Saratoga Springs varsity tennis coach Rich 'Ace' Johns is one of 10 finalists for the 2009 United States Tennis Association Starfish Award. The award honors coaches who implement a "no-cut" policy for their high school tennis team.

"Rich Johns has made a difference in the lives of all his players and their communities, and that is the true essence of a No-Cut coach," USTA Director of Recreational Coaches and Programs, Kirk Anderson said. "He has the heart and determination that it takes to not only be a No-Cut coach, but to be one of the 10 coaches chosen from a pool of over 2,850 for the Starfish Award."

The USTA will recognize the two national winners at the 39th annual USTA Tennis Teachers Conference on Sept. 1 in New York City. The Starfish Award is in its fifth year of existence and had honored eight winners since 2005.