On February 10 - 12, 2017, seven Aiken pickleball players descended on the Pickled Peach Valentine Classic in Athens, GA with one thing in mind - to bring home as many medals as possible while enjoying challenging competition in their skill levels! And this is exactly what happened!
Mo Garcia entered all three events ~~ Singles 4.0, Men's Doubles 4.0: 19+, 35+ 50+ and Mixed Doubles 4.0: 60+, 70+, 80+. He medaled in all three events, bringing home the Bronze in MS, the Silver (with partner Les Massengale) in MD and the Gold (with partner Priscilla Chambers) in MX. If you see Mo this week, and he can barely walk, it's not because his legs are tired, but it's the weight of those medals he's wearing around his neck that is pulling him down! Great job, Mo!
Rob Bromley and Jim Kabel teamed up to play some exciting MD, 3.5, 60+ matches. After losing a match in the main draw, they fought their way back in the lower draw to vie for the gold medal against the very team who handed them their first loss. It was a tight three game match, which Rob and Jim lost, but the Silver medal was theirs! Excellent showing, guys!
Vicki McNair and Joyce Noland represented Aiken well while competing in the WD 4.0, 4.5: 50+, 60+ tournament. There were 11 talented teams playing and each match was hard fought! Joyce and Vicki won the Bronze medal. Terrific win for both of you!
Vicki was back on the court on Sunday partnering with a rested Tony Quick in MX 4.5, 5.0. They, too, faced formidable competition, and after losing a match in the upper bracket, Vicki said they had fun "clawing" their way back to the Gold medal round, where they had their second loss, giving them the Silver medal. Great effort at the highest skill level!
While they may not have won a medal, Marian Garcia and Jim Kabel played hard and competed well in the MX 3.5: 60+, 70+, 80+, 90+ tournament. The experience they gained will hold them in good stead in future competitions.
Many players commented on how great it was having other Aiken players/spectators at the tournament supporting them....it is that spirit that drives our players to play at the top of their game! And bringing home six medals is something everyone can be proud of!
To see more pictures of the tournament, click here.