Charles Rich
Despite the searing heat that enveloped the area Monday, Susie
Schallert stayed cool with a refusal to lose her grip.
Swinging a tennis racquet on the green cement courts at the
Burbank Tennis Center, the 38-year-old chose to remain focused
hitting backhands and forehand shots during several drill sessions.
She also sported a cap to help keep her cool.
"I used to play tennis three years ago, and there's nothing like
hitting the ball over the net," Schallert said. "I even hit one of
the instructors in the head with a ball."
Schallert was one of 59 participants with Down syndrome who took
part in the Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Individuals With Down
Syndrome, which will wrap up today at the Burbank Tennis Center. The
academy was established and designed to meet the sport-specific needs
of children and young adults with the affliction.
Schallert, a North Hollywood resident, had plenty of ambition to
help her master the proper footwork needed to put herself in the
right position to return a shot.
The other 10 people in her group cheered her on, including her
boyfriend, Blair Williamson.
"I wanted to come out and participate," said the 26-year-old
Williamson, who lives in North Hills. "It's fun to be out there
because I've never played tennis before.
"I watched it on TV a lot, and I like learning all of the drills."
There was more in store for each participant at the event than
just learning tennis skills. All the athletes were given the racquets
and the other items they used so they can continue to improve by
playing on their own.
Former French Open doubles champions Luke and Murphy Jensen, who
are expected to be present at the center today, teamed up with
professional Vince Schmidt to form the academy. Schmidt is the
diector of Tennis at Glen Echo Cuntry Club in Normandy, Mo.
"It's been a smashing success across the country, Schmidt said. "I
have a 4-year-old son [Jonas] with Down syndrome," said Schmidt, who
has been a professional in the St. Louis area for more than a decade.
"I knew nothing about the syndrome, and I wanted to do something for
the sake of it.
"I called tennis federations and couldn't find a program to adapt,
so I wanted to design one of our own programs.
"It's about getting to know the Down community out here because
Burbank didn't really have one, and you can give them access [to an
environment] that can be utilized more."
Glendale resident Steve Starleaf, who is the center's executive
