Written by Norm Spencer
Poolesville Seniors were well represented with 11 of our pickleball players entered in multiple events. The Poolesville team had an outstanding record with 9 Gold medals, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze and 1 Fourth place.
Our Poolesville pickleball team and supporters were the largest fan group at the Olympics Games held at the Germantown TennisPlex. Many of the players and supporters wore our blue pickleball team shirts and sweaters. There were numerous comments regarding how well we supported our players. Poolesville pickleball members PLAY TO WIN but friendships are the most import part of our activity.
Pickleball continues to be the fastest growing sport in the US. It was introduced into the MD Senior Olympics in 2016 and had 501 players this year. Our first entry into the Senior Olympics was last year with 6 players, winning 1 Gold and 3 Bronze medals. Last year was a qualifying year and we will have 3 players going to the National Seniors Games in Pittsburg, PA. Patty Walker (with partner Pearl Morris) won Gold in 2022 and will be playing in Women’ Doubles (age 60 to 64). Brian Peters and Jerry Greaney won Bronze and will be playing in Men’s Doubles (age: 65 to 69) and Jerry will also play in Men’s Singles (age: 70 to 74). However, this is a non-qualifying year as the State Senior Olympics and National Senior Games address scheduling issues, due to the pandemic. The MD Senior Olympics for this year’s competition was at the state level only.
Our outstanding teams participated in almost every age group. Of the total 501 participants, our Poolesville group of players appeared to be the largest contingency from any single organization. For each age group the competition was divided into Division I skill level 3.5 and above; and Division II skill level 3.0 and below. In addition, the competition was divided by age group.
Our pickleball Senior Olympics effort was made possible by the Poolesville Seniors organization’s sponsorship and the support of our Town Commissioners. The Poolesville Seniors pickleball players want to thank the town for providing the pickleball courts at Stevens Park. The Town Commissioners and Parks Board continues to address the growing interest in our pickleball efforts. Our group continues to grow with a Facebook Page with over 120 members of mostly retired Seniors, and a recent beginner’s class of 12 additional players. Two other informal Poolesville groups of women and men (most of which are still working) play regularly at Stevens Park after work or in the afternoon.
An effort is underway to work with the County Park system Pickleball coordinator to add pickleball lines to the Tennis Court at Owens Park. Having Owens Park available for pickleball will provide additional access during the Summer Stevens Park Camp activities (when the courts are closed between 10 am and 3 pm) and provide for evening play with lighted courts. This will support the increasing growth of pickleball play in Poolesville and be beneficial to players who are still in the work force.
The Town Commissioners have recognized the need to maintain the courts. The courts continue to develop cracks and dead spots. The Commissioners have allocated some funds for maintenance and are trying to secure a grant from AARP for the needed remaining funds of almost $60K. If the Grant does not come through, a plan is needed that avoids delaying the maintenance for several years.
Congratulations to our teams who accomplished so much at the Senior Olympics after playing on courts with dead spots and breaks in the surface. Just imagine what they might accomplish if there were new surfaces for play in preparation for future National Senior Olympics games. The National Senior Olympics is a bi-annual event. Our winners in this odd year do not go on to the National Olympics. Let’s hope they are back next year for the National competition.
Our Team Senior Olympics results for 2023:
Men’s Doubles
Division II (age 55-59) Top 5— Jeff McIntyre and Jim Berry
Division II (age 65-69) GOLD — Brian Peper and Jerry Greaney
Division I (age 75-79) 4th — Lee Bristol and Ira Hudson
Division II (age 75-79) GOLD — Norm Spencer and Mike Davis
Division II (age 60-64) Top 5 — Tom Chang and Jerry Yu
Mixed Doubles
Division II (age 60-64) Top 5– Tom Chang and Deb Ahern
Division II (age 65-69) GOLD — Brian Peper and Gwen Haney
Division I (age 65-69) BRONZE— Patty Walker and Mario DAmbrosio
Division I (age 75-79) GOLD — Ng Way and Arlene Smith
Division II (age 75-79) GOLD — Tookie Gentilcore and Norman Spencer
Men’s Singles
Division II (age 55-59) SILVER— Jeff McIntyre
Division II (age 60-64) Top 5— Tom Chang
Division II (age 70-74) BRONZE— Jerry Greaney
Women’s Doubles
Division I (age 60-64) BRONZE — Patty Walker and Dori Reissman
Come join us at Stevens Park 8am to 12 pm Monday through Friday. As stated by our supporters at the 2023 MD Pickleball Senior Olympics Games “Poolesville Pickleball Rocks”.