Elite Fitness & Racquet Ball Club, Brookfield, will host local U.S. Open ballperson tryouts for youth and adults ages 14 and up. The winner of the local contest will head to New York for a chance to work at the U.S. Open.
According to Randy Stolpe, director of Tennis at Elite and one of the tryout judges, ballpersons must be able to demonstrate, speed and coordination, a strong throwing arm, ability to catch, attentiveness, and have a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
Having a tennis background helps, but anyone with athletic ability is invited to try out, he said.
“We are so excited to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help a local athlete get up close and personal with some of the greatest tennis players in the world,” said Kay Yuspeh, owner of Elite Fitness & Racquet Clubs. “No matter what your age, it’s hard not to get excited about the chance to be on the courts where legends like John McEnroe and Billie Jean King have played.”
There are two different positions that require either quickness and hand-eye coordination or a strong throwing arm.
Confirmed judges for the tryouts will include Stolpe, Erika Wentz, USTA Midwest Section tennis service representative, and Doug Russell, morning show host for Milwaukee SportsRadio AM 1250.
Participants can pick up registration/waiver forms and rules at any of Elite’s four locations or download the forms online at www.eliteclubs.com. Participants can bring completed registration and waiver forms to the tryouts, or register onside the day of the event.
Tryouts will take place on Saturday, May 2 at the Highlander Elite Club, 13825 W. Burleigh Road, Brookfield, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Elite will award the winner and a guest with airfare and lodging to the U.S. Open ballperson tryouts on Thursday, June 25, at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y.
Optional Elite Ballpersons Training Clinics will be held at the North Shore Elite Club (5750 N. Glen Park Road) in Glendale on Tuesday, April 28 from 4-5 p.m. and at Highlander Elite in Brookfield on Saturday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m. to help participants prepare for their tryouts.
