Robson Ranch Arizona Pickleball Club: TOURNAMENT INFORMATION (New)

2nd Annual Resident Pickleball Tournament

Registration Form

Tournament Dates: January 21 and 22, 2015

Entry Deadline: January 12, 2015 (No refunds after entry deadline.

Registration Fee: Fee is $10.00 for one event or $15.00 for two events. Please include payment with registration form.

Last Name: _________________________________________

First Name: _________________________________________

Local Address: _________________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________

Phone Number _________________________________________

Emergency contact name and number

_________________________________________

Circle the events in which you wish to enter and list your partner, if known. (There will be a signup sheet at the courts to assist players needing partners.) All players need to submit a registration form. Even if you list your partner on your form, your partner must also submit a registration form. Some brackets may be combined depending on participation. All players must register for events at your club skill rating. Teams with players of differing ratings must register at the level of the highest rated payer. Doubles players rated higher that 3.5 must partner with a 3.5 or lower rated player to play in the 3.5+ category.

Medals will be awarded for First, Second, and Third Place in each category.

Women’s Doubles 2.0 to 2.5 3.0 3.5+ Partner:_____________________________

Men’s Doubles 2.0 to 2.5 3.0 3.5+ Partner:_____________________________

Mixed Doubles 2.0 to 2.5 3.0 3.5+ Partner:_____________________________

Shirts will be $14.00. Please indicate if you want a shirt and the desired size. Add $2.00 for 2XL or $3.00 for 3XL. Please include shirt payment with registration form.

Shirt Yes No

Size: SM MED LRG XL 2XL 3XL

Checks should be payable to Mike Rains and entries can be dropped in the box at the courts or submitted to Mike Rains or MJ Wong. Questions may be directed to Mike Rains at 503.351.4588.

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Tournament News

10-21-2014
Vistancia Pickleball Tournament

Brenda Amans and Sue Sherwood were the Gold Medal winners in the Women's 3.0 Doubles category at Vistancia Tournament in Peoria, AZ. I heard it was a grueling 16 game affair. Congratulation ladies!

Canadian and part-time RR resident Dianne Dunsford and Nina Constable won the Gold Medal in the Manitoba 55+ games in Neepawa and the Silver Medal in the Canadian Provincial 55+ games in Edmonton. Congratulations, eh!

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10/16/2014
2014 Huntsman World Seniors Games
Saint George, Utah

Larry Kraus and his partner, Carol Lindow won a bronze medal in the 60 - 64 Mixed Doubles category at the above tournament. There were 20 teams competing so they really played well.

Congratulation Larry!

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9/23/2014

Robson Ranch Picklers Competing

The USAPA Nationals VI will be held in early November at Sun City Festival, 26411 W. Desert Vista Blvd, Buckeye, AZ. As of 9/23/14 our own AL Hager is the only Robson Ranch resident registered for said tournament. Al will be or is trying to find a partner so he may compete in Men's Doubles on Sunday, November 2; Mixed Doubles on Tuesday, November 4; Senior Open Men's Doubles on Friday, November 7; and Senior Open Mixed Doubles on Saturday, November 8. When you see Al around the ranch wish him good luck. If you need something to do and want to watch some really good pickleball, take a drive to Buckeye and take in part of the tournament.

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Upcoming Tournaments Around the Area

Details at pickleballtournaments.com

8th Annual Voyager Holiday Open Skill Level, Voyager RV Resort, Tucson, AZ - 12/4 - 12/6

USAPA SouthWest Regional Tournament, El Mirage RV Resort, El Mirage, AZ -12/11 - 12/14

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Spring Mini-Tournament

Following is an article President Lawell wrote regarding the mini-tournament we had this spring and some selected pictures, including the winning teams.

The pickleball tournaments scheduled in Arizona have pretty much run their course by late April. Future sanctioned events will occur in the Northern and Eastern areas of the U.S. where the weather is starting to change from Winter to Spring then Summer. So, the full time residents of Robson are looking to play each other with round robin play or intercommunity play with surrounding communities.

But this year the club had a “just for fun” mini tournament on Tuesday April 29^th. The tournament was planned and organized by Mike Rains who is Director of the annual Robson Ranch Resident Tournament. With the help of Sandi Feller, Paula Steger and MJ Wong, Mike ran a top notch impromptu tournament. The format was limited to just Womens and Mens couples play. The competing pairs were determined by a blind draw in the attempt to equalize the teams’ different skill levels. No formal awards were given just “bragging” rights for about 5 minutes after completion of play. The entry fee, as determined by MJ, would be at least one canned good food item to be donated to the local food bank. So the community benefitted from the competition as much as the players.

