Mac and Mary Take on Irish Pickleball
EPC members Tim (“Mac” to most local picklers) and Mary McAleer recently traveled to Dublin to play in the Irish Pickleball Open, where more than 350 players battled it out. Placed in the 3.5 to 5.0 group, Tim and Mary went down, but they went down swinging.
The McAleers thought entering a pickleball tournament was a fine reason to make another trip to a place they have considered relocating for at least part of the year. On the way, they made a stop in Wales and were quite taken with the people and the countryside. A move to the British Isles is not imminent, though.
The tournament was played at the Dublin College University Sports Arena, where nine indoor courts were laid out on gym floors. Five referees traveled from the United States to give a clinic on how to be a ref, then helped with officiating at the tournament.
Pickleball is quickly growing in Ireland, Scotland and England, but players also came from Europe and the United States. More than a thousand participants are expected for the English Pickleball Open in August.
Pickleball in Ireland is exclusively played indoors, with tennis courts deemed untouchable. “The Irish are very envious of the outdoor and dedicated pickleball courts that we have in the U.S.,” Mary said.
Doubles Tournaments Take Place This Week
“We’re looking forward to hosting EPC’s first ever Men’s and Women’s Doubles Tournaments,” tournament director Mick Pearce said. There are 21 women’s teams signed up for play on Thursday, July 13. Mick said they would like to have three more women’s teams to round out three groups of eight, so if you’re interested there is still time to take the plunge. Sixteen men’s teams are registered, nicely making up two groups of eight.
Players need to be at Marshdale by 7:45 a.m. Courts will be closed to other players from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Sponsor of our inaugural Women’s Doubles Tournament
EPRD Super Custodian Bob Kellogg On the Mend
USA Pickleball Ambassador Linda Jacobsen checked in with Bob Kellogg, the wonderful pony-tailed caretaker/maintenance man at Wulf, to see how he’s doing after breaking four ribs and injuring his shoulder in a fall while on the roof at Wulf. A Go Fund Me organized by Linda quickly reached its goal of $1,500 and was shut down.
“Things are getting better: Ribs are good but shoulders still messed up,” Bob texted Linda. “Go for a rash of tests and doctors’ appointments the first of July. Hopefully get some good news. Trying to avoid surgery on my shoulder but things are going good.
“Spirits are high because of everybody's kind words, cards and support. Doctors learned right away to keep me tied down and not do too much. Great to hear from you and hugs to everybody, also a huge thank you again. As Arnie says, I'll be back.”
Here’s a link for anyone wondering who Arnie is.
Legs are Orange Now; Watch Out!
It is hoped everyone noticed the net legs at Marshdale have been painted orange, as the idea is to make them easier to see. The one to thank is Monte Poague, who is also responsible for the orange windsock.
Al Buenning, left, works on a net at EMS with Don Marshall, center, and Jeff Freeman.
Reminder: Marshdale Closures This Week
The courts will be open, but you won’t be able to park in the adjacent lot Monday, July 10, due to scheduled repair work. You may be able to park in the Marshdale Elementary School parking lot and walk to the courts, providing yourself with a little warmup before play. Instead of turning left onto Ocelot Trail (which will be closed), continue east on North Turkey Creek Road to the next left, which takes you to the school lot.
The courts themselves will be closed Tuesday and Thursday, July 11 and 13, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Men’s and Women’s Doubles Tournaments.
Remember, Evergreen Middle School is open for play, with three courts and one half court for drills, etc.
Kathryn Cook going cueball Photo courtesy Frank Kassay
There’s a Special Reason for Her Bald Head
EPC-er Kathryn Cook has been knighted by St. Baldrick’s Foundation in recognition of her seventh year of having her head shaved to fund childhood cancer research. Kathryn posted Team Reach on June 12 that she had $1,600 in donations in advance of the June 17 event and needed $3,600 to reach a seven-year grand total of $20,000.
The next day she was up to $2,400 and shortly after reached $4,000, putting her over the $20,000 cumulative goal. “Jam crackers! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you all,” Kathryn memorably said.
Since 2005, St. Baldrick’s events have helped raise more than $326 million for lifesaving kids' cancer research.
Paddle Rack Clips: How-To
What do the clips mean? Per EPC President Bob Taber: “The four paddles between the clips are next up. Instead of moving paddles, move one of the clips to accommodate the next four paddles. Much easier and quicker than moving every paddle four spaces.”
Mount Vernon Canyon Club Clinic for Pickleball Teams
The club north of Interstate 70, across from Genesee, is now offering several sessions of an in-depth clinic focused on improving team play and competitiveness. “Pickelball, like other sports, requires coordinated plays and strategies to develop winning opportunities,” said Mount Vernon pickleball pro Christopher Weeks. “Players will learn, practice and scrimmage team plays and tactics to improve scoring performance and defensive play.”
This clinic is designed for intermediate and advanced teams that typically use drop shots, may use stacking and intend to compete in local, national or international tournaments, or who desire to advance their recreational play.
“Instruction will be provided by professional staff who are experienced, national and international, open-level competitors and PPR Pro-level certified instructors,” Christopher said.
Each clinic includes 4 hours of intensive coaching, instruction, video-taping and team evaluation, tailored scrimmages and drills, and refreshments.
Cost per team is $185; limit four teams on each date. Remaining dates are July 15, 22, 29 and Aug. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Christopher Weeks or 757-230-8544 to reserve a spot.
One More Thing…
Benches are for butts, not bottles or bags. The source shall remain anonymous, but she is a USA Pickleball Ambassador who loves alliteration.