Players and their families started arriving at the courts just after 3:00 pm to sign in, pick up their tournament goodie bags, draw for their rotation number and get in little practice before the games began. Rich Donald wasn't playing today; he agreed to manage the table, set up the draw, keep the games moving and track the results. He found a nice shady spot, but came prepared to perch himself on the chair under his Florida beach umbrella if necessary!
Today would include both a men's and woman's round robin event. USAPA Rules would apply. Each player drew their position number and would play a minimum of four games. Then the top four players would play the 'gold medal' match. (In our case -the "blue ribbon" match) . Everyone lathered on the sun screen and the games began.
Just a note here fellow players: As you know, Brad and his son Tyler, both played in the tournament today. Now.......... we saw Tyler out mowing the yard this morning!! We think this was Brad's strategy to even out his competition????
This is Brad and Jeff (far court) in one of the early rounds with Steve and Pat.
The ladies play in the one of the first rounds. This is Mary and Marilyn(front) and Ruthann and Jeannie on the far court.Here are the winners of the Men's draw: From Left to Right: Pat Zwolenski, Lutz ( 4th Place). Jeff Zwolenski, senior at Florida State in Tallahassee (3rd place) Chris Atkinson, Meadow Pointe I,(1st Place) and Brad Finch, Meadow Pointe II (2nd Place). Congratulations Guys!!
Here are the winners of the ladies draw: From left to right: Suzi Zwolenski, Lutz ( 1st Place), Donna Donald, Meadow Pointe II (2nd Place), Mary Long, Temple Terrace, (3rd Place) and Marilynn Howell, Meadow Pointe II (4th Place) Just so you know folks, Mary came to the tournament after a 40 mile bike ride this morning!!!
The Proud Family Photo!!!! Mom takes first, Son takes second and Dad takes third!!!
Following the tournament, players and families left the pickleball courts, went to their vehicles and exchanged pickleball gear for Pick-nic coolers. We fired up the grills and while the hot dogs were cooking ( That's Steve and Rich at the grills!) the tables were lined with
an array of delicious FOOD!!! Everyone was hungry, thirsty and a little tired from the sun, but you could still hear the pickleball chatter among the players. Everyone was already talking about plans for another such event in the Fall, when our Snow Birds return,At the end of the day........everyone had enjoyed a great day of pickleball, good food, great company and the winners would go home happy and show off their Ribbons to friends and family.
But in our group.......every one's a winner. So Rich and Donna presented all participants in the round robin event with the coveted Meadow Point Trophy, complete with their own individual pickle!It was a fun day......but we can't forget to say thanks to the people and business's who supported our first event by helping us fill our 'goodie bags" Thanks ,Renee Glassman, for getting our event advertised in the MP II newsletter and for reserving the courts. MP player Don Bass, provided all the bags and Rich and Donna Donald solicited businesses in the area to fill them. They included USAPA Atlantic South Flyers and membership information along with Pickleball Word Find and Crossword games to entertain players between the games. Special Thanks to the following:
Regions Bank- Wesley Chapel
Don Bass of Future Home Realty
Any Time Fitness - Wesley Chapel
Bank of America - New Tampa
Southwest Florida Water Management District
State Farm Insurance, New Tampa
The Eye Doctor of New Tampa - Dr Samual J. Teske
Our First Place Winners, Chirs and Suzi.....Rate the Day a First Class Event!!!
Thanks from Everyone for making our First Annual Pickleball Round Robin Tournament and Spring Pick-Nic a Great Success.
Check out the Slide Show of our event to the RIGHT!
1 comment:
I participated in the first Meadow Pointe tournament. We want to thank Rich and Donna for organizing it. I hope it will be an annual event. Fun was had by all.
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