Peachtree Paddle League

7th Peachtree Invitational a Stunning Event

2012-01-29T13:27:00.002-05:00

The 7th Annual Peachtree Invitational Jan 20-22 was a stunning success despite the sky opening up periodically! On Friday was our first all women's event with 16 teams from 5 states competing for the first annual title. Chris Ford, now of Pittsburgh but a native daughter of Atlanta along with her partner Karen Henke of Pgh bested Atlanta's own Freddy Goldenberg and Sharon LeRoux 6-3, 6-1. On the men's side, a sold out draw of 32 teams from 8 state competed for the title in a terrific 2 day event. In the end, former National Champion Jerry Albrikes of SC (formerly MA) and his partner Jeff Morneau of MA defeated local favorites Jay Bailey (5 time PI champ) and Rem Reynolds 6-2, 6-1. Saturday night was the tournament gala & raffle at the beautiful home of Freddy & Gregg Goldenberg with 120 guests wined & dined. The Peachtree Invitational has become a don't miss event with a growing national reputation for both competition and hospitality - thanks go to the 15 volunteers who worked since October to make it happen!

PPL's Everywhere...and in high style

2011-12-05T20:05:00.001-05:00

The paddle paparazzi caught this candid moment at the recent Jackson Elementary party and auction. PPL's own Christy Hooper was in high style sporting a PPL sticker, accented by her grandmother's paddle jacket. Enter the PPL's everywhere photo contest by sending a photo of your entry to peterlauer1@gmail.com "Got paddle"

Player's Clinic a Smashing Success

2011-10-17T16:10:00.004-04:00

Some 70 people came to take lessons from Sue Aery and Jay Bailey on Sunday at the beautiful Cherokee Town Club paddle venue. Players participating were a delightful mix of men and women, young and old, first timers and veterans along with some AA1 caliber tennis players, trying their hand at paddle. The day began with a session taught by Sue for the women's Presidents Cup squad, a group who will compete on Long Island in March at the Nationals, followed by parallel sessions for groups of 4-6 players on both courts. Food, fun, refreshments and plenty of sunshine made for a great day of paddle. Many thanks to the organizing team of Christy Harris (new Bitsy team captain), Jay Bailey, Freddy Goldenberg, Bob Stratton and Peter Lauer.

10 Time National Champ to Teach on Sunday Oct 16th at Cherokee

2011-10-10T10:32:00.008-04:00

Sue Aery was inducted into the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006. She is a 10-time Platform Tennis National Champion (8 wins 1990-2002 with Gerri Viant, the winningest women's team in history; 1999 Mixed National Champion with Scott Mansager, 1999 National 40's title with Gerri Viant). Sue co-founded Performance Paddle Camps in 1997. She is on the Wilson Advisory Staff and is a founding PPTA member. Originally from Caldwell, NJ, where she was a tennis and platform tennis professional from 1981-2001, Sue retired from competitive play in 2001 when she embarked on a new career as a Doctor of Chiropractic, attending New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. Since graduating in 2005, Sue has resided in Highlands, NC, and runs her own successful practice, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture. Sue is thrilled to be back to growing the great game of Platform Tennis in Atlanta.

Sue will be joined by Atlanta's own Jay Bailey, former touring and teaching tennis pro, long time platform tennis player, 5 time Peachtree Invitational Champion and 3 time Southern Invitational Champion. Jay is a Founding Member of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International (a PPL Sponsor).

Together Sue & Jay will teach all comers, both experienced and new to the great sport of platform tennis
ALL COMPLIMENTS OF THE PPL
Don't miss!!!

Sky Writing

2011-08-11T14:40:00.003-04:00

What better way to promote the sport and spend time in the off season...Peter Lauer drops from 14,000 feet - if you've never done it, I highly recommend - another bucket list item checked off...

