The Rossmoor Men's Tennis Team’s away match against Moraga Country Club (MCC) on October 9 was nothing short of extraordinary. The Men's Team came out on top, winning three of the four matches.

Victories from Lines 1, 2, and 3 were hard-fought and well-earned, underscoring the team's tenacity and ability to persevere in high-pressure, intensive situations. All four lines of doubles went down to the wire, each culminating in a third-set tiebreaker. These similar endings were a first for Rossmoor, evoking John McEnroe’s iconic outburst, "You cannot be serious!" 

Match Recap:

Line 1: Bob Benz and Chris Slee – The duo found themselves in trouble early, dropping the first set 5-7. But instead of folding under the pressure, they dug deep and fought back with determination in the second set. With the momentum shifting, Benz and Slee claimed the second set 7-5, leveling the match and forcing a third-set tiebreaker. They dominated the tiebreaker by winning 10-5.

Line 2: Yoshi Fukamiya and Stuart Coffey – This team also faced an uphill battle after losing the first set 4-6. However, they refused to be discouraged, and with renewed focus, they captured the second set 6-3. The third-set tiebreaker turned into a nail-biting affair.  Ultimately, Fukamiya and Coffey held their composure, edging out their opponents 12-10 in a thrilling tiebreaker.

Line 3: David Besenfelder and Bernie Wolf – Perhaps the most dramatic match of the day came from Line 3. Besenfelder and Wolf endured a disastrous first set, losing 0-6, but instead of letting the score deflate their spirits, they bounced back in spectacular fashion. They completely flipped the script in the second set, winning 6-1. The third-set tiebreaker saw Besenfelder and Wolf continue the wave of momentum, securing a 10-7 victory to complete their remarkable comeback.

Line 4: Al Peters and Roger Emanuel – Peters and Emanuel had the strongest Rossmoor start, winning the first set 6-2 with confident play and well-placed shots. However, the tide began to turn in the second set, as their opponents from MCC found their rhythm, leveling the match by taking the set 6-4. In the third-set tiebreaker, Peters and Emanuel struggled to regain their earlier momentum and eventually fell 2-10. Despite the loss, this two-hour match showed the great effort of this team.

Moraga, which recently completed an expansion in 2022 that added 11,000 square feet of new facilities, provided a perfect setting for the match. The beautiful tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts are nestled within a picturesque landscape, making it an ideal venue.

After the grueling yet exhilarating matches, the teams were able to relax and enjoy the serene setting of Moraga Country Club. The scenic deck overlooking the courts provided a perfect place for post-match refreshments and camaraderie. 

The Rossmoor Men's Tennis Team’s away match against Moraga Country Club (MCC) on October 9 was nothing short of extraordinary. The Men's Team came out on top, winning three of the four matches. Vvictories from Lines 1, 2, and 3 were hard-fought and well-earned, underscoring the team's tenacity and ability to persevere in high-pressure, intensive situations. All four lines of doubles went down to the wire, each culminating in a third-set tiebreaker. These similar endings were a first for Rossmoor, evoking John McEnroe’s iconic outburst, "You cannot be serious!"  Match Recap: Line 1: Bob Benz and Chris Slee – The duo found themselves in trouble early, dropping the first set 5-7. But instead of folding under the pressure, they dug deep and fought back with determination in the second set. With the momentum shifting, Benz and Slee claimed the second set 7-5, leveling the match and forcing a third-set tiebreaker. They dominated the tiebreaker by winning 10-5. Line 2: Yoshi Fukamiya and Stuart Coffey – This team also faced an uphill battle after losing the first set 4-6. However, they refused to be discouraged, and with renewed focus, they captured the second set 6-3. The third-set tiebreaker turned into a nail-biting affair.  Ultimately, Fukamiya and Coffey held their composure, edging out their opponents 12-10 in a thrilling tiebreaker. Line 3: David Besenfelder and Bernie Wolf – Perhaps the most dramatic match of the day came from Line 3. Besenfelder and Wolf endured a disastrous first set, losing 0-6, but instead of letting the score deflate their spirits, they bounced back in spectacular fashion. They completely flipped the script in the second set, winning 6-1. The third-set tiebreaker saw Besenfelder and Wolf continue the wave of momentum, securing a 10-7 victory to complete their remarkable comeback. Line 4: Al Peters and Roger Emanuel – Peters and Emanuel had the strongest Rossmoor start, winning the first set 6-2 with confident play and well-placed shots. However, the tide began to turn in the second set, as their opponents from MCC found their rhythm, leveling the match by taking the set 6-4. In the third-set tiebreaker, Peters and Emanuel struggled to regain their earlier momentum and eventually fell 2-10. Despite the loss, this two-hour match showed the great effort of this team. Moraga, which recently completed an expansion in 2022 that added 11,000 square feet of new facilities, provided a perfect setting for the match. The beautiful tennis, pickleball, and bocce ball courts are nestled within a picturesque landscape, making it an ideal venue. After the grueling yet exhilarating matches, the teams were able to relax and enjoy the serene setting of Moraga Country Club. The scenic deck overlooking the courts provided a perfect place for post-match refreshments and camaraderie.  Written by Roger Emanuel

