120 Teams + 350 Fans at the Wilton Open

March 28, 2023
Wilton, CT

Tournament Directors Todd Parker and Russ Kohl write: The 2023 Wilton Open was blessed with some Irish luck. Perfect morning paddle weather and afternoon sun (50+ degrees) made for a record crowd with over 350 onlookers at the Riverbrook Y campus. Also a record 240 players in our three men's draws and women's draw. The charity event supporting Y children's programming, now in its 38th year, featured charred kraken, live steel pan music, and an Irish bagpiper. While most players hailed from Fairfield and Westchester Counties, we were lucky to have guests from Maine, Rhode Island, Nantucket, Boston, Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey. Our seven returning sponsors including Wilson (now in its 15th year of support), contributed to the St. Paddle's Day celebration. Russ and I are particularly indebted to the host venue—the Y and their team—as well as our volunteer crew of 30. We would be remiss if not spotlighting our tournament chairman Bill Fanning (age 86) who played Saturday in his 38th consecutive Wilton Open. A documentarian was on-site all day capturing Bill in action and gathering quotes from friends and family members encompassing over four decades of paddle. It has been remarkable to see the growth of the Wilton Open and the paddle community at this public facility.

The APTA thanks TDs Todd Parker and Russ Kohl, host Wilton Y and staff, the volunteers, the fans, and congratulates Bill Fanning, the champions, and all of the players.

Congratulations on the Wilton Men’s Open A winners Ricky Sanford and Cory Hubbard! (6-2, 7-5)

L to R Winners Ricky Sanford/Cory Hubbard, Tourney Chairman Bill Fanning (has played in all 38 Wilton Opens) Finalists Anton Protsenko/Chris Budden

Congratulations on the Wilton Women’s winners Brett Davis and Charlie Tansill! (6-3, 6-2)

L to R Winners Charlie Tansill/Brett Davis, Chairman Bill Fanning, Finalists Carrie Bunton/Glenny Hay

Congratulations on the Wilton Men’s B winners Brendan Paternoster and Ryan Carr! (6-2, 6-3)

L to R Finalists Brian Astrachan/Hermann Behrens, Tourney Committee Ron Gayda, Winners Brendan Paternoster/Ryan Carr

Congratulations on the Wilton Men’s B2 winners Ralph R Sanna and Andrew Bond! (6-0, 6-4)

L to R Winners Andrew Bond/Ralph Sanna, Tourney Committee Ron Gayda, Finalists Rich Goldfeder/Charles Dear