AACTA

The Anne Arundel County Tennis Association (AACTA) was founded in 1967 by half a dozen tennis families from Glen Burnie, Severna Park, and Annapolis to promote the game of tennis at a time when only private clubs – and very few at that – were available.  One of those founders was the first ladder chairman, Bryce Jacobsen.   Bryce’s ‘Day Job’ was as a St. John’s tutor (Mathematics).  See the original ladder with 40 names (men only) here.

What organization can you belong to that has essentially not changed their yearly fee in 28 years?  If you guessed AACTA and $20, then you would be correct.  Although, that yearly fee is 20 times what it cost to be on the original ladder.  Yes, the 1967 fifth ladder says:  “This is the last weekly bulletin which will be sent to all laddermen.  Hereafter, we can only afford to send it to those who have sent in their dollar.”  And, the more things change, the more they stay the same.  Note that this same ‘fifth ladder bulletin’ has declared a challenge match “no contest”, “since neither party adhered to the ladder rules.”

AACTA had its first tournament in June, 1967.  And, like the present day AACTA, the first year had ‘teams’ (no mention of USTA), and social events like a ‘party/picnic,’ as well as the ladder and tournament.  By the third year, membership had grown to over 80 with women’s singles and a doubles (men only) ladder ongoing.  The following year saw the addition of woman’s doubles, mixed doubles, and junior ladder(s).  Age limited ladders began a few years later.  In the late 70’s, the ‘Men’s Ladder’ became an “Open Ladder.”  And, sure enough, within a couple of years, a woman was number 1.

By 1974, three tournaments (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) were being played each year.  Gold, any player eligible; Silver had ‘top’ players excluded; while Bronze had even more players excluded.

In the 60’s and 70’s, men and women participated in “Interclub league” play.  Oh yeah, the 1974 newsletter mentions a new concept in scoring – 9 point (Not a typo) tie-breaker.

USTA leagues started locally in 1979.  But it wasn’t until 2001 that AACTA became the local USTA Community Tennis Association.  Membership had risen to close to 400 by the early 80’s and has grown to the 500 – 600 level since then.

By the 21st century, tournaments evolved into multiple ‘sub tournaments.’ There were still the usual open (to anyone) men, women singles/doubles, as well as mixed.  In addition, there were now others limited by gender, and then different age groups, or skill level.  AACTA Team Tennis (men and women, all levels of play, on the same team) was started in 1999.

Severn Valley opened indoor courts in 1969.  In the 60’s and 70’s, ordinary people could go into the Naval Academy to play (24 courts outside Bancroft Hall) or go to watch the Naval Academy play other college teams.  Big Vanilla opened with indoor courts, and AACTA first had their End of Season party there in 1978.  Anne Arundel Community College moved to their new Arnold campus in 1967 and had 15 courts.  These became the home to AACTA tournaments for close to 25 years.  Truxtun Park started with 4 courts, now expanded to 12, and hosted AACTA tournaments for the next 15 years.  Annapolis High School has been the site for AACTA tournaments for the last few years.

Computers became involved in the ladder ‘processes’ in 1980 with a TRS-80.  By the late 90’s, members were able to use the website for most of their interactions with AACTA. This included such items as entering their ladder results, viewing the ladder standings, tournament ‘happenings,’ and joining.  Starting in 2015, there is a ‘new’ web site.

AACTA has grown and flourished and is now the second largest CTA in Maryland. Even in those early years, when a newsletter was reproduced by mimeograph and the ladder was calculated manually, there have always been some very dedicated players in our county creating opportunities for others to play. A 1972 newsletter lists match results for the following players: Kilian, Kamenoff, Barnes, Booth, Bishop… Recognize them?