Four players of the women’s team, from left Susan Bandecchi, Angelica Moratelli, Verena Meliss and Lara Pfeifer. © ANDREAS KEMENATER
For the TC Rungg, a historic adventure begins this weekend: For the first time, the Girlaner tennis club will play in the concert of the greats, i.e. in the A1 series. Before the first championship balls are hit on Sunday, the Runggers introduced themselves to the local press.
October 08, 2021
Author: it
By Thomas Debelyak from Girlan
“It will be a feast day for us,” says Karl Stuefer, President of the TC Rungg, bursting with anticipation. His protégés will play their first games in Serie A1 on Sunday. The men’s team, which goes under the name “Rungg Südtirol Merano Speck”, has to deal with Selva Alta at home, while the ladies (“Rungg Kiku”) are challenged in Rome at the TC Parioli. Girlan has been looking forward to the debut in the Italian elite league for weeks, now the time has come.
The men’s team is also ready. © ANDREAS KEMENATER
The rise of the “simple village club”, as the TC Rungg is described by President Stuefer, in the A1 series is a memorable feat. Especially when you consider that both Rungger teams played in Serie C in 2017. “That we would make it to the Italian upper house was definitely not planned,” admits Stuefer, but adds: “At the same time, that means that we have already achieved something in recent years. Somehow we’re still the small village association that has nothing in common with cities like Rome or Milan. That something like this comes out makes us proud. “
From California straight to Girlan
It is important for the TC Rungg that the tribe of the two teams is still home-grown. In the case of women, this is above all Verena Meliss, who is in 558 position in the world ranking and is currently South Tyrol’s best player, but also 17-year-old Lara Pfeifer, while in the case of men, the experienced Patrick Prader is a figurehead. In order to survive in the A1 series, you also need external forces. That is why TC Rungg landed a coup this year and brought Federico Gaio on board, who is currently in 152nd place in the world ranking. He contested the qualification in Indian Wells (California) this week, but missed the jump into the main draw. That is why he will be part of the Rungger’s home game on Sunday.
President Karl Stuefer is looking forward to the start. © ANDREAS KEMENATER
TC Rungg has another special personality in his team, namely Marco Panichi. Since 2017 he has been the athletic trainer of none other than Novak Djokovic, who is currently dominating the tennis world like no other. “We have known each other in the tennis circus for a long time. When he then replaced his old team, he asked me if I would like to look after him, ”explains the Roman, who describes working with the world’s number one as“ constant training ”.
“Working with Novak Djokovic is a constant training for me.”
Marco Panichi
Panichi will also whip up the tennis aces at TC Rungg. Although he is not always on site, his experience – also for other coaches of the club – is worth gold. But how did Marco Panichi get into tranquil Girlan? “I’ve known Manuel Gasbarri (the Rungger’s team boss, editor’s note) for a long time, and used to be his athletic trainer. He convinced me for here, ”said Panichi.
Coach Manuel Gasbarri is jointly responsible for the great success.
Apropos gas barri: The fact that the TC Rungg is in the A1 series today is largely thanks to it. The long-time team boss also knows: “It will be a very complicated championship. The gap between the playoffs and the playouts will be very small. One thing is clear to us: we play to save ourselves. If we could do that, it would be a great success. ”The Runggers want to take the first step towards this on Sunday.
