NPA

(INDOOR / FOUR-WALL) National Paddleball Association

WWW.PADDLEBALL.ORG

NPA, 7642 Kingston, Portage, Mich. 49002

NEWSLETTER / SPRING 2012-2013

Paddleballers from the Kalamazoo area gather to show off their trophies at a tournament in 1983 in Midland, Mich. All were a big part of the PB scene in the 1980s and 1990s and some into the 21st century. They are (from left) Joe Emaar, Doug Greene, George Hobbs, Andy Mitchell, Andy Kasalo, Jeff Burkham, Dean Pennala, Brad Ex and Bill Farmer.

All hail Kalamazoo, Michigan!

By JIM OWENS
The hosting area of the 2013 NPA Midwest Singles Championships -- Kalamazoo, Mich. -- has certainly been one of the largest stables of tournament players for years. Lou Giampetroni, our newsletter editor and our most dependable source for paddleball history, ranks the area as the No.1 source of tournament players over the years. I believe the area owns more national championships in NPA history than any other area in the country. Ed Maher credits the Otto League with Kalamazoos success in doubles, along with the influence of the best doubles team ever (Andy Kasalo and Andy Mitchell).

Please see HAIL on Page 3

Six have won both NPA major awards

The National Paddleball Association awards two major trophies at the end of each season. They are the Earl Riskey Memorial Trophy and the Sportsmanship Trophy. The Riskey is awarded in honor of the founder of the great game of paddleball to the person who has contributed most to the sport. The Sportsmanship Trophy is given annually to the person who most represents the American ideal of good sportsmanship under extreme competitive conditions. Only six players have received both trophies in the nearly 50 years since the first was awarded in 1968. They are: Randy Wackerle, Jim Owens, Mark Smith, Randy Hoyle, Mike Cooperstock and Lou Giampetroni. Riskey: Wackerle Owens Smith Hoyle Giampetroni Cooperstock 1982 1989 1992 1987 1978 1996 Sportsmanship: 1981 1985 1997 1998 2010 1977 1991

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Lorri Brigham Two Riskey Awards

Owens is the only player to have won the Sportsmanship Trophy twice -- in 1985 and 25 years later in 2010. Lorri Brigham, the NPA secretary-treasurer, has the distinction of being the only person to win the Riskey twice, in 1986 and 2005.

Jim Owens Two Sportsmanships

Andrew Price grabs Midwest Singles crown

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Andrew Price of Freeland, Mich., won the NPAs Midwest Singles Championship on Jan. 20, 2013, at the Bronson Athletic Club. Andrew was impressive throughout the tournament, displaying considerable skill and speed. He defeated another fine young player, Kevin McLaughlin, of Kalamazoo, in an exciting open final, 21-10, 21-14. When asked to comment on the match, Kevin noted: Andrew played a great match and employed an effective mix of crisp kills and pass Andrew Price shots. His speed and power Andrew is sponsored by make him a tough competitor Ektelon as a racquetballer and and his game seems to still be his victory was featured on the improving. Hes fun to play firms Facebook page. against. -- JIM OWENS

MIDWEST SINGLES RESULTS OPEN: Andrew Price def. Kevin McLaughlin, 21-10, 21-14. MENS A (Dropdown from Open): Mike Wisniewski def. Joe Baldori, 21-17, 21-18. MENS B: Chad Krager (lefthanded) def. Matt Kollig, 19-21, 21-18, 21-17; third, Ron Harris. MENS C: Jim Price def. Adam Koehler, 21-16, 21-8. MASTERS: Andy Mitchell def. Robert Stone, injury forfeit. GOLDEN MASTERS: Andy Mitchell def. Jim Owens, 21-15, 21-6; third, Jim Swendris. GOLDEN B (dropdown): Jared Arnold won by no-show forfeit. SAGINAW FUN DOUBLES (Saginaw, Mich. YMCA) Jan. 26, 2013 Teams were divided into two divisions: A and B. Mike Wisniewski and Jim Richter teamed to win the A group. Ron Malecki and Greg Keenan were second. Jim Howland and Keith Thurlow won the B division. Jim Price and Jody Henning were second.

