Hinsdale Paddle

Salt Creekers win Series 4-6 Tournament

2012-01-15T10:21:00.002-06:00

Breaking news: Pat Walker and Marcus Zeilstra win the series 4-6 tournament final! Congrats!

Round of 32: Lennon-Omundson, 6-0, 6-0
Round of 16: Leydon-Potter
Quarters: Buerger-Wais, 6-1, 6-4
Semis: Roseberg-Tschanz
Finals: Frauenheim- Seidel, 6-4, 7-5

The 2012 Series Tournaments: January 14 & 15

2012-01-04T05:30:00.003-06:00

-- The tournaments designed just for our level of play --

Many of you have already entered one of these wonderful tournaments in the past, but if you haven’t, I want to urge you to do so. The entry deadline is Monday, January 9 -- and so it’s time to line up a partner and sign up for the tournament on-line.

To sign up, simply go to the APTA website at http://www.platformtennis.org/Tournaments/Tournaments_By_Month/CPTC-Series.htm and click on “On-Line Entry” -- the brown link just below “Bill O’Brien” -- then click on “Create an Account” in the middle of that page -- and then on “CPTC Series Tournament” and then “Continue” -- and then enter the info requested.

If you have never played in a paddle tournament, then you are missing a LOT of fun. And this is the tournament for you because you are guaranteed at least 3 matches (assuming an even number of teams) and you will be playing against players whose skills are more like yours than any other tournament you could enter.

We will have a tournament for players rostered in the Series 4, 5 and 6 leagues -- another tournament for players rostered in the Series 7, 8, 9 and 10 leagues -- a tournament for players rostered in the Series 11 , 12, 13 and 14 leagues -- a tournament for players rostered in the Series 15, 16, 17 and 18 leagues -- and a tournament for players in the Series 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 leagues. That's five separate tournamentsrunning on the same two days.

We are breaking it into these five separate tournaments so that you will have the opportunity to play against people who are closer to your skill level.

If you want more challenge, you can enter the tournament above your level -- but, you cannot play down at a lower level. For instance, if you are a strong player at the Series 7 level, you and your partner could enter the 4,5,6 tournament to see how you measure up. But if you are a Series 10 player, you cannot enter the 11 - 14, tournament. And your eligibility for a given tournament is based on where you are rostered at the time your entry is received. Remember, if you are subbing up on a higher team in your club, once you have done that for the 7th time, you will automatically be re-rostered at that higher level for the rest of the season.

Additionally, if you are rostered on teams at two different clubs, then the higher team (skill-wise, not numerically) is the one you use to determine which tournament you are eligible for. And, paddle and tennis pros are NOT eligible to enter regardless of where they are rostered.

These tournaments are a LOT of fun -- especially when they are made up of players that are close to your skill level. So, line up a partner and go on-line to sign up. You'll be glad you did.

Bill O’Brien 630-325-6827 (day and evening) bill.obrien@att.net

p.s. Now, if you have never entered one of our paddle tournaments before, here's more on how they work.

On the Thursday evening (Jan 12) before the tournament, we will e-mail you the "Draw Sheet" which will show you when and where you will play your first match on Saturday. The draw sheet will also help you see where your subsequent matches will be played (depending on whether you win or lose your first match) -- sort of a road map for moving through the tournament.

So that you can plan your days that weekend, following are the approximate start times and ending times for each tournament:

4-5-6 starts Saturday at 8:00am and you finish up by 4:00pm -- then, semis and finals are on Sunday morning.
7-8-9-10 starts Saturday at 8:00am and you finish up by 4:30pm -- then, semis and finals are on Sunday morning.
11-12-13-14 starts Saturday with lunch at 11:00am and then your first match will be at 12:00pm and you finish up by about 5:00pm -- then, semis and finals are on Sunday morning.
15-16-17-18 starts Saturday at 8:00am and you MIGHTl have your afternoon free after lunch (a few of you will have a Sat afternoon match) -- then, semis and finals are on Sunday morning.
19-20-21-22-23 starts Saturday with lunch at 11:00am and then your first match will be at 12:00pm and you finish up by 5:00pm -- then, semis and finals are on Sunday morning.

Remember, you are guaranteed at least three matches (assuming we have a pretty full draw and an even number of teams). If you win your first match, you play your second match against a team that also won their first match. If you lose your first match, you move into one of the consolation brackets and play a team that also lost their first match -- and if you then lose that second match, there is yet another consolation bracket where you can play your third match against a team with a similar record. So, you get a lot of paddle and each successive match brings you up against players even more like you in skill.

Lunch will be served at the Glen View Club and that’s where you will receive your tournament favor. PLEASE NOTE: We are very fortunate to have such a great venue available to us for lunch and so we should definitely honor their club rules which include no jeans AND no use of cell phones except in your car.

And if you have any questions during the tournament, there will be people at "tournament central" who can help you out over the phone.

We want to make this a great experience for you -- but you have to enter for that to happen. So nail down a partner and enter by going on-line at http://www.platformtennis.org/Tournaments/Tournaments_By_Month/CPTC-Series.htm

The Longest Game

2011-12-30T06:33:00.000-06:00

Winter Warrior League - Fall Final Standings

2011-12-26T19:54:00.001-06:00

Flight A:

I-SAW-IT-OUT continued their winning ways and beat a tough Team BS to win both the league and the playoffs. Came down to the last match with Paul Garvin and Donn York beating Charlie Usher and Kevin Parks.

Flight B:

Bush League beat the league champs Pavlov's Dogs who unfortunatly had a player miss the finals which put them down a court.

Flight C:

Winning also continued their winning ways and won both the league and the playoffs beating Paddle Rangers in the finals. Word is Paddle Rangers would like a rematch as one of their players got injured during the first round but that's a part of paddle!

HPD Web Site Launched

2011-12-22T06:07:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Mary Doten and the Paddle in the Parks team on the launch of their new web site. Be sure to visit: http://hpdpaddle.com/

Results from the Hinsdale Men's Challenge

2011-12-11T06:10:00.001-06:00

#1 seeds Mike Marino and Dane Schmidgall defeated Platform Tennis Hall of Fame team of Flip Goodspeed and Scott Mansager 6-3, 6-2 in the finals.

In the semi-finals, Goodspeed/Mansager defeated Jones/Woldenberg 6-2, 7-5 to advance to the finals.
Marino/Schmidgall defeated Bondurant/Mavrin 6-2, 6-2 to reach the finals.

Hinsdale Teams:
Engel/Martin won the quarter reprieve.
Byrnes/Schwartz won the last chance.

Full draw is on-line at the APTA site.

Hinsdale Men's Challenge Draw

2011-12-10T07:16:00.001-06:00

Seeded Teams:
1. Mike Marino and Dane Schmidgall
2. Marty Engel and Wade Martin
3. Paget Neave and Brad Smith
4. Chris Gambino and Jim Kozak

Schedule for Saturday, December 10:
9:30 AM Round of 16 at Hinsdale Golf Club and Salt Creek Club
11:00 AM Quarter-Finals at Hinsdale Golf Club and Salt Creek Club
1:30 PM Semi-Finals at Salt Creek Club
4:30 PM Finals at Salt Creek Club

River Forest Courts to Open in January

2011-11-29T05:22:00.001-06:00

The municipality of River Forest is building two courts and a warming hut at Keystone Park, near Lake Street and Thatcher. The newspaper photo shows the piers for one court.

