Brethren Retirement Community, The Great Croquet Caper
September 22, 2007, Greenville, OH
 

Some people see things as they are and say, "Why?" Others see things as they never were and say, "Why not?"

It is this statement about visionary thinking that characterized the building of this event from the beginning. It took an experienced fund-raiser/specials events professional (Jan Teaford), leaders (especially John Werner, BRC's CEO), sponsors, townsfolk, and the staff and residents of Brethren Retirement Community to make this happen. All shared the enthusiasm and vision to put together what many thought was, initially, preposterous; The Great Croquet Caper.

Though it may have been thought to be a bit outlandish and seemingly preposterous, it has become one of the most talked about events in Greenville's recent history and has a growing number of people abuzz about playing in or supporting next year's sequel.

The grounds and setting were virtually unsurpassed as a venue for old fashioned 9 Wicket Croquet in tournament form. The event was sanctioned by the United States Croquet Association and was directed by none other than Bob Kroeger, one of a very few Croquet "legends" and truly great ambassador for America's greatest backyard sport. Robb Wasielewski, of Franklin, Tennessee, acted in a new role as Croquet Your Way's Manager.

The Friday evening auction had some incredible items, one of the hottest being a Harley donated for the occasion. The turnout was excellent and the entertainment value was the best.

Afterward, a number of people signed up to do a night time croquet clinic with Bob Kroeger, complete with lights on wickets and mallets. The following 90 minutes was filled with laughter and "a-ha's" as people began to grasp technique and strategy points, trying them out in the dark.

The morning brought a gorgeous, though hot day and a great crowd of spectators. A pancake breakfast, a chicken barbecue, a car show, and farmers market served as additional highlights and crowd pleasers. There were over 500 people in that crowd.

The double tournament marked a first for Croquet Your Way, experimenting with the more complex 6 Wicket game in the Pro division while amateurs stuck with the traditional 9 Wicket game.

Nearly 100 players pre registered for the competition. The Pro Division, though small, demonstrated Croquet at the next level.

The Amateur division held a number of excellent players, some driving from as far away as Chicago and Tennessee to participate.

As always, team names were as original as the players and personalities they represented. Originality reigned as teams such as the "Bowlin'(?) Babes," "Rockers Knockers," "Dirt Bags" (complete with brown shirts), "Hoke-us, Croke-us, Poke-us," and the "Krukeberg King Klubbers."

The Amateur division also produced a dramatic showdown in the finals a team of two dark-horse, "hometown boys" did their best against two visiting teams from Tennessee. The spectators loved it. If teams could win just on the basis of their crowd support, this local team ((Green M&M's) of Matt Cross and Micah Coblentz would have easily attained victory, but it was not to be. As in most sporting contests, the final win ($1000) came down to a combination of excellent skills and strategy demonstrated by Sherlin Settlemyer and Scottie Dunn, the K-Town Rovers of Tennesse. 2nd place went to the Dirt Bags father and son team of Michael and Mike Chandler, also of Tennessee. Matt and Micah placed third, but they were the winners in the hearts of the crowd.

Winners of the Pro Division contest were The Spindle Top Hall Croquet Club team of Rick Wilhoite and George Parker, fresh off their win in Franklin Tennessee the previous weekend. Art Parsells and Partner Matt Baird ("Tulsa Time") took 2nd place ($300). Art has played in previous Croquet Your Way tournaments in York, PA and San Diego, CA. Bill Darwin and Fred Riecks, Team Waterloo (MI) took third place.

The dedication to excellence and the outpouring of support from the Greenville community made this a most memorable occasion. As Director of Development, Jan Teaford, and I breakfasted at the local Bob Evans, people repeated ly approached us about their positive experience, their enthusiasm for next year, and their promises to play or bring numerous teams into the '08 event.

As we at Croquet Your Way say to so many, now as part of our recent advertising program,; "Croquet brings people together!" How true, especially in this great tournament in rural Greenville, Heartland USA!
 

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