November 3rd, 2007

I had the opportunity to play at the courts today. I commend the QCTFA board on the beautiful facility. We are so very fortunate to have this available to us, regardless of our age or ability. Thankyou so much for your dedicated efforts and wonderful results!!!

Janet Koski

Date Posted: 11.3.2007

March 6th, 2006

Dear Dave, Tom, Jim, Bob and All Other Committee Members:  

Congratulations on your combined efforts to raise funds and construct a first class, covered tennis facility for the Quad Cities area.  The fact that it is a Quad Cities effort that will benefit many thousands of Iron Rangers for many generations is grand and welcome news.  The tennis programs in Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, and Mt. Iron will continue to be strong and competitive for generations.  Folks in the area will have a place to exercise and play tennis year 'round.  In a word: smashing!  Our check, representing a donation from daughter Sandy, son Isaac, and me, is in the mail and on its way to you from the Philippines. Maraming salamat (thank you very much) for your combined and continuing efforts.

Ole Zupetz

Date Posted: 3.6.2006

January 6, 2006

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to voice my support for the completion of the indoor tennis facility in Virginia, Minnesota. Our tennis team has been invited to play in Virginia and because of the long distance from South St. Paul to Virginia, we look forward to traveling there once the indoor tennis facility has been completed. This will allow our tennis to be guaranteed, rain or shine.

Growing up in a small town in southern Minnesota, I understand the lack of indoor tennis facilities in rural areas as well as the importance of them. An indoor tennis facility will be advantageous to many people in the Virginia area as well as other parts of the state. Please support this mission.

Best wishes,

Pepper Meyer
Varsity Girls Tennis
South St. Paul High School

Date Posted: 3.2.2006

To: Whom It May Concern
From: Les Zellman, Activities Director & Tennis Coach, St. James High School
Re: Virginia Community Tennis Center Request

I am sending this letter to support the Virginia community in their goal to build and develop an indoor tennis center. The development of an indoor tennis center in Northern Minnesota would certainly provide opportunities that currently are only available in urban and suburban Minnesota communities.

I know that the community has made a significant effort to raise funds towards the accomplishment of their goal. Also, I know that other community and school programs would enjoy the opportunity to play and be involved in tennis events that would be available due to the completion of the project. Hopefully, additional grant monies can be secured to help complete this project.

Les Zellmann

Date Posted: 3.2.2006

Bruce and Lee Anne Lundgren of Lundgren Motors
donate $5000 to Quad Cities Tennis for All

Pictured above are Quad Cities Tennis for All director and Virginia tennis coach David Gunderson, Bruce and Holly Lundgren and their children plus Tom Prosen, QCTFA director and Eveleth/Gilbert tennis coach, who is receiving the donation.

"We really appreciate this contribution," said Coach Prosen. "Having an indoor facility will allow us to host tournaments instead of always traveling elsewhere, and that alone will save thousands of dollars every year for our schools, coaches and parents who travel with the students. Our kids have done great, but it's tough competing against schools that have year-round access to

courts. Having this facility will put us on an even playing field with the competition. "My sister, Lee Anne, and I and our entire family fully support this project," said Bruce Lundgren. Having indoor tennis will be a great addition to the Quad Cities, especially during the winter and our often tough spring and fall weather. It's important to support community projects like this where we make our living, and it's a great way to show our appreciation to the people who have been supporting us for so many years.

According to Coach Gunderson, "This donation will not only help us provide year- round tennis for residents of the East Range , every tournament we hold will bring visitors and income into the Quad Cities. We've even had inquiries from people who plan to combine ski or golf vacations at Giant's Ridge with time on the courts."

