By GUY WINDHOLZ
There is the old adage that, “Life begins at 50.” But it should ring true, for many, that the fun can really start at 60 — or even 80.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2017 report, “Pickleball currently has 2.815 million players in the US alone.” Now one might not be sure if that included the 38 mixture of male and females that came eagerly to the Hays Recreation Center on a crispy Saturday morning, preceded by an over-night light blanket of snow. So much for spring being here. Even the nesting Robins and other birds that moved in are likely miffed at why they came back to central Kansas.
Pickleball patrons present were a variety of ages, mostly seniors, which is generally anyone 55 and over that might also be carrying a membership card from the AARP. They would test their skill of the game before those of same experience and those millennials having the advantage of drinking from bottled water drawn from the “Fountain of Youth.” This would be their day to shine and school their elders in the meaning of speed, endurance and of being in top physical condition. Would there be blood, sweat and tears? Yes there was sweat. No injuries, no tears because everyone was on a high of fun.
It is quite gratifying to see those individuals older than one’s self swinging the paddle but when they turn the table on you, leaving your final point total at 1 out of the 15 points they chalk up to win, a split second of depression can result. Oh well, take another shot of Geritol and onward to the next contestants. Can it get worse that that? Oh yes it can and your team-mate is looking at you as to why we allowed a shut-out on the next match. Time did reward with some glory moments and some professional looking shots , otherwise known as accidental luck.
While avoiding the question of what and how pickleball is played, it would just be easier for those with iPhones and Androids to google the information and a pleasant sounding lady will be happy to make all this information known.
Perhaps you might enjoy seeing your locals in these photos and videos and see how the game is played. It was great to see new people, now becoming friends from towns like Ellis, Great Bend, Stockton, Wichita and Bazine. What started with the orientation of rules of play at 7:30 A.M. and bracket line ups, it kicked off at 8:00 and ended at 1:30 P.M. wherein a dozen of us hit Professor’s sandwich shop and raised their water consumption bill for the month. It was evident that all those at the table were obviously more fit than this writer and declined the offer of ibuprofen tablets.
But in all seriousness, the event was so well enjoyed by the players and observers that appeals were made to the Hays Rec Commission to have another tournament sooner than later. This first one in Hays, was organized, staffed for the occasion and exceeded all expectations. The variety of programs for all ages makes this venue a draw to Hays and Ellis County and gives the community a big example of the quality of life we enjoy here and our tax dollars well spent.
