The men’s and women’s Doubles teams in a fundraising event for the Animal Rescue Coalition
of Mecosta County pose on Saturday, Sept. 23. This is the second annual opportunity
to support the cause held at Ferris State University’s Racquet and Fitness Center.
More than 40 pickleball players visited Ferris State University’s Racquet and Fitness Center late last month to enjoy the sport and to support the Animal Rescue Coalition of Mecosta County.
Pickleball took root in the city of Big Rapids on outdoor courts and interest continues to grow. Collin Cadwell, the head professional and assistant manager of the center, said the Racquet and Fitness Center staff is seeing student play and local leagues as the sport’s popularity grows.
“We had eight courts marked to keep from backlog, which helped us keep the play going,” Cadwell said. “There were 31 teams participating in six divisions and 45 players in total. They enjoyed the competition, and we raised around $1,000 for the ARC.”
Cadwell said competitors of all ages were involved in the event.
“We had some visitors from Detroit who came to play, a handful of our students were competing and many of those from around town who regularly come to play in our league were involved,” Cadwell said. “We were happy with the results.”
Racquet and Fitness Center director Amy Nestle said they posted a “Donation Station” for the second annual fundraising event, hoping to collect “nylabones,” cat litter in its varied forms and cat and dog food for the shelter.
“We offered well-used practice tennis balls, so our players’ dogs would have new chew and chase toys, compliments of our center,” Nestle said. “It is a good use of these items, which helps us and our network of guests and friends.”
Men’s and women’s doubles teams and mixed doubles competitors participated in the event.