Here are the hottest trending croquet search keywords to hit Croquet Network in October:
01. Wii Croquet
02. Jerry Stark
03. Ben Rothman
04. Croquet Network
05. Rocco Mango
06. Morning Coffee Croquet
07. George Cochran
08. Rhys Thomas
09. 2010 Gateball Video
10. Fargo Moorhead Croquet
11. Kevin Betz
12. Elaine Moody
13. Ian Sidey
14. Patrick Sweeney
15. Headland Buderim Croquet Club
FIRST EIGHT
Rk / Player (Wins)
1 -- Jim Bast (9)
-- Ben Rothman (9)
3 -- Brian Cumming (8)
-- Danny Huneycutt (8)
-- Chris Patmore (8)
6 -- Doug Grimsley (6)
7 -- Jeff Soo (5)
8 -- Rich Lamm (3)
SECOND EIGHT
Rk / Player (Wins)
1 -- Damon Bidencope (13)
2 -- Charlie Gillmarten (11)
3 -- Bob Kroeger (8)
4 -- Stuart Lawrence (6)
-- John Osborn (6)
6 -- Paul Billings (5)
7 -- Johnny Mitchell (4)
8 -- Paul Emmett (3)
THIRD EIGHT
Rk / Player (Wins)
1 -- Michael Carmichael (11)
2 -- Adrian Wadley (9)
-- Martyn Selman (9)
4 -- George Cochran (8)
5 -- Leo Nikora (6)
6 -- Tim Rapuano (5)
7 -- Russell Brown (4)
-- Steve Scalpone (4)
FOURTH EIGHT
Rk / Player (Wins)
1 -- Mike Gibbons (11)
2 -- Jon Essick (9)
3 -- Steve Summer (8)
-- Mike Taylor (8)
5 -- Jane Beharriell (6)
-- Robert Hurst (6)
-- Eileen Soo (6)
-- Tom Yates (6)
9 -- Tony Reaves (4)
10 -- Donna Dixon (1)
By Joe Yoder / Photo Gallery by Scott Kennedy
DALLAS, TX -- This year’s Texas fall tournament was another classic. Twenty-two players from Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas joined in three days of often down-to-the-last shot singles. Not only was the competition heated but the torrential storm that blew in Saturday afternoon made things even tougher. As much as four inches of rain fell on the court in Heath, TX and totally swamped it. The court in Quinlan also was rained out. Fortunately, by the time it arrived few key matches remained.
The one game that was affected was an elimination block match between Matt Griffith and Donna Dixon. Fortunately the rain stopped and the match was held after the Saturday night dinner and under the lights at Bob Chilton’s court. Matt took advantage of some early deadness problems that frustrated Donna and he won the match and advanced to the playoffs.
It’s also interesting that the first use of Instant Replay (photographic evidence) happened during the tournament. Scott Kennedy is an avid player and photographer and was shooting Frank Vuitch’s jump shot just for its photographic interest. After the shot, there was a question if Frank shot with Blue had completely cleared Yellow, which was in the hoop and against the wicket. It was a concern because during the shot Yellow moved slightly. After examining Scott’s photo it was determined that Yellow had moved but only because Blue struck the cross bar and this induced Yellow’s movement. Everybody involved examined the photo and unanimously agreed it was a great shot!
Another innovation was using alternate starting positions. We put red and blue tape up the outside of the legs of #1 and Rover and always started the Championship players from this position. It worked well, avoided the log-jam that frequently slows the start of the second game and helped keep the games on schedule.
This year was also the most challenging to organize because of constantly changing court conditions. North Texas had over 60 days of below freezing temperatures during the winter and when that combined with the summer’s unusually hot and humid weather the biggest challenge was saving the courts. Depending upon the constantly changing conditions, we considered holding the event on one, two and even three courts at various time--with the third being 80 miles away in Tyler. Harold Menzel did over 20 different bracket arrangements plotting the ramifications of travel time and the number of players.
