Bloggin with Balkin and ITA Talk

This is Byron Balkin, the new blogger on the Warhawk Tennis Blog Spot. I am blogging to give the readers what they want... the inside scoop on UWW tennis. My entries will range in subject topics, such Warhawk results, coaching thoughts, and general tennis stuff. Remember, I graduated with a degree in science and business, not english, so my grammar, punctuation and flow might not be spectacular, but I am sure you will understand what I am trying to get across with my casual writing style. 

The season has been well underway for a while now. The Women started in mid August, while the men started in early September. The Women have had a great start with a 6-0 record. Gabi Kitchell is our only freshman this year, and she has made an impact on the team and has helped our results thus far. Last weekend the Lady Warhwaks took home both the regional singles and doubles titles at ITA's at Gustavis in St. Peter Minnesota. . ITA's is an individual tournament comprised of 8 regional sites. The winners are crowned All-American Status and earn a bid into the Small College Championships in Sumter, South Carolina with all the other regional winners. Congratulations so Megan Humphreys who took out Gabi Kitchell of Whitewater in the ITA singles final. And congratulations to Alicia Beck and partner Jillian Wallace who also took out teammates, Megan Humphreys and Bridgid McGuire of Whitewater in the ITA doubles final.

Note: I do really like ITA's because it gives our players a chance to get great competition. Leading up to the tournament, the players strive to improve and fine tune their skills. Players during practice are extra focused and have an edge to them. As a coach this is great to see. Often before and during the tournament players think about winning the tournament and attain All-American Status. Thinking about the end result like winning a tournament can be detrimental to a players success. I suggest players look at ITA's as a chance to get in alot of matches, try to play there best tennis and see what happens in each round. *** At the end of the day, the Warhawks have to remember that there are much more important goals we have to accomplish out there as a TEAM then winning ITA's as an INDIVIDUAL and becoming an All-American.

The men are off to ITA's this weekend where they are looking to put together some good tennis. This is an interesting year for the men because they are all playing in the ITA draw, none are playing in the Midwest Invite. I am very eager to see how the men compete this weekend in Minnesota. 

Thats it for now. 

Balkin