Registration now open for Pickleball tourney

CHARLESTON - The Midwest Pickleball Association is hosting the Midwest Indoor Pickleball Championships on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

The tournament will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 18-21, at the Student Recreation Center, 200 Grant Street in Charleston.

The facilities include 17 hard wood indoor courts and plenty of free parking. Participants from across the Midwestern United States are expected to attend.

Pickleball professional instructor Kasandra Gehrke will be on site Wednesday to provide training to those who sign up for the classes. Clinics will be held from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The entry fee is $40 per person and $5 for each additional event.

Each player registered by March 8 will receive an athletic type tournament T-shirt. All players will receive Jimmy John's lunch delivered to the tournament venue.

Registration closes March 12.

"It's always fun to meet new people and compete with people you have never played before" said Jonathan Kaye, assistant manager for the tournament.

"Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the United States" continued Kaye. "Many pickleball players come from other sports. Often they are aging gracefully from tennis or racquetball and trying their hand with this new phenomenon."

All skill levels are welcome from 2.5 (beginners) to 5.0 (professional). The competition events are sorted by ages 60+ and ages 18+. All events will be doubles matches.

Players have an opportunity to meet professional players Kasandra Gehrke and Katie Gaines and watch an exhibition with some of the world's top players.

To register or get more information, visit www.mwpickleball.com or email midwestpickleball@gmail.com.