More Clinic and Round Robin Details

Past Event - Wednesday, June 2

The Strokes and Strategies for Tournament Play was taught by Sarah Gaines, a 5.0 player and Huntsman Games gold medalist. This was not a drills clinic but individual evaluation for those players who may be interested in entering competition other than our local play and who may not yet have rankings by wonder what division they should enter.
 

Monday, July 11

A very busy day for the Heber Valley Pickleball Club. Fun, fun, and more fun!!

Brenda, Lauran, and Judy - Awesome instructors!

Judy gives Carol, Mike and others some tips

Mike, with partner Dale, serves as Brenda watches.

16 players joined Brenda, Judy, and Lauran Anderson on the Southfield Courts for more great instruction on basic strokes and strategies...and who doesn't need this? We are so fortunate to have such awesome players in our club who want us all to improve and are willing to spend time giving us tips and practice on a wide variety of skills.

13 others played a Whistle-Stop Round Robin at the Rec Center. The final championship game was a hard-fought battle hard for the honors, with Gary and Hans edging out Bev and Steve.

Steve and Bev take on Gary and Hans

The Southfield Park Pavilion was the gathering spot for a picnic lunch, attending by about 25 people. Thanks to Leslie and Bill for organizing the clinic and Round Robin play and to Leslie and Carol for once again mastering the details of the HVPC social event, complete with prizes going to those who answered the Pickleball Quiz correctly.

A beautiful day for a picnic!

Kimber gave a big thanks and lots of indoor and outdoor balls to the club for "including me in your activities these last couple of months, I am so grateful for any chance to play pickleball, and I have enjoyed meeting all of you. Play safe and Pickle on." She is heading north in her motorhome. Save travels, Kimber. Come back and play anytime!

More events are being planned for later in the summer. Stay tuned for emails from hebervalleypickleballclub@outlook.com.

Return of the Blog

Current News

We finally started outside play after a very cool and wet May. June rolled in with plenty of sunshine and warm days. The Southfield courts are alive with picklers every morning. Still, some like to play at the Rec Center, so if you prefer, check out the courts there. Rainy days, too.

Thirty-two players participated in the first "Whistle Stop" Round Robin on Monday, May 23rd. All thought it was great fun and the good times kept coming at the Soldier Hollow Grill afterwards. Prizes were awarded to winners of A and B groups, with the most points scored in one game going to Chesley Smiley with 25! A Team Top scores: Carlos and Lea - 68; Mick and Kris - 59.  B Team Top scores: Chesly - 80, Myrna - 71, Steve - 68, Jack and Kevin - 66.

The limericks were great fun...if anyone still has one they'd like to publish here, send it to me...kbeer62@msn.com. You can achieve literary fame right here...well, with our members anyway. Thanks to Leslie Oksner, Bill Miano and Brenda Blackham for organizing this fun event.

Speaking of members, Doug Rosecrans, Membership Director, reports that the club is up to 85 with more joining regularly. Now that it's after June 1st, the dues are only $10. The clinics and tournaments are 2 benefits of membership. And, of course, any social activities aside from playing with a lot of very fun people!

With a growing membership, the need for more courts is clear. The club board has made a presentation to Midway City Council, and is meeting with both Wasatch Co. and Heber City to lobby for funds to be allocated. The ideal site would be Southfield Park where we already have 3 courts. Stay tuned for more information.

Brenda Blackham and Judy Mooster held a "dink and 3rd shot short" clinic on Wednesday, July 6th. About 20 people participated. We learned how challenging it can be to play the net game, and those who enjoy slamming the ball from the back of the court uttered many words of frustration. $#%$*& Keeping the ball in play with a softer, shorter game is difficult for most of us!

A second clinic was held for beginners and others who want to learn strategy on Monday, July 11th, again lead by Brenda and Judy. At the same time a Round Robin was held at the Rec Center for those who didn't take the clinic. Following both events was a picnic lunch at Southfield Park.

Wasatch Wave Article on May 25th

For those of you who may not have had a chance to read the article about pickleball in the Wave, here's a reprint.

There’s a New Game in Town

By Kris Beer

And many throughout the country have yet to hear of it. However, it’s considered the fastest growing sport in the United States, garnering the attention of young and old alike. Senior citizens love it because it’s easy to learn and easy on the body. Young folks love it because it’s fast-paced, fun, and can take a challenging level of skill. And all ages in between are getting hooked on it because it’s a social game that is as fun as it is competitive. So what’s all the hoopla about?