Atlanta shows well @ Chicago Nationals

2011-03-20T20:51:00.004-04:00

14 men and women from Atlanta competed in the 2011 President's Cup event and National Championships in Chicago, March 10 - 13. The women's Region VII (south) PC team, captained by Freddy Goldenberg, fielded our first full team ever with 6 from Atlanta, and captured 6 points to finish ahead of Region VI in a great showing. The men's team, with Andy Todd of Richmond as captain, took 3 points and also finished ahead of Region VI. Though still a long way to go to capture the title, clearly Atlanta and the south are improving each year we compete. In the National Champtionship, which began the next day, the 14 players won some matches and had a great time at what was an incredibly well run event at the Glenview Country Club in the Chicago suburb of Golf. For more results, click to the APTA site

More photos from the PPL Championships

2011-02-27T20:47:00.002-05:00

Sandy Springs Wins the Cup

2011-02-27T20:36:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the Sandy Springs team for winning the PPL Championships, this for the 2nd time in 3 seasons. Captained by Bob Stratton, SST edged out Cherokee in the final match on the day which included 14 matches and some 40 League players competing. It was a mild and sunny late February day at the beautiful Cherokee Town Club paddle venue, with Erik Becker, again running the event for the Peachtree Paddle League.

Coach Thaddeus Reed from Cinci comes to Town

2011-02-25T10:03:00.003-05:00

Atlanta was pleased to welcome Thaddeus Reed, a legendary Platform Tennis coach from Cincinatti Country Club, who came at the invitation of his former student and now Atlanta resident & PPL Member, Dawn Mullican. Thaddeus taught a series of terrificly helpful clinics while in town, including for the ladies Region VII President Cup team, captained by Ms. Freddy Goldenberg and sponsored by ULINE Packaging. He also did a special clinic for an eager group of junior paddle players, all at the beautiful Cherokee Town Club paddle venue.

The newly formed ladies RVII PC team will compete in Chicago in early March during the National Championships and will include 7 of 12 players from Atlanta - a great testament to the spectacular growth of Atlanta paddle and the leadership Freddy has shown.

Eberly/Berka will the 6th Peachtree Invitational - Best Yet

2011-01-28T10:45:00.008-05:00

Drew Eberly & Peter Berka of Chicago, 2nd seeds won the 6th Peacthree Invitational Platform Tennis Tournament by beating 1st seeds Brian Uihlein of Chicago and Mike Cochrane of New York in straight sets. This year's event was by far the best yet in what is a growing tournament with an increasing national following. This year's NRT with a record 40 teams had 26 players from outside Atlanta and 10 other states. The event included a Wildcard Feed-in tournament the weekend before, a professional clinc for the PC women & local teaching pros, a Friday night wine party at Pour in Brookhaven, a semi-finals party at Cherokee Town Club, a beautiful Saturday night party at the Goldenberg's beautiful new home in Buckhead, a complimentary party raffle including a house for a week on the coast of Maine, and 3 kegs of beer. Tournament Chair Peter Lauer remarked of the event during his his toast at the party "we've come such a long way in 6 years thanks to the enthusiasm and help of so many people - we hope by decade's end to host the Nationals here in Atlanta for which we only need about 23 more courts!" The 7th Annual is scheduled for Jan 21/22, 2012 - all are welcome!

National Champ - Jerry Albrikes plays @ RCS

2010-11-24T12:12:00.004-05:00

The 2010 National Platform Champion, Jerry Albrikes of Boston & Charleston, SC was in Atlanta in November and came out to play some paddle at RCS during their season opening clinic & exhibition. The event, sponsored by Lisa English of Viking (Prince) and RCS attracted a crowd of some 50 adults and children curious to learn more about the great and growing sport of platform tennis here in Atlanta. Jerry promised to return with partner for the 6th Annual Peachtree Invitational Jan 22 & 23, 2011.

We support Paddling in the Schools - Jackson Elementary

2010-05-14T11:46:00.007-04:00

What else would one teach 2nd graders on "Dad's Teach Day" than how to play platform tennis, read blue prints for courts and construct...that's what Peter taught to the 2nd grade classes of his twin sons Austin & Sam Lauer. The kids got to see the 2009 Cinci National Women's finals, read blue prints from the Cherokee court project and hit some balls on the playground...never too young to expose kids to the great game of platform tennis!

APTA Makes Historic Trip to Atlanta for Annual Mtg

2010-05-11T16:15:00.008-04:00

Atlanta / Cherokee are proud to have played host to the Board of the American Platform Tennis Association for the 2010 Annual Meeting and Board retreat. For the first time ever in the 75 years of the APTA, the meeting was held in a city not normally thought of as platform tennis central. Recent meetings have been held in paddle strong holds such as Long Island, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Phily etc. This year, as a result of the explosive growth of paddle in Atlanta, and more broadly the South, the Board elected to come check it all out in person. The meetings were held at the lovely Cherokee Town Club, site of the 2 1/2 year old, two court paddle venue. In turn, the board retreated to Peter Lauer's house for cocktails and dessert with lots of Members of the Peachtree Paddle League, sponsors and other VIPs of paddle invited. Thanks to all of you who came out to greet the Board and show the colors of Atlanta Paddle.

