ACO Gear goes international!

Nicole Kallmeyer of Union, Ky is spotted in Burg Lichtenburg, Germany June 2008 sporting her American Cornhole gear. You go girl!!!

Nicole is pictured here with step father Eddie Oestreicher on the trip.

CornForty Current Release July 29, 2008

Player Name State Total CFP
1 Matt Guy KY 209.33
2 Randy Atha OH 169.67
3 Steve Vanderver OH 137.67
4 Mike Schaffer OH 136.33
5 Charles True KY 133.00
6 Noel True KY 127.33
7 Jason Schwab SC 125.67
8 Eric Hinerman KY 125.67
9 Kevin Tomberlin NC 124.33
10 Rick Taylor OH 117.33
11 Jeff Manchak IL 117 - not 21 so can't play in "World Cornhole Championship" August 16th
12 Art Guy AZ 113.00
13 Kyle Marks NC 112.67
14 Troy Simon OH 107
15 Kier Egley NC 103.33
15 Dewi Dean IN 103.33
17 Beau Horky OH 102.67 - bubble
17 Chris Hobbs OH 102.67 - bubble
19 Kevin Warner IN 100.33 -next 5 have a little work to do to make the cut
20 Eric Egley NC 98.66
21 Mike Alvey KY 98.00
22 Jason Robinson IN 97.33
23 Glen Gundle NC 95.66
24 Dan Reed OH 93.67 - next two are long shots
25 John Cole SC 91.00


The players highlighted in red are the current field of sixteen playing in the "World Cornhole Championship" scheduled for August 16th, 2008 on Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati, OH. The purse is set at $6,500 with the winner taking home $2,500 and just for being invited a player will win $125.00. If you're on the fence contact a local agent and get yourself SKILL CHALLENGED. The only way to earn additional points at this time is by increasing your "SCR" score. The cut off is Monday August 4th - the field will be finalized Tuesday August 5, 2008.

Players get ready to Pitch It!

SPECIAL NOTICE:

The last chance for players to better their SCR Score points will be Monday August 4th. Any players on the bubble or outside looking in may want to contact your local or closest ACO Agent to give yourself one last chance to make the cut. Remember a skill challenge costs $20.00 and usually takes around half hour to complete.

The standings as of August 5th will be final - those players making the cut will receive a invitational call on or before August 6th - a decision has not been made at this point on how a tie will work. If there is a tie for the 16th and final spot for the Fountain Square event, we will cross that bridge when we get to it. In the meantime any players wanting to up their CornyForty points by trying to pitch a better SCR Score need contact your ACO agent.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

Any players not making the cut or any cornhole enthusiasts should make the journey to Cincinnati that weekend and have a couple Hudy Delights and enjoy some of the best cornhole competition in the country. See you August 16, 2008 - Downtown Cincinnati, FOUNTAIN SQUARE - PRIME TIME WILL BE AROUND 2:00PM bags will be flying steadily.......

This event is in support of the Easter Seals Work Resource Center of Cincinnati, OH.

Game On!

American Cornhole Organization issues Kitten alert!

The American Cornhole Organization (ACO) has a friendly warning for neighborhood and church cornhole tournaments – keep an eye out for “Kittens.”

In cornhole circles, a “Kitten” is a pro-caliber player who snubs his professional status to make a fast buck from smaller amateur tournaments. Most players look down on the practice because it can ruin a good time for the average player.

“If you’re that good, why crash a friendly fundraiser when you can play the big boys at ACO events?” asks Kevin Tomberlin, an ACO pro from Tryon, North Carolina. “Time to man up, in my opinion.”

The ACO stresses that the great majority of pro players are dedicated to helping the sport grow. So it’s ironic that the Kitten Question is actually a sign of the ACO’s success and the reputation of its players. For example, a few small tournaments do not allow ACO pros to enter because they are “too good.” A Kitten is born when a player who has already qualified as an ACO pro opts out of his or her pro status to play – and presumably win – one of these tournaments.

“On one hand, this is a good problem to have. The quality of our players is being recognized,” suggests Frank Geers, ACO President. “On the other hand, we don’t want to encourage sandbagging.

“We work hard to keep cornhole competitive and fun for all skill levels.”

