It was a big night out, and Racquetman rather enjoyed rubbing elbows with some of B.C.’s best.
“I sure did, it was an evening I shall never forget,” an upbeat Verge, 78, and one of this provinces most decorated senior tennis players said of his recent trip to Richmond where he was presented the 2012 Presidents' Award by Tennis BC.
The awards were held at the River Rock Show Theatre March 7 in conjunction with the BC Athlete of the Year Awards.
Verge, aka Racquetman, is coming off another stellar season which saw him ranked No. 1 in B.C. in Mens 75 singles and No. 3 in doubles. Earlier this year Verge made his eighth straight trip overseas representing Canada at the World Tennis Championships — this last one in Croatia.
Fast forward to the awards banquet, and Verge says he felt honoured to be part of the night and to be in such good company.
“We had rather an elite table as the parents of Philip Peliwo were in attendance to accept the CTV Junior Male athlete of the year award,” said Verge, adding Philip, who was away playing in a tournament, had an outstanding season last year that saw him win the world Jr. Tennis Championships on the courts of storied old Wimbledon, and the U.S. Jr. Tennis Championships as well. Currently ranked No. 1 in the World, he was the first Canadian ever to win a Grand Slam event.
Also at Gord’s table was Ben Ball, winner of the University Athlete of the Year award for Volleyball, along with his two coaches.
“The evening was so professionally run and organized, I will never forget it, and now,” he said, “it’s right back on the courts (instructing) at Springwood on Saturday.”