Five members of the APTA Board also took an excursion out to the Racquet Club of the South (RCS) - made famous by Melanie Oudin - to see the fruits of their grant / investment in the brand new two court paddle venue. Steve Gareleck, Rem Reynolds & Todd Assini took the Board Members on a tour of the Club and shared their plans to grow paddle among the Members of RCS, and the broader community of future players in the Northeast quadrant of greater Atlanta.

Tim McAvoy, APTA President and Phily native, remarked of the Board's trip to Atlanta; "it is terrific to see the sport catching hold in the South among the huge tennis community, which is a testament to both the sport and how much fun it is to play, and the efforts of Peter Lauer, outgoing Region VII President and now Chair of the APTA Growth Committee, and the various other paddle VIPs in Atlanta - they're getting it done, which aligns perfectly with the mission of the APTA...to grow this great sport!"

Pat Tuff Accepts the 5th PPL Cup for Capital City Team

2010-02-28T15:19:00.005-05:00

7 teams competed for the 5th Annual Peachtree Paddle League Championship - Congratulations to Capital City Club Team who came into Saturday's Championship in 3rd place, yet finished in 1st place with the 2nd best winning % in head to head play on Saturday. Captain Bill Butler, a long time paddle player from New Jersey, fielded 14 players on Saturday and 21 on the season, a marvelous job of team leadership!

The Championships, again run by Cherokee Captain Erik Becker, was a 16 match day and remarkably close in the standings. For the first time, the PPL was able to use season performance to partially determine the Championship team. If you've not been to the new scoring module, have a look (click scores from the PPL home page).

5th Annual Peachtree Invitational - New Record!

2010-01-19T21:59:00.003-05:00

The 5th Annual PI, again hosted at Cherokee Town Club, set a new record with a sold out draw of 32 teams using all 7 cts in town. Atlanta was most flattered to host 8 players from IL, NY, MD, NJ & PA to compete including Fritz & Sandra Odenbach & Laurie & David (Jr) Hissey as well as Greg Moore, holder of several National Championships. Tournament Chair, Peter Lauer, remarked during a toast at Saturday night's party, that the goal is to someday host the Nationals in Atlanta!

Defending champions, Jay Bailey & Peter Lauer, retained their title for the 5th year running, though the finals was inconclusive at best as Greg Moore & Steve Lauria of NJ had to retire due to a calf injury Steve suffered early in the 2nd set. The enthusiasm, friendly competition and party was platform tennis at its best! Atlanta & the South is on the map and growing every year - watch out for Winter & Rollauer - 3rd place team this year!

Melanie Oudin Plays Paddle @ RCS

2009-12-08T19:05:00.004-05:00

To Christen the new courts at RCS, Melanie Oudin came out for her first paddle game...she loved it! Come try the newest paddle venue in Atlanta - RCS / Norcross - 2 courts and viewing deck - this sport is booming here!

Off Season Recreation - Climb Mt. Rainier!!!

2009-10-28T15:36:00.003-04:00

On a bit of an impulse, PPL founder Peter Lauer and his Seattle based younger brother, Jonathan, decided to attempt to summit Mt Rainier outside of Seattle, WA. The 14,000+ ft. mountain is covered with glaciers which are in turn shredded by huge & scary crevasses. All it took was 2 other friends, 150' of rope, gobs of other gear, self study, 7 weeks of physical training, and 18 hours worth of climbing / descending to accomplish the mission. An experience of a lifetime - but don't try this at home - it actually is quite dangerous.

Another One Bites the Dust!!!

2009-10-25T16:58:00.003-04:00

The PPL's very own Treasurer, Mark Schmidt tied the knot on Saturday by wedding the very lovely Katie Sisk. The reception, at the beautiful Biltmore, was chock full of tennis & platform tennis players, all cheering the couple on. Special guest and star PPL player Carlos Engel, also newly wed, was back in town from Mexico City, where he now lives. On behalf of the PPL, we wish Mark and Katie well, and only hope that marriage doesn't keep Mark from the paddle court!

