“WICKENBURG, Ariz. – In January 2014, Gale Fiscus, then 82, was described by a local reporter as “running around a court, knocking balls over a net” at a community park. Fast forward over a decade, and now at 92, Fiscus continues to defy expectations, still hitting balls across the nets of the 10 pickleball courts at Wickenburg’s Sunset Park”
Fiscus, a beloved figure in this southwestern Arizona town, has become synonymous with the sport of pickleball, earning multiple mentions in the Wickenburg Sun for his dedication and skill. His journey into pickleball began back in 1988, following an injury that led him to undergo surgery to remove his right clavicle. After moving to Wickenburg in 1992, Fiscus found a new passion in pickleball, which he has pursued with vigor for the past 12 years.
A friend from Washington introduced Fiscus to pickleball, suggesting it might be a better fit for him due to the underhand serve, a key feature of the game. “What’s pickleball?” Fiscus recalled asking before quickly becoming enamored with the sport.
When Fiscus first took up pickleball, it was a modest pastime at Sunset Park. “We started out on the auxiliary court,” he said. “It used to be basketball on each end of the court. They finally took those down because not everybody was playing basketball. It just started going.” As the sport gained popularity, the number of courts increased from one to four and eventually to ten, cementing pickleball’s status as a favorite pastime in Wickenburg. Fiscus proudly considers pickleball “the most popular sport in the USA.”
Ron Miller, a member of the Wickenburg Pickleball Players Association, attests to Fiscus’ impact on the local pickleball scene. “He was instrumental in bringing pickleball to Wickenburg,” Miller said. “(He’s) always a gentleman and, even though we try to play easy with him, he doesn’t return the favor.”
Fiscus’ life is a testament to resilience. Born on a Nebraska farm, he served as a B-29 engine mechanic during the Korean War. It was during a 30-day leave that he met Patricia Louise Patterson, who would later become his wife of over 68 years. Patricia passed away just two weeks before their 69th anniversary in 2022.
With parents who lived to 94, Fiscus, from what he calls “good stock,” aims to keep playing pickleball until he reaches 100. “I’m in pretty good shape for my age,” Fiscus said. “Some weeks I come out five days. I always make (it) at least one or two (days). On average, I probably play three times a week.”
Dondi Weden, a fellow player, marvels at Fiscus’ dedication. “I’m 54, and sometimes I don’t even want to get out of bed, and he gets out of bed and comes here,” Weden said. “I can’t imagine being 92. If Gale can do it, I can do it.” Weden, who often plays with or against Fiscus, is particularly impressed by his sharp backhand and strategic mind. “He comes and plays pickleball because it’s good mentally,” she added. “You can’t underestimate him.”
While Fiscus insists he just plays for fun, he acknowledges that his backhand is well-known among his peers. “Sometimes I’m having a good day,” he said. “I might beat somebody who’s a much more superior player than I am.”
The pickleball courts at Sunset Park see a diverse range of players, with ages spanning from teenagers to nonagenarians like Fiscus. Among them, Fiscus has a favorite partner, Dale Huber, who recalls playing tennis with Fiscus and other retirees before they all transitioned to pickleball.
Fiscus’ influence on the sport in Wickenburg goes beyond just playing; he has fostered a community of friends and competitors, sharing not just the court but also camaraderie and, occasionally, lunch.
“The nice thing about pickleball is there’s more familiarity with the players,” Fiscus said. “I’ve made quite a few friends, I would say.”
Gale Fiscus, a true inspiration on and off the court, continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and passion, proving that age is just a number in the game of life and pickleball.
