Mike Schijf 2005 Southern Utah #1 Player in Super Saturday Tennis

With a victory in the semifinals of the last event of 2005 Mike Schijf insured a win over Jason Whittington in the 2005 year championship race. Mike Finished with 6,655 points while Jason even by winning the New Years Eve Championships wound up 30 points short at 6,625. It was an exciting though cold day of tennis Saturday December 31st 2005 but the action on court was hot and heavy.

The semifinal between Mark Schoutens and Mike was for the championship! For Mike, Mark was just the person who could keep Mike from the goal and so the pressure was on. Mark won the service toss and held his serve easily until the third game of the third set. In fact both players were holding serve and it looked as if it would be a historic occassion of a perfect match. Mark lost his serve for the first time in the tournament in the third set giving Mike a golden opportunity to take the victory and the year end championship on his racquet. To secure the break and take a commanding lead in the final set Mike missed his first two points and went down 0-30 and lost his serve. This set up the difficulty challenge of breaking the hardest server in the tournament. Mark got up 30-0 but somehow Mike was able to dig and fight and crawl back even only to face a a match point. In the next point Mark hit a deep forehand and followed it in but Mike put up a lob that landed on the line.

"I looked at it and thought about calling it out but it was too close." Mark said. "It was too big of a point to make a bad call."

Mike was inspired by that shot and his strong forehands and won the next point and then broke Mark for the second time to win the semifinal and secure the year ending #1 position. There were no losers in this match up as they continued to hit lines and play aggressively to the end. Mike came back and won the match in a fantastic finish to a great season.

The final was certainly no relaxation as Jason Whittington was out to prove a point. After losing a close first set Jason came back to win the final in three sets 2-3, 3-2, 3-1 with the quality of the points equal to the previous match. Jason had to play with focus and determination to beat a new player to the Saturday Tour, Brian Kasteler 3-1, 3-1. Tiffany Kasteler, Brian's wife was able to win the consolations with very steady play in all of her matches with a 3-2, 3-1 win over Chris Ashworth.

Bishop wins Christmas Championships
Played 12/24/2005
ST. GEORGE-Donny Bishop is fast becoming the most dominate player in Southern Utah with a powerful display in his victory over the field in the Christmas Open. In the finals he defeated Jason Whittington for the third straight time 2-3, 3-1, 3-0.

“We should flip for it and get it over with now.” Jason said as the draw was revealed before the tournament action began since they have met in the finals in consecutive events. All Jason could say after the event was “It was Donny's Day.”

And so it was as he took out Taylor Richards 3-0, 3-0 in the first round, Jason's Father Rick Whittington and the 50 to 55 Gold Medalist in Singles and doubles this year. In the semifinals Donny was able to get a break and hold serve to defeat the top seed Richard Wigley 2-3, 3-1, 3-2.

Jason defeated Jeremy Atkin in his semifinal 3-2, 2-3, 3-0 in a hotly contested battle where every point was hit with purpose and energy. Kiley Beaumont of Costa Mesa California lost in the first round to Jeremy 3-0, 2-3, 3-1 but came back to win the consolations with a victory over Taylor Richards 3-2, 2-3, 3-2.

The New Years Open will settle the year end championships with Mike Schijf leading closely pursued by Jeremy Atkin, Jason Whittington and Kevin Orton. The event will be played at Tonaquint on Saturday starting at 10:30AM. All players are invited. Call 668-6084 or go to www.teachingtennis.com for more information.
FINALS: Donny Bishop def. Jason Whittington 2 3 3 1 3 0 SEMIFINALS: Bishop def. Richard Wigley 2 3 3 1 3 2 Jason Whittington def. Jeremy Atkin 3 2 2 3 3 0 QUARTERFINALS: Donny Bishop def. Rick Whittington 3 2 3 0; Jason Whittington def. Al Andreas 3 1 3 0; Wigley Dan Gibbons 3 0 3 0; Atkin def. Kiley Beaumount 3 0 2 3 3 1 R-16:Donny Bishop def. Taylor Richards 3 0 3 0;
Consolations: Beaumont def. Richards 3 2 2 3 3 2; C-Semis: Beaumont def. Al Andreas 2 3 3 2 3 0; Richards def. Dan Gibbons 3 1 3 0; Quarters: Beaumont Dan Gibbons 3 1 3 1; Andreas def. Richards 2 3 3 0 3 2;

