Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio 9/11/23 - Danny Wuerffel, Former Heisman Trophy Winner, 2nd Annual PickleBowl

Let's get ready for some Pickleball.

As the popularity of pickleball continues to surge, The Wuerffel Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit focused on inspiring greater service and unity, today announced the 2nd Annual PickleBowl presented by Selkirk Sport will take place on Tuesday, September 19, at ITA Atlanta.

Heisman Trophy Winner, College Football Hall of Famer, former NFL quarterback and humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel — now also a passionate pickleball player — will once again serve as host of the charity event that will feature a line-up of professional pickleball players competing alongside celebrities, former athletes, musicians and entertainers.

Have a listen:

Also serving as tournament host at the inaugural PickleBowl in 2022, Wuerffel teamed up with pickleball pro Kyle Yates, representing the University of Florida, to capture the very first title. This year the duo will look to defend their title as the charitable event pairs professional pickleball players with celebrities representing their alma maters for ultimate bragging rights.

With the Major League Pickleball Atlanta event on September 21-24, a group of Pro Pickleball players and owners will also participate in the PickleBowl this year. In total, there are expected to be 24 teams competing for the 2023 title.

Wuerffel will be joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry; American Idol Winner Phillip Phillips; Director/Producer Doug Ellin, Pro Beach Volleyball player Casey Patterson, and NFL Alumni & Analysts including David Pollack, Marcellus Wiley, Eric Decker and Danny Kannell among other celebrities, as they compete alongside a strong line-up of the most accomplished professional pickleball players in the world, including Yates, Parris Todd, Collin Johns, JW and Jorja Johnson, Megan Fudge, Ryler DeHeart, and more.

The beneficiary of the 2023 PickleBowl Presented by Selkirk Sport is The Wuerffel Foundation, which has a mission to inspire greater service and unity in communities. A renowned humanitarian, Danny Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters. The Wuerffel Foundation also annually presents the Wuerffel Trophy, College Football’s Premier Award for Community Service.

Selkirk Sport, a family-owned business based in Hayden, Idaho, is at the forefront of pickleball’s surge in popularity because of its product innovation, market leadership, philanthropic initiatives, Selkirk TV, professional tour sponsorship and elite line-up of brand ambassadors.

Limpert Tech on iHeartRadio 2/10/23 - JoAnne Russell, Tennis Major Champion, Selkirk Pickleball

Talking tennis… and pickleball with tennis legend, turned pickleball instructor, JoAnne Russell.

Have a listen:

JoAnne Russell is a former Major Doubles Champion (1977) and had an incredibly successful career in tennis before discovering pickleball.

With playing partner Helen Gourlay Cawley, she won the Wimbledon ladies’ doubles title in 1977. They beat the team of Chris Evert and Rosie Casals in the first round and the top-ranked team of Martina Navratilova and Betty Stöve in the final (6–3, 6–3). Russell reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 11.

As soon as she picked up a paddle, JoAnne fell in love with the sport as both a player and an instructor. Having risen through the ranks to the top tier of tennis, Russell understands what it takes to improve and works diligently with her students to share with them what it takes to be a champion. JoAnne currently resides in Naples, FL where she gives pickleball lessons full-time.

Joanne represents Selkirk when it comes to pickleball. A great time catching up with JoAnne.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 1/22/21 - Mike and Rob Barnes, Selkirk Sport

It's Pickleball this week as Rick is joined by Mike and Rob Barnes from Selkirk Sport.

Have a listen:

As the popularity of Pickleball continues to surge during the COVID-19 era, Selkirk Sport has been recognized as the Pickleball Manufacturer of the year by Racquet Sports Industry (RSi) in conjunction with their inaugural Champions of Pickleball Awards. The family-owned Company based in Hayden, ID is at the forefront of driving growth of the sport, offering a full line-up of Made in-the USA Pickleball Paddles for all levels and an assortment of accessories.

As outdoor activities continue to adapt to adhere to CDC and local/national health guidelines, the sport of Pickleball serves  as the perfect “social distancing” physical activity. Today, Pickleball boasts more than 3.46 million players across the U.S., according to the most recent data by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and RSi recognized Selkirk Sport alongside individuals and organizations that continue to make a positive impact, while helping to accelerate the game’s growing popularity and success.

The RSI excerpt from the November/December issue: MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR - Selkirk Sport

Founded in 2014 by brothers Mike and Rob Barnes and their father, Jim Barnes, this family-owned company in Hayden, Idaho, is a leader in pickleball paddle design and technology, building high-performance pickle-ball equipment. Selkirk’s current product line includes paddles, balls, bags, apparel and accessories. Selkirk’s mantra—“We Are Pickleball”—applies as much to the creation of innovative equipment as to the effort to improve and promote the pickleball community as a whole. The brand partners with, among other groups, the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships, but also with Third Shot Sports, an organization to help bring pickleball awareness and clinics to all ages. Selkirk recently introduced its Vanguard Paddle series, pushing the envelope in technology and its $200 price—which has not deterred consumers, as the paddles quickly sold out on the brand’s website.

