Richmond, VA hosts Premier Cup and APTA Exhibitions

Early each summer, David Dodge and Jason Gray sit down to discuss how they are going to out-do their previous year’s Premier Cup tournament competition. Dodge is the owner and founder of Premier Platform Tennis Courts. Gray is the Director of Racquet Sports at the Four Bridges Country Club in Cincinnati but moonlights as the consummate promoter of all things platform tennis.

Over the past several seasons, many cities have been host to the Premier Cup – a $5,000 invitation-only, elite paddle tournament. Who gets to play? The top eight men’s teams in the country are invited. If anyone cannot participate, the #9 team will be invited, and so on.

The 2010 Cup was set up a little different than those of past seasons. This year, the event took place in southern “virgin” paddle territory – Richmond, Virginia.

To kick off the three-day festivities, the American Platform Tennis Association organized a Friday night kick-off party featuring an APTA clinic and exhibition set to reggae music and the smell of grilled burgers.

Booths were provided by both the APTA and Wilson Racquet Sports – allowing spectators the opportunity to view the latest in platform technology and to learn more about the APTA.

Over 50 members of the Country Club of Virginia came out to watch top-ranked teams Peter Berka and Drew Eberly (of Chicago) play against Denny English and Brian Heil (of Columbus).

Following the play, all spectators were encouraged to grab their paddles and join the “pros” for an evening of social play.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday, the eight nationally-ranked “Premier” teams assembled at the Country Club of Virginia. The weather was a replay from Friday – sunny and 75 degrees. Players and spectators alike preferred the non-seasonal high temperature.

Jason Gray read aloud the rules of engagement: Two four-team divisions, each playing a three-set round robin against each other. The top two teams would advance to semi-final play on Sunday.

Over the course of the day, spectators cheered on the 16 competitors. Two Chicago teams went undefeated in round robin play – Mike Marino / Dane Schmidgall and Peter Berka / Drew Eberly. Steve Derose / John Lubow and Drew Broderick / Guy Moore went 3-1 and 2-2, respectfully, to advance to Sunday play. All-in-all, players represented Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Connecticut, Richmond, New Jersey, and New York.

Attendance grew each day of the event leading up to the semi-finals and finals on Sunday morning. Spectators came from as far as two hours away and as far north as Washington, DC.

In one semi-final, Berka and Eberly defeated Broderick and Moore 6-4, 7-5. Marino and Schmidgall defeated Derose and Lubow 7-6, 6-2 in the second semi-final.

As play progressed, players mingled with the spectators and helped provide great excitement and better understanding on how the game is played.

Representatives from area country clubs attended and expressed interest in potential new court growth.

In the finals, Schmidgall and Marino defeated Berka and Eberly in a two-set thriller.

Marino said, “I thought Dane and I stayed mentally tough throughout, and his shotmaking ability from both his forehand and backhand made the difference.” Marino added, “The Premier Cup was, as usual, a great event. The hospitality at the Country Club of Virginia was excellent, the weather was great, and the paddle was extremely competitive.”

Although the players won $5,000 in prize money, the real winners were the residents of Richmond. Club member Peyton Lawson said, “I was fortunate enough to be a part of the entire weekend festivities and Ihave never been more hooked on platform tennis. I had the opportunity to play against Berka/Eberly on Friday. I think we had them on the ropes for a few minutes! What I experienced this past weekend has encouraged me to get out and play more and travel to other tournaments that I hesitated on going to in the past.”

His interest was shared by scores of spectators. Premier Cup participant and Richmond resident, Andy Todd said, “I am very appreciative for having the opportunity to bring the 2010 Premier Cup to our area and help grow the sport in Richmond. Jason Gray and David Dodge, along with our very talented and organized committee, created one of the best events we have ever had and also provided an incredible atmosphere on and off the court, southern style.”

It was clear that the platform tennis interest has never been higher in Richmond. Dodge and the APTA are both hopeful to see the continued growth of paddle in Richmond and further into the south.

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 12, Issue 2, December, 2010