Mark Fischl had some thoughts…..
“One of the many topics of conversation at the 2000 Nationals was on what to do about those all too familiar backdraw defaults. The question arose after the teams of Conklin/Kinney and Cosimano/Haller each had to pull out due to injuries following their round of 32 losses. While these injuries were legitimate and ail four players have a proven track record for attending backdraw events (i.e. Chicago and Short Hills), many other players choose not to bother once they are out of the main draw. Backdraw defaults have long been a concern of the APTA. After the 1994-1995 season players were penalized by having to forfeit any points won in the event if they chose not to play the backdraw matches. This was deemed to be an insufficient deterrent due to the fact that the points revoked were generally insignificant if the loss was in an early round. As a res[...]
The gospel of platform tennis continues to spread beyond the borders of the good old USA. R.J. Reilly recently completed three new platform tennis courts in conjunction with European Platform Tennis AG (just outside Zurich). The Sportcenter Stork decided to complement its tennis and squash courts with three new Reilly All-Aluminum Courts. The courts are ideally sited for viewing, as they are placed inside a small stadium which allows spectators to watch play from all sides. They can simultaneously take in the beautiful surroundings in this glorious Alpine setting.
The club hosted a grand opening of the courts in which many members and local sports enthusiasts watched the game played for the first time. Following the exhibition the guests tried it themselves. Jim Reilly, Vice- President of Sales and Marketing of R. J. Reilly, paired up with accomplished player and Reilly court builder[...]
Player profiles: Bobo Mangan Delaney and Tonia Mangan
Back to TopTonia Dillon Mangan and Bobo Delaney Mangan at the 1998 National Championships
Patty Hogan, Tonia's college classmate, was responsible for getting the sister-in-law team together. Tonia had met future husband Tim Mangan at Bobo's wedding in 1983 and began playing with Bobo after getting married in 1992.
Bobo Mangan-Delaney
Born: Yakima, Washington
Profession: Head Pro at the Noe Pond Club in Chatham, New Jersey, for the past four years (tennis and platform tennis instructor for the past 14 years).
License Plate: BOBOPRO
Children: Zealand (8), Corey (7), and Trevor (3)
Marital Status: Bobo's husband, Frank, is an Investment Banker at TD Securities in New York City.
Past: When it comes to platform tennis family history, the Mangans are famous. Bobo was introduced to `paddle' as a child by her mother, Nancy, and her Uncle, John. Nancy had a high women's national ranking and John was the men's national champion. If that wasn't enough, legendary Hank Irvine[...]
APTA President John Horine reported on the development in the From the APTA column:
"Speaking of the web site, this season's tournament results are being posted on the site. On the "Home Page", scroll down to and click on "Check Results." Look for your event by region or National Ranking. This year we are posting entire draws, including all consolation draws. So, if you know someone from Kansas City who played in the Chicago Charities, you can check the web site and see how they fared."
Source: Platform Tennis Magazine Vol.2 Issue 2, November, 2000
“As the sun set on the Rochester horizon, John Horine took to the court to play the 75th and deciding match of the 2000 President's Cup. Because of an upset earlier in the day at the hands of a strong Region VI team, Horine and partner, Scott Freund, had been handed an opportunity to redeem themselves for their earlier loss. Even though the commentary of Bob Costas and the cameras of ESPN were missing, this match contained all the drama, excitement, plots, and subplots of any of the more widely covered sporting events.
As the match progressed, the score remained close and teammates from both sides started to cheer louder, causing a crowd of 75-100 people to convene around the court. I turned to fellow Region VI player Dan Magee, who had been a President's Cup virgin just eight hours earlier in the day, and asked him what he had learned from playing in the tournament. Magee ha[...]
Back to TopThe 'hut" at Glen View CC in Chicago is more like a palace
What's the difference between a good platform tennis facility and a truly wonderful one? More often than not, it's a warming house. While a facility can boast the best courts with the newest lighting and heating systems, history has shown that its success will be limited if there is not a central place where players and spectators can congregate and keep warm when not on the court. On the other hand, even a modest two-court facility can become a buzzing beehive of paddle activity when it is supported by a well-designed paddle house.
Paddle is by nature a social sport. A paddle house, therefore, serves a variety of purposes. It is not just a place to keep warm while you wait your turn for a court. It is perfect for carrying out those all-important side aspects of the sport like joining together for drinks and discussion and being with fellow players. Watching others play is a significa[...]
Rich is widely regarded as the best man to ever play platform tennis and was first introduced to platform tennis at the age of 18 by his high school tennis friend, Jay Edwards. Six years later, after graduating college, Jay got Rich to take platform tennis more seriously. At the ages of 23, Rich and Jay entered their first paddle tournament. On that day a star was born. In his first round match in his first platform tournament, Rich defeated Keith Jennings and Chauncey Steel, the previous season's national champions.
Born: Born March 2nd, 1953 in The Bronx, New York, Rich currently lives in Northfield, Illinois, 30 minutes from downtown Chicago.
Profession: Head Racquets Pro at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield for the past six years. Rich has been teaching tennis and platform tennis for over 20 years.
Family: Rodman (9), Lindsay (6), Kevin (3) and wife Susan
Men's Nati[...]
The Viking Cup Adult/Child Tournament was held on November 12, 2000 in three age categories.
12 and Under Championships
Hissey-Hissey def. D'Elia-D'Elia 6-7, 6-4, 7-5
15 and Under Championships
Barinski-Barinski def. Gafney-Gafney 8-4
18 and Under Championships
Nolan-Nolan def. Nunziata-Considine 6-7, 6-2, 6-4
A significant development occurred during the first half of the year after many years of discussion within the APTA. Under the leadership of APTA President John Horine the Platform Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame (PTMHOFF) became incorporated as a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization thanks to the work of Cincinnati player/attorney, Andy Giannella.
The PTMHOFF now stood alone from the APTA with its own Board and fund raising capabilities, although the latter had to wait of IRS approval of the 501 (c) (3) status.
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