Mark and Nathan Branaman convincingly won the New Year’s Day Family Challenge event. Runners-up were Anne and Marcus Luke.
MARK AND NATHAN BRANAMAN REGAIN FAMILY CHALLEGE TITLE!
Author: Des Evans
Des was born in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1951 and was educated at Prince Edward School and the University of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe.) He qualified as a Physical Education and English teacher in 1972. Des has 3 children – Nicola, Gareth and Stacey.
Des’ Dad, Bob Evans and his step-mother Sheila Evans (Dowdeswell) emigrated to the United States in 1980 and settled in Indianapolis. Sheila subsequently coached tennis at the Indianapolis Racquet Club for 26 years. Des emigrated to the States in February 2000 and he has been a certified tennis professional at the Indianapolis Racquet Club since then. Des became a US citizen in 2013.
Nicola, Gareth and Stacey have subsequently graduated from university at either Purdue or IUPUI in Indiana. Nicola played 4 years college tennis for the IUPUI Jaguars (Division 1) and all three children won Indiana State tennis titles with Carmel High School..
EMPHASIS ON 10 AND UNDER TENNIS DEVELOPMENT
Coach Evan Dorman at my 10 and Under clinic at the East Club, Indianapolis
The 10 and under program at IRC continues to be extremely popular and it has expanded to include Quickstart clinics at the East Club with Des Evans and Evan Dorman. Barbara Wynne also conducts two 10 and under classes at the East Club. We also conduct 10 and under clinics on a daily basis at IRC ‘s Dean Road facility.
ASHLEY SPIRRISON AND UNCLE DARYL GREENAN WIN THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE!
52 players participate in the Thanksgiving Family Challenge at IRC. The winners narrowly edged out the defending champs Nathan and Mark Branaman in a tight contest.
DES’ CHALLENGE EVENTS ATTRACT RECORD ATTENDANCE!
The last 3 Challenge nights have attracted over 50 junior players – with 58 participating in the last one.
PROUD MOMENTS IN 2012 FOR EVANS FAMILY!
Gareth addressing the Indiana House of Representatives
Nikki and Deklyn at her wedding when she married Sean Frazer
Deklyn in his suit at the wedding in the Virgin Islands
The bride Nikki and groom Sean Frazer at their wedding in St John’s, U.S. Virgin Islands in May, 2012
SUMMER TENNIS SEASON 2012
The summer season winds down and we move back indoors as the cold weather approaches!
COACHING 10 AND UNDER TENNIS – THE MODERN APPROACH
Junior racquets from 19 to 25 inches should be used by players from 6 to 10 years old. 18 by 36 feet courts with smaller {lower} nets should be used – together with 3 types of depressurized Quickstart tennis balls – when coaching today’s 10 and under players.
DES REMEMBERS ZIMBABWE
Our former home at Rugare in Zimbabwe. The Evans family emigrated to the United States 12 years ago. Des is into his 13th season coaching tennis at the Indianapolis Racquet Club.
Coach Des Evans proudly standing outside the Indianapolis Racquet Club.
THE ROLE OF PRIVATE LESSONS IN DEVELOPING STROKE TECHNIQUE AND PRODUCTION
Players aspiring to be successful high school varsity team members need to take regular private lessons to supplement group clinics – if they intend to develop effective modern stroke techniques and footwork patterns. I believe that private lessons should commence as early as 6 years. The earlier the better – so that incorrect technique and stroke swing patterns are”fixed” early. It is far harder to correct bad technique as a teenager or adult because muscle memory is strongly established. Serious junior tennis players should participate in tournaments on a regular basis to learn to test their”game” and technique in a competitive situation where they play under pressure.
SUMMER PROGRAM WINDING UP!
In record sweltering temperatures – at times times 103 to 106 degrees!- summer tennis was most enjoyable and the time flew by!
