Gale Fiscus’s Pickleball Journey: January 2014 marked a notable moment when a local reporter described an 82-year-old pickleball enthusiast, Gale Fiscus, as “running around a court, knocking balls over a net” at a community park. Fast forward more than a decade, and Fiscus, now 92, continues to show his remarkable skills on the courts of Wickenburg’s Sunset Park, where the number of pickleball courts has grown to ten.
A Journey Through Pickleball
Fiscus’s journey into pickleball began in 1988 after a significant injury from his construction work led him to have his right clavicle removed. This medical intervention opened a new chapter in Fiscus’s life, setting the stage for his pickleball career. “This fellow from Washington said, ‘Gale, I think pickleball would be a better game for you because it serves underhand,’” Fiscus recalled. Little did he know that this introduction would lead him to become a central figure in the sport’s local evolution.
From Humble Beginnings to Local Legend
When Fiscus first took up the game, pickleball was a minor attraction at Sunset Park, originally sharing space with basketball courts. But as the sport’s popularity grew, so did the facilities. “Within three or four months, we went from one court to four courts playing out here,” Fiscus said. Today, Sunset Park boasts ten courts, a testament to pickleball’s rising popularity, which Fiscus regards as “the most popular sport in the USA.”
A Community Pillar
“He was instrumental in bringing pickleball to Wickenburg,” said Ron Miller of the Wickenburg Pickleball Players Association (WPPA). Despite his age, Fiscus remains a fierce competitor.
“He’s always a gentleman and, even though we try to play easy with him, he doesn’t return the favor.” – (Miller)
Born and raised on a Nebraska farm, Fiscus served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and later enjoyed a long marriage with Patricia Louise Patterson, who passed away just before their 69th anniversary. His family background, with parents who lived into their 90s, might be why Fiscus remains so robust.
“I’m in pretty good shape for my age. Some weeks I come out five days. I always make it at least one or two days. On average, I probably play three times a week.” – (Fiscus)
Inspiring the Next Generation
Dondi Weden, a newcomer to Wickenburg, found herself drawn to pickleball through her father-in-law. She’s been consistently impressed by Fiscus’s dedication. “I’m 54, and sometimes I don’t even want to get out of bed, and he gets out of bed and comes here,” Weden said. For Weden, Fiscus’s perseverance is a powerful motivator.
Weden also notes Fiscus’s strategic brilliance. “There’s a lot of strategy and also a lot of hand/eye coordination, so that keeps him going,” she said. Fiscus, while modest about his skills, acknowledges the respect he garners on the court.
“Sometimes I’m having a good day. I might beat somebody who’s a much more superior player than I am.” – (Fiscus)
A Favorite Among Peers
With player ages ranging from teenagers to Fiscus, and court attendance often reaching 30 to 40 during peak season, Fiscus enjoys competition and camaraderie. “My favorite player is Dale Huber because he is very mobile,” Fiscus said. Huber recalls the moment he joined the pickleball scene, influenced by Fiscus and other former tennis players.
The Social Aspect of the Game
Fiscus values the friendships he has formed through pickleball.
“The nice thing about pickleball is there’s more familiarity with the players. I’ve made quite a few friends, I would say.” – (Fiscus)
News in Brief: Gale Fiscus’s Pickleball Journey
At 92, Gale Fiscus continues to be a standout figure in Wickenburg, Arizona, where he remains a prominent pickleball player. Having started the sport in 1988 after a significant medical procedure, Fiscus has witnessed the growth of pickleball in his community.
With ten courts now at Sunset Park, he’s celebrated for his competitive spirit and contributions to the local pickleball scene. Fiscus’s dedication inspires his peers and garners admiration from younger players, showing his enduring commitment to the game and its community.
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