Sunday, March 29, 2009

3/27.09: Splendora Tennis Tournament: Three Locations: Caney Creek High,Splendora & New Caney High: 14 Schools Participated

The weather co operated most of the time. We would stop and start again when the drops came down. Ms Lang, pro bus driver and my assistant coach, and I stayed at Caney Creek and the other players kept in touch by cell phone. Seemed like our doubles teams played the hardest teams the first round-- therefore, they ended up in the finals in consolation. Bakari & Ja Marcus lost 9 -7 to Tarkington--they played hard and strong----just was not our day-- rather take the loss today and improve for district, which is April 6th at Barbers Hill-- we are ranked 3rd in A Boy's Doubles-- Kingwood Park and Barbers Hill have super strong teams----we have super strong teams and we are striving for excellence.

Johnathan & La Shun are B Boys Doubles and they also, played strong ( When they got warmed up--they are 9th graders who have made so many steps forward since they joined our group around Christmas time-- they are on the courts till 5 or 6 every afternoon) Finals in B Doubles.

SENIORS: CAMILLE BISOR & TIMOTHY EDWARDS brought home the medals in mixed doubles. They have missed part of team tennis season and regular season due to their desire to pass TAKS--Tennis is #2--- TAKS is #1.

All eleven players worked hard and made us very proud of them. They gave up going for afternoon snacks ( We provide food during the day) so that Senior Allen Jefferson, could make it to his job on time.

Everyone contributes and respects each others needs and wants. Ms. Lang & I enjoyed our day in the piney woods at Caney Creek High School.

We are looking forward to district.

Found a new slogan that I like: What matters is the trip--- and the sights along the way!

Special thanks to senior, Joshua, for coming Friday. He received an award in the UIL Play the night before-- had little sleep and still won in the first round in the tournament. Then we let him rest--- he was exhausted.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

March 23rd: Seeding Meeting & School Board Meeting

March 23rd was a busy day.

Coach Hrncir went to Barbers Hill for district seeding meeting concerning district, which starts April 6th at Barbers Hill. Ja Marcus and Bakari are seeded 3rd, Barbers Hill & Kingwood Park are 1st and 2nd. It is going to be tough and we have been in these situations before. We have a good group of kids-- and they will give it their all---either way, it has been a great year.

I flew back to the tennis courts, brushed my teeth & drove to the Board Room. Ms. Lang had already drove the kids to the Administration Building.( She is the most on task assistant coach & bus driver that I have ever had) Our high school boy's basketball team, football team and tennis team were awarded Excellence Awards. Our Award goes to the Wayne Bryan Family-- they have opened up so many doors for us over the last nine years and we are thankful.
Mr. Russell LOVED the excellent award and wants to display it in the trophy case at North Forest High School. I have contacted our communications person and she will mail the Wayne Bryan Family the exact award. This is the third or fourth award to his family in the last nine years. NFISD knows that we have accomplished alot due to this outstanding benevolent tennis family. We are deeply thankful for their generosity.

A special thank you to Annetta Stoneham for coming and sharing this special celebration with us. Mrs. Stoneham and I taught together for nearly 15 years and she is the one that recommended me for the head position in tennis. She is a good friend, great educator, and super tennis coach. She mentored me and helped me to strive for seemingly unattainable goals. I am very blessed.

We are going to the Splendor Tournament at New Caney High School Friday. Just hope that the bad weather does not wash out our tournament. This is the last one until district.

Special thanks to Bakari, Joshua, Ana & Samantha for showing their leadership and co operation Monday. ( They followed directions-- practice-- snacks-- bus to the Admin. building with Ms. Lang)We looked great at the Board Meeting in our Bob and Mike Shirts. All were on task. Again, thank you Ms. Lang, you are one of a kind & deeply appreciated.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

March 12th: Results CE King Tournament & Surprise Celebration for Coach Hrncir: Teacher of the Year at NFHS

P. Dodd of CE King was smart to switch the Varsity Tournament from the 12th to the 11th. He studied the weather reports and knew that a storm was coming in. Good news was that we shorten the sets Wed. and was able to get alot of tennis played before the weather changed.
Bakari, JaMarcus and Joshua got 3rd place and Tim Edwards & Camille Bisor won consolation.
Others placed, but we played so many sets that I got confused-- Coach Dodd will forward to me when he figures it out. A good time was had by all.

