TOURNAMENT FEATURE
Vulcan
U. S. NATIONAL INDOOR
PICKLEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
BY ALICE TYM
T
he Vulcan U.S. National Indoor Pickleball Championships,
which took place July 18-21, is a destination
tournament—managed the way a tournament should
be run! Winnie Montgomery is an experienced tournament
director and it showed. From major components like flawless
computer operations by Marilyn Holladay, to the smallest
details like court numbers on the nets, this tournament was a
template for running a successful pickleball event.
On 26 courts in the Hot Springs, Arkansas, Convention Center,
412 players from 25 states played 750 refereed matches.
More than 100 volunteers assisted the players in addition
to the referees who were paid. There were 223 players who
received medals in the age format. Players’ ages ranged
from 12 to 86. Alabama player Cheryl Barnes said, “I loved
playing in Winnie’s tournament because she understands
you must be supported by a great team in order for things to
click.” Florida’s Deb Harrison said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the
tournament sponsored by Vulcan. The Waters Hotel was top
notch. The Duckboat tour with Captain Lulu was great and I
broke even at the Oaklawn Casino.”
Thursday’s Opening Ceremonies featured a welcome by Hot
Springs Mayor Pat McCabe. Rachel Kroog entertained players
by singing clever pickleball lyrics, and a fun ventriloquist act
with Frederick followed. Rachel was one of the exciting players
on the court, but few knew
how talented she is on
stage. And Winnie never
forgets the importance of
the Hot Springs Village VFW
Color Guard’s tribute to
Several families came to the event.
Heath and Katie Gaines with their children:
Pearl (9), Paul (7), Iris (4) and Alice (2).
30
our flag and country.
Thursday concluded
with practice and
get-together dinners
in downtown Hot
Springs. Rodney
and Josh Grubbs, of
Pickleball Rocks, also
conducted clinics in
the arena Thursday
afternoon.
The pickleball
was exceptional.
Louisiana’s Randy
Duplechien is an artist
on the court. Memphis
tennis pro Dean
Petty gave a singles
Some of the many outstanding players.
exhibition against
Mixed Doubles 5.0:60
Vulcan’s racquetball
Gold: Hilary Marold and Joe Nguyen
star, Daniel De La
Silver: Gigi Higdon and Randy Duplechien
Rosa. Hot Springs
Bronze: Susan Henderson and Jerry Terrell
Village tennis pro
Geoff Hodsdon put on
a groundstroke show along with Texas star Hilary Marold and
Cheryl Barnes. The older seniors also had a chance to shine.
Jack Warner won the 80+ singles over Al Stout and Kenji
Nishioka narrowly defeated Bud McRee for gold in the 75s. Liz
Coonfer and Warren Walters won the 80s mixed. Players really
appreciated having an age tournament instead of being forced
to play younger players.
A first-class backpack was
provided to all participants—
players love the swag! It’s
the little things that make a
tournament special. Players
expect good operations (Melissa
McCurley has spoiled us),
but the personal welcome
and area to interact make the
memories. Players in the east
play indoors, so a National Indoor
Championship is most welcome
and long overdue. Players really
appreciated Winnie Montgomery
and Vulcan for stepping up and
making it happen. •
Rachel Kroog performed at the Opening Ceremonies.
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