2002
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B. J. DeBree
- National Mixed Champion 1974, 1975,1976; finalist 1971 and 1977.
- National Women's Champion 1971, 1972, 1973; finalist 1974 and 1976.
- Active promoter of platform tennis.
- Taught clinics to legions of youngsters with her close friend Nancy Dickson in the Monmouth County area of New Jersey.
- APTA Director in the 1970s.
- Built a bridge between sportsmanship and competitiveness in sports and in everyday life that earned her admiration from many.
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Robin Rich Fulton
- Winner of a total of 14 National Championships.
- 7-time Women's National Champion between 1983-97.
- Women's National finalist 1980, 1981, 1982.
- National Mixed Champion 4 times between 1983-92; finalist 7 times.
- Women's 40 National Champion 1997; finalist 4 times.
- Untiring supporter and promoter of the game.
- A driving force behind the establishment of the Viking Cup, a regionally conducted adult-child competition aimed at promoting the sport and sportsmanship to the next generation of younger players.
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Paul G. Sullivan
- In the 1950s and 60s he was a guy in the trenches who, over many years, made an impressive contribution to the game.
- APTA President 1964-65.
- APTA Director for many years, secretary, treasurer, vice- president and chairman of the nominating committee.
- Developed the first APTA Newsletter to better communicate with the association's growing membership.
- Chaired the Umpires Committee for professional umpiring for National Championships.
- Started the APTA Honor Award in 1965 to identify and honor people of distinction in platform tennis, now known as the Hall of Fame.
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2003
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Robert R. Kingsbury
- APTA President 1978-80 at a time when the game was blossoming from a sport to a business.
- Instrumental in developing sponsors for the game during the time that many top players were tennis and platform tennis proffessionals.
- National champion 1972, 1973; finalist 1970, 1971 and 1975 (all with John Mangan)
- Kingsbury and Mangan also won the first prize money tournament ever, held in 1973 at the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton hean, SC. The team also won the first nationally televised tournament held in Amelia Island, FL, in 1974.
- Worked with R.J. Reilly to install a court in front of the Burlington Building on 6th Ave. in New York where noon exhibitions and tournament events were held.
- Was instrumental in having the world platform tennis championships played in Forest Hills at the West Side Tennis Club.
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Richard C. Squires
- Swashbuckling promoter of the game.
- Flamboyant individual who became a leader in the growth of paddle and in opening up new frontiers.
- He wore pink sweaters, a paddle glove, and hit shots behind his back in the fifth set of the finals.
- Men's National Champion 1966.
- The paddle entrepreneur produced two paddle instructional films and became a court builder.
- The driving force behind televised matches in 1973.
- Opened the first commercial paddle center on a rooftop in mid-town Manhattan.
- Author of the definitive book on the sport, How to Play Platform Tennis.
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2004
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Gerald W. Manhold
- Driving force for Florham Park paddle, NJ, league play, and senior competition.
- Established the 60 and 65 age categories for senior competition.
- Senior National Champion 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1990.
- APTA Director.
- Frequent APTA chair umpire.
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Walter Peckinpaugh
- While being a serious player and competitor, his true legacy has been in organizational leadership, vision, promotion, tournament chairmanship and technical competence.
- APTA Director for 12 years in the 1980s and 90s.
- Nationals Chair in 1997 and 1993 in Cleveland.
- Ran 4 National Senior events, 10 regional events and countless local championships.
- Reorganized the APTA regions and started more national ranking tournaments outside of the east coast.
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Diane Straus Tucker
- A truly outstanding player for more than 3 decades, a role model, and a highly respected leader.
- Won 6 Women's National Championships, 1986 and 1987 with Pat Butterfield, and 1991, 1993, 1996 and 1997 with Robin Rich Fulton.
- Won National Mixed in 1993 and 1994 with tim McAvoy.
- Won Women's 40 Nationals in 1991 and 1992 with Pat Butterfield, 1994 with Chris Hunt, 1995 and 1996 with Connie Jones, and 1997 with Robin Rich Fulton; and won the Women's 50 Nationals in 2002 with Louise Cash.
- Won Mised 50 Nationals in 2002, 2009, 2010 and 2011 with four different partners; won Mixed 60 Nationals in 2011 with Jim McCready.
