Pickleball Club holds Spring Fling

The Canyon Lake Pickleball Club held its two-day Spring Fling Tournament recently and it was a “smashing” success, tournament director Steve Libring said. More than 150 fans crowded the stands and the courts to watch their favorite player and dozens of players participated.

Club members participated in four levels of skill and competed against others in the same level.

“The enthusiasm expressed for our sport filled me with joy,” Paul Hawker, president of the club, said. “We saw so many new people who recently joined the club, as well as so many that took on the challenge to go for the gold (Canyon Lake POA amenity gift cards were the prizes).”

The New Beginner’s Tournament with its eight new players was the first to compete. The top scorers were: 1st place – Tom Alvarez, who went undefeated and 2nd place was a tie between Cheryl Sisco and Steve Schroeder.

Playing on the other three courts while the New Beginners played on the first court were those in the Men’s Extreme division. Those in this division represent most of the club’s best players and the action was very fast paced.

“The elite players were very entertaining and really showed off their skills,” Paul said, who had a front row seat while doing most of the cooking for the large crowds that were watching.

The final results for the Men’s Extreme division were 1st place – Carlos Hansen, who went undefeated, 2nd place – Mike Deckert and 3rd place – Kurt Mascio. The competition was very close as four players, Paul Robles, Rick Bowen, Derek Whitt and Tim Boman, all tied for 4th place just one point out of the prize money.

The second day was set aside for the Intermediate Level players to participate. There were 32 club members who were divided into two skill groups (A and B) and battled for the top spots in each division.

Winners in the Intermediate Level A group were: Women’s Division 1st place and undefeated – Margaret Little, 2nd place – Kimberly Keigwin and 3rd place – Amanda Lowery. In the Men’s Division it was Bill Van Vleet, who went undefeated and took 1st place, 2nd place went to Ray Stribling and 3rd place was Wes Crews.

Playing on the other two courts simultaneously were the Intermediate Level B group. Top finishers in that Division for the Women were: Michelle Wynn, undefeated and 1st place, 2nd place was Lisa Patton, while 3rd went to Susie Cook. In the Men’s Division 1st place was Jaime Medford, 2nd place went to Phil Cohen, and 3rd belonged to his son,  Josh Cohen.

“Our four courts were crowded the entire time with the entertaining elite ranked members, as well as the beginners and intermediate skilled contestants,” Paul said. “The battles were close and enthusiastically embraced by all skill levels. We are blessed to have some of the finest courts of any community. The pickleball courts are becoming one of the most used amenities in Canyon Lake.

“It was fun to cook up some barbecue, see some active members out in the fresh air and sunshine, getting healthy exercise and enjoying the fellowship of fellow Canyon Lakers. A Little Bit of Paradise indeed.”

Anyone wanting to know more about pickleball and the Canyon Lake Pickleball Club activities can join the club’s Canyon Lake Pickleball Facebook Page. To become a member of the club, there are membership forms at the courts under the bulletin board. The dues are only $30 per adult for a 3-year membership.

“Included in that 19-cents-a-week price are numerous benefits including monthly potlucks, annual swim party/BBQ, Super Bowl party, Christmas party and group participation in the other Canyon Lake events like concerts on the water, Fiesta Days and boat parade,” Club Secretary Steve Libring said. “The potlucks are worth the 19 cents…we’ve got some great cooks, but you also get 170 new friends when you join.”