2024 Fall Classic at Dugger Park in Medford
The proud field of competitors at this year’s ACE Fall Classic
Another ACE Fall Classic is now in the books as 34 players came out to Dugger Park in Medford this past Saturday, October 19.
The great turnout was accompanied by great weather, and everyone enjoyed a day of fun tennis and healthy competition.
Michael Morgan and Veid Patel hoist the championship trophies.
Michael Morgan and Veid Patel raised their arms in triumph as they hoisted the Advanced Doubles Champions trophies at this year's Classic.
This is their second time in the final of an ACE event, and their first championship. Their first visit to the finals came at the 2023 Tufts Open (now known as the ACE Team Tennis Championships at Tufts).
Matt and Ian Johnstone, one of 2 parent/kid teams in this year's event, were the finalists in this division They made an incredible run through round robin play earning a 3-1 record, which qualified them for the finals.
Graham prepares to unleash the return of the tournament.
So close was the competition in this division that the Johnstones qualified for the finals by just one point. Peter Nohmberg and John Hall were the 3rd place team. In their final match, Peter and John faced Toby Mansuripur and Graham Herceg. It all came down to a tie-break, with Peter serving 4-5 down. A win would send Peter and John into a playoff with the Johnstones for a spot in the finals. Peter ripped a serve right at Graham's body, but the deft returner stepped away from the ball, created some space, and ripped the biggest return of the day. It landed at Peter's feet, and he couldn't do much to respond. Graham and Toby rode that momentum through the rest of the tiebreak and won it 7-4.
Sarah and Mike celebrate their win!
In the intermediate division, Sarah Mitnick and Mike Shiposh took home the championship hardware in a riveting final match. But get this, they had to qualify for the finals by beating Seedang Simonin and Bernard Simonin in a play-off.
This is how tight the competition was.
The finalists, Brad and Amanda Hathaway, our other parent/kid duo, ran through the round robin unscathed with a 4-0 record. The final, however, was a battle for the championship that was decided by a gut-wrenching tie-breaker. Sarah and Mike eked out the win, but both teams should be proud of their performances.
As should all of the athletes who came out to play on this fine October day.
Few are the chances to feel the butterflies of competition, and many are the benefits of a day spent with friends, supporting good work, and giving something your best shot. Thanks to everyone who played!!!
Can't wait til the next!
