NEWS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/21/2023 |
FOR MORE INFORMATION Christoher Sneed, Marketing Director 580-747-1696 |
United Way’s Annual Pickleball Tournament Scores for Payne County
STILLWATER, OK (Nov. 18, 2023) - Mercury Marine successfully hosted its 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament on Friday, Nov. 10, raising funds and support for United Way of Payne County. This year’s event took place over two consecutive Fridays, Nov. 10th and 17th, at the Stillwater Armory.
The opening day of the tournament allowed beginner-level teams to learn or sharpen their skills, with team PB Rookies, Alana Payne and Nick Sides, emerging as 1st place champions. Team The Lucky Shot, Alli Depperschmidt and Denise Terantino, claimed 2nd place, while the “OK Community” team, Christian Oldham and Forrest Long, secured 3rd place.
Meanwhile, November 17th was the battle of intermediate and advanced teams, with Dunkin Bronuts team, Geoff Beasley and Joe Bickell, seizing the 1st place title in the intermediate category. Team We’re In A Pickle, with Joe Terantino and Ella Gray, took 2nd place, and Slice and Dice, with Cam Premo and Keaton Jensen, claimed the 3rd place intermediate spot.
For the advanced level, team Bronze Buddies, Jay Graham and Lynn Johnson, placed 3rd. Team Kitchen Kings, Scot Irwin and Terry Carpenter, placed 2nd. Finally, Kyle Goodin and Christien Sager of team “GoodSage” won 1st place.
A total of 50 players competed, including notable names such as Chris Young, OSU Director of Tennis, and Matt Holliday, former MLB All-Star and current Volunteer Assistant Coach for OSU baseball. United Way of Payne County board member, Chris Stockton, alongside his teammate John Nickel, also joined the competition.
The tournament drew participants from across Payne County, with out-of-town players such as Geoff Beasley, who owns and operates the Dunkin Theatre, Godofredo’s Pizzeria & TapRoom and The Naif Café in Cushing. Beasley’s commitment to community service extended beyond the pickleball court; he previously organized two years of “Rockin’ for United Way Benefit Concert” held at the Dunkin Theatre.
Brian Price, Procurement Manager at Mercury Marine, played a pivotal role in organizing and managing the event. Pickelman’s Gourmet Cafe contributed to the light-hearted atmosphere with food, swag items and sending “Big Dill,” the restaurant’s mascot, to interact with participants.
Additionally, perpetual trophies for intermediate and advanced levels were introduced for the first time, emphasizing the plan to continue and expand the event. The trophies will feature each year’s champions.
Proceeds from the event benefit United Way of Payne County and its 22 partner agencies, which work collectively to expand educations, reduce poverty and improve health and safety for all Payne County residents. This year’s goal is $1 million.
The community’s active participation reflects a shared commitment to making a positive impact in Payne County. Residents interested in getting involved are encouraged to visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org.
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When you donate to United Way of Payne County, you support the work of 22 nonprofits, which collectively impact more than 73,000 Payne County individuals and families each year. To learn more or donate visit www.unitedwaypaynecounty.org or call 405-377-2161.
2023 Intermediate Pickleball participants
(L-R) UWPC Exec. Director Ruth Cavins, "Dunkin Bronuts" team member Joe Bickell, Pickleman's Mascot "Big Dill," "Dunkin Bronuts" team member Geoff Beasley and organizer Brian Price with Mercury Marines.
Team members Matt Holliday and Chris Young