Fortunately, Bill and Suzan Copeland’s court in Quinlan, TX. recovered (we thought) and we settled on two courts. Alas, just before the tournament the virus that had been lying dormant reared its ugly head and killed 60% of the grass but, even though it looked pretty bad, it still played surprisingly well. Bob Chilton’s court recovered due to the Herculean work of his green’s keeper, Antonio Flores, who hand watered the bent grass court at least three times a day all through the 100º+ days of summer to save it.
Words cannot express our appreciation to Harold Menzel, bracket manager. He never once complained about the constantly moving target of the number of players, courts and travel times. The result of all his great work was a smooth running, enjoyable tournament. Carrie Shapiro’s work with the food arrangements also was appreciated. A Texas-sized “Hip Hip Hooray” shout-out to Bill and Suzan Copeland and Bob Chilton whose relentless work on their courts made it possible.
One of the tournament’s highlights was the play of Ted Schweitzer. Not only had Ted never played in a tournament, he had never even played a game. He worked two weeks before the tournament and took numerous lessons trying to become competitive. To quote Ted, “I learned more in this tournament than I could have in a dozen weekends.” Despite not winning a game, Ted accomplished his goals, had a great time, and is going to make a great addition to the game.
Everybody left with smiles on their faces and claiming they’d be back next year. If you are looking for a great fall tournament with great competition, food and camaraderie, consider the Texas Croquet Classic.
FINAL STANDINGS
Championship Flight
1. Jeff Caldwell
2. Joe Yoder
3. Britt Ruby
3. Matt Griffith
5. Bill Hixon
5. Matt Smith
7. Donna Dixon
8. Dale Poszgai
9. Billy Bob Breeden
10. John Dill
11. Bob Chilton
12. Bill Copeland
First Flight
1. Bob Knowlton
2. Harold Menzel
3. Frank Vuitch
3. Suzan Copeland
5. Roni Brazell
5. Rob Franks
7. Pat Garner
8. Scott Kennedy
9. George Blackburn
10. Ted Schweitzer
The USCA website implemented a few notable changes over the weekend:
The Croquet Association website now has a job description available for the WCF Secretary General position.
Donna Stark recently posted on the Nottingham List indicating that the Meadowood Croquet Lawns will be officially dedicated in Jerry Stark’s honor next Wednesday, October 27th with a plaque of Jerry’s likeness installed court side. (Caring Bridge Journal Link)
"I understand the plaque is beautiful! It has been delivered to Meadowood and will be mounted on a boulder set into the stone wall that runs the length of the croquet courts."
Hisham Abouesbaa of Egypt won the first 0ver 50's GC World Champion when he beat England's Stephen Mulliner 7-3, 6-7, 7-6, 5-7, 7-4.
In case you missed it in the forum, the line-ups for the U.S. Selection 8's were posted earlier this week. The association event is scheduled for October 28-31 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The Federation of European Croquet recently launched their new website. The federation has 20 member countries.
Danny Huneycutt announced on the Nottingham List that the 2011 USCA Association Croquet National Championship will be held April 10 – 16 (Sunday-Saturday) at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. More from Danny:
Some players outside North America have incorrectly been under the impression that you must be a member of the USCA to participate. The USCA Association Croquet National Championship is to North America what the British Open is to Great Britain. Singles and Doubles will be played throughout the week.
Catching up on the latest in croquet ...
Interesting news video on four high schools that are playing nine-wicket croquet in the Fargo, North Dakota area and are aiming to play a state championship next spring. The four schools that are playing include Moorhead, Shanley, West Fargo, and Fargo North.
Here's a review of a new croquet game for the iPad. I still don't have my hands on an iPad, so I won't be able to review this one.
The latest results from the WCF Over 50 GC World Championship are posted in the forum. For a summary on the action, check the front page of the WCF website.
Final standings from Nine-Wicket Nationals are available and have been posted in the forum.
The 100+ member Tega Cay Club in South Carolina also made a recent newscast:
Ben Rothman won the U.S. singles title with a 2-0 win over David Maloof over the weekend. Rothman and Brian Cumming also took the doubles championship by defeating Maloof and Paul Scott in the finals.
