Susan Wright looks on as her partner, Lee Seckles, hits her patented overhead for a winner in the 3.0 division.
Not in their wildest dreams could Maureen and Dick Norris have imagined what the Sun Lakes pickleball community would one day become. Back in 2008, the couple—now the namesakes of the Norris Invitational Tournament—stood with a handful of friends in the Sisk Park parking lot, taping makeshift lines onto cracked asphalt just to create a place to play.
What began as casual neighborhood games has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the season, drawing more than 300 players, volunteers, and spectators from all four Sun Lakes communities.
For some participants, this year’s tournament marked their first organized competition since high school. Others were seasoned regulars who have steadily climbed the ranks over the years. Yet despite the wide range of experience, one thing unites everyone: the camaraderie and social connection that this event delivers year after year.
“It’s the pinnacle of the pickleball community’s year,” said JoAnn Selman, who, along with her dedicated crew of 110 volunteers, helped bring the tournament to life. “We enjoyed three days of terrific play, and we capped it off in true pickleball fashion with a post–tournament party attended by 176 players and friends.”
This year’s tournament raised $2,000 for Neighbors Who Care, an organization that provides free support services to help older adults remain independent in their homes.
Medal Winners
2.5 / 3.0 Level
Gold: John Teeple and Steve Rome, Silver: Kurt Carmichael and Don Phillips, Bronze: Bob Bell and Thomas Wills.
3.5 Level
Gold: James McFadden and Jim Helms, Silver: Dwayne Speager and Chris Smith, Bronze: Cooper Grimes and Martin Noli.
4.0 Team Play
Gold: Dan Schuurmans, Jerry Strom, Steve Smitham, and David Zapatka, Silver: Kris Granstrom, Mike Kovalchek, David Hawkins, and Brian Bergstrom, Bronze: Troy Amdahl Randy Burtzel, Jeff Dunn, and Marty Hobby
Hank Bryce Memorial—Men
75 to 79
Gold: Steve Smitham, Silver: Dean Sodahl, Bronze: Bert Hustad.
79 plus
Gold: Tim Tyrrell, Silver: Steve Hansen, Bronze: Bob Layher.
Women’s Doubles
2.5
Gold: Maripat Wiens and Ilona Musil, Silver: Laura Clark and Beth Brenno, Bronze: Jayne Hasapopoulos and Marcy Gale.
3.0
Gold: Susan Tomanek and Ellen Taylor, Silver: Laura Eisenbraun and Amy Teeple, Bronze: Kathy Handel and Joni Bergan.
3.5
Gold: Vickie Mathews and Lyndi Thom, Silver: Ampy McIntyre and Lisa Fahrion, Bronze: Jodi Charter and Frankie DeMouth.
4.0
Gold: Mary Kay Hobby and Michelle Webb, Silver: Sandy Garry and Kim Peterson, Bronze: Dianne Zimmerman and Marta Brenner.
Hank Bryce Memorial—Women
75 to 80
Gold: Margo Sodahl, Silver: Lorri Morgan, Bronze: Brenda Ledene.
81 plus
Gold: Barbara Coulter, Silver: Bev Bryce, Bronze: Janie Blake–Zunino.
Mixed Doubles
2.5 / 3.0
Gold: Amy Teeple and John Teeple, Silver: Lee Seckels and Dennis Scheibe, Bronze: Tracy Romey and Steve Romey
3.5
Gold: Lyndi Thom and Marty Hobby, Silver: Margie Guinan and Dwayne Speager, Bronze: Lisa Fahrion and Cooper Grimes.
4.0
Gold: Mary Kay Hobby and Jerry Strom,Silver: Ellen Mauer and Jeff Dunn,Bronze: Sheila Parkinson and Keith Ori.