Photo courtesy of Natasha Cabeza
From left to proper, Johannes Bourman, Isaiah Heins, David Rutschow, Nick Schroeder contact paddles after a pickelball match on Sunday at Lincoln Park.

By Josiah Koelpin

Journal Sports Correspondent

NEW ULM — As the leaves gently fall, indicating the beginnings of autumn throughout New Ulm, on the highest of the hill, a fever has coursed by the Martin Luther College scholar physique as soon as once more.

However, not like years previous, this fever is not any odd disturbance such because the frequent chilly. This is one in every of a distinct nature, as many MLC college students are feeling the signs of pickleball fever.

For these unfamiliar with the game of pickleball, it has, lately, unfold all through the nation, turning into the quickest rising leisure sport within the United States. The sport is just like tennis, with the primary distinction being that the pickleball court docket and web are smaller.

This previous Sunday, New Ulm was no exception to the pickleball craze because the MLC Student Senate hosted the primary ever Pickleball Palooza for his or her scholar physique.

Lincoln Park was flooded with over 60 college students on Sunday afternoon as college students vied for the coveted Pickleball Palooza trophy amid the specter of imminent rain. Participants got here from each class and introduced with them a myriad of talent units. There have been those that had by no means even picked up a pickleball, not to mention a paddle, and there have been those that had their very own customized grip on their very own signature paddle.

Not accounting for varied ranges of gameplay, all have been clumped collectively in a single double-elimination bracket for a day of loads of swings and plenty of pickles, which have been the refreshment of selection. Unfortunately, the anticipated potential precipitation poured on the pickleball gamers, nonetheless, they weren’t discouraged.

The pickleball taking part in was transferred to the MLC Gym with a purpose to end the few remaining video games. MLC seniors Josiah Koelpin and Elijah Schulz cruised to the championship undefeated, taking part in juniors Sarah Hoffe and Jess Waege for the unequivocal honor of being the primary Pickleball Palooza champions.

In a single match, on the health club flooring, Koelpin and Schulz walked away victorious, 11-9. As a measure of fine religion, the runners-up every obtained two jars of pickles for his or her efforts.

After asking for any feedback, co-champion, Elijah Schulz commented, “There is more yet to come.”

MLC appears to be like to host one other pickleball match, with the need to open it as much as the New Ulm neighborhood.

The reputation of pickleball appears to be on a gradual trajectory, with few indicators of slowing down.

Lincoln Park affords a perfect spot for any newbie or skilled pickleball participant. On any given day, there’s a group of pickleball gamers having fun with the attractive New Ulm Fall climate.

Grab a paddle and a whiffle ball and take part on the pickleball fever that’s sweeping by New Ulm.