TW-Nashville/TN Division

S

samster

Hall of Fame
Well, I got a chance to see some fellow TW Forum members in action today here in Middle Tennessee, including

Scott H. (aka. Bolt here at the Forum)

and

Craig A. Clark (as himself).

Actually I have seen Craig Clark out playing here in Nashville but didn't realize who he is/was until Bolt pointed out to me that is indeed CC himself. The first time I saw CC out there, he was sporting a retro Jim Courier look (pinstripe red Nike shirt and baseball hat, anyone remember the 1990s?).

I was hitting with Bolt this morning for the first time. I actually bought a Yonex RD-7 from him 1.5 years ago and it took USPS one week to get it to me via Priority Mail. This was back when I lived in St. Louis, MO. Anyways, Bolt is real nice guy and a booming serve (probably in the 105-110 mph range). Rest of his game is solid as well but his serve was nearly unreturnable.

After we finished playing a set, we watched the famed Craig Clark in action with his hitting partner for a little bit. Classic grooved strokes (long swings), retro tennis clothing, and his K90. Bolt commented on Craig's big serve and "menancing grunt." (Source: Bolt) I will have to bring my digital camera out there next time and may be take some pictures.

I have to buy something to record the "menancing grunt." Any recommendations?
 
Bolt

Bolt

Semi-Pro
Indeed, we had a great time playing today. Tomorrow I'll be paying the price for those serves. :) I'm already having trouble walking.

Craig can definitely bang and that grunt is just scary.
 
A

ayuan

New User
aww man im in chattanooga right now.. dont know when ill go up near nashville or around there anytime soon... :(
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
samster said:
Well, I got a chance to see some fellow TW Forum members in action today here in Middle Tennessee, including

Scott H. (aka. Bolt here at the Forum)

and

Craig A. Clark (as himself).

Actually I have seen Craig Clark out playing here in Nashville but didn't realize who he is/was until Bolt pointed out to me that is indeed CC himself. The first time I saw CC out there, he was sporting a retro Jim Courier look (pinstripe red Nike shirt and baseball hat, anyone remember the 1990s?).

I was hitting with Bolt this morning for the first time. I actually bought a Yonex RD-7 from him 1.5 years ago and it took USPS one week to get it to me via Priority Mail. This was back when I lived in St. Louis, MO. Anyways, Bolt is real nice guy and a booming serve (probably in the 105-110 mph range). Rest of his game is solid as well but his serve was nearly unreturnable.

After we finished playing a set, we watched the famed Craig Clark in action with his hitting partner for a little bit. Classic grooved strokes (long swings), retro tennis clothing, and his K90. Bolt commented on Craig's big serve and "menancing grunt." (Source: Bolt) I will have to bring my digital camera out there next time and may be take some pictures.

I have to buy something to record the "menancing grunt." Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

Fellow Middle Tennessee TW Charter Members,

So, you guys were the big hitters sporting the Fischer and Yonex frames, eh? ;)

I can't believe you didn't come on over and say hello. :confused: Next time, please do! I see TW "South Florida Chapter-Style" bag checks and on-line interviews in all your futures. (I just bought a brand new Sony HD Handicam) Scott-we need to make it happen dude.

As for the grunt, well let's just say it was probably primarily the result of dehydration!! (To those outside Middle Tennessee: it was over 100F here AGAIN yesterday).

Best,

CC
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
Bolt said:
Indeed, we had a great time playing today. Tomorrow I'll be paying the price for those serves. :) I'm already having trouble walking.

Craig can definitely bang and that grunt is just scary.
Click to expand...

I appreciate the props Scott! ;) Honestly I've never realized that I grunt when I hit until you guys pointed it out.

Actually I am pretty rusty, having taken about a week off owing to some extended travel for work. But I did sneak in another hit this morning and a one hour interval training bike ride with my pal Geoff.

Best,

CC
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
Craig, we didn't want to interrupt the highly intense match you had going on there. We will certainly stop by next week.

It is indeed very hot here, too hot for my taste. I played last Wednesday at 4:30 pm and it was 105 out there. Even breathing was becoming taxing.
 
