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Glen Ellyn vs. Michigan Shores. Oct. 9, 2007. Series 5 Platform Tennis.
Let me say we could not have started off the season with a more promising result. The Michigan Shores venue was first class. Upon arrival I thought we may not have any competition but then learned that we were splitting courts with a Series 14 match, not Series 2 like I thought. Then some of the 5 team showed up and I knew we were in for a battle. We were competitive and/or in control of each of the four courts at most times. Dell & Park lead off on Court 3 and started patiently with some long paddle points and a lot of defense. While watching warm-up from the clubhouse I was asked if they were our Court 1 team and was I sandbagging the lineup? I could sense some fear! But, the big forehand from the ad court did them in and their drives were not creating enough opportunities. The first set got away at the end and they just could not string enough games together and ran out of patience losing 4-6, 0-6 in a bit over an hour.
Walker & Power were underway on Court 4 and took charge quickly in the first. Carrying momentum into the second with a 3-1 lead until they ran out of gas. They were outlasted in the third but earned a very important point for the team. Well done! Michigan Shores dropped down from Series 4 last year and brought up some promising talent who dominated Series 7. They had some skilled players on each court and definitely more experience. We were going to have our hands full in the next matches.
Warming up we could feel that Court 1 was going to be a struggle for Cummins & Snyder, but they spotted a weakness on the backhand side and got off to a 3-0 start. The Deuce opponent had a solid two-hander and began to control some points from the Ring of Fire. It looked like the benches might clear a few times over some points were our opponents got frustrated but it was all settled Chad & Ryan adjusted and took control back taking the first set 6-3. They put together a solid game plan, were able to hold serve by volleying well, and got rolling on the return with a good blend of drives, lobs, and defense. They rolled them in the second 6-1 and earned our first 3 pts. Impressive display and a team to be reckoned with on Court 1!
Meanwhile, Court 2 was underway with a lot of hard hitting serves, drives, reflex volleys, high lobs and waterfall overheads. I think the Michigan Shores duo accounted for over 13 feet in height and gave our guys all they could handle from the net. Radek & Andrew had their hands full but never seemed threatened. A well located drive here and there coupled with good hands at the net and they were simply too much for them. They figured out how to take the first 7-6, but got down in the second. Captain Smith sent word out to the Court that we needed the second set to win the match and the team responded of course. They rallied back from down a break and got it to a tie breaker again and took the second set 7-6. Glen Ellyn wins the first match of the year 7-6. Radek was later overheard saying “I am done with tennis I want more paddle!” Michigan Shores was later seen looking at a map trying to figure out just where in the heck Glen Ellyn was. I was asked “Where did we fly in from?” Great Job! Glenview is up next!
Glen Ellyn vs. Glenview Country Club Oct. 16, 2007.
Another warm evening for paddle and we were up against a team coming off a 12 pt loss to Saddle & Cycle and dealing with some injuries. I had a feeling this was going to be our breakout night! Sharing the courts with us was a Series 2 match between Glenview and Winter Club. Playing Court 1 for Winter Club was previous national champ and Winter Club pro David Ohmuller. Playing Court 4 for Glenview and part of an exciting 20-18 set-2 tiebreak was the league commissioner Alan Graham. Ohmuller got the only 3 pts and Glenview took the rest. Brian Dillman and David knew each other from Wilson and we should be able to get David out to Glen Ellyn later this year for another clinic. 1 more clinic and we’re ready for Saddle & Cycle!
Sizing up Court 3 as an onlooker you had to give the edge to the Glen Ellyn men Park & Dillman. They had their opponents out skilled, outmatched, out-youthed, outworked, and out dressed! But, never underestimate the appearance of these paddle guys. As the first set got underway, we could sense some fear in the Glenview ranks. Dillman’s drives and Park’s screens were impressive. But, the warm weather bounces played right to our opponents’ strengths and the first set slipped away 1-6. We were too nice to take advantage of the drop shot so there we were; everywhere we hit the ball, they were standing, waiting to jump on it. Remembering the lesson of that single pt earned, we rallied back to take the second 6-4. Neck and neck in the third we exchanged blows but could not handle the rock-steady, crafty, old man Hoy who came up with big plays at big times. The third was lost 4-6. Given this was Dillman’s first match this year and the first pairing with Park we go easy on the team and say job well done. Dillman could not believe how they could lose to a guy that just stood in 1 spot and waited for his ball to hit. They were later seen signing Hoy’s name for all the burgers and beer!
