Highland Lakes Pickleball: 04/01/2011

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Happy Easter to all of our Family and Friends

Friday was a wonderful day to play Pickleball. We had two grandchildren join us in some fun games during their school break. There were four courts going throughout the morning. On the last court was Jenney competing against her grandmother, "Marilyn Crowell". Britt, "Manny & Marie's granddaughter" was competing against Maria Geize. The girls were determined to beat the older folks and were very happy when they did. Kathy was also visiting her parents , Bob & Ruth Fegers. We also had a parade of Easter bonnets displayed by Karen Orman and Harry Yorgensen. Karen, we can be assured will come in displaying all of her holiday attire on all the holidays of the year and Friday was no different. She was wearing her "Pink Easter Bonnet" with lots of spring flowers on it. She changed to her "Bunny Ears" while she was playing Pickleball. We never know what she will be wearing for any particular holiday, she is always full of surprises.

Britt and Jenney playing against Marilyn Crowell & Maria Grieze

Marilyn Crowell

Nice form Jenney.

Nice form Britt.

Maria displaying her return shot.

Britt Rhodes

Maria Grieze, Karen Orman, Kathy Fegers & Irene Blenis.

Nice ears, Karen!

In your Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it...

Love that Easter bonnet, Harry! It looks great on you!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Highland Lakes Pickleball Outing

These are pictures of our Pickleball outing which was held at the picnic area yesterday, April 14, 2011. As we do every year, after the Pickleball Championship the players get together to have fun at the Pickleball Outing. This year wasn't any different, we had a great crowd, enjoyed lots of different dishes that everybody brought, and so many delicious desserts. The weather couldn't have been any better for our outing. Thanks to everyone who brought food or drinks as well as games to the picnic. It was very much appreciated by one and all. The winners of the Pickleball Championship players enjoyed receiving their awards and everyone had a great time. Thanks to all the people who participated and helped to make this an enjoyable day. Good friends, good times, that's what it's all about.

click on picture to enlarge - back arrow to get back to the blog

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Pickleball Final 4 Competition

The 2011 PickleBall version of the Final Four was held on Tuesday April 5th. The players were determined by their average score from games played during the month of March. The top four men played against each other in the men’s division and the top four women played against each other in the women’s division. The event was a huge success for the players and for all that attended. The games were played hard and every shot was a battle of the wills and determination of the players. The PickleBall group would like to thank the players and judges for helping to make this event a success. This could become a format for future competitions since everyone seemed to enjoy playing and watching. Congratulations to all who participated in the games. We are very proud of our players.

First Place winner is Lynn Corbett.

Second place Winner is Judy Wenzel

Third place winner is Irene Blenis

Fouth place winner is Anita Pasiak

Thanks to all Judges, they did a wonderful job.

First place winner is Jay Reardinger

Second place winner is Ken Corbett

Third place winner is Bill Guenst

Fourth place winner is Gerry Crowell

Men's Competition

Intense play!

Eyeing the ball!

Way to go Gerry!

She's got her paddle on the ball!

Lounges for the ball!

Her short shot!

I think the ball is going out!

Great form here!

Determined for accurcy!

PICKLEBALL CODE OF ETHICS

Every person involved in pickleball as a participant, official, volunteer, representative of the USAPA or spectator pledges as follows:
I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or encourage others to do so. I will not engage in any behavior that would endanger the health, safety or well being of others. I will not engage in the use of profanity. I will treat others with respect. I will exhibit fairness and honesty in my dealings with others. I will not flaunt my position. I will not use USAPA records or materials for personal gain. I will observe the Golden Rule of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me. The above Code applies in all situations that relate directly or indirectly to pickleball play.

About Pickleball

Whether you have terrible hand-eye coordination or are a racquet sport pro, you will have fun playing pickleball.If you are a novice: The net is set at 34", lower than tennis, and the paddles we play with are solid (composite, graphite, or wood). It is easier to hit the ball where you want it to go in pickleball. We play with a 3" plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball.If you play any sports: You can learn pickleball in less than 5 minutes and start having great rallies, good exercise, and a lot of fun.If you are a tennis player: Pickleball is faster and more fun than tennis. The rallies are longer than in tennis. It can even help your tennis game, especially at the net. The strokes are the same as tennis.

The History of Highland Lakes Pickleball Group

It has already been written about how Pickleball was invented by a U.S. Congressman from Oregon but nothing has been written how it started here at Highland Lakes.
It was introduced by George Hastings around 1993. He posted an ad in our small newsletter asking for people to come out and see what it was all about. As I recall myself and my wife Marie Falcon and Kathy Hart showed up. At that time we only had two courts with thin black lines that you could hardly see from the other end of the court. In time we were able to get better outline courts and were able to increase the courts to four. Through "word of mouth" and advertising we had full courts with as many as eight to ten people waiting to play. We devised a plan of "musical chairs" for people to move up in line to play. In time George Hastings moved back up north and others had to take up the banner of keeping Pickleball going. Our equipment at first was not great. Small thin poles to hold up a flimsy net. Through meetings with the Board of Directors and Reps of Tennis players (since they had an inside court) we were able to get the equipment that we have today. We can write about Pickleball but until you come out and see what it's all about and play it, you won't know just how much fun it is. Come on what are you waiting for?
Joe Falcon

Highland Lakes Pickleball