After opening remarks by Mr. Brown, Hall of Fame member Patty Hogan placed a "Viking cap"
on the podium and stated, "It all began with the horns." She followed with a warm recap of the relationship between David Kjeldsen and the sport of platform tennis. David proudly donned the green jacket that is symbolic of this induction. In his acceptance speech, David stressed the friendships and fun that the sport has brought to him, while being humble about his own contributions.
Frederick 'Fritz' Odenbach
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David Kjeldsen |
Scott Mansager & Philip 'Flip' Goodspeed |
Walt Peckingpaugh, a 2004 inductee, then introduced Fritz Odenbach, citing his contributions to the game as a volunteer and board member and player.
The induction of Fritz in Rochester was particularly appropriate, as he was serving as chairman of his fourth National Championships and has been a leader in the promotion of platform tennis in the Rochester area. Fritz recounted his earliest memories of the sport and expressed his love for the sport, the friendships and the organization.
Flip Goodspeed and Scott Mansager, one of the winning-est duos in platform tennis history, were unavailable for their own induction ceremonies because they were locked in a quarterfinal battle that continued well into the party hours! It was worth it, as they won not only that match but the next morning's semifinal as well.
Congratulations to these individuals on their election to the Platform Tennis Hall of Fame. The inductions of Goodspeed and Mansager will take place at a later date.
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