Date Posted: 2.11.2006

JANUARY 31st, 2006
TOM PROSEN,

ALL OF US INVOLVED IN ROSEAU TENNIS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE PROSPECT OF INDOOR COURTS THE QUAD CITIES .   WE KNOW THE STRUGGLE INVOLVED IN BUILDING A COMPETITIVE PROGRAM,  WHILE DEALING WITH THE DISADVANTAGE OF TEACHING SEASONAL ATHLETES.    AS IN MOST OTHER SPORTS,   THE TENNIS PLAYER THAT CAN FIND INDOOR COURT TIME DURING THE MINN ESOTA WINTER HAS A HUGE EDGE ON THE PLAYER WHO CAN'T.

FURTHER,  SCHEDULING HOME MATCHES WITH TEAMS COMING FROM A GREAT DISTANCE IS ALWAYS RISKY IN THE SPRING AND FALL,   WHEN YOU'RE DEPENDENT ON DRY WEATHER TO PLAY.  I THINK YOU WILL FIND INDOOR COURTS (AND THE ASSURANCE OF PLAYING) WILL BRING MANY MORE TEAMS TO THE QUAD CITY AREA.

AS A MEMBER OF THE ROSEAU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY,  I WILL SAY THAT HOSTING SPORTING EVENTS IS A TREMENDOUS FINANCIAL ENGINE FOR HOTELS,  RESTAURANTS, GAS STATIONS,  RETAIL BUSINESS,  ETC.  YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY WILL BENEFIT FROM AN INDOOR FACILITY.

ROSEAU WOULD LOVE TO BE PART OF A FUTURE TENNIS SCHEDULE WHEN THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED.

GOOD LUCK,  AND KNOW THAT WE'RE SUPPORTING ALL YOUR EFFORTS.

JACK SWANSON
ROSEAU GIRLS TENNIS COACH
OWNER/ G.M. -   KCAJ-FM RADIO
ROSEAU ,  MINNESOTA

Date Posted: 1.31.2006

January 8, 2006

As a former member of the VHS tennis team, summer recreation tennis instructor, and resident of Virginia, I whole-heartedly believe that the Quad Cities Community needs an indoor tennis facility. Being involved with tennis was one of the most positive experiences I had growing up on the Range. The life skills and tennis skills I learned led me to coach tennis in Buffalo, MN and Farmington, MN over the past nine years. Never have I come in contact with young tennis players with the enthusiasm and dedication of those I played with and instructed in Virginia. The superior coaching staff and the commitment to tennis by people in the Quad Cities has earned great respect around the state. The young (and older) people deserve an indoor facility to have comparable opportunities to athletes in other parts of the state. An indoor facility would also enalbe the region to build upon the excellent reputation for tennis and sportmanship that teams and coaches have worked so hard to earn.

Jessica (Bateman) Winkelaar

Date Posted: 1.8.2006

NOVEMBER 26, 2005
TO: DAVE GUINDERSON

FROM: TIMOTHY WYNNE
CENTER COURT FITNESS CLUB
GRAND FORKS , ND 58201

DEAR DAVE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO RAISE SOME SUPPORT FOR AN INDOOR TENNIS CLUB IN YOUR COMMUNITY. WE HAVE A 5 COURT COMPLEX IN GRAND FORKS WHICH IS USED EXTENSIVELY BY NOT ONLY THE PEOPLE OF GRAND FORKS BUT ALSO THE SURROUNDING AREA. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF KIDS IN OUR PROGRAMS WHO TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY TO USTA TOURNAMENTS THROUGHOUT THE TRI-STATE REGIONS AND WOULD I'M SURE SUPPORT YOUR TOURNAMENTS.

WE HOLD AN ANNUAL SUMMER TOURNAMENT AND I'M SURE IF YOU WOULD SUPPORT IT WE WOULD BRING A VAN LOAD OF KIDS TO SUPPORT YOURS,

LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP

SINCELEY YOURS,

TIMOTHY WYNNE
HEAD TENNIS PROFESSIONAL
CENTER COURT FITNESS CLUB

Date Posted: 12.18.2005

December 8, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to voice my support for the completion of the indoor tennis facility in Virginia Minnesota. Our school is located near the Twin Cities but even our athletes have a difficult time competing with those who have easy access to indoor facilities. Virginia desperately needs some type of indoor facility to maintain and improve the high quality programs that they have developed.

