tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48007838836077268392024-03-12T22:56:56.905-07:00Getting Ready for a Return Trip to Louisville!Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-59467265927675007512011-06-27T19:57:00.000-07:002011-06-27T19:57:43.312-07:00Draws Are Out & Other Last Minute ThoughtsHey there tournament players...we're getting close! Most of us will roll into Louisville on Friday for the 2011 Bluegrass Open. Here are a few quick hits for you to think about as you get ready to head to the Derby City.<br />
<ul><li>The <a href="http://glta.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/draws.aspx?id=D48E6926-DC1F-4A03-993E-2006BE2929BB">draws</a> are available. See who you play and when you play. Good luck!</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>It's going to be <a href="http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USKY1096">another hot one</a> again this year. Get drinking your water now! Over my years playing in Louisville, I've seen a lot of players struggle with cramps and the heat. Get a head start now with the water to help keep that at bay while you're playing.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Hopefully you have your reservations at the <a href="http://cwp.marriott.com/sdfsd/bluegrasstennistourney/">Spring Hill Suites</a>, the host hotel for this year's tournament. If you haven't made your reservations yet, you may still be able to get a room at the host hotel, but I think the tournament rate is long gone. You can also check out <a href="http://www.priceline.com/">Priceline</a> or <a href="http://www.kayak.com/">Kayak.</a> I would recommend staying downtown. I'm sure there are places out near the U of L to stay, but most of the players stay downtown for better access to restaurants and nightlife.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>Make sure you can get to town in time for the draw party at <a href="http://www.starbaseq.com/">Starbase Q.</a> It starts at 7:30 and goes until 9:30. This will be a great place to catch up with old friends and meet some new ones. Casey, one of the tournament players and Todd's husband (co-tournament director) manages the club. Let's show some support for a place that has always supported the tournament and welcomed players with open arms.</li>
</ul>One last thing I have been thinking about...who out there uses Twitter? I have been using #GLTA to get the word out about my blog. What if we all use that and #bluegrassopen for our tweets from the tournament? I was thinking this would be a cool way to build a little community through social media. So who's in?<br />
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I'm not sure I will have another post before the tournament begins this weekend, but I will be posting daily from the tournament to keep people updated who couldn't make it to Louisville this year. <br />
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Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-459966230328123032011-06-22T20:52:00.000-07:002011-06-22T20:52:47.723-07:00And Then There's...Lola, Part 2"Honey, you're playing D consolation in Louisville, be happy there's even a net!"<br />
<br />
I sure wish I was there to see that. The story goes, that was Lola's response to a few players who were upset that their consolation match was off the <a href="http://louisville.edu/org/tennis/">main tournament site</a> at courts that apparently did not meet there standards. The center strap was missing. From what I hear these particular players were pissed, and Lola's smart mouth didn't help. Of course, I nearly peed my pants when I heard the story. I loved it. I thought it was hysterical.<br />
<br />
So as you can imagine from my previous post, this was to become fodder for Lola at the banquet. The pissed players got wind of it over dinner and stormed out of the banquet. They left. Of course, that too nearly made me pee my pants. I mean, come on, it's Lola. This is what she does. Take a joke already.<br />
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I had my own run in with Lola at one of the banquets. It was my first tournament in Louisville and I had no idea what to expect at the banquet. When Lola called my name as the Fashion Plate of the Tournament, I thought great. I couldn't seem to win a match at that damn tournament, but at least I was being honored for my great sense of style and fashion. Then I got on stage and she made a smart ass comment about me being the only one in the tournament to wear Lycra and a lime green thong.<br />
<br />