March 12th: During my 6th period conference, two tennis players came to interview me for Ms. Jermany-- questions about the honor of being Campus Teacher of the Year at NFHS. Then an ex student called me about coming to tennis courts and the school nurse wanted to walk in the rain to the tennis courts to talk to me about a student and my dedication to my players. When I opened the upstairs press box & the lock was not locked-- ( I thought-- those baseball coaches forgot to lock up--darn them) and all the players, Mrs. Lang, Ms. McCoy and an assistant to Mrs. Lang was there to yell surprise. I was screaming-- I was shocked and thrilled at the same time. THIS WAS A BEAUTIFUL CELEBRATION. Parents, players, teachers and staff had donated money, a goodie peace bag which contained so many treats, food, fruit, gorgeous plant, beautiful cake, made my Mrs. Lang---teacher of the year script on top, etc. Needless to say I am sincerely touched by every ones kindness and good wishes. Loved the card signed by everyone-- by Maya Angelou: "A joyful spirit is evidence of a grateful heart. " I have taught in NFISD for 35 years and I can honestly say it has been a great adventure. There are many people that appreciate all that we have been able to accomplish with the help of everyone working together. We are thankful for the Wayne Bryan Family, super teachers, administrators, staff, school board and all the people who have been along for the journey & touched our lives.

March 23rd: Don't Forget: Practice after school--will have great sandwiches & drinks--then with Bob and Mike Shirts and Jeans get on the School Bus with Mrs. Lang & Ms. Smith. You will travel to the Board Room of NFISD-- We will be acknowledged by the Board and Bakari and JaMarcus will briefly thank everyone for allowing us to travel to the Davis Cup and briefly share experiences. Joshua who went two years ago will speak briefly. Parents will be there and other High School support staff. Coach Hrncir has a 3:30 seeding meeting at Barbers Hill--hopefully I will be back by 7:00p.m.-- but I cannot be sure. Know that I leaving my players in good hands with great folks who will continue to help us be successful.

Happy Spring Break!
North Forest High Tennis Players & Coach H

Monday, March 9, 2009

March 9th, 2009--Going back home to H Town

We checked out of the hotel at 4:30 a.m and off to the airport we went. Small airport, but long line and no person to check in bags-----after we checked in bags( a 20 min. wait) and did the security thing--- bought a newspaper and got loaded on the plane. ( Some folks told me a small airport---you can be there at 5 :30 a.m.-- glad that I went a little early) When we got back to Houston, we all got confused--especially me---We parked in Terminal C and took tram to B early Friday morning-- I had it backwards--thought we parked in B and took tram to C. A nice man in a white truck helped us solve our situation. I was born and raised in Houston Texas and I still get confused and especially with all our adventures over the last three days-- Give me a break. We took everything in stride. Life lessons occur every day.

Then I get a e mail to change Thursday Tournament to Wed. due to bad weather coming.
We will adapt. Life is change. Thanks for following our quest.

We will be blogging about our last two tournaments, district & regional play offs, & Bob and Mike coming to H town in April 6th for Men's Claycourt Championships. If you are interested, River Oaks has some tickets left--better get them in advance before they sell out. Wayne Bryan will be the emcee and Bob & Mike are ranked #1 in Doubles. Hope to see you there.

Thanks, Coach Hrncir

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Day 3 March 8, 2009 Davis Cup

This is Bakari blogging from Birmingham Alabama. I met some new friends Ray,coach Joe, Emily and including Wayne and all his crew. An awesome victory to the U.S team . I congratulate the Bryan brothers , Andy Roddick and James Blake for there outstanding victory. Best of all I thank my terrific tennis coach Mrs. Hrncir.


Hello! This is JaMarcus blogging to you one last time before we head back home. Congradulations to team U.S team for there outstanding victory. It was a great pleasure seeing you in action this weekend. Also I'd like to give thanks to Wayne Bryan, Bob and Mike Bryan, Coach Joe, Susan, Randy, David and the rest of Waynes crew for everything and all the support they have given us over the past years. Most of all of all I'd like to thank Coach Hrncir for her love and care. She has kept me going strong for three years.


This is Coach Hrncir: We had a great day--- Andy won in three sets-- third set was a tie breaker. The crowd went wild when everyone realized that the USA won-- and would be moving to the next round. James won two out of three sets. We really enjoyed our experiences. Birmingham is a beautiful city who knows how to treat visitors-- we felt such warmth--
Would strongly recommend a visit, if you not tied up with Davis Cup for three days.
We experienced memories that will last a life time for me, Bakari & Ja Marcus. Special thanks to everyone that touched our lives during the Davis Cup in Birmingham, Al.

