Winter Indoor Tennis

The Indoor Season closes as another exciting girls high school season begins

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Coach Des with some of his middle school Warrior girls in March, 2017

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Coach Des with the Thursday high school group in March, 2017

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Coach Des with Meghan Emberton and Josee “Rocky”King

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The New Pal girls working with Coach Des

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Coach Stig and Coach Des with some of their High School group

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Coach Des and Coach Jim with the Warriors group

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Coach Des and Coach Stig with more of their high school players

Dragons Close Season with 19-4 Record

The New Palestine Dragons bowed out of the Regional opener at North Central when they were beaten 4-1 by Lawrence North Wildcats. The Dragons closed the season with a 19-4 winning record.

img_63202016 Sectional and County winners – the New Palestine Dragons

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Coach Des Evans with Tyler Swain and Nick Rusche – who had a great 16-0 season at No 2 doubles

img_63692016 Dragons team at the Regionals at North Central

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Dragons Move to 8-2

The New Palestine Dragons moved to 8-2 for the season with an impressive 5-0 victory over University Trailblazers and a final set narrow loss to Silver Creek.

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The 2016 Dragons Varsity squad

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Coach Jean Graham (on the left) was instrumental in the building of our new tennis pavilion. Here the players enjoy their lunch between matches on Saturday September 3.

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No 1 singles Matthew True

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No 1 doubles pair David Hockett and Patrick Heffernan

A Fun Tennis Summer – 2016

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Coach Des Evans

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62 players attended the junior program this summer at New Palestine

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Coach Des Evans’ 2016 Summer Junior Tennis Program at New Palestine High School has been a great success. The players have worked extremely hard and have shown significant improvement – especially playing in sweltering heat during the last 2 weeks

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The boys working on various doubles drills

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Talented current Number 1 singles player Matthew True is working hard with Coach Des Evans in preparation for the IHSAA Varsity Boys Tennis season which commences in August.

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Players enjoying one of the competitive drills

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Ashley Truman serves during a Davis Cup doubles match at the summer tennis program

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Carson Gavin working here with Matthew True – is likely to secure a singles spot in the N.P. Varsity line-up 2016

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The junior tennis program this summer has been great fun in excellent weather conditions – apart from some rain here and there!

Working on Ground Strokes & Serve

Coach Des Evans working with various junior players from New Palestine, Heritage and North Central

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Coach Des Evans feeding balls during a tennis lesson this summer

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Sam Keller of Heritage Christian

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Matthew True of New Palestine working on his forehand drive

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Henry Rodefeld of North Central

 Ivey Simmons of the New Palestine Dragons

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Carson Gavin of the Dragons

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Olivia Spicer of the Mount Vernon Marauders

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David Hockett of New Palestine

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Des Evans Summer Program at New Pal

52 players attended the Summer Program during the 2nd week. This included 6 to 10 year olds, middle school players and high school players. The red Dragons Summer Camp T-shirts were provided by IRC Team Sports

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A photo of players in the Summer Program during the 2nd week of June 2016

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Coach Brent Barrett feeding volleys to 10 and under players

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Coaches Craig Tammen and Brent Barrett organizing group drills with the 10 and under group

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Junior David Hockett plays a forehand during the “beat the defender” team game

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The High School group in the Des Evans Summer Tennis Program

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32 players attended the first week of the Program

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The high school clinic has been the most popular so far

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The junior program runs for 8 weeks thru’ July 28

DES EVANS SUMMER TENNIS

                       

                                     CREATING A WINNING TENNIS CULTURE

                                    Commitment      Character       Challenge

Coach Des Evans is a certified PTR Tennis Professional – 17 years at IRC                        New Palestine Dragons Boys & Girls Head Tennis Coach

Des’s 3 adult children all won Indiana State Team Championships with Carmel H.S. (Gareth twice). Nicola played 4 years college tennis for the Jags at IUPUI (Division 1) Stacey reached the final of the IHSSA State Girls Doubles in 2006.

