LIPTA hosts Viking Junior Tour

On Saturday, December 16, 2006, the Long Island Platform Tennis Association (“LIPTA”) hosted its 4th Annual Viking Junior Tour tournament at the Garden City Country Club, the Cherry Valley Club and the Garden City Community Park. With Christmas only a week away, the children received a surprise early morning visit from that jolly old Nordic man with rosy cheeks and a little round belly – that’s right, David Kjeldsen, founder and chairman of Viking Athletics, was there to provide his support, wearing his trademark “horns.” LIPTA is grateful to Viking Athletics for its sponsorship of the Viking Junior Tour, and for providing the children with a memorable platform tennis experience (and great favors).

Among the four age divisions, we had thirty-nine teams participating (78 kids), and countless parents and grandparents cheering. The level of paddle was extraordinary, the good sportsmanship was commendable, and the smiles were constant! John Cerga, Alex Bancila and Steve Bromley, the Directors of Racquet Sports at the Garden City Country Club, Cherry Valley Club and Port Washington Yacht Club, respectively, volunteered their time and helped make it a memorable day for the players. Additional thanks to Mike Sparacino for his behind-the-scenes work with the program and draw sheets, and to Gerard Smith (who struggled managing the four teams in the 10 and Under draw!), Ed Blatz and Lou Croce for their help throughout the day. We expect to have even more teams next year, so sign up early!

The Champions and Finalists were as follows:

10 & Under Champions:
Bobby Clarke (Garden City, NY) and Gerard Smith (Garden City, NY); Finalists: Mark De Santis (Garden City, NY) and Timothy Feyrer (Garden City, NY)

12 & Under Champions:
Tyler Kratky (Greenwich, CT) and C.J. Purse (Greenwich, CT); Finalists: Willie Brosnan (Garden City, NY) and Danny Sparacino (Garden City, NY)

14 & Under Champions:
Christopher Brosnan (Garden City, NY) and Patrick Brosnan (Garden City, NY); Finalists: Jack Mara (Garden City, NY) and Alex Morris (Garden City, NY)

18 & Under Champions:
Cole Barris (Scarsdale, NY) and Jay Schwab (Scarsdale, NY); Finalists: Chris Kelley (Wilton, CT) and Hallet Nichol (Wilton, CT)