FROM THE USAPA
More Than Medals
BY USAPA BOARD MEMBERS DAVE JORDAN, CHRIS THOMAS AND LAURA PATTERSON
I
t happened on June 2, 2017, at the BJ Convention
Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
More than 10,000 athletes arrived for the 2017 National
Senior Games, which is held every two years at various
locations across the country.
As the courts began to fill, it was evident this was going
to be a tournament like none other. First, it was a senior-
only tournament (50+); second, it was the largest attended
tournament held indoors, with 865 players and, most
importantly, the players were excited to be there.
Then it happened. Although we had sign-ups before the
start of the tournament, people started crowding the desk
asking if they could help and how they could be a part of
the experience—not only as players, but also as workers.
As play began, matches were won and lost, and medals
were presented, but it was evident there was something
taking place that made this a unique experience.
Here are just a few of our stories:
When Chris Thomas met the winner in women’s singles
to have her initial the official score sheet, she said, “I am
shaking all over, winning a match at the Nationals.”
Laura Patterson had the honor of refereeing a women’s
doubles 85+ match where Minnie, 92, was one of the
participants. She was all smiles as everyone cheered for
her and the other players. After the match, Minnie said, “It
is just great to be able to move. I just love this sport and I
love the way people are loving on us!”
We also watched Lillian Palmer (80-84) high-five folks
at the tournament desk on achieving the rare trifecta of
earning three gold medals.
In men’s singles 90-94, one of the players couldn’t hear
the score and had difficulty knowing which side of the
14
court to serve from. He was advised he couldn’t ask the ref
each time if he was in the correct court. The TD came up
with a solution: A spectator held a large-number flip chart
so the player could see the score, odd/even, when he got
the ball to serve. The match proceeded smoothly.
In women’s singles, Jo Honeycutt, from the winners
bracket, lost two out of three in the gold medal match,
but won the tiebreaker. This was her first-ever medal at
the Nationals. As folks congratulated her, she managed to
smile as tears were running down her cheeks.
In recognition of the human spirit and the wonders of
modern medicine, Jack Warner played and refereed despite
having spent 30 days in a medically induced coma just a
few months earlier.
And then there was the 85-94 age group of women’s
singles players who watched and cheered their fellow
players as they waited to play their match.
I was fortunate enough to referee these matches and
experienced true sportsmanship as we met at the net after
each match for a group hug. Even though they all won
a medal, you could tell from the glow on their faces and
twinkle in their eye, it was more about the experience, the
friendships, family and a sport. For Minnie, Mary, 89, and
Caroline, 86, it was their day to celebrate and enjoy what
life has given them.
Everyone who showed up those six days in Birmingham
are true champions filled with a spirit of hope,
understanding and dedication that makes life on pickleball
courts around the country a celebration of what we are all
about. It is more than medals. •
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