August 31, 2009

Open for Registration: USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments

Michgan Great Lakes Pickleball

  • Portage, MI

Kalamazoo Doubles Tournament

USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) Competitive Divisions

Recreational "Crazy Mixed-up Doubles"

October 2 & 3, 2009

http://where2pickle.com/doublesTournament10-2009.php

  • Auburn Hills, MI

Turkey Tourney Pickleball Extravaganza

USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) Competitive Divisions

Recreational Mixed Generation Doubles

November 13 & 14, 2009



http://usapa.org/file/mi/Auburn_Hills_Turkey_Tourney.pdf

August 30, 2009

Results: RARA 1st Annual Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

Rochester Avon Recreation Authority
1st Annual Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

Downtown Rochester Municipal Park Tennis Courts
August 26 - August 30, 2009

Tournament Committee Chair:
Marilyn Holladay, USAPA Board Member

MORE PHOTOS

Michigan Pickleball Celebration! Downtown Rochester Municipal Park! 124 Players! 82 USAPA Members! Five Days! Beginners' Clinics! Recreational Speed Pickleball! Mixed Generation Pickleball! USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) Competitive Tournament: Women's and Men's Doubles, Women's and Men's Singles, Mixed Doubles!


Mixed Generation Doubles: 18 Teams



Sunday, August 30, 2009
Mixed Generation Doubles: 18 Teams
  • 1st Place Suri Nellogi/Andy Torvinen
  • 2nd Place Mike McLauglin/Sanford Simons

:::::

Saturday, August 29, 2009
Men's Singles 50+: 5 Players

  • 1st Place Jim Hackenberg
  • 2nd Place Sandy Sanford
  • 3rd Place Apollo Ionas

:::::

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Men's Singles 65+: 3 Players

  • 1st Place Dick Manasseri
  • 2nd Place Rich Bauer
  • 3rd Place Hans Spata :::::

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Women's Singles: 9 Players
  • 1st Place Yvonne Hackenberg
  • 2nd Place Sue Cary
  • 3rd Place Nancy Robertson
:::::
Friday, August 28, 2009
Mixed Doubles 50+: 16 Teams
  • 1st Place Amy Kessler/Sanford Simons
  • 2nd Place Donna Clancy/Bennie Shellnut
  • 3rd Place Barb McKinney/Johnnie McKinney

:::::
Friday, August 28, 2009
Mixed Doubles 65+: 4 Teams
  • 1st Place Patsy Belanger/Dick Manasseri
  • 2nd Place Norm Davis/Jean Golden
  • 3rd Place Kathy Pennell/Stan Wilson
:::::
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Men's Doubles 65+: 4 Teams
  • 1st Place Larry Baum/Dick Manasseri
  • 2nd Place Larry Sagowitz/Stan Wilson, Jr.
  • 3rd Place Rich Bauer/Ronald Wagner

:::::

Thursday, August 27, 2009
Men's Doubles 50+: 9 Teams

  • 1st Place Larry Kraus/Bud Stefanko
  • 2nd Place Mike Simoni/Andy Torvinen
  • 3rd Place Mike Cain/Patrick McPhail
:::::
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Men's Doubles "Open": 4 Teams
  • 1st Place Larry Kraus/Bud Stefanko
  • 2nd Place Tom Crowley/Sanford Simons
  • 3rd Place Tom Decker/Lewis Forrest

:::::
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Recreational Speed Pickleball (RSP): 27 Players
  • Perfect Scores: Sue Kramer and Lee Sun
:::::
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Women's Doubles: 13 Teams
  • 1st Place Nancy Thoenes and Lynn Wittkowski
  • 2nd Place Diane Moore and Pat Secen
  • 3rd Place Amy Kessler and Carla Vaughan

Playing on lite courts was a glorious first for SE Michigan Pickleball. The final matches, played by champions, were like precious jewels set in a platinum circle of crowd pleasing rallies! Well played, friends!

August 28, 2009

"Competitive spirit drives woman to win 100 medals" By Deanna Rose

Advisor & Source (sourcenewspapers.com)

Competitive spirit drives woman to win 100 medals
August 28, 2009
By DEANNA ROSE

!!! Marika !!!

Sometimes, it's easy to complain and offer excuses for not doing something: suffering from a headache, it's too far, it's too hot out or it's too cold out. Marika Vorosmarty Blumerick could complain, too - since she's deaf - but she isn't letting that or anything else stop her.

At 65 years old, Blumerick achieved a self-imposed goal of winning 100 medals for her participation in various sporting activities. The Shelby Township resident overcame adversity and kept trudging along, doing what she loved to do, despite living nearly all of her life without being able to hear.

"My mother never looked at me as a poor deaf child," Blumerick said through the help of her friend, Terri Closs, who translated what Blumerick said in sign language. "That was very inspirational to me."

In 1945, when Blumerick was 11 months old, her family tried to escape from the unrest in their home country of Hungary. Blumerick's father had been an advisor to the prime minister, but Hungary was losing the war and the family left.

A bomb exploded on a nearby bridge while the family was traveling on a ferry. The explosion deafened little Blumerick, and she began running a very high fever and became "shell-shocked." Doctors were able to eventually cure the "shell-shocked" ailment in Blumerick's head, but her hearing was gone.

Eventually, Blumerick's family moved to Flint when their church located a family in Michigan who wanted to help. She went to a school for the deaf and learned sign language, and then discovered how much she enjoyed all kinds of sports.

