Region I News 2008-2009

Tri-State & Red Zone

JUAN ARRAYA APRIL 4, 2009 NEW CANAAN, CT After almost 6 weeks of hard work and millions of emails, Mark Fischl, Alex Bancila, Michael Cochrane, Mark Parsons, Ray Crosta, Michael Gillespie and I were able to see on the courts that all the time spent on the phone, in front of the computers or using the blackberry, was worth it. It was definitely a really fun day for all players and the quality of the matches was really high. The first “Annual Tri-State Cup” was hosted at the New Canaan Field Club, located in New Canaan, CT. Each team consisted in 10 players and the format of the cup was pretty much the same as a president’s cup. Current top ranked players, former top ranked players and local players participated in this awesome event. Each position played a total of 3 matches with a 2 out of 3 sets format. The 3rd set was set to be a “Match Tie Break”(first team to get to 10 points, like ATP doubles). I am glad to announce that Connecticut came in first place with a total of 10 points out of the 15 possible points. Westchester came in second with 8 points, Long Island in third with 6 points and New Jersey in fourth with 6 points as well (however, they lost to LI in the head to head). Printer Friendly Tri-State Results After all the rounds were played we had a Barbeque around the courts while a mini-tournament of Red-Zone paddle took place. All players signed up individually and teams were drawn out of the hat. We set a draw for 12 teams and each match was just a tie-break to 7 points except for the final that was a “Match Tie Break”. Drew Broderick and some “Fuzzy Foreigner” (that I will not say his name) came up victorious after beating Michael Gillespie and Mark Parsons in the final. Printer Friendly Red Zone Results I want to extend my special thanks to Bill Kloss and Alex Bancila for coming up with this awesome idea, Mike Gillespie and the Paddle Chairman at NCFC for letting us use the courts, “Coach” Callaway for letting us use the courts at Weeburn, to all the captains of the different regions and to all the participants. Without you this event would have been impossible to organize. I am really looking forward to next season’s “Tri-State Cup.”

Winning CT Team

Everyone

APTA Senior Mixed Nationals Results

CHUCK VASOLL
MARCH 30, 2009
GLEN COVE, NY

New champions were crowned in both the ages, 50+ and 60+, Senior Mixed National Championships of the American Platform Tennis Association held at the Nassau Country Club in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York.

In the 60+ competition, Doug Barrow of Roslyn, L. I., New York teamed with Courtia Worth of up-state Tillson, New York, to take the “gold” with a 6-4, 6-3 triumph over the two-time and defending champion team of Scott Estes and Louise Cash of New Jersey.

In the semi-final matches of the 60+ Championship, Sharon and Herbert Hummers of Garden City, Long Island bowed to Estes / Cash, 6-0, 6-2 and George Lynch / Allyson Bolduc were victims of the eventual Champions, Barrow / Worth, by scores of 7-5, 6-1.

60+ Draw

The top prize in the 50+ Championship was captured by Tim McAvoy of Phoenixville, PA and Diane Straus-Tucker of Washington D.C. by scores of 7-5, 6-4 over the brother-sister team of Tim Mangan and Bobo Delaney.

Ken Persson / Connie Jones, the defending champions in the 50+ Championship and consecutive champions for the past five years, were defeated in the semi-final by Tim Mangan / Bobo Delaney, 6-2, 6-3 and Chuck and Janet Faig lost to the new Champions, McAvoy / Straus-Tucker, 6-3, 6-0.

50+ Draw

The Long Island Platform Tennis Association conducted the tournament for the APTA.  Directing the event for LIPTA was its Vice President, Tim Mangan and its President, Duane Hayden.

(l-r) 50+ Runners Up Tim Mangan & Bobo Delaney, Tournament Director Duane Hayden, 50+ Winners Diane Straus-Tucker and Tim McAvoy

60+ Winners Courtia Worth & Doug Barrow

2009 Men's 50+/60+/70+ Nationals Results

MARCH 20-22, 2009
SCARSDALE, NY

Under a gloriously sunny sky this weekend, Fox Meadow’s nine courts were filled with senior players contesting the APTA 50+, 60+ and 70+ Nationals. With players from as far away as California and Georgia in the draws, old friends reconnected and great play and good sportsmanship abounded.  Shouts of “good shot” was heard from every court. There were many former champions, both familiar and new partnerships, and men who had just finished up the 145s.