- Known for her pleasany demeanor and how she smiled when either winning or losing.
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2005
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David L. Childs and William P. Childs
- As partners, winners of 11 Senior Nationals titles from 1987-2001.
- Both APTA Directors for many years.
- Chairs of 6 National Championship events.
- Conducted clinics for more than 15 years.
- Leaders in the promotion and growth of platform tennis in Hartford and Baltimore.
(David at left, William at right)
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Patricia M. Hogan
- A champion, a coach, and a leader who has contributed significantly to the growth and development of platform tennis, especially among the youth.
- Women's National Champion 1999, and finalist 7 times.
- Women's National 40 Champion twice.
- Three-time Mixed Nationals Champion, and finalist 7 times.
- APTA Women's Player Committee Chair.
- President of the PPTA.
- Tireless promoter of junior programs and credited with revitalizing the National Junior Championships.
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Charles E. Vasoll
- APTA Director for 13 years; President 1988-92.
- In 1992 revived presentations of the Honor Award after a 13 year haitus (later to be designated Hall of Fame).
- Member of the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame Committee,
- Chairman APTA National Championships, 2002. Assistant Chairman 1992 and 2012.
- Originated the National Championship medals.
- Opened the first APTA Official Products store selling branded merchandise for tournament prizes and favors.
- Initiated APTA membership for league players.
- Served for over 20 years on the Board of Directors if the Long Island Platform Tennis Association (LIPTA). President 1996-97, Treasurer 1997-2002, Secretary 2009.
- Editor of Platform Tennis News, the APTA's official publication from 1992 to 1994.
- Posted and edited the website "platformtennisnews,com" 2002-2007.
- Secretary and Trustee of the Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Foundation, 2002-present.
- He has devoted an inestimable amont of time and effort to the APTA and to the cause of platform tennis.
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2006
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Sue E. Aery
- With Gerri Viant the winningest team ever in the history of women's platform tennis.
- Between 1990-2002 this team won 8 National Championships; three times they were finalists. Finalist with Mary Ginnard in 1989.
- Mixed National Champion 1999.
- National 40 Champion in 1999 and finalist in 2002.
- With Viant, co-founder of Performance Paddle Camp in 1997.
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G. Estabrook Kindred
- Continuously served the cause of platform tennis for most of his life. A true gentleman of the sport.
- APTA Director in the 1960s and 1970s; served 16 years on the board.
- Single-handedly produced the APTA newsletter for many years.
- Instrumental in the formation and administration of the APTA Umpires Committee.
- The driving force behind the Honor Award, now the Hall of Fame; served on the Hall of Fame committee since its inception, 40 years.
- Designed the green jacket with the Hall of Fame logo for the men, and the charm bracelet for the women inductees.
- Trustee of the Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Foundation.
- Always there to shovel the courts whether he had a game or not.
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Howard A. Sipe
- Mister Paddle of Chicago.
- Ran the Chicago Charities event with Jack Watson for 25 years.
- Started an intermediate level event in the area and now hosts one of the largest B events in the country.
- Winner of 6 Senior National Championships; finalist 7 times.
- Consummate teacher, and frequent chair umpire.
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Geraldine J. Viant
- With Sue Aery the winningest team ever in the history of women's platform tennis.
- Between 1990 and 2002 this team won 8 National Championships; three times they were finalists. One National Championship with Connie Jones and one finalist.
- Mixed National Champion 1989 and 2002, finalist in 1988 and 1990.
- National 40 Champion 1998 and 1999, finalist in 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2006.
- With Aery, co-founder of Performance Paddle Camp in 1997.
- Co-founder of the Professional Platform Tennis Association.
- APTA Board of Directors in 1990s.
- APTA Women's Player's Committee in 1990s.
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2007
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Patricia Ann Butterfield
- One of the premier women platform tennis players in the 1980s.
- From 1982-88 she was in six of seven Women' s National Championship finals, winning 3 times and a finalist 3 times.
- Won the Women's 40 National Championship with Diane Straus Tucker in 1991 and 1992.
- Relentless on the court; powerful drive, one of the best backhand volleys in the game.