The Rossmoor Men’s Team, part of the Senior Men's Interclub League (SMIL), began their fall season with a spirited match against Oakland Hills on September 18 at Rossmoor. The home team faced strong competition on a day when the weather was favorable, but their opponents proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite the final outcome—a 3-1 loss for Rossmoor—several of the matches were fiercely competitive, demonstrating the team’s tenacity and skill. Line 1: Stuart Coffey and Yoshi Fukamiya battled hard, taking their match to a decisive third-set 10-point tiebreaker after recovering from a tough first set. Ultimately, they fell just short with a 2-6, 6-1, 6-10 score, in what was a closely contested match. Line 2: Al Peters and David Hickey put up a strong effort but were defeated 3-6, 3-6. Line 3: This was one of the longest and most dramatic matches of the day, as Aric Ludwig and Barry Brian pushed their opponents to the limit. After splitting the first two sets, 6-4, 4-6, they also went into a tiebreaker but narrowly missed out on victory, losing 7-10. Their back-and-forth contest showcased some of the day’s most exciting tennis. Line 4: The lone victory for Rossmoor came  where Richard Schulman and Ron Kalb delivered a commanding performance, dominating their match with a convincing 6-0, 6-2 win. Their play ensured Rossmoor did not leave the court empty-handed. As is the tradition, the players gathered after the match to enjoy drinks, snacks, and the chance to relax and socialize. Despite the day’s losses, the team spirit remained high, and Rossmoor now looks forward to the opportunity to redeem themselves in a rematch at Oakland Hills later in the season.  Left to Right:  Yoshi Fukamiya, Aric Ludwig, Barry Brian, Al Peters, David Hickey, Richard Schulman, Ron Kalb, Stuart Coffey, Captain Bernie Wolf

Rossmoor Men's Tennis team played its final season match against Blackhawk Country Club on July 3, losing 3 out of 4 lines in close competition.  Some questioned the sanity of the captains for playing in this extreme heat!  The start time was moved to 9 a.m. from noon but temperatures were still in the 80s at the beginning and soared to nearly 100 degrees close to the finish.  The teams showed they were fit and ready even in the hot weather.

Match results

Line 1: Chris Slee and Yoshi Fukamiya lost 4-6, 1-6.
Line 2: Barry Brian and Bernie Wolf lost 4-6, 7-6, 9-11 in the longest match of the day, lasting nearly 3 hours.
Line 3: Tim Walker and David Besenfelder secured the sole victory, with a final score of 3-6, 6-2,10-8 in another long match. 
Line 4: Ike Ichikawa and Bert Sebilia lost 3-6,1-6.

Despite the scorching weather, many players stayed to root for Wolf and Brian in their marathon match.  All players enjoyed the camaraderie and the sharing of drinks and snacks.  The new season won't start until the end of September but practice will continue throughout the summer. 

Written by Bernie Wolf

Men's tennis players, from left, Ike Ichikawa, David Besenfelder, Tim Walker, Captain Bernie Wolf, Bert Sebilia, Barry Brian, Chris Slee, Yoshi Fukamiya. 

The Rossmoor Men's Tennis Team faced off against their familiar and formidable rival, Walnut Creek 1, on June 19. Historically, Rossmoor has struggled against Walnut Creek 1, and today's match was no different, as Rossmoor lost three of the four matches.