Bishop Wins Holiday Open
Played 12/18/2005
The Holiday Open displayed some of the finest tennis talent in Southern Utah with Donny Bishop winning a hard hitting battle with Jason Whittington 1-3, 3-2, 3-2 to win the event. In the quarterfinals Jason knocked out Cedar City's Kevin Orton 3-0, 1-3, 3-1. Seven of the 17 matches in the tournment were decided in a third set showing the level of the competition. The consolation was worthy of any main draw final with Mike Schijf fighting off two match points to come back and win the match over Glenn Auerbach 3-2, 1-3, 3-2.

FINALS: (6)Donny Bishop def. (7)Jason Whittington 1-3, 3-2, 3-2; SEMIFINALS: Whittington def. (5)Isaac Nelson 3-0, 3-0; Bishop def. (1)Richard Wigley 3-1, 2-3, 3-1; QUARTERFINALS: Whittington def. (2)Kevin Orton 3-0, 1-3, 3-1; Bishop def. (4)Mike Schijf 3-1, 3-0; Wigley def. (8)Mark Schoutens 0-3, 3-2, 3-2; Nelson def. (3)Glenn Auerbach 3-1, 2-3, 3-1; R-16: Orton def. Marci Sheffield 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. Al Andreas 3-1, 3-0. Consolation Finals: Schijf def. Auerbach 3-2, 1-3, 3-2;

Schijf wins December Classic Tournament 
Played 12/11/2005
ST. GEORGE: Pine View's Mike Schijf won the December Classic Super Saturday
Tennis Tournament over Donny Bishop 3-1, 3-0.  The score did not reflect the
intensity of the battle. In the second set Mike hit a short ball that landed
short and high. Donny hit an overhead with blistering speed but as with many
of the points Mike anticipated the return and blocked it back into an open
court. Donny could only watch as what he thought was a sure winner was but
just not his. It was the best point of the match.

"I play better against hard hitters and nobody can hit the ball harder than
Donny." Mike said. "I was down 5-8 against Mark in the tiebreaker. I just
focused on keeping the ball over the net and it got me through to the
final."

Donny was able to out hit Jason Whittington 3-2, 2-3, 3-2 in an excellent
display of top level power tennis while Mike Schijf and Mark Schoutens chose
to grind out every point 6-4, 3-6 10-8 in a two hour match preceding the
final. Mark went on to win the consolations with a 3-0, 3-2 final over
Taylor Richards.

The Holiday Open is scheduled for Saturday, December 17th starting at 10:30
AM. The Super Saturday Tournaments open to all players who wish to compete
in a quick and enjoyable short set format. The cost is $5.00 and for more
information call 668-6887 or visit our website on the internet at
www.teachingtennis.com.

FINALS: (6)Mike Schijf def. (2)Donny Bishop 3-1, 3-0; SEMIFINALS: Bishop def
(3)Jason Whittington 3-2, 2-3, 3-2; Schijf def. (8)Richard Wigley default;
QUARTERFINALS: Schijf def. (4)Mark Schoutens 6-4, 3-6 10-8; Whittington def.
(5)Kyle Kezos 6-4, 3-0; Bishop def. (7)Marc Manuele 3-0, 3-0; Wigley def.
(1)Matt Glendenning 3-0, 3-0; R-16: Bishop def. Marci Sheffield 3-0, 3-0;
Manuele def. Taylor Richards 3-1, 3-1; Glendenning def. Branden Green 3-0,
3-2;  Consolation Final: Schoutens def. Richards 3-0, 3-2; C-Semis: Richards
def. Sheffield 3-0, 3-2; C-Quarters: Richards def. Branden 3-2, 3-2; Kezos
def. Manuele 1-3, 3-2, 3-1; Branden def. Sheffield 3-0, 0-3, 3-1.

