Third Annual North Shore Kickoff Classic

August 21, 2016
Lake Bluff, IL

Over 140 players get the Chicago season going

After all the months of preparation, the paddle season in Chicago kicked off with seven hours of fun and exciting competition for all 32 men’s series and all 16 of the women’s series. Eric Moran, the Racquet Sports Manager at Lake Bluff Park District, runs the kickoff, with much assistance from Jim Moorman, Randy Pickell (initial organizer), Corinne Torkelson, Lisa Weis, Matt and Emily Mesley, Rick Hoobler, and Martha Pedersen (Club Coordinator), among many other great volunteers.

The event has grown from 30 teams to 70 teams, is played at 9 clubs, and uses round robin formats leading to leveled championships. What started as a fundraiser has morphed into a tune-up and social event before the Chicago leagues season takes root.

Moran said, “This is a really fun day. It clears the way to meet everyone, there’s a lot less pressure of winning or losing, you get to see different styles of play, and it gets the community together. We are celebrating the start of paddle season!”