The competition was pretty fierce at Wulf Recreation Center as Evergreen High School students took on members of the Evergreen Pickleball Club in some friendly pickleball games.
The April 19 competition was a celebration of 25 Paddletek pickleball paddles the club donated to EHS’ recreational sports class, which teaches students about lifelong recreation activities. The class spends three weeks learning pickleball, according to teacher Beau Brake, so playing against veteran club members is a learning experience for the fledgling players.
According to Bob Taber, Evergreen Pickleball Club president, the club has 300 members from Idaho Springs to Pine, with many playing three to five times a week. They play in Evergreen because the Wulf Rec Center’s gymnasium can be set up for pickleball and there are courts available at Marshdale Fields.
Taber said the club learned the class had eight paddles for more than 20 students, so members stepped in to help out. The paddles cost $35 each, and 33 players donated the $875 to buy them.
Cory Vander Veen, EPRD’s executive director, stopped in to watch the games.
“We have an amazing relationship with the club,” Vander Veen said. “It’s great to bring the sport of pickleball into Evergreen High School and the community.”
Student Mia Graziano said she also played pickleball last summer, so playing as part of the class has helped her skills.
Student Avery Gardner said she plays tennis, so picking up the nuances of pickleball was easier. She’s also tried pickleball on her own, which also helped.
Five points was the winning score for these games rather than 11 to give students more playing time, and the veteran players, in addition to winning games, spent time providing tips to the younger players.
Students and Brake said playing against the veteran pickleball players was no joke.
“They were humbled really quickly,” Brake said of his students. “They learned a lot. It’s been amazing.”
EHS senior Stephen Hartmere, who won the EHS pickleball championship, said there wasn’t much competition because the club pickleball players were so much better.
“They’re good,” he added. “They’ve been very helpful. They really know how to play pickleball.”