Schoutens battles to win at Super Saturday tennis tournament

ST. GEORGE - A determined Mark Schoutens battled throughout the day to win his first Super Saturday Tournament with a victory over his nemesis, Jason Whittington 3-1, 1-3, 3-2 in the finals of the WinterSunshine Championships.

Schoutens first faced Taylor Richards in the first round, winning the contest 3-1, 2-3, 3-1. In the quarterfinals he faced two-time former champ Kyle Kezos who had him on the ropes but Schoutens fought back from a third-set deficit and won 3-1, 0-3, 3-2. In the seminfinals he took out second-seeded Richard Wigley 3-0, 3-1 to set up the final against Whittington.

"Every time I play Jason it's destiny,"Schoutens said at the changeover going into the third set. "I win the first set, lose a close second set and get blown out in the third."

When the last shot hit the net and Schoutens had won the match, he held his arms up, elated and exhausted. He played four matches in three hours on the stadium court and won his first final.

"It was Mark's day today." Whittington said. "Kyle had him down 2-0 in the third and he survived. I've seen this happen a lot where a player on the brink of an early exit comes back and wins when they could or should have lost and then they go on a roll and win the whole thing.It was a fun tournament. Mark played his heart out."

Marc Manuele won the consolations over Allie Bergen3-1, 3-1. "Allie's a good player," Manuele said of his opponent. "She is really moving well and hitting solid shots."After losing in the main drawn to Mike Schijf 0-3, 2-3 Bergen went on to beat Kaytee Clayton 3-1, 3-0 and Taylor Richards 3-0, 3-1 to make it to the consolation final.

This weekend Super Saturday Tennis continues at 10:30 a.m. Call 668-6887 for more information or go to www.teachingtennis.com on the Internet.

Burkley wins Thanksgiving Championships

ST. GEORGE - Chris Burkley won the Fifth annual Thanksgiving Championship over Jason Whittington 3-1, 3-1. The tournament was the 101st singles event played at the St. George's Tonaquint Tennis center in the Super Saturday Series. Burkley is one of the series winningest players with a 53-7 overall record and 10 tournament victories.

"The windy conditions did not bother me as much as the other players and my serve was on." Burkley said. "I faced good players in every round. To be able to beat in straight sets Mike Schijf, Sam Moyle and Jason Whittington in one day takes a lot of effort."

In his victory march, Burkley overcame Allie Bergen 3-0, 3-0 in the first round, Mike Schijf 3-2, 3-1 in the quarterfinals, Sam Moyle 3-1, 3-1 in the semifinals and in the finals Jason Whittington. Mike Schijf went on to claim the consolations after a slow start to win convincingly 2-3, 3-0, 3-0 over Eric Mathis.

The WinterSunshine Championships will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Tonaquint. The tournament is open to all players at a cost of $5 per player. For more information call 668-6887 or visit www.teachingtennis.com on the Internet.

FINALS: (6)Chris Burkley def. (2)Jason Whittington 3-1, 3-1; SEMIFINALS: Burkley def. (1)Sam Moyle 3-1, 3-1 Whittington def. (3)Mark Schoutens 3-1, 3-0; QUARTERFINALS: Burkley def. (4)Mike Schijf 3-2, 3-1; Whittington def. (7)Eric Mathis 3-0, 3-0; Moyle def. (8)Nancy Unglamb 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. (5)Matt Glendenning 1-3, 3-1, 3-0; R-16: Moyle def. (16)Taylor Richards 3-2, 3-1; Unglamb def. Marci Sheffiled 3-0, 3-1; Schijf def. Geri Lynn 3-0, 3-0; Burkley def. Allie Bergen 3-0, 3-0; Glendenning def. Josh Johansen 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. Al Andreas 3-1, 3-0; Mathis def. Phil Shuler 3-0, 3-2; Whittington def. Austin Richards 3-1, 3-0; R-32: Schoutens def. Matt Richards 3-2, 3-2. Consolations; Mike Schijf def. Eric Mathis 2-3, 3-0, 3-0; C-SEMIS: Schijf def. Taylor Richards 3-0, 3-0; Mathis def. Bergen 2-3, 3-2; 3-2; C-QUARTERS: Bergen def. Geri Lynn 3-0, 3-0; Richards def. Unglamb 3-2, 3-2; Schijf def. Al Andreas 3-0, 3-0; Mathis def. Josh Johansen 3-1, 3-1; Early Rounds: Bergen def. Phil Shuler 3-0, 3-0; Geri Lynn def. Matt Richards 3-2, 3-1; Mathis def. Austin Richards 3-0, 3-0.

