If you are not yet a believer in pickleball , the Huntsman World Senior Games ( HWSG ) is the place to see the light . From the 50-year-old firsttimer to the 97-year-old experienced player , the stories are all here .
Missy Croshaw was a basketball star at the University of Oregon and was in St . George , Utah , playing her first Huntsman Games covering the court like a WNBA player . “ Pickleball is my happy place ,” she said . “ My husband is in a wheelchair , and playing gives me balance .” Later I learned that Ronnie Anthony , a pickleball and basketball player with a prosthetic leg , spoke to Missy ’ s husband about getting a prosthetic leg and starting pickleball himself ! Pickleball is full of good stories , and the mission of the Huntsman Games fits perfectly into the spirit of pickleball .
This year there were 40 states represented in the Games , along with more than 30 Canadian players . Utah led the number of participants , followed by California and Nevada — 560 players were male and 515 female .
Co-Tournament Director Mike Hoxie said , “ The competitive spirit of the athletes in all the sports was amazing . What I enjoyed most about the pickleball players was the family reunion spirit . Players from across the country enjoyed playing with and against other players their age .” One of the best parts of this pickleball tournament for seniors is that it is an age tournament . The organizers divided age into skill groups this year but did not drop players down into younger age categories . That was true for the 90-year-olds , too .
The 24 courts at Little Valley and the 14 courts at Sun River each provided an experienced staff , so the tournament ran smoothly at both venues . Little Valley plans to add more courts , so look for an expanded tournament next year . Players are encouraged to volunteer to secure a spot . Huntsman thrives on volunteers . There is one volunteer for every four athletes — the treatment is first-class .
The weather is first-class , too . Cool , clear nights and warm sunny days highlight the beautiful red rocks throughout the St . George area . This is a holiday destination , with Snow Canyon State Park minutes away , Zion National Park an hour away , plus Bryce Canyon , the North Rim of the Grand Canyon , Grande Escalante National Monument … the list goes on . Residents brag that St . George is the fastest-growing city in the United States .
The Huntsman World Senior Games tries each year to come up with new ideas . This year there were food trucks and tents at the Convention Center . At night there were vendors and live music for participants in all the sports . In the past , each sport has had its own banquet ;
The tournament staff at Little Valley worked tirelessly to keep the tournament on time despite very competitive matches . Left to right : Cindy Moore , Mitus Junatas , Mike Hoxie , Roger Workman and Evan Hoxie . Photo by Alice Tym .
this year competitors commingled with those of other sports . The opening ceremonies always feature dance performances and an inspirational speaker , followed by fireworks . This is way more than just a pickleball tournament .
When players check in for their credentials , they get a nice shirt and enter a huge shopping area . There are quality jackets , hats , shirts , pins , and a bargain table . By the last day , the room was empty . Shopping is part of the HWSG experience . There are few vendors at the tournament sites . At Little Valley , however , Nancy Tedeschi from Daytona Beach was there with her Bella Bella line , the first labeled pickleball clothing . Christine Maura of Alameda , California , likes the “ individuality ” that Bella Bella offers . Pickleball has entered a new phase of fashion in both the men ’ s and the women ’ s games . Players look like athletes and are wearing quality brands .
Many players commented on the Huntsman atmosphere of “ old pickleball .” Seniors want to maintain the friendly , welcoming environment . Judy Petersen of Bettendorf , Iowa , had a wonderful experience : “ Besides participating in my pickleball event , I enjoyed the other events that were provided to the players ( concert , health screening , etc . Kudos to everyone .”
Seniors want well-run tournaments as well as what they consider to be “ real pickleball .” Seniors still believe . It is friendship , camaraderie , first-class facilities , fair competition — the complete pickleball experience .
Kyle Case , the CEO of the Huntsman Games , takes great pride in fulfilling the dreams of the founder of the HWSG , John H . Morgan . “ We are going to keep striving to meet your needs and exceed your expectations and to always try to make the Games ‘ better than ever ,’” he said . “ We want everyone to go home having experienced something unique , making memories and friendships that can last a lifetime .” •
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | MAGAZINE 45