BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – This past weekend’s pickleball tournament ended well for one team of players, who, after nearly four hours of play, were named the Pickleball Champions.
On Saturday, May 22, Southern West Virginia Pickleball held a tournament in tandem with the City of Beckley’s Rhododendron Festival. The tournament took place at the New River Park pickleball courts.
According to coach Dave Barksdale, 22 players participated in the mixed-doubles, round-robin tournament, which was sponsored by several local entities, including the City of Beckley, Little General Stores, and The Spartan Factory.
Kelly McCandish Knowles and Jason Burriss were named the champions, followed by Ashutosh and Jigna Patel, who came in second place, and Casey Ord and Jeff Miller, who came in third.
This was one of the first events held at the New River Park courts this season, and Barksdale said it was good to see people enjoying the sport.
“People were real excited about playing, and it was a good start,” he said. “People just seemed excited about playing and being back out.”
While Southern West Virginia Pickleball plans to host more tournaments and events in the future, nothing is currently scheduled. Barksdale did reveal that he plans to resume instruction days at the courts to help those who unfamiliar with pickleball learn how to play the sport.
“It feels really good to see people getting excited about pickleball. It’s the fastest growing sport in the country, and I am glad to get to show people and teach them again this season.”
The New River Park pickleball courts are open from 5 p.m. to dark Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
For more information on playtimes and upcoming events, visit Southern West Virginia Pickleball’s Facebook page.