By CINDY CROSBY
Cindyc4@yahoo.com
The Colleton County Parks and Recreation Department held the first Bull Classic Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, February 20 in Walterboro. The event honored the memory of the late Doug Bullock who passed in October 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer.
“Doug craved action, whether it was chess, tennis , golf or pickleball,” said Micah Brent Snead. “He was a lifelong educator, and he would happily lecture on any topic, and sometimes on either side of an argument. He had a great strategy as a sports fan; he would always pull for the winning team.”
“Doug loved sports and games – and he especially loved sharing them with anyone willing to try and learn,” said Snead. “After graduating from the University of Miami, Doug earned a Master’s in Educational Administration from The Citadel. His dedication to Colleton County spanned generations and his influence shaped the lives of many. However, his favorite role was Papa to his grandchildren.”
“The Bull Classic is being held to acknowledge Doug for all he did for the community,” said Snead. “We had a fun day of friendly competition in his memory.”
Saturday’s event was comprised of 15 teams with 31 participants. The winners of the women’s divisions were the duo of Lynn Murdaugh and Bonnie Thomas and the runner-up team was Ann Carmichael and Jane Crocker. Winners of the men’s division was Andrew Milo and Noah Smith, and second place went to Tiger Martin and Mark Tomedolskey.
“We can thank Bull for introducing us to the world of pickleball,” said Randy Carmichael. “It seems only fitting to have the very first tournament in Walterboro in his honor.”
According to Chip Wiggins, CCPR Special Projects director, approximately 20 spectators were on-hand for the double-elimination event.
“Doug was instrumental in helping us get pickleball started here at the recreation center and having a tournament played was one of his initial goals,” said Wiggins. “We provided tournament t-shirts and pickleball bags for all participants. There was also free food and drinks provided for everyone. Due to the overwhelming positive response, we plan to do another tournament sometime this year.”
Want to Play Pickleball?
Pickleball is held at the Colleton County Recreation Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until noon and again on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Additionally, they plan to add night pickleball on Tuesday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. 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.
