AROUND THE POST

One of the reasons we all love pickleball is because players of various ages can compete together. And we mean compete— people with equal skill levels, despite a 30 or more year age difference. A young— perhaps even cocky— player crosses the path of an older, wiser player with nothing to prove— and the game begins.

Our friend Keith from out west tells the perfect story to illustrate the splendor of pickleball:

Last week, two guys in their early 30s, both over 6 ft., mopped the floor with a man and woman in their 70s. These two knuckleheads were strutting and high-fiving, celebrating as if they’ d just defeated Kyle Yates and Wes Gabrielsen.

Later, my friend Philip, 61, and I, 73, played these two fellows. Philip is a deft soft shot and spin artist, and I’ m a polyglot shot maker. Our games complement each other well.

These guys ran up a 7-0 lead. Finally, Philip and I got our chance and ran off eight straight points to win the game 12-10. These two were not trash-talking or posing anymore— and after the game, one of them muttered,“ Fluke.”

Philip, a normally placid and contemplative man, immediately

By Jennifer Lucore & Alex Hamner

challenged them to another game. Both of these dweebs practically jumped up and down in eager acceptance.

Game two? 11-2, Philip and I again. They challenged us to a third game, but Philip, God bless him, said,“ Nope, two will do.”

I love pickleball!

Not only was Keith’ s game on fire— his humor was, too, as he rattled off several title suggestions for this story!

“ NEVER UNDERESTIMATE GRANDPA”

“ SENIORS SPANK SMARTALECKS”