Match Results:

• Line #1: Larry Barclay and co-captain Stuart Coffey were up against one of the strongest teams in the league. They were defeated with scores of 3/6, 1/6.
• Line #2: David Hickey and Tim Walker mounted a fierce comeback in the second set but ultimately lost in a tiebreak, with final scores of 2/6, 6/7.
• Line #3: Ike Ichikawa and John Weyland faced a tough opponent and fell with scores of 1/6, 3/6.
• Line #4: Irwin Cohen and Bert Sebilia reversed the tide and secured a solid win for Rossmoor, with scores of 6/2, 6/2.

Rossmoor provided drinks and snacks for all players after the matches concluded. For these senior teams, the competitive spirit is short-lived, and camaraderie quickly takes over in pleasant discussions.

Written by Roger Emanuel

Left to Right:  Larry Barclay, John Weyand, Ike Ichikawa, Co-Captain - Stuart Coffey, Irwin Cohen, Bert Sebilia, Tim Walker, and David Hickey

This match against Walnut Creek #2 team from Heather Farm was postponed a week because of soaring heat, but on June 12, it was finally held at Rossmoor Buckeye Courts. It was a beautiful sunny day with light breezes.  The Rossmoor team has been on a winning streak against WC 2 since November, 2022, and this marked its fourth consecutive victory. 

The lineups were as follows:

• Line #1: David  Besenfelder and Co-captain Stuart Coffey faced a formidable Walnut Creek team. After over two hours of intense play, Rossmoor narrowly lost in the ten-point, third-set tiebreak with scores of 2/6, 6/4, and 10/12.
• Line #2: Al Peters and Larry Barclay were in control of this match and won 6-1, 6-0.
• Line #3: Aric Ludwig and Roger Emanuel, teaming up for the first time, recovered quickly after losing the first 2 games to secure a 6/3, 6/1 victory. 
• Line #4: Irwin Cohen and Bert Sebilia delivered a flawless performance, not dropping a single game and finishing with a perfect 6/0, 6/0. 

Although the play was at Rossmoor, Walnut Creek was the host team and graciously provided drinks and snacks after the matches. The event was marked by pleasant conviviality, both during and after the matches, and the Rossmoor Men's Team eagerly anticipates its next encounter with Walnut Creek #2.

From Left to Right:  Larry Barclay, Al Peters, Irwin Cohen, David Bessonfelder, Bert Sibilia, Stuart Coffey, Aric Ludwig, and Roger Emanuel

Written by Roger Emanuel

On a beautiful sunny day at the newly resurfaced Bay Crow Canyon, the Rossmoor Men's Tennis Team faced a tough challenge, losing 3 out of 5 matches. 

• Line #1: Bob Benz and Yoshi Fukamiya faced a very strong team and were defeated 1/6, 5/7.
• Line #2: Co-captain Stuart Coffey and Al Peters struggled against another strong pair, losing 0/6, 1/6.
• Line #3: In a marathon match lasting over two hours, Aric Ludwig and Tim Walker put up a competitive fight but ultimately lost 4/6, 6/7.  The match featured many strong ground strokes and closely contested points.
• Line #4: Captain Bernie Wolf and David Hickey secured a win with a solid performance, defeating their opponents 6/0, 6/4.
• Line #5: Dave Kern and Barry Brian were dominant, winning their match decisively at 6/1, 6/2.

Bay Crow Canyon was a gracious host, providing chips, dip, wraps, and a variety of drinks and snacks. The Rossmoor Men's team looks forward to a rematch when Crow Canyon visits Rossmoor in the future.

Left to right:  Bob Benz, Al Peters, Tim Walker, Aric Ludwig, David Hickey, Dave Kern, Captain Bernie Wolf, Yoshi Fukamiya.  In front kneeling:  Barry Brian, Stuart Coffey.

