THE WOMEN PLAYERS BRIGHTENED THE LITTLE VALLEY PICKLEBALL VENUE IN ST. GEORGE, UTAH. LEFT TO RIGHT: BUFFIE RACE, BARB WINTROUB, DIANE KELLER, AUDREY PHILLIPS, SUSAN CROSSLAND, JULIE MARTENS UGH, MARGARET DANIELS.
PHOTOS BY ALICE TYM
This year’ s Huntsman World Senior Games( HWSG) had a special blend of the“ old guard” players and the newly-discovered-pickleball players. Both groups were equally enthusiastic about how wonderful the venue is, the welcoming attitude of the volunteers, the sights surrounding St. George, Utah, and the setting of this historic community.
LEFT TO RIGHT: ALI VASSIGH( CA), HOWARD VALLENS( CA), WALTER CUMMINGS( CO), JEFF WILES( CO). THE YOUNGER PLAYERS AT THE HUNTSMAN WORLD GAMES LIKED THE VENUE AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY SO MANY DIFFERENT STYLES.“ YOUR GAME GETS TUNED,” CLAIMS HOWARD.“ YOU GOTTA TRAVEL.”
The old guard reconvened at the center court after traveling on Sunday as the 1,109 participants arrived from 39 different states.
Hall of Famer Jim Hackenberg said,“ Huntsman has a special environment. It is perfect. You can watch the athletes compete in other sports and you can try to play some of the other sports yourself.” He plans to play golf and bowl in a couple of years.
Yvonne Hackenberg, Jim’ s wife, has been playing the HWSG since 2010 and added,“ It is a great way to meet people. The competition is good, and you get a chance to see new styles and to learn.”
Hall of Famer Mark Friedenberg said,“ It is a great place to play …‘ Old Home Week,’ lots of socialization, make friends, get phone numbers, beautiful facility.”
These players are at home in this premier tournament.
So are the newer and younger players. Their enthusiasm shows in the broad smiles as they parade around the grounds with medals around their necks.
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 | MAGAZINE 45