Speaking of burgers and beer, Power and Walker powered through a quick 2-set trouncing on Court 4. Those boys were hungry to avenge the loss from last week. They stayed up strategizing all week and came out firing. Walker said “No we will not drive all the returns!....We must keep it in play!” What he meant was that Scotty should keep it in play because he got all the balls. Walker did his share by hitting 9 or 10 balls and Power did his share by hitting back 190. Walker’s inside out overhead was just too much for them. Well done…we knew they could do it! Glen Ellyn is up 4-3 after the first two.
Court 2 got underway next with Team Andrew/Radek. Probably this was Glenview’s attempt to win a few points, because these guys looked a bit tougher than the Court 1 duo they put out there. Out of the gates with a 5-3 lead, they stumbled a bit and wound up in a tie-breaker and Andrew seeking the medical kit. Surprising everyone, we were out played in the tie-break and lost the first. The beer started to kick in, Andrew ripped off his band-aid, and we charged back into the match with a 6-1 second set. Surprising no one, paddle looks easy when you hold serve. Staying in the zone, they kept the momentum and rolled them 6-1 again. Serves Glenview right for trying to stack the lineup! We literally blew them off the court and back into the hut to serve us some more Stella.
What can I say about our Court 1 studs. Chad had his rally cap on and Ryan was in all black like there was going to be a funeral. Somebody was going to pay for making us drive all the way out here. It was not even close. They had nowhere to hit the ball. Chad was controlling points from the deuce and Ryan was Mr. Steady on the backhand. I was not sure they could play a cleaner match than last weeks, but I was wrong, they did! Well done. Time to celebrate. Glen Ellyn 10 – Glenview 4.
Next match is Tuesday in Winnetka. I will post those results when they become available.
Platform tennis is a great game. I suggest you sign up with the Park District and give it a try. Right now there is only a series 5 team from Glen Ellyn, but if there were enough interest I am sure we could support a team in other levels of play.
Originally posted by 2000 SS lxi: Next match is Tuesday in Winnetka. I will post those results when they become available.
Platform tennis is a great game. I suggest you sign up with the Park District and give it a try. Right now there is only a series 5 team from Glen Ellyn, but if there were enough interest I am sure we could support a team in other levels of play.
The attention to correct spelling and punctuation in that post enhanced the first-rate synopses of the recent matches. I know next to nothing about this sport, but was left wanting to give it a try.
Originally posted by 2000 SS lxi: Glen Ellyn vs. Michigan Shores. Oct. 9, 2007. Series 5 Platform Tennis.
. . .1 more clinic and we’re ready for Saddle & Cycle!. . .
i remember playing many a hockey game there as a kid. do they still have the ice rink? i remember there was no zamboni. just and old man pulling a 55 gallon drum full of water to re-coat the rink between periods.
Winnetka pulled all the tricks out of the bag last night to get some points and their first win of the season. It failed. Honorable mention for the evening goes to Walker and Power for a marathon 3-setter on Court 4 in hour and a half. After losing the first, they came back strong in the second with some timely offense and caught Winnetka off guard. And it turns out Walker does have extra gas in the tank because he got stronger in the third. Or, should I say, made it through the third. Power did not even break a sweat so he went out for a jog to get some exercise.
