Midnight Madness Pickleball Event: Pickleball fans of all ages joined together in Rocky Mount for the first “Midnight Madness Pickleball Fellowship” at Sunset Park. The event, led by Richard Sarmiento, brought 24 players ranging from 23 to 73 years old for a night of competition, connection, and fun matches under the lights.
The evening began with a dink contest. Jay Rollins and Suzanne Clark won the contest, showing their skills in one of pickleball’s most important techniques. Afterward, players were randomly paired for games to 11 points. The top scorers advanced to the championship rounds.
Building a Growing Community
Richard Sarmiento started playing pickleball about a year ago after retiring from Stretchlon, his family’s textile business. He first tried the sport when Donnie Scott asked him to fill in a game at the YMCA.
“I had been watching folks play, but I always thought it was an old folks game. Anyway, I couldn’t say no to a friend, so I agreed to play not knowing the rules or even having a paddle,” he said. “I played and said to myself, ‘Wow! That was fun!’”
Sarmiento and Scott later organized regular pickleball nights and decided to create events focused on fun instead of high-pressure tournaments.
Champions and Memorable Matches
In the men’s gold bracket final, Trip Rodgers and Mike Armbruster defeated Bayden Collins and Daewon Goldenbaum-Yang in two games. The men’s silver bracket title went to Jim Wendling and Carlton Kelley after three tough games.
The women’s gold bracket was won by Suzanne Clark and Lisa Rodgers, who beat Sheila Martin and Julie Blanton in straight games.
Clark shared her thoughts on the game: “Dinking is one of the most underrated yet essential parts of the game. It helps you reset, control the pace and bring the game back into balance.”
Mike Armbruster explained why he enjoys the sport: “All ages can participate, and players of all skill levels can find success. I have found the pickleball community to be welcoming and willing to help, teach and instruct while Britt and I were learning the game.”
Why Pickleball is So Popular
Players shared that pickleball is fun, easy to start, and brings people together. Carol Cooke said, “I am very competitive and (pickleball) is as competitive as you want to make it.”
Jim Wendling added, “I have found it to be a very social sport as well as requiring physical conditioning.”
Lisa Boykin agreed: “You’ll find that everyone in the pickleball community is super friendly and welcoming.”
Youngest player Bayden Collins said, “What keeps me coming back is the combination of fellowship and competitiveness.”
The event showed how pickleball creates friendships and a strong community that supports each other both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Midnight Madness Pickleball Event
The first Midnight Madness Pickleball Fellowship brought 24 players to Sunset Park in Rocky Mount. Players from ages 23 to 73 competed in contests and championship games. Organizers plan to keep building the pickleball community with more events that blend fun, learning, and friendly rivalry.
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