2018-19 Winter
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Jason GrayThe 2018-19 season saw the passing of former Four Bridges & Beckett Ridge racquets professional Jason Gray. Gray was an avid promoter of platform tennis and was the driving force behind several of Cincinnati's most memorable events. His "Battle at Beckett" featured grand slam champion tennis players Luke & Murphy Jensen battling reigning national platform tennis champions Dave Ohlmuller & Chris Gambino. The following year he coordinated "Battle of the Paddles" with Scott Freedman, a 19-time national paddle tennis champion (the Venice Beach version), playing against national champions Bill Anderson & Flip Goodspeed. Jason spent 13 years at Four Bridges Country Club and three more at Beckett Ridge Country Club. His efforts to promote the sport benefitted all who participate. His passion, energy and positivity will be missed.
Success Outside of the LeagueThe following are some notable local, regional and national accomplishments by Platform Tennis League players during the 2018-19 season:
Tyler Fraser and Rob Bakker finished the season in the top 10 of the APTA national rankings. The highlight was reaching the semifinals of the Midwesterns. Fraser also won the Pittsburgh National Ranking Tournament with Scott Kahler. Wil Lofgren reached the finals of the Milwaukee National Ranking Tournament with Jeronie Barnes. Lofgren teamed with Matt Allare to win the Hertzel Cup City Open Championship. Eric Toth and Evan Webeler reached the final of the Hertzel Cup City Open Championship. |