WHAT! I don't wear Lycra, and I don't wear thongs. I knew not what she was talking about. Not to be all TMI, but I couldn't possibly wear a thong. Let's just say, body hair would not permit this and leave it at that. I think she had mistaken my orange jock strap for a lime green thong. She's color-blind, is all I can think. Tell me, does this look like a lime green thong:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7x2-fr1QDvkhxpkcrAjkMqfvBCFvpA-t28CEVW736KMUGXLvcRkvyUxfOpPxvd-kreSPlD6jVNkZGf8NG9UyD5Mc9hTZB42qj_YkJ6c_FiEjbN7X8nUaicE6mC8weT6hyFsW88yrjekQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7x2-fr1QDvkhxpkcrAjkMqfvBCFvpA-t28CEVW736KMUGXLvcRkvyUxfOpPxvd-kreSPlD6jVNkZGf8NG9UyD5Mc9hTZB42qj_YkJ6c_FiEjbN7X8nUaicE6mC8weT6hyFsW88yrjekQ/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Dramatic reenactment, not a picture from my actual win as Fashion Plate of the Tournament.</em></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I didn't think so. I told you...color blind!<br />
<br />
So why am I telling you all this? Because I want you to be aware of what's in store, but also because I hope that you will enjoy the banquet in Louisville as much as I have over the years. I adore the guys who put on this tournament. They work hard to pull this event together, and the banquet in Louisville is, in my opinion, one of the best banquets that I've been to on the GLTA tour. And honestly, Lola's a big part of the reason why. She's funny. She doesn't mean any harm. You just can't take her seriously, you know, like most of her dates. She helps make not just the banquet but the whole tournament more fun. <br />
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Now Lola, if you're reading this, forget everything I just wrote. You know it pains me to say anything kind or nice about you.Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-64917048756651286262011-06-19T19:35:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:35:07.291-07:00And Then There's...LolaLola...so notorious, so infamous, she needs but one name. The Louisville tournament and Lola go hand in hand-she's the emcee of the banquet. Every year at the banquet, not only can you support House of Ruth through raffle tickets, but you can count on Lola to entertain and offend all at the same time. No one is safe and everyone is a potential target to be roasted by Lola in front of the whole tournament. I expect this year's banquet at <a href="http://www.bristolbarandgrille.com/">Bristol Bar and Grille</a> to be no different. It'll be the latest scene of Lola's gay humor crime spree.<br />
<br />
I've been scouring the interwebs looking for pictures of Lola so you'll know who she is when you get to the tournament; so you can be on guard to not do anything in front of her to draw her ire at the banquet. I googled her, but this is all I found for Lola:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFska8vn-18Ql3Qf_F35bA4jxhiSstqlMI270fH0PfYaUU0ib7K1r1HdGlkFcbx5_dNkyqsIY4FH7tZrGlsMQgw_V17-f9geMpdjqUlysRKyL9WB483gcYu_I1bQbxCuEjkhu3WCQOWE/s1600/lola1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFska8vn-18Ql3Qf_F35bA4jxhiSstqlMI270fH0PfYaUU0ib7K1r1HdGlkFcbx5_dNkyqsIY4FH7tZrGlsMQgw_V17-f9geMpdjqUlysRKyL9WB483gcYu_I1bQbxCuEjkhu3WCQOWE/s1600/lola1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought this might be our Lola, but her fanny is too small to be our Lola, must be a different one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBHXaDmATFcJCDB7bALIIymu09tK28lRliAINRMegvOImBIc54IVAyVmcTvJa0j7V2wgKJzrrMAxrZ_0yGw5lDdUHYIiGf2tB5M-4wTvZe2xO4Dzyt6lpCRFlCegEtrwQdyCQcHO21uM/s1600/lola2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBHXaDmATFcJCDB7bALIIymu09tK28lRliAINRMegvOImBIc54IVAyVmcTvJa0j7V2wgKJzrrMAxrZ_0yGw5lDdUHYIiGf2tB5M-4wTvZe2xO4Dzyt6lpCRFlCegEtrwQdyCQcHO21uM/s1600/lola2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought this might be our Lola, but I don't think our Lola has ever been in bed with a man before, must be a different one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfON7L59SsNuhsayRVWCEd9Oe7-OehvQACU2celH8HhSmaD6HjWvXnAqRHjpG5hH7OkQU3AyTSae7GldDkw4Volkc0awupEpNOWB8NhruEZ09nXHP7Q3szDj7Zg_WmM7JJCwH2cQsa-4/s1600/imagesCAMM48SW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfON7L59SsNuhsayRVWCEd9Oe7-OehvQACU2celH8HhSmaD6HjWvXnAqRHjpG5hH7OkQU3AyTSae7GldDkw4Volkc0awupEpNOWB8NhruEZ09nXHP7Q3szDj7Zg_WmM7JJCwH2cQsa-4/s320/imagesCAMM48SW.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought maybe this was our Lola in a wig, but in all the matches I've seen our Lola play, I'm pretty sure I've never seen her run, must be a different one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I'm sorry, I can't help. I have failed you. You will have to fend for yourself. Be safe out there and be on the look out. But like I said in my last post, she kind of looks like Maude:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhmZp3mNnFTY_aULgWhGItjB6vOk8II8nFGTIeH1GQlfWZq2GrfALruB34mctDQwt4bs_5zDlZknhaAJBrki6E_z0pYW5cDF-XNx89Z7p7vUWjA6tps_Bj5_rVqMvP51JQCh4-S9TM78/s1600/imagesCA9ULJSW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhmZp3mNnFTY_aULgWhGItjB6vOk8II8nFGTIeH1GQlfWZq2GrfALruB34mctDQwt4bs_5zDlZknhaAJBrki6E_z0pYW5cDF-XNx89Z7p7vUWjA6tps_Bj5_rVqMvP51JQCh4-S9TM78/s400/imagesCA9ULJSW.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><br />
