Welcome to the first installment of “Paddle Chatter!” We will try to share some of the goings on within our community monthly, to further our mission statement! Please share and encourage others become an associate as we work to build our organization to better represent the River Forest paddle community.
Men’s House League: Commissioner Ted Perlstein is working with RFPD to recognize winning teams with some type of award. 110 players are participating. Thanks to Ted and the 8 captains, the League continues to automate and thrive.
Women’s Day Time Travel League: This is our inaugural season for Women’s Day Time Travel, and we are off to a good start. MaryRose Smith is captaining a talented group of RFPD women who are providing strong competition for Series 9 in the Southwest League. In addition, we have a group of RF women who are splitting the roster with Hinsdale Paddle Club in the Northshore League. The RF/Hinsdale Team finished second in their series in December and moved from Series 4 to Series 3 for the second half of the season. We will be looking for more women to fill additional travel teams in the 2022-2023 season!
Women’s Evening Travel League: Monday night women’s travel is a huge success, with Amy Paris putting together weekly competitive matches at various clubs across the southwest suburbs. This is the third season for this Intermediate to Advanced Level evening league.
Women’s House League: This league does not currently have a representative from the Paddle community. Please contact kittybingham@hotmail.com if you would like to get involved in representing the the Women’s House League for the RFPTA.
Men’s Travel League: Through 14 weeks, two of our 8 Travel teams are standing out this season. Captain Josh Hinterlong’s squad is averaging 9.4 pts/week (out of a possible 12 points). Chris Prouty’s band of brothers is earning 8.5 pts/week. Both teams could finish first in their Series. Prouty claims his weekly motivational speeches are the key to his team’s success. Playoffs will begin March 8th. We will have teams that will earn home court advantage. Come out and cheer them on.
Lessons: If you’re looking to up your game, this link lists instruction options in the area. https://rfpta.org/lessons/ Look for an announcement from RFPD regarding a new teaching pro. Our current pro (Laura) will be available at Keystone through mid March.
RF Park District Platform Tennis Program Committee: The members of this committee have an opportunity to participate with the Park District to help shape and grow the program. RFPD will post revised descriptions and request applicants for open positions April 1. Current volunteers on the committee:
Men’s Travel: John Hubert. Term expires April 30, 2022
Women’s Travel: Amy Paris. Term expires April 30, 2022
Men’s House: Ted Perlstein. Term expires April 30, 2023
Women’s House: Vacant. Term expires April 30, 2023
RFPTA Paddle Committee Chairs: The purpose of our committees is to gather paddle community input, coordinate events, and relay information to the RFPD when decisions are being made that impact our leagues, events, lessons, etc. Matt Schuler has volunteered to lead the Men’s Travel League Committee. Amy Paris has volunteered to lead the Women’s Travel League Committee. If you are interested in leading one of the remaining committees, please reach out to kittybingham@hotmail.com. Women’s House League, Adult Social Events, Youth/Young Adult Activities, Skills/Drills, Fundraising, Marketing/Outreach, Webmaster. For those who expressed interest in joining a committee, your name has been/will be forwarded to the committee chairs.
RFPTA Officer Elections: Each April, RFPTA Officer elections occur. If you are interested in becoming an officer, please send a note to art.soudek@gmail.com. Your name will be passed on to the Nominating Committee. For more info on the officer positions and process, go to our By-Laws https://rfpta.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/RFPTA-By-Laws.pdf
What Did We Miss? Let us know what else you want RFPTA to focus on. Check out the website for additional news, paddle related classified ads, and other information pertaining to paddle.
River Forest Platform Tennis Association (RFPTA)
Mission Statement: To nurture, support, and grow the sport of platform tennis for players of all ages, skill levels, and genders in River Forest and surrounding communities.