Lauren Klawon gives her racket a hug at the end of class.

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Coach John Veit has Kids Causing a Racket Over Tennis

February 19, 2012       2 Comments
By: Stephanie Meyer

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For Bay City native, John Veit, the love of tennis started at the young age of 11, and hasn't stopped growing since. Veit was ranked #1 on his team at Western High School and carried that success to Ferris State University where he played on scholarship and graduated from the Professional Tennis Management Program. He headed to Ann Arbor to lead Huron High School to two state championships in four years.

With 16 years of coaching under his belt, Veit has brought his knowledge, passion, and success back to Bay City, in partnership with the Midland Tennis Center, to develop the next generation of tennis stars. His clinic began last summer at Carroll Park in Bay City and has continued this winter at Bush Elementary School in Essexville. The clinic hosts children in all age groups including: Pee Wee (3-4 year olds), 5-6 year olds, 7-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds, and a high school class. He is also putting together adult clinics for this summer.

Colin Meyer waits his turn for Coach John to throw him a ball.

Lauren Klawon smiles during a warm-up.

Lauren Klawon and Maddie Kramer laugh at a silly Coach John.

A typical class will start with a warm up activity, lead into progressive skills drills designed to get kids rallying and playing, and then ends with playing a game. "I always start by making kids successful with whatever level they are at. Then I build on that success with increasingly challenging skills like catching balls, to rallying on the ground, to rallying off the bounce, to actually playing points and keeping score," states Veit, "It is so fun to see 5 year olds rallying and playing out points!"

Coach John preps the kids on the next activity.
(MyBayCity Photo by Stephanie Meyer)

Jane Klawon, parent of clinic participants, Lauren, age 4, and Maria, age 6, can see the value of Veit's program first hand and enjoys seeing her daughters share her love of the game. "It is a great lifelong sport," says Klawon, "John is doing an amazing job. It takes a special person with patience." Klawon has also seen growth in her daughter's confidence. "It takes a lot of confidence for Lauren because she is not one to go into a group," says Klawon, "She likes tennis and she is proud to find something she is good at."

For Veit teaching tennis to families is also a family experience for him. Veit's two sons, Noah, 11, and Caleb, 8, can be seen setting up nets and tossing practice balls to children. "It is such a neat thing to be able to work with my kids. My 11 year old wants to teach $2 private lessons this summer. He may steal some of his dad's clients," jokes Veit.

Coach John starts a rally with the kids.

Lauren Klawon prepares to hit the ball to her partner.

A "head five" closes out the lesson.

For parents considering the clinic that will be hosted this summer, Veit's ardent praise for the benefits of tennis may help sway you, "Tennis is the sport for a lifetime and has it all! I am currently giving lessons to a 78 year old beginner," says Veit, "Tennis is also a gateway to all other sports, teaching hand eye coordination, footwork, cooperation, competition, skill development, etc. Most of all, I love kids and my love for the game is tangible and contagious for their children. It will be a positive experience they will cherish and grow from through their whole lives."

Although the dates have not been set for the summer clinic at this point you can contact Coach John Veit at jveit@midlandtennis.com or (734) 730-1715 and he will keep you updated when new classes are available.

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"The BUZZ" - Feedback From Readers!

dcouveau Says:       On February 20, 2012 at 09:20 AM This is a great program for the Kids and for anyone, even if your 78 years young- it sounds like.

rdarbee464 Says:       On February 26, 2012 at 09:18 PM Proud of you John. Remmber those FL trips? You always worked hard. Thank you

Agree? or Disagree? Leave a Comment!

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Stephanie Meyer
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