I risk my own embarrassment at the banquet to tell you about Lola, but I care not about my own emotional safety. If I can save one person from Lola's humiliation, it will have all been worth it.<br />
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Consider yourself warned...Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-84271149787149186912011-06-15T19:18:00.000-07:002011-06-15T19:18:18.364-07:00Linked From Jon Wertheim/SI.com!Well how did this happen?<br />
<br />
My little blog about trying to help you get ready for the <a href="http://www.talktennisclub.com/2011_Bluegrass_Open.html">Bluegrass Open</a> and the great city of <a href="http://www.gotolouisville.com/index.aspx">Louisville</a> was linked through Jon Wertheim's <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jon_wertheim/06/15/mailbag/index.html?eref=writers&xid=shareFB">column on si.com.</a> Imagine my surprise! I read Jon's column every week. I didn't know Todd Bird, co-tournament director for the Bluegrass Open, sent my blog along to John. I found out when I clicked on the link when I was reading his column this week. Needless to say, I was pretty excited.<br />
<br />
So I figured I would make a quick post to catch all of you up who are just checking this out because Jon linked it.<br />
<ul><li>The Bluegrass Open is a tournament stop on the <a href="http://www.glta.net/">GLTA World Tour.</a> The GLTA World Tour sanctions nearly 40 tournaments all over the world where nearly 5500 GLBT people will compete on various levels from beginner to intermediate to open play.</li>
<li>I'm writing about this because I didn't really know what to expect when I started playing tournaments back about six years. I hope to give new people and those attending the Louisville tournament for the firs time some idea of what they can expect when they get there.</li>
<li>Another reason I'm writing this is because I am a graduate student in the <a href="http://www.queens.edu/Academics-and-Schools/Schools-and-Colleges/Knight-School-of-Communication.html">Knight School of Communication</a> at <a href="http://www.queens.edu/">Queens University of Charlotte.</a> As part of a class I'm taking this summer-Creativity and Innovation with Dr. Kim Gregory-we had to write about something we are passionate about. I am passionate about how we can use sports to connect with others. I love the community and friends I've made on the GLTA tour and I hope others will have a similar experience. I think a lot of GLBT people, particularly gay men, shy away from sport thinking they don't fit into that world. I love that the GLTA and other sports organizations aimed towards the GLBT community offer a forum to get involved.</li>
</ul>So there ya have it. Please read through the posts and get a feel for what to expect if you want to compete in the Louisville tournament or any other <a href="http://www.glta.net/schedule.htm">stops on the GLTA tour</a> or just learn about something you might not have known existed. I've even managed to include posts about how I'm getting old and how Lil' Mama gets my pumped up before a match, and no, I don't wear lip gloss. You can even still <a href="http://glta.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=D48E6926-DC1F-4A03-993E-2006BE2929BB">register for the tournament</a> if you want to play. The deadline to enter is this Saturday, June 18th.<br />
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And stop back later this week; It's time to shed a little light on the banquet in Louisville and everyone's best friend, Lola! Lola's kind of like Maude (you know, that show from the 70's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjoQcrJXlr0">Maude</a> with Bea Arthur) only Maude was prettier and way more butch than Lola.Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-11248420301051596652011-06-13T18:30:00.000-07:002011-06-13T18:30:15.685-07:00My Lip Gloss Be Poppin!Finally, about a year ago, I got an iPhone. It was like magic. Generally, I'm resistant to technology because I can't figure the damn stuff out. But my friend Gerardo was upgrading to the iPhone 4 and he gave me his old phone. Great friend...I know!<br />
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It seems like every time I go to one of these tournaments, there's a song or two that become part of the tournament soundtrack in my mind. And it's always something weird too that makes it happen. Like at the Louisville tournament about four years ago when a certain someone walked around singing aloud Danity Kane's Damaged...non-stop! It was funny because I don't even think he realized he was doing it. And way back at my first tournament in a moment of dramaness (see earlier blog post) I yelled to the heavens: Jesus Take The Wheel. I think that was even in a match against Bluegrass Co-Tournament Director Todd Bird. And one of my favorite soundtrack songs is Lip Gloss by Lil' Mama. My friend Louie just broke out in a song and dance number to that song during one of our doubles matches. These songs just get stuck in my head. Do you know how embarrassing it is as a 39 year old man to be walking around the supermarket singing "my lip gloss be cool, my lip gloss be poppin, I'm standing at my locker, and all the boys be stopping?" Any wonder why I'm single? And I didn't even tell you why Candy by Mandy Moore is a soundtrack song. I've got to keep some of the mystery.<br />