"Anything I could sign up for, I did," Blumerick said.

That including fencing - and an early love for Zorro - and anything that offered her a challenge.

"It didn't matter if I lost," Blumerick said. "It was the fun of playing."

However, some people didn't share the same thoughts about losing. One time, Blumerick said, she was playing in a fencing tournament at Michigan State University where she was the only female in the competition - and she won. One player, a male, didn't take to kindly to losing and angrily approached Blumerick.

"He hit me right in the chest with (the fencing weapon)," Blumerick said. "That scared me beyond belief. I almost quit sports."

But she didn't. She fought to participate and quieted objections by men who said she wasn't qualified, and she did so because of the traits her mother and father had instilled in her while she was growing up.

"You can do anything you decide you want; you have to fight for your rights," Blumerick said her parents always told her.

Communication was difficult for Blumerick in life and in sports. When she was younger, Blumerick said she was competing in a race where the starting signal was a gunshot - but she couldn't hear the gunshot and wondered how everyone else knew to begin.

At the Michigan School for the Deaf, Blumerick won various sports awards. She also won medals in the Deaf Olympics, an international competition, and in the Oakland County Senior Games. In 1997, Blumerick won her first Senior Olympics medal.

About five years ago, Blumerick decided to set a goal for herself to win 100 medals - and she promised her mother and father she'd do it, since they were her biggest inspirations in her life.

"To be honest, I never really thought that was possible as I'm not a spring chicken anymore," Blumerick said.

This year she did it. She medaled in shot put, javelin, discus, 5K cycling, women's doubles pickleball, women's singles pickleball and 100-meter dash, putting her over the 100-medal mark.

The journey to her goal and her journey through life both followed the same motivations to never give up and never let anyone stop her.

"If it required work, I'd work," Blumerick said. "If it required failure, I'd do that too."

When she's not participating in sports, Blumerick spends her time as an American Sign Language instructor at Macomb Community College. She has a husband, Gary Blumerick, and three children and three grandchildren. In addition, Blumerick is a board member of Deaf Community Advocacy Network and the Deaf Women's Advocacy Services, a Relay for Life volunteer and an advisor for the ASL club at MCC.

In the past, Blumerick spent more than 20 years as the first certified deaf substance abuse counselor in Michigan, and served on the Michigan Board of Mental Health and the Division of Deafness.

Blumerick wanted to remind her friends and the community to find activities that bring happiness, and to challenge themselves to become better people.

"I am so happy that the little child inside me still has that flame which burns with a competitive edge - it keeps my soul young and happy," Blumerick said.

URL: http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/articles/2009/09/03/news/doc4a98082da5d1e504765038.prt

© 2009 sourcenewspapers.com, a Journal Register Property

August 27, 2009

Family Pickleball - Michigan Style!

Dear Bill Gates, Sr.,

You and your entire family are cordially invited to enjoy Family Pickleball - Michigan Style!
  • Rochester Adams High School Gym
  • Saturdays, September - May
  • Beginning September 12, 2009
  • 2:00pm -4:30pm
  • all equipment provided
  • wear court shoes
Yours in pickleball, Janet Razz


:::::

Life lessons: From one Gates to another
By Marco R. della Cava, USA TODAY
August 27, 2009
"In a rare father-son interview with USA TODAY, both Bills take a break from the family's last-gasp-of-summer bonding over golf and pickleball to discuss everything from raising children to eradicating diseases."

August 26, 2009

What do you eat before a pickleball tournament?

If the rain stops, I'm going to play Women's Doubles in the Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest, today at 5:00pm. My body is happiest if I eat breakfast at 6:00am, lunch at 11:00am, dinner at 4:00pm and a light snack at 8:00pm. Naturally that schedule gets jumbled for a number of activities and I "improvise, adapt and overcome". The rain and a little busier than comfortable morning already have me somewhat off tilt. I want to perform well, so I found myself asking what and when should I eat. I decided upon raspberries at noon and a 2:30pm lunch of a King Oscar sardine sandwich on whole wheat bread, one small sweet pickle, a little popcorn, a handful of frozen blueberries in plain yogurt.
  • What do you eat before a pickleball tournament?

August 25, 2009

Tournament Players Read the Rules

The Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest competitive divisions are USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4). USA Pickleball Association Official Rules will apply.

So you think you know the rules!

August 24, 2009

Player Announcement: RARA Great Rochester Pickleball Fest

Player Announcement:
RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest
USA Pickleball Association Sanctioned (Tier 4)
By Marilyn Holladay


WELCOME PLAYERS TO THE
2009 GREATER ROCHESTER PICKLEBALL FEST

Sponsored by: Rochester Avon Recreation Authority (RARA)

Directed by: USAPA members Dick Manasseri, Marilyn Holladay, Tom Crowley, Tom Decker, Krystee Dorland, Janet Razz, Mark Pierce, and Larry Sagowitz

The start of the Fest is fast approaching and we look forward to your participation.

All play will be at the Rochester Municipal Tennis Courts on Pine Street. From M59 head north on Rochester Road (M150) to the light at University Dr. Turn left and head west to the first light which is Pine St. Turn right on Pine. Follow it around to the tennis courts which are near the duck pond. There is parking near the courts. If those are full, turn around and head back, there is a parking lot just as Pine takes the 90 degree turn. MAPQUEST INFO: City Hall, 400 W 6th St., Rochester, MI 48307

There is a drinking fountain but the water does not seem to get cold. It is recommended you bring bottled water and a snack. There are mini-markets, coffee shops, and sandwich shops within a few blocks of the site, if needed.

