(BENTON, Ky.) – Local pickleball enthusiasts had an outstanding month of competition in August, earning medals across multiple tournaments and skill divisions throughout the region.
The month kicked off with strong performances at the Professional Pickleball Association’s Bristol Open on August 9th, where several Benton players demonstrated their skills against competitive fields. Cory York and Marvin Travis claimed silver in the Men’s 4.5 division, while Jenny Travis and Meagan York secured bronze in Women’s 4.0 play.
The Crawford family made their mark at Bristol as well, with Jackson and Gavin Crawford earning silver in Men’s 4.0 competition out of 28 competing teams. Sisters Anna and Abbi Crawford added to the family’s success by taking silver in the Women’s 3.5 division.
Home court advantage proved beneficial for many local players during the Benton Paddle in the Park Tournament, also held on August 9th. Ricky and Dannette Baker topped the Advanced Division for gold, followed by Cannon Cornelius and Cindy Crawford with silver, and Anna Beth Carter and Seth Bucy claiming bronze.
The tournament’s Intermediate Division saw Marty and Vickie Gamble take the top spot, while Colby Schroader and Sydney Oswald earned silver, and Adam and Amber Downs rounded out the podium with bronze. In Beginner Division action, Jacob Abdul Khoudoud and Caroline Boyette captured gold.
Competition continued the following week, with Ricky Baker teaming up with Brenden Thomas to earn Men’s 4.0 bronze at the Effingham Paddle Battle on August 16th.
August 17th brought success in St. Louis at the Arch MiLP 18 Division tournament, where Jennifer Wilson’s team secured bronze and Brent Thompson’s squad earned silver.
The month concluded with another strong showing on August 24th at the Dink MiLP in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where the team of Sara Darling, Abbi Crawford, Jackson Crawford, and Cade Sammons claimed silver in the 16 Division.
The impressive medal haul demonstrates the depth of talent in Benton’s pickleball community and highlights the sport’s growing popularity in western Kentucky. Players competed across various skill levels, from beginner to advanced divisions, showcasing the inclusive nature of the rapidly expanding sport.