Men's 50+

Congratulations to Tim McAvoy and Scott Bondurant for their 7-5, 6-2 victory over Chip Morrow and Peter Redpath in the finals of the APTA 50+ Men's Senior Nationals. McAvoy was runner-up in this event last year and won the 45+ title in 2004. (1993, 1994). Bondurant also holds a 45+ title (2005) and has been a 45+ finalist three times.  Bondurant and McAvoy also happen to be first cousins whose grandparents played at Fox Meadow.

Men's 50+ Draw

(l-r) Runners Up Chip Morrow & Peter Redpath, Umpire Gary Squires, Champions Scott Bondurant & Tim McAvoy

Men's 60+

In the Men's 60+ tournament, Scott Estes and Dan Galves repeated their 2008 win over Tom Caputo and Gary Cochrane, earning their third straight title. Estes and Galves have also previously won titles in the 45+, 50+ and 55+ tournaments. Caputo and Cochrane are themselves title holders in the 55+ tournament, and have played a number of senior nationals finals. Our is a sport of families, so you won't be surprised to know that Gary Cochrane and Scott Estes are the fathers of Mike Cochrane and Scott Estes who are regular men's open tournament partners and who won the 2007 National title together.

Men's 60+ Draw
   
   

(l to r) Tournament Dir. Bob Brown, Runners-Up Gary Cochrane & Tom Caputo, Champions Dan Galves & Scott Estes, Tournament Dir. Paul Doyle

Men's 70+

In a 6-3, 6-3 final Joe Holmes & Roy Anderson won the 70+ title over Ray Crosta & George Lynch. Holmes -Anderson add this title to two they've won together in the 60+ tournament (1999, 2000) and one in the 55+ tournament (1995). This is Ray Crosta's second senior's final. George Lynch is also a repeat senior's finalist as well as a 145+ title holder (2006) with Bob Brown.

Men's 70+ Draw

Herb Hummers and Bill Morgenroth Join the Ranks of National Champions

MARCH 21, 2009
SLEEPY HOLLOW, NY

Yesterday morning, Herb Hummers and Bill Morgenroth won their first National Champsionship title with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Bob Brown and Walter Beatty in the Men's 145+ Nationals.

Under the directorship of Rich Lombard, the tournament included main, consolation and reprieve draws, and a luck losers round robin.

Men's 145+ Draw

(l-r) Runners-Up Bob Brown & Walter Beatty, Winners Herb Hummers & Bill Morgenroth

2009 Men's Winnable B

MARCH 20, 2009
SUMMIT, NJ

The Men's Winnable B tournament was held on Saturday, March 14 at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, NJ.

Brett Kraft & Ron Cummins took the title, defeating Todd Anderson & Mike Garibaldi in the finals.

2009 Men's Winnable B Draw
Photos by paddlepics

APTA Mixed National Titles to Aila Main & David Caldwell, Jessica & Matt Guyaux and Janet & Chuck Faig

MARCH 15, 2009
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ

The 2009 APTA Mixed, Husband/Wife and Husband Wife 50+ Nationals were played this weekend in New Jersey. The action took place at Indian Trail Club (host of the event) and other area clubs. 

Mixed Draw     Husband-Wife Draw     Husband-Wife 50+ Draw

The Mixed title was won by Aila Main & David Caldwell, in a 6-1, 6-3 final over Liz Jaffe & Juan Arraya. In the Husband-Wife division, Jessica & Matt Guyaux took 3 sets to defeat Sandra & Fritz Odenbach, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3. And in the Husband-Wife 50+ division, Janet & Chuck Faig overcame Laurie & Steve Sheltz 6-1, 6-3.

Husband-Wife Photos

2009 Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care Mixed Platform Tennis Tournament

MARCH 11, 2009
TINA KELLY
BRONXVILLE, NY

The volunteers running the Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care Mixed Platform Tennis Tournament have done it again. The annual Bronxville tournament brought together 52 teams from across Westchester County and Connecticut to raise money for this important organization. The event took place on the brisk weekend of January 31st and February 1st at several area sites, including the Bronxville Village courts, Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville Field Club, and Fox Meadow Tennis Club.  Complete Coverage and Slides

APTA Senior Men's Nationals 45+/55+/65+

MARCH 1, 2009
CHATHAM, NJ

Under the directorship of Scott Estes, the APTA Senior Men's Nationals 45+/55+/65+ took place at Centercourt Athletic Club in Chatham, NJ.

