Title by Greg Beemster

I first met Greg Beemster in the early summer of 1994. I guess I couldn't help noticing the bright yellow Estusa racquets flashing around the courts at The Tam Tennis & Fitness Center and thought, who would dare use these racquets besides Jimmy Connors, and even JC had stopped using them by that time. As a player Greg had a long way to go on many levels. He had great footwork, speed and endurance, but he did not possess a big serve (for someone 6'3") or volleys. As a baseliner his downstrokes were okay but he still lacked a weapon, especially on the forehand side. At the suggestion of one of the other pros at the club I began hitting with Greg and developing his all around game. As with most things, the more you do it the better you get. You become more and more aware and comfortable. The shots become second nature and at some point it all becomes muscle memory. But no matter how accomplished the strokes are it doesn't mean a thing unless you know how to play the game. I'm talking of course about strategy. Knowing what to do and when to do it is EVERYTHING in tennis. Little by little I imparted this specialty and Greg took it all like a scholar. When I started coaching him he was losing a lot of matches that he should have won, but within one year he turned this around dramatically, beating the most troublesome opponents in the most imaginative ways. I'm not sure exactly how much damaged equipment we're responsible for as a result of Greg's opponents' post-match temper tantrums but I snicker about it. Greg snickers too. It's the snicker of champions. Oh, by the way, that forehand was now officially considered a weapon by every player who felt its sting. If only I can somehow transform Greg into a serve and volleyer! Some hope! I think I can safely say that he'll not soon be a doubles specialist! But I realize that the collection of hardware on the mantle speaks for itself. Hard work and dedication does pay off, and to Greg and his titles I can only say, Game, Set, Match, Greg Beemster!

----- Lester Moy
(Greg's Tennis Coach)

Born during the first few seconds of 1981; many decades later: still here.

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