On Feb. 1, State High’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) held a pickleball tournament at the Nittany Valley Sports Centre facility. The event, designed to help fund upcoming FBLA events, such as business management, decision-making, and others, hosted over 10 teams competing for a spot on the podium. 

FBLA is one of the largest business-centric student organizations in the United States. FBLA was originally founded by Hamden Forker in 1942, with the first chapter popping up in Tennessee. Forker created the club with the intent to join together all of the various business clubs around the country, and it is still thriving today. 

FBLA member and senior Jake Hranicka shed light on the contents of FBLA events and membership.

“FBLA is a club where students get to compete in events related to finance, marketing, computer design, and lots of technical and business-related events,” Hranicka said. 

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The event was run with the help of other FBLA members by keeping score or making announcements throughout the event. The event had teams from all over the country, ranging from high school to senior-aged contestants. FBLA shifted their fundraiser from their annual golf tournament to a more inclusive sport like pickleball.

FBLA’s president, senior Ally Duncan, organized the tournament and along with FBLA’s new advisor, Meyers, represented a large voice in the decision to switch to pickleball.

“There is a large pickleball community within Centre County and the surrounding area,” Duncan said, “Pickleball has been successful so far.”

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA and the world. It’s gained the popularity that it has because of the inclusiveness of the sport. Anyone can play, and it doesn’t require the players to be as athletic and quick as a sport like tennis. The sport started picking up a lot of traction and notoriety from older people in communities and has trickled down to younger players to become one of the fastest-growing sports.

The popularity of the sport and the competition allow students to pay for the high fees of the FBLA competitions, including both regionals and states. The tournament required $50 for entry. All of the participants in the tournament had a chance to compete for different medals and prizes, and the tournament lasted from 8 AM to 3 PM. 

Sophomore Luke McGraw explained why he thought the tournament was worth the entry fee.

“It was $50 for both of us to play and, I mean, I’m having a blast out here so I’d say it’s worth it,” McGraw said.

Other students and FBLA members, such as Joey Gallo, Zach Mazer, and Jack Garlin, all agreed that the tournament was a great way to support local students and an even better way to get exercise.

“This tournament helps for fundraising for our state competition and helps decrease the cost so it’s more accessible for us to go,” Mazer said.

State competition fees can add up, and that is one of the factors that prohibits people from making it further in the competitions. This money also gives room from setup and expenses for even more fundraisers which will help expand the club. 

FBLA is always accepting new members. Check out FBLA on the school’s website under the club’s section, or email Ally Duncan (FBLA President) amd38@scasd.org for more information.