Sojka & Claire were way too strong for their Court 3 tandem that included their ringer from Purdue. Good thing it was close to his first match. Matt Garavaglia, the Winnetka pro, told me that they would take this match, his protégé is that good. I looked at him and said “I guess it would surprise you that we already took the first set 6-1, and are way up in the second! It’s not even close! I don’t care what credentials you put out there, if they don’t know what they’re doing, you’re wasting our time!” 6-1, 6-2 Game over and GE is up 6-1 and looking good with our strength yet to play.
Chad & Ryan were up next against one of Walker’s buddies recruited at the last second from Series 4? to dismantle us. He almost did, but we held our own. They took the first but we came right back with the second. At 4-4 in the third we played a few loose points and that’s all it takes in a match like this. We did not go down without a fight. Well done, we needed that point, and you guys learned a lot about how one guy from the backhand corner can control a match. GE up 7-4.
Andrew and Radek up next against Olive Oil and Bluto! Turns out Olive Oil has some game and was in the zone. Bluto loved Radek’s serve off the back screen. We took the first set in a tie-break and then fell asleep. This was one of those matches that everybody watching thought they knew how it would end. We were wrong. The second was a quick one and the third was a fight. Surprise to all, and I think mostly to Andrew and Radek, Goliath was taken down. Maybe 49 out of 50 times it would have ended up different, but this was just their night. Chalk it up as a good experience for all of us to see how things can slip away. On to next week….GE up 8-7 and wins the match. Bring on Sunset Ridge. Who wants a piece of Warner? I bet I know 2 guys that do!
Just a question, I understand that you have to have an individual membership to make reservations for the court(s). But are you supposed to have a membership just to set foot on the beloved courts? In other words, can I just grab a raquet and go to try it out with the understanding that I can get booted at anytime by members of the Elite GE Paddle Clique?
Posts: 1957 | Location: Posh YMCA District | Registered: June 04, 2003
Originally posted by Clamato: You have it correct.
That is not my understanding. The courts are locked and you don't get a key unless you join for the season. That being said, the bottom portions of the enclosures are hinged allowing a person of medium girth to swing open a portion of the enclosure and gently ease into the court. [Insert obligatory Clam joke of your choice here].
Originally posted by Clamato: When did they do that? I guess it makes sense. They lock up the clay courts so the riff-raff don't use them and get $60 a year out of me.
Did you quit the courts after our...my..horiffic incident? You should have for what you put me through. I blame you 100%.
"I like things that are great. Good things are fantastic."
Originally posted by 2000 SS lxi: Winnetka pulled all the tricks out of the bag last night to get some points and their first win of the season. It failed. Honorable mention for the evening goes to Walker and Power for a marathon 3-setter on Court 4 in hour and a half. After losing the first, they came back strong in the second with some timely offense and caught Winnetka off guard. And it turns out Walker does have extra gas in the tank because he got stronger in the third. Or, should I say, made it through the third. Power did not even break a sweat so he went out for a jog to get some exercise.
Sojka & Claire were way too strong for their Court 3 tandem that included their ringer from Purdue. Good thing it was close to his first match. Matt Garavaglia, the Winnetka pro, told me that they would take this match, his protégé is that good. I looked at him and said “I guess it would surprise you that we already took the first set 6-1, and are way up in the second! It’s not even close! I don’t care what credentials you put out there, if they don’t know what they’re doing, you’re wasting our time!” 6-1, 6-2 Game over and GE is up 6-1 and looking good with our strength yet to play.
Chad & Ryan were up next against one of Walker’s buddies recruited at the last second from Series 4? to dismantle us. He almost did, but we held our own. They took the first but we came right back with the second. At 4-4 in the third we played a few loose points and that’s all it takes in a match like this. We did not go down without a fight. Well done, we needed that point, and you guys learned a lot about how one guy from the backhand corner can control a match. GE up 7-4.
