LATA Member Interview: Jim Novak
I’m originally from Warren, Michigan . . . a suburb of Detroit. Warren is where Eminem grew up . . . really the only big claim to fame for my hometown.
How long have you been in LA? What brought you here?
I moved from Michigan to San Francisco in 2001, then to Palm Springs in 2004, and in 2011 to Long Beach. I moved from Michigan for a variety of reasons . . . escaping the brutal winters probably tops the list. I moved to Long Beach for work . . . I was appointed the Chief Business and Financial Officer for Long Beach Unified School District in July 2011.
How long have you been playing tennis? How did you get started?
I started playing tennis for my high school tennis team. That was such a great time for me . . . I really enjoyed playing individually, but also for a team. I have only played here and there since high school, and really wanted to start playing more regularly again. This past April, I got back into the swing of things by working with Andrew Toprak, one of the pros at El Dorado Park in Long Beach.
How long have you been in LATA? How did you find it? What were you rated when you first joined?
After taking lessons for a month or so, I realized that I wanted to get back into more competitive matches. I went to Google to see if I could find a group that played on a regular basis, and found LATA. My timing was perfect, as Team Tennis was just getting organized for the summer session. I went to the Ranking Day, and was rated as a “C” player.
How often do you play? Do you play leagues? Do you practice with any other LATAers? Have you played a lot of tournaments?
I have lessons once per week, for the most part. In addition, I play doubles with a great group of guys at El Dorado Park. We have 6 doubles teams, and rotate partners and opponents each week. All the guys are great, which makes it really fun, but the matches are competitive and a great way to practice. I played in the Wednesday Night Team Tennis this past summer, and will probably do so next summer. It would be great if there was enough interest for LATA to add a Team Tennis in Long Beach . . . I would join that group in a heartbeat!
I played in the San Diego tournament and Center Court tournament this year. I have had fun, so I am now on the lookout for additional tournaments to enter throughout the year.
Tell me about the tournament. What was your toughest match? What was the difference?
I was really happy with how things worked out at the Palm Springs Open. Unfortunately, I lost my first round matches at the two other tournaments I entered this year, so I was thrilled that I won a few matches and made the semifinals in [Men’s B Over 40 — Ed.] singles and the quarterfinals in doubles. Each of the matches were so competitive, and to be honest, could have gone either way. In singles, I lost to the #1 seed [Roger Lowe — Ed.] in the semis. My opponent was really good . . . but what made him so tough was how smart he played. He always seem to take the perfect angle, or anticipate my every shot. I enjoyed playing him, even though I lost, as I think I learned a lot playing someone with his skills.
How was the tournament otherwise?