Newspaper Article

Congrats to the Billy O Tournament Winners

2011-11-28T19:37:00.001-06:00

A Draw:

Finalists Ed Dunphy and Mark Cunnington appear with Billy O and

winners Paul Wiggin and Jeff Byrnes

B Draw:

Finalists Dan Hemmer and Tom McGuigan appear with winners Sam Stout and Bob Gray

C Draw:

winners Tom Lewis and Adam Fromm with Billy O and

finalists Tony Ruggiero and Gary Wenstrup

Last, and yes, least: Last Chance participants in the A Draw

Save the Dates - Thanksgiving Weekend - Billy O Red Zone Tournaments

2011-10-17T05:24:00.002-05:00

Women's Friday, Nov. 25 TBD

Men’s C (combined Series of 21 or higher) 1:00pm-4:00pm Saturday, Nov. 26

Men’s B (combined Series of 11 or higher) 9:00am-Noon Sunday, Nov. 27

Men’s A (combined Series of 6 or higher) 1:00pm-4:00pm Sunday, Nov. 27

Glen Ellyn facilities are expanding

2011-09-18T07:27:00.001-05:00

Congrats to our friends in Glen Ellyn on their project to add courts and a permanent hut.

7th Annual Paddle Academy

2011-09-17T05:59:00.002-05:00

Featuring Top Chicago Area PPTAPros

Kickstart your paddle season with a 3 hour clinic from some of the best paddle prosin the business. Sharpen yourserve, overheads, volleys and drives to make this a great paddle season. All sessions will focus on strategiesand point play.

Session 1	Session 2	Session 3
Thursday, Sept 22^nd	Thursday, Sept 22nd	Thursday, Sept 22nd
8:30-11:30am	Noon-3pm	5-8pm
Women, Series 4-6	Women, Series 14, Beg, Inter.	Men, Series 12-23


Session 4	Session 5	Session 6
Friday, Sept 23^rd	Friday, Sept 23rd	Friday, Sep 23rd
8:30-11:30am Women, Series 1-3	Noon-3pm Women, Series 7-12	4-7pm Men, Series 1-11

Allcourts are divided by ability. Your session doesn’t work? Grab 3 friends and fill a court on another session.

RegisterNow: Email Mary Doten at MhDoten@sbcglobal.net

toreserve your spot.

Sendyour check for $130 payable to:

MaryDoten

4143Woodland Ave.

WesternSprings, 60558

708-261-5779

Hinsdale's two seasons: winter paddle and summer construction

2011-09-10T15:07:00.001-05:00

HPTA Weekend Warriors League

2011-08-11T08:00:00.003-05:00

From Rick Gallwas (chair), Michael Lee, Rob Foster, Ed Varin, and Mark Gupta to Hinsdale Park District players:

Gentlemen,

You've been invited to play in the NEW Hinsdale Weekend Warrior Paddle League. This new league is supported by the Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association (HPTA)

This new league will be played Saturday afternoon at all three clubs with start times of 2:30 and 4:00. Each team will consist of 8 players of which 6 will play each week. Teams will NOT be club-specific, in fact, the intent is to have at least one player from each club on each team.

Participants will be placed in flights based on level of play. The number of flights and the grouping of players will be based on who signs up. We intend to create flights in the smallest series grouping possible to give everyone a competitive experience. For example, Flight A may consist of players from series 1 - 5, Flight B from series 6-9, etc. If you currently do not play in the Chicago Platform Tennis Charities (CPTC) league and therefore do not have a series, the paddle professional at your club will place you in the appropriate flight based on their knowledge of your skills. Captains will be selected from participants and a draft will be held to determine teams.

Here are the details:

Cost:
$40.00 per person Member HPTA
(You are a HPTA member if you are an active CPTC league player for Hinsdale Golf Club, Salt Creek Club or a pass holder at Hinsdale Park District.)

$50.00 per person Non Member HPTA ($10.00 will be paid to HPTA for your membership)

Schedule:
Season runs September 24 through December 17, including playoffs.
There will be no matches November 26th (Billy O Red Zone) and December 10th (Hinsdale Challenge NRT)

(Since this is our first year, we decided to have a short season. If the demand is there, we're prepared to have another series starting in January.)

What you need to do: Send email to hinsdalepaddle@yahoo.com with your name and the series level you played last. If you have never played in the travel league please contact your club's paddle tennis professional for your placement.

NOTE: There are only a LIMITED number of spots available so please respond a.s.a.p. if you want to play!

More details to follow.

Construction is Under Way at KLM

2011-07-22T06:10:00.003-05:00

Series XXIV Recruit at Salt Creek Club

2011-07-20T06:36:00.000-05:00

The CPTC Men's League will expand to 24 series for the 2011/12 season, so Salt Creek is actively recruiting beginners to join in on the competition. Pictured here are Van Stapleton, Ed Varin, and Paul Garvin with their latest recruit, Mats.

Though Mats struggled to transition to a smaller racquet and court, his coaches think he'll ultimately get it. Ed Varin thinks that his seven tennis championships -- Australian Open (1983, 1984, 1988), French Open (1982, 1985, 1988), US Open (1988)-- suggest that Mats will move up as the season progresses.

Village Board discusses KLM Courts

2011-06-09T06:19:00.001-05:00

With negotiations with Burr Ridge complete, the Hinsdale Paddle Tennis Association (HPTA) is eager to get started with the addition of two more courts at Katherine Legge Memorial Park so they can be completed by this winter and used for the upcoming season.

Read more

KLM Courts 5 and 6 Approved

2011-06-07T21:01:00.002-05:00

The Village of Hinsdale board voted unanimously in favor of purchasing two new courts for KLM. President Cauley emphasized the demand that 100% of the funding be satisfied through the HPTA and its private fundraising efforts.

Village of Hinsdale Board Meetings

2011-06-06T18:59:00.001-05:00

Tonight: Committee considers HPTA request to award the low-cost bid for two new courts to be built at KLM.

Tuesday: same question to the Village Board

Bill O'Brien honored with APTA Service Award

2011-05-30T06:07:00.001-05:00

MAY 24, 2011
PHILADELPHIA, PA

Bill O’Brien - Coach, Captain, Advocate

Given the passion that platform tennis provokes, it’s not uncommon to find volunteers who promote our sport. What is remarkable about Bill O’Brien of Hinsdale, IL, is that he has spent more than 20 years helping to grow our game. At this year’s annual meeting, O’Brien received the prestigious 2010-11 APTA Service Award for his initiatives and leadership in the Chicago area. O’Brien has been a tireless advocate for our sport and a vital member of the APTA Board of Directors.

more...

Trib Local Coverage about KLM Expansion

2011-04-30T11:13:00.001-05:00

Trib Local coverage:

In less than four months, the Hinsdale Paddle Tennis Association reached its goal to raise more than $150,000 for the construction of two new courts at Katherine Legge Memorial Park.

At Monday night’s Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, HPTA member and commissioner Kathleen Mulligan said the group reached 102 percent of its fundraising goal by selling 59 lifetime memberships, 22 one-year memberships and about $10,000 to $15,000 worth of landscaping donations.

According to HPTA’s website, the total funds raised is about $153,000.

Mulligan said the donations are currently all pledges, but the HPTA is sending out letters this week to collect the funds. If all goes as planned, she said, the courts should be ready for play this fall.

In light of HPTA’s recent success, commissioner Ed Opler discussed the potential of private fundraising for village projects that remain unfunded.

“It seems like this could be a model for the future,” Opler said. “We ought to be allowing people to undertake those (fundraisers) with guidelines. There’s nothing new coming to our budget.”

Parks and Recreation Director Gina Hassett said, although she was in support of looking into the idea of private fundraising, platform tennis might be a unique situation with a seriously committed and growing following.

Mulligan said HPTA currently has more than 600 members.

Chairman Jeff Curran mentioned local park-using groups, such as the Hinsdale Central Frisbee golf team, often e-mail him offering input on potential upcoming park projects.

Commissioner Scott Banke, whose son helped spearhead efforts to maintain Hinsdale’s skate park, said groups such as the Frisbee golf team and local skaters could benefit from the idea of allowing private fundraising as well.

“I think it’s great —we can reach out to the community to become ambassadors,” Banke said. “Clearly (HPTA) set a precedence set here. I’m hoping the village is encouraged by that.”

