Player Profiles: David Ohlmuller and Chris Gambino

David Ohlmuller

Born: November, 1969 in Montclair, NJ
Current: Single and resides in Chatham, NJ
Occupation: North-East Technical Manager – Wilson Sporting Goods

As a child, David grew up as a junior tennis tournament player. In college, he continued his tennis as the #1 player for Loyola College.

David was introduced to paddle in 1989 by his mother, then acting APTA secretary, Ginny Ohlmuller. From 1990 to 1995, David earned his first three National Titles. All were Mixed Opens with Patty Hogan. In 1995, David (and his partner, Bruce Kelsey) also won his first Men’s Open National Championship.

In 1996, David was hospitalized for 25 days after a car accident nearly took his life. Eight surgeries later, David’s leg showed progress and talks of amputation were dismissed. It didn’t take long for David to hit the courts for his ’97 comeback tour. David has progressed each year coming into the 2001 Nationals.

This year, David and Chris showed why they were the #1-ranked team in the country, dropping only 26 games in six rounds, including a 6-2, 6-4 final win over the 5-time defending champs, Scott Mansager and Flip Goodspeed.

David is anxious to compete in next season’s first ‘slam’ event, Chicago. He explained, “Over the past few years, Chris and I are 2-2 with Goodspeed and Mansager. Chicago will give the winning team the edge. It should be interesting.”

Chris Gambino

Born: October of 1969 in Matawan, NJ
Current: Single and resides in Fair Haven, NJ
Occupation: Assistant Trader -Sherwood Securities

Chris Gambino might have been the best junior tennis player to come out of New Jersey. He was #1 in the USTA Eastern U.S. Boys 12′s, 14,’s, 16′s, and 18′s. By his senior year, Chris was recognized by Arizona State after winning the New Jersey State Singles title.

At ASU, Chris spent his time schooling the Division 1 competition at line #1.In his college years, Chris had wins over Todd Martin, John Stark, Alex Obrien, and Brian McPhie. Chris was on his way to the pros until a car accident ended his tennis career with a broken shoulder and wrist. Chris was a senior at the time.

Five years later, in 1996, John Milbank introduced Chris to platform tennis at the Navesink Country Club in New Jersey. Since then, Chris has dramatically improved each season, culminating with the Men’s Open National Championship in 2001.

Only time will tell the potential for David and Chris. Anything’s possible, just as long as they steer clear of danger and focus on the long road ahead of them.