They’re picking up pickleball in Hampton

Folks in a pickle about finding something to do Wednesday and Sunday evenings in Hampton now have a fun and healthy option?
A group in Hampton is spending those evenings each week playing the new game that is sweeping the nation—pickleball. And they’re looking for more players.
The Hampton Auditorium has opened its doors for pickleball games after equipment was donated by former Hampton residents Larry and Lois (Jensen) Bare who moved to Scottsbluff last July.
“They were moving and they needed to downsize,” said Craig Dallegge, one of the six Hampton residents who plays currently.
“They played a lot and they talked about playing and none of us had every played so they’re like, ‘You’ll like it!’” said fellow player, Linda Senff.
Soon after the court was donated there were 10-15 people playing the tennis-like game at the Auditorium twice a week, but since then the number has dwindled to six regular players. 
The pickleball players are mostly members of the Hampton High School classes of 1971 and 1973 but anyone in the community is welcome to play. 
“We have one who’s a farmer and this winter he played pretty much every time,” Dallegge explained. “He was a regular, but now it’s going to be probably hit and miss.”
Those who want to play regularly will need to pay for a key fob to get into the auditorium which is $20 for a year. For those who are new to the sport and don’t have their own paddles and balls there are extras available. 
“They can try it out and if they like it, they can come back,” Dallegge commented.
Anyone within the community can try playing pickleball by visiting the Hampton Auditorium on those evenings each week. On Wednesday evenings the games start at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.