A TRULY MEMORABLE OCCASION

On Saturday evening, February 24, a memorable event took place at Fox Meadow Tennis Club, attended by a large and appreciative audience made up largely of visiting players and guests.

Last weekend, the American Platform Tennis Association was hosting the Senior Men's National Championships for the 50+, 60+, and 70+ age categories. Although the tournaments themselves were exciting to watch, the special occasion on Saturday evening was the induction into the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame of three outstanding players, known through the years for their outstanding abilities and their contributions to the game.

Bob Brown, Chairman of the Hall of Fame, hosted the ceremonies, in which Doug Russell, John Mangan, and Herb Fitz Gibbon were honored. The induction speeches were presented by Steve Baird, Bob Kingsbury, and Hank Irvine, respectively, with humor and affection. The honorees responded in kind, obviously touched and pleased by their election. They spoke eloquently about the "old times", their encounters with each other, and the importance of platform tennis in their lives.

The audience was spellbound. There were many laughs, a great deal of applause, and the affection for the game and these players was palpable.

I've watched Doug, John, and Herb over the years, as well as those who partnered with them and delivered the inductions. It was a pleasure to witness the outpouring of sentiment about each other, about the game and how it has affected people's lives.

After the ceremonies were concluded, the amateur photographers had a field day, photographing an assemblage of twelve Hall of Fame members, the largest number ever gathered at one time in one place.

It was truly memorable. If you weren't able to come, you missed something very special.

Sincerely,

Molly Blanchard Ware