North Platte hosted its fourth annual Queen of the Court pickleball tournament on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cody Park. The event drew 55 participants from more than seven nearby communities. Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit cancer patients at the Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center.
Honoring Rich Deckert
The tournament was created in honor of Rich Deckert, who battled pancreatic cancer for seven years. Barb Baldridge, the event organizer, said Deckert inspired the community through his participation in softball, pickleball, bowling, and the Platte River Fitness Series. He managed North Platte’s women’s pickleball leagues and events and helped maintain the Memorial Park pickleball courts. Deckert had dreamed of completing the Cody Park pickleball courts, which were finished earlier this year.
Baldridge highlighted Deckert’s dedication:
“He was able to compete at a high level in pickleball while undergoing chemo treatments for seven years. He was known to come directly from treatments to the courts at the last minute for games.”
Deckert’s love for pickleball also reached the Callahan Cancer Center, where he introduced many hospital workers to the sport. This connection led to the creation of the Queen of the Court fundraiser.
Tournament Highlights
This year’s event featured three divisions and eight separate pools. Five queens (winners) were crowned, 20 women earned medals, and all participants received gifts and formed new friendships, Baldridge said. A check will be presented soon to the Callahan Cancer Center.
Baldridge thanked board members, club members, donors, and volunteers for helping set up, run, and tear down the event. She also recognized Dunkin’ Donuts for door prizes, Danny and Joyce Delgado for their annual generosity, Great Plains Health & Gift Box for donating the ‘Queen Throne’ accent chair, blanket, and gift sack, and participants for donating door prizes.
Board members include Tricia Schaffer, Jane Wilkinson, Sharon Sewald, Kathy Huebner, Jen Prieto, and Barb Baldridge.
The Queen of the Court tournament not only raises funds for cancer care but also strengthens community connections and celebrates the legacy of Rich Deckert.
News in Brief: Queen of the Court Pickleball Tournament
North Platte held its fourth annual Queen of the Court pickleball tournament on September 20, 2025, at Cody Park. The event raised funds for the Great Plains Health Callahan Cancer Center. Fifty-five participants from seven nearby communities competed in multiple divisions, honoring Rich Deckert’s legacy and love for pickleball.