HAIL

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Continued from Page 1

Steve Otto Dinges started the league in the early 80s; it has provided area players with competitive matches for nearly thirty years. The annual Kalamazoo

summertime grab-bag doubles tournament and pig roast will mark its 37th year this summer. The Pig Roast and Human Sacrifice is one of a kind and consistently a good time. You never know beforehand who your partner is until the tournament starts. Otto and JR (Andy Kasalo) start cooking the pig in the early morning. The delicious results are served late afternoon. Paddleball players and others arrive at varying times in the afternoon and evening. The Woody is awarded to a player who has demonstrated a zest for life. The Honoree or the Human Sacrifice -- in addition to having his or her caricature pictured on shirts given to tournament participants -- must eat the eye of the pig. The Kalamazoo area has contributed a great deal to the running of the National Paddleball Association. Currently, three key members of the NPA Board of Managers are from the area -- Andy Mitchell, Ed Maher and Lorri Brigham. Each has been a recipient of the Earl Riskey Memorial Trophy for their contributions to the sport. Andy Mitchell, NPA regional representative and 1997 Riskey Award winner, has been a fixture at NPA tournaments since the mid-1970s. He has amassed the most national titles in the history of the game. I counted 38 -- 3 open singles, 20 open doubles, 1 senior singles, 2 senior doubles, 5 masters singles, 5 masters doubles, 1 golden masters singles, 1 golden masters doubles. Of the 20 open titles Mitchell and partner Andy Kasalo claimed, 15 were consecutive. Mitchell is still a force in any division he enters. He continues to be an active board member; being involved in all of the major policy decisions of the day. The 1998 Riskey winner, Ed Maher, serves as our Web-master, chairman of the Otto League, and as a vice president of the NPA. Ed put us on the

web in 1997 and has kept it updated since. www.paddleball.org is now an integral part of the NPA. We rely on it for tournament information, schedules and entries, newsletters, approval of paddles, rules, buying of balls, a list of places to play, announcements, links, and more. This summer, Ed put the NPA on Facebook. Ed has been the chairman of the Otto League since 2001, preceded by Steve Dinges and Matt Kollig. He is a very competitive player locally and in NPA tournament, in addition to being a major contributor to the local and national paddleball organizations. He has claimed 2 national titles. Andy Mitchell and Ed are the reigning Masters Doubles Champions. Lou Giampetroni sums up Lorris contributions to our sport -- I hate to think about the NPA without Lorri. Of course, there are others who have contributed -- but shes the key. If you are at all aware of the NPA, you know Lou hit the nail on the head. She is the only person to date to receive the Earl Riskey award twice: 1986 and 2005. I heard a player once say that she should win it every year. Lorri, who has not played paddleball in years and does not get paid, keeps it going for the rest of us. The NPA is clearly a labor of love for Lorri. We all owe our vice-president/ treasurer/tournament director an immense debt of gratitude. Three years ago, the board of managers changed the name of the Fall Doubles Tournament to the Lorri Brigham Classic. This, the Earl Riskey Awards and other gestures reflect how much we value her efforts.