“We are committed to supporting the growth of Pickleball at the recreation and professional level, and it’s humbling to be recognized by such a well-respected organization, as a Champion of Pickleball,” said Rob Barnes, Managing Partner, Selkirk Sport. “While 2020 has been a challenging year battling a pandemic, it’s refreshing to see so many individuals of all ages and backgrounds embrace Pickleball as an activity that can be enjoyed in a safe and responsible way.”

 
Selkirk Sport is one of the industry’s fastest growing companies, and their paddles are used by many of the game’s premier players, many who are national/regional champions. Team Selkirk Ambassadors include: Tyson McGuffin, 4-Time National Champion and one of the top ranked players in the world; Cammy MacGregor, Top ranked senior player and former top 75 women’s professional tennis player;  Morgan Evans, Coach to the world’s elite Pickleball players; Enrique Ruiz: Hall of Famer & 6-Time National Champion; Kaitlyn Christian, 28-year old Professional Tennis Player - Top 50 in Doubles on WTA Tour; Joanne Russell, 1977 Wimbledon Doubles Champion; Lindsey & Riley Newman, Top five ranked players and college basketball officials and Sherri Steinhauer: former LPGA star, 3-Time Women’s British Open Champion & 4-Time United States Solheim Cup Winner, among many others.

Limpert Tech "SullyCast" on ALT 105.7 and iHeartRadio 10/12/19 - Sarah Ansboury, Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Touring Professional and Director of Pickleball

Rick is joined this week by Sarah Ansboury, Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Touring Professional and Director of Pickleball Instruction.

Have a listen to this week's segment as Pickleball is taking off at properties like Palmetto Dunes:

Pickleball is more than a thing at the Palmetto Dunes. The Palmetto Dunes Tennis and Pickleball Center has 16 pickleball courts and eight more on the way (all lighted for night play).

Pickleball is a sport that combines the elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It is played with oversized ping pong paddles and a softball-sized plastic perforated ball that travels at about one-third the speed of a tennis ball. "It's a fun, easy sport that is great exercise, but doesn't require a lot of skill to be an enjoyable experience" says John Kerr, Director of Tennis at the Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center. We have eight pickleball courts right in front of the Tennis Pro Shop.

For most of Sarah Ansboury’s professional career she has resided in the Portland, Oregon area. As a member of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), she has benefitted from continuing education on fitness, racket sport body mechanics, instructional methods and sports psychology. She applied this education as a private tennis instructor, teaching club members and elite junior athletes, as well as a NCAA women’s tennis coach. Ansboury also competed nationally at the Open level as well as 5.5 rated leagues in the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA).

This is big. The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) have formed a strategic alliance to grow the sport of Pickleball. The new PTR subsidiary (PPR) will become the official education and certification partner of the USAPA. Ansboury has designed the PPR’s curriculum and certification programs.

Ansboury has been traveling the country working with recreational and advanced players to improve their all around game technically, mentally, strategically and through improved fitness. “This has been a wonderful experience to help grow the sport of Pickleball and see it advance so much in such a short time,” she said.
“My goal is to turn this area into one of the most popular Pickleball destinations. I’m very excited to have a regular place to train for my own competitive play, as well as teach.”

Guests who book vacation rentals through the Palmetto Dunes Vacation Rentals receive two hours of either tennis or pickleball court time (when courts are available) with each night of their stay per vacation rental unit or choose from one of two pickleball vacation packages. Stop by the Tennis Center to try it out or call us to find out more information on how you can get involved with this great new sport right here at Hilton Head Island

Sarah provides instruction at Palmetto Dunes daily based on availability as well as leads the Ansboury Academy, which is held several times a year for those interested in learning more about this fast-growing sport. Participants of the academy will enjoy a week of Pickleball at Palmetto Dunes — 15 hours of instruction — with each day focusing on techniques and tactics for every player to improve on the court. Learn more about upcoming academy dates and registration here. 

Players can choose from a variety of options.

Round Robins
Clinics
Lessons and regular court time.
Equipment rental is available.
Additional courts coming this fall will allow further expansion of morning round robins, while holding a few courts open for rental to families and other groups. The Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center will also be expanding afternoon round robin sessions from two days a week to five this fall.

Agreat talk with Sarah and it's great to see how quickly Pickleball is growing around the country as it's not a replacement for tennis, but the two sports compliment each other in many ways.