Robson Ranch Pickleball Club
Established 2006
Updated by Ken Arthur 2020
2006-2007
Eldon Reynolds, Al Grundstrom, Paul Giller, and Mike (last name unknown) began playing Pickleball at Robson Ranch using a modified volleyball net and wooden paddles in October 2006. At this time, there was no official recognition of the group by the HOA.
2007-2008
This year was a time of rapid growth as more Robson residents discovered Pickleball. The numbers required more court time and a more formal status with the HOA. Eldon Reynolds, Al Grundstrom, and Paul Giller formed the original steering committee to establish the Pickleball Club as an official club. Those early days of growth came with some resistance from other groups as court times became more in demand. However, with official recognition from the HOA, the new Pickleball Club was allowed to negotiate with the Facilities Use Committee for a permanent schedule of Pickleball in the gym. Eventually, court time was allotted and this allowed the club to grow even quicker.
During 2007, three experienced women players from Lewisville joined the group. Known today only as Roslyn, Barbara, and Nadine, helped build the proficiency level of the base of new players in the club.
In 2007 Eldon Reynolds developed the ladder system for advancing in the club. His early program had growing pains as the number of club members and players was still relatively small.
The Annual Senior Olympics at Robson Ranch began in 2007. Pickleball, although still new to Robson Ranch, still had a serving competition as part of the Olympics. The competition was won by Beverly Albarran, Lore Carr, Pat Claytor, Carlos Muniz, and Ron Guyer.
2008-2009
Officers for the 2008-2009 year were:
President – Tom Burke
Vice President – Ken Whinnem
Secretary – Alana Bingiel
Treasurer – Paul Giller
This Executive Board was the first to establish the A, B, C levels of play to improve their members. They also developed clinics for members to improve their skills and to determine the initial levels of current members.
2009-2010
Officers for the 2009-2010 year were:
President – Rick Lampertz
Vice President – Millie Otwell
Secretary – Judy Ruggiero
Treasurer – Paul Giller
In 2009, Pickleball was allowed to use an outdoor tennis court for the first time. Temporary nets and court markings were used. Outdoor Pickleball in 2009 was short-lived as Pat Claytor, who was the organizer and HOA contact, was gone on an extended trip and no one else stepped up to fill his responsibilities.
2010-2011
Officers for the 2010-2011 year were:
President – Dick Helm / Beverly Albarran
Vice President – Beverly Albarran / Bob Garbarino
Secretary – Jennifer Hill
Treasurer – Dave Grande
During the year, Dick Helm needed to relinquish his role. Beverly Albarran stepped into the President position and Bob Garbarino assumed the role of Vice President.
In-House Tournaments began in 2010. For the first time, Pickleball Club shirts with a logo were introduced for members. As the club grew, many benefits made membership even more positive. Dues became easier to pay with the new dropbox system.
Because the club was growing so substantially, an Expansion Committee was created to provide direct communication with Jack Sarsam in Arizona. Discussions about the possibility of building an indoor facility for Pickleball were initiated but the costs were prohibitive.
The popularity of Pickleball was spreading beyond the campus of Robson Ranch. In 2010, Ellen Gilgore introduced the sport to Argyle ISD 5th and 6th graders. Several club members volunteered to demonstrate the game and to teach it in PE classes. They even established a school club for students who wished to continue playing.
2011-2012
This was a year of expansion and growth in both the number of members and enthusiasm for the sport. As a result, more court time was added for playing indoors.
2012-2013
Officers for the 2012-2013 year were:
President – Jennifer Hill
Vice President – Marti Harnly
Secretary – Carol Hilton
Treasurer – Jim Doyle
This was a year of massive changes for the club. An expansion committee comprised of Carlos Muniz, Bob Collins, Sherril Kerr, Tom Burke, Rod Hill, Eldon Reynolds, and Jennifer Hill convinced Jack Sarsam that the club had enough members to justify dedicated outdoor courts. After competitive bidding, a company was chosen, and work began on converting two tennis courts into Pickleball courts by repainting and re-marking lines.
With a significantly larger membership roll, in 2012 an updated level structure was developed. Carol Hilton helped standardize our member information by developing new membership forms. Marti Harnly and Mel Labard worked together to organize a mentoring program and schedule.
A ratings committee with Sherril Kerr, Tom Burke, Rod Hill, Bob Collins, Jim Richardson, and Mary Alice Benton continued to develop new, more precise, skill levels for play.
2013-2014
Officers for the 2013-2014 year were:
President – Bob Pocock
Vice President – Bob Romagosa
Secretary – Kathryn Hollstein / Janet Salvo
Treasurer – Doug Hughes
During the year, Kathryn Hollstein moved and her position of Secretary was filled by Janet Salvo.
2013 was significant as the new courts were finally built. The club sponsored its first Pickleball Ball...an evening of dancing, games, and great food. There was also a special Mardi Gras In-House Mixer with members of all levels mixed together for play followed by food and beverages on the Sports Center patio.