RCS Exhibition Dazzled by Melanie Oudin on the court

2009-10-10T15:31:00.003-04:00

Dateline Atlanta – October 9th -09
The Peachtree Paddle League (PPL) kicked off the new season in fine style with its annual gala and exhibition at the newest platform tennis venue in Atlanta, the Racquet Club of the South (RCS). Made famous recently by the charmed success of US Open quarterfinalist and 17 year old Melanie Oudin, RCS unveiled their brand new courts and viewing deck to a crowd of some 125 people, including many enthusiastic kids. Topping off the night was an appearance by Melanie in person, who picked up a paddle and played her first set of platform tennis, paired with Phily native and Atlanta transplant, Ali Tross Cole.

Behind the RCS story and early success of platform tennis was a grant from the American Platform Tennis Association to help with the costs toward the construction of their 2 courts. Mark Fischl, then President of the APTA, was instrumental in enabling this project to go forward. Current APTA President Tim McAvoy has embraced the grant program and accelerated it through the formation of a Board Committee, chaired by PPL founder and Region VII President Peter Lauer, to help local organizers of paddle programs with both grant money and other resources that can help them to succeed in building paddle in their area.

Peter Lauer remarked of the night and more broadly the growth of Platform Tennis: “we all know how great a sport it is, so the product (platform tennis) is easy to sell, the trick is getting people out to try it…events like tonight, done nicely and broadcast widely, are worth all the effort, and when Steve Gareleck, my friend and new operator of RCS, told me that indeed Melanie was back from Asia and psyched to come play in the event, I knew we had a winning combination…critical to our growth in Atlanta, and more broadly across the South, has been getting courts built so people can try it, yet that level of investment is tough to justify for clubs of modest means, whose board and members may not even know the sport, which is why the APTA grant program is brilliant and has proven to work in Chapel Hill for Rich Green , and I believe now here at RCS in Atlanta…we are thrilled and grateful for the support, as well as from our many League sponsors…

…and finally – the Peachtree Invitational, Jan 16 & 17 can now accommodate a big draw, is open to all (including women players) and is a great excuse to come south in January…see what all the buzz is about down here in Dixie…play at RCS or our other 4 paddle venues & then party at the Lauer’s!

RCS in Norcross Building Paddle Courts!!!

2009-06-17T16:31:00.005-04:00

Big news in the offseason is the addition of 2 platform tennis courts to the ever expanding amenities at the NEW (old) Racquet Club of the South that Steve Gareleck and Rem Reynolds have taken over. Thanks in part to a generous grant by the American Platform Tennis Association, RCS will have 2 courts and a new PPL team captained by Rem. There will be 7 courts in Atlanta by the Fall '09 season kick-off!!!

South Wins 4 matches at President's Cup in Cinci

2009-03-10T22:42:00.004-04:00

The Southern Region (VII) of the APTA took 4 of our 25 matches against the rest of the country. Though still a last place finish, we were but a match point away from besting the Phily/Balt/DC region III. Atlanta fielded 6 of the 10 players for the South. From L-R: Mark Schmidt, Andy Tood (Richmond), Rich Green (Chapel Hill), Rem Reynolds, Peter McGuone, Greg Archer (Chapel Hill), Steve Gareleck, Forest Butler (Winston Salem), Jay Bailey & Peter Lauer. Great fun and terrific competition. Next year's event is in Philadelphia.

Sandy Springs wins the PPL Cup

2009-03-01T13:06:00.002-05:00

Cherokee again hosted the 4th Annual Peachtree Paddle League Championship on February 28th. Six teams competed (Ansley, Druid Hills, PDC and Cherokee, plus expansion teams Capital City and Sandy Springs) for the perpetual cup which is a highlight of the platform tennis season which runs from November to March. Erik Becker, tournament director and Cherokee team captain remarked “it’s a great day when 64 players, both men and women, come out for a full day of friendly competition and great socializing, which is a hallmark of the sport of platform tennis and our new venue at the Town Club makes it all possible”. The new Sandy Springs team took the cup away from Druid Hills, who has won the last 2 years in a row. If you haven’t tried Platform Tennis, do come play – you’ll love it.

Eddie Gonzalez plays Paddle!

