“Fourth Annual Rally in the Valley Pickleball Tournament Draws Over 200 Players to Salida”
The fourth annual Rally in the Valley Pickleball Tournament brought more than 200 players to Salida’s Centennial Park courts for a weekend of intense competition and camaraderie. Hosted by the Peak to Peak Pickleball Club, the tournament featured players from near and far, with Salida and Buena Vista locals making their mark on the courts.
The tournament showcased a variety of competition categories, including women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles across different skill levels. Local players Chris Branson and Cami Jamerson impressed the crowd by winning the mixed doubles 4.5 championship, while also placing third in the men’s doubles 4.5 category. Other Salida players, Cheryl Piderit and Dianne Cannella, secured victory in the women’s doubles 3.5 division.
The event was not just about competition, but also about community support. With over two dozen local sponsors and 50 club volunteers, the tournament was a true testament to the spirit of pickleball. Participants enjoyed a post-tournament dinner at the Salida Rotary Scout Hut, sponsored by Mariner, a wealth-management firm near Denver.
One of the most heartwarming moments of the tournament was the partnership between Scarlet Massine, 78, and Josiah Walker, 13, who played together despite not winning any games. Their shared love for the sport and the friendly atmosphere of the tournament left them looking forward to next year’s event.
Overall, the Rally in the Valley Tournament was a resounding success, bringing together players of all ages and skill levels for a weekend of competitive pickleball action and community bonding.
