Midtown Weston Men’s 3.5 Tennis Team Heads to Nationals
In August of this year, the 3.5 18+ USTA Men's Tennis Team*, the Florida State Champions, led by Captain Fernando Moreno, won the State Championship in Daytona, and in doing so qualified for Nationals in Mobile, Alabama, scheduled for October 7-9, 2016.
The team defeated South Miami Dade 4-1 in the semifinals, and in the final, the team won against Alachua 5-0 without losing a single set.
The team heads to Mobile in October to represent Midtown.
Head Coach and Adult Tennis Director Ismael Rosales will accompany the team. Also assisting with this team are coaches Laurent Leclerc, Robbie Manchester, Carlos Porfirio, Emilio Baez, Uriel Oquendo, and Michael Mills.
Ismael is no stranger to winning teams. Since he came to work for Midtown in January 2011, this team has gone to states every single year. Some of this year’s team members have been on this team right from the beginning.
Ranging in age from 22 to 53, the team members play in singles leagues, and USTA mixed doubles leagues.
They train together 2-to-3 times a week on Thursdays and Saturdays, and sometimes Tuesdays.
In addition, many take private lessons, and participate in drills and Cardio Tennis. Several members of this team also played in the Midtown Cup earlier this year, and the winners traveled to Midtown Athletic Club in Bannockburn, IL for the Summer Adult Challenge.
The team is a family. They socialize together. Their significant others are friends. They have a remarkable chemistry that plays out both on and off the court, which no doubt has contributed to their success.
However, the team faced several challenges on its road to Nationals.
Two members had knee surgery last year. Alberto Ettedgui sustained an injury during the state championships this year. Ruben Lisman had knees surgeries last year, but both are playing in Alabama.
Good luck, team! We’re rooting for you next month and wish you the best of luck.
(*Missing from the team photo is Luis Di Lauro)