Flashback 100: Todd Martin’s Road to Greatness Starts at East Lansing

September 20, 2024

Todd Martin is widely recognized for his successful professional tennis career, and that success was rooted in mid-Michigan.

He excelled on the tennis court for East Lansing, winning the Class A No. 1 singles title in 1987 after finishing as the flight runner-up in 1986. His flight championship also helped the Trojans secure second place as a team.

After graduating from high school, Martin continued his tennis journey at Northwestern University, where he played for two years before turning professional in 1990.

His breakthrough came in 1993, with five victories over top-10 players, solidifying his rise in the sport. Martin represented the United States in the Davis Cup for nine consecutive years and was part of the championship-winning team in 1995. He reached his first Grand Slam final at the Australian Open in 1994 and made it to the finals of the U.S. Open in 1999, where he lost to Andre Agassi in a five-set match - watch here. Martin achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4 in 1999 and won a total of eight career titles.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Todd Martin is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He founded the Todd Martin Youth Leadership program, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to underserved youth in Michigan. His commitment to both the sport of tennis and his community has left a lasting legacy, both during his playing career and in his post-professional life.

Follow us on InstagramXFacebook, and TikTok for more weekly "Flashback 100" photo features and additional content celebrating our 100th anniversary.

Previous "Flashback 100" Features

Sept. 13: James Earl Jones, Dickson High Hoops to Hollywood Legend - Read
Sept. 6:
Pioneers'
Unstoppable Streak Stretches 9 Seasons - Read
Aug. 30: 
Detroit dePorres Rushes to 1995 Class CC Football ChampionshipRead 

PHOTOS At left, Todd Martin, and at right Martin (back row, center) stands among 1986 WMTA District Qualifier champions. (Photos courtesy of the Todd Martin Youth Leadership Program.)

Dow Riding Record-Setting Regular Season Into Pursuit of 1st Finals Title Since 2016

By Paul Costanzo
Special for MHSAA.com

September 28, 2022

The Midland Dow boys tennis team has one big goal this season:

Bay & ThumbWin the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 2 Finals title.

And the Chargers aren’t shying away from talking about it.

“That’s the goal from the beginning – that’s always the goal,” Dow senior Thomas Ladwein said. “Why would you ever shoot for something less when you know it’s achievable? Shoot for your highest goal possible.”

Dow is coming off a third-place finish at the 2021 Final, and returned nearly all of its lineup for this season. 

That’s led to a No. 1 ranking in Division 2 and a 24–0-1 record, a program best for regular-season dual victories.

“Last year was really special. I don’t remember ever having a group of guys that exceeded expectations as much as they did,” Dow coach Terry Schwartzkopf said. “That told me a little something about their character, their psyche and grit. I had an inkling we could be something special (this year). I did not expect the camaraderie, the character, the drive and determination this team has shown all season. I didn’t realize it would be as amazing as it’s been.”

Schwartzkopf knows an amazing tennis team when he sees it. He’s coached Dow to six Finals titles, including five straight from 2009-13. The latest title came in 2016. 

Every Dow team since 2008 – outside of 2020 when the team title was decided in a dual format – has finished in the top five at the Finals.

No. 3 doubles player Vishagan Karthikeyan returns a volley. Upholding that tradition could create a lot of pressure for players wearing a Dow uniform, but they don’t see it that way.

“There’s not extra pressure, but there’s definitely a certain expectation where, ‘Oh, it’s Dow High, they’re supposed to be pretty good,’” Ladwein said. “I feel like, up until this year, we haven’t been that strong. But this year, we’re a force to be reckoned with. So maybe there’s more pressure this year. You’re forced to play at your peak every time, but it’s good practice.”

Schwartzkopf also has made sure the program’s past doesn’t weigh on the current players by incorporating it into the present. Several former players who played large roles as Dow built its elite status have come back to help out this current team.

“That’s the program I’ve strived to create, one of players leading players,” Schwartzkopf said. “One where there’s a family atmosphere, and the past, present and future are all connected. … We’re fighting to reclaim the history of those guys that have come back and worked with them.”

It’s not something current players take for granted.

“It’s definitely an inspiration,” sophomore No. 1 singles player Austin King said. “They come to practice with us and give us a lot of tips. They give us little pointers on what we can work on and what to do. They’ve been there and done it, and won a state title. It’s good hearing from them.”

The Chargers also have plenty of personal experience to draw upon as they enter the postseason, which begins with the Regional tournament on Oct. 5.

Nine of the 12 starters played in the 2021 Finals, led by Ladwein and Aaron Li, who were finalists at No. 1 doubles.

King is back at No. 1 singles, while Li has moved to No. 2 singles. Logan Yu (No. 3) and Nimai Patel (No. 4) round out the singles lineup and also have Finals experience.

Ladwein is now teamed with Boaz Qui, who played at No. 2 doubles a year ago. Qui’s former partner, Roofy Elsaadany, is now playing No. 2 doubles with Aiden Tanis, one of three players who did not play in the 2021 Finals.

The No. 3 doubles team of Vishagan Karthikeyan and Shubhan Nagarkar returns intact after advancing to the semifinals a year ago.

At No. 4 doubles are the other newcomers to the lineup, Konnor Janeczko and Dominic Griffin.

That experience, mixed with a schedule that’s featured all but one team in the Division 2 top 10 and several other ranked teams, should have the Chargers prepared for the stretch run. It certainly seems to have paid off to this point.

“I think these guys have like an 80-percent tiebreak record,” Schwartzkopf said. “They get pushed, and for the most part they have this ability to focus and finish.”

Being able to focus and finish now could mean bringing a seventh Finals title back to Dow. 

“It would be awesome,” Ladwein said. “To be able to go out my senior year, without ever winning a title the last four years – to speak of it and always come close, it’s always kind of hanging over your head. So, to be able to go in my senior year and win it all, personally, I’d find more joy in accomplishing that.”

Paul CostanzoPaul Costanzo served as a sportswriter at The Port Huron Times Herald from 2006-15, including three years as lead sportswriter, and prior to that as sports editor at the Hillsdale Daily News from 2005-06. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Saginaw, Bay, Arenac, Midland and Gladwin counties.

PHOTOS (Top) No. 1 doubles pair Thomas Ladwein, left, and Boaz Qui are pumped up during a Dow match this season. (Middle) No. 3 doubles player Vishagan Karthikeyan returns a volley. (Photos courtesy of the Midland Dow boys tennis program.)