(Maxx Photos) Members of the mid-morning session of last week’s 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp included (front row, kneeling, l-r) Natalie Millen, Olivia King, Katie Schuetzeberg, Savannah Glass and Ruby Coker; (back row) Codey Post, Christopher Kelley, Sarah Hill and Mason Canes.
by Chuck Licata
Marcie Goza of Liberty Hill didn’t have to deal with triple digits.
Last week.
Goza, who headed up the 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp, is the mother of Chesney Goza, the LHHS senior-to-be who made it to the Class 3A state torunament this past spring as a junior.
The Goza ladies led last week’s tennis camp and were very thankful the temperatures from the 2011 camp didn’t repeat themselves this year.
(Maxx Photos) Members of the mid-morning session of last week’s 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp included (front row, kneeling, l-r) Logan Kelley Olivia House, Evan Turner, Ellie Evans, Amanda Evans and Tucker Stephenson; (back row) Burk Frederick, Liam Franco, Malakai Hall, Zane Gruwell, Taylor Wentrcek, Sydney Michael and Wesley Conquest.
“Last year was awful,” recalled Marcie Goza, referring to the 100-plus degree temps during last year’s camp. “I thought our camp coaches did a fantastic job keeping our campers hydrated and healthy last year. I know we went through a lot of water.”
Last week’s camp (June 18-21) was in more favorable conditions for a mid-June camp.
“The weather has been great, especially during the morning session,” stated Goza, referring to the three sessions (8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; and, 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.). “It’s been cloudy most of the mornings; the temperatures haven’t been nearly as high as last year.
“Still, we make sure our campers are hydrated and we keep our eyes on all of them for any signs of fatigue or heat. Safety in any kind of warm weather is our number one priority.”
With favorable weather conditions this year, Goza is happy with the progress of her campers.
(Maxx Photos) Members of the afternoon session of last week’s 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp included (front row, kneeling, l-r) Chase Franklin, Gunnar Ortega, Kade Stanley, Lucy Miller and Bo Miller; (back row) Dustin Taylor, Grant Smith and Lauren Brooks.
“The kids have been doing well – they’re learning a lot,” Goza revealed. “We’ve got a lot of ‘repeat’ campers from last year and they’re showing improvement this year. Even the younger kids are hitting (the ball) better and showing improvement in the drills. Camp in enjoyable; the coaches get just as much out of it as our campers do.
“We’re very thankful to have the same kids come to the camp, year-after-year. It helps us gauge each camper’s progress and improvement. There are some talented players at every level here every year.”
Goza would know about talented players – just look at her daughter.
“Chesney really enjoyed the attention she got when she made it to state this spring,” Goza beamed. “And I believe it’s helped spread the word about our camp. Right after Chesney made it to state a lot of people – of all ages – came up and congratulated members of our family for (Chesney’s) accomplishment. They asked for more information about the tennis program in general, and the summer camp.”
The Gozas and their staff will host another camp this week as well.
Interested parties can call Goza at 512.289.0696 or e-mail her at mjgoza@aol.com for questions and suggested guidelines.
As for camp times, kindergarten-through-third grade campers will be hosted from 8:30-to-9:30 a.m.; fourth-through-sixth grades, 9:30-to-11:30 a.m.; and, seventh-grades and up, 12:15 p.m. through 2:30 p.m.
(Maxx Photos) Members of the afternoon session of last week’s 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp included (front row, kneeling, l-r) Gabriel Hall, Christopher Neill, Trent Lindquist, Dalton Phifer and Tara Frederick; (back row) Riley Fife, Colton McKenna, Amy Miller, Kristen Keene, Bailey Fife and Sabrina Franco.
(Maxx Photos) Members of the morning session of last week’s 2012 Panthers Tennis Camp included (front row, sitting, l-r) Addison Lee, Kyla Schuetzeberg, McKinley Grimm, Jarod Lapuszynski, Alexandra Hackett and Jackie Dykes; (middle row) Madeline Evans, Michael Evans, Payton Stephenson, Eliza Homorodi, Lily Spinosa, Dalton McKenna and Jack Coker; (back row) Greta Coker, Alyssa Lee and Denim Dykes.
(Maxx Photos) Members of the 2012 LHHS Tennis Camp coaching staff included (front row (l-r) Devrie Duncan, Katie Warner and Chesney Goza;; (back row) Lucy Miller, Connor Gillespie, Drake Duncan, Bo Miller and Marcie Goza.
