(CMEK) Chad Mekles of CMEK Basketball has recently started running tennis leagues and programs. MLM Tennis is an adult tennis league based in Bergen County. The acronym MLM formerly stood for: Chad Mekles, David Lerner, and Goyo Michelson. Chad and Greg, both members of Temple Emanuel, founded the league four years ago to bring players together for a fun and competitive regular night out for the guys. David was the league’s champion in doubles and singles in its first two seasons. Now the name has taken on new meaning: Mens, Ladies, Mixed. The men’s league takes place during the school year in various indoor tennis clubs primarily on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The league has grown exponentially in three seasons to 70 players, most of whom live in Englewood, Tenafly and surrounding areas. The vast majority are members of Temple Emanuel in Closter, Temple Sinai in Tenafly, Ahavath Torah or East Hill Synagogue.
League sponsor Andrew Kent of ShopRite of Englewood/Paramus/Rochelle Park provided all members with T-shirts at the end of season awards celebration, which was hosted by Englewood resident Scott Herschmann. The step and repeat banner was made by Michael Fried (Moriah/Frisch dad) of Sign a Rama. At the end of the night, Naftali Schuss and Daniel Klein of Englewood won a special auction item that was arranged by former pro player on tour Michael-Ray Pallares: The opportunity to play at the US Open with Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen, who were doubles finalists at the French Open. Proceeds went to One Love Tennis, a charity that builds tennis courts for underprivileged children across the world.
The ladies league is currently forming with initial interest exceeding 50 women from the neighboring towns. Finally, there will be two mixed doubles events later this year. To obtain information on MLM Tennis, please follow MLMtennis on Instagram or text 201-927-3027.
