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Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in
America... indeed a game for ALL ages!!
"A strange and amazing thing happened at
pickleball today"...
Okay, so it really wasn't today.
It was however at the 31st Annual Iowa Senior
Games held in West Des Moines, IA June 21st and
22nd, 2017.
The pickleball portion of this
years' Iowa Senior Games wrapped up a record
event (most registrants for a pickleball
tournament in the State of Iowa: 139) Thursday,
June 22nd in a unique and quite fitting fashion.
This year the games found themselves honored
with a registrant whose age bracket was 100+!!!
Eleanor Noel, from Clive, Ia, agreed to attend
the event (after "invites" and virtual pleas
from close friends, Gordon McCollum leading the
pack) and participate in the Pickleball
portion. Upon arrival, for the Doubles Events,
Eleanor would be greeted by dozens of fellow
Seniors (a few no more than 20 to 25 years her
younger, many however many, many more ranging
over 35 to 50 years younger than her), truly in
awe of her presence and her willingness (not to
mention ability) to participate in the session. |
Below, you see Eleanor "making
things legal" as she signs the Iowa Senior Games
waiver prior to her play.
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After a few words of
encouragement and a refresh of the rules, the
event’s Commissioners, Steve and Tammy Stone,
were immediately faced with a slight dilemma
regarding which bracket to actually place
Eleanor into. Qualifying for the 100-104
Bracket there were no women showing any need for
partnering in the Women’s Doubles nor any men
near or close enough to her age to double in the
Mixed play, well… without Eleanor having to play
down, into much younger age brackets; 2, 3, or 4
brackets “younger” than her qualifying age
group. |
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Steve Stone, the sport
Commissioner for the Pickleball portion of the
Iowa Senior Games and USAPA Regional Director
for the Middle States Region (Iowa, Illinois,
Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin), thought
carefully and came up with a solution. Steve
decided that Eleanor would participate in a seldom
used format known as “Mixed Generation.” This
could consist of two males, two females, or as
in this case a male and a female participant.
However the caveat was that the two partners
needed to be at least 40 years apart in age. For
Eleanor the task at finding a qualifying
participant would be rather easy. Of the 138
other registered participants only a handful would qualify to double with
her. The search itself (for her Mixed Partner)
was short-lived when Iowa’s very own Chuck Long
(Ex-Hawkeye Quarterback and CEO of the Iowa
Sports Foundation) would step up, eager to
double alongside this lovely young lady.
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The task of finding an opposing
team to fit the bill would be quite a bit more
challenging. This search would be hampered by
the mere fact that most the attending
participants were already paired and many on
court or awaiting upcoming games and matches.
However, Mr. Stone would again come up with a
rather formidable (and quite unique) solution.
Steve decided that he and his wife, Tammy, would
pair off against Eleanor & Chuck. With an age
difference of only 6 or 7 years Mr. Stone would
quote a phrase found useful in unique, yet
“challenging” situations such as this… “...in
the spirit of The Games…” Steve said,
“...obviously I am nowhere near half the age of
my partner let alone 25 years apart. In order to
level the playing field I figure I simply need
to be about half the height of my partner.” And
with this statement Steve virtually dropped to
his knees, paddle stretched in front of his
chest, ready to complete with the opposing team!
Rumor has it, as he dropped to his knees, he
would remark to his wife that he was indeed the
weakest link on the court, and begged the
opposing team to please not lob over him! |
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Above, teams
prepare to "battle" for Gold as well as
"bragging rights." The Stones (Tammy & Steve) in
the near court, Chuck Long and Eleanor Noel
opposite them.
If you watch
the video
carefully (click the photo to open), no more than 8 to 9 seconds in, you
will notice how spry this young lady is as she
reaches to "swat" her partner's behind as he
shares the ball for their next rally... No,
really... watch it again!!!
You will Notice Steve on his knees... unable to
create a mixed team with one partner nearly half
the age of the other (as was created pairing
Eleanor & Chuck), Steve figured if he were "half
the size" or height of his partner - that might
level the playing field. Rumor has it you hear
him begging Eleanor NOT to lob anything over his
head!!!
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The two teams traded a few shots
and strokes, Eleanor playing rather cautious
while thoroughly enjoying both the attention and
the competition. Spectators were amazed at her
ability to field the ball and after a few short
minutes the teams paused for photos, crowning
Eleanor with a well deserved Gold Medal (this,
again, “in the spirit of The Games.”). For Steve
and Tammy, as well as Chuck Long, they found
themselves overwhelmed and honored with the
opportunity to meet this young lady, let alone
be along side or across the net for play
with/against her. |
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Here is Eleanor SIGNING her
Paddle
for local Paddletek Distributor Joe
Robinson. |
Eleanor receiving her GOLD Medal
from partner Chuck Long
(Iowa Sport Foundation CEO,
ex-Hawkeye Quarterback) |
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Left to right: Tammy Stone,
Chuck Long, Eleanor Noel,
Gordon McCollum, and Steve Stone
A cute
"side-note" to this unique experience would be
the message that Gordon McCollum (long time
friend and the person truly responsible for
Eleanor's attendance at The Iowa Senior Games)
would send to Steve after departing for the day.
Gordon noted how he and Eleanor were so greatly
thankful for the experience
and the hospitality shown by all. He further
commented that Eleanor stated
(on the ride home) that next time she could, and
would, do much better!!
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Click here for
Midwest Tournament News... |
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jars and lids not required; Sweet or Sour, proceed cautiously
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