2003-2004 LONG ISLAND VIKING JUNIOR TOUR - DECEMBER 13, 2003

Tournament Chairman Mark Brosnan (white hat) and Michael O'Keefe, GC Country Club's Racquets Professional (far right), with the players.

LONG ISLAND VIKING JUNIOR TOUR IS A SMASH HIT...WITH ME

By Charles E. Vasoll

When I returned home after co-conducting the Viking Junior Tour at the Garden City Country Club, my wife said she hadn't seen me glow like that in a long time. She is very perceptive. Mark Brosnan, my co-conductor, did all the hard work of scheduling the teams in round robin formats and getting the teams on and off the courts. I had contributed mostly in the administrative end, providing programs, arranging the printing and distribution of entry forms, working on prizes and obtaining the favors from David Kjeldsen of Viking Athletics. On the day of play, December 13, all I had to do was enjoy the play as a spectator.

And enjoy it I did. We had 13 teams, which I have been told, is not bad for a first time Junior event, although I had wished there were more. Four teams were in the 10 and under age division, five teams entered the 12 and under and there were two teams each in the 14 and under and the 18 and under.

Of course there was some outstanding play by the older players but it was the 10 year olds that particularly caught my attention. Their ability, poise, demeanor and sportsmanship were a joy to behold. The emphasis was on "having fun." Naturally, the losers were disappointed and the winners elated. The wonderful conduct of the kids, however, and their behavior would put many grown-ups to shame.

Two other things should be noted. First, there was the thrill of both ages when some ten year olds asked the fourteen year olds, who were featured in Platform Tennis Magazine, for their autographs. And second, a note I received from Gail Keegan, mother of Terry Keegan, thanking us for hosting the tournament and indicating that Terry's plaque was on his wall already.

Frankly, I don't care if any of these kids ever become the next David Ohlmuller, although it would not surprise me if they did. Just giving them some exposure to the game is enough for me. Most will not have an opportunity to play competitively during their high school and college years. Some will play tennis during that time interval. My hope is that, starting in their thirties, they will remember the fun they had here and in other Junior events and search out a place where they can again enjoy our sport.

Platform Tennis has been unable to break-through to the "grass roots" athletes. This is principally because it continues to be a "rich man's" sport. Courts are located in golf and yacht clubs where membership is costly or in municipal areas where home ownership is very expensive.

Many of us, who play the sport and enjoy it so much, feel guilty that others don't have the same opportunity. It doesn't have to be just for the wealthy because it doesn't cost much to play. It's not like polo, for example. Somehow we just have to work harder at it and the Viking Junior Tour is a wonderful start.

Click HERE to Return to Archives