So, Big things are coming, figuratively and literally!
Catching almost all of us by surprise, the St. Lawrence Centre Sports Complex posted last Wednesday that the Big River Cornhole League would be starting this week. A few of us reached out to the Mall, the Sports Centre and even the UPS store referenced in the post, and could not get any more information. This is what we knew. I got really concerned when I saw “uniform boards will also be provided”.
Then, today, another post showed up, stating that there would be a free shoot around for anyone interested tonight at 7.
I messaged the page again, and they still didnt have any information other than they knew they had professional quality boards and that there would be a season payout, but were not sure about weekly.
Shortly after that relative dead end again, other than showing up tonght and figuring stuff out, we still didn’t know much. Then out of nowhere, a good friend tagged me in a post that she saw. Finally we had a name. I reached out to that person (Laurie Gardner) and instantly had answers to almost all of my questions.
- Board were professionally made in Buffalo and there were 20+ sets of them. I only knew of one manufacturer in Buffalo that made higher end boards (Queen City Yard Games). I quickly jumped on Facebook and found the boards (properly rounded edges/holes and quality materials).
- Cost was definitely $150 per player and there would be three levels (Backyard, Intermediate, Advanced).
- Payout would be at the end of the season and he would be there tonight to answer any questions.
- The individual starting up the league is Greg Phillips.
- There would not necisarily be specific bag specs required (ACL or otherwise).
So, with at least a few of our concerns removed, I made time tonight to go out and hit up the mall. Upon entering I was greeted by Laurie and was able to see 4 sets of quality boards set up with a few guys throwing bags. It was re-assuring to see a measuring tape out and everyone was throwing real bags. I started asking Laurie a few questions about the Thursday night league and she introduced me to Greg. So, additional questions I got clarifications on.
- League would be a doubles based league.
- People would need to provide vaccination status (minmally a random draw of 2-3 people per week to verify status).
- Beverages can be consumed on the bench, but not on the field.
- If your partner cannot make it, like in a golf league, you should bring a sub (which may be subject to a sub fee).
Greg is a good guy who is working hard to grow the game up here and I am going to do everything I can to help. He has invested a ton of money and time into equipment and drove all the way to Buffalo to get the equipment before assembing it all himself.
After chatting, the 8 of us that were there played a quick random draw double elimination. Mike V and I came out on top. Was good to throw on the turf and the rubber pellets were really a non-issue. Just had to sweep the board after each round and a quick shake got them off the bags too.
A few more guys showed up while we were playing and it was nice to see a bunch of people getting together to throw.
So, if you are interested, the league starts up Thursday at 6pm at the turf at the Sports Complex. As with anything that is new, there could be some growing pains, so if you do show up, go with an open mind and be willing to be part of the solution if anything comes up! I am not sure I can commit to this league, but I still plan to go out to sub when I can and play in any potential side games.
Like I said, Big things are coming!
Big River Cornhole League – do it!
Until next time…
