Steve Pike, New Paddle Director at Midtown Rochester
We’re happy to announce the hiring of Steve Pike, seven-time Men's Rochester District Paddle Champion (with three different partners), and Midtown Athletic Club in Rochester, NY’s new Paddle Tennis Director.
Steve grew up in Buffalo, and attended the University of Buffalo. While in college, he worked at Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bisons games serving hot dogs and pouring beer.
“I fell in love with the environment in stadium and arena sports. I am passionate about sports and I love organizing events where people can have fun,” Steve says.
He joined the Sportservice management training program, and began a career living out his dream of working in stadium and sports management, including stints as the Day/Purchasing Manager at Boston Garden, and Assistant General Manager, Concessions Manager, and Stadium Operations Manager for the Buffalo Bisons.
Steve moved to Rochester in 1996 when he accepted the position of General Manager of Tennis Club of Rochester (TCR) in 1996. He learned how to play paddle tennis by watching Rochester's best players, and was soon one of Rochester's top players.
While serving as GM of TCR for 18 years, Steve introduced many tennis and paddle leagues, socials, and tournaments that helped move the club forward.
He started the area’s first structured paddle lesson program, which brought many new players into the paddle community. He grew the Rochester District Tennis Tournament from 400 to over 800 participants and worked with the USTA to bring a Futures Pro Tennis Tournament to Rochester. This tournament just celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Steve also has a long history of event management and paddle tournament development tied to charitable causes. He played a lead role in running the SIS Paddle Tournament, growing that event from 44 to 100 teams in four years. SIS (Sustain, Inspire, Survive) is committed to improving the quality of life of those battling breast cancer by providing financial assistance, essential services, and quality of life enhancements during treatment to those in need.
He also created a mixed doubles fundraising tournament for AutismUp!, whose proceeds help fund research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for Autism. He is currently working with an Alzheimer's organization to develop another paddle event. He is also looking forward to assisting with Paddles for Saddles.
Today, Steve co-owns and operates ReNu Surface Restoration, a commercial floor care company, with his favorite mixed doubles paddle partner, fiance Dionne Bothner. Dionne is also a Midtown member and three-time Women's District Paddle Champion. It was a natural transition from managing facilities to offering a service to clean them.
“I enjoy being self-employed and running my business, but I miss being involved in day-to-day sports. I like being around people, I like that fraternal atmosphere of a club, members, and athletics. Signing on as Paddle Director at Midtown is a great opportunity for me,” Steve says.
Steve is looking forward to continuing Midtown's offerings of lessons, leagues, and social events to encourage members to play more paddle tennis. His specialty is working with teams to help each partner improve strokes, teamwork, and strategy.
Contact him at steve.pike@midtown.com to take your game to the next level.