NORWICH – A crew of 11 local athletes recently won a combined 44 medals – 25 in “pickleball” – at the 2007 Empire State Senior Games in Cortland.
Several of the top performances in the games were rung up by retired Norwich High School and Middle School teachers.
With eight of the eleven earning first-place finishes in pickleball – described, with some variations, as a miniature version of tennis – the group’s impressive showing against statewide competition is a result of playing the game together at the Norwich YMCA several times a week for almost two years, they say.
“We have a great group of talented players who are all very competitive and we have helped one another to be better players,” said Barbara LoPiccolo, a retired physical education teacher from Norwich High School, who left the games with five gold, two silver and one bronze medal. “Most of us have a tennis background which has helped a lot.”
Betsy Almeter of Norwich, who won a gold and two bronze medals pickleballing, and says the game is a good source of conditioning and friendship.
“It’s a fun, fast-moving game and it’s also a great workout,” Almeter said. “We enjoy the social aspect of the game as well – we’ve made many new friends.”
Retired Norwich art teacher Rick Marchant grabbed six gold medals in swimming, longtime Biology teacher Jim Wysor walked away with a gold in golf, shooting a round of 71, as well as a gold and silver in pickleball, and past Middle School physical education teacher, Marie DiNoto,w tallied five medals in softball, pickleball and badminton.
Pickleball has become a popular activity across the country, notably amongst senior citizens. The group credits Marilyn Stine and Chic Reeves with introducing the game locally. Anyone interested in learning about pickleball is welcome to visit the YMCA almost any morning to find out more, Almeter said. The group is hoping to have a tournament in Norwich soon.