K-Swiss Brings Miringoff Home

In mid-December, K-Swiss, which is based in Westlake Village, named Mike Miringoff the company’s new Global Director of Tennis. Following a stint as Southern California Tennis Association Director of Player Development, he became Nike’s Account Manager for the US Western Region. His next move was to Wilson where he initially worked as the Western Regional Sales Manager. For the past five years, he has been based in Shanghai, China and served as Wilson’s Asia Pacific Region Commercial Manager. A member of the SCTA’s Family of the Year in 2004, the energetic San Diego native is delighted to have returned home.

Steve Tscherne – NJPT Founder Passes Away

Steve Tscherne was a passionate visionary. Together with his wife Barbara and a collection of her high school friends, he created the Neighborhood Junior Tennis Program (NJTP). The organization’s motto – “From courts to college” – has become a tried and true low cost approach that helps countless youngsters learn to play the game in the Sylmar area of the San Fernando Valley. He worked for UPS for 30 years (retiring in 2012), while doing all that he could possibly do, including serving as its President, to help NJTP grow and prosper. A long-time USPTA member, he was a long-time Community Tennis advocate striving to increase participation on all levels of play. The Tschernes were Southern California Tennis Association 1999 Family of the Year. NJTP was the SCTA’s 2003 Organization of the Year. Steve Tscherne, who passed away on December 5^th after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, will be dearly missed by not only his friends, but tennis itself.

Branstine To Play For Canada

Carson Branstine, one of the top junior competitors in Southern California and the US for that matter, has decided to leave the section. The 16-year-old, who has been living in Orange, is moving to Montreal. In doing so, she will take advantage of the fact that her mother is a Canadian and comes from Toronto. Branstine is looking forward to being one of her new home country’s stars of tomorrow.

Gader’s Gone

Paul Gader was a Brooklyn, New York native, who came to Southern California to attend UCLA, following World War II. He went on to earn a business administration degree, while taking full advantage of the array of activities that were offered at the Westwood school. An all-around athlete, he was a track and football performer. In time, he discovered, what became his main sport focus – tennis. He went on to become an accomplished senior competitor, playing until he was in his 80s. Paul Gader left the game on December 8^th.

New Look BNP Paribas Open

For the third consecutive year, the BNP Paribas Open was named the 2016 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Tournament of the Year. Maintaining its award winning form, the March 6-19 event will have a new look. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the fabulous facility that is the tournament’s home, is becoming even more “state of the art”.

The main stadium, with the addition of 7,000 seats, will be comparable to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the National Tennis Center, which seats almost 24,000 individuals. The facility’s Stadium 2 now has a capacity of 8,000. Around the grounds, there will be more dining, as well as added snacking venues and an increase in the number of shaded areas to escape the desert sun.

The “New Look” carried over to tournament management with three “newbies” who will play major roles. Tommy Haas became the Tournament Director last June. Steve Birdwell is now the Chief Operating Officer. Phillipe Dore has taken over Marketing Director responsibilities.

“New energy” is the theme of the championships that Larry Ellison purchased six years ago and has honed it into a “not to miss” activity. Tennis fans can be certain that they are part of the excitement by calling (800) 999-1585 or going to  www.bnpparibasopen.com for BNP Paribas Open tickets and tournament information.

Mark Winters