Battle of the Paddle

​Alan cradled the trophy like a baby in his arms
A sight you'd instantly know was charmed.
Men and women were ready for pickleball
With one common thought of playing hardball.
On the Asante Heritage courts we came
Twenty-four of us, John and Beth, Larry and Mar.
An AZT team of depth, ready to go far.
AAM's Tournament, Battle of the Paddle
Where the team on top is the least rattled.
I played with Nellie or was she Janel.
Her shots to the side and her opponents whispered, “Hell!”
Alan and Carrie and the rest behind our team
Knew we weren't just individuals with a dream. 
The courts were wet from rain the night before.
But we practiced hard to win points and scores.
The sun warmed the courts and with our spouses and subs nearby,
we'd hear them and their really loud cheer.
Because volunteers dried the courts and gave us an all clear.
Asante Heritage, the host team, split the day in two.
Some would play with an hour delay.
Others would play later though it seemed like the next day.
I was among the late starters in mixed doubles.
Biggest problem, staying loose without any physical trouble.
Alan kept our scores and the points we gained.
Over time the results made it plain.
For players like Carla with a “C” and Karla with a “K” kicked butt
You knew but wouldn't say…just felt it in your gutt.
Asante and AAM announced the winning team.
Sue Pare, Chuck Brooks, and Sharon Marine awaited what they knew.
Arizona Traditions won thanks to Stew.
Only kidding of course, the whole team won this day.
All that's left is where to put the trophy on display.

A poem by Stew Cohen 3/15/2025​

Spring 2025 AZT BATTLE OF THE PADDLE TOURNAMENT FINAL SCORES

TOTAL POINTS
Arizona Traditions Pickleball                          77 
CantaMia                                                        65
Heritage                                                          52
Corte Bella                                                      51
Sundance                                                        49

Thanks to the AZT Pickleball Club tournament organizers:

Alan Coleman, Carrie Healey, and Mar Barri

Volunteers and Subs:
Gina Procaccino, Carol McGehee, Peri Bergh, Myles Bergh, John Bajza,

Sally Massen, and Alan Coleman

Roster:
Randy Johnson, Bob Robinson, Larry Hodinsky, John Labedz, Steve Mutzel, Carla Merrit, Karla Mutzel, Beth Abdella, Julie Bajza, Sharon Marine, Jeff Marine, Mar Barri, Brian Parkes, Chuck Brooks, Dave Lopushinsky, Bill LaFave, Mike Turrene, Sue Pare, Sheri Carlson, Janel Hoffman, Stew Cohen, Wanda Lowe, and Floyd Tyler. 

See pictures under the "2025" tab.

​http://holdmycourt.com/reserve2/aztpc

Copyright 2015 - Arizona Traditions Pickleball Club - 18265 Arizona Traditions Loop Road. Surprise AZ 85374

Click below for court reservations:

​​​​​​​​​​The Arizona Traditions Pickleball Club Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers. They are committed to the Club's well being and they perform their duties with integrity and respect. We welcome anyone to join the Board of Directors during the election period. Please contact any of the current Board of Directors with any questions or concerns you may have.