To help everyone – including the average player – feel welcome, the ACO is taking significant steps. The group has invented a handicap system similar to that of golf or bowling. They have also reformatted ACO tournaments to include “Social” brackets alongside the more high-octane “Pro” brackets. The ACO can even work with smaller tournaments to help them follow suit, setting up divisions or separate brackets for different caliber players.

At the same time, says Geers, “we don’t want to limit the opportunity to play.” So he personally makes sure that a full slate of ACO-sanctioned events is in place to keep everyone – from beginner to the best – busy. These include high-profile events such as the ACO U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas, January 23 & 24, 2009 and the upcoming Hudy Delight "World Cornhole Championship" downtown Cincinnati, OH, August 16, 2008.

And that’s exactly why players like the number two ranked player in the world Randy Atha from Cincinnati, OH don’t turn into Kittens.

“The ACO has the biggest purses, the best competition and the best membership perks,” insists Randy Atha. “Giving that up to dominate a field of amateurs isn’t just backward thinking, it’s also pretty darned sad.”

Editorial Article written by Mike Kramer 7/23/08

Butler County Fair Big Money Cornhole

THIS ISN'T AN OFFICIAL PRO EVENT BUT IS THE NEXT BEST THING - IT'S CONSIDERED ONE OF OUR BIGMONEY CORNHOLE EVENTS 38 SPOTS REMAIN AVAILABLE

Who can play? The top 32 ACO Pros & Semi-Pros receive invitations reserving their spot with a cost of $80.00 entry. After that we are excepting up to another 32 players for the competition. As soon as the field of 64 is filled the event is closed.

How will it work? The top 32 ACO Pros & Semi pros will be seeded 1 to 32 based on their ACO Corny Forty standings. The other 32 players will need to be skill challenged between 12:00 and 5:00 the day of the event. These will be scheduled so each player will have a court time, like you have a tee time in golf. These players will fill out the seeds 33 to 64 based on their performance in the ACO Skill Challenge.

Big Money Cornhole - Payouts? ALL MONEY GUARANTEED BY BUTLER COUNTY FAIR First Place - $1000.00
Second Place - $750.00
Top 4 Finish - $500.00
Top 8 Finish - $250.00

REGISTER HERE: PLAY BIG MONEY CORNHOLE BUTLER

PLAYERS IN ACO Ranked Players Registered to date
1.Matt Guy - 128.00 SCR
2. Randy Atha - 116.00 SCR
3. Steve Vanderver - 111.33 SCR
4. Charles True - 111.33 SCR
5. Mike Shaffer - 107.33 SCR
6. Charles Fletcher - 105.33 SCR
7. Noel True - 100.33 SCR
8. Eric Hinerman - 100.00 SCR
9. Chris Hobbs - 93.00 SCR
10. Greg Weathers, Jr. - 92.67 SCR
11. Eric Seaburn - 92.33 SCR
12. Jason Robinson - 87.33 SCR
13. Ricky Tyburski - 84.67 SCR
14. Greg Dougherty - 84.33 SCR
15. Brett Guy - 79.33 SCR
16. Mike Schaffer, Jr. - 79.33 SCR

NON Ranked ACO Players Registered to date
1. Ronnie Smith - scheduled SCR Test - 4:30PM
2. Lawrence Newton - scheduled SCR Test - 4:30PM
3. Doug Childress - scheduled SCR Test - 4:30PM
4. Steve Hayes - scheduled SCR Test - 4:30PM
5. Ryan Spence - scheduled SCR Test - 4:00PM
6. Shawn Howser - scheduled SCR Test - 4:00PM
7. Chanthy Chen - scheduled SCR Test - 4:00PM
8. Rich Bethart - scheduled SCR Test - 4:00PM
9. Kevin McManus - scheduled SCR Test - 3:30PM

ACO Indiana is here!

Newest ACO Agent

Frank Stokes of Indianapolis, IN

Welcome aboard Frank Stokes from Indianapolis, IN. He is joining an ever growing list of great people from around the country to become involved with the ACO Team. We've been itching to get a good agent in place in the Indianapolis market for sometime (Chicago is another) and are certain that Frank fits that need. If you need any help with product, leagues, tournaments or just have basic questions about cornhole and specifically the Sport of American Cornhole you can reach Frank via his e-mail at stokes@americancornhole.com or call him at 317.370.3635 and he is sure to be able to help you.

