Lenbrook Strikers Croquet Team Takes Third Place in First Tournament
Congratulations to the Lenbrook Strikers croquet team which took third place in the first annual United States Croquet Association Georgia Cup Tournament in late April! Ten Lenbrook Residents played in the competition – their first tournament as a team. Team members were Dottie Blitch, Dave Dimling, Barbara Eddins, Jeanne Gambrell, Bob Hunter, Paula Imlay, Jim Manley, Lamar Oglesby, Lee Thomas, and Elaine Wecksler.
The competition opened with a Friday night ceremony and practice play. Games started early Saturday morning and ran through late Sunday afternoon.
“The Lenbrook team did an outstanding job!” said Monique Donigan, Lenbrook Manager, Fitness. “They played against professional croquet players, some that had even won tournaments before! Against all odds, they pulled through and came in third place.”
Prior to the tournament, Priscilla Flowers, Certified Professional Croquet Instructor, went to Lenbrook to help the players prepare for the competition. She also conducted croquet workshops and training for residents to kick off Lenbrook’s annual Spring Croquet Relaunch.
“I started playing croquet when the court came to Lenbrook,” said Elaine Wecksler, one of the Lenbrook Strikers team members. “The professional instructor came to give instruction, and I enjoyed it and started to practice. I even go out on the court and play by myself to get practice to try and perfect my abilities. This year, I really took advantage when the croquet pro instructor came on campus so I can learn new techniques – they come in handy! I enjoy the game very much and really appreciate the camaraderie at Lenbrook. Everyone is so encouraging. I enjoy the strategic aspect of the game. You aren’t just out there hitting a ball. It keeps the mind sharp.”
At Lenbrook, residents play golf croquet which is easy to learn and fun for both beginning and expert players. Two or four players take turns instead of watching a team member on a run. There are four colored balls: Blue, Red, Black, and Yellow – always played in this sequence, with one shot per turn. The object of the game is to be the first side to score seven points or be ahead when time is called. Games take about an hour to play, depending on players’ skill levels.
Lenbrook has a regulation-size croquet lawn that includes two half-courts on artificial turf. Croquet lets residents gather with friends, get some exercise, breathe in the fresh air, use mental skills to strategize the game, and have fun too! Lenbrook Associates have also learned how to play croquet and enjoy talking with residents about the game.
(Pictured from left to right: Jeanne Gambrell, Bob Hunter, Barbara Eddins, Jim Manley, Lamar Oglesby, Dave Dimling, Paula Imlay, Dottie Blitch and Elaine Wecksler. Not pictured: Lee Thomas)