Wow....nice. Where was that Power kid?

Suspended. Tested positive for, well, just about everything.

Back to back weeks at Hinsdale has proven very rewarding for GE. Beginning the night, GE is 2 points behind HD1 in the overall standings and in 4th place.

The match that everyone was looking forward to did not disappoint. Radek and Andrew vs. Kevin and Matt. Great instincts, reflexes, and play were on display by each of these four top players. In the end, it was Kevin’s experience and control of key points from the backhand court that proved to be the difference. Losing the first 4-6, GE rallied back to take the second 6-3. But, lost the momentum in the third 1-6. Very entertaining. HD remains undefeated on court 1. We all look forward to a rematch later this year! 1 pt GE, 3pts HD.

On Court 2, APPTA Chad and Matt were in a first set battle. Down a break and 15-40, they rallied back to break Goliath’s serve and forced the set to a tie-break. Chad looked comfortable on the backhand and Matt came up big on the deuce side. Chad used his forehand on big pts and Matt rolled his two-hander nicely. Both were able to hold serve when they needed it. Well done! They took the first set 7-6 and held onto the second 6-4. 3 pts GE.

Court 3 had HD Captain Dunphy matched against Sojka and Park. Dunphy was had the most wins for HD last year on Series 6. He could have used a stronger partner. Jeff and Scott were just too much. Back and forth with some long points in the first, this proved to be a very entertaining set. 6-3 GE. Up 3-0 in the second, HD caught fire and ran 4 in a row to go up 4-3. Gathering their composure, GE storms back and takes the match 6-3, 7-5. Great chemistry and very tough to break Jeff and Scott’s serves last night. Well done. 3 pts GE.

Court 4 had Synder and Dillman for GE. Simply too much for HD’s court 4. Ryan has figured the backhand side out and is making it pay off. Dillman shows signs of becoming as strong with the paddle as he is with a racquet. 6-3, 6-3. But, GE now has a problem. We have several legitimate court 1 teams and several legit court 2 teams. Our 3 and 4 teams have become overpowering for Series 5. Well done. 3 pts GE.

Match goes to 10-3 to GE. Hinsdale falls 5 pts behind to 4th place. Saddle gains ground on GE by whopping Michigan Shores 12-0 last night. We are 14 pts behind 1st place, but that will change. Sunset played HD2 and has yet to report.

I just want to state before the match summary is published that I suck. I will never play this game again...this year.

Fish-

Did you forget to take your HGH the morning of the match or something?

quote:

Originally posted by Floyd:
Fish-

Did you forget to take your HGH the morning of the match or something?

Hey Pink. A member for 7 days and with your second post you're busting my balls. I like that.

Is the season over?

Tuesday 1/8 Glen Ellyn at Glenview



The second half of the season has begun. Glenview was nice enough to invite us back. Hats off to them for being excellent hosts! This is a great venue for paddle. Turns out that 700k will get you a most adequate facility. Good tunes, tended bar/grill, stone fireplace, leather couches, and a plasma flat screen seems to be the way to go for this crowd. Most tournament finals are held here and we left our mark on 3 of the 4 courts that night.



Dillman and Snyder looked to continue their success on Court 3 against Captain John Patterson and his partner. Down 0-4 and Love-40 on Brian's serve they woke up and gained momentum. They took the first set 6-4 by pointing at all the overheads with perfect form. They enjoyed the first set so much that they spotted Glenview a lead in the second set as well.
This set was a bit closer and went to a tiebreak where they took charge.
Ryan had excellent hands and controlled his drives the best we've seen this year. With Brian figuring out things so quickly in his first year this team is on the rise. Well done. Glen Ellyn up 3-0.



On Court 4 we had versatile Park teamed with rookie Connolly. Park is one of our few guys that can play with just about anybody and play the deuce or backhand side. Connolly is right up there with Pagey and in the running for Most Improved Player. Scott C served very well and only lost serve once if I recall correctly. Scott P was consistent all around and did all the right things to give them a chance at a win. Our only weakness this night was that our opponents have played together for
10+ years and Park/Connolly have not. An impressive first set. From
the gallery it looked like Glen Ellyn had won 6-4 or 7-5. It turns out there were a lot of deuce points and that first set was over a half hour long. GE lost the tie break 6-7. We stormed back and took the second
6-2 or 3 in another half hour. But, we were only out there for 15 or 20 minutes in the third and that may have proved to be our undoing. Old Man Hoy saw too many hard screens and the points were not as long. In a valiant effort GE loses the third 2-6. This match could have gone either way. But experience, and by that I do mean age, paid off big time for Glenview. Great try! Glen Ellyn up 4-3.



