Raymond H. Goettsch
On Sept. 23 SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) members Cherri Block and Michael Hovan won the gold medal in mixed singles 70+ at the United States Senior Pickleball (USSP) National Championship tournament in Greater Dallas at the Oasis Pickleball Club in Rockwell, Texas. Michael and Bob Steinhoff of Windsor, Colo., also earned gold in the men’s doubles 75+ on Sept. 22 at the USSP tournament. Michael capped off his winning streak by taking gold in men’s singles 75+ at the tournament on Sept. 24. This triple-crown achievement is laudable and equivalent to a “hat trick” (three goals in one game) in hockey.
Cherri and Michael have been on a tear in tournaments this summer. On Aug. 25 they won the silver medal (second) in mixed doubles 70+ at the Prescott Lakes Senior Tournament in Prescott, Ariz. Michael and SPA member Walter Fritz finished first for gold in the men’s doubles 75+ at the same tournament.
On Sept. 15 Michael won a gold medal in men’s singles 75+ at the USA Pickleball Fortune Times North Mid-Atlantic Diamond Regional tournament in Pittsburgh at Graham Park in the Cranberry Township. Michael and Gene Berg of Litchfield, N.H., won a bronze medal in men’s doubles 75+ at the same tournament.
Michael also finished first, winning the gold medal in men’s singles 75+ at the USSP Southeastern Zone Championship Tournament on Sept. 1 at Cresswind in Twin Lakes in Hoschton, Ga.