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Maxs example highlighted PB

Mordechai E. Kreinin was a pretty good paddleball player (he was known as Max to most of us). The E. Lansing, Mich., resident, an expert on economics, was a faculty member at Michigan State University. He was one of the hundreds of players who played shortly after the reorganization of the NPA in the late 1970s. He usually played with Champs Todd Entrikin (left) and Mike Orr. Lou Hekhuis, the long-time Entrikin, Orr grab West Coast title president of the NPA. Kreinin had one nadown teams, we had the A Todd Entrikin and Mike tional masters doubles title to division final, with the top pointOrr won the 2013 West Coast his credit (1986) and several Doubles Championship on Febru- getters out of that group. lesser wins, usually with Other winners: ary 2 at the Sorrento Valley Hekhuis. A division -- Peter Fitness Center in San Diego. Callstrom-Steve Price def. Joe Entrikin-Orr defeated With his Aaron Embry and Kevin Williams Ski-Dave Ratynski. Upper B -- Greg Childs- PB backin the open final. ground, Jeff Thon def. Dan TrubovitzWe had an Open/A Kreinin used Greg Swanson. division with nine teams playing Lower B -- Ryan Hase- an example in a round-robin, said Jimmy Mike Trent def. Len Sonnenberg- involving the Coggburn, Sorrento Valley sport in an Bruce Beare. manager. economic C division -- Jeff Then by point totals, we Kreinin had a one-game final between the Janovetz-Carlos Contreras def. text he Aaron Embry (left-handed) and wrote. It concerned supply top teams in each flight. and read: Andy Tabar. Then from the dropThe following experiment may be useful in generating a supply schedule. Assume that this class 2013 Midwest Doubles Results consists of 500 students. Your OPEN: Andrew Price-Chad Krager def. Andy instructor is about to particiMitchell-Kevin McLaughlin, 21-17, 18-21, 21-17. pate in a paddleball tournament MENS A: Eugene Rush-Kevin McLaughlin def. and is in need of cheerleaders. Ron Glosser-Pete Ruhala, 10-21, 21-20, 21-17; 3rd, If the instructor offers Paul Sylvester-Don Kirkconnell. an A grade for each student MENS B: Ron Harris-Matt Kollig def. Jared who comes to cheer, there Arnold-Scott Schrum, 21-13, 21-6; 3rd, Bret Miteawould undoubtedly be 500 Paul Toth. volunteers. MASTERS: Andy Mitchell-Pete Ruhala def. Jim Then, using lesser Swendris-Scott Lawrence, 21-13, 21-5; 3rd, Ron grade possibilities, Kreinin said Harris-Greg Keenan. there would be fewer volunGOLDEN MASTERS: Sandy DeGreif-Ron teers. Malecki def. Jim Swendris-Jim Owens, 21-12, 17-21, In his usual dry style, 21-12; 3rd, Jim Howland-Steve Fleckenstein. Kreinin said: A bunch of MIXED: Natalie Gilbert-Andrew Price def. Judy people said they liked the Shirley-Jim Owens, 21-19, 21-18. example but they all said: What is paddleball? -- LOU GIAMPETRONI

Andrew Price, Krager capture Midwest Doubles title in barnburner over Mitchell-McLaughlin

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By LOU GIAMPETRONI Andrew Price and Chad Krager won the 2013 NPA Midwest Doubles Championship February 10 at the Michigan Athletic Club in E. Lansing, Mich. But it wasnt easy. They managed to survive in a humdinger of a match over Andy Mitchell and Kevin McLaughlin, 21-17, 18-21, 21-17. Price, 21, of Freeland, Mich., who is sponsored by Ektelon as a racquetballer, hammers the paddleball in the style of the hardest hitters in the game. He reminds one of Steve Wilson, the four-time NPA national singles champion of Champions Chad Krager (left) and Andrew Price the early 1980s. Wilson, of Flint, Mich., hit the ball hard shot when Mitchell-McLaughlin of Kalamazoo, Mich., kept the ball away from the youngster. ALL the time. Every shot. So does Price. The game was similar to the first with PriceMitchell, generally considered the best Krager taking a lead and hanging on to comfortably doubles player in the history of the sport, was notch the victory. the old timer in the foursome at 59. He and Said Krager: Andrew was on fire. McLaughlin switched sides throughout the Said Price in an E-mail: Our strategy ... match. Mitchell held his own against the was to get Mitchell tired. Also, the way Chad and I booming shots of Price most of the time. play together is Chad making great defensive shots But every once in a while, he had difficulty handling them. So did McLaughlin, Price also found time to win the Midwest who is 29. In a match like that, just a few Mixed Doubles title with Natalie Gilbert of handcuffers can mean the difference. Saginaw, Mich. They topped Judy Shirley and Price-Krager controlled the first game and little by little eked out a win. But Mitchell- Jim Owens, of the Ann Arbor, Mich., area, 2119, 21-18. McLaughlin got going in the second and had leads of 7-3, 11-4, 14-4 and 17-7. Mitchelland myself shooting every ball I can. We are a great McLaughlin won it although Price-Krager team. made a strong bid near the end and narrowed Price thanked his sponsor, Ektelon, for its the margin. support and everyone else that has supported me Krager, of Bay City, Mich., played the throughout the years in both sports; paddleball and right side and occasionally was content to let racquetball have made me the person I am today. Price come across behind him and take the He also gave credit to his father, Fred Price, for teaching everything I know about both racquetball and paddleball. Price was asked which he prefers. I would normally say that I like racquetball more but the more I play paddles the more it grows on me, he said. I really like how in paddleball there is more strategy to it than racquetball; kind of like a game of chess whereas in racquets its shorter rallies and all about the serve. How does Price hit the ball so hard? Hitting the ball hard is something I learned Andy Mitchell (left) and Kevin McLaughlin from racquets and having good form helps too.