2009-02-07T14:01:00.002-05:00

The PPL paparazzi spotted Eddie Gonzalez, his wife Jennifer and their 2 kids out playing paddle at GPC...this sport is generating great buzz amongst the Atlanta tennis community. Pro-League folks coming out to Cherokee Friday night Feb 27th for some paddle!

Bailey-Lauer defend their title - 4th Annual PI

2009-01-26T17:48:00.008-05:00

Defending Champions Jay Bailey and Peter Lauer again took the title in the 4th Annual Peachtree Invitational tournament, Jan 17 & 18. 26 teams and 7 players from out of state competed in what was for the first time a National Ranking tournament within the APTA ranking system. John Winter and Berni Staub were the runners up in a 6-2, 6-1 match. For complete draw results see the PPL homepage. Special thanks to Catherine Foley for a marvelous job of tournament director.

Saturday night's party was again a huge hit, with some 80 guests including spouses and sponsors enjoying themselves until nearly midnight at the Lauer's home. The sponsor's prize raffle was again the highlight of the evening thanks to the generous donations from Wilson, Mori, PIAS and others.

Exhibition a HUGE HIT!

2008-11-13T16:21:00.004-05:00

150 people came out to watch National Champions Brian Uihlein & Scott Mansager show their magic on the platform courts at Cherokee Town Club November 1st. Co-hosted by the PPL & Wilson, the event was a smash hit and competed well against college football games that day. There was also a special "teach the teachers" session for local pros who are preparing to offer platform tennis lessons to players. The event was a great way to kick-off the season, which begins November 10th and runs through February. Mark Fischl, President of the APTA who came down for the event remarked "I love coming to Atlanta to see such an active and inspired group of players and organizers - this is a great growth opportunity for the sport and the APTA is committed to helping wherever needed" - nice job!

Dawn of Paddle - Video & Party - Oct 10th Whale Bar

2008-10-07T10:40:00.004-04:00

Andre Janasik & Paul Mancini star in the "Dawn of Paddle" video to promote the sport to tennis players & invite players to the Whale Bar party at GPC in Sandy Springs on Oct 10th - 6pm - see PPL website for directions (peachtreepaddle.org)

Video here: http://www.platformtennis.org/videos/Dawn_of_Paddle.htm

National Champs coming to Atlanta for Exhibition Nov 1st

2008-09-02T11:12:00.006-04:00

Brian Uihlein (red shirt), current & twice National Platform Tennis Champion, and Scott Mansager (grey vest), runner-up and 6 time champ, to conduct an exhibition and clinic at the new Cherokee Town Club paddle venue - Saturday Nov 1st 2008 (1-5pm)

With 2 other teaching pros from Chicago, plus the President of the APTA, Mark Fischl from Long Island, the group will conduct a day of playing, teaching and fun. Many say Brian is the most uniquely gifted player to ever play the sport, with an amazing array of shot making & spin control, Brian will dazzle the crowd.

Wilson prize raffles & beer on tap. Come see what all the buzz is about.

Andre Janasik catches the Paddle Tennis fever

2008-05-21T10:38:00.004-04:00

Legendary Atlanta tennis star Andre Janasik plays Platform Tennis and quickly catches the fever, that so many other great tennis players around Atlanta have experienced - watch Andre's comments about paddle tennis on video:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1446831394/
bclid1446813022/bctid1446813020

National Champs to do Atlanta Exhibition - Nov 1st '08

2008-05-21T07:36:00.003-04:00

We've confirmed that Uihlein & Keevins will be coming to Cherokee Town Club in Atlanta for an Exhibition & Clinic on Saturday November 1'st - Peachtree Paddle League members and other VIPs will be invited to this great event - see the most amazing shot making by these 2 time National Champions. For more information and the rest of the '08/'09 PPL scheduled, visit the web site: www.peachtreepaddle.org

End of Season Survey Results

2008-04-30T10:07:00.003-04:00

Many thanks to the 100+ players who completed the survey - this helps us drive next year's program - see the results: www.peachtreepaddle.org

Uihlein & Keevins Win the Nationals (again)

2008-03-17T13:28:00.003-04:00

Brian Uihlein and David Keevins of Chicago defended their 2006 Platform Tennis Nationals win by beating 6 time champions Flip Goodspeed and Scott Mansager. The 128 draw event was held March 15 & 16 in snowy Rochester, NY with 7 players from Atlanta competing in this fantastic event. Brian is the brother of our very own Freddy (Uihlein) Goldenberg of Atlanta - the leader of the Women's Peachtree Paddle League and new member of Cherokee. Stay tuned for an Atlanta Platform Tennis video that Rem Reynolds is spearheading. More details on the APTA website - click on their logo from the main PPL site.

