'I Love The Game': Glenpool Man Overcomes Health Challenges To Stay On The Pickleball Court

Pickleball is super popular, and part of the reason is that pretty much anyone can play. That’s especially true for one Glenpool man.

Every Tuesday at the South County Recreation Center, you can expect the gym to be filled with people of all ages—

—and all obsessed with pickleball, including Tim Oster.

“I love the game. It’s addictive,” said Tim Oster.

Every point scored and every laugh shared not only fuels his love for the game but also his love for life.

“To me, it gives me a better quality of life,” said Oster.

Tim was diagnosed with COPD 10 years ago, but he decided early on not to let the diagnosis get in the way.

“It was depressing. I thought to myself, ‘What am I going to do?’ And I said to myself, ‘I know what I am going to do.’ I got a portable machine, figured out how to get a backpack, and made it work. I play with oxygen,” said Oster.

That unwavering spirit shows on the court.

The best part for him, though, is helping others learn.

“You have to take care of the people around you and make sure that things are right. That’s what I try to do here. If I can help someone here better their game, I do that,” said Oster.

In return, people like Todd Winkle rally around Tim.

“It just goes to show how addicting pickleball can be, and also goes to show anybody can play it. I mean, if he can play out here carrying an oxygen backpack and still play very well, it’s very uplifting,” said Winkle.

Tim might take a few more breaks these days, but keeping up with his obsession is worth it.

“We only naturally have so long; you might as well make it as good as you possibly can,” said Oster.