2009 APTA Service Award goes to past President, Mark Fischl

As he completed his term, the APTA board surprised Mark by recognizing his devotion to the sport and numerous achievements as its leader by making Mark the first recipient of a new APTA Service Award.

Mark Fischl served as President of the APTA from 2004 through 2009, a period of rapid growth for our sport. Though Mark hails from a region steeped in the sport’s traditions, his emphasis on gender balance and geographic diversity has meant nationwide impact.

Mark devoted countless hours to the APTA. He continues to be involved in many ways even after his term ended. He is active in the Players’ Committee, with participation in exhibitions, and he led the effort to rescue the platform tennis program in Huntington, New York. His genuine enthusiasm continues to be highly contagious.

When asked about his tenure, Mark shared that he takes great pride in the effectiveness of fellow board members. He cited the grant program created to launch programs in new and underserved regions. Mark cited Todd Ward’s efforts to bolster the quality of play through clinics and exhibitions. He recognized the importance of managing APTA finances and credited Sally Cottingham’s keen oversight. Finally, Mark applauded Scott Bondurant’s vision about a lively presence on the Internet for the APTA.

Source: Paul Wiggan, Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 11, Issue 4, March, 2010