MiM24 Pickleball Tournament: The third annual Meet in the Middle (MiM24) pickleball tournament took place in Grand Marais on Aug 17, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history. Originally initiated in 2022 by the Thunder Bay club as a way to connect with their U.S. neighbors, this year’s pickleball tournament saw a record attendance of 77 registered players—more than doubling the turnout from previous years.
An International Gathering
The tournament attracted players from various regions, with approximately half hailing from Thunder Bay and Longlac, and the other half representing Grand Marais and areas as distant as St. Paul, Minnesota, and Bayfield, Wisconsin. The event took place at a picturesque venue featuring six outdoor courts nestled halfway up a hillside along the Gunflint Trail. During winter or inclement weather, players typically move indoors to the YMCA facility next door, but this year’s favorable weather allowed for all matches to be held outdoors.
A Day of Competition and Camaraderie
The day began with two rounds of “Champions Court,” designed to help players warm up and get acquainted, all set to upbeat music that kept the atmosphere lively. The competition then transitioned to bracket matches across various categories—men’s, women’s, and mixed—at advanced, intermediate, and novice levels. Thunder Bay players dominated, taking home 15 medals (six gold, four silver, and five bronze), while Grand Marais participants earned six medals (one gold, three silver, and two bronze).
Tournament organizer Peter Bennett from Grand Marais expressed pride in the local showing, stating, “We made a brilliant showing for our tiny town, facing a club 10 times our size. We thoroughly enjoyed our interactions with the Thunder Bay club. They are friendly and cheerful folks, with a deep roster of great players. We were especially happy to see a good turnout of first-time tournament folks at novice and intermediate levels.”
Celebration and Future Plans
After a day filled with spirited competition, participants and supporters, who numbered over 100, gathered at Voyageurs Brewery for refreshments and a light dinner. Bennett also extended thanks to the local sponsors, including Voyageurs, Angry Trout, Fika Coffee, and Hungry Hippie Tacos. Looking ahead, Bennett encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the next tournament, saying, “Pencil in MiM25, 3rd week of August 2025!”
Winners of Meet in the Middle
- Men’s Advanced
- Gold: Dan Peerenboom/Jason Horychuk (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Nick Giles-Pelletier/Paul Giles (Thunder Bay)
- Bronze: Zach Payton/Jaired Rodmaker (Grand Marais)
- Men’s Intermediate
- Gold: Alin Ursu/James Lean (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Rich Seeley/Blair Dennhardt (Thunder Bay)
- Bronze: Chico Hathaway/Dylan Dragswiek (Grand Marais)
- Mixed Advanced
- Gold: Erin Manahan/Paul Giles (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Jake Krawczuk/Krista Lamb (Thunder Bay)
- Bronze: Linda McDonald/Ruberto Mancuso (Thunder Bay)
- Mixed Intermediate
- Gold: Josh Prom/Nicole Banitt (Grand Marais)
- Silver: Betty Swiston/James G. Lean (Grand Marais)
- Bronze: Calvin Konop/Kaitlin Kimmel-Haas (Grand Marais)
- Mixed Novice
- Bronze: Jackie Goodwin/Greg Goodwin (Thunder Bay)
- Women’s Advanced
- Gold: Krista Lamb/Erin Manahan (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Julia Rau/Holly Lamond (Grand Marais)
- Bronze: Linda McDonald/Cat Peerenboom (Thunder Bay)
- Women’s Intermediate
- Gold: Tracey Hill/Mary Chadwick (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Betty Swiston/Sorina Ursu (Blend)
- Bronze: Laurie Wasmund/Nancy Goss (Grand Marais)
- Women’s Novice
- Gold: Brandy Fummerton/Debs Burgsteden (Thunder Bay)
- Silver: Karen O’Brien/Wendy Jaun (Thunder Bay)
News in Brief: MiM24 Pickleball Tournament
The third annual Meet in the Middle (MiM24) pickleball tournament was held on August 17 in Grand Marais, attracting 77 participants from both the U.S. and Canada, a significant increase from previous years. The event featured competition across various skill levels, with Thunder Bay players winning 15 medals and Grand Marais players earning six.
Tournament organizer Peter Bennett praised the local community’s efforts and looked forward to continuing the tradition in 2025. The day concluded with a celebration at Voyageurs Brewery, highlighting the pickleball tournament’s success and community spirit.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Tournament at Johnstown YMCA Set for Late Sept.