We like to allow our newest members the chance to share a little something about who they are and how cornhole fits into their lives us. Here is Frank on Frank:

I am a 29yr old proud 2nd generation graduate of Purdue University. I am even more proud of my wife Danielle who just recently graduated from nursing school. We have two active children, Brock 4yrs old, and Ty 20months old. I have already instilled in Brock the importance of becoming a great cornhole player and he is hooked even at his young age.

I first saw the game played at Purdue football games but never played, I was more into washers at that time. This changed when I went to a fathers days BBQ last year and only was able to play one time because a team kept winning. I vowed to never get my butt kicked like that again. I had my first boards made that next weekend and have been playing in tournaments every weekend since. I returned to that same BBQ for the Indy 500 race and won the tournament they put on in fact I never lost a game all night; justice was served, “total cornhole domination”.

While I was playing in tournaments I was always frustrated with all the different boards and bags. I did my research and came across the ACO and was impressed with how they prided themselves on boards and bags that are the same. I was hooked and wanted the ACO here in Indy so I could play. Here I am putting on tournaments in Indianapolis with ACO equipment. I guess it’s the old adage if you want it done right do it yourself.

Again it is with great pleasure that we welcome Frank Stokes to the ACO Team.

Are you next?

Carrolton, KY- BigMoney Cornhole Fun!

Young Gun - Matt Mann of Cincinnati, OH pictured in black shorts pitches cornhole against Terry Skaggs of Louisville, KY in an epic three game battle for a final four spot. Newcomers Matt & Ryan came in as an 11 seed and are better known amongst there friends as D-Bags. D-Bags goes on to pull the upset and eventually would end up lossing to Matt & Bret Guy in the finals.

However, it wasn't easy - in a critical game three of the elite eight match up partner Ryan calls out to Matt "Go For Gold" - Matt proceeds to make the shot of the tournament by driving three of his bags in with one toss completing a "Cornzizzle", while Skaggs team managed to squeek out only four points this frame by leaving four woodies on the board. The score before this frame had D-bags lossing 18 to 12 but after this critical frame flopped in favor of D-Bags 20 to 18. D-Bags then finished the charge to the Final Four with the next frame.

The champioship money rounds took place backpatio at the TIKI bar in Carrollton, KY. The setting for the event was awesome, located right on the Ohio river this town has a lot to offer.

Champions

Matt Guy / Bret Guy

Runner Ups

Matt Mann & Ryan Kist

Congratulations to all who participated in the event and we look forward to partnering in the future with the city of Carrollton to bring you a bigger cornhole bash next season. If you want to visit or learn more about the city of Carrollton visit them at Carrollton, KY.

ACO California gets a jump start!

ACO PMIA AGENT

JEROME STOCKHAM of ENCINITAS, CA

Welcome aboard the newest member of the ACO Team, Jerome Stockham of Encinitas, CA.

Jerome is a 37 year old native of San Diego, CA. He has been married for 19 years to his highschool sweetheart SUKI (the love of his life!). Jerome and Suki have been blessed with two healthy and incredibly bright children; Michael 18 and Brittany 17. Currently Jerome works as an account executive for Wachovia Bank in the wholesale mortgage division.

The ACO couldn't be happier with the caliber of individuals coming on board across the country to help promote the sport of American Cornhole. Jerome is one of a number of new ACO members joining the team in recent weeks and here is a little bit of Jerome on Jerome (that sounds a little weird).


The Cornation of this CA kid:
I was introduced to the game of cornhole last Sept when the Bearcats pounced all over my Aztecs at Qualcom stadium. I had volunteered to be the designated driver of an RV for a good friend of mine (originally from Cincinati) and his 10 frat buddies visiting from OH to support their Bearcats aganst the San Diego Aztecs. We tailgated from noon until game time and then after the game until 2am and all the while playing cornhole (I was hooked). We played on a homemade set of boards, which I duplicated the very next day and have not put away since. Just a couple months ago I started to realize the potential of cornhole product sales in CA and started researching online for products which led me to the ACO, which stands out by far from all others. I thought, "here is a product and company I could really be proud to be apart of and signed up.