Bring a lawn chair. There are some park benches and a place you could spread a blanket – but the chairs are more comfortable. Chairs must be set up outside of the fenced in tennis courts.

Hat and sunblock are optional but recommended.

There are restroom facilities in the park as well as at the Police Station across the street..

We have had to cancel some events and combine others. Here is the final plan, final brackets will be posted Tuesday morning.

Wednesday morning 9:00 a.m. there will be a Beginners Clinic. There is no fee for this and no pre-registration so you still have time to encourage friends and family to participate.

Wednesday evening WOMEN'S DOUBLES (WD) players should report to the courts by 4:30 so that we can begin promptly. We now have 13 teams. Due to the numbers, all players are in the 50+ division. Each match will be one game to eleven win by one. 24-25 matches

Thursday morning RECREATIONAL SPEED PICKLEBALL (RSP) players need to arrive at 8:30 so that play can begin at 9:00. We currently have 21 players in this group and others might sign up after the Beginners Clinic. Sixteen players will start at 9:00 and the others about 9:15.

Thursday evening MEN'S DOUBLES (MD) players should report to the courts by 4:30 so that we can begin promptly. We now have 8 teams in 50+, 4 in 65+, and 4 in the Open division. Each match will be one game to fifteen win by one. 26-29 matches

Friday evening MIXED DOUBLES (MX) players should report to the courts by 4:30 so that we can begin promptly. We now have 15 teams in 50+ and 4 in 65+. This is a large group, each match will be one game to eleven win by one. 34-36 matches

Saturday morning WOMEN'S SINGLES (WS) players should report to the courts by 8:30 so that we can begin promptly. We now have 8 players who have been combined into the 50+ division. Each match will be one game to fifteen win by one. 14-15 matches

Saturday evening MEN'S SINGLES (MS) players should report to the courts by 4:30 so that we can begin promptly. We now have 5 players in 50+ and 4 in 65+. Each match will be one game to fifteen win by one. 14-16 matches

Sunday afternoon MIXED GENERATION DOUBLES (MXG) players should report to the courts by 12:30. Players will draw a random number to be placed into a pool for random play. The winner of each of the 4 pools will advance to a single elimination bracket to determined first and second place. All games will be to eleven win by 1. Currently we have 18 teams but are anticipating a couple more. If 20 teams in 4 pools, 43 matches


If you are a trained ref and able to referee any of the evenings or on Saturday morning, please contact Dick Manaserri at dmanasseri@usapa.org . If you can help out at the scorer’s table during any of the sessions, please contact Marilyn Holladay at mhollada@gmail.com .

If you are available to help tape the courts, we will be doing that at 7:45 Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, at 3:30 on Friday, and at 11:30 on Sunday. Please let me know if you can help: mhollada@gmail.com .

WHAT IF IT RAINS????? Fortunately, the City Council has given us use of the courts Wednesday through Sunday. We therefore have extra time when we can reschedule. The lights will be on at night if needed.

We have more than 100 participants in the Fest – we hope the weather cooperates.

If you have not yet paid for an event, please bring the money with you and fill out the registration form on site.

Thank you,

Marilyn Holladay

August 24, 2009

Cheers to Traverse City Picklers!

Traverse City Record Eagle
August 24, 2009

Cheers: "To the Oleson Foundation, Grace McDonald, East Bay Township and area pickleball players for opening three pickleball courts at the township's Grace MacDonald Park. The courts, about two-thirds the size of a tennis court, are the first in the region. Pickleball combines aspects of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Players use a small, hard paddle to hit a smaller, hard whiffle ball. Money came from the Oleson Foundation; area players pitched in $10,800. Elmbrook Golf Course donated benches."
Cheers! Plus More Cheers!

August 22, 2009

MI Pickleball Healthy Bushels of Family FUN!!!

Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball
!!! Healthy Bushels of Family FUN !!!

I grew up waking up early -- very early -- on Summer Saturdays to shop Detroit's Eastern Market with my dad. I loved the hustle bustle of the crowds and the baker shouting in his thick accent: "The besta bread in the world!" And it was! O then coming home with bushels of farm fresh Michigan fruit and veggies! My favorite was the $1. bushel of cantaloupe, the WHOLE bushel only cost one dollar! Sounds healthy, right!?! Well, my folks would cut the cantaloupe in half, clean out the seeds, add a heaping scoop of rich vanilla ice cream, and send their entire brood along with the neighborhood kids outside to the porch steps with cantaloupe bowls of ice cream. YUMMERS! (Sibs, did any of you actually eat the cantaloupe?!?)

Now, I'm a 'seasoned citizen' and I still wake up early -- very early -- on Summer Saturdays to shop the market. But first I enjoy a healthy hour of Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball. I still buy a loaf of "the besta bread in the world!" But now it's healthy whole grain! I still come home with fresh fruit and veggies. But now its pecks rather than bushels. My favorite is still the cantaloupe and I still add a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. But now I eat the healthy cantaloupe too.

Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market was the perfect venue to spotlight healthy Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball. All pleasure, today, seeing men, women, boys and girls picking up a paddle and experiencing the Pickleball PoP for the first time!

