Should the service box be lengthened??

A platform tennis enthusiast and owner of Peters Creek Paddle Club in Library, PA, F. Jay Smith had given a great deal of study to the subject of the platform tennis serve. The APTA Board decided that his thoughts and his proposal for change merited consideration, and solicited feedback through Platform Tennis News.

Smith’s analysis suggested that the service box be lengthened a minimum of 6 inches and perhaps as much as 9-12 inches. He argued that the current size of 12′ x 8′ was too confining and, since it was possibly arrived at arbitrarily, it should be subject to change.

Of the more than 2,500 copies of the newsletter mailed to the membership, seven were returned to the APTA Office: five in favor of lengthening the service box, and two opposed. Based on such an underwhelming response to the proposal, the Board determined that there was not enough interest to warrant further consideration. Those who favored a change would just have to work on improving their serves!

Source: Platform Tennis News, November 1982 and June 1983

Stephen W. Baird elected APTA President

Baird’s comments on becoming APTA President:

People everywhere are recognizing that the overall success of a platform tennis program is linked directly to how well those in charge organize the event and promote the social part of the weekend.

I think that paddle appears to be finding its niche after a brief period when we may
have lost sight of the game’s strengths. I’m very optimistic about the next several years because I can see definite signs that we’ve begun to return to many of the traditions that sparked the tremendous growth of about fifteen to twenty percent per year during the 1968-1978 period.

One significant trend is the continued interest in League play throughout the country. Competition for a spot on the club team is stronger than at anytime in the past three years. The northern New Jersey leagues for men and women are probably the best examples of how to organize and run inter-club league play. Hundreds of club players turn out each week to compete, meet new friends and enjoy themselves.

Another trend is the rising interest in senior paddle, particularly in the 45+ age bracket. This has grown from almost nothing into a major series of events in all regions.

Source: Platform Tennis News May-June, 1982

Fox Meadow – Club of Champions

Of the 211 APTA Championship tournaments held for adults through 1982, Fox Meadow players had won 79.

National Championships

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.

Fifth anniversary of the President’s Cup

The President’s Cup celebrated its birthday in New Jersey where this unique event was born five years earlier. A squad of big belters from Region I eventually took over the party and waltzed off with the trophy for the second year in a row. The annual inter-regional matchup was staged at the six-court layout of the Brookside Racquet and Swim Club in Allendale, NJ.

Shearson/American Express put up funds for both the Nationals and the President’s Cup. Part of the money was to cover travel expenses for the Allendale competitors.

As a further touch, just as an early spring sun banished the drizzle about 10 a.m., players blossomed forth wearing new, royal blue Shearson/American Express lined warm-up jackets.

Source:Platform Tennis News, April 1982

The game expands to Denver

In Denver, the “Mile High” city, platform tennis had found a new frontier and was slowly but steadily increasing in popularity. In addition to courts at two clubs and several private courts, more were being planned at a third. All of these facilities were within fifteen minutes of each other, making future tournaments more feasible. Sally Burbank of Englewood, Colorado, had given much of her time to teaching and promoting platform tennis, free of charge.

Source: Platform Tennis News, February 1982

A National 70+ is proposed

The Men’s 60+ started in 1969, but, as these players grew older, their skills became less competitive against younger participants in this age group. However, these men still wanted to compete at a championship level and it was suggested that a National 70+ be held in conjunction with the New Jersey 55+ at the Indian Trail Club in Franklin Lakes. The event was contingent upon a draw of not fewer than eight teams.

The first event was held in 1982.

Source: Platform Tennis News, January 1982