Trustee Doug Geoga, who sat in on the meeting as a member of the audience, said the village is happy with its relationship with the HPTA and would likely encourage partnerships.

Geoga said the item would be added to the next Administration and Community Affairs agenda.

Burr Ridge approves agreement on KLM platform tennis courts

2011-04-30T11:04:00.004-05:00

From the Doings:

Four members of the Burr Ridge Village Board begrudgingly agreed to a deal Monday concerning the construction of two more platform tennis courts at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale.

The intergovernmental agreement between Burr Ridge and Hinsdale aims to offer some relief to neighbors of Hinsdale's KLM Park, who for years have complained of noise, lights and water runoff from the park's four existing courts.

“I would fashion this as a compromise,” Village Administrator Steve Stricker said of the agreement put before the board. “We got some things, we didn't get everything.”

Stricker said Burr Ridge officials had asked that the proposed courts be moved further from the nearby homes, that lights be turned off at 10 p.m. and that a permanent moratorium be placed on additional courts.

The approved agreement calls for lights to be turned off at 10 p.m. on some courts and at 10:30 p.m. on others. One of the two courts was moved in accordance with Burr Ridge's wishes, and a five-year moratorium also is part of the agreement.

The agreement, which was to go before the Hinsdale Village Board for approval on Tuesday, also calls for landscaping and drainage improvements.

Burr Ridge trustee David Allen is among the residents on Laurie Lane, just east of KLM, whose property is affected by the platform tennis courts. He said water runoff from the courts has been a problem since they were built in 2004. The back yards and streets of his neighborhood fill with water that flows from the park.

Trustee Robert Sodikoff said he voted in favor of the agreement only because he believes Burr Ridge has exhausted its options regarding Hinsdale and its platform tennis courts.

Paddle Expands Worldwide

2011-04-26T16:08:00.003-05:00

Pictured: Lord Broquebacque Dunphill, the Jamaican Platform Tennis Federation President (OCHO RIOS) – (he is the only member and is also vice-president, secretary, and sergeant at arms) and long lost cousin of the HPTA’s Ed Dunphy.

Ed and family were able to spend some time with Dunphill on a recent trip to Jamaica. When asked about the state of Jamaican paddle affairs he replied simply, “Yea Mon!!”

FAQ - KLM Fundraising Campaign

2011-04-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

Q: What is the fundraising goal?
A: $150,000

Q: Is that what two courts cost?
A: The courts are 80% of the project budget. In order to accommodate requests from neighbors, we will also add a considerable amount of landscaping.

Q: Can I e-mail my pledge?
A: Yes. Send it to paulwiggin@yahoo.com

Q: When is the pledge due? How about the check?
A: March 31 for the pledge and May 2 for the check.

Q: If the project were to be canceled for unforeseen reasons, would the Village of Hinsdale refund our donation?
A: Yes.

Q: Will the fundraising committee seek donations from players now involved at Hinsdale Golf Club or Salt Creek Club?
A: Yes. Public facilities like KLM play a vital role in the health of platform tennis. We recognize that young families and young adults are more likely to play municipal paddle first and join private clubs later in life. Seeing that connection, and having fond memories of HPD paddle, many members at HGC and SCC have been enthusiastic about adding courts in the park and are donating to the expansion project.

Q: Can current lifetime members make a donation and assign the lifetime membership to someone else (e.g. their child)?
A: Yes

Q: Are the donations tax-deductible?
A: It depends. When you get something in return for a donation, the IRS expects you to deduct the value from the amount you donated. So, if you are receiving the lifetime membership, you would consider its value when you prepare your tax filing. If you are taking a deduction the tax ID for the the Village of Hinsdale is 36-6005930.
.

Q: Why is the lifetime membership set at a higher level for players living outside of Hinsdale?
A: In addition to owning the park land, the Village of Hinsdale has invested $350,000 in the platform tennis facilities at KLM. This amount from the 2004 construction project will represent about 50% of the total cost of KLM once it has six courts. The other 50% comes from donations made in 2004 and through this fundraising campaign.

HPTA Board Meeting on April 17

2011-04-19T05:04:00.002-05:00

The HPTA Board met on April 17. Here's a quick recap of the discussion:

Fundraising for the KLM courts is complete. We surpassed participation levels from the 2004 campaign and raised 102% of our goal. Invoices and thank you letters will go out in the next two weeks. Payments to the Village are due early in May. Recognition of the generosity of our donors will be given in the KLM Hut and one of the local newspapers.
Design, bidding, and construction will begin this spring/summer. The Village will play important roles with permitting and contracts. Conversations will start this week about those efforts.
A sub-committee was formed to create formal by-laws for the HPTA. Ed Usher will chair the effort and Kathleen Mulligan, Bill O'Brien, and Jay Pollitt will participate. Target is to present these for a vote in the fall.
A Hinsdale league for men will be piloted this fall. Paul Wiggin will coordinate the planning over the summer.
Participation at the end-of-season tournament reached a new peak. Along with some great competition, the party was well attended, and the event helped build on the HPTA balance sheet. Ed Usher reported that tthe association has accumulated $37,000 over its 7 years of operation and can make use of those funds as needed for projects and to run programs.

Success with the KLM Fundraising Goals !

2011-04-03T11:56:00.012-05:00

We are pleased to announce that the HPTA fundraising campaign has been a success!

113 donors

$153,000

102% of our goal

Our thanks to all who have pledged support for the expansion.

Congrats to the Hinsdale Tournament Winners

2011-03-23T03:41:00.009-05:00

Open A finals
championship - Jim Bishop & Jeff Byrnes defeated Jim Garber & Paul Garvin

consolation - Vince Lombardi & Ted Tuerk defeated Doug DeClue & Matt Kinst

Open B finals
championship - Bob Gray & Scott Pfisterer defeated Mark Bronson & Marcus Zeilstra

Open C finals
Kevin Knapp & Brian Moncrief defeated Adam Fromm & Chris Porter

Women's A finals
championship - Mary Doten & Alison Kelley defeated Gillian Climo & Patti Coyle

Women's B finals
championship winners - Ashley Killpack & Jackie Scheer

HPTA Mission Statement

2011-03-21T20:52:00.001-05:00

The Hinsdale Platform Tennis Association (HPTA) is an Illinois not-for-profit established in 2004 to serve its community nearly 1,000 players from three Hinsdale area clubs. Its all-volunteer board is elected by membership vote.

The HPTA’s mission is to:
• Promote the enthusiasm among current players for the sport;
• Increase the participation in platform tennis among all types of people;
• Be advocates for the interests of the platform tennis community.

We accomplish this mission by:
• Ongoing conversations with our fellow paddle players about what works and what doesn’t; and by developing a diverse board that represents the whole community.
• Working with our fellow paddle players, our member clubs, the Chicago platform tennis league, the APTA, and the Village of Hinsdale on behalf of our members; HPTA Board members Bill O’Brien and Paul Wiggin currently serve on the CPTC and APTA boards.
• Running dozens of events each season, including free clinics for juniors, a house league for women, the Hinsdale Challenge (APTA national ranking tournaments), the Billy O Red Zone Tournament, and the Hinsdale Open;
• Creating an offering of free clinics, beginner coaching sessions, and professional classes that are open to the public;
• Funding, building, expanding, and maintaining the platform tennis facility at KLM, in cooperation with Village staff;
• Communicating through the www.hinsdalepaddle.com web site and other means;
• Operating platform tennis programs at KLM under a license agreement with the Village of Hinsdale.

Annual support from Hinsdale players is vital to our success:
• Hinsdale Park District players currently contribute $35 annually; Hinsdale Golf Club and Salt Creek Club members contribute $10 annually. We hope you agree that the HPTA is a great value!

APTA Nationals - Friday Update

2011-03-11T19:38:00.010-06:00

The APTA live scoring system is updated throughout the nationals for tracking your favorite teams.