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Right about now you're probably wondering what my friend Gerardo has to do with my trip down soundtrack memory road. Well now, with my iPhone, I get to make playlists! I know, I know, you've probably already been doing this for years. But for me, short of creating a mix tape to get the girl in high school (I was confused, my bad), I haven't really made playlists before. I try to make a playlist before each tournament. I love listening to these songs while waiting to play. It congers up great memories from tournaments gone by, and it helps me get focused for my matches.<br />
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So it's about that time-time to get the Louisville 2011 playlist together. I've got some of these old soundtrack songs that I'll include, but I need help coming up with some new additions. What songs do you use to get you motivated and pumped up? What would you include on your tournament soundtrack? Let me know in the comments below.Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-38258790910059856522011-06-06T19:11:00.000-07:002011-06-06T19:11:44.261-07:00Help Those Who Help UsHey, times are tough out there. No doubt about it. So if you're like me, it's hard to play all the GLTA tournaments you want. Between travel, hotel expenses, and beer money, these tournaments can get pricey quickly, and that doesn't even include the entry fees to even be able to play.<br />
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At a quick glance, $113 for entry into two events for Louisville seems like a lot of money just to play some tennis matches. Compared to some of the other tournaments out there, it's actually pretty reasonably priced. The only one I've seen cheaper is the GLTA stop in <a href="http://www.triangletennisclub.com/">Raleigh.</a> I've never been on a host committee for a tournament, but I'm sure there are a lot of expenses involved. From court costs and snacks and meals at the tournament site to the banquets and the draw parties, the money put out to put on one of these tournaments can get out of hand for these committees pretty fast. All things considered, $113 is pretty reasonable.<br />
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What makes it all the more reasonable is the fact that the Bluegrass Open is also a fundraiser. Last year, in its inaugural year, the tournament was able to make a $2000 donation to <a href="http://www.houseofruth.net/">House of Ruth</a>. House of Ruth is a Louisville area non-profit group that works with both families and individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. Many of us are involved with similar organizations in our own communities. While HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, it's still a crisis in the gay community, our community, and House of Ruth does a lot of great work for our brothers in the Kentuckiana area.<br />
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And for you gamblers out there, you'll have plenty of opportunity to support House of Ruth through the raffle at the banquet. All money from the tickets sold for the raffle goes to House of Ruth. If you were at the banquet last year, you'll not only remember that I was shamefully overlooked for the Hot Daddy of the Tournament award when that honor went to that Josh from Indy, but that there were some ticket queens there who thought they could get a seat on the Board of Directors for House of Ruth by buying raffle tickets. That, or they were enamoured by that hottie selling tickets in his underwear. Either way, a lot of money was raised and it all went to House of Ruth.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 290px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 659px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" height="400" src="http://www.talktennisclub.com/images/2010_donation.jpg" style="height: 236px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 170px;" width="288" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nelson Knight, TALK Vice President, giving Linda Underwood, Executive Director of House of Ruth a check for $2000, money raised at last year's tournament.<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">So even though times are tough, <a href="http://glta.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=D48E6926-DC1F-4A03-993E-2006BE2929BB">register for the tournament!</a> Go and have some fun, play some tennis, buy some raffle tickets, and more importantly, help those who help us.</div>Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-7621151880861499732011-06-04T06:57:00.000-07:002011-06-04T06:57:26.377-07:00Give me the Hardware!We don't play these GLTA tournaments for any money that's for sure. We do play for fun, but more importantly, we want the hardware. We want the trophies that come with winning or being a finalist at one of these tournaments. Give me the hardware!<br />
