By Adam Morris ’15 | Staff Writer

Having been started last year by its president, Connor Gillooly ’14, Grosse Pointe Paddle Tennis Club (GPPTC) is growing in its second year.

“I started GPPTC last year when I was a junior with the help of Mr. Booth, our adviser, and some guidance from the Student Activities office,” Gillooly said.

The club meets once a week at the Farms Park because of the easy access to newer courts and a nice warming hut to take breaks during the cold.

Paddle tennis is a sport similar to actual tennis, but there are walls made of fencing and the player only gets one serve.  The court is smaller, bouncier, and on a platform; it’s also known as platform tennis.

“It’s something fun and active to do on a weeknight in the winter when there is not a lot going on during the week,” Gillooly said.  “We are a school sponsored club, not an official team so we play amongst each other and meet as any other club would.  This means we do have certain privileges and an appointed adviser.”

The club also has website: gpptc.org.  Thirty members are a part of GPPTC, but wish to keep expanding by the end of next year, said Gillooly.

“I joined the club because a good friend of mine started it, and it’s nice to break up homework after school to hang out with my friends,” Dan Hass ‘15 said.  “People really enjoy our activities and how laid back the nature of the club is, but like any club we get a little unorganized at certain times.”

The vice president of the club is Conrad Schaitberger ‘14, the treasurer is Tighe Rzankowski ‘14, and the director of play is Peter Cirocco ‘14.

“All of these seniors helped get the club running and were there from the beginning; they overlook the day-to-day things I can’t always take care of,” Gillooly said.

There is a $15 club participation fee that helps pay for the cost of food, paddles and balls that are used on a weekly basis.  GPPTC also sells two different sweatshirts, one with Morgan Freeman on the back and the other with George Bush.  About 28 students have these sweatshirts representing GPPTC.

“I’m only playing travel sports outside of school right now and I wanted to do something involved with our school,” Matt Barret ‘15 said.  “I recommend GPPTC to anyone who is trying to have a great time with funny students on a school night.”

GPPTC is not just a fun time; it is also an opportunity to build one’s resume.

“It’s a school sponsored club so it looks great on college applications while you are also having a fun time with all of your friends,” Gillooly said.

Gillooly is hoping he can expand the club even further so that when he graduates at the end of this year the club can live on, Gillooly said.