The SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) is a diverse cross-section of the residents of SaddleBrooke. But within SPA, there is a special group of members who continue to amaze others with their skills, knowledge, tenacity and outlook, not only in the sport of Pickleball, but everything. They are Octogenarians, the members of SPA age 80 to 89. And what a group they are. Many play pickleball four to five times a week, competitively and socially, fitting games in around their golf tee times and other activities.
Whether it’s drop-in, round-robin or other matches, they often surprise opponents who mistakenly judge their ability and skills, bringing deft shot making, surprising quickness, and sometimes power when necessary. It’s called being “schooled”. Most of the group have played competitively in SPA tournaments or other local competitions, but now rely on social play to get their pickleball fix and keep their skills sharp. And their skills are sharp; in the group, Pickleball ratings range from Club 3.0 to IPTPA 3.5 to Club 4.0, probably above the average rating for the 700+ SPA members.
The group includes members Don Burkhead, Don Loranger, Dotti McKee, Aaron Plump, Harry Rosenbleet (Member No. 79 and the longest standing member of the group); Jerry Savage, Bill Staufenberg, Gary Stithem (the highest rated player of the group); Barbara Sullenger, Ruth Thoren, Jim and Sue Wanken, and Bill Walker. This group continues to provide aspiration, guidance and leadership to members of SPA. If you aren’t a member of SPA, or don’t play pickleball, come out to the Robson Pickleball Center and see what this wonderful group of residents is all about. And join in the fun!
Harry Rosenbleet was kind enough to agree to an interview to tell us about his SPA and Pickleball life at SaddleBrooke. Harry has been a member of SPA since January 2008 and is Member No. 79. Here is an edited transcript of that interview.
Q: Thanks for agreeing to this Harry. First, how old are you? 88 years old.
Q: What was your athletic background growing up and as an adult before pickleball? I played basketball as a Freshman, JV. We were state champs in Pennsylvania in 1955. I also played tennis in high school.
Q: When and where did you first encounter and play pickleball? In SaddleBrooke.
Q: How long have you lived in SaddleBrooke and been playing pickleball in SaddleBrooke? We moved here 20 years ago. I started playing here when courts were first put in, maybe eight to 10 years ago.
Q: How often do you play? Four to five times a week.
Q: Do you consider yourself a competitive player or a social player? Or Both? I played some tournaments early on; won a few. I played some up at the Ranch to get a rating, 3.5 IPTPA.
Q: Do you typically join in organized play like round-robin, ladders, MLP, or do you play drop-in? I have played in all those, as well as drop-in. I most recently play in King/Queen of the Court, Challenge for 3.25 rated players”.
Q: Do you play in any Groups? I have played in a couple; Blazing Paddles and Daily Dinkers.
Q: Do you do anything special prior to taking to the courts, like stretching, hydrating, or other pre-play preparation? Any post-play recovery after playing you could share? I use to go to the gym to work out, pre-COVID, but now I do most of it at home. Stretching using a “band”, some light weights. After playing, it’s a shower and some light stretching.”
Q: I’ve heard you own some pickleball paddles. 15 paddles; not as many as some, but I’m pretty much done buying paddles.
Q: You have the nickname “Hurricane”. What’s the story there? Before moving to SaddleBrooke, we lived in Miami. I worked with kids in the inner city of Miami, a place called “Little Haiti”. Occasionally, I would get tickets and take the kids to see the University of Miami football team play, the Hurricanes. The kids started calling me Hurricane and it stuck. Had nothing to do with the weather.
Q: What is your favorite memory or memories about playing pickleball in SaddleBrooke? Playing with women 20 years younger than me, good players and holding my own, sometimes winning.
Thank you, Hurricane Harry, for showing us what longevity in the sport truly looks like!
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