Kevin Orton takes Desert Masters Crown

ST. GEORGE: Cedar City's Kevin Orton survived a match point against his own serve in the finals of the Desert Masters Tennis Championships and held on to win 2-3, 3-0, 3-2 break the serve of Kayenta's Richard Wigley in the final game. Every point was contested with strong groundstrokes from both players. It was a quality tennis match.

"I am very disappointed in losing a big event like this because I had a good chance to win this one." Richard said. "There are a lot of good reasons why Kevin is the points leader and was seeded number one. He has a great mental game, he is very consistent, in great shape and doesn't have any obvious weaknesses. It was a good match."

"I came as close to losing the match as you can get but my serve showed up for me when I needed it." Kevin said. "This tournament pushed me to the limit. Everyone was really on top of their game and I was playing at the top of my game hitting deep off the backhand and forehand."

Kevin won his first round match over Glenn Auerbach 3-0, 3-2, then took out Mike Schijf 3-2, 3-1 in the quarterfinals and Tom Baker 3-2, 3-0 in the semifinals. Baker was taken to three sets by Chris Burkley 1-3, 3-1, 3-1 while Richard Wigley struggled versus Todd Tarter 3-2, 2-3, 3-0 after facing a strong challenge from the every improving Gavin Rahde 3-2, 3-1 of Hurricane.

The Desert Masters was the hundreth singles championships played in the Super Saturday series over the past four years at the Tonaquint Tennis Center. The draw was one of the best ever for the Super Saturday tennis tournaments and the players represented 42 of these titles. The level of competition proved it on all eight courts throught the day.

Mike Schijf came back to win the Consolations "A" Division 3-2, 3-2 over Glenn Auerbach while Zak Burkley won the "B" Consolations over Matt Shaerrer 3-1,3-1; The Thanksgiving Tournament will be played on November 26th at 10:30A.M. For information please call 668-6887 or go to www.teachingtennis.com on the internet.

FINALS: (1)Kevin Orton def. (2)Richard Wigley 2-3,3-0, 3-2; SEMIFINALS: Orton def. (6)Tom Baker 3-2, 3-0; Quarterfinals: Wigley def. (7)Todd Tarter 3-2, 2-3, 3-0; Orton def. (8)Mike Schijf 3-2, 3-1; Baker def. (4)Chris Burkley 1-3, 3-1, 3-1; (3)Jason Whittington def. (5)Mark Schoutens 1-3, 3-1, 3-1; R-16: Orton def. (16)Glenn Auerbach 3-0, 3-2; Wigley def (15)Gavin Rahde 3-2, 3-1; Whittington def. (13)Lee Sheets 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. (9)Zak Burkley 3-0, 3-0; Chris Burkley def. (14)Ricky Rahde 3-0, 3-0; Schijf def. (14)Marci Sheffield 3-0, 3-0; Tarter def. (11)Matt Shaerrer 3-0, 3-1;
Consolation "A" Final: Mike Schijf def. Glenn Auerbach 3-2, 3-2; C-Semis: Auerbach def. Chris Burkley 2-3, 3-1, 3-2; Schijf def. Taylor Richards 3-0, 3-1; C-Quarters: Auerbach def. Gavin Rahde 3-1, 1-3, 3-2; Richards def. Zak Burkley 3-2, 0-3, 3-1;
Consolations "B" Final: Zak Burkley def. Matt Shaerrer 3-1, 3-1; C-Semis:Zak Burkley def. Lee Sheets 3-0, 3-0; Shaerrer def. Sheffield 3-0, 3-1; C-Quarters: Sheets def. Ricky Rahde 3-0, 2-3, 3-2; Zak Burkley def.Sheffield 3-0, 3-1;

