Great Lakes Dart Challenge 2004

“But your thoughts will soon be wanderin' the way they always do

when your riding sixteen hours and there's nothin much to do

and you don't feel much like riding

you just wish the trip was through”

--Bob Seger “Turn the page”

There is a saying that goes something like—“what goes around—comes around.” Considering that years ago, when I was younger, that is, I spent some time as a dishwasher at “Cecil’s Ranch House.” Now, they call it the “Westwood Ranch.” In somewhat of a family tradition, my older brother also worked there once, my youngest son has gained employment at this esteemed establishment. As all who have read at least one of my articles “from the Westwood,” know it is the premier dart venue—in not only Michigan— but certainly the mid-west. Being such, you can expect some dart event nearly every night of the week—Monday’s had a singles league, Tuesday is the Grand Rapids Dart League night, Wednesday is the open doubles, Thursday another singles night, and Friday—the luck of the draw. Yes, if you want to play darts—this is the place to be.

It was Wednesday, the day before the historic visit of Steve Brown to the Westwood. I stopped in to pick up my son after his shift of scraping the residue off the plates of one of Marty’s specialties. Arriving a little before my son was due to finish for the night—I saw the Wednesday Doubles crowd playing the format—Cricket, 501, Cricket. Greetings and refreshment offers abound—as only the dart community can understand. Watching a few matches, I observe the gamut of styles and abilities—from the 26 to the 140, and the “brick” to a 7 mark. Darts—good and bad. I was watching a match between our favorite proprietor, Marty Huver and his partner, Mary Falk, facing off against Sue Cherry and Annette Snyder. You will probably see some of these names later in the article and in the results that accompany the article. In between the throws—Sue waxes philosophical as the jukebox blares in the background… “Here I am on the road again, there I am up on the stage, here I go playin' the star again, there I go, turn the page.” Sounds like the life of a dart player as best described by Mr. Seger and elucidated by Sue. Damn—dart players can be some real deep people.

Thursday—the much anticipated “Evening with Steve Brown” had arrived. Although I had class, trying to finish a Bachelor’s Degree on my GI Bill before it expires, I knew the show would go on without me. Arriving after my class—I was immediately informed that Steve had only one blemish on his record for the night—and it was none other than Jeremy Schuiling who made that blemish. A resident pro, you ask? No, a 10-year-old child! That’s right—a child had beaten the pro, much to the pleasure of the crowd. Jeremy also claimed the $50 prize sponsored by Rocky Johnston, President of the Grand Rapids Dart League. Rocky promised a $50 prize to the first “amateur” to beat Steve—and Jeremy proudly claimed his cash. Steve’s record remained pretty much unscathed until late in the evening when Dave DePriest (in a repeat match) finally got the best of him in a game of 701. A few more victories for Steve, and it was down to the final three games of the night. First off, Matt “The Doorman” VanConant. The day seemed to be taking its’ toll on Steve as the “Doorman” notched up the third, and final, win for the amateurs. The penultimate match featured GRDL President Rocky Johnston. Rocky made a valiant effort—and Steve threw another of his frequent 145’s (going for the 170 out—but just could not find that Double Bull when necessary. Steve then made quick work of his 25 balance, and then it was my turn for the final game of the night. It seemed appropriate—two National Dart Hall of Fame inductees finishing out the night. Maybe if I remind Steve how he was not so gentle with the late, great Moo-Man, he will be more lenient on yours truly—then again—probably not. I had intended to play Cricket against him—but he was so desperate to get his name on a plaque that I opted for the 701. If someone hits a 170 in or 170 out—the Westwood makes a plaque and hangs it on the wall. Steve REALLY wanted one. To the game, not that it was all that close—Steve found that 145 one more time and I actually set myself for the 170 out. Not even close. Steve finished me off—with a nail. Yes, Sue, Steve nailed me too. A final refreshment and it was off to the hacienda—Friday was still a workday for me.

Friday has finally arrived and the workday is finally over. Game On! The first event of the evening is the “Weakest Link.” An elimination event—winner take all. The winner is Tom “TomTom” Davis. Tending to my refreshment needs this evening is Autumn Bucholtz, server extraordinaire. Following the “Weakest Link” is a blind draw doubles. Some interesting pairings—results in Jeremy “Wimpy” Previe and Jamie Bishop facing off against Casey Jones and Bill DeBlase in the finals. Claiming to the prize are “Wimpy” and Jamie.

The list of dignitaries attending this event continues to grow: Jim Poliquin (Founder and CEO, National Darts Hall of Fame); Lori Bauernschub (Secretary/Treasurer, National Darts Hall of Fame); Jim Askham (President, Windy City Darters); Peter “Pop Star” Citera (Windy City Darters); and Eric Coté (President, Western Maryland Dart Association), in addition to Steve Brown. Not a bad turn out, if I say so myself.

