The Great Bend Recreation Commission hosted the 2nd Annual Pickleball Turkey Classic on Saturday, Nov. 13.
This tournament has doubled in size since last year’s 39 players came to Great Bend for the 1st Pickleball Turkey Classic. Year two brought 84 pickleballers to the event which was hosted at the Panther Activity Center (PAC).
Players came from Great Bend, Hutchinson, Pratt, Larned, Hays, Wichita and Topeka. These players all ranged from beginners to a few pro-level players. Tournaments are designed to meet and play new people during pool play games. Then brackets are formed from equal levels of playing ability to make it fun and competitive for everyone.
Friday night GBRC staff transformed the PAC into nine indoor pickleball courts. The event started at 8:30 a.m. and finished up around 7 p.m. on Saturday. There were men’s, women’s and mixed divisions. Winners of the different Gold, Silver and Bronze brackets won whole turkeys for 1st place, pumpkin pies for 2nd place and a side dish for 3rd place.
Pickleball has been growing in Great Bend over the last couple of years with the help of our local pickleball ambassador and Great Bend Rec staff Debbie Munz.
Contact the Great Bend Recreation Commission at 793-3755 ext.2 for information on this event or how to get involved with pickleball.