The South Wins 5 Matches at President's Cup

2008-03-17T13:17:00.003-04:00

Region VII - The South - took 5 of 26 matches at this year's President's Cup in Rochester, NY March 14th - Atlanta fielded 6 of the 10 players on the PC squad. L-R in the photo are Mark Schmidt (Atl), Andy Todd (Richmond), Rem Reynolds (Atl), Tim Sullivan (Atl), Steve Gareleck (Atl), Greg Archer (Chapel Hill), Rich Green (CH), Peter Lauer (Atl) and Jay Bailey (Atl). Though still a losing record for this National round robin event, the southern squad was playing against the best teams from across the country - the prior 2 years, the South only won one match each year - so 5 wins is a great improvement! Excellent event - 5 matches in 1 day - fitness matters - everyone should seek to qualify next year.

The Winners - DHGC

2008-03-03T14:13:00.000-05:00

Druid Hills Wins the PPL Cup (again)

2008-03-02T19:47:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the DHGC team, captained by Neil Dobbs, who defended the PPL Cup, this year by a wide margin. As well, they were the only team to field a full line-up of 18 different players. The Finale was an excellent day - 36 matches, all at the new Cherokee Venue - with lunch & 1 1/2 kegs of beer - great event - thanks to Erik Becker & John Nicholas of CTC for organizing! Next up - the nationals March 14th in Rochester.

Plans Set for the Grand Finale - March 1st at CTC

2008-02-27T08:57:00.002-05:00

A record shattering 36 teams from all 4 clubs will compete for the Peachtree Paddle Cup on Saturday March 1st at the new Cherokee padddle venue. The format, running all day on Saturday, will be a ladder event with the #1 teams playing each other, #2 teams, etc. The winner will be the team earning the most points across the day. Last year the Cup was won by Druid Hills and in 2006, Ansley took the prize. All League members and their families are invited to come watch, with a keg & lunch served. Should be great.

Late Breaking Industry News - Prince to Acquire Viking

2008-02-27T08:46:00.005-05:00

In news that should be good for the sport, giant Prince, the NJ based maker of all kinds of racquet sport equipment, will acquire Viking (Long Island, NY) the leader in platform tennis racquets & balls. As a result, two giants (Wilson & Prince) will compete to supply high quality products and services for the great sport of platform tennis.

Clear & Cold for the Finals - Bailey/Lauer Defend

2008-01-25T14:51:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, the weather cleared but never crossed 24 - 50 spectators braved the cold to watch Jay Bailey & Peter Lauer of Atlanta prevail over J. Laschinger (Atlanta) and Jack Sutherland (Long Island) 6-4, 6-4. All of the rescheduled matches from saturday were played & lot's of nice prizes courtesy of Mori Luggage were awarded - great great job by our Tournament Director, Jennifer Hayes, and Beth Clay (Director of Racquet Sports at Cherokee). Carlos Engel & Mark Schmidt won the 3rd place playoff, defeating John Winter & Berni Staub in 3 sets.

Party On!

2008-01-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

The Peachtree Invitational in the Snow at the CTC venue

2008-01-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

How incredibly fitting - we finish the courts Friday night & on opening day and the start of the tournament, we get a snow storm - Jennifer Hayes, our tournament director did a superb job of running the event & responding to court closings and the many other related problems.

Finishing the Cherokee Courts in the Nick of Time

2008-01-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

Friday night before the tournament, the crew finished the new Cherokee paddle venue - great work by the team.

Paddle is an All Weather Sport - even in Atlanta!

2008-01-17T16:20:00.000-05:00

T minus 3 days & looking good at CTC - in the snow

2008-01-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Working hard to be ready for the PI

2008-01-13T11:51:00.001-05:00

Court construction at Cherokee is progressing quickly & should be ready in time for the 3rd Annual Peachtree Invitational Jan 19/20

Steve Throws a Bash for Rem & Christens the GPC Court

2007-12-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

To celebrate Rem's 40th, the partners threw a big bash at Steve's house Friday night - the party also marked the christening of GPC - (Gareleck's Private Court) - which will be a fantastic venue for PPL matches throughout the season - come check it out!

