GREENHORN VALLEY
Pueblo’s first ever pickleball tournament “Battle of the Paddles” held Aug. 18-20, was aptly named, for not only were pickleball games a battle between contestants, there were battles with high temperatures of over 100 degrees on the courts and high winds as well, making pickleballs sail, soar, and deviate wildly.
Held at the eight new pickleball courts in Mineral Palace Park, the tournament’s Director was none other than local pickleball player, Sue Coman, assisted by her husband, another local player, Bill Coman. Sue and her committees, all volunteers, made this tournament an incredible success, for approximately 170 players, representing nine states overall.
Local players from all around the Pueblo area attended, and included many from the Colorado City Pickleball group. The first day’s bracket was designated for men’s doubles, all levels and ages. Men from Colorado City, playing in men’s doubles 3.0 and ages 60+ were Ben Beck and Bill Coman.
Bill Coman with his partner, Tom Frazier, from Manzanola, finished as silver medalists. Playing 3.5 and ages 60+ were Greg Gladin, Lee Neve and Paul Vorndam, who with his partner, Clinton Tamada, from Pueblo West, finished with a bronze medal.
Playing 3.5 and ages 59 and under, was Jared Stapleton, who with teammate Dave Armenta (Pueblo) also earned a bronze medal in their division.
Playing Saturday in the mixed doubles division (teams consisted of one male and one female), 3.5 and ages 59 and under, were Jon and Michelle Shaffer, as well as Jared Stapleton and Shauna Peters from Pueblo. Playing in the mixed division 3.5, ages 60+ were Diane and Jay Langston.
Both divisions had the maximum number of teams, so players in both divisions played many matches before the final medalists were announced. Jon and Michelle finished the day with bronze medals.
On Sunday, the final day of the tournament, women’s doubles teams took to the courts. Playing in the 3.5 and ages 59 and under bracket were Michelle Shaffer with partner Jayne Murtha (from Pueblo) and Maggie DiMatteo with partner Mischelle Chambon from Colorado Springs. Playing in the women’s doubles bracket 3.5 and ages 60+ was Kathy Neve and partner Bonnie Barr, who finished the day as silver medalists.
Without a doubt every contestant had the chance to have a great deal of fun, meet and get to know some terrific new pickleball friends, while “battling” and playing some hard-fought games of pickleball.