Shufflin' | Earl Ball wins 100th Florida tournament
When Earl Ball and Henry Strong of Zephyrhills won first place at Bradenton last week, Earl became the first shuffler in modern times to win 100 Florida tournaments. Earl, who vocally muses to himself about such topics (to the amusement of some, but not all listeners), also strives to reach 1,000 Florida lifetime points. He is near 900 now, and he won the National Singles at Bradenton a couple of years back, and he has won the Florida Masters three times. He even hopes to set the record for the most points in one season.
This column congratulates Earl Ball for these achievements. We can all see what is possible. Perhaps readers will make New Year's resolutions to achieve goals themselves.
Tournament results
FL P-13 at Bradenton, Dec. 28, M/L Doubles, 75 points. Men Consolation: 1. Gilbert Broadhead-Tom Putnam, 3. John L. Brown. Ladies Main 1. Terri Smith, 2. Pam Nurnberger-Nancy Sclafani, 3. Judy Taylor. Consolation: 2. Bonnie Walker-Diane Leonard, 4. Letha DeVries-Kathy Boutwell.
FL A-10, Dec. 28, at Bradenton, Any Amateurs/Any Doubles, 75 points. Main: Dan Lake-Lloyd Schmidt, 2. Ingrid Broadhead-Cheryl Putnam, 4. Terry Weigel-Larry Belsley. Consolation: 1. Richard and Irene Bowersock, 2. Scott Fenimore-Gerry Johnson, 3. Larry and Mary Fowler, 4. Don Sprague-Del Schram.
Future tournaments
Today, Tuesday, Jan. 5, is the second day of FL P-14A at Sebring and P-14B at Clearwater, M/L Open Doubles, 75 points. Also second day of FL A-11 at Winter Haven, State-Sponsored Any Amateurs/Any Doubles, 75 points.
Thursday January 7 at Bradenton, SWCD D-11, M/L Doubles, Restricted to State Ams and Pros, M/L, 75 points.
Friday, Jan. 8 at Bradenton, SWCD A-8, Any Amateurs/Any Doubles, 16 frames or 75 points. State Ams no points, State Ams may play if defeated Thursday, ineligible if forfeit on Thursday.
Next Monday, Jan. 11, FL P-15A at St. Cloud, P-15B at Lee County, Open M/L Doubles, 75 points. Also Jan. 11 at Lakeland, FL A-12, National M/L Amateur Non-Walking Singles, 12 frames, regardless of score.
Notable
Amateurs note FL A-12 above is last two State Singles for Amateurs this season. These are good preparations for competitive Singles, such as District Masters in March. In 2016 for the first time, SWCD will have Masters for State Ams as well as Masters for District Amateurs.
The date for SWCD Masters has been advanced one week. Now March 23 rather than March 30 on original schedule. On March 23 at Bradenton Open (Pro) Masters, State Amateur Masters, District Amateur Masters simultaneously.
.Saturday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m. at Bradenton (postponed one week already) SWCD Open Board Meeting. All are welcome.
David Welsh states that the newly formed Southwest Florida Shuffleboard Corp., a nonprofit organization, is planning its first fund raising event, a day of shuffleboard to honor veterans and their families on Saturday, Feb. 13, at Bradenton Shuffle Club. Stay tuned for further details.
Happy shuffling.
This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 11:53 PM with the headline "Shufflin' | Earl Ball wins 100th Florida tournament ."