Another one of GE's versatile guys was underway on Court 2 with one of GE's strongest players. Team Sojka/Suarez would not be denied. Jeff has played matches with 6 or 7 guys this year already and has continued to find ways to win. Andrew is now a force on the backhand and may not lose again this year. Way to much for Glenview's guys who left the court seeing stars. It is now obvious that GE needs to move up to at least Series 3. Captain Smith began lobbying our position immediately with Commish Graham who was playing for Glenview 2. The Commish has agreed to whatever we want for next year. Maybe a new 3 Team on Thursday nights and a 5 Team on Tuesdays? We need more guys! Or, Maybe a 3 and 6? That way we can all play on Thursdays and meet up at Seul's and Meier's to celebrate! Anyway, the point is everyone is getting better and we need more of a challenge. I don't know what the score was on Court 2, but it looked like 6-0, 6-0. So, Glen Ellyn is now up 7-3.
Well done!



Pro Cummins and Dell took Court 1 and sorry to say Glenview had already thrown in the towel. No challenge here. I actually think Dell was missing some shots on purpose just to extend this match. Not much too right here. Another 6-0, 6-0 trounce. I should mention that Dell is now on a winning streak and Chad has not lost since Sunset Ridge? Well done! Here we come Series 3. But wait, we still have Winnetka, Sunset Ridge, and Saddle to deal with. Did you see that Winnetka beat Saddle?
The second half will get more interesting and more competitive as we near the playoffs and the ringers start to show up. Job well done, Glen Ellyn 10-3 over Glenview. We are closing in on Second and tied for third with Hinsdale 1 now who took 12 pts from their other Hinsdale 2 team. No worries, we will prevail.



Who's in for next week at Winnetka. All 4 courts of their's will be strong!

Where the hell is that Power guy?

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
Where the hell is that Power guy?

PUP list. lateral epicondylitis.

Poor *******. That game was his life.

The guy is kind of wus...

so when would it be a good time to come spectate or partake this sport? I must learn it. Seems interesting.

quote:

Originally posted by BlueEchoes:
so when would it be a good time to come spectate or partake this sport? I must learn it. Seems interesting.

It is a great sport. I've been cold turkey now for about a month...it sucks. There is a Tuesday night group that is designed for beginning players. They start at 7pm. However, IMO, the best way to get started is to assemble people that you know and go out and play. Once you get a core group that have similar abilities then just start playing. I know Clam, Fan, Grateful and Clam's neighbors like the game. If you get some people together I'll come out and explain the game and give a few basic tips. I'm really not very good, but am good enough to explain some basic strategy.

Glen Ellyn at Winnetka 1/15

Winnetka is the largest paddle facility in the Midwest now. They have 6 courts and a new clubhouse. This program is associated with the Park District. The members formed an Association and members pay approx 600 per year. This has covered the costs of the new courts and clubhouse. Plus, the PD is making money and pro-active in building membership. They started with a bare-bones facility similar to what we have. If they can do, there is no reason we can’t be there in a few years.

Winnetka V is struggling this year. Not enough horses. Things looked good for GE right from the start. We are solid top to bottom. They were more solid on 3 & 4 than the first time we met in October. We squeaked by them 8-7 back then. They went after us last night with a different lineup.

Snyder and Dillman were in the battle of the night on Court 2. Captain Skalla picks his partners well. He and Paul Rose, an up and comer, got their butts kicked last time by Sojka and Brian C. Paul was very new that time and made all the wrong decisions. Paul can play now. But, so can Ryan and Brian. We lost the first set 4-6 and were down 2-4 in the second. We were going into the screens a little too high and hard at times. The Ring of Fire opened up for us and paid off big time. Brian was creating opportunities all night long with his forehand drive. All of a sudden the match swung, more net exchanges went our way and making them decide on middle balls took its toll. GE took the second 5-7. We got up 3-1 or 4-0 in the third. A lot off great points being played. At 4-1, Ryan needed to hold serve. In that service game, there were a few game points and a few break points. A lot of great volleys and net exchanges. Finally, at AD IN, Ryan cranked a deep spin serve into Paul and began the game winning, and maybe the set winning point. Being up 5-1 instead of 4-2 put the pressure on them and we were able to take the set 6-2. A great match. Snyder and Dillman keep rolling. GE up 3-1.

