Board Meeting - October 12, 2015
Call to Order: Committee Chairman Glenn Hunter called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. This in attendance included: Glenn Hunter, James Montgomery, Joe Hinkle, Mike Null and guest Anjan Viplay.Approval of Minutes: No action taken.Old Business: Chairman Hunter stated we would forgo any old business and go immediately to the introduction of our guest.New Business: Chairman Hunter introduced the guest, Coach Anjan Viplav, who is the new Tennis Director for the Tennis Forever facility, formerly Kela Tennis Academy. Coach Viplav from India is a former ATP doubles ranked player and has been a USTPA certified professional with more than 15 years of experience in heading and managing tennis programs in academies in India and globally. He holds a degree in Business Management. He and his wife, who was also a professional player, are now running the Tennis Forever facility here in Lake City under a management contract they have to run and operate the facility. They currently have 5 boys from around the world that they are coaching in addition to several local boys enrolled in the Elite Player Development Program managed by Tom Moore. Coach "Anjan" said that north Florida is right for tennis and tennis tournaments; when you think of central and south Florida for tennis, many times tournaments are interrupted with rain delays. He believes that north Florida offers the best climate for year round tennis with limited weather delays.Coach Anjan said if the Committee can secure the land and get courts started with 4 or 6 with the ability to build more on site later; at least that would provide a start and help to generate more interest. Just need to "get the ball rolling". Tennis is a sport that knows no boundaries like most other sports. "I came to Lake City because of the tennis potential". A tennis complex is key to attracting tournaments to this community.Coach Anjan offered the Tennis Forever facility for gathering a membership drive, for posting information with his web site and offered his management expertise in developing a tennis complex. While he has limited experience in constructing courts and tennis complexes, he indicated he can put us in touch with some of the best designers. He said anything he can do to help promote tennis within the community, he would be happy to do so. Coach Anjan invited members of the Committee to come out anytime and see the work that is underway in constructing new courts and improvements to the facility and check out his web site at www.tennisforever.orgThe next TDC Sports Committee for Tennis Complex meeting is scheduled for December 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM. Chairman Hunter indicated we would not hold a meeting in November.Meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM.
