National Championships

1982 Nationals brochure
1982 Nationals brochure
1982 Men’s Nationals (left to right): Steve Baird and Rich Maier (winners) with Bob Kleinert and Doug Russell (finalists) 1982 Men’s Nationals (left to right): Steve Baird and Rich Maier (winners) with Bob Kleinert and Doug Russell (finalists) 1982 Women’s Nationals (from left): Robin Rich Fulton and Pat Lurie (finalists) with Yvonne Hackenberg and Hilary Hilton Marold (winners) 1982 Women’s Nationals (from left): Robin Rich Fulton and Pat Lurie (finalists) with Yvonne Hackenberg and Hilary Hilton Marold (winners)

1982-2

The reigning men’s and women’s champions not only retained their National Championship titles, but did it for the third successive time. A total of 101 teams competed in the two open events that were centered, for the third year, at the Montclair Golf Club, West Orange, New Jersey. Shearson/American Express sponsored the March 13 and 14 event as well as the President’s Cup Competition.

In a notable achievement, Chuck Baird and George Schmid won three Senior events, the 50+, 55+, and 60+ Championships, the only time this has been done.

Platform Tennis News April 1982 – PTN carried the stories behind the results.

Source: Platform Tennis News, April 1982

Vittert donated balls, paddles and carry-all bags for the Juniors and the event was considered a great success.

Source: March 25, 1982 letter from APTA Executive Secretary, Diane Rinaldi, to Georgann Galik, Assistant Sales Manager, Vittert Sports

Note 1: There is some controversy as to how many National Women’s Singles were played after the APTA had sanctioned a Men’s event beginning in 1980. Women were participating in men’s singles events because they had difficulty getting enough teams to play. Both Men’s and Women’s National Singles Championship had been played from 1935-1937 when both were discontinued. The APTA Tournament Schedules for 1980-1981 as well as 1981-1982 indicate that both Men’s and Women’s Singles were scheduled for New York City. The 1982-1983 Tournament Schedule also suggests that both events were to be held. After that only Men’s Singles were scheduled.