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Show Viewmont grads turning tennis into fun summertime occupation KDy By TOM HARALDSEN Sports Editor BOUNTIFUL Most every teenager has memories of summer jobs, and often, those memories aren't always pleasant. Such is not the case for two entrepreneuring Viewmont High graduates who are spending their summer doing exactly ex-actly what they love best. It began a summer ago for Darren Dar-ren "D.J." Jones and Bryan Beck, who were then between their junior and senior years at Viewmont. Members of the Vikes' tennis team, D.J. and Bryan spent some of their off-hours teaching at the Town and Country Tennis Club. That's when an idea was born. "We decided to hold our own tennis classes," Bryan recalled. "My parents had moved that year into a new home in Bountiful, and we had just finished building a tennis ten-nis court back below our house by the creek, a court we shared with our next door neighbors." Both young players felt they'd probably just attract neighborhood residents initially, so they were pleasantly surprised when a total of 30 students took classes last summer. This year, D.J. and Bryan put out a professionally-done flyer, and the response has been great. Classes are taught on Tuesday and Thursday for all age groups, including in-cluding an adult class the players are offering in the evening. "Our experience at Town and Country was very positive," Bryan said, adding that they both CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE D.J. serves up some shots to students while helping them with their forehands. What began as simply a small idea last summer has turned into a successful business for Darren and his partner Bryan Beck. Teens 'net' enjoyment from tennis classes " - . .- -' . ' f. "ft " V ... . V. ' . - s ' " t iir-m "' . -', .''""' J""""-..'.. v j ? r ;s:i g" ;lMSMl:M ..SlISIIllllIll J CONTINUED FROM PREV. PAGE continue teaching at the club as well. "We thought it would help bring in some extra money, and we'd have fun doing it." D.J. is from a family of tennis players, though he said that "none of them have taken it very seriously." serious-ly." As he grew up, he discovered most of his spare time was put into the sport. Bryan's father has been quite active ac-tive in tennis, and Bryan joined a junior team at Town and Country in ninth grade. From that moment on, he was hooked. This year, D.J. was first singles player and Bryan played second singles for Viewmont. Both feel their teaching styles are similar, and both make sure students have a good time. "Our biggest goal is to keep them smiling and laughing," Bryan said. "If they're not having fun, they shouldn't be here." Mornings are spent with younger children, while teenagers come in during the afternoon. Adults are taught in the evenings. Juniors receive re-ceive nine one-hour classes over a four-week period, while adult classes clas-ses total six. D.J. and Bryan limit their classes to five per instructor though most classes average aboul six students between them. All students stu-dents we interviewed said theii skills, techniques and self-esteem on the court have improved undei the tutelage of the young instructors. instruc-tors. "The best part is that we remain in charge and we're our own bosses," bos-ses," Bryan said. "We find adults as receptive as young players to learning those skills that will improve im-prove their game." The instructors are planning one final session of classes beginning July 29 and 20. Their pride and joy is a beautifully-done T-shirt that they provide to all youth who complete com-plete the camp. This could be the last summer the camp is held for a while, as Bryan is planning on leaving for an LDS mission in February. D.J. will attend BYU in September, then leave himself for a mission next summer. In the meantime, these young men will continue to share their expertise ex-pertise with tennis hopefuls, while at the same time enjoying the benefits be-nefits of a summer job providing only pleasant memories for all those involved. With D.J. (far side of net) setting up the shots, Cassie Manning, 1 6, a Viewmont High student, stretches to return this shot. I -r m -r m" vl . .. i iim,i,.W(I2 ''TtdtJL-z.... f, , , A.'ii.'i'.i ..x H H n H fffw ; n i m ; ! ; J Jf4l I4..f441..4,te. imtt H-! htttmnnm D.J. and Bryan have turned a love of tennis into a profitable, popular summer work experience. The Viewmont High grads teach players from six-year-olds to adults, helping them enjoy en-joy tennis, as well as learn the game. |