Around 50 ladies and men signed up to compete. The tournament was a double elimination format so each team competed in at least 2 rounds of play before being eliminated. The play started around 8am and lasted until about 1pm. Mike and his crew kept the matches running smoothly and quickly so that downtime was kept to a minimum. The only adversity on the courts came from a pretty strong wind that made play a real adventure at times. All matches were participant self-refereed with only the “Gold” medal matches using an official referee.

Even though there was an eventual overall winner in each group, there were no losers among any of the participants as exhibited by the smiles on everyone’s faces. In the ladies doubles category the “whole enchilada” or Gold went to MaryEllen Bigos and Sue Sherwood. The “frijoles” or Silver went to Carolyn Burtch and Teri Stechmesser and the “chili” or Bronze went to Sheila Corey and Barb Sewell. In the men’s category the “whole enchilada” or Gold was won by Chuck Bonesteel and Ron Herzog, the “frijoles” or Silver went to Doug Kant and Greg Long and rounding out the men’s category were Steve Arthur and Ray Corey getting the “chili” or Bronze. All the winners graciously donated their prizes to the food bank.

Play was fast and furious and very competitive. But all who participated had a thoroughly enjoyable time and are looking forward to the next resident mini tournament.

David Lawell

Here are the tournament administrators keeping the activities moving along.
There were eleven teams in the women's division and thirteen teams in the men's division.

From left to right are the "Gold, Silver and Bronze medals" for the tournament.
The "whole enchilada", the frijoles, and the chili.

Participants in the Men's Doubles Gold Metal match from left to right were
Ron Herzog and Chuck Bonesteel, vs Doug Kant, and Greg Long.
Jerry Stegar served as the referee.

Participants in the Bronze Medal match from left to right were
Greg Long and Doug Kant vs Ray Corey and Steve Arthur.
Ray and Steve won the Bronze Medal.

Participants in the Gold Medal Match were from left to right,
Greg Long and Doug Kant vs Chuck Bonesteel and Ron Herzog.
Chuck and Ron won Gold with Doug and Greg receiving Silver.

Participants in the Ladies Gold Medal Match, from left to right were
Teri Stechmesser and Carolyn Burtch vs Mary Ellen Bigos and Sue Sherwood.
Referee for the match was Mike Rains.

Participants in the Bronze Medal Match from left to right were
Barbara Sewell and Shelia Corey vs Carolyn Burtch and Teri Stechmesser
Barbara and Shelia were awarded the Bronze Medal.

Participants in the Gold Medal Match from left to right were
Sue Sherwood and Mary Ellen Bigos vs Teri Stechmesser and Carolyn Burtch
Sue and Mary Ellen won Gold with Teri and Carolyn receiving Silver.

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Surprise Pickleball Fling

Al Hager won the Men's Doubles 5.0 Bronze Medal at the Surprise tournament this year.

Robson Ranch's 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament

Here is our infamous tournament director, Mr. Al Hager kicking off the tourney.

Robson Ranch held its 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament from March 19th through March 22. Al Hager and his committee leaders performed admirably in organizing and overseeing the tournament. While a number of competitors came from outside Robson Ranch, we were well represented. Moreover a huge number of Robson Ranch club members came out to support our representatives in each skill level. Competition has held for skill levels, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0. Teams included men's doubles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles. In addition to the moral support provided by the observers, a number of picklers, volunteered to assist with various facets of the tournaments. Following are the category winners pictures, which we copied from Marv's Photo web site (click here to go to Marv's photos), as well as some ad hoc photos taken by your blogging team.

Winners

Women's Doubles 3.0

Bronze - Angela Jerman & Erene Waymeyer
Gold - Jeannine McKinna & Karen Eastman
Silver - Jan Ardis & Teresa Johnson

Women's Doubles 3.5

Bronze - Barb Hager & Lise Nolin
Gold - Nancy Schwarz & Barbara Durrant
Silver - Carol Hammerle & Donna Davis

Women's Doubles 4.0

Bronze - Paula Steger & Sue Almeter
Gold - Nancy Stern & Deb Willcoxon
Silver - Cindy Moore & Diana Hill

Women's Doubles 4.5

Bronze - Donna Robins & Suz Liley
Gold - Grace Jaworsky & Sherry Gusse
Silver - Dee Rochel & Carolyn Stevens

Women's Doubles 5.0

Bronze - Linda Hoggatt & Roxanne Pierce
Gold - Mona Burnett & Gail Dacey
Silver - Yvonne Hackenberg & Susan Buerkens

