Pickleball program wraps up at VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus

McLarens pickle company may have discontinued their sweet gherkins, but look out, there are hot gherkins in the qathet region.

The ElderCollege’s Fall Gherkin pickleball program at Vancouver Island University’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus came to a spicy end with one of the longest tournaments to date last month.

After a few games peppered with apparent nervousness, the participants began to relax and then we witnessed exciting rallies lasting anywhere from 10 to 27 fireball shots. The games were so close. It really was red-hot pickleball.

In the end, the bronze medal went to Richard Clark, whose down-the-middle shot, named “The Ricardo”, not only burned past the opponents but also left them drooling from the intense heat of the shot and thirsty for revenge.

The silver medal went to San Raubenheimer, who bowled everyone over with her hot, saucy placement that resulted in a chilly reception from the opponents. Raubenheimer gave all credit to the Gherkins who, she said, “have been a source of inspiration and excellent guidance. Their enthusiasm, humour and coaching were very motivational and everyone appreciated them very much.”

Finally, the gold medal went to Gerry Anderson, who moved like a ghost pepper, flying across the court. Head referee Polly Poblano said she could not believe her eyes.

“El señor Anderson es excelente! This ‘sir’ rano round the court muy rápidamente, creating a breeze that was somewhat chilly.”

Sadly, according to Poblano’s assistant referee Sochile Hernández, due to an unforced error, the unforced error tally sheet was recycled.

“But we seem to recall that Anderson did, indeed, have the fewest unforced errors, unless we have made an error,” added Hernández.

Anderson, the gold medalist, had some words to share about the sport.

“Gherkin pickleball is a wonderful way to get introduced to the fastest growing sport in North America,” he said. “I am addicted.”

To participants Ellen Gould and Gary Townsend, the sentiments were similar.

Gould commented that she has “taken a lot of courses, and taught them, and this has been the best.”

Townsend said that “this course by Barb and her colleagues may be the best course I have ever experienced.”

So, as this sizzling round came to an end, the Gherkins planned to continue playing chipotle-style pickleball, saucy and smoky with a hint of spice and having a jalavapeño fun time.

Organizers would like to send out a red-scotch bonnet filled with thanks to VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ and to all the volunteers, Xóchitl “Sweet” Hernández, Gary “Habanero” Huculak, Ryan “Hatch” Hansen and Lina “Rocoto” Vallée, who gave up a lot of their time to make this class a most positive, fun-filled six weeks.

Barb Struch is the creator of Gherkin Pickleball.

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