Sunday morning was beautiful, and by mid morning the sun was out shining and everyone shed the long pants and sweat shirts and jackets. Men's and Ladies singles were scheduled for the morning. Rich wasn't playing in the singles, so we didn't need to check in until about 11:00. That worked out well. We could take our time, get some breakfast and check out without having to hurry. We arrived a little early and caught some of the singles play. The mixed doubles competition began around noon.
Buddy and Nadine played together in the mixed doubles, and today Bruce drove down to partner with Louann. The format was the same; double elimination, best two out of three in the winner bracket and medal match and one game to 15 in the consolation bracket. Bruce and Louann played in the 50-59 age bracket, and Buddy and Nadine in the 60-69. Bruce and Louann played some great matches and were on their way through the winners bracket. Unfortunately, the lost one game and then could not quite make it back to the medal match. It was their first time playing together in the tournament and they played well together.
Above are pictures of Nancy Myer (top left) and her partner. Nancy along with Cindy Eddleman were the tournament directors. We left before her final match ended - but I know she was playing in the match for Gold or Silver. The others are Kathy and Tim from Solavita, and Kathy's husband Gary. Gary had registered, but without a partner, and was able to hook up with another lady the day before. Some great games, but no medals.
And then we get to the next age bracket. Generally the age brackets are only five years (ie., 50-54, 55-59 etc) For the mixed doubles the brackets were expanded to 10 years. This meant that Rich and Linda would have to meet up with Buddy and Nadine along the way. There were 16 teams in this age division. Rich and Linda won eight straight games to take the Gold Medal. In those eight games only 16 points were won against them. The toughest competition was Buddy and Nadine who scored 1/2 of those 16 points. Buddy and Nadine ended up taking the Bronze Medal. Great Games!!
And here are the winners donning their medals. Congratulations!!
It was really a well run and well organized tournament. We all had a great time. Once again, it was after 5:00 when we left the park for home. We stopped in Ft. Myers at the Cracker Barrel for dinner and made it back to Peace River just before 8:00pm, where we unpacked and called it a day.
Monday was Valentines Day. We met up with Bruce and Gena and Rich and Dee at the Meetin' House at 6:00 that evening. Everyone brought either a seafood dish, a side dish or dessert to share for dinner and at 7:00 Bobby Mack put on his show, one that he did with a group when he performed live in Vegas. There was a great variety of food, and the show was Excellent!!!
On Tursday, Rich headed for Sebring to practice with Gary and Linda for the next tournament, the Lee County Senior Games which are next weekend in Ft. Myers. Buddy will be playing with Nadine again, and Bruce with Louann - so it should be another great weekend with friends and pickleball. I went with Rich to Sebring, and did some shopping while he was playing. I needed some new sneakers and needed to finish shopping for Rich's birthday. No Homers run this time........ Next Tuesday we are going with Bruch and Gena to meet up with Bob and Kathy Huges for dinner at Homers. I'm sure they'll hide the eclairs when they see Rich come through the front door!!!
CLICK HERE to go the photo gallery for all the pictures from the tournament.
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