It’s going to be a zoo this winter at Wulf Rec Center. With more than 800 pickleball players now in the mountain foothills from Evergreen, Hiwan, Genesee and Mt. Vernon to Morrison, Conifer, Pine and Bailey, Wulf’s four indoor courts won’t easily accommodate players from the 20+ outdoor courts in the foothills.

That’s why EPC board members Sarah German and Linda Jacobsen worked with EPRD’s Jeff Sweet to reshape the new schedule beginning Monday, Oct. 31. First, skill levels were simplified to three groups: Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner. No more upper and lower intermediate. No more Social (which we were never sure what skill level that was, exactly.) Also, no more mixed or open play which invited everyone to drop in at once causing as many as 30 paddles down waiting to play.

Advanced and Intermediate will have play times every day of the week. Beginner will have dedicated play time five days a week.

To increase total hours of play, some days will start at 7 am and others will go to 2 or 3 pm, never ending earlier than noon. In all, there will be 36 hours of play each week (other than when schools are closed); an increase of 10 hours over the current schedule. That’s a lot of play.

Of course, to make it work for everyone we have to adhere to the schedule. If you play in one skill level time that day, you can’t play in a second. If you come late to your play time, you can’t carry over time into the next skill level time. Let’s encourage each other to get off the courts when our time is up and give other players their time on the courts. Check the Schedule page for new times starting Monday.

We truly appreciate EPRD’s cooperation and flexibility in accommodating pickleball play at Wulf.

Time to Get Snow Angels’ Wings Flapping

With today’s first snowfall of the season, Captain Monte Poague will issuing emails with weather updates and planned snow removal times. If you’d like to help out this winter contact Monte here. Angels get first shot at newly cleared courts.

If you’re one of the 59 angels on the list but don’t plan to move snow this year, reply with “please remove me” in the subject line; no explanation needed.

The locker is ready with approved equipment. Don’t bring shovels from home. The lock code is 16-2-16, if you can’t make it to a planned removal time, help yourself to the tools and move some snow at your leisure, it’s great exercise.

Monte will follow up with a reminder of proper EPRD court removal techniques.

Welcome New EPC Board Members Monte Poague and Mick Pearce

The EPC Board of Directors has appointed two new members to fill vacancies due to resignations of Pat Theno and Pat Bixenman.

Filling Theno’s term, which expires end of 2023, is Monte Poague. If you’re a Snow Angel you already know Monte.

Mick Pearce will carry out Bixenman’s term to end of 2024. Mick is a long-time pickleball player famous for his air walk.

Quarterly Report from USA Pickleball Ambassador Linda Jacobsen

“This is my first Ambassador’s report: a casual recounting of the past quarter.

“Oh, beautiful October, one of my favorite months. Weatherwise, 2022’s October has been spectacular. I’ve continued my second month commitment to running Hiwan’s courts for Tom & Sue Karas. It’s been most interesting; at times really fun and rewarding, at others a bit challenging. Deets will go to my grave, unless you know me very well. I miss my mornings at Marshdale.

USA Pickleball Ambassador Linda Jacobsen

“Sadly, I was at Hiwan during Dinkeroo. I heard from many EPC members that it was excellent. Congrats to the winners, those who ran it and all who participated.

“A couple of Saturday mornings were well spent assisting Sarah G at Marshdale teaching beginners with Jeri H, John D and a time or two with the ever effervescent Will. Sharing our fabulous, fun game with new peeps is gratifying. It changed my life, maybe it will change theirs.

“Pingles is still a thing. It’s full-court singles every Wednesday and some Saturdays at 12:30. We have 2 to 8 players, most love it and want more, but it’s not for everyone. It’s also catching on at Hiwan. Who knew?

“I ventured out and played in new lands twice this month: once in Omaha and once in Denver’s Congress Park. It’s good to challenge oneself, get out of your comfort zone and be brave. Silly as that sounds, it’s a bit intimidating for a past middle-aged, used-to-be athletic, pickleball addict to leave the nest and play our game at lower altitudes with strangers. I didn’t embarrass EPC and I had fun. Demographically, Omaha’s crowd of 50 + players was about 15 years younger than EPC’s regulars. Congress Park’s 14 players were roughly 30 years my junior. Yikes! It appears we are the “Cocoon” version of pickleball. But our altitude serves us well.

“Pickle On!”

Linda J

Top 10 Signs You’re Playing Against Drunk Pickleball Players

With all the new “eatertainment” concepts serving alcohol along with pickleball here are the top 10 signs you’re playing with drunk players:

10. They announce they have a ball to play with, but it turns out to be a lime.

9. Their “water bottle” is in a brown paper bag.

8. When you say “It’s my turn to serve,” they say, “Great! I’ll have another round.”

7. They ask for bathroom-break timeouts during rallies.

6. They sign up for a court under the name “Zane Zinfandel.”

5. They think the PPA is a hoppy variety of craft beer.

4. They announce the starting score as “zero-zero-burp.”

3. They refer to the non-volley-zone area as “the mosh pit.”

2. They ask if it’s legal during a serve if the whole court spins.

And the Number 1 Sign You’re Playing Against Drunk Pickleball Players is … they do stacking, but it’s with red Solo cups.

Thanks to Stacie@the pickler.com.

New Winter Schedule Expands Days, Times and Hours at Wulf

Vote for Board of Directors at EPC General Membership Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 7

Wulf Rec Center Closed Sunday, Oct. 18