DECATUR, IL, July 23, 2011
Kevin Green, from St. Louis, MO, has been playing competitive tennis for 16 years.
Kevin is a physical education teacher. Kevin recently moved up to the Open Division
of wheelchair tennis, which is the highest division. Prior to playing at this level,
Kevin had many accomplishments including the following: U.S. Open Doubles Champion in
the B Division in 2004, and A Division in 2007 partnering with Jim Lewis; Collegiate Wheelchair
Tennis Doubles National Champion representing Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in 2004,
2005, 2006 and 2007; and Collegiate Wheelchair National Tennis Singles Champion in 2007.
Beginning as a junior player, Kevin has won numerous titles in the various levels of wheelchair
tennis. He also played tennis all four years in high school with his able-bodied team and
lettered in junior varsity and varsity. Kevin has also participated in USTA adult leagues.
He has also volunteered teaching wheelchair tennis in the St. Louis community and has
participated in numerous exhibitions throughout the U.S. since becoming a wheelchair athlete.
Jim Lewis, from St. Louis, MO, has been playing competitive wheelchair tennis for 14 years.
Jim is a physician at Washington University in St. Louis and was recently married to his wife,
Daniela. He is in the Men’s A Division where he has been ranked as high as #2 in the U.S.
Jim's strengths to his game are his serve, which has a combination of power and placement,
and solid ground strokes. Jim was the Men's A singles champion in the 2007 in the Wheelchair
U.S .Open in San Diego, CA. He was also a champion in Men's A doubles with his partner, Kevin Green.
He also plays on a USTA men's 3.5 league tennis team. Jim has won numerous titles playing
wheelchair tennis at tournaments throughout the U.S. at several levels. Jim is also currently
involved in the community in promoting and teaching wheelchair tennis for the Disabled Athletes
Sports Association (DASA). He has also been involved as a wheelchair athlete and advocate with
the St. Louis Wheelchair Athletic Association (SLWAA).
Summary: These players are longtime doubles partners who have played in over 30 tournaments together.
They represent two of the Midwest's top wheelchair tennis athletes. Over the past 14 years, Jim
and Kevin have practiced together and traveled throughout the U.S. promoting wheelchair sports.
In tennis, wheelchair players participate in both USTA and ITF sanctioned tournaments which are
a part of the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour. They travel to tournaments across the country from
April – October playing against other wheelchair athletes.
Tips/facts:
- The only different rule in wheelchair tennis is that players are allowed 2 bounces compared to one
by the able-bodied player.
- Wheelchair tennis is the fastest growing wheelchair sport and one of the few competitive sports
where athletes can compete with and against the able-bodied.
- 1 up/1 down or otherwise called run/roll tennis (1 able body player & 1 player in a wheelchair)
allows for integration, family and friends to play together and levels the playing field
(this is what you will see today).
- Provides both recreational and competitive opportunities for all levels of players to enjoy the game.
- Athletes can compete for National and International rankings, and advanced players can compete on
USTA league tennis teams.
- Wheelchair tennis is played at the 4 major Grand Slam events (Australian Open, French Open,
Wimbledon and U.S. OPEN) where the top wheelchair players in the world are invited to participate
in these events showcasing the elite world class players.
- There are 173 tournaments held in over 45 countries around the world that are a part of the NEC
wheelchair tennis tour.
|
###
Chuck Kuhle, Tournament Director Patrick Kuhle, Local press aide
(217)423-7020 (217)521-1525
chuck@decaturathleticclub.com p.kuhle@yahoo.com
|