Good Times on the Court: OCO Hosts Sakura Classic Pickleball Tournament

By ROGER KINOSHITA

On March 4 and 5, OCO hosted its first annual Sakura Classic — Pickleball Tournament and Clinic.

The tournament was held at the Tustin Pickleball Courts, which has 10 dedicated courts. The event began with an early 6:30 a.m. player check-in.  

Roger Kinoshita chaired the event and was assisted by committee members Glenn Tanaka, Gary Itano and Brian Lee.

Over 110 players registered for the tournament. Many parents partnered with their adult children and other adults partnered with aunts, uncles, and cousins. Other teams included best friends and spouses. Over 75 spectators lined the courts to cheer on their friends and family.

Medals were awarded to the top three teams, but all players went home as winners because they each received goodie bags that included Japanese snacks, green tea beverages, Cliff Bars, cooling towels and other essential pickleball items. Over $2,000 worth of merchandise and donations were generously provided by players.

The clinic, led by Johnny Cheng, had over 30 adults and 20 children learning the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. The youngest was 6 and the oldest 60+ years old — a sport for the entire family. Volunteer instructors included regional and national champions, a certified instructor, and many advanced players.

Each participant was given a paddle and balls to take home so they could perfect their game for next year’s Sakura Classic tournament.

Below are the results:

Women 60+ 3.0/3.5

1^st: Laura Kigawa, Alrene Ozaki

2^nd: Cyndee Cazares, Dianne Kobayashi

3^rd: Frances Yamasaki, Madel Yawata

Men 60+ 3.0/3.5

1^st: Walt Ando, Donald Toy

2^nd: Gary Itano, Donny Yep

3^rd: Ted Chen, Terry Owens

Mixed 60+ 3.0

1^st: Helen Sun, Donny Yep

2^nd: Laurel Hirouji, Jeff Hirouji

3^rd: Shirley Kaichi, Wayne Hamamoto

Mixed 60+ 3.5

1^st: Cyndee Cazares, Donald Toy

2^nd: Joyce Eng, Herbert Lou

3^rd: Bonnie Goodman, Greg Goodman

Women<59 3.5

1^st: Diane Kuramoto, Carol Sakamoto

2^nd: May Patterson, Mako Sako

3^rd: Karl Lowe, Leslie Kawai

Men<59 3.0/3.5

1^st: Lance Hoy, Scott Hoy

2^nd: Watt Ando, Peter Ho

3^rd: Darryl Iwasaki, Robert Uyehara

Men<59 4.0

1^st: Ji Park, Scott Hatakeyama

2^nd: Johnny Cheng, Daniel Kwon

3^rd: Michael McClean, Carlo R.

Mixed<59 3.0

1^st: John Shimazaki, Linda Shimazaki

2^nd: John Tanaka, Jill Tanaka

3^rd: Robby Uyehara, Aimee Iwasaki

Mixed<59 3.5

1^st: Kelly Woodrum, Ted Chen

2^nd: Julie Yu, Howard Yu

3^rd: Diane Kuramoto, Lance Kuramoto

Mixed<59 4.0

1^st: Ji Park, Cindy Chan

2^nd: Brian Lee, Aimee Burdette

3^rd: Michael McClean, Tamara Novak