Jeff Weeman Pickleball Tournament Colville: The first-ever Jeff Weeman Pickleball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 19, at the Jeff Weeman Memorial Courts in Colville, Washington. The event is part of the new Yep Kanum Celebration running from July 18 to July 20. More than 50 teams are registered to compete in this community event.
Remembering Jeff Weeman
Barb Weeman, the mother of Jeff Weeman, shared how the courts came to be. “The basketball and pickleball courts were made possible through a memorial fund resulting from my son Jeff Weeman’s accidental death in 1989,” she said. “Jeff was very athletic. He was highly thought of, and he loved to help others. He always reached out to other kids.”
Barb Weeman explained that the area first had basketball courts, then became a skate park in 1991. Later, the area was rebuilt to support both basketball and pickleball. The courts now stand at the corner of Hawthorne and Cedar, at Colville Junior High School.
From Basketball to Pickleball
In 1992, Mark Beardslee asked Barb Weeman about starting a basketball tournament in Jeff’s memory. The first 3-on-3 basketball tournament had 98 teams. After 13 years, 150 teams were participating. The money raised went toward sports gear and scholarships for graduating seniors.
The basketball and skate park were built over two years. In recent years, the courts were adjusted again, replacing the skate park with a pickleball court. For the last three years, both sports have shared the space.
A new sign for the courts was designed by Kyle Sackman and his team and installed in May 2025. The project was done in partnership with the Colville School District, Vaagen Timber, and the Weeman Memorial Courts. The sign was donated by Vaagen Timber, and the school district helped place it.
Launching a New Tradition
The idea for the pickleball tournament came from the Yep Kanum Celebration committee. Barb Weeman agreed, and Colville School District Superintendent Kevin Knight helped organize it. “Kevin Knight, the superintendent for the Colville School District, facilitated the event and was excited to be involved,” she said.
Barb Weeman wanted to make one thing clear: “Some people are under the misconception that the city is involved. But the city has nothing to do with the basketball/pickleball courts or the tournament.”
Though Barb Weeman does not play pickleball herself, she is running the tournament. “I don’t play pickleball, but I do run the tournament.”
She also expressed gratitude to the many supporters who made the tournament possible. “I want to thank all of the sponsors who were willing to donate money and time. They include but are not limited to: Jeff Banich Family Dental, Country Chevrolet, Brian Henderson Photography, Vaagen Brothers, Ronny D’s, Monumental Health and Wellness, and ReMax Michelle Pitts.”
A Celebration of Community
The Yep Kanum Celebration will include more than just pickleball. It will feature other community events and offer fun for people of all ages. With over 50 teams already signed up, this tournament marks the beginning of a new tradition in Colville.
The Jeff Weeman Memorial Courts remain a place where athletes can come together, remember a well-loved young man, and play the sports they love.
News in Brief: Jeff Weeman Pickleball Tournament Colville
The first Jeff Weeman Pickleball Tournament will take place July 19 in Colville as part of the new Yep Kanum Celebration. Created in memory of Jeff Weeman, the event highlights community spirit, with over 50 teams competing and strong support from local sponsors and the Colville School District.
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