Each year the Richmond Tennis Association recognizes outstanding junior tennis players in the area for their hard work and commitment to the sport.

This year as in the past, the awards were presented at the SMARTBOX VA State Indoor Hardcourt Championships.  The RTA selects high school players who have proven themselves worthy by on-court performance and attitude.  Those names are given as suggestions to a council of tennis professionals from the larger local clubs who choose the winners.  

Last year's winners, Corey Pegram, Kyle Parker and Anne Garland have continued to prove themselves on the court this year.  Jessica Armes, who won an award as a senior, also had an outstanding 2007 season. 

This Year's Youth Award Winners:

Greg Semon Award (Enthusiasm and Love of the Game) 
– Kevin Calhoun 

About the Award: Greg was a product of RTA programs. 
He was a great young man with a vibrant personality who died in his early twenties.

Sam Woods Award (Most Improved Boy)
 –Zach Carl

About the Award: Sam Woods was "Mr. Tennis" in Richmond. He left his job and went to Byrd Park where he ran a tennis program free for any junior who wanted to play. He coached the Thomas Jefferson HS tennis team to multiple state championships in the 40's and 50's. The RTA was formed in 1954 to help fund his programs.

Zach is a sophomore at Douglas Freeman.  As a freshman, he he played #3 singles and #1 and #2 doubles  He has greatly improved his MATA ranking and is currently ranked #32 in Boys 16s.  This past summer Zach won the USTA VA State Hard Court title in the Boys 16 and under division. 

Ellen Smith Maloney Award (Most Improved Girl)
 – Callie Whitlock 

About the Award: Nellie Maloney was active in helping the junior programs.  She died tragically in a car accident.

Callie is in the 9th grade at St. Catherine's where she played #3 singles and doubles.  She has greatly improved her MATA ranking this year and is currently ranked #27 in the Girls 16 and under division.  She is last year's Davenport City Junior Champion in Girls 14s.   Callie is also an accomplished musician.

Richard Passloff Award (Sportsmanship) 
– Arjun Karthikeyan 

About the Award: Richard Passloff was an RTA Vice-President  and President-Elect when he died suddenly of cancer. He was well-admired and very active in RTA junior programs.

Arjun is a Sophomore at Mills Godwin, the regional champion boys tennis team.  Last spring, Arjun and his partner won the Davenport City 16 and under doubles title.  He is currently ranked #131 in MATA Boys 16s.  Arjun hopes to play Division I college tennis.

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The RTA presented a Special Recognition Award to Lou Einwick in honor of his retirement after 50 years of service to the tennis community.

"After much brainstorming as to what kind of gift we could give you, with the help of [Davenport employee] Ginny Wortham, we have designed and now present to you The Einwick Cup," announced Fred Bruner.

"This cup will be the claimed by the winner of the Davenport City of Richmond Men's Singles Champion.

"We are excited to have this beautiful silver cup - the cup of our City Champion - have your name on it, Lou," said Bruner.