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Chicago area to showcase NPAs best singles players

By JIM OWENS The 2013 National Paddleball Association National Singles Championships will be held in Lombard, Illinois, March 2nd and 3rd, at Glass Court Swim and Fitness. The Glass Court is a full-service athletic facility with eight courts and a bar; housing the only three-wall glass court in the state of Illinois. The website is: www.glasscourt.com This will be the first NPA tournament at the Glass Court and the fourth national NPA tournament in the Chicago area (Chicagoland). Additionally, Chicagoland has hosted a number of Midwest Championships and 15 consecutive annual three-wall outdoor tournaments. When summer nears each year, I look forward to traveling to Chicagoland and playing marathon paddleball in the grab bag-formatted three-wall outdoor tournament. I encourage you to give it a try, if you havent already. The primary force behind Chicagoland paddleball is, without question, Dennis Negrete. The NPA awarded Denny the 2002 Earl Riskey Award for his considerable contributions. He has served on the NPA Board of Managers for several years, is currently a regional representative for the Chicago area, and promotes paddleball whenever he can. Negrete is a formidable left-sided doubles player with an explosive backhand. He and Bay City, Mich.s Chad Krager have teamed to be one of the NPAs best doubles teams in recent years. They claimed the national open title in 2010; finished second in open and won the seniors national title in 2011. Denny has also had success in singles and promises to be a contender in open, March 2nd and 3rd. Negrete owns two national singles titles in seniors: 2003 and 2004, and finished 2nd in both in seniors and open in 2011. This national singles tournament could feature one of the most talent-laden open divisions we have seen in years. Following is a list of some of the players who intend to enter open in addition to Negrete. Cesar Carrillo of Memphis, Tennessee, the reigning national champion, has entered three previous NPA singles tournaments, never lost a game, and claimed a national title in each: 2009, 2010, and 2012. Certainly, the masterful Cesar will be the No. 1 seed. At least three serious contenders are expected from California: Todd Entrikin, Emmett Coe, and Justin Ivers. Entrikin has claimed a share of four national doubles titles and finished second to Cesar in singles last year. Coe teamed with Brian Pineda to win last years open national doubles championship and the open division at the 3 Wall Ball World Championships. Emmett is eager to make his mark in open singles this year. Justin is a fine young player with a lot of potential. Michigan will, in all likelihood, send the largest open contingent -- Mike Wisniewski, Andrew Price, Don Kirkconnell, Brandon Creamer, Kevin McLaughlin and Joe and Sam Baldori. The remarkable Wiz has earned more national open singles titles than anyone in the history of the game: 9. The last one was in 2010 at age 52. Kevin has won two A national singles titles, won the Midwest Open singles in 2012 and was runner-up this year. Don won the 2011 A national singles title. Brandon has developed into a competitive open-level singles player. The Baldoris -- Joe and Sam -- are very good with considerable potential.

