Ohio’s Pickleball Team Became Olympic Dream: The pickleball courts at Bath Community Park have transformed into a vital training ground for numerous athletes competing in the Ohio Senior Olympics, a statement to the sport’s growing popularity among older adults. Over 35 area players showcased their skills at this year’s event, held from August 19-22 at Stadium Park and Boettler Park in Canton, with many returning home with medals and a chance to qualify for the national competition.
Medals and Recognition
Among the competitors, an impressive 20 players earned medals, and 21 qualified for the national event, demonstrating the caliber of talent present in the Bath community. The Ohio Senior Olympics, sanctioned by the National Senior Games Association, promotes camaraderie and healthy competition among athletes aged 50 and older. As stated on their website, Pickleball event aims to foster “an active lifestyle and overall well-being,” with pickleball being one of 15 sports featured.
Athletes competed in various age groups, ranging from 50 to over 80 years old, and in multiple formats: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Additionally, players were categorized by skill levels, ensuring fair competition across the board. Local players competing at the 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 skill levels highlighted the strength and diversity of talent within the Bath area.
Personal Journeys to the Court
Alan Kurzweil, a Bath resident, partnered with Manny Victoriano in the men’s doubles for the 70-74 age group, clinching a silver medal in his first Olympic appearance. Reflecting on his experience, Kurzweil remarked, “It was my first time in the Olympics. Manny and I played together often the month prior to the event to learn how each other plays.” His journey into pickleball began with a clinic at a Hilton Head resort, leading to a five-year commitment to the sport, where he now plays three to four times a week.
Copley resident Chuck Penzenik, a former racquetball player, shifted his focus to pickleball eight years ago, playing daily at the Bath courts. This year marked his Senior Olympics debut, where he excelled in the men’s doubles for the 75-79 age group, securing a gold medal. “The competitiveness of the game keeps me around,” Penzenik stated. He noted the importance of preparation, saying, “I was amazed at how good I was in that age group.”
Building Community Through Pickleball
Penzenik is also the founder of the Bath Community Pickleball Club, which has grown to over 400 active members, many of whom play regularly at the Bath courts. He welcomed players from the Jewish Community Center of Akron to the facility, building a vibrant community atmosphere. “Bath is a social place,” Kurzweil noted. “You are invited to play if you show up. Other cities are not as welcoming.”
The camaraderie extends beyond the courts, with club members participating in social events like birthday parties and happy hours. The competitive spirit among players, including talented female athletes like Barb Burnham and Rhonda Wells, further enriches the club’s dynamic. Burnham, who earned a silver medal in women’s doubles at 65-69, shared, “I love playing. You meet a lot of people and make friends.”
Recognition and Future Competitions
The Bath Community Pickleball Club emerged as a standout at the Olympics, earning the most medals of any participating club, a feat Penzenik proudly acknowledged. Adding to the event’s prestige, former Oakland Raiders player Fred Biletnikoff was present to distribute medals, with the top finishers qualifying for the national competition in Iowa in 2025.
Kurzweil emphasized the accessibility of pickleball: “It’s popular because anyone can learn the game regardless of age.” However, Penzenik cautioned that while the sport may be easy to pick up, it demands practice to master. His advice for newcomers? “Take your time and get with a group of players of your ability.”
News in Brief: Ohio’s Pickleball Team Became Olympic Dream
Thirty-five local pickleball players competed in the Ohio Senior Olympics from August 19-22, with 20 winning medals and 21 qualifying for nationals. Alan Kurzweil and Chuck Penzenik led the way, earning silver and gold medals, respectively. The Bath Community Pickleball Club, boasting over 400 active members, won the most medals among participating clubs. Former NFL star Fred Biletnikoff attended the event to present medals. The national competition will be held in Iowa in 2025, highlighting pickleball’s growing popularity among seniors.
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