PICKLEBALL, the fun game with the funny name. Story is, according to its founder, that it was named after his dog, “Pickle.” Briefly, it requires a court that’s about 1/3 the size of a tennis court, a paddle that’s about 1/3 the size of a tennis racquet but solid, a whiffle ball a little bigger than a tennis ball, and a net a little lower than a tennis net. And yes, it’s sort of similar to tennis, except the rules are different, the learning curve is shorter, the fun factor is greater, and players can become addicted in a matter of minutes…it’s THAT fun!

Nearly two years ago, pickleball came to the Heber Valley when Midway allowed a small group of players to paint stripes on the two tennis courts at Valais Park. Since then, play has expanded to five indoor courts at the Wasatch County Rec Center and three dedicated outdoor courts at Southfield Park. A handful of players has grown to a regular group of 20 to 30 who play daily and another 50 or so who support the game by belonging to the Heber Valley Pickleball Club.

Drop-in players are always welcome, and everyone who plays will help newbies on their own path to addiction. The Club holds clinics and tournaments as well as recreational play combined with social events. Our mission is to grow the game in the Heber Valley. The only risk is that we don’t have enough courts for the number of people who want to play. So we’re hoping for more dedicated courts, both inside and out.

A few facts about the popularity of pickleball: It fills up within hours of opening registration at the Huntsman Senior Games, held in October in St. George; it brings in 100’s of players and spectators who spend $1000s on lodging and food for every tournament – Singles, Doubles, Men, Women, and Mixed Doubles – in towns across the country. It is REALLY BIG!

For more information, check out the USA Pickleball Association’s website, www.usapa.org. Closer to home, check out the club’s blog at www.hebervalleypickleballclub.blogspot.com. Better yet, check us out as we laugh and play every morning at the Rec Center or when the rain stops and the sun shines at the Southfield courts from 9 to noon. We’re hoping to get a regular group to play afternoons or evenings as well. We’d love to have you join us!

OMG, I am so sorry, Cary. I left you off the list of tournament scorekeepers. MY VERY BAD!!! And you were in charge of all of us.

While blogging again, I have a request from some members and regular players to have afternoon games at the Rec Center. At least Mondays and Fridays and possibly Tuesdays and Thursdays as well. Many of us want to spend our mornings on the slopes, which leaves pickleball in the afternoons. We'd likely start about 4 and play for a couple of hours.

Respond to me so we know how many are interested. kbeer62@msn.com

Thanks.


And Cary, I hope you accept my apologies!!!

Club Tournament

A successful tournament was held on Thursday, December 3rd. We had 27 participants who played their hearts out with slams, dinks, lobs, and well-placed-impossible-to-return shots. Ken Mickelsen was Tournament Director extraordinaire and had organized all pairings and matches. He also did a bit of scrambling for teams in the Mixed Doubles games after a few of the players had to leave early and a wounded ankle sidelined Doug Rosecrans. With the level of play, especially in the Women's Doubles, so competitive, the games took a lot longer than expected.

Participants were as follows:

WOMEN: Alix Thayne, Carol Lee, Bev Chaidez, Jen McCarthy, Myrna Perez, Jan Altieri, Donna Buys, Susan Lockhart, Judie Eaton, Karen Fakler, Marianne Wicks, Leslie Oksner, Kris Beer, and Carma Isaac.
MEN: Mike Altieri, Warren Dinter, Ken Mickelsen, Jim Stuart, Hans Stocker, Bill Miano, Ken Fakler, Jerry Ramult, Doug Rosecrans, Mickey Oksner, Ron Lockhart, Jack Richardson, Mike Eaton, and Ron Lee.

Winners of their Divisions were as follows:

WOMEN'S DOUBLES: Blue - Myrna Perez and Jan Altieri; Red - Judie Eaton and Karen Fakler
MEN'S DOUBLES: Blue - Hans Stocker and Bill Muano; Red - Mike Eaton and Ron Lee
MIXED DOUBLES: Green - Alix Thayne and Warren Dinter; Black - Marianne Wicks and Ron Lee

Thanks to the scorekeepers - Char Lovelass, Carlos Monssen, and Kris Beer - who not only kept track of servers and marked points, but also helped with line calls.

A large group of spectators cheered the good shots, moaned the missed shots, and generally had a raucous good time in the bleachers.