The Robson Ranch Pickleball Club’s website was designed and went live in 2013. With RRDPC.com active, members could check schedules, view pictures, and plan playing times.
In 2013, McMath Middle School in Denton invited our club to introduce Pickleball to their PE classes. This involved hundreds of 6th grade students who enthusiastically embraced Pickleball.
2014-2015
Officers for the 2014-2015 year were:
President – Barry Pocock/Richard Schwartz
Vice President – Richard Schwartz
Secretary – Shirley Waterhouse
Treasurer – Doug Hughes
Members at Large – Kevin Anderson and Ford Roberson
With the enormous growth of the membership, two Members at Large were added to the Robson Ranch Pickleball Board.
As a result of membership input, the club sponsored more tournaments, mixers, and social events. Clinics were emphasized during the year with training provided by Tom Burke, Ken Whinnem, Alana Bingiel, Paul Giller, Sherril Kerr, Pat Claytor, Rod Hill, Bob Romagosa, Jennifer Hill, Ellen Gilgore, and Ford Roberson.
2015-2016
Officers for the 2015-2016 year were:
President – Jim Propes
Vice President – Warren Williamson
Secretary – Susan Parker
Treasurer – Susan Michelsen
Members at Large – Kevin Andrews and Bob Gillian
Having a Pickleball Academy coordinated by Susan Hebert and David Parker gave new members and beginning players a solid introduction to Pickleball. Skills training provided by Sherril Kerr and Fred Thompson continued to provide opportunities for improvement.
With the increase of indoor Pickleball, semi-permanent nets were purchased for gym play.
2016
Officers for the 2015-2016 year were:
President – Ford Roberson
Vice President – Kevin Andrews
Secretary – Susan Hebert
Treasurer – Susan Michelsen
Members at Large – Bob Gillian and Gary San Miguel
An announcement was made during the annual meeting of 2016, that approval had been given to build 12 additional Pickleball courts. Additional tennis courts and a bathroom complex with covered picnic tables were also part of the additional facilities. These additions would make Robson Ranch the largest Pickleball facility in the state of Texas with 16 dedicated adjacent courts.
With the significant increase in Pickleball Club membership, several committee chairs were needed. These included:
Player Development – Fred Thompson
Tournaments – Warren Williamson
Ratings – Gary San Miguel
Membership – Jim and Ginny Mitchell
Public Relations – Susan Parker
Social – Char Thompson
Ethics – Bob Romagosa
Scheduling – Mike Conley
In April, the Pickleball Club sponsored the William (Bill) Girdwood Memorial Tournament. In the end, 68 players enrolled and medals were awarded across the board:
A Division Gold – Jerry Killingsworth and Mike Conley
A Division Silver – Jim Lafferty and Jim Richardson
A Division Bronze – Cassie Richardson and Patrick Claytor
B Division Gold – Paul Dorwaldt and Peter Waters
B Divison Silver – Richard Goodwin and Mike Melo
B Division Bronze – Sandy Welch and Janelle Roth
CC/C/D Division Gold – Tom Roth and Jim Mitchell
CC/C/D Division Silver – Glenn Kuykendall and Kawika Cotner CC/C/D Division Bronze – Mike Lock and David Parker
In August, the Club sponsored A Grandkids Pickleball Camp. Classes were held for 10 and under and 11 and over.
In September, the Club sponsored the In-House Blind Draw for Partner tournament. This two day event was well attended and resulted in the following metals:
A Division Gold – Pat Claytor and Jim Burns
A Division Silver – Rod Hill and Nolen Gunnoe
A Division Bronze – Bill Wise and Char Thompson
B Division Gold – Mark Kellam and Mike Clements
B Divison Silver – Shirley Waterhous and Steve Beggs
B Division Bronze – Larry Nortunen and Susan Beggs
CC/C/D Division Gold – Jesse Cardenas and Glenn Kuykendall CC/C/D Division Silver – Bob Laderach and Steve Meese CC/C/D Division Bronze – Randy Brewer and Donna Henry
In November, the Club sponsored Dinkfest with almost 100 participants. Games, prizes, food and fun were the defining terms used for the tournament.
2017
Officers for the 2016-2017 year were:
President – Warren Williamson
Vice President – Susan Michelsen
Secretary – Julie Laderbach
Treasurer – Susan Beggs
Members at Large – Tricia Douglas and Mark Kellam
Player Development – Mike Conley
Academy – Larry Nortunen
League Ladder Coordinator – Mike Conley
Tournaments – Ford Roberson
Ratings – Tom Michelsen
Membership – Lee and Dee Tarver
Public Relations – Linda Vandenbree
Social – Patricia Austin
Ethics – Bob Romagosa
Scheduling – Steve Beggs
Tech Support and Webmaster – John Napurano
In July, the Club-sponsored C/D Shootout was a huge success when the participants filled 9 courts. Winning the competition were Steve Stark, Randy Catron, and Sheri Watkins.
During the year, the Pickleball Club was saddened by the sudden passing of a fine member, Peter Waters.
In 2017, the Robson Ranch Pickleball Club had 300 members.