Jason Whittington wins Indian Summer Circuit Season

ST.GEORGE- Jason Whittington served out the final game of the SouthWest Championships to defeat Pineview's #1 player Mike Schijf 3-0, 1-3, 3-1. Whittington formerly ranked #72 in the nation as an 18 year old used his skill and confidence to rise to the challenge of two of Southern Utah's rising stars in tennis. Mike in his ninth attempt came through to defeat Mark Schoutens 3-0, 1-3, 3-0 and get past a very difficult opponent who has been a very difficult match up. In the quarterfinals Jason defeated Dixie's Matt Glendenning 3-1, 3-2 and dropped a set against Schijf but pulled it back together to break and serve it out in the third.

"I had great energy today and got into a zone where I was able to hit anything I wanted." Jason said. "I am hitting solid shots off of both sides and my serve really came through for me in the final. I am starting to play like I want to again. It really feels good."

Jason took the points lead in the Indian Summer Series and has a chance to come from behind and win the 2005 Southern Utah Tennis Points race. Currently he trails only Jeremy Atkin, Kevin Orton of Cedar City, Mark Schoutens, Mike Schijf and Sam Moyle of Hurricane. For the complete standings and more information on the Super Saturday Tennis Tournament program go to www.teachingtennis.com The next event held at the Tonaquint Tennis Center will be November 12th. It will be a doubles event. Call 668-6887 for more information. The cost is $5.00 per player and the start time is 10:30 AM. Please show up by 10:00 AM.

FINALS: (3)Jason Whittington def. (4)Mike Schijf 3-0, 1-3, 3-1; SEMIFINALS: Schijf def. (1)Mark Schoutens 3-0, 1-3, 3-0; Whittington def. (7)Taylor Richards 3-11, 3-1; QUARTERFINALS: Schijf def. Brock Allred 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. (8)Richard Wigley 2-3, 3-1, 3-2; Whittington def. (5)Matt Glendenning 3-1, 3-2; Richards def. John Tolbert 3-0, 3-0; R-16: Glendenning def. Marc Manuelle 3-1, 3-1 Consolation Final: Marc Manuele def. Taylor Richards 3-2, 3-0; C-SEMIS: Matt Glendenning def. Richard Wigley 3-0, 2-3, 3-2; Manuele def. Marci Sheffleld 3-0, 3-1; C-Quarters: Marci def. John Tolbert 3-2, 3-1: Brock def. Sheffield 3-2, 3-1; Brock def. Tolbert 3-1, 3-1.

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ST. GEORGE - The Southern Utah Open was dominated by Chris Burkley in the main draw and his son Zak Burkley in the consolations. In the finals Chris defeated Pineview's Mike Schijf 6-4, 6-2 to finish off a solid tournament and win for the first time since July of 2004. It wasn't easy for the nine time Super Saturday Champion as he was able to out last Mark Schoutens 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals and then get by Jason Whittington 3-2, 3-2 in the Semifinals.

"This was a tough draw and playing full sets really tested my conditioning" Chris said. "Seeing Zak come back and win the consolations made my day even better."

Zak Burkley who will be playing for Snow Canyon High School this year is improving by leaps and bounds. After a disappointing loss in the main draw he was able to gather himself and put together a string of victories to win the consolations. He won his three matches in straight sets, 3-1, 3-1 over Matt Shaerrer, 3-2, 3-2, over Hurricane's Gavin Rahde and then in the finals played consistently to win over Taylor Richards 3-1, 3-1.