Bolt

Bolt

Semi-Pro
Craig A. Clark said:
I appreciate the props Scott! ;) Honestly I've never realized that I grunt when I hit until you guys pointed it out.

Actually I am pretty rusty, having taken about a week off owing to some extended travel for work. But I did sneak in another hit this morning and a one hour interval training bike ride with my pal Geoff.

Best,

CC
Click to expand...

I think it's not fair to describe it just as a grunt. As I described it to my wife, it sounds like the result of pure exertion like what I used to hear when I was into Olympic weightlifting. We're talking the noises that result from the human body when attempting to lift heavy weights overhead in one movement. Now imagine that sound coming out of someone hitting a tennis ball. Woweee zoweee.
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
Bolt said:
I think it's not fair to describe it just as a grunt. As I described it to my wife, it sounds like the result of pure exertion like what I used to hear when I was into Olympic weightlifting. We're talking the noises that result from the human body when attempting to lift heavy weights overhead in one movement. Now imagine that sound coming out of someone hitting a tennis ball. Woweee zoweee.
Click to expand...

;)

I am now both proud and just a tad self conscious.

Please work your way over next week to say hello and perhaps hit around a bit. Bill will not mind at all.

Best,

CC
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
samster said:
Craig, we didn't want to interrupt the highly intense match you had going on there. We will certainly stop by next week.

It is indeed very hot here, too hot for my taste. I played last Wednesday at 4:30 pm and it was 105 out there. Even breathing was becoming taxing.
Click to expand...

Sams-Tah,

Was that not the neon yellow Yonnie you were swinging?

BTW, be sure to stop by next week.

Best,

CC
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
Craig A. Clark said:
Sams-Tah,

Was that not the neon yellow Yonnie you were swinging?

BTW, be sure to stop by next week.

Best,

CC
Click to expand...

Yes, I was using the neon Yonex trying to distract Bolt but it worked only for a little while until he got used to the glare.

I might need to see you in clinic regarding my tennis racket hoarding addiction. I have too many rackets and probably am spending too much time worrying about my gear than my poorlyl executed strokes/strategy.
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
samster said:
Yes, I was using the neon Yonex trying to distract Bolt but it worked only for a little while until he got used to the glare.

I might need to see you in clinic regarding my tennis racket hoarding addiction. I have too many rackets and probably am spending too much time worrying about my gear than my poorlyl executed strokes/strategy.
Click to expand...

We can form a support group. Any good ideas for a name? ;) CC
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
Well Bolt and I took to the court today for some early morning (8am) 90+ degree tennis. Only the truly addicted and/or VERY well hydrated need apply to play in the kind of heat Middle TN has been experiencing of late. ;)

Bolt is a great guy and a fine player. We had tons of fun doing plenty of high intensity drills. And yes that serve has some serious 'pop'!! ;) We played some points at the end, including a very long one which I THOUGHT I ended w/ a short, wickedly spun slice down the line only to see the 32 year old, fleet of foot Bolt track it down for an 'on a rope' DTL running forehand winner! Nice shot Scott!!

I'll be looking forward to meeting The Sams-Tah this weekend.

Bolt, thanks again for the hit!

Best,

CC
 
Bolt

Bolt

Semi-Pro
Craig A. Clark said:
Well Bolt and I took to the court today for some early morning (8am) 90+ degree tennis. Only the truly addicted and/or VERY well hydrated need apply to play in the kind of heat Middle TN has been experiencing of late. ;)

Bolt is a great guy and a fine player. We had tons of fun doing plenty of high intensity drills. And yes that serve has some serious 'pop'!! ;) We played some points at the end, including a very long one which I THOUGHT I ended w/ a short, wickedly spun slice down the line only to see the 32 year old, fleet of foot Bolt track it down for an 'on a rope' DTL running forehand winner! Nice shot Scott!!

I'll be looking forward to meeting The Sams-Tah this weekend.

Bolt, thanks again for the hit!

Best,

CC
Click to expand...

