Boise Area Pickleball News

Sorry I’m late on posting this article but I’ve had family members staying with us. Well this year we had a great turnout with players coming from all directions.  There were teams from California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and as far as Texas. We had some great matches and the weather on Friday was great for playing pickleball.  Saturday’s weather was a little hotter (LOL) but the teams all got through with flying colors.  I would just like to thank all the teams for their sportsmanship and for being so easy to work with, it makes it a lot easier on the Tournament Directors.

The results have been posted on the USAPA website and all the qualification information for the NSGA has been sent. Congratulations to all the winners.  For those teams and players going to Ohio in 2013, GOOD LUCK!   Tami, my wife, has posted all the award photos so go to the photo tab and check them out. Action photos are coming so keep checking in.

I want to just say a BIG thanks to all the volunteers for this year’s event, without all of you we couldn’t have put on such a great tournament, so THANKS again.  Our local pickleballers always come through.

On a side note:  If anyone has any suggestions for next years tournament please you’re your comments and/or suggestions to: Mike Thornton at: idahoseniorgamesinfo@gmail.com.  Hope to see you all next year.

On Thursday, July 19th, we (around 15 fellow pickleballers) said our goodbyes to Reesa Fassett. We had lots of food and great fun playing the game we all love.  She will be missed as a Secretary/Treasurer for our club (BAPA) and as a fellow pickleballer.  We wish nothing but the best in her future and hope she’ll come back some day and use her “Honorary Lifetime Membership” and play with us.

Reesa Fassett

We also introduced our club’s interim Secretary/Treasurer, Margo Hunter, and I know she’ll do a great job, she already has some  great ideas for the future of BAPA.

Margo Hunter

We had great weather and a great turn-out for our first Intra-Valley pickleball tournament held at Lion’s Park in Nampa, ID. There were two age groups for MD (18-64 & 65-70+), MS (18-59) (65-70+) and MXD (18-54 & 55-64) and one group for WD (50-64). It was really great to see some new faces (Linda & Andy Clements – mother and son) playing in their first tournament and also to see so many of our club’s (BAPA) new players playing.  At least a third of the players were playing in their first tournament and I hope it won’t be their last because everyone did great and I think they all had a great time.  A big thanks goes out to all the volunteers and to the ones that volunteered to be referees (some of them for the first time).

Friday’s weather was great and so was Saturday’s, with the exception of the torrential down pour (LOL) during the matches but like true pickleball troopers some of our pickleballers (Joe) played right through the rain in great style.

Okay for the results, the winners were:

MD – 18-64: Gold – Joe Bonawitz & Tim Gleason, Silver – Gary O’Dell & David Lee, and Bronze went to Chris Givens & Gary Tanikuni

MD – 65-70+: Gold – Gary Robbins & Jan Johnson, Silver – Nick Leach & John Sweeting, and Bronze went to Ray Schnabel & Gary Ward

MS – 18-59: Gold – Joe Bonawitz, Silver – Jimmy Sanchez, and Bronze went to Scott Michaelson

MXD – 18-54: Gold – Joe Bonawitz & Candy Bonawitz, Silver – Nick Leach & Tami Leach, and Bronze went to Andy Clements and Linda Clements

MXD – 55-64: Gold – John Sweeting & Sonya Kincheloe, Silver – Diana Bunger & Tim Gleason, and Bronze went to Jack Bonawitz & Rhonda Reed

WD – 50-64: Gold – Tami Leach & Sonya Kincheloe, Silver – Sandi Johnson & Candy Bonawitz, and Bronze went to Diana Bunger & Rhonda Reed.

For pictures of the event and the winners go to our Photos/Videos tab.

Congratulations to all players and winners and again thanks for playing and thanks to all our volunteers.

I would like for all of the players in this event to give a BIG THANKS to Jan Johnson for  putting together a great tournament. I know next year will be even bigger.

As most of our club members know our secretary/treasurer Reesa is moving to Florida very soon. Her departure leaves a vacancy in this position and we are very fortunate to have one of our new members step up and accept the duties of secretary/treasurer.  Please join me in welcoming Margo Hunter  as our new secretary/treasurer.

Margo Hunter

It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing that one of our clubs founders is leaving the area. Reesa Fassett is currently in the process of selling her home in Meridian to move to Florida.  She has been our treasurer/secretary since the beginning of our club and was instrumental in founding BAPA.  We all wish her nothing but the best but all I want to know from her is, Who am I going to hit now with the ball (on both sides of the net)? LOL.  She was a joy to play with  and always willing to come and play and help whenever needed, she is a real trooper. It’s too bad she won’t be able to find a game in Florida (LOL).  Where ever she goes, who ever plays with her will be getting a great partner, player and friend.  Again lets all say good luck o her and “Keep her paddle up”.

Reesa Fassett – Treasurer