Photos from Sunday morning's matches -- Women's finals and Men's semi-finals:

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Our Friday updates for Hinsdale women:

Doten-Nusslock (9) reached quarters with a three set win over Lemery-Ohlmuller (7).

Climo-McNitt (11) reached quarters with a three set win over Mandell-Viant (6).

Schwartz-Sheldon (10) reached the round of 16, but lost to Cottingham-Hayward (5) in the quarters.

D'Alise-Queenan win two opening matches before losing to # 3 seed Flynn-Tarzian.

Goldberg-Tritt win two opening matches before losing to # 1 seed Prop-Schneebeck.

Our Friday updates for Hinsdale men:

Engel-Martin (15) reach round of 32.

Garvin-Stapleton win opening match before losing to Ohlmuller-Schmidgall.

Cunnington-Schwartz win opening match before losting to Marino-Uihlein (6).

Goldman-Usher enter backdraw with first round loss to Cosimano-Haller (9).

Byrnes-Struck enter backdraw with first round loss to Reed-Witsken.

Leonard-Williams enter backdraw with first round loss to Atkinson-Crosta.

President's Cup action in Chicago today

2011-03-10T17:35:00.004-06:00

Both the men's and women's teams from Region V (which includes Chicago) prevailed in today's team competition:

Men's Scores

Women's Scores

You can follow the scores on-line for PC and the APTA Nationals. Don't know anything about the APTA President's Cup? Here's the scoop:

The President’s Cup was established in 1978 in order to create a national competition for amateur paddlers. Platform tennis had begun to be increasingly professionalized, especially in the East, and good regional players were losing interest in this type of competition.

Increasingly, separate regional tournaments were held for these non-professionals (defined as not nationally ranked.) Each Region held its own qualifying tournament to determine which four teams from its Region would be sent to the President’s Cup.

Hinsdale MIXED Tournament

2011-03-07T21:30:00.002-06:00

A fun and competitive night of paddle was had by all at the Annual Hinsdale Mixed Doubles Tournament on Saturday, February 26th. Tricia Enright returned after missing last year due to injury – to reclaim the B draw crown with her husband Bill. They won a hard fought – and wet – finals match over Cathleen and Mark Robinson. The next runners up were Bridget and Mike Keifer who beat Kristen Klebenow and Cristophe Jeannin in another exciting match. Lots of fun was had both on and off the courts as we mixed with both old and new friends, welcoming Pat and Camey Walker and Chris and Carol Wittemann to their first Mixed Doubles event.

For the A draw we had some bad luck in timing this year – as the entire Usher clan was skiing in Colorado knocking out half the draw. We ended up with only two teams so we had an exhibition final where Mary and Gary Doten prevailed against John and Margaret Hawn.

We look forward to seeing all these players again on the courts during the women’s and men’s Hinsdale tournament on March 18th and 19th.

These videos might just help your game

2011-03-03T06:25:00.004-06:00

Have a look at some of the 50 videos in the APTA library. You'll enjoy it and it's good for your paddle game.

Partner Wanted!

2011-02-28T09:14:00.000-06:00

Is this ad really from Sammy?

Congratulations to the Series VI Champs

2011-02-25T16:25:00.004-06:00

HPD 1 Series VI Wins with 14 wins, 2 losses, 2 ties

Jeff Bingham, Marty Brennan (captain), Peter Dumon, Ed Dunphy, Joe Gurgone, Michael Kiefer, Paul Kusak, Marty Lapointe, Paul Lozanoski, Rich O'Hara, Jim Schiavitti, Ted Shepherd

Support the growth of your favorite sport

2011-02-24T15:47:00.000-06:00

Donation Form

Any amount, donor

All donors will be recognized at the 2011 Grand Opening. Players who became lifetime members in 2004 will enjoy improved court availability and updated landscaping. The HPTA encourages all members to participate in this long-awaited project.

$500 and over, contributing member

Benefits include recognition at the 2011 Grand Opening, plus

Village of Hinsdale passholder fees waived for the 2011/12 season.

$1,500 and over, lifetime member

Benefits include recognition at the 2011 Grand Opening, plus

passholder fees waived (lifetime) for paddle for a family residing within Hinsdale.

$2,500 and over, lifetime member

Benefits include recognition at the 2011 Grand Opening, plus

passholder fees waived (lifetime) for paddle for a family residing outside Hinsdale.

HPTA enters 10 year agreement with Village of Hinsdale

2011-02-20T19:25:00.003-06:00

The Village of Hinsdale has extended the two-year license agreement for the HPTA to operate programs at KLM for another ten years. HPTA President Bill O'Brien was pleased at the confidence expressed by the Village in a cordial and positive relationship.

Doten and Prop win the Hinsdale Challenge

2011-02-19T16:24:00.005-06:00

The semi-finals at the Hinsdale Challenge were epic battles, both going to three long sets, on a beautiful winter afternoon.

Mary Doten and Heather Prop won their semi-final match against Sally Jones and Jane McNitt.

Suzanne Lemery and Marina Ohlmuller defeated Christine Schwartz and Chris Sheldon in a third set tiebreaker to advance.

In the finals, Doten-Prop prevailed 6-1, 7-6.

Open A Draw - so far ...

2011-02-18T19:23:00.001-06:00

The following teams have already signed up:
1. Ted Tuerk & Vince Lombardi
2. Steve McClary & Jack Martin
3. Ed Dunphy & Jay Maltby
4. Jerry Attlan & Ed Varin
5. John Dean & Mark Cunnington
6. Alan Goldman & James Goldman
7. Paul Garvin & Jim Garber
8. Van Stapleton & Paul Lozanowski
9. Charlie Usher & Luke Figora
10. Jeff Byrnes & Jim Bishop
11. Rob Hopkins & Rob Weber
12. Marc Veverka & John Girgis
13. Kerry Koranda & Ryan Mullaney
14. Wade Martin & Ed Usher
15. Kevin Schwartz & Matt Ludington
16. Jay Pollitt & Andy Brown
17. Mike Gartlan & Christophe Jeannin
18. Patrick Usher & Jeff Holland
19. Matt Kinst & Doug DeClue
20. Donn York & Christine Schwartz
21. Pat Walker & TBD

Hinsdale Tournaments and Party on March 19-20

2011-01-31T21:26:00.008-06:00

We are announcing the end-of-season tournaments and party for 2010-11. Perhaps you'll add your name to the next poster on the KLM Wall of Fame!

All the details are available on the entry form: http://www.platformtennis.org/Assets/HinsdaleTourney2011.pdf

Hinsdale Mixed Doubles Night on February 26

2011-01-31T21:15:00.004-06:00

The Mixed Doubles Tournament will take place on Saturday, February 26, from 4 PM to 10 PM this season. Teams enter either an A or a B draw. Details are provided in the Entry Form: http://tinyurl.com/HinsdaleMixed

The Amazing Hinsdale Golf Club 2s

2011-01-26T17:46:00.000-06:00

What are the odds? Seven ties in 14 matches for the HGC 2s? A 1-6-7 record?

Where Hinsdaleans appear in the APTA Rankings

2011-01-20T21:13:00.002-06:00

Women's - November 2010

1 - Mary Doten and Susie Keane
7 - Susan Lemery and Marina Ohlmuller
19 - Mary Doten and Chelsea Nusslock
20 - Gillian Climo and Jane McNitt
25 - Missy D'Alise and Katie Queenan
34 - Christine Schwartz and Chris Sheldon

Men's - January 2011

15 - Marty Engel and Wade Martin
21 - Jeff Byrnes and Chris Struck

2010 Nationals DVD Released by APTA

2011-01-16T14:34:00.006-06:00

Watch it on-line: Finals of the 2010 National Championships

Complete Men's and Women's Finals
2-Disc Set

APTA Members Special: $10.00 includes postage
Retail Price: $25.00

Mary Doten & Susie Keane defeated Cindy Prendergast & Lauren Zink, 6-1, 7-5
Jerry Albrikes & John duRandt defeated Scott Mansager & Flip Goodspeed, 4-6, 6-1, 6-0

Product Details:

More than two hours of the best platform tennis in HD
Professionally filmed with four high-definition cameras
Commentators for men's final: Mike Rahaley & Rod Workman

Send your check to:
Ann Sheedy
Executive Director, APTA
109 Wesport Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Hinsdale Challenge Final completed in Cincinnati

2011-01-15T22:30:00.001-06:00

Drew Broderick and Chris Gambino defeated Mike Marino and Dane Schmidgall in a make-up of the Hinsdale Men's Challenge today in Cincinnati. The final had been postponed due to rain.

