Brad Jacobs Max Mashburn Pickleball Gold: Brad Jacobs and Max Mashburn captured the gold medal in the 75-79 doubles division at the Illinois State Senior Games held in Springfield, Illinois. The veteran players credited their victory to steady practice, tough local competition, and a shared love for pickleball that has kept them active and motivated.
Path to Victory
Brad Jacobs, 77, invited Max Mashburn, 76, to join him after his usual partner, Bob Biarkis of Edwardsville, was unable to compete.
“Bob and I played last year and won. Bob could not go back; his wife had knee surgery. I asked Max if he wanted to go up and play in the age group in Springfield and try to win a gold medal again,” (Brad Jacobs).
The two went undefeated in doubles, a feat made even more meaningful as Jacobs dedicated the tournament to his late daughter Lissa.
“I approached him and asked if he wanted to play and if we could dedicate our tournament to my daughter. He went undefeated in singles gold medal and shortly after that we went undefeated in doubles to get the gold medal,” (Brad Jacobs).
Strong Local Competition
Mashburn plays pickleball almost every day and leads a group of about 65 players in the Riverbend area.
“We have a group with about 65 people in it. The Riverbend group is bigger than ours, but there are really skilled players in our group.”(Max Mashburn)
The pair regularly trains at Kutter Park in East Alton, Wood River Recreation Center, Gordon Moore Park in Alton, and Glazebrook Park in Godfrey.
Mashburn highlighted how much the sport has grown at the senior games.
“This year, normally track and field has the most entries, and with 21 different sports, pickleball had the most entries. The sport has become very popular.”(Max Mashburn)
Personal Challenges and Friendship
The tournament was an emotional test for Jacobs, who had just attended a funeral the day before the competition.
“The hardest thing he has ever had to do,”
He said of the experience.
“I took a lot of deep breaths. Max, as my partner, helped me a lot.”
Their years of playing together allowed them to stay calm and focused. Mashburn praised the friendships the sport creates.
“The friendship thing about it is different than tennis and a lot of other sports. There is time in between to talk to people and have a good time just playing pickleball; some just talk and have a good time,” (Max Mashburn).
Building a Pickleball Legacy
Both players agreed that strong competition keeps them sharp.
“Competition play makes us better players,” (Max Mashburn).
“Nautilus (the health club) keeps me going and helps keep me physically fit.”(Brad Jacobs)
Their success adds to a growing list of local accomplishments.
“A lot of medals have come out of our area. It is amazing,” (Brad Jacobs).
He also celebrated the supportive community they have built.
“We are proud of each other, play each other all the time, usually play against each other in tournaments, and it’s always a good match,” (Brad Jacobs).
Brad Jacobs and Max Mashburn plan to continue competing and representing their region, showing how dedication and friendship fuel success in senior pickleball.
News in Brief: Brad Jacobs Max Mashburn Pickleball Gold
Brad Jacobs, 77, and Max Mashburn, 76, won gold in the 75-79 doubles division at the Illinois State Senior Games in Springfield. The duo credited local competition, daily practice, and their friendship for the win, while Jacobs dedicated the victory to his late daughter Lissa. Pickleball drew record participation this year.
ALSO READ: DUPR Unveils ‘Verified’ Program: Will This Bold Move Finally End Pickleball Sandbagging?