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Before I got bumped up to A's, I used to occasionally get to the late rounds of some of these tournaments, particularly in doubles. I've even won two events: Tampa and Louisville. Back then the Louisville tournament was the KY Open (insert laugh here). We got the coolest hardware for winning that year: a silver mint julep cup and a bottle of Makers Mark-yum!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw1A_jKyUhjFvu2NJBnoK73VaM3tbhiq6TMbHVNIGpX0DP7Pya-hYOnxWV2LOUF39OPI1ht3LJ1xZV0XpnebTf2UdbgCtyxT2wcwkroy2Y2v00KisrcBhnxvs4WBhKW5P4jEEfBRFzww/s1600/n611004603_475875_9267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjw1A_jKyUhjFvu2NJBnoK73VaM3tbhiq6TMbHVNIGpX0DP7Pya-hYOnxWV2LOUF39OPI1ht3LJ1xZV0XpnebTf2UdbgCtyxT2wcwkroy2Y2v00KisrcBhnxvs4WBhKW5P4jEEfBRFzww/s320/n611004603_475875_9267.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It got me to wondering-what's the best hardware you've won or seen at one of these GLTA tournaments? What's the best trophy you've seen anywhere for winning a sporting event?Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-4366692966503218232011-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:002011-05-31T20:46:25.176-07:00Drama Queen, Thy Name is Thom? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was the bump heard round the tennis world!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE5v2520zccIVEcYrZvVVwQMhTzdXejeKmpOoew-g7JpIodCYMZqO7q8AivEMZsOTF2157Wi4VliueOsYcUeZ8O2D2cDH3jQawqfqgFP_kdJUnhPLCiCUKpTG5SpRBlqpLeLo0FbwZxM/s1600/strigat-psp591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE5v2520zccIVEcYrZvVVwQMhTzdXejeKmpOoew-g7JpIodCYMZqO7q8AivEMZsOTF2157Wi4VliueOsYcUeZ8O2D2cDH3jQawqfqgFP_kdJUnhPLCiCUKpTG5SpRBlqpLeLo0FbwZxM/s320/strigat-psp591.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar-PCTuETZoP457WrMlk4IC7prjSsN2Syl1gQuIFTghSuqGBwU0K7T7xSgZmONwA_4rPT5FcJZJBj8zvcD_V5Gu0eIuwQbUgYkrYhBnan-49r0WwtrNHO1ujnj9fK1D-4h5PYKbVUQYI/s320/tl_usopen_venuswilliams_2.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /> And it is one of my favorite tennis drama memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was the the semifinals of the 1997 US Open, and a new-to-the-scene Venus Williams was playing her first US Open against a fiery Irina Spirlea. Spirlea, at the time, was the only WTA tour player to ever be defaulted from a match due to her abhorrent behavior. Both women were in their first semis of a major and both were determined to win.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then it happened-the bump heard round the tennis world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Late in the match, both Venus and Irina were heading to their chairs on a change over. Both walked towards their chairs with steely determination, head down, trying to muster up whatever focus they needed to close out the match. I remember watching this live. They kept getting closer each seemingly not paying attention to the other. They both were at the end of the net on their side heading towards the chair umpire. I just kept thinking, watch out! You're going to run into her!!! And then, they did-they ran into each other. Venus barely seemed to notice. But Irina, oh yeah, she noticed. Lucky for Venus Irina left her guns at home that day otherwise I shutter to think what would have happened. Later in a press conference, after Irina lost, she told the press "She thinks she's the Venus f*cking Williams!" I thought to myself, Irina bumped Venus on purpose and I loved it! Loved it then, and I still laugh thinking about it to this day. Irina was a bit of a drama queen that day, and that was fine by me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hate to admit it, but I've released my inner Spirlea at a few GLTA tournaments. Of course, I've never bumped anyone or come to blows. I'm too scared for all that now, don't be silly. I can't damage my face. But my mouth has gotten the better of me on more than one occasion. And this all just works out fine with my doubles partner Grant. He's a bit more quiet and non-confrontational, and he doesn't mind winding me up like a top and letting me loose on one of our opponents. And I oblige, like it's my job, like I'm getting a big fat paycheck for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think most of the time I'm a nice easy going guy. I like to have fun on court and I like to make my fans (or those who had nowhere else to sit so they sat besides my court, the more likely situation) have a good time too. I want to win my matches, but it's not life or death. I'm not getting paid out there. I want the trophies and gay pride that come with winning one of these tournaments as much as the next guy. Sometimes