Results

HOLT "GRASS RULE" INVITATIONAL
Ashbrook Lawn - Holt, MI
May 26, 2008

On one of the warmest Memorial Days in recent memory, the Holt "Grass Rule" Invitational was a laid back tournament in celebration of Kristin Denyes' birthday. The field of 12 consisted of five Monkeyball veterans and seven rookies. 11th ranked Jeremy Foco was shut out early by Kari Dressler 15-0, but made his way through the loser's bracket falling to rookie Erik Hultquist in the battle of the day, 15-13. Veteran Don Denyes had an exceptional run starting with two tough competitors, his wife Nancy and daughter Kari Dressler. His only losses were to his son-in-law, and eventual winner Andy Dressler. Don had Andy on the ropes after two fantastic racks making the score 12-4, but 8 th ranked Dressler wouldn't fold easily. Four racks later, Dressler pulled off the win sending him to the finals and easier win over Denyes. 

This tournament was not without controversy. Coordinator and winner Andy Dressler had to make a ruling early on regarding balls hanging from the 3-Limb touching grass. The call was made that any ball touching grass even by a hair does not count. The ruling was cause for so much complaint that host Don Denyes broke out the mower and re-cut the Monkeyball grounds. A post tournament discussion with Monkeyball Commissioner Andy Frushour resulted in the conclusion that the initial ruling could have been different.  

A special thanks goes out to Nana for taking care of Benjamin most of the day while his parents played around. You are an awesome lady and we love you very much. And to the Birthday Girl, we love you and hope all your birthday wishes come true.  

(Commissioner's Note: First, Dre made the initial call and was consistent the rest of the day. Although the call was incorrect, his course of action the rest of the day - a consistent application of a ruling - was appropriate. Second, the ruling in question is not adequately covered in the rulebook. I have always counted balls that touch or skim the grass, but upon further review of the official tournament rulebook, it is not clear in the printed rules. Rule 5.5.1 will be added to eliminate confusion in the future. Third, props to Dre for dealing with an unfavorable crowd and tense situation. It's not easy being tournament manager and lead official, and the MB community appreciates your continued service and promotion of the game.)