The Pickle Jar
June 30 - July 4
If you are reading this you managed to survive the first heat wave of the summer. Watching the early morning warriors offer up earlier and earlier start times to beat the heat was fun. Of course humidity tends not to have any respect for early AM hours. When I got out it seemed that players were being smart with staying hydrated, taking breaks, and getting out of the sun when they could. And then there was today which was like an ice bath in comparison. Fortunately for me I had a hoodie in the car. With a holiday and more temperate warmth predicted let's close the hatch and take off for the Pickleverse.
400+: This past week the Bernel Briner TeamReach group hit 401 members. Never in my wildest dream when I set that group up did I ever believe the membership would swell to these kinds of numbers. Many thanks to the leaders and members that have promoted and monitored this group. From managing Bernel drop-in to arranging spontaneous play or drill groups the app has been an asset to the local pickleball community. If you don't follow the Briners on the app you can email me and will send you an invitation or go to Centre Pickleball and follow instructions found there.
Fourth of July: Hope for good weather. All the indoor facilities will be closed (The Centre, YMCA, C3 Sports). The SignUpGenius links for The Centre and C3 Sports have been adjusted to reflect that closing.
Bernel Road Park: Those that play drop-in at Bernel Road Park, on those hot, sunny days, remember to check on the small shady area along the fence at Court 3 when you are looking for the next 2 (or 4) to rotate in. Players waiting to rotate in, please make sure to be scanning the courts while socializing. While many of us have the luxury of being retired with very flexible schedules we have many players that still are working away at some craft so please help keep the rotations flowing smoothly.
A Big Boom: I have read a couple of articles that have talked about how pickleball has exploded in India, Vietnam, and other countries in that area. If I remember correctly, pickleball is 2nd in popularity only behind cricket.
Tournament Page: Chris S., the author of Centre Pickleball added a page to the site dedicated to local and nearby tournaments so be sure to check it out. Thanks Chris.
New Local Tournament: On July 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM the Center For Alternatives In Community Justice will host a mixed doubles tournament at C3 Sports. Besides the tournament they will also be holding a silent auction for some nice items such as a Texas Roadhouse gift card, gift bag of biking items from Trek Bicycle, etc. As I get more information I will post it in future issues of the Pickle Jar. For now you can go to the flier here if you are ready to register.
Once Day Fun Day Tournament: Another flyer you will find on the Tournaments page is One Day Fun Day in Tyrone on August 2nd. This is also a mixed doubles tournament that runs in a round robin format. You can enter as a solo team but we can use you as part of our team (Bernel Briners) to defend the Central PA Pickleball Cup. We have identified 2 teams so far but need 5 to qualify as a contender. I need to get myself excused from a reunion on that day before I can enter. I am hoping to stay in my wife's good graces and get a pass on this one. It is a fun event. Let me know if you are intending to play and represent the Bernel Briners.
Grantville Tournament: Good luck to any local folk that entered for the tournament this weekend. Hopefully the rain holds off.
Johnstown Tournament: If playing with a same gender partner is more up your alley, on August 2nd the Dogwood Tournament in Johnstown is an option. Sunday the 3rd would be mixed doubles. A flyer for that tournament can be found below.
Tip Of The Week: For those that have known me for a few years or more you may remember how I joked after my knee replacement as not wondering if my hips or shoulder would be the next joint to request medical attention. Well, the hips won that one. So going through PT to try to put off any need for surgery for as long as possible I discovered I was extremely tight and significantly weak in the hips. You would think with as much pickleball and biking I do that I would be at a much higher level of ability in the hips. Apparently my hips do lie. So I have been working on strengthening and stretching the hip and all the bits and pieces that come with that. At my follow up with my sports doc I made the off hand comment that I did learn that I need to have a more complete fitness regime that encompasses the full body. You would have thought he wanted to hug me. It was like "You get it! I get these guys that come in and can't believe they have issues because they do one activity everyday." So time to start designing a new program, to diversify and challenge all parts of my body. So what do you do to supplement your fitness life? In a recent DINK issue they surveyed readers and the number 1 secondary sport for the readers was walking/running, and the next one was . . . more pickleball. FYI - biking came in 3rd. Try a fitness class, lift some weights, bend and stretch and reach for the stars. You get the idea. Good luck.
Have a great week, a great holiday, make sure to get out of the holiday with all your fingers, and I hope to see you on the courts soon. Below are the signups for indoor drop-in at both venues and private courts rentals at C3 Sports.
C3 Sports: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-57410391-c3pickleball
The Centre: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-57410385-nvsc
Randy Hoffman