End of Year Finale

Now how about that for an absolutely insane way to wrap up a fabulous year!

Beloved friends, team mates, and new acquaintances poured into the clubhouse overlooking the LATC around 5 PM and enjoyed a sumptuous feast of El Pollo Loco chicken, chips n' salsa, ensalada, tortillas, corn, rice... mmmm mmm good!

The final Club meeting of the year began promptly at 6 PM, led by outgoing President and Vice President Mark Otten and Jason Siu. Communications Coordinator Adeline Yang and President-elect Emily Watt also glanced upon topics concerning the spectacular events and experiences we have had this year and briefed the audience on some tentative plans for next year: better practices, more social events, and exciting competitive takeovers... in secret, of course. It was Spiritual Leader Anthony Horsley, however, who stole the spotlight and blinded all in attendance with his brilliance.

Let's just say Anthony really knows how to build up the love before presenting his awards. Andre Michelin, honored recipient of the "Male Player of the Year," still happily strolled up to the podium despite Anthony's omission that even after the events of 9/11, the French were still loved in America (to the buzz of sputtered shock all around). Emily Wu, awarded "Female Player of the Year" after absolutely decimating her competition and dropping only one set over the past nine months, bounced happily to the podium and smiled angelically. Some grimaced in fear.



Daniel Cheong, bestowed the title of "Sportsperson of the Year," tearfully embraced Anthony to a chorus of "Awwwwwwww." Anthony, in one of his longer public speeches to date, applauded Daniel for his tenacity and attributed the opening of Club practices to Daniel's persistant appearances in them, with or without invitation. When Anthony asked Coach Grant Chen why there were twenty-one bodies when only twenty had been invited, Chen replied, "I just love that kid's enthusiasm." Daniel, since then, has been a mainstay of the Club body; he played in the SoCal Regionals and has been to every Club practice.

Longtime player Nick DeGoede took home the "Career Achievement Award" for his four years of dedicated participation with this organization. In all the yearly Fall and Spring tournaments he's played since his freshman year, he has either won the tournament or lost to the eventual champion. Tonight, though, he took home both the award and the title.

Lastly, Mark and Jason were both recognized for their hard work in getting UCLA Club tennis off the ground. Mark, in particular, was stunned; Anthony presented him with a Xbox 360 and Topspin 2 to the cheering enthusiasm of Mark's room mate and the stunned silence of the crowd.

Following Mark's closing remarks and introduction of next year's officers Ron Alivia, Alyssa Chen, Nathan Hua, Evan Liu, Tanuj Thapliyal, Daniel Cheong, Josh Khallili, and Roger Ling everyone headed outside to watch the Quadruple Finale.

Nick DeGoede faced Andre Michelin in the Men's A; Emily Wu took on Chikako Shimura in the Women's A; Fernando Fernandez opposed Anthony Horsley in Men's B; and Emily Watt played Stephanie Davis in Women's B.

DeGoede persevered (6-3, 6-4) after an intense match. Wu faltered initially against Shimura, nearly dropping the first set to the applause of Shimura's substantial fanbase in the stands, but stood strong and closed out the match 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. Horsley, on the other hand, did end up taking it to the third set but dominated (6-4, 4-6, 6-2) in the end. Watt retired from an injury, and thus Davis took the title.

As those who stayed to watch the matches slowly dispersed, team mates and friends ran down from the stands to embrace those who competed. Everyone was a champ for having made it so far. Amidst hugs, exuberant jubilations, and at least four cameramen with bazillion dollar foot-long cameras, Club Tennis bid the year goodbye.

Photogallery | Part I | Part II | Ricky & Tim's |

Don't forget Pat and Daniel! They were key to the success of yesterday