In the 65+ division congratulations go to Doug Russell and Hank Irvine for their 1-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Mike Hanna and Jim Bishop. Steve Baird & Scott Estes defeated John Stefanik & Peter Redpath 6- 1, 6-4 in the 55+. Flip Goodspeed & Scott Mansager prevailed over Jim Kaufman & Bob Kleinert in the 45+, 6-3, 6-4.

This group of champions and finalists is impressive. All of them have previous Senior Nationals titles. Five are Hall of Famers. Several have Men's Open and Mixed Championships going back decades. Some have won titles with each other in different combinations. There are too many achievements to list. But if you want to check them out, just jump over to the National Championships Lists and the Hall of Fame page.

Of course, no tournament would make it with just the champions. Most tournament players don't end up as National Champs, but many come home with impressive back draw wins. Congratulations to the finalists in all draws!

45+ Draw    55+ Draw    65+ Draw

65+ Winners Doug Russell & Hank Irvine	65+ Runners Up Mike Hanna & Jim Bishop
45+ Winners Scott Mansager & Flip Goodspeed, Runners Up Jim Kaufman & Bob Kleinert	55+ Winners Scott Estes & Steve Baird, Runners Up Peter Redpath & John Stefanik

APTA Nationals Women's 40+ / 60+ Results

FEBRUARY 14, 2009
SUMMIT, NJ

The 3rd in this years' string of APTA National Championships, the Women's 40+ / 60+, took place Wed - Thu, February 11-12. It was hosted by the Canoe Brook Country Club and Summit. NJ area clubs, and run by Marjorie Hodson.

In the 40+ division, Cynthia Dardis and Amy Shay defeated Bobo Delaney and Tonia Mangan in the finals, 6-2, 7-6. Dardis & Shay have been on an impressive winning streak. Adding this tile to Short Hills, the Atlantic Classic and Connecticut State, they have racked up 4 titles in under 4 weeks. 40+ Draw

But talk about winning streaks...In the 60+ division, Helen Garrett and Sandy Simmers won their 6th 60+ title by besting Louise Cash and Mary Fenton in a three set final: 6-2, 6-7, 6-4. Garrett-Simmers have played as a team in 7 consecutive 60+ finals, and Helen has won two additional 60+ titles with Mary Jane Parks. 60+ Draw

40+ Finalists

60+ Winners

Caldwell & Cosimano Take Short Hills Men's, Dardis & Shay the Women's

FEBRUARY 11, 2009
SHORT HILLS, NJ

You read that right, Caldwell and Cosimano. Absent their usual partners, Caldwell & Cosimano teamed up and worked their way past Keevins-Uihlein in the quarters, Bancila-Easterbrook in the semis and Cochrane-Estes in the finals to win this year's Short Hills national ranking tournament.

In the women's open tournament, Cynthia Dardis and Amy Shay defeated Prop-Schneebeck in the semis and Cottingham-Sheldon in the finals, jumping themselves from 3rd to 1st in the ranking points race.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists in all the divisions and draws, and kudos to the tournament committee.

2009 Short Hills Slide Show by Bob Considine

The APTA Junior Nationals Rocks!

LONG ISLAND PLATFORM TENNIS ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 3, 2009
LONG ISLAND, NY

LIPTA was proud to host the 2009 APTA Junior National Championships. Mark Brosnan - Tournament Director had a vision and plan for this tournament, and executed it to perfection. The tournament kicked off Friday evening January 30th at the brand new USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The evening featured platform tennis clinics conducted by Long Island Professionals, the clinics, in addition to teaching, were great fun for all the kids who took part. Next were demonstration matches played by the 2008 Junior National Champions, followed by matches featuring Nationally ranked Men's and Women's Teams. Over 200 parents and children attended this event.

The Championships got underway on Saturday January 31st, with virtually every court on Long Island being used. 95 teams entered, with teams coming from as far as Pittsburgh, PA and Hamilton, Ma. LIPTA would like to thank all the volunteers, and there were many, without whom this event could not have been the success that it was. LIPTA would also like to thank the clubs and their members who so graciously made their courts available for this event. LIPTA would be remiss not to again recognize Mark Brosnan for the effort and dedication he put forth in making this event a success.

Worthy of mention is the fine etiquette and sportsmanship displayed by all players.

Winners, Photos and Video

Atlantic Classic: Dardis & Shay Win Womens, Stulac & Bancilla Win Mens

JANUARY 24
ESSEX, NJ

  Men's Draw
In the men's final, Alex Bancila and Mike Stulac beat Drew Broderick and Guy Moore 6-1, 6-1. 

