Grand Rapids Dart League “Shoot the Rapids” 2004

“Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod;
With its crystal tide for ever,
Flowing by the throne of God?”

--“Shall we Gather” (Robert Lowry)

It’s Michigan. It’s February. It’s raining? As the old axiom goes, “In Michigan, if you don’t like the weather—wait 15 Minutes.”

It just doesn’t matter. Here we are, once again at the Westwood, Dart Central for Western Michigan.

The setup is a little different this year—I still have my reserved spot—it is upstairs, yet conveniently located near the servers—Michelle tending my needs this evening. I am here on a dual mission this year, writing this tome and doing some advertising for one of the sponsors (and my real boss). But it’s all good—it’s a dart tournament.

Setup the laptop, pass out some cards, and the crowd starts rolling in. Many old friends from near and far start strolling through the door. A string of locals, followed by George Lane and some of the Lansing crowd, Teri Nagy and the Eastsiders, Manual Lairson from Ohio, and two of the Windy City’s finest—Peter Citera and Bruce Hoffmann.

The evening started with “Weakest Link,” where all entrants are broken down into groups of six to eight and assigned a board. Each player throws three darts—lowest score is out. Each group continues until only two are left. The final two from each group then meet to determine the “winner take all” event. And the winner of the inaugural “Weakest Link,” Roger Wood. Our league statistician stops by to proofread my efforts thus far…and points out a typographic error that the spell check would not have caught…Got ya “Doorman!”

In the background, audio and video of the 2003 Desert Classic permeates the house. The sounds of WunHundred…AaaTee inspire a few and aggravate others.

They start calling for the Friday “Luck of the Draw.” Format—501, Cricket, Choice. The usual mumbles and grumbles fill the house as the names are called. “Oh no, not that person”…or “we are going to the finals” often at less than whispered tones. There are a few good draws from this writers perspective—Keith Higginbotham and Scott Smith, a couple locals. A local lass, Sue Cherry draws Ohio’s Manuel Lairson—could be a pair in the finals. Time and darts will tell. As the matches progress, the excuses get better (or is that worse) as time goes on. My all time favorite—“I’m saving it for tomorrow.” If you insist. Down to the Semi-final and it is the above duos facing off—I guess my prediction was one round too early—but I will still have one set in the finals—Keith and Scott proved to strong for Sue and Manuel. On the other side of the finals, we have Steve Bechtel and Jim Barnes. In a nail biter of a final—Keith and Scott prevailed to take the top prize. We are done for the night. Spectators and players gather round the bar for a last round, celebrating, and commiserating together. For me, it is clean up, pack up and head to the hacienda…the crack of noon coming too soon for another full day of darts. It is now that I notice my precognicence…since my arrival in the rain—we now have two inches of fresh snow. I told you—wait fifteen minutes.

It’s Saturday now—having shoveled out the driveway, I make my way back to the Westwood. The parking lot is crowded with eager contestants—all waiting for the results of the Blind Triples Draw that is our first event of the day. Coffee is the first order of the day—it’s going to be a long one I’m guessing. The names are being called and some interesting combinations are being drawn together. When the dust settled, the trio of Mario Mendoza, Shawn Lantzy and Stan Stankiewicz faced off against Dave DePriest, Jeremy Previe, and Todd Bucher for the top prize. Blind Draw Triple winners—Mario, Shawn and Stan.

The Open and Women’s 501 Doubles are underway. Some highly competitive games ensued, leaving the pair of Dawn Jones and Shellie Robinson facing off against Terri Nagy and Michelle Nichols. The 2004 Women’s 501 Doubles Champions are Dawn and Shellie. For the men, the group has been whittled down to the pair of Keith Higginbotham and Rodney Raimer challenging Manuel Lairson and Steve Hertzfeld for the title. The Open 501 Doubles champions for 2004 are Manuel and Steve.