Potluck Social and Annual Meeting

Following the tournament, 52 members and guests gathered at the Valais Clubhouse to celebrate the first year of the Heber Valley Pickleball Club, formed just one year ago on December 2, 2014. Great food, from shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, and stuffed mushrooms, to ham and turkey and all kinds of side dishes, to exquisite desserts including hot cherry pie, a huge fruit pizza, and rum cake with a "kick." Man, this group knows how to put out a FEAST!

Outgoing President Kris Beer led a short business meeting with updates from Secretary Carol Lee, Treasurer Kay Shean, Social Director Leslie Oksner, and Training Director Mike Altieri. The Board's proposed By-Law changes were accepted. They include the following:

• The Vice-President will change from a 2-year position that moves into the Presidency the second year to a 1-year position.
• The Secretary to split off the Membership duties and add a Membership Coordinator to the standing committees.
• Both Training Director and Social Director allowed to be Co-Chair positions.
• A Fundraising Chair and Committee to be appointed as necessary.

The Board presented its recommendations for the new Board. Nominations were also accepted from the floor. The new Board will take over January 1st, 2016 and is as follows:

• President - Lynn Keller
• Vice-President - Cary Hobbs
• Secretary - Alyce Weisiger
• Treasurer - Carlos Monssen
• Membership - Doug Rosecrans
• Social Co-Chairs - Leslie Oksner and Carol Lee
• Training Co-Chairs - Bill Miano and Brenda Blackham

Door prizes were awarded to someone at each table of a homemade loaf of bread, donated by Bill Miano, breadmaker expert.

Ken Mickelsen announced the tournament winners and each was presented with a "medal" (a whiffle ball on a ribbon) and a prize, for the women a visor and the men a ball cap.

A great party and fun OFF the court for all of us!


2015 Board

2016 Board

News from Heber Valley

Indoor Play

We're back at the Wasatch Rec Center and have expanded, with 4 courts available for play. The Club owned a pickleball net that was donated by member, Jim Nix. Now we have donated it to the Rec Center so it's always there and ready to use. Most mornings there are at least 16 people playing from 9 or so until 11:30 or 12. Many times we have folks waiting but play goes quickly so no one has to sit out too long. Some of us actually LIKE to rest between games; others can play all morning with little down time. Some players are also organizing games at the Rec Center other times during the day. As soon as we have a more regular schedule, you'll be notified.

Tournament Scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd

Ken Mickelsen has taken the Tournament Director reins and has organized three divisions of play for the day:

• Women's Doubles will begin at 9 am
• Men's Doubles will begin after, probably about 11 am
• Mixed Doubles will begin about 1 pm

We can have 16 players in each division. So far (as of today, Friday, November 20th), the Men's Doubles division is full, but we could use 2 more women for Women's Doubles. In the Mixed Doubles division, we have room for 2 more men and 4 more women. If you aren't already signed up, please consider playing. See more details below.

Potluck Social and Annual Meeting Set for Thursday, December 3rd

The same night following the tournament, the club will host a potluck social and annual meeting from 6:30 to 9 at the Valais Clubhouse. The Board is planning a great meal - with your contributions, of course, a short meeting with an election of officers for 2016 - with your nominations, of course, an award ceremony of prizes for the winners of the tournament, and a fun time, of course! Put this event on your calendar and RSVP by Monday, November 30th! See more details below.

Membership

We had a great turnout for the social/meeting last December, and many pickleball enthusiasts joined the club. Throughout 2015, we've had many more people join, and we hope to continue to increase the number who love the game and want to play. We will plan more clinics for new players as well as for experienced players to improve their skills. If you know of potential members, consider inviting them to join you at the social on the 3rd. Comments from some of our new members have included what a fun bunch we are (YAY!), in addition to playing a great game of PICKLEBALL! (YAY!)

Help us to grow the sport in the Heber Valley, and beyond! A Membership Signup Form is attached to the email announcing the posting of this Blog.

Hope to see you all at the Tournament and Social on the 3rd!
The Board of the Heber Valley Pickleball Club

Welcome, Summer and Welcome, New players!

Thanks to all who attended the great clinic Saturday, June 13 with 25 participants and Brenda Blackham's awesome leadership. She covered the 1,2,3 shot strategy and we learned just one more aspect of this great game of pickleball.

Here's what Brenda said about the clinic:

I really enjoyed the morning and appreciated how attentive and receptive everyone was. Your group is to be commended not only for the vast improvement they have shown, but for the beautiful sportsmanship they display every day.

 

And from the group: The clinic was perfect! weather, topics covered, and best of all, your instruction! So glad you could do this for the club and help us all become better players!

 

So.....