Buffalo High School travels up to Hibbing at least once every season and we would certainly like to take advantage of the indoor courts in Virginia. Please consider the out state needs for athletic facilities when determining whether or not to fund this site. Many athletes will benefit from it.

Sincerely,

C.A. Keifenheim Chemistry Teacher/Tennis Coach
Buffalo High School

Date Posted: 12.18.2005

November 29, 2005
Dave:

Over the past few years, we have seen a rise in the number of individuals playing tennis nationwide and in our section, USTA Northern. But nowhere is it more apparent than in Northern Minnesota .

Having been with USTA Northern for almost 17 years and having made numerous visits to the Virginia/Hibbing area, I have personally seen the growth of tennis at all levels. This past summer I conducted one of our Competition Training Centers (CTC's) in Virginia . I was pleasantly surprised with the number of players that participated, not to mention the high caliber of tennis among these junior players. Upon leaving the courts that day, I couldn't help but wonder what an indoor facility would do to further enhance tennis in the area?

I know for a fact that if an indoor facility were built in Virginia , we would not be conducting just one CTC per year in the area, but numerous CTC's throughout the year. This would give us the opportunity to host CTC's during the winter months, which may attract anywhere from 16-32 juniors and their families. These two day CTC's result in additional revenue to area in the way of hotel rooms, food and beverage and professional fees.

In addition to CTC's being held in Virginia , we would welcome the opportunity to host sectional adult and junior tournaments at the indoor facility. Depending upon the level of the tournament and the number of tournaments being run at the facility, this again would result in additional revenue and tourism to the area.

The section and myself see this opportunity as a win-win situation for the economy in the Virginia/Hibbing area and for the growth of tennis in our section. We hope this dream becomes a reality!

Best regards,
Patrick Colbert
Assistant Executive Director
USTA Northern

Date Posted: 12.18.2005

WELLS FARGO GRANTS $5,000 TO
QUAD CITIES TENNIS FOR ALL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

 VIRGINIA , Minn. , - Dec 9, 2005 - Wells Fargo recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Quad Cities Tennis for All capital campaign.

Quad Cities Tennis for All was formed earlier this year, launching a capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of a four court facility within the city of Virginia . The indoor tennis courts will give community members year round access. They will be open to all area residents for recreation and will be the home of tennis competitions bringing together participants from across the Iron Range .

"This is a great opportunity for Wells Fargo to invest in the communities we serve, and we look forward to being a part of this new venture in our city," said Roger Suihkonen, Wells Fargo Community Banking president in Virginia . "This facility will benefit our youth and the surrounding communities."

"Wells Fargo's $5000 donation typifies the amazing support that Quad Cities Tennis for All continues to receive from a wide range of individuals, businesses, organizations and governmental units," state George Erickson, Chairman of the project. "We believe that Wells Fargo, by providing these funds, recognizes that our four-court facility will serve Quad City area residents of all ages quite well, that it will save our schools money, and that it will bring income into our communities with every tournament we hold. Thank you Wells Fargo! We welcome you to our growing group of enthusiastic supporters."

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company with $453 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage an d c onsumer finance to more than 23 million customers from more than 6,200 stores and the internet (wellsfargo.com) across North America and elsewhere internationally. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is the only bank in the United States to receive the highest possible credit rating, "Aaa," from Moody's Investors Service.

Date Posted: 12.15.2005

"More Good News!  US Steel Foundation on behalf of the MINTAC mine approves
$20,000 grant to Quad Cities Tennis for All, here being presented to tennis
coach Jim Prittinen and George Erickson, board members of Quad Cities Tennis
for All. by Employee Relations manager John Skube and General Manager Dennis
Quirk

Date Posted: 12.12.2005

Waschke/Collie Families Donate $20,000 to Quad Cities Tennis for All

Pictured above are Quad Cities Tennis for All chairman George Erickson, Mary and Ken Waschke plus
QCTFA board member Kevin Engman, who is receiving the donation from Kerry and Jeff Collie.

