2nd Annual Club Championships Bring Competition and Community Together

The 2nd Annual Sun City Pickleball Club Championships were held on Saturdays, March 21 and 28, with the Championship Playoffs and club picnic taking place on Sunday, March 29. A total of 65 players participated this year, embracing the event’s theme of competition and fun.  The tournament featured both Golden and Open divisions to distinguish age brackets, along with three skill levels: 3.0, 3.5, 3.6+.

Men’s and Women’s Doubles play began at 8:30 a.m. on March 21. The format was round robin, with each team playing up to six games. Games were played to 11 points, win by 2. The top four teams in each bracket and skill level advanced to Championship Sunday. Mixed Doubles competition followed on Saturday March 28.

Championship Sunday brought exciting, high-level play as the top teams competed for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. Spectators lined the courts to cheer on the players, creating an energetic atmosphere. John Ashby served as referee for the gold medal matches, adding to the event’s formality. Awardees’ names will be added to permanent plaques.  “The Gold medal Open 4.0 men’s matches were very fun to watch,” said Peg Albrecht. “The play was neck and neck, with the team of Nick Rohaly and Steve Scholl pulling off the win in three games.”  A picnic lunch featuring chili dogs and a variety of side dishes added to the festive spirit of the day.

Volunteer Appreciation
A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the event a success:
•    Peg Albrecht – check-in and score recording
•    Cynthia Vanetti – lunch service
•    Dave Whitney – tournament desk and scorekeeping
“It took the first game on March 21 to get ourselves organized, and then the setup and scorekeeping ran smoothly,” said Dave.  “I enjoyed helping with the tournament.”
•    Augie Costanzo – general support and photography
•    Dean Lawes – scoresheet running and scorekeeping assistance
•    Joanne Lawes – photography
•    Dennis Webb – tournament director

Congratulations to the Gold Medal Winners
Men’s Doubles – Open
3.6+
Nick Rohaly / Steve Scholl
3.5
Ted Barron / Jody Pollack
3.0
Bill Hoffman / Dave Whitely
Women’s Doubles – Open
3.6+
Sonja Waterworth / Laurie Blek
3.5
Michelle Scholl / Sue Stenzel
3.0
Judy Davis / Judy Savell
Mixed Doubles – Open
3.6+
Russ Hunt / Jill Hunt
3.5
Clint King / Katie Garcia
3.0
Mike Trujillo / Vicki Robinson
Men’s Doubles – Golden
3.6+
Dennis Webb / David Stibor
3.5
Tom Quinn / Roger Morris
3.0
Bill Hoffman / Dave Whitely
Women’s Doubles – Golden
3.6+
Nancy Popek / Linda Buccelli
3.5
Liane Emerson / Pam Standen
3.0
Judy Davis / Judy Savell
Mixed Doubles – Golden
3.6+
Gary Giffen / Nancy Popek
3.5
Dennis Webb / Denise Schwarz
3.0
Dale Salem / Judy Joe

We look forward to next year’s event, where the spirit of club competition and fun will continue.