How I Figured Out The Whole Tennis Ladder Thing
So last Tuesday I’m staring at my garage door, tennis racket in hand, feeling kinda bored. Remembered hearing about some “tennis ladder” thingamajig at Cedar Park. Sounded competitive, which is cool since my regular hitting partner bailed for birdwatching season. Googled it, found the park’s site after some serious digging.
Step 1: Actually Finding The Schedule Was Work
- Tried clicking everywhere on their site. Kept getting park maps or picnic rules. Like finding a needle in a haystack.
- Scrolled down some tiny “Adult Sports” link buried under “Recreation.” Boom – saw “Tennis Ladder” finally.
- They got two PDFs up there. One called “Ladder Rules” (looked super long, skimmed it later) and the goldmine – “Current Match Schedule & Locations.” Clicked that bad boy open.
Step 2: Playing Schedule Detective
Okay, the schedule looks kinda like a spreadsheet some kid made in 2005. But hey, it gets the job done.
- Searched for my name. Scanned the rows fast. Found it under “Division C” (yeah, I’m climbing slow, whatever).
- My next opponent? Some dude named “Dave R.” Okay. The slot next to us said “Match #12.”
- Column next to that said “Scheduled Date Window: 7/22 – 7/28.” That’s this week! Panic started. When exactly?
- Kept reading. Found the magic part: “Players coordinate exact time/location.” Ah, so no spoon-feeding.
Step 3: Making The Dang Match Happen
- Dug out the ladder rules PDF I ignored earlier. Needed contact info. Found the “Participant List” buried on page 3. Tiny font.
- Scanned for Dave R. Found his email address. Sent him a quick message: “Yo Dave, Cedar Park ladder match? I’m free Thurs eve or Sun morning.” Pretty casual.
- Checked my email next day like a hawk. Dave wrote back: “Thurs 6pm at Veterans Park Courts 3&4?” Easy. I replied “Cool beans, see you there.”
Showdown Time (& What Happened After)
Got to Veterans Park Thursday at 5:45pm. Court 3 was free. Smelled like court rubber and heat. Played Dave. Got my butt kicked, lost 6-3, 6-4. He was solid! But it was fun.
Reporting Back Isn’t Optional
- Right after the match, pulled out my phone. Opened that rules PDF again. It says loud and clear: “Report scores within 24 hours.” They got a specific email address.
- Sent a super simple email: “Dave R. def. [My Name] 6-3, 6-4. Match #12, Division C.” Copied Dave on it too. Don’t wanna screw that up.
What I Learned (The Hard Way)
- The schedule is just a starting point, not a set-in-stone appointment. Be ready to text or email.
- Courts are first-come, first-served unless you reserve one (which costs extra, screw that). Arrive early if possible.
- Veterans Park courts don’t have lights. Sunset matters big time. Plan accordingly.
- Reporting scores? Simple. Just do it. Forget and you probably get booted. Sounds lame but works.
- Keep the rules PDF handy. It has the contact list, reporting email, and explains how the ladder adjusts.
Basically, it works like this: Find your match-up window on the schedule → Hunt down your opponent → Pick a time/day/court → Play → Report immediately. Don’t overcomplicate it. The park folks ain’t organizing babysitters. It’s on you and Dave (or whoever). Took one match to figure that rhythm out. Real life crap happens, just communicate. Now off to see if I can climb this ladder… slowly.