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Mixed Doubles 3.0

Bronze - Jeannine McKinna & Kelly McKinna
Gold - Jan Ardis & Gene Vollmin
Silver - Olivia Yacukowwcz & John Apgar

Mixed Doubles 3.5

Bronze - Barry Schutlz - Shelia Parkinson
Gold - Vicki D'Elia & Rich Rochel
Silver - Allison Hays & David Cooke

Mixed Doubles 4.0

Bronze - Ray Halverson & Janice Manders
Gold - Butch Finnegan & Robin Wyrick
Silver - Cindy Moore & Len Leitch

Mixed Doubles 4.5

Bronze - Dennis Fox & Sally Dobson
Gold - Colin Caldwell & Marsha Freso
Silver - Diane Ouellette & Don Simmons

Mixed Doubles 5.0

Bronze - Mark Friedenberg & Susan Buerkens
Gold - Jim Hackenberg & Yvonne Hackenberg
Silver - Scott Lennan & Roxanne Peirce

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Men's Doubles 3.0

Bronze - Gene Vollmin & Tim Johnson
Gold - Bud Fairbanks & Marv Richter
Silver - Rocky Myers & Todd Williams

Men's Doubles 3.5

Bronze - Darwin Broek & Robert DiGirolamo
Gold - Lyn Worner & Jeff Jones
Silver - Bill Reynolds & Rick Hanson

Men's Doubles 4.0

Bronze - Ray Halverson & David Wong
Gold - Mark Karwas & Robert Koerner
Silver - Donald Casebolt & Brent Carlson

Men's Doubles 4.5

Bronze - Rody Hill & Gary Baker
Gold - Mario Najera & Troy Horton
Silver - Dan JMaeff & Chuck MacDonald

Men's Doubles 5.0

Bronze - Dave Touchet & Randy Bourne
Gold - Scott Lennan & Jim Hackenbert
Silver - Al Hager & Mark Friedenberg

Other Miscellaneous Photos

Anybody want to go parking?

I think I can, I think I can.

I thought I could, I thought I could.

Come on Paula, let's get a little serious, OK?

Let's see, what did Yoda say about your backhand.

I double dog dare you to hit to me!

I just love playing these computer games.

I'm looking for the person refereeing the next match.

Looks like Jim and Bob are playing pocket pool, while Don is passing out fluids.

Here's Mary, thinking about Bob playing pocket pool.

Jan, you cover the court to here, I will take the rest.

Let me show you my Baylor serve.

What an exciting match, I can hardly contain myself.

Carolyn says, Have you heard the one about the farmer's daughter and traveling salesman?

Anyone need any first aid, I'm on duty.

Do you know who these guys are?

Steve, let's take a time out, I need a break.

Come on Steve, let's kick their #$$.

See Yoda, I have my paddle at the ready.

Come on Ray, just get it in the service court.

Nice serve, can you do it again?

Ray, watch the spin on this puppy.

Eagle eye Bigos, at the ready to call a fault.

My bad Ray.

Here is a couple of sandbaggers who won gold.

Hey guys, we are trying to concentrate over here.

Let's see, did the porta-potty guy clean the pots last night?

Here's how I would play that shot, Yoda.

Come on, give me your best shot.

Where did Al go, I guess he is putting out a fire somewhere.

Bring it on, Hackenberg!

Hey Barb, how about that shot, baby.

After Tourney Party

On the Sunday following the tournament, our club had its monthly party, which was orchestrated by Jerry and Paula Steger. The party included the blind draw pickleball matches, a serving skill competition, and a chili champion, with approximately nine varieties of chili's represented. (I tried to stuff the ballot box for mine, but came up short again. The story of my life.) Sorry, I failed to capture the names of the winners for each of the contests, but the serving contest went into overtime for the ladies. Hot dogs and chips for lunch with a number of delicious desserts also being shared. Everyone had a great time but no photos were taken, so you just have to take my word on that one. We will try to be better prepared next time.

"Yoda" Comes to Robson Ranch

On the day prior to the start of Robson Ranch's 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament, we were privileged to have Mark Friedenberg provide a clinic on basic pickleball. The focus of the session was on some of the basics that players either need to learn or to be reminded of when playing this wonderful game. It is believed that most, if not all attendees, took away something from the clinic, despite your skill level. The session ended with an exhibition match. While I do not remember the young lady's name, she put the guys to shame. Following are some random photos our blogger took during the clinic.

"Doctor Yoda" performs surgery on RR Picklers.

What a nice looking crowd!