Andrew and Radek up next against Olive Oil and Bluto! Turns out Olive Oil has some game and was in the zone. Bluto loved Radek’s serve off the back screen. We took the first set in a tie-break and then fell asleep. This was one of those matches that everybody watching thought they knew how it would end. We were wrong. The second was a quick one and the third was a fight. Surprise to all, and I think mostly to Andrew and Radek, Goliath was taken down. Maybe 49 out of 50 times it would have ended up different, but this was just their night. Chalk it up as a good experience for all of us to see how things can slip away. On to next week….GE up 8-7 and wins the match. Bring on Sunset Ridge. Who wants a piece of Warner? I bet I know 2 guys that do!
Thank you Mr. Power or Mr. Walker for updating us. Since you two are the focal point of most every post on the topic, and certainly aren't as gifted at the sport as the writing lets on, one can only assume that one of you two is authoring these posts.
Originally posted by 2000 SS lxi: Winnetka pulled all the tricks out of the bag last night to get some points and their first win of the season. It failed. Honorable mention for the evening goes to Walker and Power for a marathon 3-setter on Court 4 in hour and a half. After losing the first, they came back strong in the second with some timely offense and caught Winnetka off guard. And it turns out Walker does have extra gas in the tank because he got stronger in the third. Or, should I say, made it through the third. Power did not even break a sweat so he went out for a jog to get some exercise.
Sojka & Claire were way too strong for their Court 3 tandem that included their ringer from Purdue. Good thing it was close to his first match. Matt Garavaglia, the Winnetka pro, told me that they would take this match, his protégé is that good. I looked at him and said “I guess it would surprise you that we already took the first set 6-1, and are way up in the second! It’s not even close! I don’t care what credentials you put out there, if they don’t know what they’re doing, you’re wasting our time!” 6-1, 6-2 Game over and GE is up 6-1 and looking good with our strength yet to play.
Chad & Ryan were up next against one of Walker’s buddies recruited at the last second from Series 4? to dismantle us. He almost did, but we held our own. They took the first but we came right back with the second. At 4-4 in the third we played a few loose points and that’s all it takes in a match like this. We did not go down without a fight. Well done, we needed that point, and you guys learned a lot about how one guy from the backhand corner can control a match. GE up 7-4.
Andrew and Radek up next against Olive Oil and Bluto! Turns out Olive Oil has some game and was in the zone. Bluto loved Radek’s serve off the back screen. We took the first set in a tie-break and then fell asleep. This was one of those matches that everybody watching thought they knew how it would end. We were wrong. The second was a quick one and the third was a fight. Surprise to all, and I think mostly to Andrew and Radek, Goliath was taken down. Maybe 49 out of 50 times it would have ended up different, but this was just their night. Chalk it up as a good experience for all of us to see how things can slip away. On to next week….GE up 8-7 and wins the match. Bring on Sunset Ridge. Who wants a piece of Warner? I bet I know 2 guys that do!
Thank you Mr. Power or Mr. Walker for updating us. Since you two are the focal point of most every post on the topic, and certainly aren't as gifted at the sport as the writing lets on, one can only a$$ume that one of you two is authoring these posts.
The two biggest blowhards on this board seem to be ignoring my invitation to join me on the courts. I'll even bring my key so your fat a$$es don't get stuck trying to get in. I don't know who 2000 SSlxi is, but the name is intriguing.
I believe Mr. Potts and I both responded to your invitation in a timely manner. Within hours, IIRC. Did you want us to do so on the BB? If so, Tuesday obviously wasn't good for you because you were busy kicking someone's *** in Winnetka (Congrats, BTW)...and Wednesday is a permanent no go for me.
And I doubt that Mr. Fish is 2000 SS lxi...because a boat of that vinatge would not suit him. It would be positively down market.
Posts: 9128 | Location: CLEA | Registered: November 04, 2004
Originally posted by Clamato: When did they do that? I guess it makes sense. They lock up the clay courts so the riff-raff don't use them and get $60 a year out of me.
Did you quit the courts after our...my..horiffic incident? You should have for what you put me through. I blame you 100%.
That was all you...and you deserved it. Who plays tennis in Sambas? A little under-the-knife time makes a man stronger.
Posts: 9128 | Location: CLEA | Registered: November 04, 2004
