Pickleball Magazine 2-4 | Page 9

FROM THE USAPA FROM THE PRESIDENT 2017 USAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS It was a rainy few weeks in the south at the end of May and the first week of June, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the pickleball players who attended the first- ever St. Jude Classic held at Lake Point Sports Complex north of Atlanta, Georgia. Ten days later, the NSGA National Games took place at the BJ Convention Center in Birmingham, Alabama. OFFICERS PRESIDENT David Jordan VICE PRESIDENT Jack Thomas SECRETARY Laura Patterson TREASURER Darryl Noble BOARD MEMBERS (COMMITTEES) AMBASSADORS Carrie Jermstad COMMUNICATIONS Bob Nibarger GRANTS Ray Pereyra RATINGS Chris Thomas TRAINING CHAIR Pat Murphy LEGAL COUNSEL, GRIEVANCE Phil Mortenson NON-VOTING BOARD MEMBER ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mark Friedenberg STAFF Executive Director, Justin Maloof Managing Director of Competition, Christine Barksdale Business Manager, Linda Gartlan The new Lake Point Sports Complex has a wooden floor, 12 USAPA PRESIDENT DAVE JORDAN basketball courts, approximately 48 pickleball courts, a free suspension structure and great lighting. It was a grand tournament for the fantastic group of 140 players who showed up for this fund-raising effort. The Georgia and Tennessee folks raised about $6,000 for St. Jude. Hats off to District Ambassador Bill Hess and his wife, Carolyn, for an excellent job of organizing the Georgia group to help set-up, tear down and anything else that was needed to make it a success. The NSGA pickleball venue had a concrete floor, support columns and an expansion joint in the floor, which made it a challenge to establish 25 courts. But the atmosphere and excitement of the games was great. There were 865 players from 47 states and two provinces who ranged in age from 50 to 92. It was the largest senior and indoor pickleball tournament ever held. Players and spectators alike took in the excitement of the games and pitched in to help with everything from deskwork to referees. Although we had some late nights, all matches had referees and all gold medal matches had line judges. Thanks to all who made this possible. Thanks to the gifted team of organizers— guided by Tom Burkhart and Roger Workman—and the talented players, we had a fantastic week of pickleball. The contrast between the two events was notable, but the enthusiasm of the participants was not. Pickleball is a sport of social interaction as well as competition. Players come from all walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds and from all parts of the country to enjoy participating in a sport with a funny name and to interact with fellow players and friends, old and new, young and old, and low level to high level. It’s the experience and friendships that make pickleball such a unique sport, and Nancy and I are proud to be part of such a great group. See the companion story “More Than Medals” in this issue. From our court to yours, be safe, have fun and enjoy each other! Dave Jordan JULY/AUGUST 2017 | MAGAZINE 7