Well-Known Pickleball Player Celebrates 90th Birthday at the YMCA

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Fred Noll, Zanesville Pickleball Player, was in shock today as he walked into his surprise 90th birthday celebration at the Muskingum County Family YMCA.

Noll has been an active pickleball player for many years. He says it feels amazing to be able to still play at this age and it really keeps him active.

“At my age I hate working out. So this is my workout for the week. I play three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a good couple of hours and I try to stay competitive,” Noll said. “Some of the people that are really good players are being nice to me, I know, but it’s really enjoyable and the exercise is one reason. I’m a diabetic too, like a million other people and exercise is important as the food you eat. So, I’m not going to quit until I have to.”

The Zanesville Pickleball Group came together to throw an amazing gathering for Noll’s 90th birthday and he couldn’t have been more appreciative.

“This is amazing. When I first walked in, they were all lined up and they had stopped playing. Someone knew that I was coming and what time because it was a complete surprise and I walked in and they all let out a yell, and that started the day,” Noll stated. “I’m just grateful for all of the friends I got here. I’ve never been in a group with people like this. Everyone is so curtesy and just couldn’t be a nicer group of people.”

Noll shared how much pickleball has meant in his life and encourages anyone in the community to come out and participate if you’re interested in playing.