PTM: Dave, you've been with Viking for two years now and know the operations well. Can you tell me how long a paddle should last?
DO: That question comes up all the time. The rule of thumb is a new paddle every year if you're playing two or more times a week, and a paddle every other year if you're playing competitive paddle once a week.
PTM: No offense, but are you saying that to encourage players to purchase more paddles?
DO: The fact is the high-tech cores that are in paddles today breakdown over time and with extended play. It doesn't matter whose paddle you are talking about. Don't forget today's paddles offer greater control, more power, and far, far more shock absorption than the wooden paddles of the past. Unfortunately, in platform the luxury of restringing doesn't exist. And, in paddle the average points last far longer than those in tennis. That translates to many, ma[...]
David Kjeldsen, CEO, of Viking Athletics, announced that the recently completed 2003 Viking Cup will be the last for the Child/Adult Tournament. Asked why such a well respected tournament is being stopped, Kjeldsen responded:
"The Viking Cup was started eight years ago in an attempt to get more young people on the courts. At the time, there were few outlets for kids to play platform tennis. We felt that if we could get the adults involved, we could get the kids on the courts. We've more than accomplished that goal. More kids are playing than ever before. We'd like to put our emphasis now on kids playing with kids. The Viking Junior Tour is gaining momentum and we'd like to increase our support in that area. In addition, we are exploring with a number of platform tennis communities around the country starting a Viking Junior Platform Tennis League, with much the same format as the adu[...]
Dick Squires (a.k.a. Mr. Platform Tennis) passed away on November 12, 2003 after a long battle with emphysema.
The following is an excerpt from the article Dick Squires... Gone, but not Forgotten that appeared in Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5 Issue 3
A National Champion in tennis and squash, Dick tried his luck in platform tennis. Squires brought flair and color to the game. He wore pink sweaters, a paddle glove and hit shots from behind his back in the fifth set of tournament finals matches.
He is also familiar to more than two generations of paddle enthusiasts as the author of "How to Play Platform Tennis," the definitive book on our sport. Another bestseller to his credit is "The Other Racquet Sports," covering every racquet and paddle sport from court tennis to pickle-ball.
His writing was not limited to sports, however. "One Moment At A Time, A Love Story," dedicat[...]
The PPTA had a very busy fall certifying teaching professionals from all around the "paddle" world. Hank Irvine and Bob Callaway had the opportunity to go to Rich Maier's world on the north side of Chicago and join him in a two-day certification marathon. Fifteen pros were tested thanks to Scott Bondurant, who recruited many prominent pros from the north shore area. Among the pros who went through the certification process were former national champion Scott Mansager and the current women's national champions, Mary Doten and Susie Keane.
While Hank and Bob were in Chicago, Gerri Viant, Patty Hogan and Paul Quinn went to Philadelphia and conducted certification exams for nine pros from the Middle States area.
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue 3, January 2004
The names Safford and Hissey may ring a bell for some of you because they are second and third generation paddle players out of the Philadelphia area. Scott's parents, Tom and Leila, are accomplished players, as is Ryan's mom, Laurie. Ryan's uncle and grandmother are former national champs. Scotty and Ryan are following in their family's footsteps by trying to make a name for themselves in the paddle world!
Between football, baseball and golf, it's little wonder Scott and Ryan have any time to play paddle, but finding time and competing at a high level is something these two boys have been able to do quite well. They were the runners-up in the Junior National Championships in the 10- and-under age group last January. They also had success winning the Philadelphia Open 12s in 2001 and 2002, and in the Viking Cup lOs and 12s regional play.
Both boys follow the Phillies, Eagles and Si[...]
PTM carried an article by Tom Dow on how to sell the idea of building more public courts and facilities. The article was written to provide the basis of a presentation that could be made by those wanting to expand the game in their area to potential supporters such as their local municipality, YMCA, foundation, and/or local "paddle angel." The article was supported by various case studies of successful programs.
[please enlarge images to read the full report]
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue 3, January, 2004
Dollard Publishing Company (DPC), the publisher of PTM, was awarded a significant contract for publishing another magazine and this prompted DPC to seek additional publishing and design help which, in turn, lead to an update to the design of PTM.
Wayne Dollard, PTM editor, wrote in From the Editor...:
"Why did we make the change now rather than at the beginning of next season? After seeing the preliminary designs, we simply couldn't wait! My chief designer wanted to end the season on a high note and get everyone excited for next season. We agreed. We have also offered a new masthead and cover theme to kick off the new style. I hope you like it."
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue 5, April, 2004
The Tennis Channel covers platform tennis – The Battle @ Beckett
Back to TopThe Battle@Beckett DVD. The DVD includes pre-match interviews with Murphy and Luke Jensen and David Ohlmuller, two exciting sets, and post match interviews where the Jensens say what they really think about platform tennis.
http://youtu.be/FZoLbHnV6zI
On April 11, following Davis Cup coverage, The Battle @ Beckett appeared on The Tennis Channel. The Battle @ Becket was the largest media event in platform tennis history, covered by five television stations, including ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX, and numerous magazines and newspapers. The event featured the Jensen Brothers (1993 French Open Champions) and 2003 National Champions Chris Gambino, and David Ohlmuller.
The event took place at Beckett Ridge Country Club (West Chester, OH)and was the first time professionals from the ATP tennis tour and platform tennis circuit faced off against each other on a paddle court. Luke and Murphy had been ranked as high as #4 in the world ATP rankings.
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue 5, April, 2004
The APTA had financed and supported the creation of the PTMHOFF1 as an independent 501 (C) (3) entity. With the IRS finally granting exempt status effective February 19, 2004 the Foundation could now embark on a fundraising effort to "realize the dream"
Because the Foundation was a newly created corporation the approval was an "advance ruling" and was only effective through December 31, 20082.
NOTE 1: APTA President John Horine was the driving force to accomplish this and had worked closely with Andrew Giannella of ulmer berne llp of Cincinnati, OH to incorporate the Foundation and file the application for non-profit status. [See Also]
NOTE 2: This was subsequently extended
Jason Gray from Beckett Ridge Country Club (BRCC) in West Chester, Ohio, was the first to take the courageous step of transforming traditional green and brown platform tennis decks to the bold custom mixed colors of 'Premier Purple' and green. Research indicated that ball visibility was increased because purple provided the most intense color contrast to yellow (and orange). The ease of making line calls is greatly enhanced also by the purple background and white line contrast.
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 5, Issue 5, April, 2004
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