8 WEEK JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM                                                                                                       Venue : New Palestine High School Tennis Courts 

Coach Des Evans will be assisted by Coaches Craig Tammen, Jean Graham and Veronica Clark ( Doe Creek Coach)

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Players will improve  strokes & serves ( techniques, placement, adding spin & power ), match tactics & strategies in singles & doubles, speed & fitness, mental approach and ability to compete at a higher level

Program

Tuesday May 31 to Thursday July 28 :-                    ( 4 days a week – Mon to Thurs)   1st Week Only – Tues May 31 to Friday June 2

Please Note – NO PLAY during Moratorium Week : July 4-7

Groups

Middle School & Jr High Players : Boys & Girls : Ages  11-14 : Mon to Thurs            8.30-10am.  Cost $72.00 per week
Discounted Price for Season – $528.00 ($66.00 per week – for 8 weeks)

High School Players : Boys & Girls : Ages 14 -18 : Mon to Thurs                                              10.00 am – 12 noon. Cost $96.00 per week
Discounted Price for Season – $720.00  ($90 per week – for 8 weeks)

Classes will focus on :-

  • Stroke Techniques & Swings Patterns
  • Singles & Doubles Strategies
  • Competitive group games and drills
  • Singles & Doubles Point Play
  • Mental Strategies for Competitive Play
                                                                                                                                                                Individual & Group Private Lessons Available with Des Evans by Arrangement

          Sign up with Des Evans on a weekly basis prior to 30 May

Des Evans Contact Information

Cell : (317) 332-8851    (Call or Text)                                                                                           Twitter – @zimprodesev                                                                                                                            Web-Sitehttp://www.desevanstennis.com                                                                                Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/desmond.evans

 

SUCCESSFUL SEASON CLOSES FOR DRAGONS TENNIS

The New Palestine Dragons closed a successful season at 20-2-1 at the Regional semi-finals at North Central

Freshman Matthew True had an oustanding season - finishing at 21-2
Freshman Matthew True had an outstanding season – finishing at 21-2 and was rewarded with “All Conference” status

Coach Des Evans with promising high school player Matthew True
Coach Des Evans with promising high school player Matthew True

The Dragon Varsity team with the Hancock County Championship trophy at Mt Vernon, Fortville.
The Dragon Varsity team with the Hancock County Championship trophy at Mt Vernon, Fortville.

“Coach T” Craig Tammen, Senior Nick Ochs and Coach Des Evans at the Regional semi-finals at North Central

Sophomore David Hockett and Senior Conner Page played at No 2 doubles
Sophomore David Hockett and Senior Conner Page played at No 2 doubles

Dragon team supporters at the Regional semi-finals
Dragon team supporters at the Regional semi-finals

The Dragon Varsity, J.V. teams and our lady Managers at the County Championship
The Dragon Varsity, J.V. teams and our Managers at the County Championship at Mount Vernon

The Dragons players during introductions at the Regionals at North Central
The Dragons players during introductions at the Regional semi-finals at North Central

Dragon seniors Josh McKinney and Evan
Dragon seniors Josh McKinney and Evan “Hands” Rejer with H.S.E.’s Josh De Fonce and Nick Krauter. The Royals beat the Dragons 5-0.

DRAGONS LOOKING GOOD SO FAR!

The New Palestine Dragons have worked extremely hard and have been rewarded with an impressive 18-1-1 record and a Hancock County Championship at Mount Vernon so far this 2015 season. Please follow their progress at :- http://newpalestineathletics.com/boys_tennis

Coach Des Evans
Coach Des Evans
Freshman Matthew True has had an outstanding season at 19-1.
Freshman Matthew True has had an outstanding season at 19-1.
No 1 doubles pairing Josh McKinney and Evan
No 1 doubles pairing Josh McKinney and Evan “Hands” Rejer have played an outstanding brand of high energy and attacking doubles this season
The Dragon Varsity team with the Hancock County Championship trophy at Mt Vernon, Fortville.
The Dragon Varsity team with the Hancock County Championship trophy at Mt Vernon, Fortville.

