Pickleball "History"

Hello

Pickleball is something Barb and I wanted to learn to play. October of last year 2022 we went to Sarah the then Recreation Director and asked for permission to tape two courts at the gym. She got us permission, tape and two nets, paddles and balls. The three of us taped the two courts at the gym. We started playing and learning the rules as we went. Fern Clark soon joined our group Fern is the “Guru” for the rules and pickleball etiquette. It was funny we would try to play a game and question the rule have to go look it up and then play some more. Sarah was instrumental in helping us have a beginners’ clinic with 15 participants. The instructor taught at the Laramie Recreation Center.

April of this year we wanted to host a pickleball tournament in Saratoga, July 22. We sought permission from the Town of Saratoga to paint two courts at Veterans’ Island east of the skate ramps. Town purchased some paint and Jay Grabow from Rawlins donated some paint. 4 of us, Fern Clark, Marsha Chandler, Barb and myself on a Saturday painted the two courts. Fern volunteered to give a short clinic on the rules and scoring at the tournament, in addition to being a line judge.

It was a fun tournament on July 22. Teams from Saratoga, Rawlins, Laramie and Arizona participated.

What I have discovered playing pickleball is I get to meet people of all ages and levels that love the sport. It is great recreation and exercise.

The now Recreation Director/Kim has hit the ground running and has gotten us permission to tape two more courts at the gym. We play M-W-F, 10-Noon. Come play a game, an hour or whatever your schedule allows.

I like being first and a competitor. Saratoga is the first in Carbon County to have a Pickleball Tournament.

Stay tuned: We are planning a fun “Round Robin” on October 7-Saturday/ at the gym. Details coming.

Cindy Carnes

Saratoga WY