The Boise Area Pickleball Association held it’s first-ever (and—we hope—annual) Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, December 20. Though many of our snowbirds have flown off to warmer climates, we had nineteen players. Nick Leach and Joe Bonawitz tied for first on the men’s side, and Joe won a singles play-off. Tami Leach won on the women’s side. Our own resident cheerleader and seamstress, Ellen Gassaway, made embroidered towels for the winners, and club president Rudy Whitaker presented the trophies to the winners.    

Following the tournament, we had a pot-luck luncheon so that any weight we lost playing could be replaced (and increased). Thanks to all the cooks in our midst who brought so much delicious food.

Then, as if a tournament and luncheon weren’t enough, we had a white elephant gift exchange. Some gifts were quite popular, as Karen Miller knows only too well. Next year I predict we’ll see a lot more wine.

Following the gift exchange, Ben and Rhonda, the managers of Homecourt, stopped by to say a few words about the growth of Pickleball, both at Homecourt and nationally. Based on our current usage, we believe that we’ll have four painted courts next year, and that will solve two problems: a general shortage of places to play, and a place for the upper-level players to play. We also thanked them for their cooperation with a poinsettia and Christmas card signed by our tournament participants.

Any successful tournament needs players, of course. But more than that, it needs people behind the scenes to plan, organize, and manage. Nick and Tami Leach did a wonderful job of planning the tournament and organizing it. Diane Taylor kept track of scores and smiled equally at winners and losers. And Ellen and Don Gassaway, Maureen McFadden, Rodell Hill, and Marilyn Donahue came to cheer us all on. I think I can speak for all the players when I extend my gratitude to all of them. Finally, we didn’t have a Style trophy, but some members did their best to dress for the occasion. (Who knew elves played Pickleball?)

The BAPA isn’t the largest or oldest Pickleball club, but we have great members, and we DO know how to have a good time!

Keep your paddles up!