"We fully support this project," said Ken and Mary Waschke, long time Virginia residents and the owners of Waschke Auto Plaza . "The school tennis programs have been great not only for our family, but for every family that's been involved. We welcome this opportunity to give something back to the people of the East Range who have been supporting us for years."

Kerry Collie, who was heavily involved with the tennis program from the 6 th grade until she graduated, praises the project. "I just love it," she said. "I benefited so much from the tennis programs - especially the friendships they brought the sportsmanship they taught me. It's wonderful that people of all ages will finally be able to play tennis on a year-round basis. These indoor courts are a deserving tribute to the dedication of coach Gunderson and the Prittinens, who have put more time and energy into youth tennis than anyone would imagine."

Kevin Engman, besides being appreciative of the donation, predicted that "the economic impact of holding regular tournaments will bring significant income to hotels, motels and restaurants. We've already had inquiries from people who would combine ski vacations at Giant's Ridge with time on the courts."

"This contribution by the Waschkes and the Collies is typical of the support we have received from so many Quad City area residents who have contributed whatever they could, from ten dollars on up," said chairman Erickson. "Every dollar takes us closer to having our four-court, indoor tennis dream come true. With this contribution, our pledges and paid donations now total $292,000 of the $420,000 we expect to need for the building. For updates on pledge totals, how to pledge and the programs we'll offer, I invite people to visit www.quadcitiestennisforall.com or call me at 744-2003."

Date Posted: 11.18.2005

--from Andy Carlson
Tennis has been the highlight of my life. I began playing tennis in the ninth grade and played on the junior varsity team for two years. Under the instruction of Rick Erickson, I developed my tennis skills in that would last a lifetime. We were constantly pressured to maintain a good work ethic and try our hardest, but the mood was always light and we never stopped having fun. During my junior year of high school, I finally made it on the varsity tennis team and had more fun than ever before.

With a full, experienced coaching staff, headed by Dave Gunderson and Bob Prittenen, our team worked hard and became a competitor in the State Tournament. All of us had the time of our lives at State. We got to race go-karts, we ate at Champ Sports, we played some of the best tennis we had ever played, and we bonded together as a team. This marked the pinnacle of my high school career. My high school tennis experience launched me into college tennis.
I am a junior in college and have been on the team for three years now. I currently live with my doubles partner and another tennis teammate. My closest friends are all on the tennis team and we play tennis daily. The big difference that I have experienced between college and high school tennis is the amount of tennis played in the off season. In high school, I was one of the few who purchased a pass to the MAC. It paid dividends for my game, but it was expensive and an inefficient use of time and gas money.

In college, I am able to play for two hours per day with little to no court fees. Hitting in the off season is imperative for tennis players who are serious about perfecting their game. It is also a great way for less experienced players to get out and have fun. An indoor tennis facility in Virginia would be a wonderful addition to the city. It would generate an inflow of tennis players to the community, it would provide kids with a way to have fun and relax, and it would help to improve the skills of players on the team. Tennis has been the highlight of my life and has taught me valuable lessons that I use on and off the court. I owe my work ethic to tennis, I have met my best friends through tennis, and I have gained wonderful experiences that I will never forget.

Date Posted: 11.26.2005

--from Joe Boyer,
Rochester Tennis coach. As I sit down and write about what VHS Tennis means to me, nothing but positive, fun memories come to mind. I truly believe that without the experiences that I had with Gundy, Bob and Jim and the entire VHS Tennis staff, I would not be where I am today.

I first picked up a racket about 25 years ago. Being from the Iron Range, I naturally played hockey and never gave tennis much thought until a few of my friends asked me to be a fourth in their doubles match. I had so much fun I decided to take lessons at the Southside Park full time - the program and its reputation spoke for itself. I can still remember riding my bike with my racket strapped to my handlebars. Some days I just could not peddle fast enough to get there. I also remember how angry I would be if it was raining - this meant no tennis!

