Newest Group Photo of UPGers

click image to view full-size

Thanks to Don Daniels, Fledgling CEO of the UPGs Digital Imaging Unit, we now have a current group photo to replace the one that's been gracing our Blog for about 3 years. This photo was taken on Monday, January 19th 2015.

The older group photo has been removed. Yon Editor will install the new photo as a permanent fixture on the Blog once the required procedure is determined.

Stay tuned for the latest info regarding the very latest "PICKLE RECIPIENT". Historical info about past recipients will also be included.
                                                    ____________________________

                                                          Basic P'ball Info.

We are playing on our Fall/Winter schedule: Monday, Wednesday and Friday - starting at 1:00PM @ Gower Park.

Yon Editor
012215

New Schedule - Fall/Winter Sessions 2014/15

NEW P'BALL SESSION HOURS

Beginning Monday, October 20, 2014, we will move to our fall/winter schedule.  The sessions will be from 1 - 4 PM, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Gower Park.

See you then.
UPG Session Notification Division, LLC.

UPG SCHEDULE CHANGE

                    SCHEDULE CHANGE NOTICE:

We are changing the sessions schedule from Tuesdays and Fridays to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays beginning next week (Sept. 1), on a trial basis.

The reasons for the change include the following: 
1) Some members have been scheduling extra sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays.  More scheduled weekdays may alleviate the need to add extra playing time.
2) One day last week we had 26 players.  The 5 courts only hold 20 players at a time, and if there are tennis players as well, our group ends up waiting.  This problem will be magnified in the Fall when good weather brings more players out.
3) The Sunday session has been disbanded for lack of players.

Please let me know if this change causes any hardship.

Gary

The sessions are held at Gower Estates Park in Greenville, SC; sessions begin at 9:00AM.

NEW STARTING SCHEDULE - STARTING FRIDAY AUGUST 22, 2014

BEAT THE HEAT and AVOID SCHOOL BUS CONFLICTS - NEW STARTING TIME:

STARTING ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 22nd 2014, WE WILL BE STARTING THE REGULAR P'BALL SESSIONS AT 9:00 AM. THE CHANGE OF THE STARTING TIME IS TOO AVOID CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOL BUSES. OF COURSE, PLAYERS CAN ARRIVE AT ANY TIME DURING THE SESSIONS.

THE REGULAR SESSIONS ARE NOW BEING HELD ON TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS.

IF FOLKS WANT TO PLAY ON OTHER DAYS YOU CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO USE CLUB BALLS.

SOME PLAYERS HAVE NOT CONTRIBUTED TO THE BALL FUND. BESIDES SHAGGING BALLS (HINT, HINT) CHIPPING IN FOR BALLS IS YOUR ONLY OTHER RESPONSIBILITY. CHEAP ENOUGH FOR AN ALL-AROUND GOOD TIME, DON'T YOU THINK? 

OUR MATCHES ARE PLAYED AT GOWER PARK, GREENVILLE, SC

Spike
8/21/2014

BEAT THE HEAT SUMMER SCHEDULE

STARTING ON TUESDAY JUNE 24th 2014 WE WILL BE STARTING THE REGULAR P'BALL SESSIONS AT 8:30AM. OF COURSE, FOLKS CAN ARRIVE AT THEIR CONVENIENCE.

THE REGULAR SESSIONS ARE NOW BEING HELD ON TUESDAYS and FRIDAYS.

IF FOLKS WANT TO PLAY ON OTHER DAYS YOU CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO USE CLUB BALLS.

SOME PLAYERS HAVE NOT CONTRIBUTED TO THE BALL FUND. BESIDES SHAGGING BALLS (HINT, HINT) CHIPPING IN FOR BALLS IS YOUR ONLY OTHER RESPONSIBILITY. CHEAP ENOUGH FOR AN ALL-AROUND GOOD TIME, DON'T YOU THINK? 

OUR MATCHES ARE PLAYED AT GOWER PARK, GREENVILLE, SC

Spike
6/22/2014

SUMMER SCHEDULE and BALL FUND

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Okay, the votes are in. Starting Monday 5/5/2014 we will go to the
Summer schedule - 9:30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

BALL FUND 
Anyone who didn't contribute to the ball fund in Jan/Feb (our last
collection) please bring $10.

 

Pickleball Tournament - Gower Park. April 23, 2014.

GGSSC Pickleball Winners:
Men’s Doubles:
1^st Place: Mike Kaplan and Steve Johnson – Upstate Pickleball Group

2^nd Place: Frank Kinder and Greg Harabin – Sun City/Ft. Mills

3^rd Place: Brad Miness and Jim Mayer - Sun City/Ft. Mills


Women’s Doubles:
1^st Place: Sherry Bruton and Virginia Burgh - Sun City/Ft. Mills

2^nd Place: Lin Kolb and Karen Wolf – Connestee Falls

3^rd Place: Deb Richter and Lora Mason – Connestee Falls

Mixed Doubles:
1^st Place: Frank Kinder and Sharon McKenzie - Sun City/Ft. Mills

2^nd Place: Steve Johnson and Ann Savoca - Upstate Pickleball Group

3^rd Place: Brad Miness and Sharon Davis - Sun City/Ft. Mills

Many thanks to everyone who helped, to those that travelled, and especially to Joni Dilworth for making the tournament a success. 58 players registered and all showed up for the nine hours of matches. Congratulations to Sun City/Ft. Mills for their great showing in the tournament - 2nd and 3rd in Men's, 1st in women's and 1st and 3rd in mixed, to UPG for their victory in men's doubles and 2nd in mixed, and to Connestee Falls for their strong women's showing.