GPC - Nearing Completion & It is Fantastic!

2007-12-07T00:08:00.000-05:00

Steve Gareleck's new court, nicknamed GPC, should be finished by this weekend, and ready for League play on Monday Dec 10th. Wait till you visit the whale bar upstairs.

Ansley Upgrades & the Court Looks Great

2007-12-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

John Moneypenny, Peter Walsh & Dick Eydt, play their 1st match on the newly refurbished Ansley court - tightened & coated screens, painted superstructure & new doors. It looks and plays much better - our thanks to Ansley Golf Club & their continued hospitality to the PPL.

LEAGUE BEGINS MONDAY - Court Construction Progresses - Here's what they will look like

2007-11-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Proud Sponsors & Players in the PPL

2007-11-04T18:35:00.000-05:00

Bill Barney of Play it Again Sports of Buckhead on Roswell Rd. and Rob Taylor of Taylor Consulting sport the PPL Cherokee hat from last season. The 2 were gathered at the Town Club for a Pro-Am, which included quite a few Pros who are big paddle fans - Berni Staub (also a sponsor), John Winter, Michael Rollauer & Mark Avedikian were all there for this great annual event at Cherokee - they toured the court construction site & remarked that they are "ready to play paddle".

The League Crosses - 170 Players & Construction Progresses @ Cherokee

2007-10-29T05:22:00.000-04:00

The Retaining Walls @ Cherokee Begin, meanwhile 136 players have signed up for the League!

2007-10-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

Construction begins @ Steve Gareleck's Court in Sandy Springs

2007-10-16T23:01:00.000-04:00

League member & sponsor Steve Gareleck (partnerTEL) reports construction progressing nicely at his home in Sandy Springs. The footings have been poured for the court and a viewing deck & bar at the guest house is underway. Steve expects completion by Thanksgiving and easily in time for the season. He'll host saturday morning matches at his court throughout the season. Go Steve!

Excavation Nears Completion @ Cherokee for Courts

2007-10-11T21:02:00.000-04:00

The next phase of construction for the 2 paddle courts will be the retaining walls, which will double as viewing bleachers for the courts. Premier Platform Tennis will be the court builder.

Construction Continues @ Cherokee

2007-09-26T16:14:00.001-04:00

87 Players Already Registered for the League

2007-09-26T16:08:00.000-04:00

The tally of players for the '07/'08 PPL season has risen to 87. The League includes everyone from beginners in the sport to veterans, and novice tennis players to AA-1 caliber stars including Andre (the GIANT) Janasik.

If you haven't already, sign up now:

http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=JOTMIZNCRFTDHPHMNLPO

Or go to www.peachtreepaddle.org

Platform Tennis Court Construction begins at Cherokee

2007-09-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

Cherokee Town & Country Club broke ground on 2 new Platform Tennis Courts the week of 9/10/07 - should be ready before Thanksgiving and in time for the '07 / '08 Peachtree Paddle League season. Tuesday nights will be League night at Cherokee!

Bailey & Lauer defend their Peachtree Invitational Title

2007-02-28T19:41:00.000-05:00

Jay Bailey & Peter Lauer successfully defended their Peachtree Invitational title for this, the 2nd annual regional paddle tournament in Atlanta on January 14th. Playing to some 50 spectators on a beautiful sunday afternoon, they edged past Mark Schmidt & Carlos Engel 6-2, 6-4. This year's tournament, oversubscribed with 19 teams for a 16 team draw, had excellent competition from Atlanta & beyond. The event featured players from Boston, New Jersey, Cleveland, Charlottesville and Philadelphia.

Most apparent in this, our second year, was how improved the level of play was from last year, as well as the addition of several hot AA tennis players to the draw. New entrants this year included Paul Mancini, Robby Weiss and Dennis Fine plus returning tennis stars Ellis Ferreira, Carlos Engel, Michael Rollauer, Mark Avedikian, Berni Staub and Todd Assini. Clearly the sport of Platform Tennis is catching on with the tennis players around the city.

Courtesy of Mori Luggage & Gifts, there were prizes to go around in this triple elimination event, that also featured a great party at Peter Lauer's house and raffle prizes gallore from sponsors including Wilson, Ferreira Tennis, Play it Again Sports of Buckhead, Georgia Commerce Bank & Uline Packaging.

