CARTHAGE, Mo. — Pickleball has taken the community by storm – as can be seen around the clock in Griggs Park and the Fair Acres Family YMCA courts – and it’s ignited new friendships with folks of all ages.
It’s like a big version of ping-pong … or miniature tennis – with similar rules but Pickleball is described as easy to learn and “super fun.” It’s been a common passion this summer between Dave McCoy, 92, and Gunner Morton, 8, every Tuesday and Thursday at the Y. Even with 84 years between them, they’re good buddies.
“He is amazing,” McCoy said of his little fellow Pickler. “And everyone keeps telling me that I’m good, but I think it’s just because of my age.”
When Gunner’s great-grandmother Marilyn Swanger, 79, thought they’d give it a try, she knew they’d have fun – Gunner hasn’t tried a sport yet that he didn’t love. Plus, everyone enjoys having him around.
“I don’t think he minds being the youngest one out there because they all make over him,” Swanger said with a laugh. “They’re going to miss him when school starts.”
After a summer full of Pickleball, Gunner will be a Fairview third grader. But he has advice for anyone thinking about trying the sport.
“Come join!” Gunner said. “Everything about it is fun.”
In the spring of 2023, a small group started Pickleball at the Y. One of its starting members, Carol Aker, said they had one court and four people. Today, three courts are always full with 15-20 people enjoying the sport in the climate-controlled gymnasium.
Rebecca Haines / CNO
“It’s been so fun to see this group grow, and they’ve improved so much,” Aker said.
A player returned a shot across the net in a well-placed angle, and everyone cheered. “You just got pickled!”
In loving memory of Kenneth William “Bill” Welch (1941-2024) who absolutely loved Pickleball.
