Rally in the Valley Pickleball Champions: Cami Jamerson of Buena Vista and Charlotte Karls of Salida captured gold medals on September 7 in the women’s 4.5 doubles division at the Rally in the Valley Pickleball Tournament, held in both Salida and Buena Vista. Karls also earned silver in mixed doubles with Kayden Branson of Salida.
Event Overview
This year’s Rally in the Valley was unique, as matches took place at two locations. Traditionally played only at Centennial Park in Salida, the tournament moved part of its schedule to River Park in Buena Vista after rain delayed Friday’s women’s doubles competition.
The mixed doubles matches were completed on Saturday at Centennial Park as planned, while men’s doubles also took place Sunday at the Salida courts.
Standout Performances
Ashlee Cerda of Poncha Springs teamed with Karen Ohare of Dallas to dominate the women’s 4.0 doubles. Cerda also secured a second gold medal with Peter Goddard of Buena Vista in the mixed 4.0 doubles.
Susie Richardson of Salida and Stephanie Rumold of Buena Vista finished as runners-up in the women’s 4.0 doubles, while Terry Pintane of Salida and Fred Schubert of Poncha Springs placed second in the men’s 3.0 doubles.
Chris Branson and his son Kayden Branson of Salida earned bronze in the men’s 4.5 doubles, adding to their family’s strong showing in the event.
Full Results
Men’s Doubles 3.0
Randy Robison (Hooper) and Chuck Smead (Mosca)
Terry Pintane (Salida) and Fred Schubert (Poncha Springs)
Ryan Odonnell (Colorado) and Ardel Reyes (Salida)
Men’s Doubles 3.0 & 3.5
Michael Short (Cañon City) and Dennis Bremser (Cañon City)
Ralph Thomas (Texas) and Steve Bruckman (Salida)
Jason Buhr (Alamosa) and Greg Goodwin (Alamosa)
Men’s Doubles 4.0
Adam Zywicki (Colorado) and Ross Kononen (Colorado)
Chris Arnold (Denver) and Tevin Jordine (Colorado)
Rob Moors (Colorado) and Ed Manzanares (Loveland)
Men’s Doubles 4.5
Adam Tessier (Colorado) and Aaron Kloer (Basalt)
Nick Hagan (Colorado) and Christopher Hu (Colorado Springs)
Kayden Branson (Salida) and Chris Branson (Salida)
Women’s Doubles 3.0
Kimla Casey (Cañon City) and Michelle Short (Cañon City)
Tracie Rainey (Centennial) and Cindy Monnet (Longmont)
Lisa Hilbig (Salida) and Deena Graham (Poncha Springs)
Women’s Doubles 3.5
Janet Amelio (Utah) and Kathy Fogo (Gunnison)
Ruth Ferguson (Cañon City) and Dawn Nolan (Cañon City)
Jennifer Giangiulio and Rose Seavey (Salida)
Women’s Doubles 4.0
Karen Ohare (Dallas) and Ashlee Cerda (Poncha Springs)
Susie Richardson (Salida) and Stephanie Rumold (Buena Vista)
Roni Rayment (Littleton) and Jenny Liebowitz (Colorado Springs)
Women’s Doubles 4.5
Charlotte Karls (Salida) and Cami Jamerson (Buena Vista)
Maria Tafuri (Carbondale) and Nicole Bradford (McCoy)
Lacy Spiker (Colorado Springs) and Traci Birchler (Colorado Springs)
Mixed Doubles 3.0
Regina Martelloni (Allen, Texas) and Trey Martelloni (Texas)
Michelle Short (Cañon City) and Michael Short (Cañon City)
Sara Hopp (Colorado) and Aaron Hopp (Colorado)
Mixed Doubles 3.5 (60+)
Wendy Jo Davison (Nixa, Missouri) and Kris Davison
Danielle Williams (La Veta) and Billy Williams (La Veta)
Tracie Rainey (Centennial) and Rory Rainey (Centennial)
Mixed Doubles 3.5 (Under 60)
Simone Huberts (Netherlands) and Hans Huberts (Netherlands)
Jane Luceno (Salida) and Patrick Little (New Iberia, Louisiana)
Cara Jones (Colorado) and Shawn Jones (Colorado)
Mixed Doubles 4.0 (Under 60)
Ashlee Cerda (Poncha Springs) and Peter Goddard (Buena Vista)
Bethany Silkensen (Colorado) and Adam Zywicki (Colorado)
Ruth Ferguson (Cañon City) and Tucker Riley (Cañon City)
Mixed Doubles 4.0 (60+)
Karen Ohare (Dallas) and Robert Myers (Granbury, Texas)
Sherri Prinsen (Colorado Springs) and Forrest Vlahogeorge (Driskel)
Marnie Knapp (Salida) and Brad Leach (Salida)
Mixed Doubles 4.5+
Annette Biggs (Colorado Springs) and Nick Hagan (Colorado)
Charlotte Karls (Salida) and Kayden Branson (Salida)
Trish Zornio (Colorado) and Benjamin King (Savoy, Illinois)
Why It Matters
The 2024 Rally in the Valley highlighted the strength of local talent from Salida, Buena Vista, and surrounding communities. Players overcame weather disruptions, showcased their skill, and brought home multiple medals. The tournament’s growth across two venues reflects both the popularity of pickleball and its strong community spirit.
News in Brief: Rally in the Valley Pickleball Champions
Cami Jamerson of Buena Vista and Charlotte Karls of Salida won gold in women’s 4.5 doubles at the Rally in the Valley. Karls also earned silver with Kayden Branson in mixed doubles. Local players, including Ashlee Cerda, Susie Richardson, and Chris and Kayden Branson, delivered strong performances across divisions.
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