Houston Texas-- we are coming home.

March 8th, 3rd Day-9:40 a.m.--JMan & Baco Bites are hitting with pro Joe G. & his Tennis Crew

Gooood Morning--- This is Coach Hrncir
Got up early to hit the exercise room and talk with many great early birds across the country that have come together for the love of tennis and to support the USA. Young, old and in between-- they all have the same great spirit. It really has been a joy to be in such a positive tennis environment.

Saw Wayne and his crew this a.m. at breakfast. Everyone is excited about the Davis Cup and what will happen today---I am taking a few min. to reflect on this adventure. J Man & Baco Bites have really grown in their knowledge of tennis. They was gotten involved in everything--going with Wayne and Crew to Junior drills and thrills Sat. morning and this morning--ready to go and hit with Joe G & his tennis crew. Hard for me to stay in the know with their busy schedules.

Today will be a great day!!!!!!!!! We leave tomorrow early in the a.m. Our flight is at 6:00a.m. and I am assured that if we leave the hotel at 4:30---- we will have plenty of time. Airport is 7 min. away-----don't want to cut it too close-- anything could go wrong--- want to have that extra time.We are adjusting to the time change and the weather here is beautiful--- but---

Special thanks to USTA for helping us along the way. Also, special thanks to the Wayne Bryan Family was letting us go along on this great quest. We have memories to last a life time!

All three of us will bog tonight after the matches. Thank you for reading our blogs-- thank you for your support & encouragement. We do make a difference in N.F.I.S.D.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Day 2--- Davis Cup--March 7th, 2009

Hi! JaMarcus here again.
Today we woke up around seven o'clock in morning to eat breakfast at the hotel. food was great and well served. Afterwards we headed off to Hoover tennis/golf country club to participate in Wayne Bryan's coaching clinic.

There were about a hundred people there and approximately ten to twelve coaches. Before we started the clinic Wayne showed us some excellent volley drills that my partner and I are sure to use & also gave out some prizes to the participants. During the clinic I learned mainly a few tips on how to volley, where to place the ball when battling at the net and a few more tennis drills. I was surprised on how much progress we made with so many people and how well mannered everybody was at the clinic. It made the experience I had there even more enjoyable.

Later on around a quarter to twelve we headed out to support our favorite doubles team composed of Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan, also known as "The Bryan Brothers", play against Yves Allegro and Stanislas Wawrinka (Switzerland 's doubles team). The Bryan Brother flew through match thanks there excellent serve and volleying skill with a score of 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-6 and a tiebreaker of 7-2. Bye for now, will get back with you tomorrow.



Today was just a joyous day. My partner and I woke up this morning excited about the new day. We both marched downstairs to eat breakfast . I got to meet new people during breakfast . After breakfast we went to a fun clinic at Hoover tennis/golf country club.I had a great time and I got to meet new friends.We were there for about three hours doing different drills and games After such an awesome clinic we then had to rush back to the Embassy Suite hotel and change clothes . The shuttle was there waiting for us so it was pretty convenient .Jamarcus and I have really learned how the game of tennis should be played. My experiences today were so awesome.


Hi! Coach Hrncir here:
I slept like a log and woke early to head to the exercise room. Met a nice couple from USTA & we talked as we worked out. Wayne, Joe, Susan Evans and other pro's met at breakfast to car pool to the Hoover Tennis/Golf Country Club. Such a beautiful location out in the country with rolling hills and about 15 state of the art tennis courts.

Wayne & Crew had well over 150 players from 5 years old to 19 years old to divide into groups. I was amazed by the organizational skills of all the pro's--rotations--new kids every 10 to 12 min. Many skills & drills---players of all levels were working together and bonding. They all loved the game and wanted to grow-- a thrill to watch.

We headed back to the Embassy Suites to change into our red,white and blue clothes. then we rushed to the Davis Cup opening activities. Bob & Mike won the first two sets-- Switzerland won the 3rd and USA defeated Switzerland in a 4th set tie breaker. Bob & Mike were thrilling under the pressure. The roar of the crowd was unbelievable-- such energy.

Bob & Mike stayed to hug family & friends. They are always considerate to their many fans and supporters.

Another full day of tennis---a blessing.

We ordered room service and are looking towards the pool.

