Congratulations to our club members! Eleven members went to the Senior Games held in Gainesville and returned with 20 medals between them!
Outstanding performances by Nick Arkon (silver: mixed doubles and men’s singles), Jim Carmack (bronze: men’s doubles and men’s singles), Al Contarino (bronze: men’s doubles and men’s singles), Athena Drewes (silver: mixed doubles and women’s doubles, bronze: women’s singles), Fred Hutton (silver: men’s doubles and bronze: mixed doubles), Mary Jeannotte (silver: women’s doubles and bronze: women’s singles), Mike Lowe (silver: men’s doubles, bronze: men’s singles), Karen Lowe (silver: women’s doubles, bronze: mixed doubles and women’s singles), Paulette (Pollie) Rossi-Dunnack (silver: women’s doubles), and Sharon Weber (silver: women’s doubles).
All these players are now eligible to compete in the Florida State competition. It was wonderful being able to try out our skills against other advanced players and learn some new things to improve our game. In addition, friendships were forged. While at the tournament, we were able to make friends with The Villages Table Tennis Club president and vice president. We are now planning on having a joint time to get our clubs together for some friendly games!
Be sure to stretch before and after playing to avoid pulling or tearing muscles. Stretching before playing is important in making the transition from inactivity to vigorous activity without undue strain. Table tennis promotes tightness and inflexibility. Stretching keeps you flexible and may prevent common injuries such as sore shoulders, elbows, and knees or torn bicep muscles.
The object is to reduce muscle tension, which promotes free movement. Regular stretching will also make the body feel more relaxed. It helps with coordination, allowing freer and easier movement and increasing range of motion. Stretching will prevent muscle strain injuries and helps maintain your current level of flexibility so as time passes, you do not become stiffer and stiffer. There is a right way and a wrong way to stretch. YouTube has many videos on proper stretches for table tennis players. Check it out!
Come join us for fun, improved good health, and friendship. The more you play, with and against more experienced players, the better you get. Membership is $5 until the end of this year, which includes club play times and membership meetings with delicious food! Membership applications are on the bulletin board, and money can be given to any Director during playing times. Membership is automatic once you fill out your application and pay dues.
Our playing times are:
- Beginner doubles, Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m.;
- Singles, Friday, 3 to 5 p.m.;
- Ladies doubles/singles, Monday, 1 to 3 p.m.;
- Doubles, Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon;
- Singles, Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.;
- All-level doubles, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 5:30 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.;
- Singles, Wednesday, 1 to 3 p.m.;
- Intermediate/advanced singles/doubles, Wednesday, 5:30 to 7 p.m.;
- Advanced, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We play at the Arbor Conference Center Table Tennis Room. Have a question? Contact President Paul Statdterman at ptstadterman@yahoo.com.
Author: Athena Drewes
Photo Credit: Kathy Hutton
