Story originally printed in the Holmen Courier or online at www.holmencourier.com
Published - Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Tennis anyone? Country club listed as one of nation’s top 50 tennis facilities
The Tennis Industry Association, U.S. Tennis Association and the trade magazine Racquet Sports Industry have recognized the La Crosse Country Club in Onalaska as one of the top 50 tennis welcome centers in the United States.
Those in the top 50 exhibited excellence in providing positive tennis experiences to their members and have well-rounded programs for players of all ages and abilities. There are approximately 2,100 tennis centers in the U.S.
“Anyone here in tennis knows we’re at the wrong end of the tennis universe, especially here in western Wisconsin,” said Ian Griffin, tennis pro at the La Crosse Country Club. “To be recognized is unusual and welcome.”
Griffin not only provides lessons, he organizes tennis matches, tournaments and conducts adult, childrens and family programs such as QuickStart tennis and cardio tennis.
Cardio tennis is an aerobic program with a tennis racket. Participants of any age can join and don’t have to know how to play tennis. Griffin will teach some basic moves and grips for the exercises, but it’s mostly running around chasing tennis balls for 40 to 45 minutes straight. Players don’t play against each other, all the balls are delivered from the instructor. Even for those who don’t want to ever play tennis, it’s a great workout, Griffin said.
In the Thursday morning group, there were participants who have never played tennis and others who have played for many years. Pat Fortney, 62, of Onalaska, has never played before. She and her daughter-in-law Carol, who also has never played tennis, joined together and are having a blast.
“It’s just plain fun,” said Pat. “It’s great fun.”
Randi Klos of Onalaska didn’t start playing tennis until she was an adult, but plays like an old pro. Klos, 46, said she joined the cardio tennis program to stay in shape. “I’ve made the best friends through tennis,” Klos said. “I do it for social reasons and the exercise.”
Jim Wettstein of Onalaska said the cardio program sharpens his tennis skills. Wettstein, 44, is a pilot for UPS and switches between running and cardio tennis for his workouts. “It’s a great break from running,” he said. “The endorphin high is better in running, but this is fun, too.” He rides his bike to the country club.
Griffin said the different programs the club promotes, like cardio tennis, are designed to make tennis consumer friendly. “When you first start playing tennis, there’s a lot to learn,” he said. “With cardio tennis, you can join a group that includes beginners to experienced players.”
Griffin, who graduated from law school before traveling the world playing professional tennis, decided he didn’t want to be doing either for the rest of his life. Instead, he became an instructor and has been at the La Crosse Club since 2000 for his summer job.
His job the rest of the year, he said, is raising his three school-age children who live in Ontario, Canada. He also is involved in the real estate business as a property manager there.
All stories copyright 2006 Holmen Courier and other attributed sources.