WALT PECKINPAUGH INDUCTED
INTO PLATFORM TENNIS HALL OF FAME

By Charles E. Vasoll

One of the extraordinary events at the Men’s and Women’s National Championships conducted in Cleveland on March 5-7 about which there will be little "Press", was the induction of Walt Peckinpaugh into the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame. Rich Maier, an inductee into the Hall 1999, presented the induction address. It was researched by Steve Baird and Brook Kindred for the Hall of Fame Committee, which is chaired by Robert Brown. Here is what Steve said about the 54th inductee:

"The APTA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have achieved distinction in the play of platform tennis and have also significantly contributed to the growth and development of the game. This inductee is special in many ways. He has made a tremendous impact on the growth of platform tennis across the country and especially in the Mid-Western Region. While being a serious player and competitor, his true legacy has been in organizational leadership, vision, promotion, tournament chairmanship and technical competence. Without his contributions, there would be a vastly different landscape today on the national platform tennis scene.

He served on the APTA Board of Directors for 12 years in the 80’s and 90’s. He chaired the Nationals twice, in 1987 and 1993, both times in Cleveland. He ran four National Seniors events, ten regional events and countless local championships. He set up the national APTA database to track memberships and track fees. When he became President of Region 4, Cleveland was the only nationally ranking tournament west of the Hudson River. His region stretched from Pittsburgh to the Mississippi River, including Canada and south to Kentucky. He worked with the Board to reorganize the regions and start more nationally ranked events outside of the East Coast. When asked where he would suggest holding them, he replied "little towns like Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati".

He was an entrepreneur, a fundraiser, a manager, a computer wizard and a natural salesman and promoter. A rare breed. He has a unique combination of skills, energy and passion that almost guarantees gold in everything he touches. A systems thinker, he brings a different angle to every problem solution. A Barnum and Bailey with computer firepower! And he had the wisdom to partner with his bride who is truly his secret weapon for success.

As a player, he possesses speed and spin that make him a difficult individual to play against. His study of the competition and their strategies set him apart from others. In short, he maximizes his talent, has won numerous championships and gets better with age.

I am proud to introduce in newest member of the platform tennis Hall of Fame, Walt Peckinpaugh".

On a personal note, I am sincerely pleased that the Board of Directors approved the nomination by the Hall of Fame Committee of Walt. My fondest recollection of him was meeting him for the first time at LaGuardia Airport. He was attending his first meeting as a Director of the APTA. We did not know one another and we had not even seen a picture of each another. How would we identify ourselves? I said I would hold a platform tennis racquet high above the crowd so he could see me. It worked. I have not had any trouble recognizing him since that day.

The platform tennis Hall of Fame is unique as Halls go. Most of them honor only their best players. Oh, they may have a special "wing" for others, but only "the players" get into the real "Hall". Platform tennis is different. It inducts individuals who have contributed to the game in other ways besides just being an exceptional player. Walt is a great symbol of that spirit. Surely he is not an untalented player but it was his other skills that he devoted to the sport that earned him a place beside those champions on the courts who are already honored.

Congratulations Walt (and Marilyn)! You deserve all the accolades indicated for your contributions and dedication to the sport.

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