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Earl Riskey Memorial Trophy

Awarded in honor of the founder of the great game of paddleball to the person who has contributed most to the sport. 1976: Tom Ballantyne, Flint, Mich. 1977: The Rev. Walter L. Taylor, Flint, Mich. 1978: Lou Giampetroni, Flint, Mich. 1979: Dick Pitcher, Ann Arbor, Mich. Lou Hekhuis, East Lansing, Mich. 1980: Ron Pudduck, Dexter, Mich. 1981: Andy Kasalo, Kalamazoo, Mich. 1982: Randy Wackerle, Bay City, Mich. 1983: Bob Paige, Dearborn, Mich. 1984: Ed Matusko, Pontiac, Mich. 1985: John Scheppele, Lansing, Mich. 1986: Lorri Brigham, Kalamazoo, Mich. 1987: Randy Hoyle, Midland, Mich. 1988: O. J. Cunningham, Bay City, Mich. 1989: Jim Owens, Ann Arbor, Mich. 1990: Bob Heitjan, Dearborn, Mich. Carol Perrin, Dearborn, Mich. 1991: Joan Azeka, Chicago, Ill. 1992: Mark Smith, Wausau, Wis. 1993: Harv Tomter, Eau Claire, Wis. 1994: Terry Smith, Pontiac, Mich. 1995: Mike Wisniewski, Bay City, Mich. 1996: Mike Cooperstock, Ann Arbor, Mich. 1997: Andy Mitchell, Kalamazoo, Mich. 1998: Ed Maher, Kalamazoo, Mich. 1999: Cindy Cook, Ann Arbor, Mich. 2000: Mike Carlson, Eau Claire, Wis. 2001: Dave Haehnle, Brooklyn, Mich. Gordy Hatt, Jackson, Mich. 2002: Dennis Negrete, Bloomingdale, Ill. 2003: Don Traxler, Midland, Mich. 2004: Charlie Brumfield, San Diego, CA 2005: Lorri Brigham, Kalamazoo, Mich. 2006: John Lowman, Owosso, Mich.

2007: Steve Keeley, Blythe, CA 2008: Chad Krager, Bay City, Mich. 2009: David Fleetwood, Memphis, TN 2010: Sonny Salazar, Adrian, Mich. 2011: Jimmy Coggburn, San Diego 2012: Todd Entrikin, Riverside, CA

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PADDLEBALL PROFILE
Great workout and great people after the game to have a beer and talk. Thats what Paul Toth of Westland, MI, enjoys about playing paddleball. Toth, 50, began playing the game in 1980. He is a driver for a beer company. Toth said he took a first in Mens B in state and national competition and a second place in open. Any suggestions on how tournaments can be improved? Get younger people to play, he said. TOTH

These guys are good

... And they were
By LOU GIAMPETRONI One of the wonderful things about paddleball is remembering great matches in your career. One such was a 1978 encounter with two legendary players -- Gale Mikles and Herb Olsen -on the staff of Michigan State University. My partner, the late Barry Lucas, and I reached the final of the masters division against the pair in the National Doubles Tournament at Portage, Mich. We had talked Mikles and Olsen into playing masters. They could have played in the division for a number of years -- they were eligible age-wise -- but refused to do so. For years, Mikles and Olsen had played in the open division -- despite their age which was a little higher than most of the top-level hotshots. And Mikles and Olsen beat several very good open teams, once in a tournament final. So there Lucas and I were -- playing Mikles and Olsen for the masters title. I mean this was something special for us. Playing those guys. Well, they won the first game rather comfortably, 21-12. They were leading in the second

NPA 2012-2013 Schedule

National Singles Tournament, March 2-3, 2013, Glass Court Swim & Fitness, Lombard, Ill. National Doubles Tournament, April 26-28, 2013, Tournament House, Riverside, CA

Gale Mikles (left) and Herb Olsen game, 20-13. Thats when Lucas, usually stronger on defense, opened up and starting scoring some points for us. We narrowed the margin. They had several serves but couldnt get match point. We finally pulled out the second game, 21-20, as we scored 8 unanswered points. I remember as we walked out of the court for the rest between games before going in for the tiebreaker, Lucas bellowed: Were gonna beat these (expletive deleted.). I said: Hold on, these guys are good. And they were, as they easily won the tiebreaker, 21-8. But it still was a thrill for both of us to have given Mikles-Olsen a pretty good run for their money. I still have the trophy plate from that match. On the back, I had placed a piece of tape with the final score.

