (JTT) State Championship. The Championship consisted of 12 divisions with ages ranging from 8 to 18. A total of 465 players competed.
JTT is a USTA program that promotes social skills by fostering a spirit of cooperation and unity. The structure challenges the notion that tennis must strictly be a self-serving pursuit. The format is team-based and includes singles, doubles and mixed doubles. The team that garners the most cumulative games in a match-up is the winner.
The court and equipment are age appropriate. The 8U Division is played on a 36 foot court with Quickstart nets and utilize either the red foam or red felt low bounce balls. In the 10U Division, green medium-high bounce balls are used on a 60 foot court. Any division 12U and above feature the yellow standard ball and matches are played on a standard full court.
“Junior TeamTennis is an integral part of our pathway,” said JTTC’s JTT Director Chie Tougas. “It allows our kids to enjoy early competition without the emphasis solely on winning and losing.”
JTCC entered a team in five divisions (8U, 10U Beginner, 10U Intermediate, 10U Advanced and 12U Advanced). In each of those five flights, a JTCC team notched a title.
“I am very proud of all the kids,” said TCCP Director of Junior Tennis Michael Harper. “They competed vigorously and displayed exceptional teamwork.”
“I am also very grateful to the parents, several of whom served as coaches during the past season, for their continued commitment,” continued Harper.
First and second place finishers in each age division (with the exception of the 8U and beginner divisions) have advanced to the Mid-Atlantic JTT Sectional Championship to be held August 16 to August 18 at Green Spring Racquet Club. Additionally, each Division winner will be recognized next week at the Citi Open.
For photos from the event, please visit the JTCC Facebook page.
2013 USTA Maryland JTT State Championship Winners
8U
Champion: JTCC
10U Beginner
Champion: JTCC Stars
10U Intermediate
Champion: JTCC Super Slicers
10U Advanced
Champion: JTCC Grand Slammers
12U Beginner
Champion: St. Mary’s 12U Rainbow Ninjas
12U Intermediate
Champion: Harford – Churchville Wolves
12U Advanced
Champion: JTCC – Strikers
14U Intermediate
Champion: MCTA – Aspen Hill Strikers
14U Advanced
Champion: GSTEF – Annihilaters
18U Beginner
Champion: AATS – Servivors
18U Intermediate
Champion: GSTEF – Terminetters
18U Advanced
Champion: GSTEF – Ballistic
