The petition
The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate our support for Coach Marcus Fonseca and our appreciation for all the contributions he has made to Ithaca tennis community. Marcus has illustrated qualities as a coach and person that are respected and admired. We firmly believe Coach Marcus Fonseca had a positive impact on our children as players and persons on the court and in life. He is a great asset to University and Ithaca Community. His Junior/Adult Clinics, Cardio Tennis, Strategy Sessions and other tennis workouts brought new and exciting life to Ithaca tennis. We urge Cornell University and Reis Tennis Center administration to do all in its power to support Coach Fonseca in his pursuit of excellence.
Thank you for your support.
Irina Zhankov
-----------------------
Having been here in Ithaca for 5 years my family and I have never met such a unique human being who has a great personality and also is a wonderful coach. Marcus Fonseca has inspired many people to do their best and achieve their goals. My family and I have great respect and appreciation for Marcus. In a short length of time he has managed to accomplish many great things. He has organized clinincs for all ages and has been on the court teaching and practicing for hours and hours. This dedication is very inspiring for all of us in Ithaca. It is a joy to watch him teach and play tennis. I have seen my children improve greatly and have seen them be more enthusiastic about tennis. For awhile my son did not want to continue to play tennis, but after going to Marcus's clinincs he started loving the sport and can't wait to get on the court. Marcus's determination to improve the game of tennis among people is also very inspiring. The spirit of the community is happy and well because of Marcus. He puts smiles on everyboddy's face. Marcus also completes all his tasks very well. There are only positive and wonderful things that can be said about Marcus. My family and I are very proud to know him. Best wishes always.
---Mehrabyan Family
---------------------------------------
After nearly 40 yrs away from playing tennis, I have come back to the game and improved on my previous skills by astounding leaps and bounds. Because of the uniqueu professional gifts of Marcus Fonseca, CU's new ass't tennis coach. He has brought a new spirit to Reis Tennis Center with his extraordinary tennis drills, cardio tennis, and always upbeat encouragement no matter what the skill levels are of his students. I have never seen the kind of forward progress in children as I have witnessed with Marcus and kids from age 9 to 15. They are inspired and have improved their tennis skills with unbelievable speed. Marcus makes them feel like little professionals and has stirred their will to excel in the game. Some of them could surely beat me in a match! Marcus came to CU as a Brazilian and US tennis star. There is no inflated ego in the man, but a sincere wish to help everyone at any skill level to improve and enjoy tennis more. When Marcus held a fund-raiser tournament, I played all day - my first time ever in a tournament. Hundreds of people either partipated directly or observed the matches all day long. There was a buzz of excitement and a feeling that we all were contributing to the greater Ithaca wellbeing. Family and Children's Services of Ithaca told me afterward, that they could not believe the gracious altruism of Marcus Fonseca. Many senior citizens were thrilled to receive clothing, soap, candy, artwork and other gifts from the tournament donors. When I first came to Reis it bore an unenthusiastic atmosphere. It was quiet and very few courts were in play. Now, from morning until late at night, there is enthusiastic, happy competition filling almost every court all the time. The mix of old faithful members and new, of children and college students makes Reis Center a welcoming place for tennis afficionados of all skill levels. All of this is directly due to Marcus Fonseca. When we heard that Marcus was given Top Pro title, everyone I play with or meet in the course of playing was thrilled. The buzz increased. When, less than a week later, we learned that the title was removed - because no such position existed at CU, everyone I know at Reis was devastated and in many cases, angry. Why not create the position and let Marcus give us his full potential, give the Cornell Tennis Team the boost it needs to become a winning team, and let Marcus hold community outreach programs that will improve the town-gown relationships with Cornell University. Marcus is a miracle and deserves everyone's praise. He also deserves to be Head Pro and continue his wonderful tournaments to help the general community in Ithaca. I have never played tennis as well as I do now. I am competitive for the first time in my life. I am about to turn 60 yrs old, yet have the fitness of a person half my age. Marcus has improved my chances to live and play until I am 100! One of my doubles partners just turned 90 and is planning to take lessons from Marcus - he has heard so many positive stories about Marcus' skills that draw the best out of each player that he has decided to improve his own game. My husband cannot believe the change in my attitudes about life in general because of Marcus. He hopes Cornell can support a long tenure of Marcus as coach and teacher. Marcus Fonseca is a phenomenon. With joy every morning, Karen Allaben-Confer and John L. Confer
-------------------------------
Please note: you can ignore ipetition.com default "donate" screen after submitting your signature. This petition is absolutely free.
Sign the petition
Fields marked * are required.