Come Play PICKLEBALL

Free Beginner Clinic

Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00am
Downtown Rochester Municipal Park Tennis Courts
and
Saturday, September 12 at 2:00pm
Rochester Adams High School
  • No registration needed
  • Wear court shoes

This lovely mother and energetic son were enjoying Farm Fresh Michigan PICKLEBALL, while the father tended to the infant son. I admire this young family for their devotion to their children. This devotion and family centered lifestyle is a large part of what gives the Rochester Pickleball its PoP! Pickleball is a wholesome family activity that promotes good health and good family relationships. Play Pickleball...on the driveway, in the park, or at the gym..."just for the FUN of it!"


What to know more!?!
Email your questions to MIPickleball@gmail.com


*** *** ***

I also admired this young couples stroller, a Stokke that advertises "highter is better' with the photo copied below. Once these two young athletes are up and walking, they will be ready to cross train with a competitive game of driveway PICKLEBALL!
PoP! POp!

August 21, 2009

Idaho Pickleball! The New Blog on the Block!

Papa Razz and I would rather read books than watch TV. However, there was a season (when our children were small) that we watched one show on a regular basis, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I grew to have deep respect for Fred Rogers. The wisdom he shared during his cheerful neighborhood visits helped me to be a better parent. I learned as much as my children did from Mr. Rogers' songs, stories, and adventures. My son Thor and I especially liked the tours Mr. Rogers' would take us on, showing us how things were made and teaching us how to do things.

Mr. Rogers' made the world a little smaller and a whole lot more friendly. Pickleball does that too! (I don't want to risk getting too sappy here. Next week is tourney time. I'm competing in the Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest WD and MXG. I have to maintain my competitive edge...The first indication I had that players actually read this blog was when I disclosed in a posting that I don't have a backhand. My opponents read the blog and during the tourney...well it was ugly!)

Pickleball blogs encourage community...start lively conversations....spotlight shared events and accomplishments. There is a new blog on the block: Idaho Pickleball, hosted by USAPA Ambassador Jan Johnson. If you go to the site the first thing you will notice is a wonderful OUTDOOR group photo of our Idaho Pickleball neighbors.

Idaho Pickleball
"Adventures in Living"! Adventures in Pickleball!

"It's a beautiful day in the PICKLEBALL neighborhood!"


Enjoy Mr. Rogers' timeless wisdom and songs here: http://pbskids.org/rogers/

August 20, 2009

Player List! Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest!


Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest
August 26 - 30


Same day registration will be permitted for Recreational Speed Pickleball.

Entry deadline for the competitive events has been extended to Friday morning at 10:00am.
For information contact:

RARA

August 19, 2009

Auburn Hills Pickleball Ladder League


AUBURN HILLS PICKLEBALL LADDER LEAGUE

There is no need for a partner, and you can enter or leave the ladder at any time. Players will play others of similar levels in a round robin format and will move up or down the ladder based on their winning percentage. If you cannot commit to the ladder you can get on a sub list with the coordinator. The last day there will be a lunch and awards.


For any questions call Senior Fitness Coordinator Michelle Pozan at 248-365-6796, or Volunteer Ladder Chief Patty Bedard (248) 879-2815.


  • Date: Tuesdays, Sept. 8-Nov. 17

  • Time: 9:30 AM-12:00 PM

  • Cost: Residents $25.00 Non-Resident $30.00 # 452041

Auburn Hills Community Center: Pickleball Skills Clinic

PICKLEBALL SKILLS CLINIC - BY LEWIS FORREST
This clinic is to give players of all levels the information and skills needed to become a strong player no matter how long you have been playing the game. Topics will review proper warm-up, forehand/backhand grip, balance/stance foundation, proper serve and techniques, spin vs. non-spin contact, court positions, singles vs. double. There will also be a segment discussing physical conditioning and how it may prevent injury as well as help improve your game. There will be time for questions and answers and then practice and play between each segment to get personal coaching from Lewis! Paddles will be provided for those who are new to the sport. Lewis is nationally ranked in the top 10 for Pickleball and is a pro-certified instructor and advisor to Wilson Sports. Lunch will be provided.
  • Date: Saturday, September 26
  • Time: 10:00AM-2:30PM
  • Cost: Auburn Hills Residents $15.00 / Non-Resident $20
  • Registration Numbers: # 452040

***SAVE THE DATE***

Auburn Hills Senior Services

TURKEY TOURNEY PICKLEBALL EXTRAVAGANZA

November 13 & 14, 2009

Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball

Farm Fresh Michigan Pickleball

Downtown Rochester Farmers' Market

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Stop by the Pickleball mini-demonstration
and check out the Bountiful Harvest of Pickleball Activities!

http://www.downtownrochestermi.com/market.html

RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

  • Downtown Rochester Municipal Park Tennis Courts
  • August 26 - August 30
  • Free Pickleball Clinic, Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00am
  • Recreational Speed Pickleball
  • Competitive Tournament

Rochester Community Schools Enrichment Programs

  • Intramural Pickleball Program at Hart Middle School

Rochester Community Schools Enrichment Programs

  • Family Pickleball at Adams High School
  • Saturday Afternoons 2:00pm -4:30pm
  • Free Pickleball Clinic, Saturday, September 12 at 2:00pm

Rochester Older Persons' Commission

  • Walk-in Pickleball
  • Pickleball Ladder Leagues
  • Free Beginner's Pickleball Lessons, Wednesdays at 9:30am
  • Free Beginner's Pickleball Lessons, Saturdays at 8:00am

August 18, 2009

Praise and Pickleball - a taste of the Kingdom!