though, that desire to win and someone being stupid (certainly it's never me) makes me go all Spirlea on someone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've only had two matches where a line judge had to come out and monitor the court. The first time was in Tampa when this guy from the north Georgia mountains was cheating and making really bad line calls on purpose. This was the first time I noticed that we had distinct roles on our double team. Grant winds me up, and I lose my mind. I went and got the line judge, who was some poor volunteer who looked like he was about to pee his pants any moment. Among other things, I told our cheating opponent "no wonder you don't play many of these tournaments-you're an a**hole and they probably don't let you down from the mountain much to join society." I didn't mean it, but hey he was cheating and deserved it. Another time, it was late in the third and this guy who I had played before was stalling, purposely trying to distract me, and was just being an utter pain in the fanny. He was making some disastrously bad line calls. I mean, when there's audible gasps from the crowd over his calls, well lets just say it was like a bunch of Grants winding me up. After one particularly egregious line call I just yelled in frustration "You're a cheater, everyone knows it and that's why no one can stand you! Your own friends can't even stand you!!!" Oops-guess I didn't mean to say all that, but again, he had it coming. He was cheating and he deserved it. I think I had an incident last year in Louisville, but I'll spare you the details. You get the drift. Apparently I can be a little dramatic on court.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise to try to work on it. Most of the time you'll see me laughing and having a great time on court. But occasionally, just occasionally, you may also hear me say: <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Hello my name is Thom, and I am a bit of a drama queen."</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-48792571716365910532011-05-29T15:21:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:02:58.545-07:00WTF!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had a blog all written that I planned to get out with more information to get your ready for Louisville.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then I went to Park Road Park to play tennis today.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I usually use the month leading up to a tournament to get ready for play-you know, get in a groove with my strokes, work on fitness, and schedule matches with lesser players to gain confidence- the usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been looking forward to this weekend, as I have four days off in a row with little to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing planned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Works been busy, I’ve had a couple out-of-town work retreats, and I’m taking a short session grad class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On top of that, I’ve been battling a hip injury for the past eight months or so that has limited my play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And now my shoulder wants in on the injury game. </span>I’ve played like twice in the past month.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was very excited to get out there and play this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to the courts and hit for about 25 minutes before I felt sick to my stomach, nauseas, and light-headed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the second week in a row this has happened; only last week I actually vomited on the court. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">WTF!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s what I was left thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WTF!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did this happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did I get old?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did my age start to interfere with my tennis playing ability?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now mind you, I don’t think I’m “old” or at death’s door here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be 40 this year, and I’m looking forward to it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I know in the grand scheme of things I'm relatively young. </span>I’ve never had a problem with getting older like some of my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But damn it, if getting older is going to interfere with my game, I don’t want any part of it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m certainly no example of physical fitness, but I have had a certain level of fitness that allows me to compete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has become harder to maintain that level with injuries and the longer amount of time it takes to recover after physical activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a few short years ago I played tennis for six hours at a clip with my friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine what that would be like now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not uncommon to play up to four matches on the first day of a GLTA tournament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not even sure I could do that right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did that happen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine it was right around the time I got old.