Mary Doten wins the Midwesterns in Cincinnati

2011-01-15T21:22:00.003-06:00

Final: 2nd seeded Nancy Budde and Mary Doten defeated 1st seeds Heather Prop and Lynne Schneebeck.

Plan Commission Approves New Courts at KLM

2011-01-13T10:07:00.001-06:00

In a compromise with Burr Ridge, the Hinsdale plan commission approved a site permit for two new paddle tennis courts at Katherine Legge Memorial Park Wednesday night.

However, under the intergovernmental agreement with the neighboring village, no more courts can be built at the park within the next five years.

Included the intergovernmental agreement is the exact placement of the courts, the hours of play, the drainage and landscaping plan.

The deal gives the go-ahead for two new courts — bringing the park’s total to six courts — and five additional parking spaces.

The idea to build more courts came from the Hinsdale Paddle Tennis Association, a local organization whose membership has increased beyond the capacity of the village’s current set up.

The HPTA received permission from the village board to solicit for donations and sell lifetime memberships in order to finance the two courts, which will end up costing about $150,000, parks and recreation director Gina Hassett said Wednesday.

Planning Commission Meeting on January 12

2011-01-10T17:07:00.003-06:00

Please join us in supporting the addition of two new paddle courts at KLM.

The request to add courts, which was approved by the Village Board, will be presented to the
planning commission this Wednesday night at the Village Hall. Platform tennis players need to show support through our attendance at this critical meeting. The meeting starts at 7 PM and we should be the second topic on the agenda.

Platform Tennis continues to grow extensively in the Hinsdale area – both in the Parks program as well as at Salt Creek and Hinsdale Golf Club – and it does not show signs of slowing.

# Participants on Hinsdale Teams = 456
Growth rate 21 to 24% every year

In order to support the increased demand for court time – both social and travel teams – the HPTA has requested 2 additional courts at KLM. Weekday and weekend court times often fill up limiting participation and member play time.

o During the week there are 6 women’s travel teams that drill at KLM along with 3 in-house leagues and 1 interclub league which create a significant strain on court availability.

o There is a current shortage of courts to support the men’s travel leagues resulting in more travel up north – and few open courts in the evening for practice or social play.

Recognizing the concerns of our Burr Ridge neighbors with the addition of two courts, the HPTA and the Village has worked hard to listen to their concerns and addressed them via the location of the new courts and agreement to turn off lights by 10pm on the two East courts (currently courts 3 & 4).

We hope you can join us at this Wednesday’s meeting to show support for our Platform Tennis Program expansion. Gina Hassett will be presenting the joint recommendation from the Village and HPTA so there is no need for public comment – but we do want to show our support with a strong presence at the meeting.

Upcoming Tournaments

2011-01-07T04:33:00.003-06:00

January 28-30 - Illinois State Men's and Women's

February 19 - Hinsdale Women's Challenge

March 19-20 - Hinsdale Open

Countdown to the 2011 APTA Nationals in Chicago

2011-01-07T04:23:00.004-06:00

March 10-13 in Chicago

The National tournaments were played in Philadelphia last March and Cincinnati the year before. In a few months, the tournaments will be Chicagoland. Glen View will be home base for the finals and perhaps a few of our home town athletes will be on center court once again.

Consider entering the tournament or just going to watch. Either way you'll be glad you did.

Hinsdale Paddle Continuing to Grow

2011-01-02T15:07:00.005-06:00

The planning effort at the Village of Hinsdale for platform tennis is nearly complete. Among other improvements, two courts will be added at KLM for the start of the 11/12 season. The HPTA will begin a campaign to fund this project this week, offering lifetime memberships in a fashion similar to the 2004 campaign. Hinsdale's paddle community will continue to lead the sport with growth.

There's No Place like Home

2010-12-16T06:03:00.008-06:00

Four local teams and over 40 women from KLM, Salt Creek and Hinsdale Golf Club competed in the inaugural Women's "Non-Traveling" League. The first session had a season -ending playoff and party at Salt Creek in December.The winning KLM team was awarded the Ruby Red Slippers trophy inscribed with the League's slogan: "There's No Place Like Home!".

The next session begins in January. Matches will take place at 12:15pm on Monday afternoons. Anyone interested in joining should contact Mary Doten at Mhdoten@sbcglobal.net

2010 Hinsdale Challenge - Men's

2010-12-11T16:36:00.010-06:00

Updated 12/16:
Finals: Broderick & Gambino vs. Marino & Schmidgall
The finals were delayed until Midwesterns Tournament in Cincinnati on January 14.

To reach the finals:
Saturday: Broderick & Gambino defeat Engel & Martin, 7-6, 6-3.
Sunday: Marino & Schmidgall defeat Berka & Eberly, 6-4, 6-4.

To reach the semi-finals:
Broderick & Gambino defeat Bondurant & Johnson (1), 6-1, 6-4
Engel & Martin (3) defeat Chabraja & Noble, 6-2, 2-6, 6-2
Marino & Schmidgall (4) defeat Witskin & Woldenberg, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2
Berka & Eberly (2) defeat Byrnes & Struck, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4

Hinsdale Plan Commission to Discuss New KLM Courts on January 12

2010-12-10T05:27:00.002-06:00

"Hinsdale’s plan commissioners approved a public hearing for the special use and site plan review needed before additional platform tennis courts can be constructed at Katherine Legge Memorial Park." More on the Chicago Tribune web site.

Hinsdale Challenge on December 11-12

2010-12-09T08:17:00.001-06:00

Some big names have entered the draw.

Players entered as of 12/5/10:
Kevin Schwartz & Jay Maltby
Alex Bancila & Bill Fiedler
James Kozak & Kevin Andersen
Scott Bondurant & Mark Johnson
Jeff Byrnes & Chris Struck
Chris Gambino & Drew Broderick
Brad Smith & Padget Neave
Matt Garavaglia & Matt Lemery
Lou Jacobson & Ryan Edelfson
Paul Garvin & Nate Parsons
Wade Martin & Marty Engel
Matt McClure & Eric Moran
Scott Mansager & Dave Ohlmuller
Peter Berka & Drew eberly
Scott Pecor & Gary Feldman
Van Stapleton & Clay Leornard
Radek Guzik & Tony Marino
Dane Schmidgall & Mike Marino
Vince Lombardi & Brian Hammersley
Todd Schaefer & Sam O'Malley
Rob Hopkins & Jack Martin
Mike Chabraja & John Noble
Peter Rose & Ben McKnight

Perfect Weekend for the Billy O Red Zone Tournaments

2010-11-28T19:25:00.003-06:00

The annual Billy O Red Zone tournament was contest under sunny skies this
year. An expanded Women's Draw was played at both Salt Creek and Katherine
Legge Memorial on Saturday morning. Allison Kelly and Chris O'Malley won at KLM.

And three fully subscribed men's draws were played at KLM on Saturday and Sunday. In total about $4,000 was raise for the sponsoring charity, Common Hope (www.commonhope.org). Thanks to all who participated and see you next year.

The C Draw of the 2010 Billy O Red Zone was won by Eddie and Sarah Opler who(avoiding any marital discord) defeated Adam Linn and Jeff Bingham in the final. The C Draw included two other family teams: Paul Wiggin and son Nathan as well as brothers Matt and Jon Goebel.

