SEASON RECAP
As I write, the NDA Team Dart tournament in Las Vegas is taking place. Jarrod Walker, Brett Hollinday, Trevor Hillstrom, Pete Jouppi, Jemal Broussard, Barb McMahon, and Roger Goodreau are representing our Duluth-Superior area. What the Vegas tournament signals to me (other than less competition at the End Zone tourney tonight) is another dart seasons end. This also indicates a perfect time to recap some of the 2001-2002 highlights. Usually, my writing will be littered with criticism of league and tournament operations. After all, isn't it always easier to condemn than praise? Just like complementing your brother, or telling your wife she is right it seems of no use. Regardless, I will do my best to give credit where credit is deserved.
Arrowhead Dart Leagues signed 76 teams for Winter 2002 leagues - including 30 for Monday Cricket, and 22 for Wednesday 301. Twin Ports Amusements have solidified their dominance of Monday night Cricket, signing enough teams to cover four Monday leagues. During the fall and winter seasons a whole crew of new A' level shooters formed along with some old names returning. The two Runway teams are loaded with players too good for B leagues, but struggled against the dominant top four teams. Unfortunately, a mixture of 2.8 and 2.2 players cannot compete with teams that are 3.0 down the list. There is a graduating class of B' level players ready to go up. Maybe a little help, like a team m.p.r. cap, could help along the mixing and matching to ensure at least 8 A' league teams each season. Essentially, anybody holding a 2.3 2.5 average should be forced up for their own good. In theory, a 2.3 players is really a 2.8 shooter that is simply playing the wrong competition. Nevertheless, TPA has done a wonderful job and remain on top of the heap.
Automated scoring machines are an overwhelming success for Eagle. I have always questioned the accuracy of league stats typically written in tiny boxes on a beer soaked sheet of paper in a dark bar by four slurring drunks. Gee, what could possibly go wrong! That problem has been completely eliminated with the new boards. The huge Thursday combo league is a result of the convenience they have provided. Combo league players are typically not very serious it is much more of a social league than a competitive one. Having no responsibility of recording stats has truly made Thursday nights enjoyable. Tuesday nights have grown as well. The online boards are a contributing factor to that as well. Two-person cricket is a very fast moving match, and constantly recording stats can really take players out of their rythem. These leagues should continue to grow.
Pete Sorenson has again done a wonderful job running the South Range Dart Leagues. With 20 teams for Friday mixed 301, and 14 for Sunday mixed Cricket, it is obvious players truly enjoy playing. Completely independent from the control of Amusement companies - these leagues are run the right way, not just the way that drops the most quarters in the board. Evenly weighted round robin schedules, and season ending double elimination tournaments make the competition intense. Nevertheless, it is the most fun and relaxed league I play.
Without question this was the best tournament season in several years. Here are the most notable tourneys of the season:
(Jan 2002) End Zone Shootout (open, luck of the draw, 301/Cricket/501, $600 added
(Feb 2002) 2nd Annual Mr D's Invitational (Invitation only, luck of the draw, 301/Cricket, $600 added)
(Feb 2002) Western Tournament (open, luck of the draw, 301/Cricket $400 added)
(Mar 2002) 3rd Rock Tournament (open, luck of the draw, 301/Cricket, $400 added)
(Apr 2002) Shooters Tournament (open, luck of the draw, 301/Cricket, $500 added)
(Apr 2002) End Zone 501/Cricket Tournament (partners, 5.9mpr cap, 501/Cricket, $500 added)
Bob Haft, the two time NDA World Champion, attended the End Zone Shootout and the Mr. D's Invitational. I must say Bob and Rez fit in good with our group up here where a few of our dart players spill more on average than the typical person drinks! Brian Sturm personally asked to be mentioned in this department, but believe me Sturmy, you have plenty of company at that table. Of coarse, singing and dancing directly in front of the championship singles match at this years MTA belongs in a category of its own. Smitty's comment as trying to shoot, Thanks for the support Bri' . . . but would you get the f**k out of the way!! is among the highlights of Grand Rapids in 2002.
The 2001-2002 seasons were another step on the ever-improving dart scene in the Northland. Next year will be even more entertaining with a new player entering the game. Midwest Coin Concepts is a reputable company with years experience running leagues in the St. Cloud, MN area. We will see what they have to add in Superior and Duluth. There are many other questions to be answered in the fall. Will Rays 1 be de-throned after a SRDL three-peat? Can Bad Influence keep pulling off A' Cricket championships? Who is next to break the 3.5 barrier? Can the tournament purses continue to grow? Will Sturmy drink enough to be a percentage owner of End Zone? Has anyone seen Andy Bennett?
Until September, all will remain a mystery.
Darrin Barker
April 26, 2002 |