From the, Im incredibly honored and the athlete in me wants to say yes, but where am I going to find the time for this department, comes this missive. A few months back, I told yall that Id been invited to play a sport that was completely new to me: pickle ball. I went that first night, not knowing what the game was about and whether or not Id enjoy it. Well, I did. The game requires a lot of the same footwork and hand-eye coordination skills as tennis, so its right up my alley. The group is mixed--gay, straight, men, women, and, depending on the night, we might get anywhere from 8 to 16 players. Alas, I havent gotten to play more than a handful of times due to other commitments (read that, writing my upcoming novel). One of the regulars is a guy named Terry, whose wife is the national 65+ womens tennis singles champion. From the very beginning, Terry has been pushing me, telling me he thought I could play pickle ball competitively. Tonight, he sent me this e-mail: Lynn: I like to play mixed doubles with you because you really are a first rate player with excellent athletic skills and good strategic instincts. When I saw you jump into the air and smack a perfect backhand winner one night I knew you were special! The 2014 Arizona Senior Olympics Pickleball Tournament is going to be played on Saturday, October 25th this year. This is the very first year that this tournament has offered both a Skill Group event and an Age Group event. In all prior years it has offered an Age Group event only. This tournament is limited to 200 entrants for both the Age Groups and Skill Groups combined, which is not very many players as these tournaments go. The national championships had over 650 entrants last year. I’ve played 7 tournaments now, and I can see that playing this tournament this year in the Skill Group is an excellent opportunity to win a medal in the Olympics! I’ve already entered the tournament with my mixed doubles partner listed as “To Be Announced,” which means you would be able to get into the tournament as my partner even if it is now closed to other new entrants. I would be very grateful if you would be so kind as to be my mixed doubles partner for this event. I know you are ultra-busy with your book right now, and I promise to stay out of sight until you are finally free of writing responsibilities. I would appreciate an answer from you in the next few days so I will have time to try to find another partner if you say “no,” but please say “yes” because I know that there is not going to be anyone else available at this skill level who is as good as you are. Best regards. Hmm... What to do, what to do. What to say, what to say. Of course, when he learns that wed have about six days between now and the tournament to practice between my writing and traveling schedule, he might want to rethink his offer.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:20:28 +0000
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