Bob Gray and Sam Stout defeated Tom Carroll and Dave Stang to win the B Draw of the 2010 Billy O Red Zone tournament.

Mark Cunnington repeated as winner of the 2010 Billy O Redzone A Draw as he and his partner John Dean overcame Vince Lombardi and Ted Teurk in the final.

Apply these moves to your paddle game

2010-11-25T11:22:00.001-06:00

Hinsdaleans excel at the Chicago Charities

2010-11-08T05:12:00.003-06:00

The third seeded team of James Goldman and Charlie Usher prevailed in the Men's 90 bracket at the Chicago Charities in a highly competitive field. Their path to victory included beating three great teams including the first and second seeds:

Sullivan-Woldenberg 6-3, 7-5
Noble- Workman (2) 6-3, 7-6 (2)
Kempner - Marino (1) 6-2, 6-2

Gillian Climo (Naperville) teamed with Jane McNitt as an unseeded team to win the Women's draw in impressive fashion:
Cash-Manley 4-6, 6-3, 6-2
Baldwin-Kealy 6-0, 6-1
Flynn-Main (2) 6-2, 6-4
Schwartz-Shpiz (7) 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
Prendergast-Sheldon (5) 6-3, 6-4
Mandell-Viant (8) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Gillian and Jane overcame four seeds in their six victories. Congratulations to the winners and the many strong performers from Hinsdale at the Charities.

For all of the scores, see the APTA's new tournament web site.

The "Billy O" Red Zone Tournament

2010-11-08T05:09:00.003-06:00

Once again we are honoring Hinsdale’s godfather of paddle, Bill O’Brien and are also raising money for Common Hope, a charity that provides education to underprivileged children in Guatemala.

Dates: Saturday or Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 27, 28
Fees: $50 per player (100% goes to Common Hope and is tax-deductible)

How to sign up:

First) Sign up as a team of two. Email Doug Brown at DBrown4115 @gmail.com right now to save your spot (only
8 teams per draw!) Please provide
- your names,
- email addresses and
- what draw you are in.

Second) Mail $100 per team made to “Common Hope” to Doug Brown,
4 Calleview Drive, LaGrange, IL 60525

The Draws
Women’s Open (Combined Series of 7 or higher) 9:00am-Noon Saturday, Nov. 27
Contact Chrissy Zajicek about signing up for the Women’s Tournament (christine.stone@hotmail.com)
Men’s C (combined Series of 21 or higher) 1:00pm-4:00pm Saturday, Nov. 27
Men’s B (combined Series of 11 or higher) 8:00am-11:00am Sunday, Nov. 28
Men’s A (combined Series of 6 or higher) 1:00pm-4:00pm Sunday, Nov. 28

With only 8 teams per draw, each draw will be completed in about 3 hours. Single elimination with backdraws means everyone gets 3 matches

What’s Red Zone?
Red Zone paddle adds a way to win points by placing a target in the middle of the back
screens. A team that hits the target wins the point.

What’s Common Hope?
Learn more about the great work being done by this organization by talking to Mary or Gary Doten, Jane Veldman or Doug Brown, all of whom have been to Guatemala to see Common Hope in action. Or look at www.CommonHope.org to see how a small investment can make a huge difference in a child’s future.

Work off your Thanksgiving dinner. Sign up today.
Need more info? Call Doug at 630-916-4202

Expansion at Glen Ellyn

2010-09-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

From the Daily Herald ...

A platform tennis club's creative plan to pay for two additional courts and a new warming hut at Maryknoll Park in Glen Ellyn resulted in match point for an effort to receive the park district's support.

Pending the approval of a contract with the club, the park district has agreed to pay $200,000 of the estimated $350,000 project. The balance will be paid by the club through donations and a $100,000 private contribution.

But what makes the deal unique is the club's agreement to take out a $150,000 loan and pay its interest, which they estimate will be between $4,000 and $5,000 per year over the next two years.

That means the park district is on the hook for only $50,000 right now, but in 2013, the same year non-referendum bonding power returns to the park district, it will be obligated to pay the $150,000 principal unless alternate payment options are included in the final contract.

The board discussed several payment options for 2013, including using that borrowing power or reserve funds, as well as breaking the payments up into three $50,000 annual installments.

The deal passed with a 4-3 vote, with dissenters objecting to committing funds from a future board's budget. Board President Ed Hess, however, stressed the results will be beneficial.

"I don't look at it as tying up a future board," he said. "I look at it as giving a future board a facility and something they can be proud of at an unbelievable cost in dollars. It's phenomenal."

The plan installs two new courts and a tentative 1,200-square-foot hut to be used by players of the outdoor winter sport, which is played on a slightly raised platform that includes heaters underneath to keep the playing surface clear of snow and frost.

Although all board members agreed that the club's plan and commitment of money were admirable, Commissioner Jay Kinzler said the tactic goes against the spirit of the law.

Government entities are limited in their ability to borrow money without referendum. The park district has reached its limit until 2013, and Kinzler said committing that money in the future merely goes around that law.

"It's circumventing the intention of the law, which limits the amount of money that can be borrowed by a local board," he said.

Club representative Ryan Snyder, who along with Scott Park made the presentation to the board, said he was thrilled with the approval but had hoped for unanimous support, despite the board's history of split votes.

"We were hoping to get the full support of the board because we think it's that type of project," he said. "We were hoping to bridge that gap."

Snyder said the sport's present position as a niche sport will change over time and that he does not think supporting a sport with 150 players is a bad thing.

"You can look at a lot of things. My taxes pay for an ice rink I never use," he said. "I appreciate that the money goes to that. But (platform tennis) will be a sport a lot of people play."

Snyder told the board the sport presents a family-oriented option to increase recreation offerings to adults.

Supporters of the plan said the hut would benefit the district by offering year-round use as it can be used as a place for parents to watch their kids in the nearby safety village during the summer.

"I'm very excited about it," said Commissioner Sandy Minogue, who voted for the project. "When we continue to talk about future boards, it's part of our jobs as commissioners to have vision and see down the road. This will be something that will continue to grow and grow. We'd be making a huge mistake not moving forward. There's very little risk for us."

Near the end of the discussion, Commissioner Bill Dallman refused a request by Kinzler to recuse himself from the vote because Dallman plays the sport with the club members.

Tennis: Glen Ellyn won't be responsible for paying full amount until 2013

KLM Paddle Academy

2010-09-01T07:23:00.002-05:00

KLM Paddle Academy takes place on September 23, 24, and 26

Start your paddle season out on the right foot. We have brought in some of the best players and teachers of platform tennis to take your game to the next level.

Thursday, Sep 23rd, 8:30-11:30am
Women – Series 3 & 4

Thursday, Sep 23rd, Noon-3pm
Women – Series 6 & 8

Thursday, Sep 23rd, 4-7:00pm
Men – 2009 Series 1-8

Friday, Sep 24th, 8:30-11:30am
Women – Series 1 & 2

Friday, Sep 24th, Noon-3pm
Women – Series 10, 13 and in-house players

Friday, Sep 24th, 4-7:00 pm
Men – 2009 Series 9-18

Sunday, Sep 26th, 12:30-3pm
Men & Women Beginners

All courts will be divided by ability and will include drilling as well as point play. Cost is $130 for a 3 hour session. $99 for 2 ½ hour beginner session.

Space is limited to 16 participants. Sign up by emailing Mhdoten@sbcglobal.net and sending your check to: Mary Doten, 4143 Woodland Ave, Western Springs, 60558

Academy Instructors

Mike Marino, PPTA Certified
Director of Racquet Sports at North Shore Country Club.
Currently ranked #2 in the country. Three time Illinois State Champion. 2005 and 2010 National ﬁnalist, 2006 National Semi-ﬁnalist, and 2006 Premier Cup Champion.

