High school WTT league to start in Orange County

A World TeamTennis co-ed league for high school players will be played during the winter season of high school athletics, between the fall girls’ tennis season and the spring boys’ tennis season.

The season begins Jan. 13, 2009 at Costa Mesa Tennis Center. Matches will be played Tuesday and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for 10 weeks, ending before the boys’ season begins on Feb. 16.

The WTT format is three one-set rounds or rotations which begin with one boys’ doubles and one girls’ doubles, followed by two boys’ singles and two girls’ singles sets, ending with two mixed doubles sets. Total games won determine the winner. Scoring is cumulative, with the team winning the most games winning the match. Since no ad scoring is used with tie-breakers at 5-5, play goes fast and every point is important.

All players from the same high school are eligible. A minimum of two boys and two girls would be needed for each competition with an average of three and three most likely. A 12-team roster is recommended. Coaches and/or captains can substitute at any time in any set and the same or different players can be used in each round.

“With the recent CIF Southern Section rule change allowing coaches access to student athletes throughout the school year, World Team Tennis is the perfect format to keep teams together and keep players in shape, allow them to stay in tennis, be part of the team and – as they have asked – spend time with their friends.” WTT founder Billie Jean King said in a release.

Competition would be as a club team sport (not a school activity) with all play at a public tennis center (no competition on school courts). Play would be after school starting at 4 p.m.

JSerra High, Tustin, and Sage Hill School have committed teams.

The entry fee for the each team is $200, which covers the cost of court time, tennis balls, awards and league fees.

The deadline for entries is Jan. 10. For more information, contact A.G. Longoria at (714) 349-7544 or a.g.longoria@pacbell.net.

The WTT High School League directors are Hank Lloyd and Longoria.

— From staff reports