Weston Locklear from Clinton returns a shot during men’s doubles, round-robin play Saturday morning at old Carver Gym. Locklear and teammate Lyle Brewington finished third overall among eight teams. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
Pickle ball is exploding in Pickle Town.
The inaugural Summer Clash of the Paddles proved that fact Saturday.
Nearly 30 teams battled for supremacy in men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles in the old Carver Gymnasium.
“It’s a sport for all ages and it’s growing in Mount Olive,” said Donta Lewis, recreation coordinator for Mount Olive Parks and Rec. “I received a lot of great feedback, everyone seemed to enjoy it. [Town] Mayor [Jerome] Newton came and was very impressed by how the tournament was going.
“He enjoyed watching and talking with fans.”
Eight teams comprised each of the men’s and women’s doubles portion of the day-long event. Each division played seven round-robin matches.
The tandem of Rocky Wilson-Norman Reason claimed first place. Former Princeton High football standout Earl Gibson and teammate Guy Gaster took second. The duo of Weston Locklear and Lyle Brewington placed third.
On the women’s scene, Margretcher King and Jacqueline Hayes walked away with the gold medal (first place). Terry Ray and Sharon Wilson wound up second. The twosome of Pernell Brickey and Lisa Niemond finished third.
Lewis had 11 mixed doubles teams and split them into two pools. They, too, played a round-robin format to determine the overall winner in their respective divisions.
Rocky Wilson and Sharon Wilson finished first in Pool 1. Byrd Britt and Alan Prevatte took home the silver medal. The bronze medalists were Anne Price and Greg Butler.
Stacey Nelson and teammate Todd Malhott emerged victorious in Pool 2. Jeffrey Briggs and Honytia Harris-Briggs ended up second. Bobby Brinson and Mary Breedlove finished third.
“I had to put 10 teams on a waiting list,” Lewis said. “People traveled here from different areas and it was amazing to see. They really enjoyed the atmosphere.”
Lewis said MOPR sponsors pickle ball three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Two hours of free play is offered each day. Beginners’ lessons are taught by Don Fariman on Monday and Wednesday.
You can reach sports writer Rudy Coggins at prepswriter2@gmail.com or call 919-709-9257.
