Once again they gathered, old faces and new, for the “official” end of the paddle season in New Jersey – the Last Chance Invitational hosted by Spring Brook Country Club. The finals saw Ivan Harlow and Mike Stulac down Matt Bibbo and Drew Broderick in a tightly contested 7-6, 7-5 battle. This 32-team event (draw here) has been spearheaded by the same group of guys since its inception more than a dozen years ago. It has always featured great friends, great favors, great food and great play. This year, sadly, we also said goodbye to one of the great supporters of the event and a true paddle fanatic and friend, Scott Giannetti. In Scott’s absence his father Hank was in attendance for most of the day, and his wife and daughters came for the afternoon tribute to Scott and to meet some of Scott’s “Paddle Family”, many for the first time. In the two weeks since Scott’s untimely death, Greg Robertson worked tirelessly to make sure that this was an event that Scott would have been proud of. A raffle was set up to raise money for a memorial contribution to Scott’s church. Matt Bibbo donated two BMW bicycles, which were won by Patrick Shallcross and, fittingly, by the Giannetti family; Master Athletics paddles were won by Matt Snyder and Jay Grant; and John Burchenal won a playing lesson with Steve DeRose and Drew Broderick. The most anticipated raffle prize, a 7.5 minute lesson with Greg Robertson on “How to Hit the Cutter” became the humorous moment of the drawings, because one of the participants (who will remain anonymous) had suggested to all his fellow participants that they all enter the name of Juan Arraya for this prize. And, not surprisingly, Juan won! (Please contact GRob for your lesson) Along with the Masters Athletics backpacks given as favors, there were silicon wrist bands that read “Late for Everything – Early for Heaven” a fitting tribute to one of Scott’s most memorable habits. Greg also gave a moving speech in tribute to Scott – featuring some sadness and some laughter – which can be enjoyed here. Until next season…
written by: 
Once again they gathered, old faces and new, for the “official” end of the paddle season in New Jersey – the Last Chance Invitational hosted by Spring Brook Country Club. The finals saw Ivan Harlow and Mike Stulac down Matt Bibbo and Drew Broderick in a tightly contested 7-6, 7-5 battle. This 32-team event (
![](./clear.gif"){kind=spacer}
