“I limit this to 20 players each year,” Tibbits added. “I could have over 100 pickleball players if I wanted to. But there are only three courts, so I take 20 players. As it is, it lasts four hours, which is a long time. We limit it to 20 people.”
The 51st annual Pigeon Farmer’s Summerfest saw the festival’s third annual pickleball tournament on Friday. The four-hour tournament featured 20 competitors, 10 men and 10 women, playing mixed doubles.
“We had a great tournament,” Pickleball tournament organizer Kent Tibbits said. “We did things a little differently this year, playing mixed doubles instead of guys vs. girls. It gave the girls a chance, rather than competing against the guys all the time.”
Kent and Lance Tibbits finished first and second among males, and Karen Sais and Karen Miller finished first and second among females.
“I got lucky,” Kent said. The good thing is, my son got second place.”
“It was a very well-run tournament, and the individuals putting it together did a wonderful job,” Lance added. “The weather cooperated, and it was perfect for a day of competition and socializing. I’m looking forward to playing again next year.”
Volunteers included Karen and Matt Sais, Susan Reddy, Hannah Hicks, Ray Benitez and Gari Hotton.
“Thank you to all our volunteers to make this event possible,” Kent Tibbits said.
The committee that runs the tournament, led by Kent Tibbits, is actively organizing the event for its fourth year at next year’s Summerfest.
Source: https://www.michigansthumb.com/sports/article/mixed-doubles-stir-things-pigeon-pickleball-19621023.php