I can't get
through to the other side,
When you're
racing in the rapids
There's only one way, that’s to
ride.”
--In The Rapids (Genesis) (Banks/Collins/Gabriel/Hackett/Rutherford)
Well, it’s here again—another Michigan February. Contrary to this time last year, it has been an unusually warm winter—and not the quarter inch hail and freezing rain we had in 2001. We are here for the Michigan Dart Organization (MDO) sanctioned Grand Rapids Dart League premier event—“Shoot the Rapids.”
Like last year, MDO President Rita Sands and her companion, Yogi Yruegas are here to run the show—a finer duo would be hard to find. GRDL members Scott Smith and Cheryl Ward are lending their time and talents in assistance at the control desk.
Punching out of work—it’s not really a drive to the Westwood Ranch—it’s practically on my way home. Being that it is my local anyway—the 3 “B’s” don’t really apply here. I pack up the laptop and newly acquired digital camera and head to the Westwood. Owners Duane and Margo Huver have set aside a table—and dedicated waitress, Jordan—to tend to my needs and accommodate my laptop.
The first event of the evening is the Luck of the Draw. As I get settled in—the crowd starts to materialize. Marty Huver, the manager informs me that there he has been contacted by players from across the state—sounds like a pretty good turnout. Greetings are exchanged with old friends I haven’t seen in a while—and introductions to new ones commence. One of the finer aspects of the game is the people you meet—from all walks of life, with a common interest—propelling 16 to 28 gram missiles at an inanimate object eight feet away.
John Zimelis, President of the Grand Rapids Dart League stops by to chat. Just as quickly, he’s off to schmooze—he’s not throwing in the tournament—he did one year and drew a top shooter and the cries of “rigged, rigged” echoed for weeks afterward. So, he just cruises and makes sure things are running smoothly.
Some of the Lansing crowd has shown up—George Lane and crew—this could get serious—on the boards, but as always—a really good time.
I sat and watched a young lad across the table from me fighting with a brand new bottle of ketchup for his fries—fortunately, his older brother showed up and saved the day—the only cost—a few of the fries.
The draw was closed and 82 players had signed up to participate in the luck. Pretty good showing—a mix of locals and out of towners. The names were drawn and the names called—we are underway!
In typical fashion—some players breathed silent prayers thanking a higher power for their drawn partner—while others mumbled curses at their perceived misfortune. But, that’s why they call it “Luck of the Draw.”
With the “luck” nature—there were more than a few surprises—top players paired with rookies…and an early night—they were out. “I’m saving myself for tomorrow…” the philosophic approach to defeat.
Utilizing the newly renovated “downstairs” – a construction mishap across the street caused a flood last fall—the seventeen newly installed boards, plumbed and trued, were ready for the action.
The local dart source, David Benson, has a shop set up near the registration table—and as expected, business is brisk—flights, shafts and even new darts are snapped up by competitors hoping to gain that competitive edge.
Grand Rapids local Keith Higginbotham and his partner seem to be doing well—Keith’s one of the local favorites and predicted to finish well tonight—regardless of his partner’s experience level. The first money round was a tough one—but they pulled it out.
As the rounds progress, the active competitors become fewer. The table nearby comprised of the victims of earlier matches, had the proverbial card game going—didn’t look like poker—there was no money on the table—and it is Michigan…so it must be Euchre. “Bingo—I’m right—euchre it is.”
Yogi has drawn Grand Rapids local Mike Oakes as his partner—they are doing okay—not great, but with Yogi—there is always a good chance. Yogi has had a pretty long day already—he and Rita had the drive from Mikado, Michigan today—the setup, hotel check-in, etc., --a real long day. Today’s Michigan geography lesson: Mikado—look at the back of your left hand, it is near the first knuckle (yes, the top one) of your index finger and Grand Rapids is two inches below your ring finger (the third one to your left)—or about four and a half hours on the road. You can see it is wearing on him—and Yogi and his partner are out. They would have been a good pick to make it to the finals—but there is that luck factor again. As I write—another local, AJ Snyder comes around—hawking a second chance “luck of the draw.” Of course there are many takers.
The 2001 edition of the Shoot the Rapids saw Lansing’s George Lane and Grand Rapids’ Josh Rigsby take the title—this year they have different partners—but they are both still in it as we progress to the semi-final round. Could it be that former teammates face off in the finals? Time and the darts will tell. Film at eleven…or twelve…when it is done. Well—hold the Kodak ©--Josh and partner Krista Wyntjes got taken out on a 101 finish in the third leg…so it is just George carrying on the tradition—maybe.