Mary Doten, PPTA Certified
Head Paddle Pro at KLM.
6 time and current 2010 National Platform Tennis Champion. 8 time and current Illinois State Champion. Currently ranked #1 in the country for women’s paddle.

Mark Johnson, PPTA Certified
Paddle Professional at Indian Hill Club.
2010 National Mixed Doubles Champion. 2010 IL State Champion and Indianapolis Open Champion. Currently ranked #1 in Mixed Doubles and #6 in the Men's Open Division.

Marina Ohlmuller, PPTA Certified
Co-Director of Racquet Sports, The Winter Club of Lake Forest Current 2010 Mixed National Champion. Ranked in the top ten in the nation for the last 6 years. Marina has over ten National titles including two National Championships with her husband Dave.

KLM Paddle Academy is Coming - Save the Dates - September 23 and 24

2010-08-23T21:21:00.004-05:00

The Academy will be back at KLM next month.

Mary Doten is pleased to announce that Mike Marino from North Shore and Marina Ohlmuller from Winter Club will be this year's guest pros.

Chicago League Chairman Alan Graham enters the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame

2010-03-26T05:43:00.001-05:00

Hinsdale Tournament Mixed Doubles Winners

2010-03-22T11:56:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the winners of the Hinsdale Mixed Doubles Tournaments:

A Draw: Stephanie and Van Stapleton
B Draw: Sarah and Eddie Opler

Hinsdale featured in Platform Tennis Magazine

2010-03-20T06:39:00.002-05:00

Read the article.

Slideshow from the Hinsdale 2010 Tournaments

2010-03-15T06:15:00.001-05:00

Women's B Draw goes to Cook and Moran

2010-03-14T19:24:00.002-05:00

Women's B Draw winners Susan Cook and Betsy Moran with finalists Mary Beth Daly and Kristen Evans

Women's A Draw goes to Doten and Wenstrup

2010-03-14T19:22:00.004-05:00

Womens' A Draw winners Mary Doten and Abby Wenstrup with finalists Patti Coyle and Sabrina Usher (this year's party host!)

The women's tourney capped off a great season for the Hinsdale women. During the regular season, Hinsdale women finished off the year winning Series 1 and moving up a series in Series 3, 4, 9 and 11.

Open B Draw goes to Dean and Hopkins

2010-03-14T19:21:00.005-05:00

Open B Draw winners John Dean and Rob Hopkins with finalists Rick Gallwas and Ted Tuerk

Open A Draw goes to Schaefer and Wing

2010-03-14T19:21:00.004-05:00

Open A Draw winners Todd Schaefer and Terry Wing with finalists James and Alan Goldman

It's been quite a year for father/son teams in Hinsdale.

Open C Draw 2010 goes to Cruickshank and Hoffman again

2010-03-14T19:20:00.001-05:00

Open C Draw winners Mike Cruickshank and Chris Hoffman with finalists Mike Earley and Frank Messina

Open A Consolation goes to Mullaney and Parks

2010-03-14T18:22:00.000-05:00

Open A Draw conslation winners Ryan Mullaney and Kevin Parks with finalists Wade Martin and Mike Williams

Recognize some of the President's Cup Winners

2010-03-12T04:41:00.004-06:00

The APTA Region V team prevailed in Philadelphia in a tournament called the President's Cup last week.

You might recognize a few of these guys from KLM.

Philadelphia Update

2010-03-06T15:19:00.010-06:00

Mary Doten and Susie Keane won their 6th National Championship on Saturday. They defeated Prendergast & Zink in rematch of last years final, 6-1, 7-5. Congrats!

Three other Hinsdale teams also performed wonderfully in the Nationals.

Missy D'Alise and Katie Queenan won their Consolation Bracket by defeating Kochis & Williamson in 6-1, 6-2 final.

Paul Garvin and Van Stapleton won their Consolation Bracket by defeating Jaysingh & Lowe in a three set final, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Marty Engel and Wade Martin (12th seeds) lost in a three-set match to Cosimano & Haller (8th seeds) in the round of 16. Scores: 6-7, 6-1, 4-6. They continued on to beat Gillespie & Stulac, before ultimately losing to the #3 seeds, Bancilla & Easterbrook.

Heather Prop and Christine Schwartz Win Inaugural Hinsdale Challenge

2010-02-21T22:14:00.003-06:00

Heather Prop & Christine Schwartz
defeated Mary Doten & Susie Keane in the finals of the Hinsdale Challenge by a score of 6-2. 7-6. Be sure to catch the second set tiebreaker video!

Prop / Schwartz reached the finals by defeating Sally Cottingham & Liz Hayward in a three setter, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2.

Doten/Keane reached the finals by
defeating Suzanne Lemery & Marina Ohlmuller 6-1. 6-2 in a semi-final match.

Full Tournament Results

Video from the Hinsdale Challenge 2010

2010-02-21T10:36:00.005-06:00

Note: A 720 pixel version is available on YouTube. To improve your experience, change the default setting of 360 to 720. This control appears at the bottom right of the player.

Slideshow from Hinsdale Challenge 2010

2010-02-21T06:39:00.002-06:00

End-of-Season Hinsdale Tournament and Party

2010-02-18T04:47:00.000-06:00

Sabrina and Pat Usher have generously agreed to host another not-to-be-missed party on March 13.

Dates for the tournament are as follows:

March 12: Women's A, Women's B
March 13-14: Open A, Open B, Open C
March 20: Mixed A, Mixed B

Eligibility rules:

Open A - total of 5 or more points (e.g. series 2 player must partner with series 3 or 4 or ...)
Open B - total of 15 or more points
Open C - total of 25 or more points

Women's A - total of 7 or more points
Women's B - total of 12 or more points

Entries are due in early March.

Hinsdale Challenge

2010-02-15T14:20:00.002-06:00

Don't miss the Women's Inaugural Hinsdale Challenge this Saturday, Febuary 20!

Salt Creek Club will be tournament central with matches also being played at KLM and Hinsdale Golf Club.

Be sure to come out to Salt Creek Club for the semis (2PM) and for the finals party (around 4PM). For information about exact match times and locations on Saturday, please contact Patty Doolas at 630-302-2315.

Updated Driving Directions from Hinsdale

2010-02-13T10:35:00.003-06:00

Many thanks to Bill O'Brien for the many details he takes care of, including this update to the driving directions from Hinsdale to other clubs.

Hinsdale Challenge Women's Draw - February 20

2010-02-13T08:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Region V's newest National Ranking Tournament and President's Cup Qualifier!

Saturday, February 20th, 2010
1 Day Tournament
Hinsdale, IL

Host & Location

Salt Creek Club, Hinsdale, IL
Midway (Southwest Airlines) and O'Hare airports are both 20 minutes away.
Hinsdale is located 20 miles west of the city of Chicago.
Housing is available.

Entry & Notes

On Line Registration Only
$90 per paddle ($180 per team)
Entry deadline: February 15th, 2010
Draw limited to 32 teams
APTA membership required (If you need to join you may do so with your entry.)
Official APTA rules will govern play
Draw will posted on the APTA web site home page under "Regional & Tournament Headlines" and on the CTPC web site
Recommended hotel: Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus

Amenities

Tournament favor
Lunch
Evening party while watching the finals
Prizes

Contact

Mary Doten: 708-261-5779 or mhdoten@sbcglobal.net

From the Jr Nationals in New Canaan, Connecticut

2010-02-01T05:32:00.002-06:00

Andrew and Nathan Wiggin took third place in the APTA 2010 Junior Nationals - Boys 12. They placed seven teams in the seeding tournament and came in second place. In the single-elimination tournament that followed, they won two matches to reach the semi-finals. A nice showing!

