By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
BROWN COUNTY – Now is the time for outdoor pickleball.
Following my victory last December in the Frosty Pickle Pickleball Tournament, I was again recently victorious in an impromptu tournament, the 2021 April Cup Pickleball Challenge, set up by friend Jesse at Meadowbrook Park.
This past summer, the Village of Howard installed three courts south of Meadowbrook Elementary School down the hill where the basketball courts used to be.
If you don’t recall, pickleball has been around for more than 50 years and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
It’s a racket sport combining elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis.
Two to four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite material to hit a whiffle ball.
I’ve been playing for about five years, but I wish I had started 20 years ago.
In the grand scheme of things, I’m an average to a slightly above-average player.
The guys I play with probably think I’m the greatest player to ever walk the earth, but I can promise them, I’ve lost games 11-0 with my partner to better teams.
If you haven’t played, it’s worth a shot.
It’s for the young and old, and you don’t necessarily have to be athletic to be good.
Some of the best players I’ve played against are older and a bit heavier.
They put themselves in the right position and use good strategy.
The area is becoming a hotbed for pickleball, with courts also located at Kiwanis Park in Allouez, Legion Park in De Pere, Edison Middle School in Green Bay and Fort Howard Park in Ashwaubenon.
Jesse recruited five of the finest pickleball players you’ll ever see to join him in the second of our scheduled four tournaments this year.
It was much the same group I’ve been playing with, but this time, there was no wind – the wind is not your friend in pickleball, as the ball does some crazy things.
After walking the mile from my house to the courts, Jesse pulled out his whiteboard and cards to randomly partner each player for nine different games.
We each played three singles matches and six doubles.
Players got one point for a win, so the player with the most total points would be crowned champion.
Instead of the beautifully crafted, hand-painted frosty pickle Christmas tree ornament – made by his wife Jenn – I received last December for my victory, Jesse found a green, plastic Easter egg and decorated it for the champ.
It was a nice gesture, but it probably took about three minutes to create; but, hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Regardless, I wanted it, but I knew I had to earn it again.
I finished with a perfect 9-0 record, and the egg was mine.
My recent weight loss helped me move better on the court, but I also slightly pulled a groin muscle and my lower body was more sore than normal.
We had fun, made memories and I didn’t get drilled by any balls, unlike a previous time when Jesse nailed me good.
I don’t need to explain where the 40-mph smash off his racket hit me.
I was offered a ride home, but I decided to walk the mile and admire my egg a bit more.
I’ll proudly display my trophy somewhere and always remember the day of fun.