On Court 4, Sojka and Park were in a battle. This was the court Winnetka expected to win. Jeff and Scott ham and egged it very well. Scott had his new inside out overhead causing confusion for them in the corners. Jeff was blitzing and taking care of all the middle short balls Scott was generating off his lobs. We were just way more consistent than our opponents. You could tell that this one hurt Winnetka good. Not even getting 1 point for them! Way to plant the dagger. 6-4, 7-5. GE up 6-1.

Court 1 had Tourney Finalists Andrew and Radek against Winnetka’s team with the most wins. Adams and Goodrich. Goodrich got the best of us last time and Adams fell recently to them in the Tourney. Notorious for 3 set cliff-hangers, we toss the first set their direction 4-6. Andrew starts driving his one-hander! Radek regains some strength after a long sick-day on the couch and starts to punish these guys for showing up! They take a shot to the abs, then one to the neck, then another to the abs, then one down the middle. What was a match now is over. GE rolls thru the next 2 sets. GE up 9-2.

We won the warmup on Court 2 for sure. Cummins and Dell were eager to close out the night. Winnetka looked defeated. Chad may have missed 2 balls all night and did not make one bad decision. We hope that the lack of a better challenge does not come back to hurt us as we prepare for Sunset and Saddle. Dell was on fire with overheads from the back screen, cut forehand returns, high lobs, and a short-hop drive from inches in front of the baseline that defied all logic! When you're hot you're hot. And when you're hot like Matt has been, you dress accordingly. Way to go! 6-1, 6-2.

A great showing for GE as we take the match 12-2. Only way to go from here is up!

quote:

Originally posted by GE Fan:

quote:

Originally posted by Fish:

quote:

Originally posted by BlueEchoes:
so when would it be a good time to come spectate or partake this sport? I must learn it. Seems interesting.

It is a great sport. I've been cold turkey now for about a month...it sucks. There is a Tuesday night group that is designed for beginning players. They start at 7pm. However, IMO, the best way to get started is to assemble people that you know and go out and play. Once you get a core group that have similar abilities then just start playing. I know Clam, Fan, Grateful and Clam's neighbors like the game. If you get some people together I'll come out and explain the game and give a few basic tips. I'm really not very good, but am good enough to explain some basic strategy.

I'm really good. So, let me know when Fish is done teaching and then I'll come out. Did I mention that I'm really good. You know, since I'm so good, I don't need the instruction. Thanks though; but I'm really good.

I can't wait until the manic phase of your cycle is over.

Another Tuesday snowstorm in Chicago. What a perfect night for paddle. The lodge at Indian Hill opened up and the courts were shoveled and became playable. Tonight showed the true spirit of GE paddle. Walker ignored his wife’s plea to stay home and recover from the flu he had the night before. Park was stuck in Phoenix so Sojka filled in at the last moment thanks to his wife. Power had not played in months due to tendonitis in his elbow, but he could not stay away any longer. Dell overcame the drive from Elgin to arrive on time. What is it about this game that is so addictive? Hard to describe, better to experience!

GE is firmly planted in 3rd place. 7 points behind Saddle, 12 point behind Sunset. Here we come! We are mixing it up on a few courts for a few weeks. We have a lot of horses to spread around.

Dell and Dillman were ready to go on Court 2. With borrowed caps to fight off the heavy wet sleet and snow, they had to adjust to the weather. Taking the first 6-3, they lost focus in the second 1-6. Down in the third, the better team showed up and GE broke away 6-3. We fought to hold serve at some pivotal times and our drives were better. Too much for poor old IH! GE 3 IH 1.

BC and Walker matched up against an old friend of Walker’s on Court 4. Walker, nursing a cold, could not stay away. Up 5-2 in the first, the match began to change. Balls that were going in were now going out. Uh oh! But, we fought to stay in it. In the tiebreak, we dominated 7-2. But, we started the second by spotting them a 3 game lead 0-3. No problem? Walker had a lot in the tank and looks like a new and improved real deal. BC overcame his jet lag and Super Bowl party to find a way to get it done. GE 7-6 (2), 6-3. Well done. GE 6 IH 1

Sojka and Radek were paired together for the first time and on Court 1. Would this be an issue? Not a chance! At one point I thought I saw Jeff doing pushups just to get some action during this match. Radek had it all working and Jeff was along for the ride! Easy to say, but harder to do. Radek showed glimpses of Uilhein spin! When one guy is hot, the pressure is on the other. Jeff was solid, Radek was Radek! Well done! 6-0, 6-2. How did they get 2 games? GE 9 IH 1.