Tournament Director Peter Lauer remarked "this tournament is a hit, and has created National Buzz in Platform Tennis circles. We hope next year to expand to a 32 team tournament if we succeed in building 2 courts at Cherokee Town Club...the demand & interest is clearly there".

Druid Hills Wins the 2nd Annual PPL Cup

2007-02-28T18:09:00.000-05:00

The 2nd Annual Peachtree Paddle League Cup was awarded to Druid Hills late Saturday afternoon on the 24th of February, in what could not have been a closer & more exciting finale. 50 players competed for their teams in 16 matches - the outcome came down to the last match at Ansley.

A point was awarded for each set won, plus another point for winning the match. The final team scores for the event were:

- Druid Hills 15
- Driving Club 14
- Cherokee 13
- Ansley 12

The perpetual cup, will reside for the next year at Druid Hills under the care of their captain and star player, Jay Bailey. We'd like to thank all the players who competed, the fans who came out to watch, and each of the captains for their leadership throughout the season.

We'd also like to thank our generous and loyal sponsors, for it is their support that makes this League something special.

Georgia Commerce Bank
Premier Platform Tennis
Uline Packaging
Play it Again Sports of Buckhead
Taylor Consulting
Mori Luggage & Gifts
Wilson
Ferreira Tennis
Endos Promo
American Platform Tennis Association

On another note, 3 teams from Atlanta will represent the Southern Region of the American Platform Tennis Association, for the annual Presidents Cup in NYC on Friday March 23rd.

1. Bailey/Lauer
2. Laschinger/Staub
3. Engel/Schmidt
4. Bowen/Tulenko
5. Galloway/Brown

Each region sends 5 teams to the event, which is structured as a round robin, with all #1 teams from each region playing each other, all #2’s and so on. Wish our players luck.

Brian Uihlein & Team Wow the Crowd in Atlanta

2006-12-04T09:17:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Rod Workman, Mike Marino, Brian Uihlein, Mike Rahaley, and Peter Lauer

The Peachtree Paddle League’s second season got off to a BLOCKBUSTER start with an Exhibition November 11th at the Piedmont Driving Club. With some 70 League Players on hand, National Champion Brian Uihlein, together with Mike Marino, Mike Rahaley and Rod Workman, all of Chicago, put on a great show of intensive play coupled with a hands (or paddles) on skills clinic. Between Brian’s dazzling spin shots and Rod’s light and lively teaching, the Peachtree Paddle crowd was delighted. The event attracted some of Atlanta’s finest tennis players, many with former world tennis rankings, including Paul Mancini & Carlos Engel.

Platform Tennis is catching hold in Atlanta, with 135 players signed up for this year’s League play, up by 40 from last season. This year, players will schedule their matches on line by way of the new League website (www.peachtreepaddle.org) built by Amixa of Pittsburgh, PA. Atlanta will once again play host to the Peachtree Invitational Tournament January 13 & 14, a 16 draw tournament with defending champions Jay Bailey and Peter Lauer once again teamed. Out of town talent most welcome! New this year is the Peachtree Paddle Women’s League, co-organized by long time paddle talent & enthusiast, Christine Ford, formerly of Pittsburgh, Freddy Uihlein-Goldenberg (yes that’s right, Brian’s sister), and newcomer to the game, Elizabeth Whigham-Sharpton of Cherokee Town & Country Club.

Peachtree Paddle Founder & Director, Peter Lauer remarked as to Atlanta Paddle: “The potential here feels infinite and the early enthusiasm is terrific. We have 10 great sponsors, and many of the very best tennis players in the city now playing the game and loving it. Couple that with lot’s of yankee transplants (like me) and it is a powerful mix. Our problem has been lack of courts, but if all goes as planned, we’ll triple our capacity by next season from 2 to 6 courts, which will enable exponential growth. The snowball is rolling and in fact, I predict, someday we’ll hold the Nationals in Atlanta”.

Peachtree Paddle Has New Web Site

2006-11-29T07:59:00.000-05:00

Atlanta has a new, dedicated, full-service Web site for its platform tennis community and league: www.peachtreepaddle.org.

This Peachtree Paddle Blog will remain online for a while to post news and photos.

You may also wish to bookmark the southern platform tennis blog to keep up with the latest news and developments in APTA Region VII: www.platformtennissouth.blogspot.com