Cynthia Schwartz
In November, four members of the PebbleCreek Pickleball Club traveled to Tucson to compete in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Tournament at Kino Sports Complex. Events in the tournament included matches in Skill/Age and Senior categories. Collectively, Marty Aalto, Gary Mattevi, Mike Schwartz, and Cynthia Schwartz won eight medals in four categories.
Mike Schwartz won four medals in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles, including one gold, one silver, and two bronze. He commented, “The AAU runs a great tournament. I enjoyed playing in Tucson. My Men’s partner, Bob Thacker from Sun City Pickleball, and I played together like a well-oiled machine to win the gold. I always like playing with my mixed partner, Cynthia Schwartz, who is also my partner for life.”
Gary Mattevi and Marty Aalto partnered to win gold in Men’s Doubles. Gary commented, “Even though I was not Marty’s regular partner, or even his first alternate, I had a blast playing with him and competing in the tournament.” Marty said, “Gary Mattevi is a Mixed Martial Arts Hall of Famer and has been a source of inspiration since I met him 2.5 years ago. He’s been like a brother to me. Following his guidance and support, I lost eighty pounds. Because of his work schedule (teaching ESL) we hadn’t been able to play in a tournament together until Tucson. Playing pickleball is always fun and Tucson was no different win or lose. We were fortunate to win gold, and I look forward to playing again with Gary.”
Below are the results for PebbleCreek Club members.
Men’s Doubles SENIOR 3.5, Age 60-69
Gold: Mike Schwartz and Bob Thacker*
Silver: Marty Aalto and Leon Roske*
Men’s Doubles 3.5 Under 50 All Levels
Gold: Marty Aalto and Gary Mattevi
Bronze: Mike Schwartz and Bob Thacker*
Mixed Doubles SENIOR 3.5, Age 50-69
Bronze: Mike Schwartz and Cynthia Schwartz
Mixed Doubles SENIOR 3.5 Age 50+
Bronze: Mike Schwartz and Cynthia Schwartz
*Non-PebbleCreek club members
Congratulations PebbleCreek club members! Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports, especially in active adult communities. The PebbleCreek Pickleball Club (PCPB) has over 1,500 members and is one of the largest clubs in the United States. If you are interested in learning how to play, sign up for the Novice Player Development Program. The program is free and the PCPB will loan you paddles and supply the balls. Visit www.pcpickleball.org for more information.