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Washington Evening Journal
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Dinking around on the pickleball court
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WILLIAMSBURG — Eighteen teams signed up for the Spring Dink pickleball tournament March 21, and organizers were thrilled.
Pickleball Iowa County hosted the event not only to promote the quickly growing sport but to raise money to build outdoor courts at the Williamsburg Recreation Center.
The Rec Center donated use of the gym for last week’s tournament, which began with a round robin competition on three courts. Each team played five games, and the best teams advanced to the bracket round.
The grand prize was a trophy — a jar of pickles with a pickleball mounted on top — and free entry into the next tournament.
“We got a lot of new faces,” said Jodi Stahl, of Pickleball Iowa County. Regulars also showed up for the Spring Dink.
Renee Simpson, of Montezuma, teamed up with Williamsburg’s Nancy Garling. “We’d had more fun!” said Simpson following a match.
“A lot of fun. A lot of people,” said Garling. “Some of them are really good. Some of them are kids. They move a little faster.”
Among the younger competitors were Zach Gulick, 22, and his partner Brody Hoyt, 20, both of Marengo. They were 5-0 after round robin, but at the end of the day it was seniors Steve Rich and Jeff Dotson who took the trophy.
Tony and Steph Dacey finished second.
Mindi Slaymaker, of Pickleball Iowa County, said the tournament had a really good turnout and the organization received some good donations.
In addition to entry fees and donations, Pickleball Iowa County raised money by selling merchandise.
The Pickleball Iowa County Facebook page has grown to more than 400 followers in the short time it’s been up, Slaymaker said, and, like the sport itself, the page continues to grow.
The Williamsburg City Council, which owns the recreation center, gave Pickleball Iowa County permission to construct four courts outside the center. The nonprofit organization will have to pay for construction of the concrete courts and the fencing around it.
The group is planning more fundraisers, accepting donations and applying for grants.