- Wonderful ambassador for the sport.
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Gloria Dillenbeck Dodd
- The first Executive Director of the APTA, serving from 1975-81. Worked non-stop in her quest to expose newcomers to the game.
- Worked on platform tennis promotional events in Hilton Head, SC, and Amelia Island, FL, as well as a Manhattan street corner and a high school gym in New Canaan.
- Gloria's colorful and vibrant personality were key factors in the promotion and growth of platform tennis.
- Helped create the President's Cup competition in an effort to keep amateurs fully involved in the sport.
- Women's National Champion in 1971, 1973, 1973; finalist in 1969 and 1974. Mixed Nationals finalist twice, 1974 and 1975.
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Herbert S. Fitz Gibbon
- Came onto the paddle scene in 1969.
- Former professional tennis player and US Davis Cup Team member.
- Teamed with John Beck, and in the 1973- 74 season they won every event they entered, including the 1974 Men's Nationals.
- Their unique style featured the non-receiving partner at net on serve return, producing an aggressive attacking style that briefly revolutionized the game.
- Mixed National Champion in 1975 and 1976 (with B. J. DeBree).
- Men's National Champion 1977, 1978; finalist 1980.
- Also a picture of good sportsmanship; a gentleman both on and off the court.
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John F. Mangan
- Men's National Champion 1972 and 1973; finalist 1970, 1971 and 1975 (all with Bob Kingsbury).
- Mangan and Kingsbury won the first prize money tournament ever, held in 1973 at the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head, SC.
- The team also won the first nationally televised tournament held in Amelia Island, FL, in 1974.
- Mixed National Champion 1970 (with Mrs. David Harris); finalist in 1974 and 1975 (with Gloria Dillenbeck).
- Famous for his heavy, top-spin forehand.
- An outstanding sportsman and a true gentleman on the court, and a respected leader,
- Played countless exhibitions all over North America.
- APTA Board member in 1970s.
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Douglas Sands Russell
- An outstanding player, a long-time paddle professional, an entrepreneur, an author and an ambassador who helped the sport expand throughout the country
- Champion, Tribuno World Championships, 1976 (with Gordon Gray). Mixed Nationals Champion, 1977 (with Hilary Hilton).
- Men's National Champion, 1979 (with Clark Graebner), and in 1984 (with Bob Kleinert).Men's National finalist 1982-83, 1985. Men's Singles National Champion five times between 1980-87. Men's 55 National Champion in 2001 and 2003. 60 National Champion 2004, 2005 and 2006.
- Ran the Manhattan Platform Tennis Club and The Apple Platform Tennis Club
- Had his own autograph paddle with Marcraft, the first by any athlete in our sport.
- Authored a book on platform tennis.
- Instrumental in starting the Professional Platform Tennis Association.
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2008
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David C. Kjeldsen
- Recognized for his passion for the sport, his dedication to its growth, and his countless sacrifices for the game – not his prowess on the court
- Instrumental in preserving the sport at a time when the major platform tennis equipment suppliers were getting out of the business.
- Founded Viking Athletics in 1995.
- Contributed to the APTA to develop its first Web sites.
- Made the initial investment for the formation of the Professional Platform Tennis Association.
- Made the first contribution to the Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Foundation.
- Sponsors national Juniors programs and events (Viking Junior Tour, Viking Cup [child/adult team tournament]).
- Founder of Viking Academy for instruction in the sport.
- Easily recognized at events by his horned Viking hat and cigar.
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Frederick J. Odenbach
- While he achieved a national ranking as high as #5 during his long association with platform tennis, Odenbach is recognized for overall his contributions to the game.
- National Men’s 45 winner in 2006; finalist in 2000. Men;s 55 winner 2010.
- National Open Husband-Wife finalist 2007.
- Has won numerous regional (mostly national ranking) tournaments in Rochester, Cleveland , Pittsburgh and Toronto.
- Served on the APTA Board twice – 1984-87 (as President of original Region VI), and also 2000-2006.
- Head of Men’s Ranking Committee for more than 20 years.
- Tournament Chair for the National Championships in 1988, 1996, 2000 and 2008.
- Helped build 2 public courts at family-owned Shadow Lake in Rochester; today they have 5.