Photos from the APTA 2010 Junior Nationals

Mary Doten & Susie Keane win Atlantic Classic Tournament

2010-01-25T21:05:00.002-06:00

The unseeded team of Mary Doten and Susie Keane ventured to the Garden State over the weekend and never dropped a set. The five-time national champs defeated:

#4 seeds Delaney-Mangan in the quarter-final,
#2 seeds Dardis-Shay in the semi-final, and
#1 seeds Prop-Schneebeck, 6-3, 6-2, in the final.

Congrats!

Photos available on paddlepro

Strong Hinsdale Showing in the Men's Series Tournaments

2010-01-24T09:46:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Jeff Casey and Vince Lombardi on winning the series 7-9 tournament. They beat another Hinsdale team, Bob Gray and Scott Pfisterer, in the final 6-4, 6-1.

In the series 4-6 final, the Hinsdale team of Luke Figora and Matt Kinst, lost to Henry and Tom Rowland in a three-setter: 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Another strong showing for Hinsdale's up and coming players.

A Useful Guide for those with Engineering Skills

2010-01-22T09:52:00.006-06:00

This chart might come in handy at the party in March.

Tiebreaker from the Hinsdale Challenge Men's Final

2010-01-03T21:28:00.001-06:00

APTA Men's Rankings available on-line

2010-01-03T09:24:00.002-06:00

Ever wondered how the rankings work? Here's a new on-line web site that reveals all of those secrets:

http://www.platformtennismembers.org/ranking/apta-rankings.aspx

Fun facts:

By winning two tournaments this season, Mike Marino and Brian Uihlein won 87.5 pts at Chicago Charities and 62.5 pts at the Hinsdale Challenge.
13th ranked team Wade Martin and Marty Engel picked up 40 points at the Hinsdale Challenge by coming in third place. That's very close to what they were awarded for 1st place in Milwaukee and 6th place at Short Hills.

Explore this link for yourself.

Watch Out, Rob

2010-01-02T18:54:00.001-06:00

Salt Creek Women's Platform Tennis League

2009-12-18T04:42:00.001-06:00

8 Teams, minimum of 5 ladies per team (2 doubles courts per match)
Total games wins

$150.00 members
$185.00 non-members

7 weeks, with a 2 week playoff

Finals will be held in the evening with an end of the season party-- bbq and drinks included

Matches will be held on Mondays:
11:30 -1:00 pm
1:00 – 2:30 pm

Please email Paul Garvin with questions or to sign up, and let us let us know who you would like to be on your team. We will assign team captains. Members may invite non-members to participate.

paul.garvin@comcast.net

**Babysitting will be available… Advance notice required…charges will apply… further details TBA**

CPTC Men's Series Tournaments on January 16-17

2009-12-18T04:32:00.000-06:00

SERIES 4-6; 7-10; 11-14 and 15-18 TOURNAMENTS

ENTRY DEADLINE: Monday, January 11, 2010.

LUNCH: 11:00-1:30 PM at Glen View Club -- and that is where you will pick up your favor.

FORMAT: There will be 4 Individual Tournaments. 3 matches are guaranteed (assuming an even number of teams). Players are limited to 1 tournament and are not allowed to play "Down". However, players may play "UP" by entering a higher tournament if they wish. NOTE: Players who are rostered on teams at 2 different clubs (for example, Series 6 at one club and Series 7 at another club) must use the higher Series (skill-wise, not numerically) to determine which tournament they are eligible for. And, paddle or tennis pros are not allowed to enter regardless of where they are rostered.

*** NOTE: Players in 11-14 and the 15-18 tournaments do not have to be on a team roster to enter. (Social Players may play in these divisions.)

Marino/Uihlein win First-Ever Hinsdale Challenge

2009-12-13T08:16:00.009-06:00

Pictured left to right: APTA Region V President Bill O'Brien, finalists Scott Bondurant and Mark Johnson, Men's Tournament Director Van Stapleton, Champions Mike Marino and Brian Uihlein, and Women's Tournament Director Mary Doten.

Finals were played at 10 AM on Sunday at the Salt Creek Club. Top-Seeds Mike Marino & Brian Uihlein defeated Scott Bondurant & Mark Johnson in the finals, 7-6, 6-1.

Mark and Todd Schaefer defeated Clay Leonard & Bob Schultz, 6-3, 6-2 to win the Consolation Bracket.

Jeff Byrnes & Chris Struck defeated Matt Garavaglia & Jay Woldenberg, 6-1, 7-5 to win the 16 Reprieve.

Jeronie Barnes & Nate Parsons defeated Denny English & Brian Heil to win the Quarter Reprieve.

Kevin Schwartz & Pat Usher defeated Doug DeClue & Matt Kinst, 6-3, 6-0 in the Last Chance Final.

Full results posted here: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tsZ8E49H18dkFHcj2_PvIHA&output=pdf

Slideshow from at SCC (more to come so check back)

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Men's Draw for Hinsdale Challenge

2009-12-11T12:33:00.002-06:00

Hinsdale Teams win the APTA Junior Tour 2009

2009-12-06T17:04:00.004-06:00

Bobby Alter and Harold Martin won the 14s draw.

Andrew and Nathan Wiggin won the 12s draw.

Patented Paddle Accessory

2009-12-02T17:03:00.004-06:00

Perfect gift for a paddle fanatic? This item will run you $29.99 at Red Envelope.

Hinsdale Challenge Entry

2009-11-30T23:03:00.000-06:00

The Hinsdale Challenge is a new tournament this season designed to attract the region's top-ranked teams to Hinsdale Golf Club, Katherine Legge, and Salt Creek Club. The men's draw will be played on December 12-13, 2009. The women's draw will take place in February 19-20.

In an interesting twist, the Men's draw will accommodate 32 teams -- 28 taken first-come, first-served from the APTA team rankings. The remaining four spots will feature local teams who are chosen through a qualifier draw to be played on December 5.

The entry is available here.

Red Zone A Draw goes to Cunnington and Schultz

2009-11-29T20:39:00.003-06:00

The top-seeded team of Mark Cunnington and Bob Schultz prevailed over Jeff Byrnes and Paul Wiggin in the final of the A Draw on Sunday afternoon. The finalists are pictured here with "Billy O", of course.

Big B Draw at the Billy O goes to O'Hara and Weed

2009-11-29T14:20:00.002-06:00

From L to R: Mike Vidmar, Brian Hammersley, Rich O’Hara, Brian Weed.

Doug Brown described the B Draw this way:

"On Sunday morning the expanded B Draw was played at both KLM and Salt Creek despite a little lightning. The LCS at KLM was played by Vidmar and Hammersley who prevailed over Gurgone and LaPointe. At Salt Creek it was O'Hara and Weed in 3 sets over Casey and Kreischer. In the B Draw world championships it took O'Hara and Weed 2 long sets to defeat "Vid and Hammer".

At the "Billy O" Red Zone Tournament

2009-11-27T14:22:00.005-06:00

Kitty Delaney and Chrissy Zacijeck prevailed at the "Billy O" Red Zone Tournament on Friday, winning in round-robin style play. Here they're looking fabulous in the haute couture red zone jackets designed by Chanel.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

The Future of Paddle Seen at the C Draw Final of the "Billy O" Tournament

2009-11-26T16:39:00.000-06:00

Congrats to Martin and Matt Joyce, who won the C draw of the 2009 Billy O tournament, beating Andrew and Paul Wiggin in the final, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2.

Update: Red Zone Tournament Entries

2009-11-07T13:35:00.004-06:00

Doug Brown reports that the entries for the 5th annual "Billy O" red zone platform tennis tournament are filling in.

The Open C draw is full.
The Open B draw will be expanded to a 16 draw to accomodate all of the interest.
One spot remains for the Open A draw.
Places remain for the women's draw.

Hinsdale Teams storm Milwaukee

2009-10-25T17:11:00.001-05:00

Congrats to tthe winners at this weekend's Milwaukee Open:

Women's: Mary Doten & Christine Schwartz
Men's: Marty Engel & Wade Martin