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This has all gotten me thinking-what would it be like to not be able to play tennis anymore, to not be able to play these GLTA tournaments?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not even something I want to think about right now. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve gained so much from playing these tournaments-a sense of belonging, greater confidence, and some really great friends (met my best friend Grant, also my doubles partner for the past five years, at a tournament in Tampa one year).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At some point, physically, I will not be able to compete at these tournaments and I don’t like the thought of it. </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know that time is not now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess I’m just feeling a little sorry for myself because I've been feeling age's pull lately and I can’t do what I have always done to get ready for these tournaments.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So for the next month, I’ll work hard on my fitness, take baby steps out there in the heat of the summer, stretch and eat right to help my body recover better, and just get ready for Louisville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not ready to give up these tournaments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not ready to give up on developing more friendships like I have over the past eight years of playing these tournaments. If you have any tips for me, let me know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear about them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And hey at the very least I can start playing the 40+ division this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d like to think I can still beat up on the really old men out there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">P.S.-Today is the <a href="http://glta.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=D48E6926-DC1F-4A03-993E-2006BE2929BB">early-bird deadline to register for Louisville.</a> Enter today and you'll be included in a drawing for a free entry to next year's tournament.</div>Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-60608745557298335012011-05-24T20:25:00.000-07:002011-05-24T20:25:02.631-07:00What You Need to Know About the Tournament Site<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have never played the Bluegrass before, you’re in for a treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site for the tournament, <a href="http://louisville.edu/org/tennis/">the Bass-Rudd Tennis Center</a>, is located on the campus of <a href="http://louisville.edu/">the University of Louisville</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><img border="2" height="177" src="http://louisville.edu/org/tennis/images/ext2.jpg" width="450" /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>A short 10 minute drive from downtown where most players stay, there are eight outdoor and six indoor courts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never have to worry about rain delays that wipe out entire days of play like you do at other tournaments. Play continues inside in inclement weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The courts are well maintained and have water courtside for the players. If you look closely on court 8 you’ll find a chalked outline of my body where I was ran all over the court to my death by a speedy retriever last year. Other than this, it's an award winning facility. Bring along your adoring fans because there are great spectator areas. From courtside bleachers on many of the courts, to the balcony off the front of the building upstairs where you have a birds-eye view of most of the outdoor courts, there are many great places to watch all the action.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And the boys in Louisville aren’t just (allegedly) pretty, they’re clever too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each court is named after one of our current or past favorite WTA players.