Village Glen expanding tennis program

The Village Glen Tennis and Fitness Club will be now known as the Village Glen Tennis Club.

The name change represents the club's new direction to expand upon its increasingly popular tennis program and become a tennis-only establishment.

The fitness aspect will be eliminated from the club on Feb. 2.

"This new direction fulfills our strategic plan to build upon Village Glen's reputation as one of the finest tennis clubs in the area," said Glen Tennis Club co-owner Maritza Ruh. "It is also an opportunity to expand upon our junior program, which has proven to be very successful."

Village Glen, located at 162 Mill St., Williamsville, has six indoor tennis courts and four clay outdoor bubbled tennis courts.

Ruh and her husband, Jack, owners of South Towns Tennis Club, purchased Village Glen in December 2006. Former owner Tom LaPenna serves as the club's executive director. He has been leading Village Glen's tennis program for the past 25 years. LaPenna has consistently coached youngsters who have reached No. 1 in the United States Tennis Association's junior national rankings.

"Tom is a tremendous asset to the tennis community and to our club members," said Ruh. "He is an energetic leader who inspires staff and builds a passion for tennis among youngsters."

LaPenna served as head coach of the University of Buffalo men's tennis team from 1977 to 1983. He is a certified teaching professional with the United States Professional Tennis Association, and a premier advisory staff member of the Wilson Sporting Goods Company. He is an inaugural inductee into the Buffalo Tennis Hall of Fame.