Two more teams needed for Mixed Doubles
Fourteen teams are signed up to compete in the EPC Mixed Doubles Tournament Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. “If we can get to 16 teams by the 10th, we'll hold the tournament. If not, we'll call it off.,” tournament director Mick Pearce said.
That result would be disappointing, especially for the 28 people hoping to take part in this season’s only weekend tournament. All skill levels are welcome and you will play against others of your general ability. Rewards include cash prizes, great food in the pavilion and a chance to play a lot of competitive games on our beautiful new courts. And now there is bleacher seating waiting for you at each end.
The tournament is double-elimination, with the first match best-of-three games to 11. Winners move on in the bracket, while losing teams match up for one game to 15, rally scoring. The eventual winners in the lower bracket will take on the winners in the upper bracket.
Register here until midnight Tuesday, Sept. 10. The fee is $25 per person ($50 per team). Sign up for the required EPC membership here. If you don’t have a partner, we’ll try to find you one; just check the box on your registration form.
Post-play, Mick will present prizes to the top three finishers in each group.
Players should arrive around 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Sept. 14, for warmup. Please (we’re pleading now) be there no later than 7:45 and be sure to check in when you arrive.
We are happy to have Sisters & Company sponsoring Mixed Doubles this year.
Cancellation didn’t stop these women
Despite the disappointing cancellation of the Women's Doubles tournament, several teams showed up on Wednesday the 4th to battle it out on the courts. Rae Boyce said medals were awarded, the national anthem was played, tears were shed. And more importantly, good times were had by all.
Clockwise from top: Liz Stensing, Susan Dickenson, June Zapata, Rae Boyce
Bleachers
Much-appreciated seating was added to the Marshdale courts Friday when two sets of 8-foot, three-tiered bleachers were installed.
“The bleachers were purchased with donations made by Mike and Karen Morris, and Sarah German,” EPC President Bob Kerr said.” Plaques testifying to their generosity will be ordered and applied to the bleachers. “Every time you have a place to sit and wait in the shade, be thankful we have people like this in our club,” Bob added.
The bleachers were assembled Friday morning by numerous members of Evergreen Pickleball Club that took time out between games to install a bolt and nut or screw. They were then placed and set by a crew from EPRD. “Next we will be installing sun shades at each end,” Bob said. “The courts are beautiful and a joy to play on, and we will continue to make improvements along with EPRD to ensure that we have some of the most enjoyable courts around.”
EPC's own Frank Kassay, left, and an EPRD employee work on installing bleachers at the east end of the Marshdale courts Friday. Thanks to Monte Poague for the installation photos.
Manu Salehi was one of many players who took time out to help with bleacher installation.
Jeri Herskovits snapped this picture of the bleachers in use today.
EMS court access endangered
The three Evergreen Middle School outdoor courts in north Evergreen have been a welcome addition to local places to play, but access to them could be curtailed if pickleballers don’t follow the guidelines for use.
EPRD recreation manager Brian Tucker said Jeffco Schools staff contacted him about pickleball players parking behind the school and up at the courts instead of in the main lot. The agreement is for pickleball players not to do so—please park below and walk up the hill to the courts.
“Also, players have been arriving prior to school release (4 p.m.), which also isn’t permitted,” Brian said. “I’m hoping a friendly reminder in the newsletter or club announcement can help spread the word. We’ll also make sure that any Youth Sport user group parents are aware of this in case they’re parking there.”
“We want to make sure these courts remain available and if we don’t follow the school requirements they can lock us out of the courts,” Brian said.
Not everyone gets communications from EPC, so if you see someone violating the terms of use at EMS by parking next to the courts or arriving before 4 p.m on weekdays, please say something.
Volunteers work on the northeast side of the EMS courts in June. Parking for pickleball is permitted in the main school lot down the hill to the east. Parking next to the courts puts our use of them at risk.