Long Island Platform Tennis Association

12 & U Semifinalists- L-R Finalists- Danny Sparacino and Willie Brosnan, and Eddie Blatz and Andrew Calabro

VIKING JUNIOR TOUR

December 16, 2006

On Saturday, December 16, the Long Island Platform Tennis Association ("LIPTA") hosted its 4th Annual Viking Junior Tour tournament at the Garden City Country Club, the Cherry Valley Club and the Garden City Community Park. With Christmas only a week away, the children received a surprise early morning visit from that jolly old Nordic man with rosy cheeks and a little round belly - that's right, David Kjeldsen, founder and chairman of Viking Athletics, was there to provide his support, wearing his trademark "horns"! LIPTA is grateful to Viking Athletics for its sponsorship of the Viking Junior Tour, and for providing the children with a memorable platform tennis experience (and great favors). Among the four age divisions, we had thirty-nine (39) teams participating (78 kids!), and countless parents and grandparents cheering. The level of paddle was extraordinary, the good sportsmanship was commendable, and the smiles were constant! John Cerga, Alex Bancila and Steve Bromley, the Directors of Racquet Sports at the Garden City Country Club, Cherry Valley Club and Port Washington Yacht Club, respectively, volunteered their time and helped make it a memorable day for the players. Additional thanks to Mike Sparacino for his behind the scenes work with the program and drawsheets, and to Gerard Smith (who struggled managing the 4 teams in the 10 and Under draw!), Ed Blatz and Lou Croce for their help throughout the day. We expect to have even more teams next year, so sign up early! The Champions and Finalists were as follows:

Champion Gerard Smith Jr., who won the Smith family's first paddle trophy!!

10 & Under Division

Champions:Bobby Clarke (Garden City, NY) and Gerard Smith (Garden City, NY)

Finalists:Mark De Santis (Garden City, NY) and Timothy Feyrer (Garden City, NY)

12 & Under Division

Champions:Tyler Kratky (Greenwich, CT) and C.J. Purse (Greenwich, CT)

Finalists:Willie Brosnan (Garden City, NY) and Danny Sparacino (Garden City, NY)

18 & U- L-R, Champions Jay Schwab and Cole Barris, and Finalists Chris Kelley and Hallet Nichol

14 & Under Division

Champions:Christopher Brosnan (Garden City, NY) and Patrick Brosnan (Garden City, NY)

Finalists:Jack Mara (Garden City, NY) and Alex Morris (Garden City, NY)

18 & Under Division

Champions:Cole Barris (Scarsdale, NY) and Jay Schwab (Scarsdale, NY)

Finalists:Chris Kelley (Wilton, CT) and Hallet Nichol (Wilton, CT)

12 & U Group All Participants 12 & U Group 10 & U- Finalists Mark DeSantis and Tim Feyrer and Champions Gerard Smith and Bobby Clarke 12 & U Semifinalists- Eddie Blatz, Andrew Calabro, Tyler Kratky, C.J. Purse, Nick Melittas, Jack Stiuso, Danny Sparacino and Willie Brosnan 12 & U Semifinalists- L-R Nick Melittas and Jack Stiuso, and Champions Tyler Kratky and C.J. Purse 14 & Under Champions Patrick Brosnan and Chris Brosnan, and Finalists Jack Mara and Alex Morris