Last week I received a complement from a USAPA Ambassador in Idaho. Idaho!
http://idpickleball.usapa.org/

Well, I'm at the stage of life where I'm accepting all complements -- even the ones based on illusion :)... It's easy for people living at a distance to think good things about me. It's the people in my own family, congregation and courts that know better :O ...

That's why you can drive any main street in Metro Detroit and find congregations hungry for wholesome family activities to infuse the 'good' and 'pleasant' reality of Psalm 133:1 into the church family.

God is the Gardener. We are His planting. He takes responsibility for His people. Yet in the mysterious mingling of faith and works we are invited to active participation. PICKLEBALL can do that!

It is a strrrrrrrrretch to think a quick game of PICKLEBALL will replace 'coffee-n-donuts'. But it's easy to envision PICKLEBALL as an addition to church events calendars! It's easy to envision PICKLEBALL as an addition to traditional Midwest church softball and bowling leagues!

A few trail blazers from the Metro Detroit Chinese Christian & Missionary Alliance Church have begun to play pickleball together at Baker Middle School in Troy. Papa Razz and I were blessed to join them tonight. It was indeed the embodiment of the 'good' and 'pleasant' reality that pleases both God and man. (And WoW do these guys ever have FANTASTIC shots! Great exercise!)

Come and See!! Speak with USAPA volunteers about how you can add "Praise and Pickleball" to your congregation's calendar. Learn more about how PICKLEBALL can enrich your fellowship.

  • Free Beginner's Clinic
  • Downtown Rochester Municipal ParkTennis Courts
  • Wednesday, August 26 at 9:00am
  • USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) http://usapa.org/


Hans Spata (Rochester, MI) originated my favorite pickleball slogan:

  • Pickleball! FUN! Friends! Fitness!

Hans welcomes Michigan congregations to add a new twist to his slogan:

  • Pickleball! FUN! Fellowship! Fitness!

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 (New American Standard Bible)

Coming Soon: Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

VOLUNTEERS AND PLAYERS NEEDED

The Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest is fast approaching.

We are in need of referees for evenings starting at 5 pm August 26-30 as well as Saturday morning at 9:00.

We are looking forward to five days of fun for players of all levels. We have something for everyone with a Beginners Clinic for all ages on Wednesday morning, Recreational Speed Pickleball especially for Beginners, Novice and Intermediate players and USAPA Sanctioned (Tier 4) events. Mixed Generation play is on Sunday afternoon to involve families in a single event.

For more information go to:

If you have questions you may contact mhollada@gmail.com

Why do we play pickleball?? By Don Kolke

WHY DO WE PLAY PICKLEBALL??

By Don Kolke

I want to speak up for Pickleball, not as a "Tournament Sport" or a "Ladder Climbing Sport", but as a "Get Together and Have Fun Sport".

Possibly those who have no interest in Tournaments or Ladders think there is no room for them in Pickleball........."au contraire".......there is a place for you!! It's called "drop-in and play." My wife and I thoroughly enjoy this type of Pickleball. We can play it 5 times per week near us if we so choose, but are not obligated to show up if we decide to do something else, such as golf or tennis, or just sitting around reading. We can play it at the Sterling Heights Senior Center for a nominal fee on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday, and at Clinton Township Senior Center on Thursdays for the price of a membership.

Pickleball provides, for us, great exercise (I sweat......she glows), camaraderie (win or lose, those with whom we play all seem to remain friends), and, best of all, FUN.

There are no ladders to climb (we play with and against all levels of players as long as they understand that we are playing for fun.....and they are free to decide if they want to play with or against someone based on how they play.)

There are no tournaments among us. We win some, we lose some and, if you lose, you are not eliminated from further play......you just play again when a court is available. We keep no written records of wins and losses we just play as much as we are physically able to, or until time, or partners/opponents run out for that day. We've dropped-in and played Pickleball here in the Detroit area as well as in Arizona and Florida, and have had a ball doing it.

We do compete, and enjoy competing, but when the game is over, it's over.....and we can laugh and joke about the game, our performance and/or others' performances with no angry feelings, because a few minutes from the end of that game we are playing again with a different partner and different opponents.

This, I feel, is the REAL joy of playing this game called Pickleball. Just the fact that it was named after Pickles, the dog of one of the inventors makes one realize that it is a FUN experience without all of the seriousness, and pressure of formalized competition. I highly recommend "drop-in and play" Pickleball for all who wish to enjoy a fun and healthy exercise. It is, as far as I know, available at all Pickleball venues.

August 17, 2009

What's Speed Pickleball?!?

What's Speed Pickleball?!?
Are Michiganders just making this stuff up!?!

!!! YES !!!

Greater Rochester PICKLEBALL Fest

Rochester Municipal Park
August 26-30, 2009

!!! Five Days of OUTDOOR MI Pickleball !!!

