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!