Kauai’ s Gary Maguire, Cincinnati’ s Kevin Atkinson, and Las Vegas’ Randy Williams had been on the Air Force volleyball team together and decided to have a reunion in St. George and play pickleball in the HWSG. They were one point away from gold and claimed,“ We are coming back— 100 percent!”
Randy was the team coach this time, but will be old enough to play next year. He flew Air Force One for Presidents Clinton and Bush. Gary flew C-5s.
Randy explained the many similarities of volleyball and pickleball including angles, body position, and smashes. Kevin claims he“ carried the team.” They were just hilarious, and having so much fun.
When two older women needed to warm up, California’ s Howard Vallens and Ali Vassigh were so kind to share their court. Pickleball players really are special. This was the first time at HWSG for Howard and Ali, and everyone hopes that these two 50-year-old spring chickens will return.
Lake Tahoe’ s Jill Minkle was playing in her second HWSG. She noted,“ The tournament is well-organized. I would like to see a mixed skill event added so my husband and I could play in two events together.” They enjoyed the opening ceremonies, the hot springs, restaurants, and the Tuacahn theater.
OLD FRIENDS GATHERED ON CENTER COURT TO WARM UP FOR AN EARLY START AT THE HUNTSMAN WORLD GAMES. LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK FRIEDENBERG, JIM HACKENBERG, GRANT WYBORNY, CARL TIETZE, DUKE GRONDIN, DALE HARRIS.
The player split at the tournament was 50.5 % women and 49.5 % men.
Given the opportunity, women participate and pickleball welcomes them.
Huntsman truly presents a premier senior tournament for pickleball. This year there were some rain delays, but the experienced tournament director, Mike Hoxie, kept it moving so no one missed out. Vendors crowded the walkways selling clothes and jewelry. Tanner Richie from Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, displayed Brioti eyewear that is impact rated for high mass and high velocity and has color-boosting technology. More and more players are wearing eye protection these days.
Pickleball at the Huntsman World Senior Games is an event— it is the place to be in October, to enjoy the beautiful red rocks of Utah while competing and connecting with people from all across the country. •
PROUD SILVER MEDALISTS GARY MAGUIRE( LEFT) AND KEVIN ATKINSON( RIGHT) AND COACH RANDY WILLIAMS( CENTER) WERE AIR FORCE VOLLEYBALL TEAMMATES WHO HAD A REUNION AT THE HUNTSMAN WORLD GAMES. RANDY FLEW AIR FORCE ONE FOR PRESIDENTS BUSH AND CLINTON.
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the‘ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she has won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open, and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy, and Germany.
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