The Rossmoor Men's Team showcased their prowess at Roundhill Country Club on May 8, securing a victorious outcome in their recent matches. The picturesque setting of RHCC, coupled with recently resurfaced courts, provided an ideal backdrop for the competition.  Competition went as follows: Line #1, Chris Slee and Captain Bernie Wolf clinched victory in a thrilling third-set tiebreaker, 6/2, 4/6, 10/8. This match was the longest and took resilience and determination.  Line #2, represented by co-captain Stuart Coffey and Barry Brian, staged a remarkable comeback in the second set after trailing 2/5, ultimately winning in straight sets of 6/0 and 7/5. Line #3, Al Peters and David Besenfelder secured a solid win with scores of 6/3 and 6/3, showcasing their skill and coordination on the court. Line #4, Richard Schulman and Tim Walker faced a strong team and lost in two sets with scores of 4/6 and 1/6. Line #5, the Dave and Dave team of Dave Kern and David Hickeyclaimed victory by default when their opponents retired due to illness while tied at 5/5 in the first set. The Round Hill team was most gracious as always and offered post-match beverages and camaraderie.  The deck for this has a beautiful vantage point overseeing the courts. With this triumph under their belt, the Men's Team from Rossmoor eagerly anticipates hosting  Round Hill in a future match at Rossmoor.   Men's tennis players , from left, Tim Walker, Al Peters, David Besenfelder, Barry Brian, Dave Kern, Chris Slee, Richard Schulman, Captain Bernie Wolf, David Hickey; In front kneeling, Stuart Coffey

The Rossmoor Men's Team had a varied performance against the Moraga Country Club on April 24, resulting in a draw overall. While Lines 1 and 2 suffered losses in straight sets, Lines 3 and 4 achieved victories in straight sets.

• Line #1, comprised of Bob Benz and Stuart Coffey, faced tough competition and ultimately lost with scores of 4/6 and 3/6.
• Line #2, represented by David Hickey and Barry Brian, also encountered challenges and were defeated with scores of 1/6 and 0/6.
• Line #3, led by Bernie Wolf and Al Peters, demonstrated remarkable teamwork and skill, secured a win with scores of 6/1 and 6/2, which saw intense rallies.
• Line #4, featuring Richard Schulman and Ike Ichikawa, delivered a strong performance, triumphing in straight sets with scores of 6/3 and 6/3.

After the match, the Moraga players exhibited sportsmanship by treating the Rossmoor Men to soft drinks and beers at the bar. Both teams enjoyed socializing and catching up on club news while relaxing on the picturesque patio.

The Moraga Country Club recently expanded its recreational offerings with the introduction of new pickleball and bocce ball courts, enriching the range of activities available to its members. Despite these new additions, the club remains dedicated to maintaining its esteemed tennis facility, which continues to receive praise for its beauty from visitors.

Men's tennis players are, from left,  Al Peters, Ike Ichikawa, Stuart Coffey, Bob Benz, Richard Schulman, Barry Brian, Captain Bernie Wolf,  David Hickey

On April 10, the warmest day so far this year, the Oakland Hills Men's Team defeated the Rossmoor Men's Tennis Team at the Buckeye courts, winning 3 out of 5 matches. Here's a summary of the outcomes at each line:

Line 1:  Stuart Coffey and Yoshi Fukamiya lost a tough first set and won the 2^nd before losing the third set tiebreaker, 6/7 (7/1), 6/3, 6/10.

Line 2:  Two octogenarians Al Peters and David Hickey prevailed for Rossmoor in the longest match of the day that lasted  2 1/2 hours. Usually, 3^rdsets are played as ten-point tiebreakers but these warriors decided to play a full 3^rd set in spite of the warm weather. The final score was  4/6, 6/2, 6/4.

Line 3:  Siva Sivasubramanian and Bert Sebilia lost by a score of  2/6, 2/6.

Line 4:  Bernie Wolf and Ike Ichikawa triumphed in two sets by a score of  6/4, 7/6 (7/3).

 
Line 5:  Chas Stumpfel and Jerry Robinson lost by  1/6, 2/6.

The matches were closely contested, with some going to tiebreakers and third sets. The players showed determination and sportsmanship. Everyone enjoyed refreshments and camaraderie after the matches. These teams will meet again in the next matchup at Oakland Hills.

Left to right - Siva Sivasubramanian, Ike Ichikawa, Chas Stumpfel, Bert Sebilia, David Hickey, Jerry Robinson, Captain Bernie Wolf, Al Peters, Stuart Coffey, Yoshi Fukamiya