John Rodrigues was working on a scaffolding in Mullan about 10 years ago when he peeked inside a gym and saw kids playing an odd game.

"I thought, 'That's stupid — they're playing with wooden paddles and whiffle balls," the Coeur d'Alene man said.

Today, Rodrigues is eating those words with a bitter smile. He and his wife, Letha, are ambassadors to that game — pickleball.

They promote the sport that combines many elements of badminton, tennis and ping pong and has exploded in popularity in recent years, including in North Idaho/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Have you played pickleball?