High intensity drills were definitely on the menu and Craig ate my lunch. I'd be happy to be in half as good of shape as Craig.

Before we started a crosscourt backhand drill, Craig offered to let me try out his AK90 complete with the famous NoBadMojo string setup. After two or three nice deep backhands I said in the middle of the rally that "I could get used to this." This promptly resulted in Craig framing a ball over the nearest fence into oncoming traffic due to his uncontrollable giggling. It must be the 90-in head, right? ;)

As far as the fleet-of-foot description, well let's just say that I'm glad the years I've spent in ninja training are finally starting to pay off. And you need to be clear that the DTL winner was quite shankilicious. It went where it was intended but it wasn't as aesthetically pleasing as I'd hoped for.

Just writing this response makes me want to get my gear and go to the courts. I can't wait until next time!
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
After hitting a couple of baskets of serves (Bill was out of town today) I took my Gatorade bottle and found a shady spot to watch some tennis. Bolt and Samster were spotted on Court #2, trading groundstrokes in the sweltering heat and soul-sapping humidity. They looked like they were having fun, even though I now understand that Bolt has sworn off the Fischer M Speeds. ;) I can't say for sure because once again I was on the bike, doing a little one hour interval training ride with Geoff. Next week I will bring my camera and document the event! Best, CC
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
Craig A. Clark said:
After hitting a couple of baskets of serves (Bill was out of town today) I took my Gatorade bottle and found a shady spot to watch some tennis. Bolt and Samster were spotted on Court #2, trading groundstrokes in the sweltering heat and soul-sapping humidity. They looked like they were having fun, even though I now understand that Bolt has sworn off the Fischer M Speeds. ;) I can't say for sure because once again I was on the bike, doing a little one hour interval training ride with Geoff. Next week I will bring my camera and document the event! Best, CC
Click to expand...

Craig, thanks for putting in the good word for the two of us. "trading groundstrokes" was quite euphemistic for what we were trading out there: junkballs. In the meanwhile, the two girls from Vandy Tennis Team were crushing groundstrokes back and forth in the adjacent court. We understand that you were hesitant to be associated with us while hiding in the shady spot. ;)

But dare I say Bolt does not believe that either one of those women could pose a problem for him. Bolt believes that junkballs are more difficult to hit back than paced groundstrokes. I must say I don't disagree since my back is killing me after chasing down several J-balls with wierd spin, no pace, and low bounce.

We are in a different league; we have variety: high pace, low pace, no pace, side spin, frame spin, no spin. I also found the sweet spot for my Yonex RDS 001 MP: the right upper corner. I doubt anyone can consistently hit the right upper corner better than I do. If so, I want to see pics to prove your talent.
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
samster said:
Craig, thanks for putting in the good word for the two of us. "trading groundstrokes" was quite euphemistic for what we were trading out there: junkballs. In the meanwhile, the two girls from Vandy Tennis Team were crushing groundstrokes back and forth in the adjacent court. We understand that you were hesitant to be associated with us while hiding in the shady spot. ;)
Click to expand...

Not at all! I hit serves for about an hour and then came out to do a little spectating before Geoff and I took to the bikes for our interval training session. Talk about high intensity!!! ;) I didn't want to interrupt your hit, but if the opportunity presents itself again and you guys are game we could do some Harry Hopman/Rod Laver style two on one hitting. We can take turns watching each others tongues drag the court. ;) CC
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
samster said:
But dare I say Bolt does not believe that either one of those women could pose a problem for him. Bolt believes that junkballs are more difficult to hit back than paced groundstrokes. I must say I don't disagree since my back is killing me after chasing down several J-balls with wierd spin, no pace, and low bounce.

We are in a different league; we have variety: high pace, low pace, no pace, side spin, frame spin, no spin. I also found the sweet spot for my Yonex RDS 001 MP: the right upper corner. I doubt anyone can consistently hit the right upper corner better than I do. If so, I want to see pics to prove your talent.
Click to expand...

