Local cornhole benefit approaches
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LEWISTOWN -- Doug Cramer is the king of his cornhole castle. Unless his wife, Queen Lisa, is around.
The Lewistown couple took up the sport of cornhole about five years ago and have been battling for family bragging rights ever since. The sport has become one of their favorite pastimes.
"There wasn't a whole lot around the area," Cramer recalled. "You had to drive a bit to find tournaments. Now, it's all within 30 minutes, so we can play three to four nights a week."
Cramer has helped to organize the Juniata Valley YMCA Benefit Cornhole Tournament, which is set for
11 a.m. Saturday, April 15. The cost is $20 per person, and there will be a blind draw.
Proceeds from the event benefit the YMCA. The tournament is open to the public and all skill levels of players are encouraged to compete. Registration and warmups will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Cash prizes are a $1,000 purse. There are two brackets, with the top three finishers in the competitive and social being recognized.
This will be a bring your own
bag-style tournament. If you don't have bags, there will be bags
available to use. No corn-filled bags will be available.
There will also be a Airmail Challenge $5, with the winner being the last man standing as well as a 50-50 raffle and a concession stand.
No outside alcohol, food or beverages is permitted.
The tournament setup is four rounds of Scoreholio. Contestants will be placed into either the competitive or social bracket, depending on their scores. For those not at the top of the standings, a double-elimination tournament will be held. Every contestant is guaranteed at least six games.
"A lot of practice," Cramer said of the secret to becoming a successful player. "Also, playing against other people who are better than you."
He added there's a big difference between a family backyard game and competing in a league. "It can be a little intimidating," Cramer cautioned. But the thrill remains.
Still, everyone of any skill set is invited to the fundraiser. "There will be people there to help those who are beginners," he said.
Cramer runs the weekly cornhole league at the YMCA, which plays on Wednesday nights. "It's a sport for young kids 12 to 13 years old, and older members who are in their 70s," he said.
"If you've ever thought about trying it, you get a lot of bang for your buck with this tournament," Cramer added. "You'll meet a lot of good people at our tournament, and make lasting friendships."
For more information, visit www.jvymca.org, call (717) 248-5019 or e-mail jvymca@comcast.net.