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the Martina Hingis court to the Ana Ivanovic court (nobody wants to play on that court for fear they will automatically be prone to wild forehands, weird injuries, and serving yips), you’re sure to find some inspiration from your court’s namesake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I must confess, these guys have an unhealthy obsession with Manuela Maleeva Fragniere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone know where this comes from?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few other things you should know:</span></div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It gets hot in Louisville in July! Average temperatures over the 4th of July weekend usually push 90 degrees with 1,000% humidity. I know, you're thinking there's no such thing as 1,000% humidity, but there is The Ville in July.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's great to play indoors, but it's hot in there too! There's no air-conditioning inside, but at least you don't have to be in the blazing sun.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are locker rooms with showers that you can use between matches during the tournament.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There's usually some breakfast foods and snacks available on site, but if you want more than that you'll need to bring your own. There's a convinience store across the street from the tennis center, as well as a McDonalds. Other than that, you'll need a ride to get anything else.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Take a minute to look at the walls and soak in the rich tennis history at the U of L. They're Cardinal proud, with good reason.</span></div></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One last great thing to note about the tournament...all matches are played at this one facility. Some tournaments have multiple sites, but not here. You can play all your matches and watch your buddies play without having to trudge between two sites.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So have you registered yet? <a href="http://glta.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=D48E6926-DC1F-4A03-993E-2006BE2929BB">Register for the tournament</a> before May 29th and you'll be entered into a drawing for a free entry for the 2012 Bluegrasss Open. What are you looking forward to at this year's tournament?</span></div>Thom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4800783883607726839.post-33928758910050667822011-05-21T20:44:00.000-07:002011-05-21T20:44:10.461-07:00Getting Ready for The Bluegrass Tennis Open, July 2-4, 2011Hey there tennis fans! I'm Thom Shepard and I will be writing a blog leading up to the 2011 Bluegrass Tennis Open. The Bluegrass is a stop on the <a href="http://www.glta.net/">GLTA World Tour</a>. The 2nd edition of this, tournament is sponsered by <a href="http://www.talktennisclub.com/">the Tennis Alliance of Louisville Kentucky (TALK)</a> and will be held over the 4th of July holiday weekend.<br />
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I know you're wondering, why is he writing a blog, and what could he have to share with me that's important? Well the answer is simple...this is one of my favorite stops on the tour and one of the places I've had the most fun. It was the first tournament I played, what seems like a 100 years ago, but was probably more like five or six years ago. I had no idea what to expect, and I was inimdated by what I would encounter at my first "gay tennis tournamnet". I mean, I was wondering, what is a "gay tennis tournament" anyway? <br />
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What I hope to do between now and the time we show up in Louisville for the tournament is take a sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, and hopefully always helpful look at what you can expect at the tournament and how you can best prepare for the competition. I'll share some information about the tournament itself, the city of Louisville (I love it!) and some of the fun times you'll have and the people you may meet when you're there. I'm not part of the planning committee, so I'm not an official communication vehicle for the tournament, but I will work to help get their information out there for you too. And I want to hear from you about what you want to hear about! This will work best if we start some conversation here. I'm no more of an expert than you. Share what you know here. I'm going to try to post two to three times a week leading up to the tournament.<br />
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So there you have it. I hope this will be helpful and fun. In the meantime, if you haven't already, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/2011-Bluegrass-Tennis-Open-TALK-Tennis-Club/107617892610487?sk=wall">you can like the 2011 tournament on facebook.</a> And let me know-what do you want to know about leading up to the tournament? You have any funny stories to share about a past trip to Louisville? Let me know!<br />
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ThomThom Shepardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15285401819906563704noreply@blogger.com3