Matkiwsky, Milchutske win men's and women's titles at USCAK Tennis Championships (09/24/06)

Matkiwsky, Milchutske win men's and women's titles at USCAK Tennis Championships

by Petrusia Sawchak

KERHONKSON, N.Y. - For the first time in 51 years the Ukrainian Sports Federation of the U.S.A. and Canada (USCAK) Tennis Championships held at Soyuzivka during the Labor Day weekend did not begin until Sunday afternoon due to the torrential rainfall that covered most of the East Coast due to tropical storm Ernesto.

The players patiently and optimistically waited for the rains to subside, and only a few players pulled out of the tournament because of the weather.

The opening ceremonies for both the swimming and tennis tournaments took place on Sunday morning, September 3 inside the Veselka Hall because of the heavy showers that plagued the events. The swimming championship celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. Speakers included Myron Stebelsky, president of USCAK, Omelan Twardowsky, president of Chornomorska Sitch, Marika Bokalo, USCAK swimming director, Ivan Durbak, the representative from the host club, Carpathian Ski Club (KLK), and George Sawchak, USCAK tennis director. UNA Treasurer Roma Lisovich congratulated the organizations for their contributions to Ukrainian sports and encouraged everyone to continue participating in tournaments at Soyuzivka.

Sponsors of the tennis tournament were the Ukrainian National Association, which funded the trophies and provided community support, and John Hynansky, entrepreneur, philanthropist and owner of the Winner Group Inc. from Wilmington, Del. The Winner Group represents 24 companies - 12 of which are automobile dealerships in Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and parts of Ukraine.

For 25 or so years, Mr. Hynansky has given approximately $4,000 in financial stipends annually to the winners in the men's, women's and junior groups. These stipends have attracted top-notch players to the tournament.

The finals of the tournament were held on Monday, September 4, a glorious sunny day - perfect for watching and playing tennis. Erik Matkiwsky and Maryanna Milchutske won the men's and woman's division, respectively.

A fiery player with speed and accuracy, Mr. Matkiwsky of New Jersey beat his formidable opponent, Mark Krasij of Florida, 6-2, 7-5 in a hard-fought final. This was the third straight win for Mr. Matkiwsky in this tournament.

In the women's group Miss Milchutske, a 16-year-old junior from New Jersey, overcame Ann Marie Schumsky of Connecticut 6-1, 6-0, winning the event four years in a row. Mrs. Schumsky, a past champion, and her husband, Roman, and children have participated in the tournament for the past 10 years, and is a viable contender.

Some may also recall that Miss Milchutske's brother Hryhorij was the men's finalist some years ago. Presently he is working in Ukraine after graduating from college.

On the way to winning the men's finals, Mr. Matkiwsky eliminated Mykola Stroynick 6-0, 6-1, and Mr. Krasij beat Dennis Chorny 7-6 (5), 1-0 (retired due to injury). Mr. Chorny's unfortunate leg muscle pull prevented him from trying to repeat his victories during the Fourth of July weekend at Soyuzivka.

In the semis of the women's division Miss Milchutske defeated Katrusia Charchalis 6-0, 6-0, and Mrs. Schumsky beat Svitlana Goletz by the same score.

The men's age 35 and over group played a round robin. Stefan Sosiak emerged victorious over Mykola Nalywayko, and Oleh Zaputovych came in third.

In the men's 45 and over division final, Mr. Nalywayko, who played in two groups, beat Roman Schumsky 6-1, 6-0.

Ivan Durbak of New Jersey beat Jaroslav Sydorak of California by a score of 6-2, 7-6 in the men's 55 and over group, which boasted many participants. The two former longtime champions battled it out with classic strokes and cool demeanors. In the semis, Jaroslav Sydorak eked out George Hrabec of Massachusetts 6-1, 7-6 (5), and Ivan Durbak won over George Sawchak of Pennsylvania 6-1, 3-1 (retired).

In the men's senior consolation match, Mr. Hrabec beat Walter Dziwak 7-6, 6-3. Mr. Dziwak is known for his long grueling matches.

In the boys' group Oles Charchalis of Maryland beat Markian Dziuk of Illinois, 6-0, 6-0. In the semis Mr. Charchalis eliminated Nick Nalywayko Jr. of New Jersey 6-2, 6-0, and Mr. Dziuk won over Yuri Sendzimir of Connecticut 6-0, 6-4. Lesyk Hryhorowych of New York won the consolation match, beating Yuri Sendzimir 6-2, 4-6, 6-2.

In the older girls' group Maryanna Milchutske, who also won in the women's division, beat Katrusia Charchalis 6-0, 6-0. In the semis, Miss Milchutske outstroked Lana Denysyk 6-0, 6-0, and Miss Charchalis beat Oksana Slobodian 6-1, 6-1. In the consolation match Miss Denysyk beat Oksana Slobodian 7-5, 6-3. Although the scores are not good indicators, all the girls played well and showed promise. Natalka Hryhorowych won the younger girls' group in a round robin. In second place was Marta Cherpak and third, Christina Slobodian.

The coveted Mary Dushnyck Good Sportmanship Trophy was awarded to Miss Hryhorowych. Mrs. Dushnyck was a longtime supreme vice-presidentess of the Ukrainian National Association and participant of the tennis tournaments beginning in 1956. She continued to compete until she could not anymore.

The closing ceremonies were held on Monday, September 4. The tennis committee, comprising Messrs. Sawchak, Hrabec and Durbak, presented UNA and memorial trophies and the Winner Group Inc. stipends. They were assisted by Roman Rakoczy, Yuriy Kupchynsky, Ms. Lisovich, Marusia Durbak and Petrusia Sawchak.

The memorial trophies were awarded as follows: men's - Bohdan Rak Trophy, men's 35 and over - Jaroslaw Rubel Trophy, men's 45 and over - Dr. Wolodymyr Huk Trophy, men's 55 and over - Dr. Petro Charuk Trophy, and women's - Constantine Ben Trophy.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Sawchak thanked everyone for participating in the tournament and the sponsors, the UNA and Mr. Hynansky, for their loyalty and support throughout the years. Mr. Durbak invited everyone to attend the KLK weekend at Soyuzivka on September 29-October 1. Ms. Lisovich officially closed the 51st USCAK tennis tournament.

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