Made in Michigan Recreational Divisions
AND
USAPA Sanctioned Tier 4 Competitive Divisions

Traditional Competitive Divisions for Youth and Adults:
  • MX - Mixed Doubles
  • MD - Men's Doubles
  • WD - Women's Doubles
  • MS - Men's Singles
  • WS - Women's Singles

Made in Michigan Recreational Divisions:

  • RSP - Recreational Speed Pickleball
  • MXG - Mixed Generation Pickleball

Tournament Information
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest.pdf

Youth Tournament Registration Form
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest_Youth.pdf

Adult Tournament Registration Form
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest_Adult.pdf

Recreational Speed Pickleball (RSP) is a take-off from ever popular "Speed Dating". Pat Sullivan, Dick Manasseri, Bruce Castle, and I were in Elaine Torvinen's office setting pickleball tournament brackets. Elaine took a momentary aside to work on an upcoming Troy Senior Services "Speed Dating" program. The light bulbs started flashing and a fair amount of laughter accompanied the birth of the idea: "Speed Pickleball"!

The ball doesn't go any faster in Speed Pickleball and you don't (necessarily) end up with the phone numbers of new potentials. Think pickleball by the buzzer! Think a plethora of social interaction with variety of partners! Think round robin with a partner mix each time the buzzer sounds! Think maximized court time, maximized fitness benefits and maximized FUN!

Recreational Speed Pickleball was first implemented after the OPC Best Practice Safe Warm-up Clinic (12/15/2008). Over 60 players, of ALL skill levels, pre-registered for the Clinic. I didn't know how many players would stay for the afterglow pickleball games, but I knew I needed to be prepared for some serious FUN. This was the perfect opportunity for Speed Pickleball to make a successful debut.

The Speed Pickleball formula varies dependant on the number of courts, the number of players, and the amount of time available. The math geeks out there will enjoy reading Dick Manasseri's original exposition on Speed Pickleball created for the OPC Best Practice Safe Warm-up Clinic. OPC had 3 courts at the time and two hours reserved for Speed Pickleball. Talk about brainiacs! Pickleball is sure lucky to have Dick - in the game and on the USAPA Board!

***Original Exposition of Speed Pickleball***

By Dick Manasseri 12/13/2008

Goal to have everyone there play at least four times in 2 hours for a total of at least 60 minutes.

  • 3 Courts X 4 Players X 4 timeslot per hour X 2 hours = 96 oncourt player spots.
  • 12 players would each have 8 oncourt player spots (96/12 = 8)
  • 24 players would each have 4 oncourt players spots(96/24=4)

If we have 36 players, we could reduce the time per spot to 10 minutes creating 6 timeslot per hour:

  • 3 4 X 6X 2 = 144 oncourt player spots
  • 36 players would each have 4 oncourt player spots of 10 minutes each (144/36 = 4)

***

Did you get that!?!

Here's the English version:

Players + Pickleball Paddles + Pickleballs + Courts = FUN!

Mix-up the Players every so many minutes and you have

Michigan Style Recreational Speed Pickleball!

PICKLEBALL! FUN! Friends! Fitness!


Traverse City Pickleball Dedicated OUTDOOR Courts!

New Grace MacDonald Park Pickleball Courts Ribbon Cutting


Traverse City is growing Michigan cherries and Michigan PICKLEBALL! Enjoy every sweet word of the Grand Traverse Herald report, detailing the FANTASTIC collaborative effort resulting in the Grand Opening of pickleball dedicated OUTDOOR courts in East Bay Township!

Pickleball players celebrate court opening
By Carol South
Special to the Record-Eagle
August 17, 2009

Grand Traverse Herald TRAVERSE CITY -- One of the fastest growing sports in the country has a home in East Bay Township.

Grace MacDonald Park celebrated the opening of three pickleball courts Sunday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as exhibition games by some of the area's hottest players. The courts are the first dedicated ones in the region that are both public and free.

Not to mention top-notch, say players who have been around.
"The courts installed there honestly are about the best courts in the state of Michigan," said avid player Tayna Berg. Enthusiasts of the paddle sport can now enjoy a paved, netted and lined facility adjoining the park's two tennis courts....


"Pickleball players banded together to raise money and create three courts at Grace MacDonald Park in East Bay Township. Getting some playing time are Ryan Haworth, 14, right foreground, and Dave Paulson and Tanya Berg." Carol South / Special to the Record-Eagle http://www.gtherald.com/local/gtheraldnews_story_229071725.html

Grace MacDonald Park Grand Opening Exhibition Game


August 16, 2009

Great Lakes! Great Game! Great Growth!

Woodward Dream Cruise weekend is a good time to parade the growth of Great Lakes Pickleball. It is a good time to say THANK YOU to the 1637 USA Pickleball Association Members united in the joy of pickleball. Together we raise our paddles to the men, women, boys and girls that are creating the Great Growth of the Great Game of the Great Lakes - PICKLEBALL!

USAPA Great Lakes Region Member Singing Pickleball Pete

Top Three USAPA Regions

  • Great Lakes 338 Members
  • Atlantic South 336 Members
  • Southwest 262 Members


August 14, 2009

MI Pickleball Quotable!

"Health! Care about It - Play Pickleball!"