After lettering for four (4) years at VHS, I played tennis for Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I was so grateful that I played for coaches and a program that prepared me so well for the college level. (I even would come home to Virginia in the summers and help give lessons through the very summer program where I started.) The close friendships that I made in both high school and college came from tennis. We still keep in touch and even play a few tournaments in the summer together. Tennis may not define my life, but it has played a large part in it.

In part due to the tennis experiences I had in the past, I chose to become a high school teacher and tennis coach. I also work part time giving tennis lessons at the Rochester Athletic Club in Rochester, Minnesota to kids of all ages. Even my three (3) daughters (ages 8, 6 and 4) have taken an interest in tennis and are playing in local programs. They have seen the hard work and fun that goes into this sport and I am thrilled that they are enjoying this wonderful game. In fact, my two oldest daughters had the opportunity to play in the Virginia Summer Tennis Program last summer.

VHS Tennis is the epitome of high school athletics. I just completed my fourth year of coaching at a relatively new high school and am trying to build a tennis program on the same principles and with the solid foundation that has made VHS Tennis what it is today.

Thank you Gundy for being such a phenomenal role model and Bob and Jim for encouraging me to do what I do.

Sincerely, Joe Boyer
Rochester Century High School
VHS Class of 1987

Date Posted: 11.29.2005

--from Jennifer Moeller
When asked to reflect upon my years at Virginia High School, the memory that ALWAYS comes to mind first is VHS Tennis.  Talk about an experience that has made me the person I am today! 

My tennis career began at age five when my father drove me in everyday in the summer for lessons. This is where I learned the skills of the game and realized I had a desire to continue to play and get better.  By age 12, I was spendning most of my days at the Southside Courts.  There was no other place I wanted to be.  Besides practicing all aspects of the game and playing numerous matches, I was making numerous friends (who are still my close friends today) and having a ton of fun. 

When I was in seventh grade, I had the opportunity to play on the varsity team.  Dave "Gundy" Gunderson was in his first year as head coach.  Talk about a guy who was dedicated to building a successful program.  What sets Gundy apart from other coaches is that he would make sure we had fun as a team while working extremely hard to be the best we could be.  This would include "Name that Tune" in the school suburban, ritual dinners at Old Country Buffet, painting the shack and team breakfasts with Gundy's famous peanut butter sauce rolls.  

As the years went by, many of my friends who were not in tennis at the time, decided to join.  They knew how much fun we had, what a tight-knit group we were and witnessed how successful we were.  One of the proudest moments of my life is when we won the state championship in 1989.  This would have never happened without the hard work and dedication from Gundy, Bob & Jim Prittinen and the rest of the Virginia Coaching team.

Due to the love of the sport, I began teaching tennis my junior year of high school.  I continued teaching tennis for the city of Virginia for four more years before running the USTA program in Lino Lakes for three summers.  Tennis became a part of my life at age 5 and still is today at age 33.  I no longer teach, but still enjoy hitting the ball around.  I would love nothing more than to donate to the construction of indoor courts at Southside Park and help give other young girls and boys the opportunity to experience VHS Tennis.

Regards,
Jennifer Moeller (1990 Grad)

Date Posted: 11.23.2005

--from Richard V. Giorgi
Dear Mr. Prittinen,
In honor of my grandson, Robert Skenzich, I pledge $500 for your building fund campaign. I am enclosing $50.00 and will send $50 per month until paid. 

I wish to thank all of you in the tennis program for mentoring Bob while he played for Virginia High School. He went on to St Cloud and played there. 

I thank Jim for getting him involved with Mr. Wilkinson at Gustavus. This was a very good experience for him!

Bob worked for a year as a pro at the YMCA in Eau Claire, WI. He just moved to Bloomington as a pro in the Northwest Tennis facility there. He certainly enjoys tennis!

Thanks again, BOB, JIM, and DAVE!!!

Sincerely, Richard V. Giorgi

Date Posted: 10.6.2005