Results

GREEN ACRES OPEN
Swan Lawn -- Kokomo, IN
June 21, 2008

With so many Monkeyball vets at the same party at the same time, there was only one thing to do: start a Monkeyball tournament. And so we did. The Swan Lawn just outside Kokomo, Ind., hosted its first ever sanctioned event. I'm sure it won't be its last, however, as this property was made for Monkeyball: plenty of room for spectator seating, three great courts out front, and room for many others at their equally hospitable neighbors. Carl – that's a challenge – you need to host again.

On to the action… the event featured 20 ballers on 5 courts, 15 of which were MB tournament vets, and 16 players are scheduled to compete in the upcoming World Championships. 8-year-old Emma Hintz gave Carl a run for his money (actual quote: "knock it off you little snot" – is that trash talk?). The top five world-ranked players finished in the top five of this tournament, including Chuck Trinoskey (he'll be sleeper at MB4) and Joe Frushour (Joe lost a 13-5 lead in the semifinals). Casey Frushour went pinch-style for the first time – successfully – and finished third (surviving a tough match from rookie Teri Sutton in the Losers Bracket). Dan Kidle continued his great MB play in non-Worlds tournaments, grabbing silver after falling twice to champion Andy Frushour. Commissioner Frushour continued his great run in 2008, rolling through the Green Acres field highlighted by 15-0 and 15-1 wins in the final two rounds.

Thanks to Carl, Misty, Teri and Dave for hosting this great event. We'll see you all at the Old Orchard on Aug. 2.