The second chance luck has kicked off and the boards are starting to get full again. One wall of boards has been reserved for the finals—and the non-participants are starting to gather in anticipation.
We have reached the finals—Lansing’s George Lane, attempting to defend his 2001 crown, and partner, Dan Martin from Caledonia facing off Davison’s Terry Sowter and partner Dave Spencer from Stanton. Yogi served as the official chalker and match official. And the winners of the 2002 Shoot the Rapids “Luck of the Draw”—George Lane and Dan Martin.
The “second chance” continues—and we’re here to the end…
Somehow, it becomes more fiercely competitive the second time around—and with that—we crown the winner of the second chance luck: Rodney Raimer teamed up with Casey Jones to capture the top prize over Steve Campbell and Lisa Dallas in a hard fought match.
Bar’s closed—time to go home—another day tomorrow. So, off in my truck I go—Saturday is another day filled with events.
Saturday’s event line is Draw Triples, followed by Open and Women’s Doubles, then Open and Women’s Singles. The format for all events are ’01, Cricket, Choice.
A couple pots of coffee at home and I am ready to head back to the Westwood, morning always comes too early during dart tournaments.
The Draw Triples led off the day. A total of 28 teams signed up for the event. A few more of Michigan’s notables have shown up—Dave DePriest, Mario Mendoza, and Steve Hertzfeld—to name a few. Things could really start heating up at the o’che.
Taking the top prize of $600 was the trio of Dave DePriest, Neil Quenon and Jerry Carpenter with their victory over George Lane, Kevin Green and Bill Pastoor.
Russ, the Westwood cook, stopped by to say ‘hi’ and have his name put in the article—kind of reminds me of Bob “Cowboy” Artman from Youngstown… See Russ—I mentioned you—now where is that steak dinner?
Next on the agenda was the Open and Women’s Doubles. Steve Hertzfeld and Tim O’Connell claimed the Open purse of $500 in a well fought duel with Neil Quenon and Jerry Carpenter. On the distaff side, Tammy Snow and Betty Sowter won first place and the $400 by defeating Mary Breckenridge and Fran Nolf by the score of 2-1.
My little table was relocated closer to the bar—of course; this rapidly became the center of “can you watch this for a minute…?” I think I should have charged people—I could have made a killing. Today I had the tag-team of Tara and Celeste tending to my refreshment needs. They did their job well. As the games progress, those unfortunates who could not bring up their game gathered around the table to commiserate with each other—tales of missed doubles, bricks in cricket and “my partner sucked”—the standard lies.
The final events of the tournament were Open and Women’s Singles. Unfortunately, Mick Manning was not here to make the book—but, early on favorites are Dave DePriest, Neil Quenon, Steve Hertzfeld and George Lane. Time and the darts will see how well I predicted. Steve Hertzfeld passes me with bowed head—well, scratch him from the pool. Mario Mendoza went “Bang” and there went George. My pool is dwindling… Neil has just cashed in for the night—which leaves Dave.
The crowd is thinning, but they just announced another “Luck of the Draw”—this could be one more long night…and the also-rans are running for the desk. Yep, a long night indeed.
We have reached the finals—and I still have Dave. His opponent is Paul Metevier. Claiming the 1st place title was Dave with his victory 2-0 over Paul. “Sometimes, even the blind squirrel finds a peanut,” to quote my brother (and probably a few thousand other folks)—and I picked this one. For the ladies, Lansing partners Tammy Snow and Betty Sowter faced off. Tammy defeated Betty for the top prize.
Taking the top prize in the “last chance” draw were Roger Wood and Steve Snow (amazingly—wearing a Detroit Lions shirt—would have figured him to come up a yard short) with their victory over Tom Wyntjes and Dan Breckenridge. What a match—but—the worst case…among friends…
And then it was over. The hours of preparation were now reduced to cleaning up. Once again, the Westwood Ranch served as the premier venue for a tournament. Rita and the GRDL crew ran a taught ship and the events moved along at a good pace. An extremely well run show…and a good time was had by all.
This reporter is looking forward to next month when the Michigan Dart Organization State Cricket Championships will be held in this same venue—what a treat for me! Like “Arnold” said, “I’ll be back!”
Reporting from the Westwood Ranch, Belmont, Michigan—Bruce Gerber.
Copyright © 2002. Bruce W. Gerber. All rights reserved.