Jim Wilson’s Retirement

Four years have passed since I became the USAPA Ambassador for Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Pittsboro. Shortly thereafter I stumbled into Bernard Leach’s office at Chapel Hill Parks and Rec and gave him my Pickleball pitch. Bernard was skeptical but he gave me a shot: I could hold a clinic in the gym and he would promote it. He did and it worked. We are forever indebted to Bernard Leach – a first class guy.

About 15 people attended that initial clinic, JB Marr being one of them. JB and I became fast friends and, a few years later, I asked him to become my co-Ambassador. I needed help. The USAPA approved the arrangement and, as they say, ” the rest is history”.

Several months ago I knew a four year stint would be enough – for the group and me. I shared my thinking with JB and we agreed on a succession plan: I would retire as an Ambassador at year-end and JB would stay on – provided we could find a person with whom he could work. Our first, and only, choice was Brad Hemminger. The three of us met and Brad agreed to fill my seat. The next step was USAPA approval which was easy given Brad’s outstanding credentials.

So, effective January 1, 2017 our co-Ambassadors will be JB Marr and Brad Hemminger who were kind enough to give me the title “Ambassador Emeritus” ( “Emeritus” is Latin for “old” ) and allow me to remain on the Steering Committee. JB and Brad will do a super job!

I will continue to play recreational Pickleball which I love, introduce newcomers to the game ( a top priority ) and enjoy my other interests outside of Pickleball.

I look forward to seeing my friends on the courts, as always, but you will no longer be required to kiss my ring.

Have fun! It’s only a game.

Jim W