- Des shares a joke with Carly Harris from Heritage Christian School
TENNIS MATCH VERSUS DEVON COUNTRY CLUB
A HOT, HOT SUMMER – PLAYING IN A HEAT WAVE!!
Staying hydrated and cool during the heat wave has been a challenge! We have taken regular breaks indoors – in the air conditioning.
SUMMER TENNIS
The IRC Summer Program in full swing at the Riverbend courts in Castleton – just off Alisonville Road
Young Tennis Champions in Rhodesia in 1969!
A photo of Brooks Trophy participants in Mutare (Umtali then) in 1969. Des played Colin Dowdeswell in the final of the National 18’s singles winning 6-3, 6-3 – and also won the doubles and mixed doubles titles. His sister Lorna is bottom right and step-brother Colin (who was a Wimbledon doubles finalist in 1975) is bottom left.
TAYLOR GRAYSON AWARDED SCHOLARSHIP
Taylor Grayson, the Number 3 singles player for Hamilton South Eastern was awarded a tennis scholarship by the Hamilton County Community Tennis Association – just reward for her dedication and hard work. She also achieved a GPA of 4.3!! Congratulations, Taylor!!
My Daughter’s Wedding in the Caribbean
Nicola weds Sean Frazer in St John, US Virgin Islands on 12 May, 2012. Congratulations to Nikki and Sean on their marriage.
LOVE THE CHALLENGE – DON’T FEAR IT!
Set your short and long term goals, ensure that your level of expectation is not too high – and believe in your ability to achieve success! Play with freedom and don’t fear failure!
“THE DES EVANS WAY” Creating a Winning Culture
Des Evans is originally from Zimbabwe – emigrated to the United States in 1999. He played 3 sports for Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) – tennis, cricket and field hockey.
… A PROGRESSIVE SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM APPROACHES!
The 2012 Summer Tennis Program run by Des Evans will be at Core River Bend in Castleton ( off Allisonville Road) in picturesque surroundings. Please phone Sara Barr at IRC on 317 849 3531 for more details on the Winners, Maestros or High School groups. See map of DIRECTIONS below.
A NEW SUMMER OF FUN TENNIS IN INDY!
A new summer program in the mix for Core River Bend courts in a picturesque setting. Des will be running the program in association with the Indianapolis Racquet Club.
* Click on the Core River Bend Summer Program link above for more photos and information.
Contact Sara Barr at IRC on 317-849-2531 for more details on the Winners, Maestros and High School groups. Core River Bend tennis courts are situated in Castleton just off Allisonvile Road at 91st Street.
ZIMBABWE’S CARA BLACK’S WONDERFUL RECORD!
Doubles specialist Cara Black is 3rd all time – spending 163 weeks as world’s number one player – behind Martina Navratilova and Liezel Huber. She won 5 Grand Slam Doubles titles and was runner-up in 4 others! Cara also won 5 Grand slam mixed doubles titles – including all 4 – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. She was runner-up in 3 mixed finals. An impressive record for this diminutive doubles champion – who had exceptional foot speed, lightening fast reflexes and very quick hands.
JACK HIATT SIGNS FOR MARIAN UNIVERSITY
Congratulations! All the hard work has paid off. Way to go, Jack!
GARETH HONORED BY INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
It was a wonderful surprise when the Indiana House (Congress) decided to pass a special resolution in honor of Gareth and our family – epitomising the struggle for the “American Dream” in a land of democracy, fairness, rule of law and great opportunity!
BRANAMAN’S WIN NEW YEAR FAMILY CHALLENGE!
Mark and Matthew Branaman successfully defended their doubles title won at the Thanksgiving event! 52 players participated in the event on New Year’s Day. Prizes were kindly donated by the IRC Pro Shop. Congratulations to the Branamans!
DES COACHING CRICKET BACK IN ZIMBABWE!
Des coached cricket on out “pitch” at our home in Zimbabwe in addition to coaching tennis on our home court for 15 years.
DES EVANS TENNIS 