Canyon Lake Pickleball Under the Stars crowns men champs

BY Dawn Rankins

The Canyon Lake Pickleball Club brought its male members out Friday for a tournament under the stars. Sixteen participants played each other in a round robin tournament while their spouses and friends cheered them on.

The event was catered mostly by the women of the club who provided pizza, hot chili and fried chicken, along with tons of snacks, appetizers and desserts for all who attended and played.

The evening for the men was organized as a round robin doubles-style tournament. Each player would play with a doubles partner for a match, then switch to a different partner for the next match.

Photo by Dawn Rankins

After six rounds, the total points leaders were awarded gift cards from the Pickleball Club to use at the Lodge or Country Club.

Leading the Group A Division, in a closely-contested battle, the winner was Mike Patton with 59 points out of 66 possible. Second place with 58 points was Russ Muscarella and third place went to Gene Taylor with 55 points.

In the Group B Division, Mike Kidd took top honors along with the top prize. Mike had a perfect night winning all six of his matches against six different opponents. Mike also accepted his claim to rights as “being the oldest player on the courts” at 77 years of age. Mike’s most exciting game of the night was being down 8-1 in game three and coming back with an 11-1 win by scoring the last 10 points.

Mike Kidd, Bill Van Vleet and Armando Carranza. Photo provided by Julie Doherty

Armando Carranza came in second place winning five of his six rounds, his only loss coming to Mike in his first game. Bill Van Vleet finished third overall.

“I believe everyone had a great time and was happy to get home after the games to warm up,” Club Secretary Steve Libring said. “Our thanks go out to Julie Doherty, our social and tournament director, who once again, outdid herself and put on a fabulous tournament. The wives who supplied the tasty potluck for all to enjoy, we are also thankful.”

The Pickleball Club hosts many tournaments throughout the year like the men’s tournament under the lights on Friday. The events are open to anyone in the community who would like to come out and enjoy watching the club play. A schedule of upcoming tournaments and events is posted on the court’s bulletin board.

Mike Patton, Russ Muscarella and Gene Taylor. Photo provided by Julie Doherty