Full photo gallery by Johnny Mitchell:
http://www.mitchellphotos.net/10nationals.htm
FINAL STANDINGS
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Florida
October 3-9, 2010
Championship Flight Singles
1. Ben Rothman
2. David Maloof
3. Paul Scott
Derek Wassink
5. Bill Martin
Doug Grimsley
7. Rich Curtis
Danny Huneycutt
9. Brian Cumming
Peter Just
John Young III
Rick Sheely
13. David Bent
Fred Jones
Jackie Jones
Johnny Osborn
17. Ben Morehead
Tommy Harrington
Johnny Mitchell
Steve Summer
21. Steve Scalpone
David McCoy
Britt Ruby
Ted Quimby
Dick Brackett
26. Donna Dixon
27. Michael Todorovich
First Flight Singles
1. Peter Bach
2. Justin Berbig
3. Jane Beharriell
4. Francsi Palasieski
5. Danna Huneycutt
Marc Campbell
7. Bill Taft
Guy Brown
9. Dave Cohen
Betty Whitlow
Geoffrey Mattison
Sandy Walsh
13. David Collie
Bob Roth
Betty Crisler
16. Carla Rueck
Championship Doubles
1. Ben Rothman – Brian Cumming
2. Paul Scott – David Maloof
3. David Bent – Derek Wassink
4. Rich Curtis – Doug Grimsley
5. Johnny Osborn – Ted Quimby
Danny Huneycutt – Steve Summer
7. Peter Just – Bill Martin
Jackie Jones – Fred Jones
9. Dick Brackett – Ben Morehead
10. Britt Ruby – Rick Sheely
Steve Scalpone – Tommy Harington
12. Johnny Mitchell – John Young III
David McCoy – Michael Todorovich
First Flight Doubles
1. Bill Taft – Peter Bach
2. Donna Dixon – Justin Berbig
3. Bob Roth – Marc Campbell
4. David Collie – Jane Beharriell
5. Sandy Walsh – Betty Whitlow
Danna Huneycutt – Rhonda Summer
7. Dave Cohen – Francis Palasieski
8. Geoffrey Mattison – Betty Crisler
The hottest trending croquet search terms to hit croquetnetwork.com during the month of September:
01. Wii Croquet
02. MacRobertson Shield
03. Courtney Green
04. Lafortune Park Croquet
05. Ruth Summers
06. Mission Hills Invitational
07. Jerry Stark
08. NYCC Tournament
09. Royal St. Catharines Croquet Club
10. David Ekstrom
11. Ruth Summers
12. Quebec Open
13. SC Croquet
14. Croquet NC
15. Cynthia Rugart
Re-posted from the Nottingham list:
"I'm just back from playing for Australia in the 10th World Gateball Championships in China. 11 Million people of all ages and genders play Gateball - no segregation - this was truly an amazing event.
The Pasadena Croquet Club will be hosting a golf croquet extravaganza the weekend of 6-7 November 2010, which is the weekend before the Golf Croquet National Championships at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA on 10-13 November.
The highlight of this event will be a challenge Golf Croquet match
Click for full size between MHCC professional Ben Rothman and PCC member Mohammad Kamal, which will take place on Saturday November 6th at 1:30 pm at the Pasadena Croquet Club in Pasadena, California. The event is free and is open to the public. After the match, Ben and Mohammad will do a jump-shot demonstration, which will culminate with them selecting members of the audience to join their respective teams for an impromptu jump shot competition after showing some pointers.
On Sunday, November 7th at 10:00 am, there will be a doubles Golf Croquet tournament in which spectators, beginners and those new to the sport will be paired up with experienced golf croquet players to compete for prizes.
We are honored to have Ben and Mohammad play for us. Ben is currently the top ranked Croquet player in the United States and North America. He is the 14th ranked International Croquet player in the world. Mohammad is the reigning national champion of Golf Croquet in this country, and is the highest ranked American Golf Croquet player in the world. Both Mohammad and Ben have represented the United States on various teams that have played in international championships. Needless to say, Ben and Mohammad are world class croquet players!
Please contact Eric Sawyer with any questions, at ecsccs@sbcglobal.net.