TRIBUTE TO LOU GIAMPETRONI Lou Giampetoni has contributed a tremendous amount of time and energy to the NPA. We feel it is time to let him know how much we appreciate his efforts. Below please find a set of quotes from selected paddleball players of the past and present who know of and appreciate Lous contributions to the sport of paddleball. Scott Lawrence, Lorri Brigham, and Jim Owens
I once made a wood carving of Lou's last name GIAMPETRONI and pulled out the letters NPA. I wrote on the piece that "You can't take the NPA out of Giampetroni", and I'm sure Lou's wife Sue would agree! I recently designed a button that had a picture of the world on it and printed "PADDLEBALL...the center of my universe". I remember Lou telling me that button pretty much summed it up for him. We love you Lou and Sue, and so does PADDLEBALL and all the players! Wack

Lou is someone special. His creative writing--attention to detail-fantastic memory--commitment and loyalty to Paddle Ball--and unending enthusiasm--have helped all of us to maintain an interest in, and love for, the great game of Paddle Ball. Al Storey

There are few people in our circles that have had the kind of impact to the sport of paddleball that Lou has! Here are a few of things that really stand out from knowing Lou for the past 35 years of tourneys. In all the years I have never known anyone with as much love for the game as Louy it's always there and its contagious. Lou's years of record taking and writing of our sport has really helped keep paddleball alive and on the radar. His words of encouragement and the analysis of my game over the years has been helpful and insightful. Wiz

I don't know where the sport of paddleball would be without Lou. He is the one we rely on for keeping our history alive. I once had to do the newsletter for a few rounds while Lou was unable and until you have tried you can not comprehend how much work it takes to put that all together! Lou has been doing that for years with very little thanks or acknowledgement. However, all of those accomplishments pale in comparison to the great person that our Lou is. He is always smiling, cheerfull, our ambassador at all tourneys. Truly one of the nicest men I have ever, or will ever, meet. I feel honored to know you, Lou! Lorri

LOU GIAMPETRONI: I REMEMBER HIS FACE & BODY A VERY SPECIAL PERSON--IN A SPECIAL SPORT!!!! In 1965, at the age of 30, I was introduced to Paddleball by a friend, who took me to the Old IM Building at the University of Michigan, and proceeded to thump me really good. I vowed that one day, I would beat him, and months later when that day arrived, he introduced me to another friend, who proceeded to thump me. Finally, after 10 years of meeting his friends, I had improved enough to be playing in the court with guys like Paul Lawrence, Craig Finger, Rod Grambeau, Dick Pitcher and Moby Benedict. But, my days of learning on the paddleball courts were just beginning. In 1976, at the age of 41 and weighing in at 163 pounds (remember that weight), I was talked into entering my first paddleball tourney. It was held by Marvin Gans at a local junior college and I entered as a no name player. Well, you might have guessed it--my first opponent was a short guy from Flint who had been forever involved in the operation to the NPA. Yes, Lou Giampetroni was the first opponent. Of course, Lou could only wonder--who is this guy? never heard of from Ann Arbor. In short, that was the first of many matches against this wonderful person. Lou remembers well me advancing to the finals where my opponent was John Shaw. John ran me around the court like a greyhound chasing a rabbit. Having the winning point on my paddle, I managed to blow the opportunity, and eventually lost to John, 21-20, 20-21, 21-20. Well, that was the beginning of tournament paddleball and me, and my long friendship with Lou. I became seriously involved in paddleball. Dick Pitcher, my doubles partner, and I hosted many tourneys--and the first person there was always Lou--who came early to help. Lou was also always the last person there--to help shut down the event. With wife, Susan, the Gs contributed more that one could believe, and no one was more committed to the success of the sport. Lou, almost single handedly, wrote the NPA Newsletter. We served on the NPA Board of Directors together--and Lou did the vast majority of the work for the association. He was always the man! After I quit playing paddleball, I occasionally dropped in on paddleball tourneys to say hi to many great friends and players. Usually, Lou and Susan were there, and we relived the happy moments of the past. We met at many happy occasions and a few sad ones like Vals funeral. We both battled with health issues, but we have survived. Well, many years passed, but I kept eating, and playing less and less. About 2 years ago, there was a tourney at that same Old IM Building, and I thought I should drop by to see the guys-- (now, with the grey hair). It had been quite a few pounds and years since I had last seen Lou and Susan. Weighing in at 240 pounds (now, you can remember the 163 pounds of 1976) I found Lou. We hugged and said nice things to each other. Then from out of the crowd came Susan, saying I remember Ron Pudduck, I remember his face--Ill never forget his face! She quickly approached me stopped and said, Ron Pudduck, I could never forget your face! Then, slowly looking me up and down, Susan said, But, I do not remember that body on you! Time moves on! But, friends are still friends--forever. In ones life, you are lucky if you ever have a friend like Lou and Susan. My life has been lucky because I have had them as part of my life. And, for those of you who know them--you are lucky, too!!! Ron Pudduck

