Sixty-eight shufflers competed in the inaugural Gene Eager Memorial Mixed Singles Tournament on January 6 – 8, 2023, at Tramview in Cathedral City. Gene & Shirley’s daughters, Kim Whitcomb and Tina Reed, were present throughout the tournament and set up a display table with Gene’s picture and some of his major accomplishments. Gene started shuffling in 2008 and was the Indian Wells RV Resort Shuffleboard Club President since 2009. He was elected District 5 President in March, 2016, and had been elected President of the California Shuffleboard Association 2 months prior to his death on February 28, 2020. He was inducted into the California Shuffleboard Hall of Fame in 2017 and was a member of one of the 4-person teams that represented the United States at the 37^th International Shuffleboard Assn World Shuffleboard Championship in High River, Alberta, Canada in 2018. In 2019, he metaled in the shuffleboard division of the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, NM.

The Champion of this tournament was Gary Adams who is Captain of the Palm Desert Greens Shuffleboard Hi-10 team and the current District 5 President. Also placing in the Championship Division were: 2^nd: Joyce Carriere, Indian Wells; 3^rd: Bruce Kiefert, The Canyon; and 4^th: Bob Lausch, Tramview.

Consolation Winners were: Champion Val McDougall, Desert Crest; 2^nd: Mick Guyette, The Canyon; 3^rd: Dick Jenkins, Ramon; and 4^th Jim (Pete) Peterson, Indian Wells.

Head Referee was John McCready, Tri Palms; Head Scorekeeper, Val McDougall, Desert Crest; Head Boardman, Gary Adams, Palm Desert Greens and ATM Shirley Eager, Indian Wells. All 9 District 5 clubs participated and volunteered their time for this special tournament.

-Shirley Eagar