                          

The Dragon Varsity, J.V. teams and our lady Managers at the County Championship
The Dragon Varsity, J.V. teams and our lady Managers at the County Championship
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Coach T” Craig Tammen and Coach Des Evans with No 2 Varsity singles champ Matthew True who has an impressive 19-1 record!
No 1 Singles Coltin Espich has improved his performance in recent weeks
No 1 Singles Coltin Espich has improved his performance in recent weeks
Freshman Matthew True at No 2 Singles has had an outstanding season so far - with an impressive 13-1 record
Freshman Matthew True at No 2 Singles has had an outstanding season so far – with an impressive 19-1 record
No 1 Doubles Evan
No 1 Doubles Evan “Hands Rejer (With partner Josh McKinney) serves during a match at Pendleton Heights – with No 2 Doubles pair David Hockett and Conner Page on the adjacent court
Coach Des with a group of Varsity players and
Coach Des with a group of Varsity players and “Manager” Kenna Welch at Morristown during the 5-0 win
Varsity doubles player David Hockett sets up to play a volley
Varsity doubles player David Hockett sets up to play a volley
Dedicated freshman Matthew True has worked very hard to improve his service motion and to develop a 2nd serve
Dedicated freshman Matthew True has worked very hard to improve his service motion and to develop a 2nd serve
The Seniors with Manager Kenna at Delta
The Seniors with Manager Kenna Welch at Delta
Playing at No 1 Doubles Josh McKinney has been effective at the net
Playing at No 1 Doubles Josh McKinney has been effective at the net
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Evan “Hands” Rejer has combined well with Josh McKinney at No 1 Doubles
Matthew True has improved his service motion considerably this season
Matthew True has improved his service motion considerably this season
Nicholas Ochs has relied on the consistency of his ground stokes at No 3 Singles
Nicholas Ochs has relied on the consistency of his ground stokes at No 3 Singles
Coach Des with No 2 singles Matthew True after he extended his record to to 7 and 1 against Shelbyville
Coach Des with No 2 singles Matthew True after he extended his record to to 7 and 1 against Shelbyville
The Seniors satisfy their hunger after the 5-0 win at Shenandoah H.S. - Middleton, Indiana
The Seniors satisfy their hunger after the 5-0 win at Shenandoah H.S. – Middleton, Indiana

NEW HIGH SCHOOL BOYS TENNIS SEASON PROMISES TO BE EXCITING

New Palestine High School Boys Tennis Team with Coach Des Evans and Assistant Coach Craig Tammen
New Palestine High School Boys Tennis Team with Head Coach Des Evans and Assistant Coach Craig Tammen. Go Dragons!

The 2015 Dragons Varsity squad
The 2015 Dragons Varsity squad

The boys tennis team working on their conditioning at New Palestine
The boys tennis team working on their conditioning at New Palestine

New Palestine's Matthew True working on his serve
New Palestine’s Matthew True working on his serve

FUN SUMMER PROGRAM WINDS UP!

Coach Des Evans’ junior summer tennis program concluded on 30th July – well attended and the instruction, coaching drills and match play enjoyed by the participants.

Some of the 20 high school players who participated this year
Some of the 20 high school players who participated this year
The middle school group with Coach Des during the final week
The middle school group with Coach Des during the final week
One of the high school boys groups working hard this summer at Clay
One of the high school boys groups working hard this summer at Clay
A group of 10 and under girls had fun working with Coach Des this summer
A group of 10 and under girls had fun working with Coach Des this summer
Morgan Seagrave of Cathedral drives the ball down the line
Morgan Seagrave of Cathedral drives the ball down the line
Grant Lamkin of Hamilton Heights working on the loading phase of the forehand
Grant Lamkin of Hamilton Heights working on the loading phase of the forehand
Sam Luke of Bishop Chatard prepares to play a backhand volley
Sam Luke of Bishop Chatard prepares to play a backhand volley

WIMBLEDON – THE WORLD’S PREMIER GRAND SLAM

Wimbledon - the world's premier Grand Slam
Wimbledon – the world’s premier Grand Slam

Centre court is steeped in tradition
Centre court is a special venue which is steeped in tradition

Roger Federer practising on court 5 with coach Stefan Edberg
Roger Federer practicing on court 5 with coach Stefan Edberg

Des watching men's doubles semi on Court 3
Des watching men’s doubles semi on Court 3

Watching the action on Court 6
Watching the action on Court 10

Huge crowds watch the championships each day
Huge crowds watch the championships each day

THE SUMMER SEASON IS HERE!

