Welcome all to a new shuffleboard season

This column welcomes interested readers to the 2015-16 Shuffleboard Season. For Florida and the United State,s it is the 102nd season. For this columnist, it is the sixty- ninth season. For this column, it is the nineteenth. Let us all go forward with determination and good sportsmanship to make it our very best!

Word has been received of the loss of two players well known in the Southwest Coast District since last April. Tom Wixson, of Palmetto Shuffle Club, had just completed his first season as a state amateur. Our sympathy to his widow, Sandy, also a competent shuffler. Also gone from our scene is the inimitable Ray Davis, of Indiana and Terra Siesta. Ray and I long shared the belief that indoor shuffleboard would be desirable. Ray was able during his lifetime to help establish two roof-over venues, one near Monrovia, IN, and the four covered courts at Terra Siesta in Ellenton in which he encouraged and assisted. May his example be an inspiration for further development as each of us step up to the plate. Our sympathy also to Mrs. Lois Davis, who also can shuffle.

Readers of this column are reminded that suggestions are welcome. You may write something or raise an issue which I might address at doloresmbrown@netzero.net.

Tournament results

FL P-1A at Port Charlotte Oct. 5, Ladies Main: 2. Joyce Marquis-Pam Nurnberger, 3. Nancy Sclafani. Consolation: 4. Terri Smith-Margaret Hartzler. Men Main: 2. Jim Miller-Faren VanDeGrift 3. Mike Marquis-Gerry Curwin, 4. Ralph Lozano-Jerry Stannard. Consolation: 2. Nelson Kellogg-Jim Smith, 4. Clare Mitchell-John L. Brown. An interesting footnote to these results is the rare fact that the Team placing first in Men Main, Dave Boncher and Phil Harrison of Lee County, had ever before placed first in the Main Event of a Florida State Tournament. Readers take note: keep trying, you may win yet.

SWCD D-1 at Bradenton Oct. 8, Early Bird Open Any Doubles, main: 1. Joyce and Mike Marquis, 2. Dave Minnich-Paul Miller, 3. Jim Miller-Judy Taylor, 4. Faren VanDeGrift-Walt Wedel. Consolation: 1. Jerry Stannard-Ralph Lozano, Larry Taylor-Bill Reinbolt, 3. Hank Hoekstra-Bill Hollabaugh, 4. John Ulicny-Paul Knepper.

Upcoming tournaments

Today is the second day of FL P-2A at Avon Park and P-2B at Zephyrhills Shuffle club, Open M/L Doubles.

Thursday, Oct. 15 SWCD D-2 at Bradenton, Open to all, any Doubles. Monday, Oct. 19 FL P-3A at Clearwater, P-3B at Lee County, Open Mixed Doubles.

Noteworthy: SWCD Players note that a new revised schedule moves previously published Rain Date from Feb. 18 to March 17 pursuant to SWCD open board meeting action in April. The new schedule has No 2 Pros moved from March 17 to Feb. 18. This is very constructive as sometimes a later tournament can be rained out. New schedules are available through your Club President or at a SWCD Tournament.

Newer players are reminded that a free partner-finding service is available at all District Tournaments or by calling 756-8548.

Happy Shuffling.

This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 9:28 PM with the headline "Welcome all to a new shuffleboard season ."