Uh, respectfully.............my money would be on the SEC's Female Player of the Year, or her hitting partner. ;)

CC
 
Bolt

Bolt

Semi-Pro
samster said:
But dare I say Bolt does not believe that either one of those women could pose a problem for him. Bolt believes that junkballs are more difficult to hit back than paced groundstrokes. I must say I don't disagree since my back is killing me after chasing down several J-balls with wierd spin, no pace, and low bounce.
Click to expand...

I think you've slightly misrepresented our conversation. ;)
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
It the racket doesn't blind my opponent, my shirt will.

4k9c9wn.jpg


HA, HA, HA, HA!
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
From the Tennessean:

Inactive residents anchor Tennessee as fifth-fattest state
Overweight kids rank high, too.

Come on people, let's play some tennis!
 
drakulie

drakulie

Talk Tennis Guru
Wow! Great to see more people from different locations meeting up, and posting about it. Thanks for sharing guys!
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
drakulie said:
Wow! Great to see more people from different locations meeting up, and posting about it. Thanks for sharing guys!
Click to expand...

drakulie, thanks for the idea of these "Chapters."

I don't think we have a chapter yet...more like a footnote so far.
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
Craig A. Clark said:
BTW Sams-Tah, watch out b/c Bolt is talking about trying out my K90's!! :) CC
Click to expand...

I think it is good to be trying out rackets, but I think I have clearly gone overboard. I need to decide to stick with one racket for the next several months before changing again. Changing every other week cannot possibly be good for my game.

I like the Yonex RDS 001 MP because of the larger sweetspot and it being more forgiving than the other frames I have tried this year. Not to mention the notorious neon yellow color. It is definitely different than other frames I have seen around the tennis courts here in Nashville.

There is going to be some growing pains (backhand, volleys) but I just have to deal with it.
 
P

paulmaben

Rookie
I live near Morristown (45 minutes east of Knoxville) and would like to be part of the group. I'm 39 and a former Div I player (University of Pittsburgh). I say I'm about a 4.5 with a pretty good serve. I'm attending a medical conference at the end of October in Nasheville at the Opryland hotel and wouldn't mind meeting up with the other chapter members for a hit.

Paul
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
paulmaben said:
I live near Morristown (45 minutes east of Knoxville) and would like to be part of the group. I'm 39 and a former Div I player (University of Pittsburgh). I say I'm about a 4.5 with a pretty good serve. I'm attending a medical conference at the end of October in Nasheville at the Opryland hotel and wouldn't mind meeting up with the other chapter members for a hit.

Paul
Click to expand...

Count me in Paul!! Best, CC
 
BounceHitBounceHit

BounceHitBounceHit

Legend
paulmaben said:
I live near Morristown (45 minutes east of Knoxville) and would like to be part of the group. I'm 39 and a former Div I player (University of Pittsburgh). I say I'm about a 4.5 with a pretty good serve. I'm attending a medical conference at the end of October in Nasheville at the Opryland hotel and wouldn't mind meeting up with the other chapter members for a hit.

Paul
Click to expand...

I wish I'd seen this sooner! I was just in Knoxville yesterday!! CC
 
S

samster

Hall of Fame
paulmaben said:
I live near Morristown (45 minutes east of Knoxville) and would like to be part of the group. I'm 39 and a former Div I player (University of Pittsburgh). I say I'm about a 4.5 with a pretty good serve. I'm attending a medical conference at the end of October in Nasheville at the Opryland hotel and wouldn't mind meeting up with the other chapter members for a hit.

Paul
Click to expand...

Let us know when you will be here, may be we can get some doubles in!
 
P

paulmaben

Rookie
I'll let you know a couple weeks before I get out your way.

I've been demoing some racquets from TW. They just sent me a Wilson K 90, k 6.1 18x20, Dunlop 200 aerogel, and a Volkl dnx 10. I've been playing wilson for a long time and thought I would like the 18x20 best but surprisingly the Volkl and Dunlop are really nice frames. The problem with these demos is the tensions. The 18x20 is so loose that everything sails. I'm currently playing 6.6 prostaff tour stars and stripes but they are on their last legs... so I've got to breakdown and switch.

Paul
 
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