Pickleball Tournament - April 15, 2013

Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic - Monday, April 15, 2013

Gower Estates Park - Greenville, SC.

The Annual Games are conducted by the Greenville County Recreation District (GRCD). This is the first year that Pickleball was was included as a competitive event. Gary and Kaye Allen  organized and orchestrated the event and deserve a lot of credit for their hard work. They fielded all of the calls and emails from various participants, organized the 4 groupings, did the pairings and ran the event that went off without a major hitch.

There were 34 teams which included 42 players. Most players competed in two events. Congratulations to UPGers who took places in 3 events (see results below). We had use of 5 courts. Registrants all received packets that included a T-shirt, a programs and other goodies. Below is a write-up that Gary Allen sent out to the UPGers. 

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Many thanks to all of you who helped make the Greenville County Senior Sports Classic Pickleball event a success, especially those who travelled great distances to compete. We had a great time and made many new friends. Hopefully, this tournament will act as a springboard for future Upstate pickleball get togethers.

A special thanks goes to Joni Dilworth and the Greenville County Recreation Department for all their help. The administrative support, drinks, food and loan of tables was much appreciated.

Gary

Tournament Winners:

Men's Doubles:
1st place: Frank Kinder/Greg Harabin - Sun City
2nd place: Bob Bringas/Frank Maguire - Sun City
3rd place: Steve Johnson/Don Daniels - UPG

Women's Doubles:
1st place: Deb Richter/Rene Wilson - Connestee Falls
2nd place: Carol Gibson/Lynne Scoggins - UPG
3rd place: Marge Brockway/Karen Wolf - Connestee Falls

Mixed Doubles:
1st place: Frank Kinder/Sharon Davis - Sun City
2nd place: Greg Harabin/Sharon MacKensie - Sun City
3rd place: Dick Stone/Nancy Lenkowski - Keowee Key

Novice/Intermediate Draw:
1st place: Leslie Sprogis/Doug Crenshaw - Keowee Key
2nd place: Walt Jacobs/Pete Fallon - UPG
3rd place: Leslie Sprogis/Eric Sprogis - Keowee Key
4th place: Johnny Gibson/Sam Knowlton - UPG

 

Spike 4/22/2013

 

Tuesday P'ball session. April 9, 2013

Today was the warmest day this season, topping off the Official UPG Thermometer at a comfy 83 degrees. Sunny with a fresh breeze, too. We had 18 players on the courts. Every imaginable skill level was represented. Players: Gary A, Gary H, Mike, Steve, Johnny, Tom, Carol, Mary Kay, Bill M, Bill S, Ralph, Ray, Anne, Jan, Lynne, Walt, Barbara and me. We also allowed two disc golf players give p'ball a try. They had never heard of the game but though it looked like fun. He and she - or, her and him - didn't catch their names - hail from Lynchburg, Va which would be a 295 mile, 5-1/2 hour one-way haul just to play with us. But, it would be worth the effort.

A few more teams have been formed among UPGers for the upcoming Sr Games P'ball event. Those teams have been getting playing time together during our regular sessions. Putting the finishing touches on their playing techniques. About 40 players (UPG and others) will be competing. Gower Park, Monday, April 15th, at 2:00PM. Be there.

Below. UPGers arrive in all kinds of vehicles.

See you there.
Spike

PicklePost: Friday, April 5, 2013

We had 17 players on the courts today so the place was hopping. Players: Ralph, Lynda, Glenn, Julia, Steve, Johnny, Carol, Gary A, Gary H, Peter, Lynne, Ray, Anne, Mike, Sam, Don and Ron. Wx: Sunny and windy.

Below: That's Gary H on the left, Gary A top R and Mike bott R.

Below: Steve and Mike on  the L; Lynne top R; Johnny and Sam bott R.

Mucho fun as always and a whole batch of exciting matches. Players who have formed teams for the upcoming Sr games have been to pairing up. Getting some team practice in. It's a sight for sore eyes! The only notable event that took place during today's session was when Peter hit Don in the head with a smartly drilled overhand. Don took it in stride. Hoping for Peter's sake that Don doesn't hold a grudge.

See you next week.
Spike

One point five dozen. April 2, 2013



It was great to have Jan, Anne and Joanie back on the courts after a long hiatus - especially Joanie and Jan who have been on the lam for several months. They got right into the mix and played well. Eighteen players showed: Gary A, Gary H, Steve, Kim, Ray, Johnnie, Barbara, Julia, Glenn, Lynda, Walt, Ralph, Don, Anne, Mike, Joanie, Jan and Ron..

 

 Below: After tapping paddles Kim, Gary H, Steve and Mike move out smartly. Already gearing up for another match.

Below. Top: Lynda and Julia. Bott: Ralph and Steve.

Below. Top: Walt and Anne, Gary H and Kim; Bott: Gary A and Gary H, Don and Mike.

Below. Top: Joanie and Jan, The Shadow; Fenced In, Ray and Johnnie.

It looks like there will be a good turnout for the Pickleball Session of  the Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic. About 40 players have registered - several from the UPG. Players from Connestee Falls, Ft Mill, Keowee Keys and other locations have also signed on. So, this event will give us all an opportunity to compete with players from outside our little group and to renew friendships with folks we have played with and against in past events. You must register by April 5th. The event will take place at Gower Park on Monday, April 15th starting about 3 PM. If you don't want to compete, why don't you stop by and cheer on the players. Check in with Gary A for pairings, etc.

Spring has sprung. Dust off your paddle and join us at Gower. Watch your UPG e-mail notifications. We will be changing to our Summer time schedule soon.

Spike