By Charles E. Vasoll

The New York Yankees “home opener” baseball game was postponed today because it’s raining. Therefore it must be April and the “official” 2006-2007 platform tennis season has concluded. For a few diehards, however, the 2007-2008 season will be starting soon.

The year-round play of our sport was made famous over a decade ago by a contingent of New Jersey players, which included the President of the APTA at the time, Charlie Stevens. He and I were elected to the APTA Board in the same year. We were both crazies about the game. He had a little more “character” than I will ever have, so playing in the summer well suited his personality. Unfortunately his term as APTA President was cut short by a serious illness and subsequent early passing. In his shortened time of service for the Association, he was an excellent leader.

So what is memorable about this past six months. I have several good memories to share with you.

My first bouquet goes to Chairman Mark Brosnan and his crew that conducted the Viking Junior Tour event on Long Island. I don’t know if it had the most entries or consumed the most food or held any other record. What I do know is that it was a well-coordinated affair with many happy youngsters getting introduced to our sport. This was the fourth year for the tournament and, although there were many returnees, there was also a group of players competing for the first time. The Long Island Platform Tennis Association has asked to be considered by the APTA as the location for the Junior Nationals in January 2008. I hope they will give us the nod.

My second bouquet was earned by Tony Ettinger, who dreamed up the “Big Daddy Cup” (95+), and then made it happen. Many people have wonderful ideas and great plans but do not “follow through”. Tony made his dream a reality. I participated in one of the season’s tournaments in Scarsdale. When my partner was not available for the final tournament, which was played as a prelude to the National Championships, Tony provided me with a fantastic substitute, Vince Prop from Cincinnati. The concept may need to be tweaked but the main point is that it happened and was enjoyable for a great number of guys.

Last, but certainly not least, will be my fond recollections of happenings and players at my home club. I was very excited about, and will remember forever the great showing of our team of John Schmitt and Danny Rothschild on the national scene. They were also instrumental in bringing the Men’s League Championship in Division 1 of the Long Island Platform Tennis Association to the Cherry Valley Club for the third consecutive year. The Cherry Valley Club also hosted the LIPTA Men’s League Dinner and Awards Presentation at the close of the season. A special feature of that evening was a fund raising to benefit “Charlie’s Champions”, which is named for John Schmitt’s son. It was devised and carried out by Duane Hayden, LIPTA President. He is also the perennial Tournament Chairman of the Long Island Invitational, an APTA ranking contest which was won in dramatic fashion by John and Danny in a “played out” third set, 11-9. What a season!

At this time the question remains unanswered as to whether this web site will continue for next season. This could be a final farewell. I can only suggest that you check back around September 15th to see what is here.

Best Wishes to all for a wonderful summer, even if you don’t play “paddle” like those guys in Jersey.

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