The tournament results above were provided by Gary Allen. UPG

Photos and blurb below by Spike.

This was an exceptional tournament, thanks to the very hard work of Gary and Kaye Allen. Joni and her crew from the Greenville County Rec Dept, the Walgreen reps and all of the ball shaggers did a great job. P'ballers came from all over the place; they played hard and still had plenty of time to socialize. A beautiful day to boot.

Spike
April 24, 2014

UPG - WINTER SCHEDULE CONTINUES

               WINTER SCHEDULE CONTINUES
 

UPG schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday at 1 PM. Gower Park

The Greenville City Parks and Recreation Saturday session begins at 9:00AM.  Gower Park

Greenville, SC
Spike
2/19/2014 

The 6th PASSING THE PICKLE - 1/08/2014 and its HISTORY

OFFICIAL HISTORY OF "THE PASSING OF THE PICKLE"

The tradition started when Mike and Ann acquired the pickle ornament shown above. During our 1st Christmas Party (December 15, 2009) at Corona's Mike awarded the Pickle to Lynn and Ken in recognition of their introduction of Pickleball to The Upstate (imported, by them from Florida). Below is an actual unretouched photo of Ken's hand holding the Pickle (a Kosher pickle by the way).

Soon after, Lynn and Ken left for a 3 month stint in Florida in preparation for their eventual relocation to the Sunshine State. They returned to Greenville for a few days in March 2010 and participated in a Pickleball session on March 16 at Timmons Park. On that occasion they presented the Pickle to Ron and Sharon for taking on the responsibilities of tending to the equipment, scheduling sessions and caring for the BLOG. Ron accepts the award below.

During our 2nd Annual Christmas/Holiday gathering at Jan's home on December 3, 2010 the award was presented to Steve (3rd recipient) for taking over the scheduling and equipment transportation duties while Ron and Sharon were traveling. Official, uncut photo below shows Steve graciously accepting the award while friends look on.

The 4th Passing of the Pickle (During the 3rd Annual Christmas Party - December 14, at Gary's and Murial's home) was somewhat unique in that the recipient was not present because he was out of state tending to his father. In true UPG form - the show must go on and all that - the presentation was made by Steve to Gary H who kindly received the Pickle on behalf of Gary A. Gary A received the award for the work he did organizing the UPGs participation in the Lake Lure Games this year, for volunteering for the 'Orderer of the Balls' position and for taking on other UPG missions.

But, that's not the end of the story.

Finally, on 12/20/2011 - a rainy day at Gower, with six UPGers present (others having to good sense to stay home) the Pickle was formally presented to Gary A by Steve (presentation pictured below). Sharon was also on hand for the playing session but had adjourned to the car when the rain picked up, just before this photo was snapped.

The saga continues:

The Passing Of The Pickle took place for the 5th time. The occasion was the 4th Annual UPG Holiday Party, on December 5, 2012 at the Riverwalk Clubhouse. The much-sought after and Nationally hailed award was presented to Johnny and Carol during a solemn ceremony that reflected the significance of the event. The Kosher Pickle is awarded to UPGers whose contribution to our group and the promotion of Pickleball in general goes well above and beyond the call of Pickleball duty. The The Passing Of The Pickle is akin a collegiate football player being awarded the Heisman trophy. Johnny and Carol initiated a Pickleball course for beginners under the OLLIE program at Furman University. They rustled up paddles and balls, conducted several classes and trained about a dozen players over a period of several weeks. Some of the newbies continued on and came to Gower where they received more instructions from J and C and other UPGers. Some of those new players are - or, soon will be hard core UPG players. Good show Johnny and Carol and congratulations. PS: The Pickle survives best if it spends at least part of the year on a Christmas Tree.

　

Johnny and Carol displaying the Pickle w/ smiling Jan looking on.

On the occasion of the belated UPG Christmas Party held on January 8, 2014 Don Daniels became the 6th recipient of the highest civilian, and most coveted award given to UPG members. The event: THE PASSING OF THE PICKLE. The gathering took place at the Travinia Italian Kitchen and was attended by 26 UPGers and guests. The "Awards Committee" (a division of the UPG) thought long and hard about the recipient - but in the end - Don was deemed the the logical choice for the treasured PICKLE. It is given each year to a UPGer who goes out of his/her way to advance the sport and otherwise contribute to the promotion and enjoyment of the game. Don spends considerable time training new players in the fine art of the game, has repaired the nets several times and eventually convinced the County to replace the nets. He is also an official "ball carrier" and is an all around good guy, unless you are his opponent. As a not-very-interesting side note: Don is the only UPGer to single-handidly construct a very temporary windbrake on the fence at the east end of the courts. It self-distructed after a half hour. 