USA has won 2-- Switzerland 1--- We have to win one out of the two matches in singles tomorrow. We are behind Andy & James---Everyone works hard to win for the USA.
Go USA

Friday, March 6, 2009

Great Day--Day 1: Davis Cup: USA vs Switzerland

This is Bakari and I'm blogging from Birmingham, Alabama. Attending the Davis Cup has been a wonderful experience so far. I am learning so much from Wayne Bryan and the great U.S players. As the weekend goes by I will continue learning from the great coaches around me. Tomorrow my partner and I will help put on a clinic with Wayne Bryan. Blake lost in four sets,but it was a close match. Roddick won in a tie break 7-5. Everybody roared with victory.


Hello! This is JaMarcus Payton speaking. Today was a great day for tennis as we ventured out to Birmingham, Alabama to watch the great U.S. tennis team battle against team Switzerland in singles for the first day of the Davis Cup. The matches were very exciting and had a lot of long rallies that showed key strategies that are important in today's world of tennis. I look forward to tomorrows junior tennis clinic----Bakari and I will assist and learn new drills and skills. Also, Bob & Mike play at 1:00. We have made signs and banners--we are ready to cheer them on to victory.


Hi: This is Coach Hrncir:
We all got up at 4:00 a.m. and met at JaMarcus's House by 5:30 a.m. We parked in B-- and of course-- we should have parked in C-- Express Jet--- Took tram over the building to Terminal C. Our flight was on time & we were off by 7:50. The flight was about an hour & a half and we took the shuttle from the airport to the Embassy Suites. We were too early to check in-- therefore we left our suitcases and rackets with the kind lady at the front desk and got on the TSTA Coach Bus to go to the Convention Center. We were there when they opened and took it all in-- the signs, horns, vendors, and of course, our box seats. It was a thrill to see Andy warm up and all the folks taking pictures and we were there for the opening -introductions of both teams and of course the convention center went wild when USA team was introduced.

Wayne Bryan and all the Bryan Bunch made us feel accepted and appreciated. Many of the folks I had met over the years-- many positive comments about my kids and our tennis program in Houston Texas. We are proud to be the adopted school of the Wayne Bryan Family.

James Blake played S.Wawrinka--over three hours-- Wawrinka had a big serve and strong back hand--James went four sets and lost in a tie breaker. He played long and hard for the U.S.A. team. Know that he will come back strong Sunday.

Andy won the first two sets-- 6-1 and 6-3. The third set was a tie breaker and it could have gone any way--- Andy pulled it off. Chiudinelli was strong and Andy was strong--- baseline to baseline-- fast serves and plays that were hard to describe. One time Andy rolled on the ground, got up-- back and forth rally-- had us all on our feet--- clapping for both players. That instant relay will be around for a long time.

As we left the Convention Center in the dark, I noticed that we had a alot of phone calls from parents--we returned them on the TSTA Coach. TSTA is a great organization and does alot for tennis. We were allowed in the hospitality room hosted by TSTA. That was very nice.

We checked into the Embassy Suites, the guys wrote their short blogs and ventured out to meet with other tennis playing folks. Everyone loves our Bob and Mike shirts. JMan & Baco Bits have made alot of new friends and looking forward to helping Wayne and pro's work a junior clinic tomorrow morning. I have been asked to go, therefore I will take pictures for our North Forest High Library Displays. We should be back in time to change clothes and get on the TSTA Coach Bus to the Convention Center. Tomorrow, we are asked to wear red ,white and blue. Look for us cheering on the Tennis Channel.

I will check out the exercise room and hit the sack-- it has been a long day-- but a great day.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Tennis Notebook: Dale Robertson: "Wins sweeten River Oaks Field

March 5, 2009
Tennis Notebook: Wins sweeten River Oaks field
Clay Courts flush with 2009 tourney victors
By DALE ROBERTSON Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Good guys
The Bryans and their father, Wayne, who will again handle emcee duties at the Clay Courts and conduct an instruction clinic, have come through again for the young tennis players in the struggling North Forest School District.
North Forest High School coach Loretta Hrncir and two of her players, Jamarcus Payton and Bakari Samin, fly off early Friday morning to attend the U.S. Davis Cup match against Switzerland in Birmingham, Ala., this weekend with all expenses being paid by Wayne, Bob and Mike. The Bryans also took Hrncir and a couple of her players to the U.S.-Spain Davis Cup final in Portland in 2007.
All the Bryans are asking in return is that the North Forest gang blogs live from the event. You’ll find their observations at www.northforesttennis.blogspot.com during the tournament.