BOYS TENNIS NOTEBOOK: FOR THEM, PERFECT WORK VALENCIA TENNIS PLAYERS GET PLUM JOB AT PASEO CLUB.

Byline: Lauren Gustus Staff Writer

It sure beats a job working the drive-thru window at the McDonald's downtown.

Valencia High tennis players Kevin White and Nick Amico landed jobs on the front desk at the Paseo Club, across the street from school, and there's no doubt the pair will be testing out the new courts.

The members-only club, which opened June 14, now has facilities for tennis but plans to offer fitness, swimming and a full social calendar in the future.

Not bad work if you can get it.

``I'm going to get a lot of hitting over there,'' White said. ``Nick and I, we play all the time now.''

Amico will be a senior on the Valencia boys' tennis team next spring. White, who graduated this year, will play for Glendale College as a freshman.

Both are playing in tournaments over the summer to improve their rankings, and both likely will train with the pros at the new club.

Amico said he's considering doing the Paseo Club's tournament training program.

He's looking ahead to USTA tournaments in San Luis Obispo and Avila Bay, and he's headed to Santa Maria this weekend, along with teammate J.J. Patino, for a USTA event.

Although White will play for Glendale next year, he plans to live in the area and might work with one of the pros at the club before the college season begins in Spring 2004.

The tennis director at the Paseo Club is Darren Miller, and owners Desi McBride and Steve McAvoy, along with Katie Smith, are the pros. The club offers private lessons, USTA teams, adult drill classes, tennis socials and a Top Seed tennis academy.

--Three amigos: Although Amico and Patino spent the better part of the 2003 season playing together as a doubles team, there's no doubt they'll spend next year apart.

There are three singles spots that need to be filled, and Amico and Patino will likely take two of them. And David Foglesong will probably take the third. But just who will play where won't be determined until next spring.

``We're all shooting for the No. 1 spot,'' Amico said.

Patino also is playing the tournament circuit this summer. He was in Fountain Valley for the USTA's sectional tournament this week, where he and partner Robert Zacks lost to Charlie Farmer and Robert Kouty 6-1, 6-4 in the round of 32.

``I want to work on singles for the season, but doubles is my game,'' Patino said.

--Vikes lose one: Valencia's starting nine will lose only one player, but it's their No. 1 who is on his way.

``I'm more sad about it than happy (to be starting something new),'' White said. ``Everyone else is still playing, all my friends on the team.''

Lauren Gustus, [phone]

lauren.gustus(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

Valencia High's Nick Amico, pictured, will play in a USTA tournament in Santa Maria this weekend with teammate J.J. Patino, and he's looking ahead to USTA events in San Luis Obispo and Avila Bay.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News