In Spite of the Rain, ACO Tournament was a Success

Amid the torrential downpour the Fort Thomas ACO Cornhole Tournament was a success.  16 teams paid the $30 entry fee and competed in the tournament that had to be moved indoors to the armory.  A number of nationally ranked teams competed including the 71^st ranked team in the nation, Mike Schaffer and Randy Atha from Cincinnati, Ohio, and the number two ranked team in the nation, Brandon Hill and Jay Dotson from Lynchburg, Ohio, who would eventually be crowned champions.  With their win Brandon and Jay earned a spot in the ACO World Championship to be held at Turfway Park.

The winners of the tournament, Brandon Hill and Jay Dotson.

Fort Thomas was well represented in the tournament. Brothers David and Michael Schuh played very well, but were eliminated by the eventual champions, Brandon Hill and Jay Dotson.

David Schuh reflected on his experience. “We pre-registered a few weeks back.  We play at home and at parties and we win those games.  With this being an ACO tournament, we knew there would be really good players here.  We just wanted to see where we were compared to them.”

Dan Gorman explained that each year the tournament increases it’s popularity, “I expect next year’s tournament to be even better because each year we learn what it takes to attract more and more of the great players.”

16 teams competed in the tournament that had to be moved to the armory due to rain.

Doug Hopkins, Director of Sales and Sponsorship for the American Cornhole Organization, said, “We ran it a little differently this year compared to last year.  Last year was more of a “pick-up” tournament.  This year we promoted it as an official American Cornhole Organization event.”  He added, “We are hoping it will grow each year.  In this region there are certainly enough players around to play the game.  Next year we will continue to try to drive awareness a little earlier in June.  Perhaps we’ll look at lowering the entry fee or bolster the event with more prizes.”

The 2^nd annual ACO Cornhole Tournament was a success.  We hope that the 3^rd annual tournament brings even more cornhole enthusiasts out to compete!