Another first time pairing was Andrew and Power on Court 2. Would Scott’s elbow be an issue? Not this champ! Andrew was in second gear, in control, and brought out 3rd and 4th gear only a few times to keep the upper hand. These guys made it look easy and that’s hard to do in these conditions. Scott had not lost a step. Well done! 6-1, 6-2.

Please clarify - Jeff was doing one-armed push-ups, right? That just seems more believable to me.

Is the GE Platform Tennis team season over? One of its star players was seen picking up a chick near the train station last evening ...

We could not have asked for a better night in Winnetka! Quite a crowd gathered with six courts in play. One thing stood out among the crowd. Glen Ellyn guys had the confidence. We should have it after a great season and how far we’ve come. We earned it. Funny thing, I did not hear anybody asking where our team was from. They all know now! As Captain, and our representative to the League, I could not be more proud and excited about the future of GE paddle.

Andrew and Radek took the stage on Court 1 against Goodrich and Adams. We have had their number all year. Twice in the league and once in the States! Long points. Banging overheads into the side screens and picking on the Ring of Fire. Winnetka did not have near enough offense from the back court and everybody knew it. Winnetka spent the majority of the first set running back and forth from their corners to the Ring of Fire. Go figure, it ended not to good for them. In the second, Winnetka stopped the Marathon and went for a mad dash. Goodrich figured out how to use some of his squash skills on the backhand screens to make the second set more interesting. Adams had his oversize paddle worn out in the deuce corner. They got the lead and were up 4-2 and 5-3 before we got back down to business. Maybe some crafty line calls went against us? We punished them in the tie break and on their last service point called out! Let them end the season with that one in their heads! GE up 3-0.

Chad and Matt were itching to get out there and exact some revenge against Blackwell and Anderson. But wait, No Blackwell and Anderson on court 4?. Apparently, Skokie IV would be a better match? I don’t think so. GE’s in town and people are dodging us! Talk about lack of confidence. So, McAdams and Sprague get sacrificed to the GE gods! Maybe Dell and Chad are better than they think they are? Despite losing serve to start, GE rolls 6-1 6-3. The thrill of victory was not enough to knock Dell off the wagon. It was enough however to offer partner Chad a ride home. And back they go to Glen Ellyn to find some willing opponent. Who thinks they can beat these guys? Whoah, easy. Not everybody respond at once! GE up 6-0. Hard to lose the match now. Just need 1 point.

Jeff showed up early and had his red shoes on looking for his partner. What a disappointed look as he saw Radek already on the court. As interim Captain one would think that everybody would want to play with Jeff. If not for his ability on the court at least get on his good side off the court. I can speak for myself, but oh no, Radek wanted no part of it. But wait, Ryan volunteered to step up to the challenge. Coach Smith’s strategy works! Lets go after Rose and Skalla. I thought this might actually be a match, but before I could find out what the score was they were already shaking hands at net. Ryan and Jeff did not miss a step, a shot, or a beer! 6-0 6-3. GE now up 9-0 and the match is decided.

Pat and Scott had the marathon of the evening to end it. Anderson and Sweezy for Winnetka. Our guys were so ready and I think playing their best so far. They roll the first set 6-3. But, then Court 3 is over and we all relax. I think playing last did them in. It’s not as much fun when there’s nothing at stake after being prepared for it all to rest on your shoulder. But, wait, Walker and Park show life and lots of it. Park comes up with the shot of the night out of the backhand corner and they storm back into the second set. It’s 5-6 in the second and Walker’s serve. Pat has held all night long. Park is already thinking about what beer he wants first. Oh no the wheels fell off. So close we could taste the sweep. Energy dropped off a bit. Winnetka’s team disappeared. That’s one thing that you never see happening to Glen Ellyn. We support each other! Anderson just wanted it too bad and forced the third 6-4. Park loses another tough one, but he has more resilience. He jumped right back out there for some beer paddle. Way to go. Well done. Who knows? That point for the first set could have meant the match for us. I think we would have won this if it mattered a bit more. GE takes Winnetka 10-3.

Tip of the week: Against good defenders when the ball keeps coming back and back and the spin is not frustrating them. Move them toward the ring of fire and then go for the crease once in a while. It’s a safe shot and will produce more points than the risky momentum killing drop shot!

Bring on Saddle!