Ennis Pickleball Club brings home a collection of medals from the Copper Cup tournament in Butte

On Aug. 30 and 31 a delegation of players from the Ennis Pickleball Club took to the court in at Stoddard Park in Butte to compete in the first ever Copper Cup, an event hosted by the Butte Pickleball Club. Seventy-six competitors, including some from as far away as Great Falls, participated in the event over the course of two days.

“We are thrilled with the success of the first Copper Cup,” said Tim Whitlow, tournament organizer. “This event showcased the growth of pickleball in Montana and the incredible sense of community it brings. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our volunteers, sponsors and players.”

Susie Downs and Jane Jelnik of Ennis Pickleball Club brought home the gold medal in the women' s 3.5-4.0+ (intermediate to advanced) division. Downs also brought home the silver medal alongside Jim Snyder in the 3.5-4.0+ mixed doubles division. 

Drue Holthe and Chuck Ravis brought a silver medal back to Ennis from the men' s 3.5-4.0+ division. Mark Hughs of Ennis partnered with Butte’s Steve Miller to earn the bronze medal. 

The Butte event follows in the footsteps of the Ennis Pickleball Club’s annual tournament as the fastest growing sport in the World continues to grow into corners of Southwest Montana. Sheridan is the next community to host a pickleball tournament as the Sheridan Charitable Community Foundation is partnering with Vigilante Pickleball to  add a tournament to their Fall Festival event on October 11. More information on that event is available at www.globalpickleball.network/network/pickleball-leagues/5163-vigilante-pickleball. 

Butte Pickleball Club 2025 Copper Cup Medalists

Mixed doubles 3.5 - 4.0+ (Intermediate to Advanced)

1st Place Robert Cordova & Anne Schmidt

2nd Place Tim Whitlow & Dorothy Joyce

3rd Place Susie Downs & Jim Snyder

Men' s doubles 3.5 - 4.0+ (Intermediate to Advanced)

1st Place Andrew Sommers & David Babb

2nd Place Chuck Ravis & Drue Holthe

3rd Place Steve Miller & Mark Hughs

Women' s doubles 3.5 - 4.0+ (Intermediate to Advanced)

1st Place Jane Jellinek & Susie Downs

2nd Place Cary Hogue & MK Streitz

3rd Place Dorothy Joyce & Jen Kreiner

Mixed doubles 3.0 - 3.49 (Novice to Intermediate)

1st Place Robin & Ken Walters

2nd Place Steve Miller & Lynda Faraoni

3rd Place Lori Jurenic & Steve Sholey

Men' s doubles 3.0 - 3.49 (Novice to Intermediate)

1st Place Alejandro Calderon & Taylor Read

2nd Place Paul Vetos & Trent Holms

3rd Place David Longtin & Ken Walters

Women' s doubles 3.0-3.49 (Novice to Intermediate)

1st Place Lynda Faraoni & Mary Peek

2nd Place Wendy Longtin & Robin Walters

3rd Place Rachel Cain & Sarah Hankinson