Yay! Another great clinic coming in July. Save the date and sign up soon for July 9th, 10 to noon clinic led by experienced players in Utah, Arizona, and the RV circuit. Jim and Alison Pelletier will conduct a skills clinic for those hoping to improve their games and learn some of the finer points of pickleball. Come for the clinic, come back for the appetizer potluck from 5 to 8 pm. Both events held at Valais courts and pavilion. To participate in the clinic, you must be a member of HVPC. Everyone, including non-members can certainly watch and all are welcome at the social. Bring an appetizer to share, your beverage of choice, and your lawn chairs. RSVP to Leslie, 2lolo@earthlink.net or 435-671-1405.

Early bird play

Summertime is here and the heat is cranked up, so many players have decided to start outdoors at 8 am. Tennis players still have the courts Mondays and Fridays, so we'll start at 9:30 those days. If you can find others who are real early birds, go for it even earlier. If you are interested in evening play, let me know and we can get a group together.

An update from our Vice-President, Cary Hobbs

In the past weeks, several regular players at the Wasatch Rec Center have asked the HVPC Board to consider scheduling pickleball games outside the "Open Play" times already scheduled by the Club. Some players have formed their own groups to play earlier than the regular 9 am start time. Many are interested in pursuing a more competitive level, somewhat based on the USAPA and International Association rating system. See the online description of the skill levels from 2 to 5 in ,5 increments. (www.ipickleball.org/ifg-rating-descriptions/ )

At the Board meeting June 15th, most of us felt that, in addition to growing the game, the primary goal/benefit of the HVPC is the social interaction we enjoy with each other. We also believe that playing regularly with other players who are more skilled tends to raise the level of play for everyone, another goal of our group. Many people have made many new friendships as a result of our "open play" format.

Although we don't promote league-type competition within the group, we realize that some people enjoy a game with others based on skill level or on other factors such as friendships, gender, couples, etc. Arranging groups of players and games other than the Club's open-type competition at scheduled times only expands the game of pickleball. And although the Club won't actually be scheduling those groups, we enthusiastically support any type of play that grows the game for all levels.

Just a reminder that our schedule of open play is 8 to noon daily (Monday and Friday at 9:30) at Valais outdoor courts. Games may still be going on at the Rec Center from 9 to noon as well.

Everyone is welcome to come and have fun!
Cary Hobbs

Save these dates:

Thursday, July 9 - 10 to noon - Clinic with Jim & Alison Pelletier at Valais Courts
Thursday, July 9 - 5 to 8 pm - Appetizer Potluck at Valais Pavilion
Wednesday, August 5 - 10 to noon - Clinic with Brenda Blackham
Social TBA

Summer Kickoff

Good morning, picklers!

The Summer Kickoff  held on Thursday, June 4 at the Valais courts and pavilion was attended by 33 members, spouses, and guests. Several played from 4-6, then joined the rest of the group for the potluck at 6:30. We were fortunate to have great weather, not too hot, not too breezy....pretty much a perfect pickleball day and evening!

And the food was amazing! If you missed the party, we hope you'll join us for the next one. No date set yet, but the board is meeting next week and we'll plan something fun and let you know. If you ever have any suggestions for the board, you can email any one of us with your ideas. We are the following:

President, Kris Beer - kbeer62@msn.com
Vice President, Csary Hobbs - caryhobbs@comcast.net
Secretary, Carol Lee - caleeinpc@aol.com
Treasurer, Kay Shean - kayshean@msn.com
Social Director, Leslie Oksner - 2lolo@earthlink.net
Training Director, Mike Altieri - ma1077@swbell.net

We'd love to know what is working or not, what you'd like to do about training and clinics, scheduling of open play indoors and outdoors, future tournaments, and of course, social get-togethers. Other clubs we have heard about have ladies days, breakfasts, lunches, cocktail parties...we are open to whatever suggestions you have.  So BRING IT ON!!!

Final Opportunity to Order Your HVPC T-shirt

Before the order goes in, later this week, order yours. Great summer dri-fit fabric, If you don't fall down n the dirt or drip your after-play ice cream cone down the front, or sweat profusely, you can even wear it multiple days without washing. You can also look like all your pickleball friends who have theirs. Togetherness may not help your game, but you'll be lookin' good!

Stay tuned for information about upcoming clinics and other pickleball-related news.

Check out the following websites:
http://www.allaboutpickleball.com/
http://www.pickleballrocks.com/
http://www.pickleballchannel.com
http://www.YouTube.com/pickleball/videos