Morning June 13th, 1977

We showed up at 8:00 so we could get some hitting in. I hit with John Day, and we had a great hit with lots of deep balls and long rallies. I think we were all a bit nervous because of first day jitters. It was so dark and boreboding, but Mr. B was rearing to go.


Mr. B went to work and lectured us just like a college professor, it was mater of fact stuff, very simple teaching progressions. He emphasized stroke production and spotting errors. He is very much into fundamentals and 'lunch pail' common sense. he assured us that no one in the adult session was going to play on the pro tour and that we have to tailor our teaching to their needs and we have to be realistic yet tactful. He also took the time to tell a few stories about tennis and what its meant to his life. He said tennis will take you as far as you want to go, the only thing limiting us is us. He told us we are on our best behavior and we are never out of sight of anyone, and said that maybe we should remember that fact in our day to day lives.


Eric Riley then took the net while Mr. B. did demos of all the shots, everything was dead center with that perfect hitting sound, Riley's volleys were flawless and well placed, I have to say it was very intimidating.


Chris Russell Vick sat near by, shes from London and has a player sponsorship from Dunlop and she is a Mercersburg Academy Alumn; Becky Craft from Wellesley College sat next to her as well as Tom Sheridan from Georgia, Mark Sanderson from Plymouth State and John Day, I think all of our eyes were big as saucers. Ive done perhaps a couple dozen lessons in my life, I hope I measure up.