- Host of the Shadow Lake Tournament for 29 consecutive years.
- The consummate ambassador of the game and a friend to all.
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Philip W. "Flip" Goodspeed
- Outstanding sportsman, ambassador and role model.
- Member of one of the most prolific partnerships in the history of platform tennis (with partner Scott Mansager). Flip and Scott dominated the men’s circuit for 14 years, from 1996 to 2009, winning 8 Men’s National championships including 5 in a row from 1996 to 2000; they also won the Nationals in 2002, 2004 and 2009 and were finalists in 2001, 2007 and 2008.
- Flip and Scott hold two incredible records that may never be broken: Most Men’s National championship wins in a row (5), and highest winning percentage in Men’s National finals (8 of 12, 67%).
- Recognized in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” in 2000, and Legends of the Midwesterns, 2005.
- Men’s 45 Nationals winner in 2007 with Andy Todd and in 2008 and 2009 with Scott Mansager.
- Flip Goodspeed and Scott Mansager are the first team in the history of the sport to win both the Men's Nationals and the Men's 45 Nationals in the same year (2009).
- Midwesterns Champion 16 times, 11 with Scott Mansager.
- Flip was the first player to use a two-handed backhand drive.
- Perfected the chip-and-charge using his lightning-quick reflexes.
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Scott M. Mansager
- Outstanding sportsman, ambassador and role model.
- Member of one of the most prolific partnerships in the history of platform tennis (with partner Flip Goodspeed). Scott and Flip dominated the men’s circuit for 14 years, from 1996 to 2009, winning 8 Men’s National championships including 5 in a row from 1996 to 2000; they also won the Nationals in 2002, 2004 and 2009 and were finalists in 2001, 2007 and 2008.
- Scott and Flip hold two incredible records that may never be broken: Most Men’s National championship wins in a row (5), and highest winning percentage in Men’s National finals (8 of 12, 67%).
- Recognized in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd” in 2000.
- 1999 Mixed Nationals Champion with Sue Aery.
- Scott Mansager and Flip Goodspeed are the first team in the history of the sport to win both the Men's Nationals and the Men's 45 Nationals in the same year (2009).
- Served on the APTA Board of Directors from 1998-2002.
- Known for his amazing forehand return of serve and his patience .
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2009
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Edwina “Winnie” Worth Hatch
- 14-time National Senior Champion and a finalist 9 other times. #2 on the list of women with senior championship titles.
- Winnie and partner Sharon Hummers dominated the women’s 50 during the 1990s. Between 1992-2002 they won 7 championships and were finalists 3 other years. Winnie has also won championships in the Women’s 60 (2), Mixed 50 (3) and Mixed 60 (2).
- Well-respected advocate for women’s paddle.
- Member of the Women’s Player’s Committee for more than 15 years.
- Role model and mentor for a generation of women including future champions Bobo Delaney, Tonia Mangan, Patty Hogan and Cindy Prendergast.
- Revitalized the women’s 50 National Championships; today this event is a successful and vibrant part of the sport thanks to her efforts.
- Winnie is an active promoter and has introduced hundreds of people to platform tennis. For years she was the go-to paddle network person in the Hamptons and Suffolk County.
- A gracious champion and wonderful ambassador for the sport.
- She exemplifies the notion of “giving back to the game”.
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Sharon K. Hummers
- First started playing platform tennis when a friend installed a court in her backyard during the late 70s when the sport was booming.
- For almost 2 decades Sharon has been a championship title holder in the Senior Women’s Nationals, starting with the 50 National title in 1991.
- From 1991-96 she won 6 straight 50 Nationals titles, and won the 50 again in 2001.
- 3-time champion and 7-time finalist in the 60 age group.
- Winner of 4 consecutive 70 Nationals.
- Senior Mixed National Champion in 1998 and 1999.
- All told, Sharon has won 17 Senior National titles—more than any other woman.
- Women’s National Championships tournament director in 1992 and 2002.
- Officer of the Long Island Platform Tennis Association.
- Always displayed exemplary sportsmanship and respect toward her partner and her opponents.
- Gave many hours of her time to teach and introduce the sport to new players when the Village of Garden City installed courts.
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