Grand Haven Croquet Club Championship - 2012
5th Annual Club Championship - March 21 - 24, 2012
Cassandra Gaisor was named Club Champion for the second time in the five year history of the Championship. Sadly, the reigning three time Champion, Chick Carpino, was unable to defend his title due to a back injury. We all wish him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him compete in next year’s event.
Cassandra Gaisor was named Club Champion for the second time in the five year history of the Championship. Sadly, the reigning three time Champion, Chick Carpino, was unable to defend his title due to a back injury. We all wish him a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him compete in next year’s event.
Meet the Players
Championship Flight: Charlie Greer (8), Pat Williams (5), Joe Zilligen (6), Mijai Pagano (5), Cass Gaisor (4.5), George Betz (6), Vincent Marmo (5), and Chick Carpino (4.5) for a total of 8 players.
First Flight: Les Avera (9), Tom Shelko (9), Yvonne Croizer (10), Don White (10), Alan Keith (10), Tony Dos Santos (11), and Cutler Fall (10) for a total of 7 players.
Second Flight: Ton Wetjens (13), Roger LeRoux (12), John Fitterman (15), Bob Crouch (15), Ivonne Wetjens (13), and Nancy Crouch (15) for a total of 6 players.
Time to Head to the Courts
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The tournament got off to a good start, but then the rains came...
The players put on their rain gear and continued play. The rain was short lived and the remainder of the tournament was played in extraordinary spring temperatures as everyone put on their sun-block and basked in the sun.
The play was spirited and the crowd was riveted to the high level of play in all of the flights. All of the flights in block play were tightly contested and the outcomes to qualify for the Saturday playoffs went down to the last game of the day in every flight.
During the semi-final playoffs, the excellent level of play in all three matches made it difficult to distinguish between the flights.
The players put on their rain gear and continued play. The rain was short lived and the remainder of the tournament was played in extraordinary spring temperatures as everyone put on their sun-block and basked in the sun.
The play was spirited and the crowd was riveted to the high level of play in all of the flights. All of the flights in block play were tightly contested and the outcomes to qualify for the Saturday playoffs went down to the last game of the day in every flight.
During the semi-final playoffs, the excellent level of play in all three matches made it difficult to distinguish between the flights.
The Tournament Director kept a watchful eye on Ray Umphreys as he calculated all the standings during the tournament.
On the last day of block play, Ray was able to quickly provide the line-ups for the finals.
On the last day of block play, Ray was able to quickly provide the line-ups for the finals.
Last day of play, time for the finals...
After close and hard fought matches, the players on the left emerged victoriously from the semi-final playoffs and moved on to the finals.
After close and hard fought matches, the players on the left emerged victoriously from the semi-final playoffs and moved on to the finals.
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In Second Flight, the day started with a match between Bob Crouch & Ton Wetjens. After defeating Bob, Ton and Roger battled neck and neck until the final ten minutes when Roger LeRoux, always cool under pressure, pulled away to defeat Ton 14 to 8 and going undefeated in the tournament
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In the hotly contested First Flight, the first match was between the “Rookie of the Year” - Tony Dos Santos and Alan Keith. After beating Tony 20 to 15, Alan took on Don White who was on a winning streak. Don White continued his hot shooting streak and was victorious against Alan with a score of 18 to 14.
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The Championship Flight kicked off with a match between Charlie Greer and Pat Williams. After beating Charlie 19 to 17, the Club Champion became a battle between our two most seasoned players.
While both ladies share the responsibility for teaching strategy in our organization, there was no sharing today. Today it was a pitched battle of nerves, concentration and fortitude. Pat pulled out to an early lead and it looked like it might be Pat’s day, but the wily Cass Gaisor took some calculated risks, made some incredible shots and soon was back in the game. Not to be denied, Pat steamed back and forged ahead, only to be caught and passed by Cass in the closing minutes of the game. The clock ran out with the final score 19 to 17 in Cass’s favor also going undefeated! |
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Chick Carpino, last year’s champion, was on hand to congratulate both Pat and Cass on their close match and assured them, he would be back next year to fight for the club title.
Rich Burns, Tournament Director, at the Awards Ceremony ...
I would like to say a few words before I hand out the hard earned trophies.
The membership did a great job in supporting the event. During the four day tournament, nearly 200 people attended during the tournament and observed excellent players under excellent conditions.
The success of the tournament was achieved through the hard work and dedication of our members, specifically, Dave Yurk, our Tournament Manager for keeping everything running smoothly. Ray and Bonnie Umphreys, Yvonne Croizer and her helpers Marilyn Gingles, Anne Marie Zilligen, and Betty Yurk. The board keepers were attentive, precise, and plentiful and our team of referees performed up to tournament standards.
I would like to say a few words before I hand out the hard earned trophies.
The membership did a great job in supporting the event. During the four day tournament, nearly 200 people attended during the tournament and observed excellent players under excellent conditions.
The success of the tournament was achieved through the hard work and dedication of our members, specifically, Dave Yurk, our Tournament Manager for keeping everything running smoothly. Ray and Bonnie Umphreys, Yvonne Croizer and her helpers Marilyn Gingles, Anne Marie Zilligen, and Betty Yurk. The board keepers were attentive, precise, and plentiful and our team of referees performed up to tournament standards.
I would also like to thank our hosts & co-hosts for pulling together the Social at Creekside. It was well attended with lots of good food, so thanks to Nobi Koop, Maggie & Tom Selko, and Dave & Debby Barry.
It was a great tournament that was enjoyed by all.
Rich presented the awards to the winners
Championship Flight
It was a great tournament that was enjoyed by all.
Rich presented the awards to the winners
Championship Flight
 1 - Cass Gaisor
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 2 - Pat Williams
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 3 - Charlie Greer
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First Flight
 1 - Don White
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 2 - Alan Keith
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 3 - Tony Dos Santos
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Second Flight
 1 - Roger LeRoux
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 2 - Ton Wetjens
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 3 - Bob Crouch
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Ladder Chart