Coach Des in action at Cathedral and Clay this summer 

Des coaching at Clay
Des coaching at Clay

Coach Des with the high school players in his clinic at Cathedral
Coach Des with the high school players in his clinic at Cathedral

Des' high school players at Cathedral
Des’ high school players at Cathedral

Coach Des with the 3 Sams in the high school group - Sam the Kline Man, Sam the Sham and Sam the Man!
Coach Des with the 3 Sams in the high school group – Sam the Kline Man, Sam the Sham and Sam the Man!

Des coaching private lessons at Clay
Des coaching private lessons at Clay

                                                                                                                      

The high school group
The high school group

The courts at Cathedral
The courts at Cathedral

High school players enjoying beautiful weather outdoors
High school players enjoying beautiful weather outdoors

The high school clinic
The high school group in action

Coach Des with Hadley and Devon at Clay
Coach Des with Hadley and Devon at Clay

Sam, Luke and Haley performing a groundstroke drill
Sam, Luke and Haley performing a ground stroke drill

Des with a group of middle school players at Cathedral
Des with a group of middle school players at Cathedral

Des with his Friday crew at East
Des with his Friday crew at East

Sunday early risers - coach Des and Jonathan!
Sunday early risers – coach Des and Jonathan!

Hadley freezes her forehand follow through
Hadley freezes her forehand follow through

Meredith holds her backhand follow through
Meredith holds her backhand follow through

The high school group enjoying playing in great weather outdoors
The high school group enjoying playing in great weather outdoors

Coach Des with promising junior Matthew True at Clay
Coach Des with promising junior Matthew True at Clay

Des with the high school group indoors at IRC
Des with the high school group indoors at IRC

EVANS FAMILY ARE PROUD CITIZENS OF THE UNITED STATES

A 15 year journey for Nicola, Gareth and Stacey to graduate from university and the family to become citizens of the United States. We are proud to be Americans!

New citizens of the United States - the Evans family
New citizens of the United States – the Evans family

Des with his great tennis mentors Ed Brune and Barbara Wynne who gave him invaluable support during the past 15 years.
Des with his great tennis mentors in Indianapolis – Ed Brune and Barbara Wynne – who gave him invaluable support during the past 15 years.

A proud new American citizen!
A proud new American citizen!

JUNIOR PLAYERS REFLECT ATTITUDE OF PARENTS

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Some over competitive and pushy parents place too much pressure on their children to be successful. They also refuse to accept responsibility for their son’s and daughter’s bad behavior on the tennis court or sports field. Parents and coaches should be scrupulously fair and always set a positive example.

I believe that young sports persons can be taught emotional control, mental toughness and good sportsmanship by learning the following 7 principles for lasting success:-

  • Love the challenge of competing – and enjoy the contest!
  • Respect the rules of the game, your opponents, coaches and parents
  • Accept that pressure, errors, failure and losing are part of the game
  • Establish realistic and attainable goals and ensure that levels of expectation are not too high
  • Focus on improving performance and do not concentrate merely on winning – be performance driven
  • Be an enthusiastic and good spirited team-mate – always encourage your partners or team members. Allow for an appropriate margin for error in sport – the perfectionist mentality leads to frustration and disappointment
  • Always try and give your best effort irrespective of whether you are winning or losing – never give up!

Be humble and respectful in victory and defeat. Champions do not gloat or “rub it in” when they win because they know that tomorrow they may be on the losing or receiving end.

DON’T BE A PUSHY PARENT!

DES’ CHALLENGE EVENTS CONTINUE HUGE POPULARITY

Des’s Junior Challenge night events which are held twice a month continue to be extremely popular – as are the family challenge events held on Thanksgiving morning and on New Year’s Day. Between 56 and 73 players participate in these events on a regular basis.

 

A full house at Des's junior challenge night
A full house at Des’s junior challenge night

 

The joint winners of the family challenge on Thanksgiving morning
The joint winners of the family challenge on Thanksgiving morning

 

ANOTHER SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAM CLOSES!