Things have moved along so well, let’s have another Luck of Draw—a Second Chance. Good thing Autumn is tending to my needs—this could be another long night. But it is all good. Facing off in the finals of the Second Chance Luck of the Draw, were the duos of Dan Clack and Doug Moga and Derek Becker and Tom Wyntjes. Taking top prize were Dan and Doug.

A last round of refreshments, farewell to the remaining players, and it is time to head to the abode—morning will arrive too early as usual and I have a few errands to run before I can sit down to record the events.

Rising at the crack of noon—figuratively—it is time to down some java, pack up the laptop and tend to some errands. A couple cups down—and I hit the road for the upcoming trek that will lead me back to the Westwood.

The first event of the day is Blind Draw Triples. In the finals, we have Steve Brown, Paul Metevier, and Betty Sowter facing off against Dave DePriest, Tom “Tom Tom” Davis, and Jen Nielson. In a highly contested final, Steve, Paul, and Betty proved to be the stronger trio and claimed the top prize.

Moving on to Women’s Doubles Cricket. Lori Burgett and Krista Wyntjes met Betty Sowter and Tammy Snow in the final pairing. Betty and Tammy proved too strong and garnered the victory.

Men’s Doubles Cricket is next. The duo of Skippy Jordan and Steve Jordan faced off against Rodney Raimer and Casey Jones. When the final dart was thrown, Skippy and Steve claimed First Place.

Open Singles 501 Singles next on the list. The final pairing—Steve Brown and Dave DePriest. Have I mentioned these names before? In clinical fashion, Steve displayed why he is so highly ranked in the world. The first leg was a 14 darter, and he followed that up with back-to-back 12 darters (140, 140, 140, 81 out; 81, 140, 140, 140 out) to claim the Open 501 singles title.

Women’s 501 Singles final saw mother face daughter when Dawn Jones met Shellie Robinson. Experience showed as mother Dawn claimed the top prize.

Things have been moving along smoothly again, so, there will be a Luck of the Draw—Chicago format. For the finals of the Luck, we have Jeremy “Wimpy” Previe and Sarah Cash facing off against Dan Clack and Brandy Ham. Despite the hour, some good darts were thrown and “Wimpy” and Sarah claimed first place.

Time to empty the glass, say goodbye and head to bed.

It is now Sunday.

Open Doubles 501. Somehow, I was coerced into entering this event. My teammate, Scott Smith, and I attempted to be respectable. What is that old saying, “Tons for show—Doubles for Dough.” We opted for the former, rather than the latter. With a touch of poetic justice, Steve Brown and his partner are also knocked out in the first round. This could make for an interesting final. Meeting in the finals are Keith Higginbotham and Tom Wyntjes versus Mike Sanders and Rick Weinstock—Grand Rapids versus Chicago, it seems so appropriate. The final double thrown and Keith and Tom have bested the out of towners to claim the Open Doubles 501 Championship.

Women’s Double 501 had the pairings of the mother and daughter duo of Dawn Jones and Shellie Robinson facing off against the pairing of Brenda Ingersoll and Carol DePriest. Continuing their winning ways, Dawn and Shellie claimed the title.

Women’s Singles Cricket had, once again, Dawn Jones, facing off against Lori Burgett. Lori—the region 4 ADO cricket qualifier—had a tough challenge in Dawn once again. In their previous ADO qualifier, Lori had been victorious, however, tonight—it was Dawn’s turn to claim the Great Lakes Dart Challenge Women’s Singles Cricket title.

Men’s Singles Cricket. You would expect some excellence at the final level—and it was there. Steve Brown faced off against Keith Higginbotham for the best of five. It may have only taken three legs—but three excellent legs—that led to Steve Brown claiming the title as the Men’s Singles Cricket Champion.

With all the time—you know there has to be a Luck of the Draw to follow—and there is. Time and darts will tell whom (or is that who?) claims the final chunk of change for the weekend. Meeting in the finals are—Dave DePriest and Krista Wyntjes against the husband and wife duo of Monty and Dawn Jones. You guessed it—Dave and Krista claimed the final prize.

And there you have it. Once again, the Grand Rapids Dart League and the Westwood Ranch have combined to put on an excellent tournament. If Marty only had a hotel on site—we could probably live here… “Later in the evening as you lie awake in bed, with the echoes from the amplifiers ringin' in your head, you smoke the day's last cigarette, remembering what she said…”

Reporting from the Westwood Ranch, Belmont, Michigan, Bruce W Gerber.