FROM THE USAPA
ROBSON RANCH DENTON TX PICKLEBALL CLUB
Embraces USAPA Juniors Program
BY CAROL O’DELL
A
ugust 8-12 was an historic week for Robson Ranch Denton
Pickleball Club. As the second largest Pickleball Club
in Texas, our courts were host to the first annual Grandkids
Pickleball Camp in North Texas. This unique event will be
featured on the Juniors USAPA website being developed.
Due to a limited number of courts, registration was restricted
to only 10 kids and it was filled in less than one month of its
announcement with a waiting list! Although many kids were
turned away this year, next year will be a different story since
our community will have a total of 16 outdoor pickleball courts.
Even though the camp size was small, it was mighty in attitude,
drive and fun.
Ford Roberson, Club President, nationally ranked pickleball
champion and certified trainer, encouraged the kids on the first
day to catch “Pickleball Fever.” He displayed his awards acquired
in the past few years and was pictured with the kids.
Warren Williamson, past Club Officer, current Tournament
Chairperson and pickleball champion, spoke to the kids each
morning for the remaining days. His topics ranged from tips
for playing doubles, tips for playing singles, the dink, good
sportsmanship, and how to play a tournament with a referee.
He encouraged the kids, instructed them and motivated them
to play both doubles and singles matches and tournaments.
Ellen Gilgore, our USAPA Ambassador, loaned paddles to the
kids who did not have them and also helped with instructions
as needed. Judy Day, Jackie Killingsworth, Pam Clements and
I provided instruction and encouragement on the courts and
pitched in wherever
needed. Every child
was given individual
encouragement and
instruction as needed
or requested. Overall,
they just loved the
whole game.
Mike Waterhouse
took photos of the
camp each day. I sent
pictures and a camp “recap” to the parents via email. Each
parent/grandparent was provided individual action shots of
their child as well as group pictures.
Four of the 10 kids were brand new to pickleball and the
other six had been playing in their schools or with their
grandparents. The beginning players were given a choice of
competing in a tournament with all levels or a skills contest
for their newfound abilities. All the kids chose to compete
and showed not only wonderful abilities, but commendable
sportsmanship. Each doubles and singles match in the
tournament used official referee volunteers trained right here
on Robson Ranch through our accredited Referee Training
Program. Special thanks to Fred Thompson, chair of the Player
Development Committee, and to volunteer referees Jackie
Kuykendall, Julie Laderach and Bob Laderach. Fred Thompson
was Head Referee and announced the Gold Medal Match to
all in attendance. Awards were presented at the end of the
camp. Special thanks to Bob Romagosa for providing sprayed
pickleballs for the special recognition awards and Dean French
for making camp buttons.
TOURNAMENT RESULTS:
First Place Doubles: Ryan Theleman and Charlie Willmann
Second Place Doubles: Grant Wright and Santiago Lara
Third Place Doubles: Clayton Davee and Morgan Schorn
First Place Singles: Ryan Theleman
Second Place Singles: Charlie Willmann
Third Place Singles: Morgan Schorn
Most Enthusiastic Award: Daniel Lara
Best Sportsmanship Award: Kendall Schorn
Most Improved Award: Luke Metcalf
Next year promises to be an even bigger, better and more
anticipated event! •
DECEMBER 2016 |
MAGAZINE
19