By CINDY CROSBY
The 2022 Bull Classic Pickleball Tournament was held Saturday, February 19 at the Colleton County Recreation Center. The event honored the memory of the late Doug Bullock, who died in October 2020 after a battle with cancer. Bullock, a lifelong educator and coach, was a sports enthusiast who supported athletic events throughout the community.
Saturday’s event was comprised of four men’s double’s teams and 14 women competed in a round robin bracket. In the women’s division, Jane Crocker captured first place. Julie Bishop was the second-place finisher and Lessie Snead and Laura Bullock tied for third place.
In the men’s division, Chip Upchurch and Jaimey Strickland finished in first place and the duo of Mark Tomedolskey and Tiger Martin captured second place.
According to Chip Wiggins, CCPR Special Projects Director, approximately 40 spectators were on-hand for the event. “Doug was instrumental in helping us get pickleball started here at the recreation center and having a tournament was one of his initial goals,” said Wiggins. “We provided tournament t-shirts and pickleball bags for all participants. We hope to run next year’s tournament in conjunction with the Rice Festival.”
Pickleball is held at the Colleton County Recreation Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon and on Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Additionally, night pickleball is available upon request if space accommodates. All Equipment is provided by the recreation center and is free for members of the fitness center. Non-members are charged $1/per day to play.
Anyone interested in playing during the week can contact the Colleton County Parks and Recreation Department at 843-538-3031.
