Duties of the Secretary:
The Secretary is the custodian of all non-financial records of MTG, its officers, and established committees. The Secretary keeps timely records of all non-financial proceedings, correspondence, rules, policies, or other documents pertaining to MTG activities.
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Q&A with Sidnei Beal III
(Q) When and why did you join MTG?
(A) I joined MTG in 2009. I played Tennis in High School, College and while in the Army, but never had the proper training. I just seemed to do well at it. I wanted to be involved in a group where I could meet others who were looking to improve and also have fun.
(Q) When and why did you become the Secretary?
(A) After coming back to MTG after a small hiatus, I realized that I wanted to come back because I realized I missed tennis but also because I wanted to play on my own terms without expectations from others. Since coming back I have made it my own by doing things that I wanted to do that would contribute to the betterment of my game and also the social aspect of the group. Because I started taking photos and baking and getting more active I was asked if I would be interested in stepping into the position. I felt doing this would help to participate more in events and get to know the people that make up MTG as well as the inner workings of the organization.
I also wanted to make sure that those who felt they didn’t have a voice when it came to them participating in events that there is an ally there who will listen and see what can be done about questions and concerns brought up.
(Q) How long have you been playing tennis?
(A) 20 plus years…. I lived in California during my Junior High School years and really had never seen any African American Players, because I was just not exposed to it. During my 7th grade year I had the opportunity to meet Zina Garrison and watch her play. Then I started to pay more attention. Watching her and Arthur Ashe gave me something else that I could do that I was told was not something “Black Kids” did.
I remember the first tryout that I had was when I moved back to Texas. I went to a high school where there were only 16 black students out of 1800. I didn’t want to do what was expected of me (Track, Football, Basketball) so out of rebellion I tried out for the tennis team and was put on the team. Although I was only used for practice sessions for other students my first year, I learned a great deal. Mainly that if I wanted to get better it was up to me since no one was going to train me. I started hanging out at other courts where I would see black and latino players and just ask questions. Some of the older players and coaches would help me out and I would also go up to my school and just hit against a wall. When I had to try out for my sophomore year, the coach and players saw a different Sidnei and I found that I actually loved the game and just stuck with it.
In my military and college years I played more and more. Being overseas afforded me an opportunity to learn from others who had been coached and knew what they were doing. I got to play for the first time on Clay and loved it, all the sliding and quick movement on the court was amazing for me. A few A-players took me under their wings and really taught me a lot.
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