Congratulations Don for earning the award.

That's it for now folks.

Spike
January 14, 2014

WINTER SCHEDULE STARTS FRIDAY, OCT. 25, 2013

WINTER SCHEDULE

Starting Friday, 10/25/2013, we will change to our winter session times - 1 PM. The Greenville City Parks and Recreation Saturday session will remain at 9:00AM. The first Monday session, yesterday, had 7 players.

UPG schedule:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday at 1 PM, Gower Park

Rec Dept schedule:
Saturday 9:00 AM, Gower Park

Greenville, SC
 

ANOTHER DAY OF PICKLEBALL!!!

The UPSTATE PICKLEBALL GROUP (UPG) has added another day each week to play Pickleball. We will now have sessions Monday, Tuesday and Friday beginning at 9:00AM. The addition of a Monday session will be on a trial basis until further notice. Players are welcome to attend any or all sessions.

All matches take place at Gower Estates Park in Greenville, SC.

Spike

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - UPG ACTIVITY REPORT

This is an: ___Occasional, ___ Semi-annual, ____ Quarterly, ____ Bi-Weekly, ____Almost never UPG Activity Report. Check one only. Then, initial and send $10 cash to Spike or his legal representative.
                                                          -------------------------------------------
One reason for this post is to advise UPGers that Peter Fallon has not left the country permanently as has been suggested. He and Margot did travel to Canada, but were allowed to return the the US based on good behavior. Peter had carpal tunnel surgery on his hand then, a little later, had a surgical procedure just above his knee that required stitches. That event immobilized him somewhat, but not enough to prevent he and Margot from going on another trip. Anyway Peter advises that he will be reporting to P'ball in the near future.

The other reason is that I took a bunch of photos and didn't know what else to do with them. And, when one of our players doesn't show up for a while - we should look into it. Spike

INFO: To all interested parties: We are on our Fall Time Schedule. Sessions are held every Tuesday and Friday beginning at 9:00AM. Location: Gower Estates Park, Greenville, SC.

PICKLEBALL INFO

THE UPSTATE PICKLEBALL GROUP IS OPERATING ON ITS FALL SCHEDULE.

WE PLAY ON TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS BEGINNING AT 9:00AM.

OUR PLAYING SESSIONS TAKE PLACE AT GOWER ESTATES PARK IN GREENVILLE, SC.

LOCATED NEAR THE INTERSECTION OF HAYWOOD AND LAURENS ROADS. 

See you there.
Spike
090813

New hours:

Beginning on Tuesday, August 27th, 2013 - the weekly p'ball sessions will begin at 9:00AM. 

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. 

-----------------------------------------

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

Good Friday P'ball. 3/30/2013

This bright, breezy day brought out a lot of players. The session started at 1:00 PM; by 2:00 we had four courts fully occupied. We UPGers, well known for our benevolence, generously allowed Coach John and his student to occupy Court 5 where they played a game called tennisball (I think). There were 16 players: Newbies Lynda and Glenn (probably the only players who were equally happy when they hit or missed the ball or gained or lost a point), Ralph, Sam, Ray, Kim, Patty and Tim (Mom and son - both exceptional players - who contributed greatly to several fiercely contested matches), Peter, Don, Walt, Steve, Mike, Julia, Gary A and me (often called Ron). 

Below: Patty and Tim.



Below: Kim and Mike (aka Spidy)

Below: L. Peter and Julia; R. Patty and Tim again; Bott. Walt and Lynda.

Below Top: Peter, Glenn; Bott: Sam, Kim

Kudos to Don (age unknown, but a senior citizen for sure) for challenging youngster Tim (at 25 years young) to a singles match. Don gave Tim a run for his money, but came up just a few points short of a victory.

 

We stayed at it for about 2-1/2 hrs, but the number of players dwindled as time marched on. As always there were many fine matches. Our newer players keep improving. Our seasoned veterans keep getting a little tougher, too. Makes for exciting matches.

The Senior Games are coming up soon. The Pickleball Session will be held April 15, at Gower Park beginning at 6:00PM. Gary A has sent everyone info about the Games and he sent registration documents as well. The application deadline is April 5th. Read the documents for full details. Several teams have already been formed. OK? Check YES_____ or NO______ here. It really doesn't matter what you check. But, do it anyway.

Spike

P'ball Event - Friday, March 22, 2013

Sorry. No pictures were taken at this event, that turned out to be an uneventful day - which is not necessarily a bad thing. It was cold for March, and windy. That's why they call it MARCH.

Twelve players toughed it out: Sam, Ralph (a new Ralph), Kim, Julia, two Garys, Steve, Anne (Pitt Bull), Mike, Bill S, Walt and Yours Truly.

Briefly: We came, we saw, we competed. Matches were won and lost. About 50% of each.

Will try to do better next time!

YT