Dick Manasseri, USA Pickleball Association

FALL Pickleball Schedule: Troy Community Center Gym

Troy Community Center Gym

Open Pickleball Play

  • Fridays, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. - $3 pp
  • Wed, 7-8:30 p.m. $10 pp ($8 with 10 visit coupon book)
  • Fitness Center members FREE for both

Open Men's and Women's 50+ Doubles Pickleball Mixer

  • Sundays, 6-8 pm beginning September 13
  • $5 drop-in fee at the Troy Community Center Gym
  • Round robin play among players of equal levels.
  • For those new to the game some informal instruction is available.
  • Equipment is provided.
  • Partners are not required.
  • Call Elaine T. at 248.524.3484 for more information.
  • No play-10/18 and 10/25

Pickleball Doubles 50+ Ladder Play

  • Sundays, 6-8 pm, Sept 13 through Oct 25 - Act #148998G - 7 weeks
  • Sundays, 6-8 pm, Nov1 through Dec 13 - Act #148998H - 7 weeks
  • $35 Residents $40 Non-residents
  • Pre-registration required
  • http://usapa.org/file/mi/Troy_Fall_2009_Ladder.pdf
  • Play three games with three different partners. Ladder competition among 16 individual competitors. Scores will be kept and averages computed. Players will compete against equal skill levels and attempt to move up the ladder. Subs will be needed.
  • If you have questions contact Elaine T. at 248.524.3484

August 13, 2009

NO MERCY Pickleball!


***Auburn Hills OUTDOOR Pickleball. Wednesday. 8/12/09. The competition is HOT! Four Picklers are in the thick of the game! Ed clearly states: "NO MERCY!"

I grew up in a family of brainiacs*. I remember my sibs challenging me to "NO MERCY" games of Parcheesi. Is this expression unique to Westsiders? Or Metro Detroiters?!?

One way or the other -- it has certainly found it way to Michigan pickleball courts..."just for the BRUTAL FUN of it!"

***OPC Rochester Pickleball. Thursday. 8/13/09. Don and Jean take out Jane and me. Don and Jane take out Jean and me. Hans and Ken take out Singing Pickleball Pete and me. (Do you see a running theme here!?!) Last game of the night, the revenge rematch. Hans and Ken VS Singing Pickleball Pete and me. "NO MERCY!"

The secret to my "NO MERCY" Pickleball game is to gear it down a notch - just enough to keep the ball in play AND in bounds. Then comes the difficult part -- I need to STOP TALKING :O !

What's the secret to your "NO MERCY" Pickleball game?!?


*My sibs are still brainiacs, each with their very own brand of exceptional intellectual ability and originality. I'm sooooooooooo lucky to have them for my friends! I got my mom's unyielding sense of generosity and my dad's tenacity, but I consider my sibs the best gift my parents ever gave me!!!!! Thanks guys! xox


***Auburn Hills OUTDOOR Pickleball. Sunday. 8/16/2009. Tested out my "STOP TALKING STRATEGY". Won all 7 games! Maybe it was just my lucky day.... OR I'm on to something :) ...

***OPC Rochester Pickleball. Monday. 8/17/2009. Today I talked more. Lost more points. Hit more balls out of bounds. And had MUCH more FUN! I stuffed my "STOP TALKING STRATEGY" to the bottom of my polka-dot gym bag. It's there. If you are on the same side of the net as me and you really want to win - cue me: "NO MERCY". Meanwhile I'm back to playing..."just for the FUN of it!"

***OPC Rochester Open Gym. Patti D. and I are playing Early Bird Pickleball Tuesday 8/18/2009 at 7:30am-9:00am in the OPC Gym. All OPC Picklers are welcome to join us.

August 11, 2009

Pickleball! Kalamazoo YMCA!

YET ANOTHER PICKLEBALL SMASH HIT

FEATURING

!! USAPA Ambassadors Melissa Muha and Bob Northrop !!



A tree!?! I didn't know that!

YouTube Pickleball Tourney Promo Clip from Puyallup, WA

Turn up the sound to enjoy this 1 minute Pickleball clip from Puyallup, WA . It's the best I've seen in the pickleball tourney promo category.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6MzK0qLYKU


Well done Nathan! We have Aunes in our family! Any relation to the Michigan Aune family?!?

RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

  • RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest
  • August 26 - August 30
  • Rochester Municipal Park Tennis Courts
RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

SW Michigan Pickleball Clinics



USAPA SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN PICKLEBALL CLINICS

!!! THIS LINK IS EVERYTHING TO LIKE !!!
CLICK ! ENJOY ! ADD TO YOUR FAVORITES !

http://where2pickle.com/clinics.php


"Kalamazoo and Portage are part of the wave of Pickleball Places To Play that are sprouting up in SW Michigan, the rest of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region. For more information contact any of our Pickleball Ambassadors."


  • Barry County - Bruce Redman (269) 623-5072
  • Battle Creek - Clark Maddox (269) 968-6365
  • Grand Rapids - Richard (Dick) Draigh (616) 676-4747
  • Holland - Jean Mulder (616) 994-6695
  • Kalamazoo - Bob Northrop (269) 352-9407
  • Muskeegon - Wayne LaPointe (231) 744-1017
  • Portage - Melissa Muha (269) 342-1267
  • Mecosta County - Joyce Staffen (231) 823-2304
  • Northern Michigan - George Powell (231) 947-2141

Kalamazoo Pickleball Tournament

KALAMAZOO DOUBLES TOURNAMENT

OCTOBER 2 & 3, 2009

PORTAGE YMCA - 7 INDOOR COURTS

Melissa Muha - Tournament Director

READ AND REGISTER HERE:

(Klick to see the kool KaZoo 'round robin' graphic!)

http://where2pickle.org/doublesTournament10-2009.php

  • USA Pickleball Association Sanctioned Tier 4 Event!
  • The Tournament will be held at the Portage YMCA. This is a wonderful facility with SEVEN indoor Pickleball Courts!
  • Friday evening includes a free clinic for registered competitors (We have a limited number of Clinic passes for sale @ $10) and we've added Crazy Mixed-Up Doubles with some fun prizes & awards.
  • The Saturday "round robin" format remains the same except that we are playing Mixed Doubles first! By having seven available courts the amount time "sittin" versus "playin" will be greatly improved.
  • We welcome all volunteers! If you would like to help out, please send Melissa an email picklemaster@where2pickle.com
  • Registration is limited to 16 teams in each division on a first come, first serve basis.
  • The Tournament Director reserves the right to combine, modify or delete all brackets.
  • The age of any team is based upon the youngest player as of December 31, 2009. Teams may compete in a younger bracket, but they may not compete in an older bracket.
  • USAPA members may earn ranking points depending upon their placement. They also receive a discount on their entry fee.

REGISTRATION FORM


August 10, 2009

Ann Arbor PICKLEBALL!

Ann Arbor PICKLEBALL!

Pickleball, growing in popularity, combines tennis, racquetball ...
Story and Video by Pete Cunningham
Posted August 6, 2009 at AnnArbor.com

---

"Last year the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation supported a program at Ann Arbor Open at Mack School titled the "Pickleball Project". The projects objective was to teach elementary and middle school students the game of Pickleball and to introduce students to another life long physical activity. You can see the final report from the teacher, Patricia Goucher, at this link: http://aapsef.org/teachers/teachers.html "

http://aapsef.org/teachers/documents/PICKLEBALLPPT-AAPSEFTEMPLATE.pdf

---

August 6, 2009

Greater Rochester Open Tennis Tournament Results

Rochester Municipal Park

33rd Annual Greater Rochester Open Tennis Tournament

  • Court Coverage by Sue Teggart, C & G Sports Writer
  • Jerry Murphy, Tournament Coordinator

August 5, 2009

Winning Words by Lewis Forrest

"Just drop it over the net." Lewis Forrest

August 3, 2009

Rose-colored Jar of Sweet Pickleball!

The Early Bird gets the PoP!

If my sweet pickleball came in a rose-colored jar, I would play Early Bird-OUTDOOR-similar skill level-doubles-pickleball games every morning. The closest I can come to making that happen at this stage of the game is to poll for partners/interest.

Please email Janet Razz at MIPickleball@gmail.com , if you are interested in:

  • Indoor OPC Open Gym* Early Bird Pick-up Pickleball Games
  • Tuesday Mornings 7:00am-9:00am

Please email Janet Razz at MIPickleball@gmail.com , if you are interested in:

  • OUTDOOR Early Bird Pick-up Pickleball Games
  • Location TBD?!? Troy's Baker or Smith Middle Schools?!? Auburn Hills Community Center Tennis Courts?!?
  • Thursday Mornings 7:00am-9:00am

Tomorrow, Patti D. and I plan to meet at the OPC at 7:30am to practice singles. We did this once before. It was a great cardio-pulmonary workout! It was a great way to start the day!

*Full Disclosure Statements:

  • OPC Membership is required to play the OPC Gym.
  • OPC Open Gym time is, basically, first come-first serve. Sooooooooo we might rush the morning lull only to find that basketball players are already shooting on the courts. Not likely -- but possible.
  • I haven't confirmed availability of Baker, Smith, or Auburn Hills. If there's not open restrooms -- well, it's a no go :O !

August 2, 2009

Experience the PoP in the Park!!!

RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest

!!! Experience the PoP !!!

!!! Experience Fresh, Michigan Grown Pickleball !!!




  • PICKLEBALL in the Park
  • ALL Ages and ALL Skill Levels
  • Mixed Generation Celebration
  • $5. USAPA Member Discount
  • August 26 - August 30, 2009
  • Rochester Municipal Park Courts
READ ME FIRST: Tournament Information
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest.pdf

YOUTH Registration Form:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest_Youth.pdf

ADULT Registration Form:
http://usapa.org/file/mi/RARA_Pickleball_Fest_Adult.pdf



MI Pickleball is experiencing pOpPing growth in the number, type and quality of Pickleball offerings! Michigan's USA Pickleball Association Membership numbers are growing too!

  • Current USAPA Members 1624
  • Current USAPA Members Great Lakes Region 325
  • Current USAPA Members Great Lakes Region - Michigan 224

You are invited to belong to the largest Pickleball Community in the world! Support Your Sport! Get your cool PICKLEBALL Member t-shirt and your $5 USAPA Member discount on the RARA Greater Rochester Pickleball Fest! Join USA Pickleball Association! Experience the PoP!!!

August 1, 2009

Experience the PoP!!! Northville Pickleball!!!

What in the world would encourage 20+ people to get it in gear, on a HOT summer night, to play an ACTIVE sport in a gym without air conditioning!?!

  • You guessed it !!! PICKLEBALL !!! Mixed with a fair amount of Westside grit :) !!!

Northville Pickleball continues to marvel me! It is a Westside wonder! The gym is HOT and so is the competition! Experience the PoP !!!

Details: Click here Northville Pickleball

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