Singles Cricket is next on tap for the evening. The Open version should be shaping up to be interesting…Steve Hertzfeld, Manuel Lairson, Dave DePriest, Keith Higginbotham, Neil Quenon, Rodney Raimer, George Lane…and there are lesser-known names all gunning for the “big guys.” For the women—Terri Nagy, Lori Burgett, Lisa Dallas…, and a good contingent of aspiring women, could make for challenging day for all. For the Men, the moment has arrived—two locals—Dave DePriest and Keith Higginbotham face off for the title. With echoes of Phil Taylor in the background, the 2004 Shoot the Rapids Men’s Singles Cricket Champion is Dave DePriest. Upsets abound in the Women’s bracket, with many of the favorites exiting early. The Women’s finals again pitted two “locals”--Dawn Jones against Lori Dibble. The Women’s Singles Cricket Champion for 2004 is Dawn Jones.

Time for the Luck of the Draw—the evening’s last event. Yes, the die-hards are still hanging around. Fortunately, this evening—I don’t have to complete the odd man out. I can just sit back and enjoy. Although the number of contestants had dwindled, the competition remained fierce. Making their way to the finals was the duo of Tom Wyntjes and Dan Clack, facing off against Gary Miller and Jim Gilmet. With the final dart, the Luck of Winners—Tom and Dan.

The sound of “Last Call” and it is once again time to pack up and head to the hacienda. Into the trusty Silver Truck for the short drive home and away we go.

Sunday has arrived, and so have I. Meghan is keeping my coffee cup full. The contestants are constantly asking the time—waiting for the magic 12 Noon hour—when the bar opens. Until then, they satisfy themselves with the breakfast buffet and other non-alcoholic refreshment. The announcement is made—Doubles Cricket entries are closed—we will be underway shortly. There are some potent duos out there on the men’s side—George Lane and Mario Mendoza, Keith Higginbotham and Rodney Raimer, Steve Hertzfeld and Manuel Lairson…any one of these pairs could take it all. True to form, my predictions take an early hit—first round Keith and Rodney versus Steve and Manuel…well, at least one pair may make it to the finals.

The Women’s doubles are announced and again, there sounds like some strong teams. I would need Mick Manning here to make the book on this one.

We are at the semi-finals of the Men’s and it is Keith and Rodney versus George and Mario—once again, one round too early. In the other semi-final, we have Russ Schuiling and Jeremy Previe facing off against Stan Stankiewicz and Tony Bradford. Personally, this bodes well—considering Rodney, Keith, Russ, and Jeremy are all my league teammates… One of the pair will make it to the finals. Or not. The Men’s Cricket Doubles final—George Lane and Mario Mendoza versus Stan Stankiewicz and Tony Bradford. The winners are George and Mario.

In the Women’s finals, the duo of Lisa Dallas and Brenda Ingersoll faced off against Dawn Jones and Shellie Robinson. The winners are Lisa and Brenda.

The 501 Singles are now underway. There is a talented field out there—and many hopefuls. On this Sunday, who will prevail—Mario Mendoza, Manuel Lairson, George Lane, Steve Hertzfeld, Rodney Raimer, or Keith Higginbotham? All are quality contenders. The darts will tell. Rodney had Steve in an early round, and Steve advances. Mario cannot find the range and he is gone. George could not find the Double 20 and it is back to Lansing for him. My field is dwindling again. Keith is still in, but he makes his early prediction—it will be Steve Hertzfeld. Who is starting the pool? Manuel falls to young upstart Jeremy Previe in the Top 8. Now, it is the time for the finals. The competition—Steve Hertzfeld versus Keith Higginbotham. The 2004 Grand Rapids Dart League “Shoot the Rapids” 501 Singles Champion is … Steve Hertzfeld.

The Women’s bracket has reached the finals. Facing off for the title—Dawn Jones and Noelle Fish. The 2004 Grand Rapids Dart League “Shoot the Rapids” 501 Women’s Singles Champion is Dawn Jones.

And so it is over. Another successful tournament run like a well-oiled machine by the Grand Rapids Dart League, Marty Huver and the staff of the Westwood and the volunteers and sponsors who contributed all the time and effort. A hearty “Well Done” to all. Until next time…

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

Copyright © 2004. Bruce W. Gerber. All rights reserved.