Reviews

What they're saying about Tennis in the Northland . . .

Bill Cosgrove | Professor Emeritus of English | North Dakota State University | as it appeared in the Senior Tennis Club Newsletter

"Minnesota tennis can be quirly, capricious and unpredictable as the weather it's played in. For high school tennis in the spring, this can be especially true. There's the story of the player's eyeglasses that were completely covered over with driving snow and all that was visible were two white disks where his eyes should've been . . . read entire review.

Vincent Bugliosi, 1951 singles champion from Hibbing, nationally known trial lawyer, and author of many best-sellers such as Helter Skelter

"Who would have ever thought of writing this book? Jim Holden did, and for those who have played high school tennis in Minnesota, as well as their loved ones, friends, and coaches, this book is an absolutely delightful trip down memory lane for which we should all be grateful to Holden. Holden has done an extraordinary job of historical research, along the way also subtly working in images of a simpler but appealing time that many would love to relive in this frenetic, dot-com world."

TennisLife Magazine | Greg Wicklund | December 2008 | USTA Northern Section, page 23

"All Together! Three mighty huzzahs for Jim Holden, author of Tennis in the Northland: A History of Boys' High School Tennis in Minnesota"!!! Three mighty huzzahs for these reasons:

This 75-year history (everything you wanted to know about boys' high school tennis -- and then some - -belongs in every Minnesota and Upper Midwest home that is remotely connected to our super sport. It's a great read and serves as a solid reference work.

The vast array of interviews, facts and figures and sure-shot statistics Holden has assembled is indeed impressive. (Holden was assisted by John Mueller, USPTA pro)

The book is also endorsed by former Gopher coach Jerry Noyce, Rochester's Dr. Chuck Darley, Gustavus coach Steve Wilkinson, USPTA pro John Eberhart and the "great one" David Wheaton.

Order your copy (or copies -- they make great gifts -- at www.bookhousefulfillment.com or call 800-901-3480 (published by Beaver's Pond Press, Edina, MN.) 448 pages, 8.5 by 11 inches, $34.95."

Faribault County (MN) Register | Chuck Hunt | October 27, 2008

Fairmont (MN) Sentinel | Sarah Day | October 23, 2008

StarTribune (Minneapolis-St.Paul, MN) | Bud Armstrong | September 7, 2008

St. Cloud (MN) Times | Kevin Allenspach | September 5, 2008

Northfield (MN) News | Jeff Wald | June 24, 2008

Recent Reviews . . .

"The stories of people make history fascinating. Such is Jim Holden's hot off-the-press book, Tennis in the Northland. This book is full of information and tales of the boys who played high school tennis in Minnesota from 1929-2003 and the coaches who directed them.

For example, in the chapter entitled "Hall of Fame Coaches" you will find the story of Robert "Jolly" Carlson, the tennis coach in the small Minnesota town of Madison (population 1,886). Holden's writing transported me back to a magical time in 1975 when the large suburban team that I played for (Edina) met tiny Madison in the finals of the state team tournament. In this particular match all four of Jolly's sons, three of whom now live in Northfield (Barry, Gary, and Greg), were members of their seven-player team.

Another chapter, "Multiple Singles Champions," featured a story about Chuck Darley from Rochester, a three-time singles champion. I had heard about Darley from my high school coach, John Matlon. According to him, no one had a better volley. After reading Holden's account, I would have to admit he was probably right.

In the chapter "Dynasty Teams," Holden included a detailed account of my own high school team, Edina East. I learned about the history of our team before and after I played there. Some things I already knew. Other things I didn't. Furthermore, it was a lot of fun to see my name and the names of my teammates in print.

In an interesting chapter called "Girls Playing on Boy's Teams, "Holden describes how a high school girl named Peg Brenden from St. Cloud took her case to play on the boy's team (in 1972 there were no girls' interscholastic teams) to court and won. Although the timing of the court case allowed her to only play in several matches, she opened the doors for other girls.

These are just four of the ten chapters in this well-researched and accurate book. It is full of wonderful stories of the boys, their coaches, and a few girls, who participated in Minnesota high school boy's tennis from 1929-2003. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy."
Scott Nesbit
St. Olaf College tennis coach and former Edina East High School Tennis Player (1973-1975)

"This volume is a remarkable history of high school tennis in our state - a must read for all of us connected with Minnesota tennis in any way."
Jerry Noyce,
former U of M men's tennis coach.

"Jim Holden's Tennis in the Northland is the definitive and complete history of Minnesota high school tennis and will come to be recognized as the bible of Minnesota high school tennis."
Mark Wheaton,
1974 state doubles champion, 1975-76 state singles champion, and former U of M player

"This history is a fascinating read about classic state tournament matches, tennis families, coaches, and the incredible young men who gave so much to the game."
John Hatch,
former Blake coach