Ben Rothman at the 2013 USCA Selection Eights in FloridaRANCHO MIRAGE -- As the number one ranked player in the US, Ben Rothman certainly has his name all over the USCA Champion's page. In fact, he is currently in possession of all six major singles and doubles national titles for the USCA. But when the balls roll out for the 2013 USCA American Rules Croquet National Championship to be held November 11-17 at the Mission Hills Croquet Club in Rancho Mirage, California, Rothman will be on the cusp of an unprecedented achievement in US croquet. With both Association Rules and Golf Croquet National titles already in hand for 2013, Rothman has a chance to become the first player in US history to win the "triple crown" of singles titles for the year, if he can claim this American Rules event.
Jeff SooIt won't be easy as more than 40 of the best six-wicket croquet players in the country will be looking to snag the title as well. In fact, this year’s event has attracted top players like Danny Huneycutt, Doug Grimsley, Brian Cumming, Britt Ruby and Jeff Soo – all previous national title winners.
In fact, Soo also has a chance to make history as he is currently tied with Archie Peck with four national singles titles in American Rules. A win at Mission Hills would stand as the new record.
The event will be the 37th edition and was first held in 1977 when the USCA was founded. Jim Butts and Ron Hendry of the Mission Hills Croquet Club are Co-Tournament Directors.
The tournament itself will feature two flights of play with both singles and doubles action. Block play starts Monday followed by elimination play and the finals will be on Sunday, November 17.
Additional Resources:
USCA Website: www.croquetamerica.com
USCA Champions: www.croquetamerica.com/news/champions/
Mission Hills Croquet Club: www.missionhillscroquet.com/