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Mayor’s Cup Pickleball Invitational debuts in Vienna

Mayor’s Cup Pickleball Invitational serves up debut in Vienna

By Gwen Sour 3 min read

VIENNA - Thirty-five teams competed in three divisions Saturday during Friends of Vienna's inaugural Mayor's Cup Pickleball Invitational, an event organizers said grew from the sport's popularity in the community.

Judy Parrish, a member of the Friends of Vienna committee, said the organization decided to host the tournament, after receiving funding from Vienna Councilmen Jim Leach and Harry Deitzler, and seeing the number of area residents interested in pickleball.

"The interest is just profound here in Vienna, with a lot of citizens playing and a lot of interest," Parrish said.

The mixed doubles tournament divided players into three brackets based on skill level, allowing them to compete against others with similar experience.

"We have different levels of play, and that encourages you to play at your level," Parrish said. "That way, it works out better."

Parrish said events such as the tournament give residents an opportunity to meet others while enjoying friendly competition.

"It's a no-brainer. It's a winner from the beginning," she said. "People are willing to come and help and be kind to each other and play competitively, and yet be kind and enjoy competition."

Parrish also praised Vienna's pickleball facilities and the city council's efforts to support recreational opportunities for residents.

Jan Dils, who won a gold medal with Tony Goudy in the mixed doubles 3.5-4.5 division, said she began playing pickleball about five years ago.

"I love pickleball," Dils said. "I picked up the game about five years ago, and it's just a great community event. It's a very social activity, and it's just a lot of fun."

Vicki Squires shared Dils' enthusiasm for the sport.

"I love pickleball," Squires said. "I'm addicted to pickleball."

Ron Perdue said pickleball has become one of his primary recreational activities as he has gotten older.

"I've played less basketball and golf and just play more of this," Perdue said. "It's great people. I mean, we have the best people playing around."

Perdue said the atmosphere at the tournament reflected what Friends of Vienna hopes to accomplish through its events.

"Just seeing the community involved, it's a great activity," he said. "Walking around up here, everybody's laughing, having a good time. It's peaceful, seeing people that I know and people I don't know, so it's great."

Perdue said residents regularly approach the organization with ideas for new activities. Friends of Vienna recently held its Freedom Festival, which included a golf tournament at Minibel Golf Course, and is preparing for Glow on the O on Oct. 17.

"People are coming with ideas for us," Perdue said. "It's about the community."

Mario Echeverri and Lizeth Sanchez won gold in the mixed doubles 2.5-3.0 division. Ashley Mullenix and Ross Mullenix earned silver, while Julie Summers and Gary Schade received bronze.

In the mixed doubles 3.0-3.5 division, Millie Farnsworth and Shinto Mathew won gold. Perdue and Dee Lallemont earned silver, and Jim Humphrey and Diane Hartshorn received bronze.

Goudy and Dils won gold in the mixed doubles 3.5-4.5 division. Kelly Bosgraf and Joshua Smith earned silver, while Randall Fauss and Larissa Fauss received bronze.

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