Senior Corner

Now that the Meiklejohn Quaker City Open is past, we have had many questions about Bill Meiklejohn and his interest in table tennis. As you know, he is also the main sponsor of the upcoming Meiklejohn National Senior Championships in Laguna Woods, CA, June 3-6, 2004.

Back in the days we remember as the “nostalgic” 1930’s, Bill was lettering in five sports at Peekskill New York Military School – baseball, basketball, tennis, swimming and lacrosse. In 1938, he entered the University of Pennsylvania, of which he still thinks of lovingly, and where stands the “Bill and Louise Meiklejohn Sports Complex.” You see, when Bill’s dad decided that the U.S. Post Office was too slow delivering the mail and packages (back when postage was 3 cents for a first-class letter!), he came up with the idea of starting his own delivery system with a friend. His company has now grown to be called UPS, and Bill loves to share his good fortune with local hospitals, his alma mater, and table tennis, which at one time he was an outstanding player. Unfortunately, an old sports injury has curtailed his table tennis participation of late, so he is now challenging Ernest Hemingway as a deep-sea fisher. In 1999, Bill and his wife, Louise, celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary, and everyone at the California Hall of Fame dinner toasted their happiness and sang Happy Birthday for his then 80^th birthday.

If you would like to compete in the upcoming Meiklejohn Senior Championships in Laguna Woods this June, and you have not yet sent in your entry form, hurry up! The tournament director, Ray Kunze (949-583-1695) is anticipating 300 players this time! Ray mentioned that a new trend has become apparent: more and more players with higher ratings (2000 and up) have been entering the competitions. However, he would like to also encourage those who are “recreational players” to participate in rating events from Under 1100 to Under 1900. The tournament schedule is very flexible, so that the older players will not become too tired and will not need to play so many events on the same day.

With the larger senior tournament in Philadelphia in March, the beginning of a Senior Circuit is being developed around the country, which could also develop around the world. So keep your paddle ready!