Men’s Doubles Pickleball Players Enjoy Y Tourney

Converts will tell you that any day is a good day to play pickleball, but this past Saturday at the YMCA of South Collier (Marco Y) it was “pickle perfect” for a men’s doubles tournament.

A slight breeze enabled players to make the angled tactical soft shot “dinks” that are so much part of the game, and the sun radiated at a mellow 70-degrees or so rather than beat down in typical Florida spring fashion.

Plenty of spectators were on hand to cheer good shots, and the combination of spirited competition and good sportsmanship put a smile on the face of head pro Mae Brown.

She said since the opening of the courts earlier this year, players have enjoyed a women’s’ doubles and mixed doubles tourney, so now it was time for the men.

They participated in assorted flights according to ability ranking, and when the day was done, two dozen players ended up with medals while the rest ended up with good memories and camaraderie.

Adding some sideline color was Maria Ramos, part owner of PB1965, a clothing company specializing in pickleball apparel.

Level: 3.0

Gold: Gary Lamotte and Richard Elko

Silver: Don Criscuolo and Jim DeFrell

Bronze: Greg Folley and Mark Tannenbaum

Level 3.5

Gold: Mike McDonnell and Rajiv Enand

Silver: Michael Funk and Tony Hancock

Bronze: Bob Kear and Andy Guarino

Level 4.0

Gold: Mark Matjie and Ron Backskai

Silver: Mike Hogan and Jim Kappes

Bronze: Ed Belcrest and Steve Anderson.

Level 4.5

Gold: Mario Figueredo and Gabriel Tardio

Silver: Mark Mangune and John Marando

Bronze: Rob Krismanich and Tim Annett.

For more on the Y’s wide variety of programs and activities for adults and children, visit marcoymca.org or call 394-YMCA (9622). Follow on Twitter at ymcamarco; on Facebook @marcoymca, and Instagram at ymcamarco.