Women's Draw
On the women's side, Cynthia Dardis and Amy Shay bested Heather Prop and Lynne Schneebeck 6-2, 6-3.

CT State Women

JANUARY 21, 2009
WILTON, CT

Full Draw

APTA Women's Nationals 50+ and 70+ Results

JANUARY 16, 2009
SCARSDALE, NY

50+ Results

Full 50+ Draw

70+ Results

Full 70+ Draw

The Women's 70+ National Championship was played at Fox Meadow Tennis Club on January 14, 2009. The day had a very low temperature, but a very high spirit and performance. The first seeds, Sharon Hummers and Ann Moriani, lost in an exciting first round 3 set match to Hope Kerr and Betty Michinard. Kerr and Michinard went on to win the tournament with two more 3 set matches. Gingie Greene and Lynne Verna in the semi's gave them a fight with the score 7-5,1-6, 6-3. The finals were also exciting. They played the second seeded team, Nancy Libby and Margot Turk, 6-4,6-7,6-2. They all played beautifully. It was a proud day for all the 70+ women who participated.

Next year we anticipate a bigger draw. Hope to see you there! --- Ann Brown

Lovejoy-Kaufman Take CT Mixed
Squires team Takes the 50+ Division

JANURAY 14, 2009
NEW CANAAN, CT

Open Division

Final Draw  

Late Rounds

Runners Up Mike Gillespie & Meg Brossy, Winners Susan Lovejoy & Jim Kaufman

Tournament Director Mike Gillespie presents an award.

50+ Division

Final Draw 50+

Late Rounds

Consolation Finners Walt and Ann Beatty	Consolation Finalists Joe Havens and Lucie Duhamel
50's Champions Susan and Gary Squires	50's Finalists Anne and Carter Sullivan

Another Successful 2009 New Jersey State Mixed

BRAD OHLMULLER, CHAIR OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE MIXED
JANUARY 14, 2009
NORTHEASTERN NJ

The threat of 6 inches of snow could not derail another successful NJ State Mixed Platform Tennis Championship hosted by the Montclair Golf Club (MGC). For the 5 ^th consecutive year, the event attracted a full-field draw of 64 teams, with another half dozen or so teams on a waiting list. The tournament’s success is due in large part to the players, who encourage and compete with players at all levels; the hospitality and support of all the participating clubs – MGC, Short Hills, Essex Fells, and Orange Lawn; and a great lunch and party, perfectly orchestrated by the MGC staff.

While the weather reports were gloomy all week, with reports of 6 inches of snow expected across Northeastern N.J., the paddle gods did their best to limit the weather to flurries through most of Saturday’s play. Some music in the hut at MGC, a roaring fire-pit, and of course some cocktails later in the day made watching the quarterfinal matches very enjoyable. Unfortunately, the tournament was marred by injuries, with both Billy Browne and John Milbank unable to complete play. John’s injury prevented Bobo Delaney from reaching the finals for the fourth year in a row. In the end, Steve Derose and Carol Kimmelman defeated Anthony Cosimano and Kelly VanCalcar in an entertaining and competitive match 7-6, 6-2.

MGC hosted the event, and once again lived up to its great reputation. The MGC staff should be commended for doing a phenomenal job. The courts and paddle hut were in perfect condition, the lunch was great and enjoyed by all, the party after Saturday’s play was perfectly planned and executed, and the lunch on Sunday in the Grill Room proved to be a perfect end to a successful tournament. Many phone calls and emails from participants following the event echoed these sentiments. The tournament committee appreciates MGC’s commitment to this fine event.

A special thanks to all of the players; the tournament sponsors – Fox Asset Management, Seven, Centercourt Athletic Club, and Optimum Orthopedics; and the gracious volunteers for making this event such an enormous success. A suggestion for those looking forward to participating in another spectacular NJ State Mixed in 2010 – SIGN UP EARLY!

Final Draw

Champions Steve Derose and Carol Kimmelman, Finalists Anthony Cosimano and Kelly VanCalcar

Platform Tennis Clinics at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

JANUARY 14, 2009
NEW YORK, NY

Whitney Kraft, Director of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, has scheduled a series of Drill & Play Clinics a the Tennis Center's new platform tennis facility.

The clinics will take place from January 21 - March 1, 2009. Each clinic is held once a week for 6 weeks. Various days and tmes are available. Click here to open the information and registration sheet.

