The winners in the YMCA second annual South Georgia Classic Pickleball tournament men ’ s 2.5 skill level are , from left , Alan Cortez , Mike
Curington , Justin Swartzentruber , Dennis Swartzentruber , Lex Moore and Kevin Ross .
Photo by Jessi Flowers
There are some divisions with minimal age restrictions for those players who do only want to compete against those of a similar age , but there is never an age maximum .
Because of this , seniors can choose to compete against those in their 20-30s , or even younger , and oftentimes they are winning those matches .
“ I like to play the younger ones ,” said Dawn Smith , who competes mostly at a 3.5 skill level . “ To me , they do have quicker hands and when you ’ re older , like me , you have to figure out more strategy and the way to win against the quickness of a younger player . I want to beat the younger players more than I want to beat people my age ”
As this sport continues to expand a community of like-minded individuals is coming together of all ages and skill levels creating a unique social group that many crave as much as the sport itself .
“ It is great exercise , but it ’ s also social ,” said Smith . “ I retired three years ago and so it ’ s as much a social outlet for me as anything else .”
Barnett agreed . “ It ’ s great to see so many people with similar interests coming together to play this sport .”
“ My husband and I just recently moved to Moultrie ,” said Cheney . “ We ’ ve always been racquetball players , and are excited to learn a new sport together and make some new friends who have similar interests as us .”
According to Berl , those who have experience with any other racquet sport already have imperative skills that will transfer wonderfully to pickleball . In fact , those athletes could have a serious advantage after only a few months if they apply themselves properly through practice .
So , the moral of the story is , get out this summer . Play a sport . Meet some people . If it ’ s pickleball , excellent . Welcome to the club ! If you ’ d rather do a different activity , that ’ s fine too . Just get outside . Maybe even invent your own game ? Who knows , it could be the next big thing 50 years from now .
JUNE 2023 MoultrieScene 29