Porter’s Neck in Wilmington was the place to be on Thursday evening, May 23rd as the St. James team won the Cape Fear Intercommunity League (CFIL) Intermediate Division.
The team played seven rounds, winning five and tieing one round. Final overal points were 214 to Porter’s Neck’s 193.
Congratulations to the St. James team for great league play and winning the title. Special thanks to Cathy Rollins for her leadership and encouragement.
The SJPA held its first All Aboard Pickleball Tournament at the Rymer Courts on May 17th.
It was obvious from the start that this was going to be a close contest among four evenly matched teams.
At the end of the first round, Blue Thunder, captained by Andrea Velez, had a slim lead on Blazing Pickles, captained by Joe Langereis, with Pickle Peppers, led by Karin Langereis, and Loco Motives, led by Scott Nasiff, both within striking distance of the lead.
After the second round, the standings remained the same, but things had tightened up a bit. Then, in the final round of the round robin format, Pickle Peppers overtook Blazing Pickles for second place to set up the championship match with Blue Thunder. Playing for the Bronze would be Blazing Pickles and Loco Motives. Blazing Pickles took third place over a feisty Loco Motives team.
The championship round had Blue Thunder and Pickle Peppers tied with two wins each. So, it came down to tiebreakers. The first tiebreaker ended with the two teams tied at six games each, forcing another tiebreaker. In a very close finish, Blue Thunder secured the win with 104 points to Pickle Peppers’ second place win with 97 points.
Congratulations and thanks to all the players who signed up and played so valiantly and cheered so hard for their teammates; to the captains for their leadership and scheduling; and to the volunteers who kept the event running smoothly and on schedule.
SJPA’s volunteer photographer, Carolyn Graziano, once again, did an amazing job capturing many great moments! View them all here
SJPA’s Third Annual Spring Fling was held on Saturday, May 4, at the Woodlands Park.
The Event proceeds, $2,947, have been donated to the Southport-Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry (SOIIFF).
Those who attended had a wonderful time and supported a great cause. D&A Wings, Captain John’s Seafood, and, of course, Chuck’s Ice Cream provided great food and treats. Jam Sandwich was an awesome band and played great classic rock ‘n roll in the Woodlands’ Amphitheater. Friendship, games, singing, and dancing were some of the highlights of a beautiful evening at Woodlands Park.
We appreciate all of the St. James community for sharing in a fun time and in joining our efforts to benefit the SOIIFF, who, as always, are extremely grateful for the support.
Great weather, food, and music was enjoyed by the 32 participants at this year’s Dinko de Mayo event.
Led by eight faithful and dedicated SJPA volunteers, all players had a lot of fun as they rotated through the four different dinking stations. The dinking stations were followed by open play which allowed players to incorporate their newly gained or revitalized dinking skills. DJ Dan Heatherly, once again provided the music and colorful commentary throughout the event.
Thanks to all who came out and helped make this such a great event!
Thanks again to our volunteers – Dan Heatherly, Mary Heatherly, Christine Cournoyer, Dick Cournoyer, Sandy Schach, Kathy McArthur, Bob Kunze, Joe Beitz, and Deb Chiarello and special thanks to our event coordinator, Kathy Kunze!
Enjoy the photos!
Thanks to the St. James pickleball players who volunteered their time over the past two weeks to instruct the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students at Southport Elementary to play pickleball.
The students and coaches alike had lots of fun learning and playing and are looking forward to our return next year to expand on what they have learned.
Many thanks for all the coaches, Janet Banks, Kathy Goliszek, Diana Kelly, Eileen and Mike Kopunek, Diane Norton, Kim Nowakowski, Robin Pantalena, Karen and Jan Pasquale, Cathy Rienth, Marilou Rubright, Stacey Stanzel, Linda Troiano and Deb Warner.
The students were also very appreciative of the new nets and pickleballs donated by the St. James Pickleball Association’s Sunshine Committee. They have made a significant improvement in the program.
The 55 players who attended the SJPA Mixed-Up Doubles event on April 24th did not let the wind deter them from having a great time!
The Round Robin format helped ensure that all players had a great experience and the random selection introduced more players to one another. Smiles and laughter were a testament to the good time and provided instant feedback that the event was a success.
We love to see new players make new friends and to see old friends reconnect.
Kindness, respect, and fun was obvious on all the courts during this social event which mixed all levels of players.
Thanks to all of the players who came out to have FUN with us on the courts and special thanks to those who donated food to the Southport-Oak Island Southport-Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship (SOIIF) Food Pantry. Our donations are truly appreciated by SOIIF.
Finally, thanks go to Andrea Velez for setting up the event, to the volunteers who helped ensure that the event ran smoothly, Lynn and Peter Albrecht, Leo Pacyna, and Robyn Smith, and to our wonderful volunteer photographer, Carolyn Graziano. Their work and dedication to St. James Pickleball makes these events possible.
Here are a few photos for you to enjoy. If you’d like to see all of the pictures that Carolyn took, just click here.
After several days that included heavy rain and high winds, over 100 members of the SJPA gathered for a perfect evening at the beach bonfire party. The party included s’mores, games, catching up with old friends, meeting new, and a perfect sunset.
Huge thanks, once again, to Liz Wilson and the SJPA Social Committee. You all always do a great job!
Special thanks to Carolyn Gaziano for the wonderful pictures of the event.
Enjoy the photos below and be sure to check out the other photos, including some wonderful portraits, taken by Carolyn.
Join us for this FUN, SOCIAL ROUND ROBIN EVENT
There are two divisions – one for Beginner and Novice level players and one for Intermediate and Advanced level players
Come join in a day of fun, social, mixed-up pickleball play. This event is open to all SJPA members. No rating required.
Sponsored by The Clubs at St. James
All St. James residents are invited to SJPA’s 3rd Annual Spring Fling. All proceeds from the Spring Fling will benefit the Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry (SOIIFF.)
Join us on Sunday, April 14th, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the St. James Beach Club for the annual St. James PIckleball Association’s Beach Bonfire Party. Let’s get out and have a fun, relaxing, beach night!
The third pickleball play event of the year, St. Patrick’s Social, hosted over 50 players during two sessions. Kindness, respect, and fun was obvious on all the courts during this social event.
As with past events there were both new and familiar faces. It was great to see people talking and introducing themselves to one another.
As a bonus we had Kim Mihan, Troon’s Pickleball Pro, join in the fun as she played and offered pickleball tips, to the delight of our players. The round robin format ensured that many players had an opportunity to play with Kim as well as with other players.
Many thanks go to the event coordinators, Andrea Velez, Lynn Albrecht, and Robyn Smith, for the food, decorations, photos, and for joining in to play where needed. Their work and dedication to St. James Pickleball makes these events possible.
We also thank the players who joined in the FUN, and special thanks to those who donated food.
–Jeff Franken, SJPA Event Chair
The SJPA Progressive Dinner was held Friday, March 15. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to move around the room and meet fellow pickleball players. The evening started with a social hour and was followed by salad, dinner, and dessert, each at a different table with different people. So many individuals have had fun excursions and led exciting careers before coming to St. James. The Progressive Dinner provided the perfect opportunity for enjoyable conversations, hearing what brought all of us together to St. James, and how we got involved in pickleball.
Thanks to Middle of the Island caterers for a delicious meal, to all who attended and especially to the SJPA Social Committee for their time and expertise putting together this event.
We look forward to seeing everyone at future Social Events. Please check the Event Calendar for details.
-Liz Wilson, SJPA Social Chair
