On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 6 pm, the champion pickleball players of Linganore High School (LHS) took to the main gym courts to compete to see who is the best pickleball player around.

The game went from 6 pm to 7:30 pm and cost $3 per person for entry. All the funds raised at the game went towards the Autistic Self Advocacy Network.

The staff teams participating at the game included, but were not limited too, Big Dawgs featuring Linganore Custodians Melvin Tyler and Wiles Randy, Double the Trouble featuring PE Teachers Andrea Poffinberger and Christina Moats, and the Schedule Changers featuring counselors Chris O’Brien and Jessica McDonald.

Some of the student teams playing at the game included 3.1 Seconds featuring Linganore Juniors Caden Vogel and Nick Cangemi, BOD featuring Seniors Andrew Moxley and Nick Mele, and Working Our Ace’s Off featuring Juniors Taylor Moran and Jake Vollmer.

The people who came to watch the tournament believe pickleball to be an interesting game, both to play and watch.

Freshman Eden Vogel talked about her enjoyment of viewing others play the sport, as well as playing the game during the summer with friends.

The game was sponsored by the LHS National Honors Society (NHS) – students from NHS were asked whether they wanted to be on the committee and a number of students responded.

Junior Bailey Hall explained why she wanted to help out, stating that she thought participating would be a fun experiences with her peers.

The tournament had a mixture of both experienced pickleball players and those who had never played before. Along with these contestants, was the winning team, Pickle Deez.

LHS physical education (PE) teachers Kevin Clancy and Jordan Dixon stated their delight for playing in the Pickleball Tournaments, encouraging others to invite their friends to partake in future pickleball games as such.

The semi-finals consisted of the teams Breathe Elite starring Juniors Austin Morris and Miar Short, Pickle Deez starring PE Teachers Kevin Clancy and Jordan Dixon, Kind of a Big Dill starring History Teachers Joseph Hawkins and Janvier Beaver, and LHS Teachers Michael Jarboe and Joseph Athey. Breathe Elite went against Pickle Deez while Kind of a Big Dill was up against Jarboe and Athley – each team working hard to make it to the finale.

In the finale, it was PE Teachers vs. students, both of which were highly competitive players. The second place team, Breathe Elite, did not have direct experience with pickleball, however, Linganore junior, Austin Morris, is a member of the LHS tennis team, making for an interesting game.

Morris has played some ball sports similar to pickleball, such as tennis at the
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) center and as one of Linganore’s tennis players. But, Morris claims that he has no other experience about the sport.

Pickleball is a great game for people of all ages but if you want to be a champion there are some things you need to know. LHS players shared some tricks that could help lead you to success!

Linganore history teacher Joseph Hawkins suggested “…just to have fun,” and play however you enjoy the game, “the more you do it, the better you get,” Hawkins said.

Due to the enjoyment of all who participated at the game and the success of the NHS, the pickleball game might become a yearly event for the Lancers. Many of the teams who took part in the tournament are preparing to come back and win the game next year.

Juniors from the teams Breathe Elite and 3.1 Seconds both stated their excitement to play again if another pickleball tournament arises, saying they would be honored to compete again with students and staff.

Music Credits to Infraction – Holiday Party.