The newly-formed Vernon Pickleball Club drew 72 players to its inaugural open invitational tournament Saturday at sun-drenched Paddlewheel Park.
Manfred Wolf of Vernon earned a perfect 92 points to take the overall title ahead of Bryan Jackson and Louis Lalonde, both of Kelowna, at 90, and Vernon’s Michael Epp, at 87. Top overall female was June Lohner of Kelowna.
Players came from Surrey, Abbotsford, Penticton and Kamloops and the courts were lined with spectators, many who had never watched pickleball.
Tournament directors thanked Vernon Royal Volkswagen for the use of their event tent.
The club moves indoors from Oct. 2 through April 30 at Vernon Christian School, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ($4 drop in).
Sessions at the Priest Valley Gym will go Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon, with a club instructor available the first hour on court No. 4. Other sessions go Wednesdays from 10:15 a.m.-noon and Saturdays from 8:45-10:45 a.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m. ($5 drop in).
Tournament results are as follows:
Level 3.0
1. Jack Carriou, Vernon. 2. Jackie Stakkestad, Vernon. 3. Portia Dove, Kelowna. 4. Pat Andrews, Vernon.
Level 3.5 A Pool
1. Darrell Sherrin, Kelowna. 2. Rob McDougal, Vernon. 3. Helga Hepditch, Kelowna
4. Hans Skudelny, Kelowna.
3.5 B
1. Tim Mah, Kamloops. 2. Greg Thompson, Vernon. 3. Bill Reid, Vernon. 4. Carol Anderson, Vernon.
3.5 C
1. Andy Bokogeorge, Kamloops. 2. Hugh Gordon, Kelowna. 3. Dave Schatz, Summerland. 4. Graeme Neil, Kelowna.
3.5 D
1. Manfred Wolf, Vernon. 2. Jim Lissa, West Kelowna. 3. Michael Raulin, Kelowna. 4. Susan Black, Kamloops.
Level 4.0 A Pool
1. Matt Stodola, Kamloops. 2. David Clark, Surrey. 3. June Lohner, Kelowna. 4. Jill Jackson, Kelowna.
4.0 B
1. Bryan Jackson, Kelowna. 2. Eric Tyler, Kelowna. 3. Wally Herrmann, Vernon. 4. Ross Priebe, Surrey.
4.0 C
1. Louis Lalonde, West Kelowna. 2. Ray Timbers, Kelowna. 3. Chuck Barton, Peachland. 4. Gilbert Guenette, Kelowna.
Level 4.5
1. Michael Epp, Vernon. 2. Jim Saunders, West Kelowna. 3. Grant Britton, Surrey. 4. Doug Dimery, Kelowna.
