The 125+ Experience

By Charles E. Vasoll

In the November issue, I spent considerable verbiage on the Senior Men’s program of the APTA. I particularly pointed out the “explosion” of the 125+ tournaments and mentioned the three events that were planned in Connecticut. The first was November 18 and I rounded up a partner to give it a go.

Well, my first surprise was the strength of the field. It may have been naïve but I thought that the teams would be more “local” in nature. It was wonderful to greet friends with whom I had contact with though the years. However, the field was far stronger than I expected. It was filled with winning teams and champions from years gone bye. Five match losses later, my evaluation was on target. The competition was keen and in only one of the matches did my partner agree that we were “blown out”. We were not discouraged. In fact, on the ride home we acknowledged that we had a joyful time.

The APTA Senior Men’s Director, Rich Lombard, set up the playing program. There were 11 teams divided into three sections. (One team withdrew at the last moment causing the odd arrangement.) Each team played the others in their section and the teams with the best records then engaged one another. Likewise second and third place teams battled one another. It made good competitive matches and a full day on the courts.

Lunch was served in the Warm-Up hut and the camaraderie and the food were both top-notch. Peter Gogolak, was our host at the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Connecticut and he put together a super day.

The next event will be on January 13, 2006 when Peter Farabee will be the tournament coordinator at the Old Lyme Country Club in Old Lyme, Connecticut. If you would like to enter, send your name, address, phone number and e-mail address and that of your partner, to him at 5 Elm Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371. His phone number is 860-434-3423. The entry fee is $50.00 per paddle.

Remember, however, the total age of the team must equal the minimum of 125. These are not tournaments for “kids”.

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