2018-2019
Officers for the 2018-2019 year were returning members:
President – Warren Williamson
Vice President – Susan Michelsen
Secretary – Julie Laderbach
Treasurer – Susan Beggs
Members at Large – Tricia Douglas and Mark Kellam
Player Development – Mike Conley
Academy – Larry Nortunen
League Ladder Coordinator – Mike Conley
Tournaments – Ford Roberson
Ratings – Tom Michelsen
Membership – Lee and Dee Tarver
Public Relations – Linda Vandenbree
Social – Patricia Austin
Ethics – Bob Romagosa
Scheduling – Steve Beggs
Tech Support and Webmaster – John Napurano
In December, the Club sponsored the Hot Chocolate/Cookies C/D Shootout. This time, there were enough players to fill 11 courts.
In February, 2019, long-time member Bob Mershon passed away. Just a few weeks later, another beloved member, Ken Huff, passed away. Their deaths were a blow to the entire membership.
In 2018, the Robson Ranch Pickleball Club had 327 members.
2019-2020
Officers for the 2019-2020 year were:
President – Tom Michelsen
Vice President – Ken Quarfoot
Secretary – Julie Laderbach
Treasurer – Susan Beggs
Members at Large – Mark Kellam, Jim Mitchell and Alan Boyd
Player Development – Donna Henry
Academy – Larry Nortunen
League Ladder Coordinator and Tournaments– Spike Evans
Ratings – Gene Mason
Membership – Mike and Pam Clements
Public Relations – Linda Vandenbree
Social – Carrie Summers
Ethics – Jim Mitchell
Scheduling – Nolan Gunnoe
Tech Support and Webmaster – John Napurano
The Mid-South Regional Tournament was hosted at Robson Ranch March 29-31. There were 600+ entrants who enjoyed our hospitality and world-class facilities. Among the many who made this tournament a success were:
Registration and Operations - Mark Kellam
Medals and Taping – Warren Williamson
Referee Coordinators – Bob and Irene Romagosa
Booth Setup and Take Downs – Jim and Ginny Mitchell
Medical – Shirley Waterhouse
Communications – Jim Lafferty
Hostesses – Pat Austin
T-Shirt Distribution – Jay and Linda Vandenbree
Photographers – Mike Waterhouse
Banners and Windscreens – Mike Conley
The Quad States Senior Open Tournament was hosted at Robson Ranch May 3-5 for entrants 50+.
In July 2019, approximately 60 pickleball players joined together to say goodbye to Rod and Jennifer Hill as they moved from Robson Ranch. They were among the very earliest members and supporters of the Robson Pickleball Club. They will be missed.
December 2019 saw the introduction to a new membership system and website. John Napurano, the Club Technical Supervisor and Webmaster and Mark Kellam, Member at Large, designed and implemented an extremely user-friendly website.
The opening days of 2020 included the planning of the Quad States Senior Open which was to be held here May 1-3. Unfortunately, the events of the Covid 19 pandemic forced the cancelation of this tournament.
Some much needed improvements to our courts were approved by the Pickleball Club and the HOA. Initially, the membership agreed to fund, in partnership with the HOA, fans for the patio and lights for the unlighted courts. Those improvements are to be completed in 2020.
In 2019, the Robson Ranch Pickleball Club had 388 members.
2020-2021
Officers for the 2019-2020 year were:
President – Tom Michelsen
Vice President – Ken Quarfoot
Secretary – Marilyn Winter
Treasurer – Chris Root
Members at Large – Jim Mitchell, Spike Evans, David Parker
Player Development – Donna Henry
Academy – Donna Henry
Tournaments– Mark Kellam
Ratings – Susan Michelsen
Public Relations – Mary Ann Bane
Social – Carrie Summers
Scheduling – Nolan Gunnoe & Charley Cotner
Tech Support and Webmaster – John Napurano
Tech Support – Spike Evans
With the onset of Covid 19, virtually 100% of all club activities were severely curtailed during the first several months of 2020. It was May, 2020 before any semblance of normality returned to Pickleball. Tight restrictions on the number of players, mask wear, and “social distancing” became the norm for our club. Despite this, to the delight of the members, Pickleball was again being played on the courts at Robson Ranch.
In 2020, the Robson Pickleball Club revised and updated its challenge system for upgrading proficiency levels. The ratings committee established a process that was efficient, accurate, and easier to document. It consisted of:
1. A skills test using International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) criteria;
2. Playing up to one (1) week with the desired upgrade group;
3. Playing three (3) games to 15 or score a minimum of 36 points in games played with Benchmark Players selected by the ratings committee.
Under the Board approved system, a player was to be required to pass all three steps to advance. This new system was designed to also bring the Robson Pickleball Club in line with most clubs across the nation.
Another significant upgrade in 2020 was the conversion of the rating system from A, B, C, D to the numerical system 2.0-4.5. This numerical system was for internal club use only not incorporated with USAPA/UTPR for tournament play.
The Robson Ranch Pickleball Club had 550 members in 2020.