These new courts are a fantastic place to showcase our sport. Sign up for a clinic, get out on the courts, and have fun while advertising platform tennis.

Long Island Invitational 2008 Results

DECEMBER 8, 2008
LONG ISLAND, NY

Men's A Tournament

David Caldwell & Jon Lubow (#4 seed) took the men's title, defeating Dan Rothschild & John Schmitt (#5 seed) in a three set final, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. In the semis, Caldwell & Lubow defeated Mark Parsons & Brian O'Connor (unseeded) 6-1, 6-4 and Rothschild & Schmitt defeated Brad Easterbrook & Alex Bancila (#2 seed).

Women's A Tournament

Cynthia Dardis & Amy Shay (#3 seed) took Women's Title by defeating the unseeded team of Keri Flynn & Sue Tarzian 6-4, 6-0. In the semis Dardis & Shay defeated Tonia Mangan & BoBo Delaney (#1 seed) 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Flynn & Tarzian defeated Kerri Delmonico & Aila Main (#2 seed) 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Men's B Tournament

The father-son team of Steve & Steven Trifiletti took the Men's B title by defeating John Maher & Brad Thurman 7-5, 7-5.

Completed draws at the LIPTA site:
Men's NRT, PCQ
Women's NRT
Men's B

Jane Fleming Memorial 2008

DECEMBER 7, 2008
GREENWICH, CT AREA

Congratulations to Cash & Finnegan, #3 seeds, on their win over Connors & Feher, #1 seeds.

Late Rounds of Main Draw

Click here for full draw and backdraws.

Sound Shore Invitational 2008

NOVEMBER 23, 2008

Men's Open

Brad Easterbrook and Alex Bancila took the Men's title, defeating Lennart Jonasson and Mike Stulac in the finals, and top seeds Mike Cochrane and Scott Estes in the semis.

Winers in the back draws were:
Consolation: McKessy-Mueller over Beatty Fairchild
Reprieve: Caldwell - Main over Ruppert - Wright
Last Chance: Mangan - Mavrin over Teglas - Vogel
Qtr Reprieve: DeRose - Lubow over Bennett - duRandt

Full Men's Open Draw

Men's "B"

Main Draw: Brown - Zabatta over Misitrano - Catter
Consolation: Rogers - Schwab over Shephard - Pinkernell
Reprieve: Paret - Zeida over Roberts - Sperry
Last Chance: Vergari - Burns over Denious - Outcalt

Full Men's B Draw

Eastern States Platform Tennis Singles Championship 2008

ROGER A. KNIGHT, TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR
NOVEMBER 22, 2008
GREENWICH, CT

On Saturday and Sunday November 1-2, the Eastern States Singles Championship was hosted by the Greenwhich Country Club. The draw of 24 players was a 50% increase from last year, and included young tennis/paddle pros just beginning their careers in paddle as well as tournament and league veterans.

This year's winner was Mark Parsons, who defeated Mike Cochrane in the finals. Tournament organizers and players anticipate a full 32 person draw next year.

Video and more  

Patterson Club Junior Open Results

SCOTT SLOBIN
NOVEMBER 19, 2008
FAIRFIELD, CT

Patterson Club Junior Open was held on November 16, 2008, at the Patterson Club and Fairfied area clubs.

The tournament had a great turnout of 39 teams playing on a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon. Kids from all over region 1 turned out for this Viking Junior Tour Tourney. Special thanks to Viking for their support of this event and to Marjorie Hodson for her help with tournament registration.
Complete Coverage and Slides

"The Sally" benefits Westchester Youth Services

CHRISTINA KELLY
NOVEMBER 3, 2008
SCARSDALE, NEW YORK

Sally would have loved it -- the beautiful autumn day, the laughter on the paddle courts, and another year of successful fundraising for a wonderful charity.
  
“The Sally” is an annual platform tennis tournament that takes place each fall. It is held at Fox Meadow Tennis Club in Scarsdale to benefit The Children’s Village, Westchester County’s only shelter for homeless teens. The event is named after Sally Rogers, a long-time volunteer at The Children’s Village, an avid paddler, and a past president of Fox Meadow.

Sharon Saunders and her committee (including Barbara Underhill, Anna Filardi, Sugar Genereaux, Barbara Rau, Mary Cosgrove, and Robert and Ann Brown) did a terrific job organizing this event which drew 45 teams from all over, including Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Besides a full day of paddle, there were raffles, a silent auction, and a delicious lunch.
Complete Coverage and Slides