Yet another successful tennis program at IRC winds up! Fortunately, the weather was mild compared with last years intense heat. Numbers were up this year with Hector Clavijo, Sule Ladipo, Yulia Smirnova and myself involved in running the program which included juniors and adults.

Coach Des Evans
Coach Des Evans
Des with his high school players
Des with his high school players
Another photo of Des' high school group
Another photo of Des’ high school group
Coaches Hector Clavijo and Sule Ladipo running their elite players' group
Coaches Hector Clavijo and Sule Ladipo running their elite players’ group
Players from the elite group warming up
Players from the elite group warming up
Des with players from his middle school group
Des with players from his middle school group
Coach Des with Sam Luke and Sam Keller
Coach Des with Sam Luke and Sam Keller

WIMBLEDON – THE HOME OF TENNIS

Wimbledon is a special tennis venue with heaps of tradition. The whole event is run with slick professionalism and class.

An aerial view of the hallowed ground which is Wimbledon
An aerial view of the hallowed ground which is Wimbledon

Murray serving on Centre Court
Murray serving on Centre Court

Des in front of Centre Court last year
Des in front of Centre Court last year

Thousands of fans attend the championship each year
Thousands of fans attend the championship each year

Court 3 in front of the Members' Enclosure
Court 2 in front of the Members’ Enclosure and Centre Court

Center Court with the retractable roof
Center Court with the retractable roof

Ladies semis on center court last year - Radwanska playing Lisicki
Ladies semis on center court last year – Radwanska playing Lisicki

Des at the impressive new Wimbledon Court 2 stadium
Des at the impressive new Wimbledon Court 3 stadium watching the men’s doubles semi-finals

I enjoyed watching Del Potro playing David Ferrer on Center Court last year
I enjoyed watching Juan-Martin Del Potro playing David Ferrer on Center Court last year

Watching the Murray versus Verdasco quarterfinal on Center Court in 2013
Watching the Murray versus Verdasco quarterfinal on Center Court in 2013

Fernando Verdasco serving in the 5 setter against Andy Murray in 2013
Fernando Verdasco serving in the 5 setter against Andy Murray in 2013

Andy Murray lost the first 2 sets against Verdasco but won in 5 sets
Andy Murray lost the first 2 sets against Verdasco but won in 5 sets

Andy Murray serving in the Verdasco quarter which he won in 5 sets
Andy Murray serving in the Verdasco quarter which he won in 5 sets

Thousands of

SUMMER PROGRAM IN FULL SWING

IRC’s summer program is utilizing outdoor venues at Heritage and Cathedral school courts is in full swing this year!

Des with his middle school clinic
Des with his middle school clinic

Coach Evan Dorman feeding an adult class at Heritage
Coach Evan Dorman feeding an adult class at Heritage

Teenagers playing in the evening
Teenagers playing in the evening

Des' high school group at Heritage
Des’ high school group at Heritage

Sule Ladipo coaching an adult group at Heritage
Sule Ladipo coaching an adult group at Heritage

Brandon Gill coaching a group at Heritage
Brandon Gill coaching a group at Heritage

My teenage group at Heritage
My teenage group at Heritage

The high school group at Heritage
My high school group at Heritage – with coach Hector Clavijo on court in the background

Summer action in the evenings
Summer action in the evenings

IRC is utilizing Heritage and Cathedral venues for the summer program
IRC is utilizing Heritage and Cathedral venues for the summer program

SHARAPOVA AND NADAL CAPTURE 2014 FRENCH OPEN TITLES

Maria Sharapova deservingly lifted the French Open title – beating rising star Simona Halep of Rumania in 3 close sets in the final. Rafa proved too good for Novak Djokovic and captured his 9th French Open title. An amazing record on the red clay surface of Roland Garros!

Maria Sharapova celebrates her French Open Championship
Maria Sharapova celebrates her French Open Championship

Sharapova captured her 6th Grand Slam title at the French
Sharapova captured her 6th Grand Slam title at the French Open

Rafa beats Djokovic in 4 sets to capture his 9th French Open
Rafa beats Djokovic in 4 sets to capture his 9th French Open

Rafa lifts the French Open trophy for an incredible 9th Time!
Rafa lifts the French Open trophy for an incredible 9th time!