The 10th Annual GAMMA Pickleball Classic presented by the Cranberry Township Pickleball Association (CTPA) brought the pickleball community together once again at Graham Park in Cranberry Township, PA, for a weekend full of competition and camaraderie.
With nearly 180 players taking the courts, plus spectators, volunteers and vendors, the Classic had no shortage of energy — and Saturday got things started on the right foot.
Day One: In the Books
Saturday was pretty much exactly what you want when you have a full day of pickleball on the schedule. The weather cooperated and set the scene for Men’s & Women’s Doubles. The courts stayed busy, the competition was strong, and there was plenty of cheering, chatting and post-match strategizing happening between games.
Some played for fun, some played to win...and some did both. Congratulations to our day one competitors who brought home some hardware:
|
Category |
Division |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
|
Women's Doubles |
Skill 4.0 Age 50+ |
Wendy Helkowski |
Julie Obrien |
Carroll de Vera Roberts |
|
Skill 3.0 & 3.5 Age 12-64 |
Misty Yeager |
Kimberly Curry |
Fabiane Herculano |
|
|
Skill 4.0 Age 12-39 |
Alison Leslie |
Erin Culley |
Samantha Keener |
|
|
Skill 4.5 Age 35-64 |
Gwen Schoonmaker |
Carey Lowen |
Jill Vertes |
|
|
Skill 3.5 Age 65+ |
Mary Moriarty |
Cynthia Taylor |
Barbara Witzberger |
|
|
Men's Doubles |
Skill 4.0 Age 12-34 |
Gavin Ohler |
Toby Harpur |
Caleb Richardson |
|
Skill 4.0 Age 35-49 |
Bryan Chieze |
Henry Rothschild |
Chris Toner |
|
|
Skill 3.5 Age 50+ |
Ken Guity |
Mark Witzberger |
Gregg Boury |
|
|
Skill 3.0 & 3.5 Age 12-49 |
Joshua Zapf |
Zach Ruppert |
Nilesh Patel |
|
|
Skill 4.0 Age 50+ |
Gregory Curry |
Patrick Worms |
Bob Staudt |
|
|
Skill 4.5 Age 12-64 |
Amir Ostad |
Michael Gluntz |
Erno Vertes |
More Than Competition…Community
There was plenty happening off the courts, too. Players and spectators could swing by our vendor lineup between matches, which featured a variety of local businesses, along with Groove Coffee Co. keeping everyone fueled throughout the morning. From sampling protein products and testing out physical wellness demos, to IV hydration services and money management discussions, there was a little something for everyone.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the GAMMA Classic without the opportunity to snag some GAMMA gear at an exclusive Classic rate. Players and spectators had the opportunity to browse discounted apparel, accessories and equipment, along with the chance to demo our inventory of paddles. Who doesn’t love a try before you buy situation!
Didn't make it over to the tent or get a chance to grab what you were looking for? You’ve still got time, because…
Mother Nature had different plans for Day Two
After steady rainfall overnight, fog and mist lingered in Western PA on Sunday, leaving the courts and conditions less than ideal for play. With the safety of our players as the top priority, Cranberry Township Pickleball Association (CTPA) made the call to cancel the day’s planned events (mixed doubles) rather than risk putting anyone on the courts in unsafe conditions. But don't worry — the Classic isn't finished yet.
Mixed Doubles have been rescheduled for Sunday, October 11, when we'll get back on the courts and finish what we started.
Last, but definitely not least…
It takes a village, and we can't forget the folks who helped to make this milestone a memorable one. A round of applause for our sponsors:
- Premium Sponsors: DUPR | Matt's Pickle & Padel
- Gold Sponsor: Metz Lewis Brodman Must O’Keefe
- Silver Sponsors: The Reschini Group | Strategic Path Retirement
- Vendor Sponsors: Grossman Yanak & Ford | PGH Networks | READY | YTS Wealth Management | StretchLab | BODY20 | RevIVe Mobile IV
Ten Years Down. Here's to What's Next.
What started as one tournament has turned into a weekend we look forward to year after year now a decade later - and it wouldn’t be possible without the people who make the Classic what it is. The players who show up ready to compete. The spectators who cheer from the sidelines. The volunteers who keep things moving. And the sponsors who help bring it all together. It’s not Classic weekend without each of you. Here’s to the next ten!
