Pickleball Magazine 3-5 WD | Page 9

2018 USAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS PRESIDENT Jack Thomas VICE PRESIDENT CJ Jermstad SECRETARY Laura Patterson TREASURER Darryl Noble AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS COMMUNICATIONS Bob Nibarger GRANTS Ray Pereyra TRAINING Pat Murphy IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT David Jordan LEGAL & GRIEVANCE Phil Mortenson STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Justin Maloof MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC COMPETITION Christine Barksdale BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Gartlan FROM THE PRESIDENT I’ ve talked about many topics this year, but one subject I’d like to highlight in this issue is the upcoming Pickleball Hall of Fame inductions and why they mean so much to our sport. Last year marked the inaugural Pickleball Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony and we had an outstanding group of inductees. If you’re new to the sport and are curious as to who they were and why they were inducted, please visit pickleballhalloffame.com. This year, up to three players, contributors or combination thereof, will be inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame. The bar is high—inductees must have achieved exceptional results in pickleball play over the course of their career, or made exceptional contributions to the growth, development and leadership of the game. This year’s finalists are Bill Bell, Bill Booth, Norm Davis, Yvonne Hackenberg, Earl Hill, Robert Lanius, Fran Myer and Steve Wong. I know each of these candidates personally, and can honestly say this group is comprised of outstanding contributors to the sport and each is deserving of his or her nomination. This year’s Hall of Fame Dinner will be held during the 2018 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. We’ll also have an on-court presentation during the tournament that will take USAPA PRESIDENT JACK THOMAS place between the Senior Open Finals on Saturday, November 10. (For the most up-to-date details, visit pickleballhalloffame.com.) I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize the generous organizations and individuals who not only got the Pickleball Hall of Fame off the ground, but continue to support its mission of recognizing the talent this sport yields annually. The USAPA and the International Pickleball Teaching Professionals Association provided initial funding, as did Pickleball Central and the Pickleball Channel through ongoing donations of services. At pickleballhalloffame.com, you’ll also find a running list of individual contributors who believe in honoring those who serve the game and serve in the game. I urge you to visit the website and make a contribution so we can continue to honor and recognize those who’ve made an impact on the sport we love. By adding your name to our growing list, you’ll help preserve the history and future of pickleball. Stay safe and HAVE FUN! Jack SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 | MAGAZINE 7