Best regards,
Jerome.

Jerome - the ACO is pumped to have you pitching for our team.

Jerome can best be reached at jerome@americancornhole.com or call 760.533.0327

GAME ON!

Danville’s Matt Grimes has become addicted to cornhole, and is planning to attend the ACO U.S. Nationals & "King of Cornhole" - JANUARY 23 & 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, NV. (Jesse Osbourne photo)

Sunday June 29, 2008

Ace in the hole: Grimes moving up cornhole rankings

By LARRY VAUGHT larry@amnews.com

BURGIN - While Matt Grimes isn't sure everyone would consider cornhole a sport, he knows he's proud of his proficiency in the increasingly popular game.
He recently went to Cincinnati and beat the 16th-ranked player in the world.
"I am now planning on attending the ACO U.S. Nationals & "King of Cornhole" - Las Vegas - JANUARY 23 & 24, 2009. How corny is that?" said Grimes, a Danville resident and the athletics director and softball coach at Burgin.

Actually, it's not corny at all based the rising popularity of the sport.
The game is a popular attraction at tailgate parties before major sporting events and is popping up at more and more festivals and fairs.
Cornhole officially joins 30 other sports at the Bluegrass State Games next month and seems to be the game of choice for many as horseshoes was 25 years ago. There was even a bill introduced in the Kentucky legislature to make cornhole the state's official sport.

The American Cornhole Organization reports that the game has gained popularity throughout the world, especially with the help of military personnel. The association helps promote the game and helps establish guidelines for equipment and tournaments.
"I have no idea how long it has been around, but it has really taken off recently," Grimes said.
He got started when a friend went to his wife's family reunion a few years ago and played. The friend came home and built his own cornhole boards.
"I was curious about what he was doing and ended up starting to play that way," Grimes said. "I really like it. It is interesting, but it is also more laid back to where you can enjoy it. When I go to UK games to tailgate, I play. Occasionally I find a tournament."

Grimes, who is ranked No. 111 in the world by the ACO, knows cornhole is more popular in Ohio and Indiana than Kentucky. However, with no disrespect to NASCAR - especially since Grimes is from the same Indiana town as NASCAR star Tony Stewart - he still believes cornhole is growing faster than any other sport.

"There has been a movie filmed about it, and they are trying to find someone to put it on the big screen now. There is a reality show in the works. There is a pro tour being discussed," Grimes said.

'We would play from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.'
Grimes says he's a perfect example of how addictive cornhole can be.

"Once I started, I was hooked," he said. "You can play singles or doubles in tournaments. I have a couple of other guys I take turns playing with in tournaments, and we all love it. We would play from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Then I went to Ace Hardware and bought spotlights so I could play at night. It's kind of like golf. You get addicted and want to do better.

"There is a tournament in August in Cincinnati where they are trying to bring in the top 16 players in the world. Heck, the No. 1 player in the world is from Alexandria.

"I want to go to Las Vegas just to see how I can do. I will have to get (Burgin superintendent Richard) Webb to cover for me since it is the same weekend we are hosting the 12th Region All 'A' Classic, but I'm sure he'll take care of me."

Grimes says the biggest key to success in cornhole is using the proper technique to toss the bags.
"You have to know what you are doing," he said.
Grimes normally practices at least an hour per day. He's not sure anyone at Burgin really understands how much he plays, but he is proud that Burgin did start its own cornhole club at the school.

"It's not as easy as it looks," he said. "I know it sounds like I am overanalyzing things, and maybe even sounds like I am nuts. But it is like stepping to the free-throw line in basketball. You cannot change the way you shoot from one time to the next. You find what works and stick with it.

"There are three different grips, a couple of different stances. But it's not easy. It takes work to put that bag where you want it every time."
Yet it truly is a labor of love for Grimes.

"When I was in middle school, I thought I wanted to play basketball at UK. Then I was going to play for the Boston Celtics and fill in for Larry Bird," Grimes said. "That didn't work, but now here is my chance to be a professional athlete in cornhole. How great is that?"

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For more information on cornhole, visit http://www.americancornhole.org/.

Copyright: The Advocate-Messenger 2008