Pickleball craze grows in Minnesota
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While pickleball has been around for nearly 60 years, it has seen considerable growth in the last two decade. Over 3 million people play the sport, and in Minnesota, the sport has no boundaries.
KSTP sports director Joe Schmit connected with some hearty players recently in Prior Lake.
"Once you start playing, it’s so addictive. You make so many friends. I haven’t had this many in my life," said Greg Gee.
***To see Schmit’s story on pickleball in Minnesota, CLICK THE PLAY ICON ABOVE***
On a February day in Prior Lake, Gee and his wife, Kristin, met up with friends Jack and Mariyln Olwell for a match. It happened to be 16 degrees, but in true Minnesota fashion, the elements didn’t deter these folks from playing outside.
Pickleball is being played in Prior Lake, even in the winter.[KSTP/Jeff Brioschi]
"Nobody thinks you’re crazy when you go cross-country skiing. You’re out exercising in the cold and the snow. The hardest thing is to find a court than it is to play in the cold," said Jack Olwell, a Farmington native.
"When I was sitting in my car getting ready to play I said this is dumb, (laughs), but it’s worth it, " said Marilyn Olwell.