Attendees were sitting on the North and West sides of Court 8.

Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball.

Position your feet to face your opponent and not just parallel with the court.

Get it Mike!

Dink this Larry!

I'll get this one, Larry!

Palm Creek Pickleball Tournament

Casa Grande, AZ. 85122

Palm Creek held it's 11th annual Pickleball Tournament March 7th through March 9th. Events were broken down by age (50 through 70 plus) and skill level (3.0 through 5.0). Events included Mens Doubles, Womens Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Following are photos of some of the Robson Ranch picklers playing in subject tournament. Also included are photos of some of our members who officiated and others who were there supporting the tournament and our representatives on the day Mickie and I were there. If you were there and we missed getting your photo, sorry.

Wait, we are not ready.

Let's go partner!

Serve me that ball!

Let's see, was that a side out or a point?

You want to know if you are the correct server?

Oh boy, I get to referee a match.

Y'all about ready to get this match started.

Let's see Paula told me to pick up some milk, eggs and bacon for breakfast.

Here is Mr. Poacher with MJ observing in the background.

What?

Larry, Ann and Teri hanging at the Palm.

"##@%%^$"

I thought you had the middle!

Go ahead punk hit it to me, I dare you.

Dave and Brenda just hanging loose.

Al getting ready to call a match.

Mike is on the move

Mike with his mixed doubles partner.

I got it!

You talking to me?

Dave hanging with another young lady.

Let's see, what did I tell Jerry to get at the store?

And the winner representing Robson Ranch was:

Al Hager and his partner won a Bronze Medal in the Men's Doubles - Age Group 60+

Grand Canyon State Games

Pueblo El Mirage RV and Golf Resort

Arizona State Pickleball Championships
February 19, 2014 - February 23, 2014

Subject games were held in El Mirage, Arizona. Events included men's, women's and mixed divisions. Participants could participate according to age, skill level or both. Play was double elimination with a winners and losers bracket. Al Hager and Larry Kraus represented Robson Ranch participating in various divisions and groups.

Al Hager and partner Troy Horton were the Bronze Medal recipients in the 60+ age group.

Larry won some games in the various groups in which he participated, but the pickleball gods did not present him with any medals.

Regardless of their success, Al and Larry appeared to have a good time and enjoyed the camaraderie of their fellow players. While roaming the grounds and watching some of the matches, we happened to bump into Douglas Kant and Nancy Kraus. Doug was observing while Nancy was honing her refereeing skills. If you want to watch some really good pickleball, I suggest you considering going to the games next year (heck, maybe they will be on our courts).

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Mission Royal Tournament Winners from Robson Ranch

The following individuals participated and received medals in the recently completed Mission Royal Pickle Ball tournament. While I do not have a complete list of participants, Robson Ranch was also well represented by other personnel. It is hoped that in the future we will not only recognize the medal winners but also all other persons who also participated.

Mission Royal 3.5 Winners

Gold (Center): Lynn Worner & Jeff Jones

Hey that's two in a row for you two guys, but whose counting?

Mission Royal 4.0 Winners

Bronze: David Wong & Ray Halverson

Mission Royal 4.5 Winners

Bronze: Larry Kraus & Byron Freso

Congratulations winners as well as all Robson representatives who participated in the tournament.

Robson Ranch Resident Tournament

The Robson Ranch Pickle Ball Club held its first annual resident only Pickle Ball tournament on January 22nd and 23rd, 2014. The tournament was organized by Mike Raines, who was assisted by M. J. Wong. Both of these individuals did an excellent job of organizing and overseeing the tournament. In addition to these two individuals, a number of other resident's and non-resident's volunteered their time serving as referees, first aid and other support functions. We had an excellent number of participants in skill set levels 2.0 through 4.0. This tournament was a double elimination tournament and the best two out of three in the winner's bracket and one game to 15 in the loser's bracket. Events included Men's, Women's and Mixed Doubles 2.0 to 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 to 4.0. There were a number of excellent matches throughout the tournament. More importantly, it appeared that all participants had a good time and no one was hurt. At the end of the tournament on the 23rd, a pizza party was held and the winners in each category were recognized. Based on the huge success of this tournament, club members are looking forward to Robson's open tournament in March and the opportunity to defend their crowns at the second annual resident tournament, next year. Pictured below are the winners in each category proudly displaying their hard earned medals. So when you are playing in the round robins and look across the net and see any of these medal winners, tell them congratulations. Gold medal winners are in the middle, silver medalists are on the right and bronze medalists are on the left as you look at the pictures.

Women's 2.5 Winners