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GBRC hosts weekend tournaments Feb. 5 and 6
pickleball tournament
Two-person teams compete in pickleball during a GBRC adult tournament held at the Panther Activity Center and Great Bend Middle School on Sunday, Feb. 6. The all-day event drew 65 teams from all around the area. - COURTESY PHOTO

The Panther Activity Center at Great Bend High School and Great Bend Middle School were busy last weekend as the Great Bend Recreation Commission hosted two separate tournaments on Feb. 5 and 6. 

Saturday, Feb. 5, 36 youth basketball teams were in town for the one-day Kansas Basketball Academy Foundation (KBAF) basketball tournament. This tournament included grade boys and girls teams in grades 1-6 with a 2.5-hour radius from Great Bend. Starting at 8 a.m. and finishing around 10 p.m., the tournament featured 56 games on five courts at the PAC and GBMS. Great Bend Rec joined with KBAF to help organize this event.  

GBRC Assistant Superintendent Chris Umphres estimated the tournament brought roughly 1,800 participants and spectators to Great Bend.  

Sunday, Feb. 6, GBRC hosted a 65-team adult pickleball tournament, beginning at 7 a.m. and finishing around 8 p.m.  The morning session included men’s and women’s events and the mixed divisions in the afternoon. Teams included recreational, intermediate, advanced and an over 60 years of age divisions. The Rec marked out and used 15 courts at the PAC and GBMS.

Umphres said the pickleball tournaments have grown over the past couple of years and draw teams from a four-hour radius around Great Bend.  

“It is amazing what these events have become with the great partnership between GBRC and the USD 428 School District,” Umphres said. “The school district not only provides the needed facilities but the district’s staff working these events are awesome. We couldn’t bring these tournaments or gain the economic impact in our community without great partnerships.”