Saturday November 5th the Super Saturday Tennis tournament program continues with the Southwest Championships. The event starts at 10:30AM at the Tonaquint Tennis Center. All players are invited and the cost is $5.00. For more information call 668-6887 or go to www.teachingtennis.com for information on the continuing tournament program.

Finals: (6)Chris Burkley def. (3)MIke Schijf 6-2, 6-4; SEMIFINALS: Burkley def (1)Jason Whittington 3-2, 3-2; Shijf def. (2)Richard Wigley 3-1, 2-3, 3-1; QUARTERFINALS: Burkley def. (4)Mark Schoutens 6-4, 6-3; Whittington def. (8)Gavin Rahde 3-2, 3-0; Schijf def. (9)Dale Phillips 3-0, 3-0; Wigley def. (7)Ricky Rahde 2-3, 3-1, 3-0; R-16: Phillips def. Zak Burkley 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. Taylor Richards 3-1, 3-0; Gavin Rahde def. Matt Shaerrer 3-0, 3-0.
Consolation Final: Zak Burkley def. Taylor Richards 3-1, 3-1; C-SEMIS: Richards def. Dale Phillips 3-2, 1-3, 3-1; Zak Burley def. Gavin Rahde 3-2, 3-2; C-QUARTERS: Zak Burkley def. Matt Shaerrer 3-1, 3-1; Shaerrer def. Ricky Rahde 3-1, 1-3, 3-2.

 

 

ST. GEORGE - Jason Whittington lost the first set to #1 seed Mark Schoutens in the St. George Championships but recovered and dominated the rest of the match 2-3, 3-1, 3-0 with powerful and consistent ground strokes. Jason spent the previous week in Southern California competing with some top collegiate and foreign players.

“The trip to California was good for my confidence,” Jason said. “I was able to raise my game when I needed to.”

Mark played a high level aggressive match in his semi-final victory over Mike Schijf 6-1, 6-2 but tired out in the final.

“My legs just got tired and with Jason you have to be quick otherwise the ball is behind you.” Mark said. “I won the first set in the finals of the last two tournaments but just did not have the physical conditioning. I am happy with the way I played against Mike and I know what it takes to win. I am positive I will get a championship.”

The current points race for the Indian Summer Season of Super Saturday Tennis has Mark Schoutens leading with 1,575 points followed by Jason Whittington 1,425, Jeremy Atkin 1,200, Chris Burkley 875, Richard Wigley 800, Tom Baker 675, Taylor Richards 300, Mike Schijf 250, Gavin Rahde 240, Rick Whittington 150.

Tennis action continues on Saturday October 22^nd at 10:30 A.M with the Zion Nationals. The tournament is open to all players. The cost is $5.00 per player. Please call 668-6887 for more information or visit www.teachingtennis.com <http://www.teachingtennis.com/> on the Internet to learn more about the Super Saturday Tennis tournament program.

FINALS: (2)Jason Whittington def. (1)Mark Schoutens 2-3, 3-1, 3-0; SEMIFINALS: Whittington def. (5)Richard Wigley 3-1, 3-0; Schoutens def. (4)Mike Schijf 6-1, 6-2; QUARTERFINALS: Whittington def. Matt Shaerrer 3-0, 3-0; Schoutens def. Ricky Rahde 6-0, 6-0; Wigley def. (3)Taylor Richards 3-0, 3-0; Schijf def. (6)Gavin Rahde 6-1, 6-3; R-16: Ricky Rahde def. Matt Richards 3-0, 3-0; Wigley def. Dan Gibbons 3-1, 3-0; Taylor Richards def. Eric Mathis 3-0, 2-3, 3-2; Gavin Rahde def. Dale Phillips 3-1, 3-1. Consolations Final: Taylor Richards def. Dale Phillips 3-1, 3-1; C-Semis: Dale Phillips def. Dan Gibbons 3-1, 3-0. C-Quarters: Gibbons def. Matt Richards 3-1, 3-0; Eric Mathis def. Matt Shaerrer 3-2, 3-2.