Lou Giampetroni is truly a giant in the sport of paddleball. Nobody has done more for the game over such a long period of time. I first met Lou in the early 1970s and I think with awe about all of the tournaments entered, seeding meetings attended and games officiated by Lou over those past forty years. He is gentleman on and off the court. I am extremely proud to have been one of his manymany tournament doubles partners. Lou, may you continue to play the great game of paddleball for many years to come. Dick Pitcher

I believe Lou told me one time that no one person is greater than the game of paddleball. However, even within that context, I believe it is conceivable to say he just might be bigger. Perhaps, "No Lou = No Newsletter = No NPA = No Paddleball." Lou is the Godfather of Paddleball, and without him, well..."Who Knows?" Cheers to Louie G., a fine man and quintessential figure/supporter of paddleball, and cant imagine where paddleball would be without you! Chad Krager

Lou was one of the reasons I kept playing paddleball. He gave so much to the game, was so much fun to play with, and he always had such good stories. I could and can still count on Lou to have some great story about some player in the past. He is part of the game now. He is a legend! Andrew J Mitchell

Recently I had a conversation with Lous wife. Sue told me the late Tom Ballantine, a major contributor to the NPA in his time, once said if Lou did as much for a business as he did for the NPA, theyd be millionaires. Lou has unquestionably been and continues to be a workhorse for the organization. At age 80, he puts out four quality newsletters a year, serves as our best resource for paddleball history, and functions as a valuable member of the board of managers. I often seek and receive his counsel. Paddleball is Lous passion. He has served as a role model for so many of us. If asked to list my heroes in sports, Lou would be in the top two. Who has more fun playing the game? If asked to list my heroes in life, Lou would certainly be on the short list. His sense of dedication, passion, sportsmanship, sense of humor, respect for others, and integrity makes him an admirable individual in my eyes. We who know Lou Giampetroni are better because of it. Jim Owens

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME Louie G. -- Mr. Paddleball of Flint, of Michigan and the NPA. When thinking of the game, the first person who comes to mind is Lou. There was not a better worker, organizer or promoter for the game. He spent endless hours planning and organizing tournaments at all levels. The game grew because of his many skills in communications with all players. He was nothing but a gentleman on and off the court. Don't get me wrong -- he would argue a "skip" with Val and I but he never won. Louie loved the game and was a skilled and shrewd competitor. Paddleballers everywhere know of the many contributions and the impact he left on the game. His name is synonymous with paddleball--even here in South Florida. Your friend Max