Kansas City here we come! Growing the game

APTA President, John Horine, reported:

“I would like to relay an exciting experience I had in early November. On November 12th, 11-time National Champion Bill Childs and I flew to Kansas City at the request of APTA member Peter McHugh for an exhibition and clinic. When we arrived at the Carriage Club on Saturday morning we were greeted by the tennis/platform pro Kirkland Gates. Both Bill and I were amazed at the enthusiasm of the players we met that day. All of the players that we met were eager to learn more about the game and how they could improve their skills.

We were on the court for over seven hours! The program in Kansas City is admittedly small in comparison to other areas of the country, but their hearts and excitement for the game are as big as anywhere!

Before the call from Peter McHugh, few people knew platform tennis was played in Kansas City. Now, hopefully they will be a host for a state championship next season! My point is, as it always has been, if there is an area of the country with an interest in the game and the courts, we should try to encourage competition and camaraderie in the form of leagues and tournaments, no matter how small the following!”

Source: From the APTA, Platform Tennis Magazine, Issue #3, January, 2000