Vacationland Pickleball tournament draws 170 players from across country

The inaugural Vacationland Pickleball Tournament experienced rain, heat and humidity last weekend, but tournament organizers were pleased with the event."For our first year, to have 120 teams and 170 players, some from as far away as California and Washington state, was well beyond our expectations," said Mike Wohl, president of the Firelands Area Pickleball Association. "Our organization supported the event well with more than 40 volunteers. We got great reviews and are looking forward to next year."The men's and women's events were held last Saturday at the new courts at Osborn Park. On Sunday, when the rains came, a seamless transfer was made to Baywinds Athletic Club.Women's gold medal winners2.5 — Lisa Faber, Sandusky; Deb Delamater3.0 — Beth Ewing and Julie Barbour, Elyria3.5 — Lisa Farmer, Beachwood, Ohio; Debbie Furhman, North Ridgeville, Ohio4.0 — Erin Lisenbee, Holland, Ohio; Judy White, Tecumseh, Mich.4.5 — Mandy Thoburn, Rocky River, Ohio; Tracey Flynn, Mercer, Pa.Men's gold medal winners3.0 — Schwartzee Schwartz, North Ridgeville, Ohio; Jeff Carpenter Bay Village, Ohio3.5 — Mike Wohl and Barry Glass, Sandusky4.0 — Jon Kingman Elyria; Neal McCormick, Cleveland4.5 — Gino Cicconi, New Castle, Pa.; Kevin Girard, Wexford, Pa.Mixed Doubles3.0 — Julie Barbour and James Cordray, Elyria3.5 — Kelly James and Dan Milgrom, Seattle, Wash.4.0 — Betsy Kenniston and Tom Hiser, Toledo4.5 — Tracey Flynn, Mercer, Pa.; Jeff Giles, Acme, Pa.Other Firelands Area Pickleball Association players who medaled:3.5 — Men's Silver, Jeff DePerro and Bob Smith4.5 — Men's Silver, Josh Schwanger2.5 — Women's Silver, Susan Gibson3.0 — Lynn LaFene, Silver3.0 — Tami Fly and Tina Flock, Bronze3.5 — Cindy Wagner, Silver3.5 — Kathy Taylor and Linda Wohl, BronzeMixed Doubles3.0 — Kathy Taylor and Bob Eirons, Bronze3.5 — Mike and Linda Wohl, Silver4.5 — Eric Wilson, BronzeGary Wagner of Sandusky returns a shot during last weekend's pickleball tournament.Sakae Tanaka of Sandusky reaches for a drop shot during pickle ball action last Saturday at Osborn Park.Bob Eirons of Huron won a bronze medal in mixed doubles in last weekend's pickleball tournament.Sue Gibson of Port Clinton competes in the Vacationland Pickleball Tournament at Osborn Park.Terry Apger of Huron moves in for a shot.