With winds howling at around 20 mph and gusts of 25 to 35 mph, 30 District 5 rookies took to the courts on January 21 & 22 at Ramon Park in Palm Springs. Dick Jenkins, a member of the host Ramon Shuffleboard Club dressed the 8 outdoor boards with wind wax which occasionally had to be replaced due to the bougainvillea blossoms and palm frawns blowing onto the boards. The first day of the tournament was a challenge but this group of rookies took it in stride and provided the group of spectators with some exciting games, a few that had to be decided by the CSA tie breaker rule. The Championship game Tuesday afternoon was decided by 1 point. With a score of 5 to 4, Roland Marohn from Royal Palms won this nail biter match. He had played against his wife Debbie in the morning match to advance to play for 1st or 2nd.
Head Referee John Burnett and Head Scorekeeper Betty-Anne Jodoin had an excellent crew of referees and scorekeepers. As District 5 President Gene Eager said in his remarks following the presentation of awards, “these rookies are the future of shuffleboard here in District 5 and as you can see, we have a very good group of rookies”.
Plaques were awarded to the top 4 in both the Championship and Consolation Divisions. The Rookie Traveling Award was also presented to the championship winner. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club had 10 entries in the tournament which amounted to a third of the entries.
Championship: 1. Roland Marohn, Royal Palms;
2. Chuck Gerock, Palm Desert Greens;
3. Debbie Marohn, Royal Palms;
and 4. Al Amonson, Royal Palms.
Consolation: 1. Fred Snow. Palm Desert Greens;
2. Jim Meiser, Ramon;
3. Roland Dandeneau, Royal Palms;
and 4. Bob Michaud, Ramon.
California Shuffleboard Association 