Q: When did you first join R4R and how did you learn about us?
A: About four years ago, Patty entered us for a run in Auburn called “Blood, Sweat, and Beers”. Walking about after the run, we met the very welcoming R4R group and were invited to attend a R4R event – we did and joined.
Q: April is National Pickleball Month. As a frequent pickleball player, what to you love most about the sport and why should someone come out and give it a try?
A: I enjoy playing the sport, but what I have somewhat surprisingly found is the most enjoyable part of playing is the people I have met – some of whom have become my very best friends.
Q: For a new pickleball player, what advice would you give them to help them enjoy their beginner pickleball play?
A: Take a beginning class (AKA Pickleball 101) or, better yet, sign up for one of R4R member’s Philip Jackman free classes. I have been to one, and he is a very good coach. The classes are informative and a lot of fun.
Q: What has been your favorite travel destination and why?
A: Vietnam. The culture, the history, the people, and the sights are unique and quite an experience.
Q: Other than playing pickleball, how do you like to spend your free time?
A: Being grandpa to two boys who live only 20 minutes away (Grady 3.5 and Griffin 1.5 yrs old).
Q: What has been your most unusual or interesting job?
A: Working for an engineering firm while attending college where I dropped into sewer manholes to insert equipment used for measuring sewage flow. Once, I had two men hold me by my legs to lower me down in a flooding manhole.
Q: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
A: I was an Air Force military brat – born in Japan to an Australian mother.
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
A: I suppose radishes, especially straight out of the garden – sweet and spicy.
Q: How would you describe your Runnin’ for Rhett experience to a child?
A: There are people with R4R you can share and trust your life’s stories with – they become part of your family.