History of game in Region V – present day Region VI (1989 – )

Additional Information: 1972 Historical Factoid: The West is now in today's Region VI but it was a tortuous journey. The APTA established Regions in 1976 and at the time Region IV covered the Mid-West to the West Coast. Around 1978/79 Region V was created to cover the Far-West. In 1983 Region VI was established, covering lower Ontario and western New York. Finally, in 1989 the APTA reorganized Region boundaries and created a new Region V (Mid-Western States) from the former Region IV and the Western and Far West States were designated as Region VI

Al Seidel, co-director of Region V, provided Platform Tennis News with the following history of platform tennis in California, and, specifically in the town of Ross. His account also gives credit to those people who were instrumental in introducing the sport to the northern California area, and supporting its growth:

“The first court was built by Web and Dottie Otis in 1971 at their home, and they introduced the game to a small but enthusiastic group of friends. Within the next year, both Marilyn and Laurie Carr, and Tom and Marie Terry built courts on the same picturesque Skyland hill setting.

The Lagunitas Club followed suit in 1977 when two courts were erected.

In 1979, the town of Ross installed the first all-aluminum court, and Marcia and Paul Ginsburg built a court on what most people thought had been an impossible downgrade slope.

At present, there are seven traditional platform tennis courts in the town. Indeed, Ross is the “capital” of paddle in California.

Along with the Otises, the early and continuing supporters over the years have been Margery and Rea Smith, Ann and Al Seidel, Pam and John Larson, Bobbi and Dirk Van Meurs, Peggy and Bill Spencer, Marilyn and Laurie Carr, Mary and Tom Terry, and Debbie and Chad Lynch. All of these “paddle movers” have devoted their time, use of their courts and hot tubs, their homes for parties and housing guests and, in general, have provided a warm atmosphere for players and friends.

Without the support of the town, the Lagunitas Club, and the use of all the private courts, our tournament would have been impossible to conduct. A special vote of thanks must go to all the women who have not been able to play in these all-male events, but who have prepared lunches and casseroles, and served drinks and rubbed tired backs for the weary losers and jubilant victors.

Hail to paddle in Ross, California!”

Source: Platform Tennis News, January 1983