AdventureDad

TC Parkhaus 2007 (Click for larger image)

If you're really fortunate you will at some point in your life be a part of a great team.  It might be at work, sports related, or just friends.  My history of playing professional team tennis in Germany goes back to the early 90's  and for the past two years I've had the pleasure and privilege of representing TC Parkhaus. 

Last year an old team mate of mine called me up and asked if I wanted to represent his team during the summer.  It sounded interesting but today I'm a little surprised that I didn't have more doubts.  You see, I hadn't seen him in 12 years and we had only emailed back and fourth a few times.  People can change a lot during the years, last time we saw each other there were no kids and we were much younger.

But I decided to go last summer on the condition that I could bring the family with me.  It was a fantastic decision and I'm so happy I got to see my old friend Robert (Chateau Sibbel), his great family, my team mates, and all the members at the club. And I got to use my German again.

But the trip could have been a disaster.  I was going to see a friend I hadn't seen in 12 years, he now had 3 kids, we had one child, and we were going to stay in their house. What if he was a totally different person today?  What if his kids were a disaster and would hate Daniel?  There were so many questions.

I'm usually  a bit hesitant towards these kind of decisions but I was oddly calm about this one.  Of course I would go, the family would come as well, we would play great tennis, and have a great time.  I was never worried and the new found relationship with our old friend was the best that happened in years. 

Tennis might not sound like much of a team sport but it is in Germany.  The German tennis league has always meant lots of prestige, you represent a club and each team match consists of 6 singles and 3 doubles matches. The team who has the most points after every match wins, it's unimportant which player wins. 

The German clubs have always been keen on having good teams since it's great public relations for the club.  Clubs usually "buy" a foreigner who can represent the team, win matches, and help the team do well.

We had a great season last year and moved up one division, which was the goal for the club.  This year we wanted to do the same but the competition was fierce.  I was only scheduled to play three matches but ended up playing 7 team matches including the playoffs.   Just reaching the playoffs was a great accomplishment and since we placed number one in the league, our club got to host the playoff event.

And they did a fantastic job. The event received praise from everyone. There were tons of people watching and supporting us during the playoff weekend.  The sun was shining, spectators were everywhere sipping some champagne or beer, and we were putting on a great show on the courts. We made the final after an amazing Saturday filled with great play but thought we had little chance on Sunday.

After a very long day we did lose the final with the smallest margin possible.  After 9 hours of tennis, we lost to the other team by 5-4.  The difference between winning and losing was two points.  Two freaking points.  Two bloody points stopped us from making a move up to the highest division.

Some were very disappointed but I felt good about our performance.  Not only did I have the privilege of playing with a great group of players, hang out with nice members, once again see my friend Robert, but the club had also arranged the whole weekend incredibly well. 

People, non members who don't even play tennis, were coming up to me and saying what great time they were having.  Great publicity for the club, the game of tennis, it's members, and the future for the club. 

The event was so popular police had to get involved:-))  There were so many visitors parking their cars on the streets outside the club  buses couldn't drive through.  Some were worried the turnout would be low, but no one had imagined cars crowding the streets in every direction. 

Not only did I have a great time on the courts but so did Sandra.  Last year she was unable to play since she was 33 weeks pregnant with Annika but this year she represented the womens team.  They were struggling a bit but with her help the team avoided a move down to a lower division. She won all her four matches and more or less killed her opponents.

To my team mates, members of TC Parkhaus, and especially the Sibbel family I say Thank You. Thank You for taking such great care of me, and more importantly, my family.  It's been an Honor and a Privilege being part of the team and this great club for the past two years. I hope to see you all again next year.

Edit:  I just received an unbelievable phone call from Germany.  I should have realized there was something special going on when I heard the shouting, cheering, and sound of beer bottles in the background.  TC Parkhaus will play Bundesliga next year!  Despite losing the playoff final we  have been awarded a spot next year.   The rules are complicated but it had something to do with what team failed to qualify for next year combined with some other  lucky circumstances.  What can I say?  I think we fought hard and deserved it!