CroquetNews
courtside
2021 Volume 4
Features 12 | 2021 American 6W Nationals 20 | 2021 GC Nationals 25 | 2021 Florida 9W Regional 28 | 2021 Midwest Regional 30 | 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional 34 | Member Profile: Sandra Knuth
Departments 03 | Courtside with Damon Bidencope 04 | The Clubhouse 04 | Who Was I? 10 | The Inbox 36 | Let's Talk Tactics 38 | GC America 40 | 9W Roundup 43 | Event Results 46 | New Membership 47 | Grand Prix Standings 49 | Events Calendar
On The Cover
Jeff Soo's photo of the trophy table at the 2021 USCA Golf Croquet National Championship held at the Chesapeake Bay Croquet Club.
Publisher
Dylan Goodwin | croquetnetwork@gmail.com
Managing Editor
Julie Jantzer-Ward | uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com
Art Director
Brandy Ferguson | www.wildfirecreativeco.com
Why Play? I have just returned from competing in the 2021 USCA Selection Eights (Association Croquet) in Florida. This event has been contested since 2004 and offers players continuous games over four days in a double round robin format. Congratulations to the winners: Zack Watson from Mount Jackson, Va., (First Eight), Thomas Balding from Shirley, N.Y. (Second Eight), Macey White from Hartfield, Va., (Third Eight), tied winners David Ekstrom from Pittsfield, Mass., and Brett Stovall from Jekyll Island, Ga., (Fourth Eight). After my lack of practice and preparation (rust) was thoroughly exposed with poor results, I was struck with a strange dichotomy, which for many competitors in many sports, would not be present. Despite the game outcomes, I was still enjoying the participation in competitive games, the comradeship of like-minded croquet devotees, making new acquaintances and, of course, seeing old friends. Also, after a visit to the USCA main office, I was also reminded of the care and attention that Ursula Peck and Johnny Mitchell, our fine USCA staff, provide to our membership and the frequent calls for information about this fun game. So, it is easy to answer the question: Why play? My answer is simple: the USCA provides a nationwide community of special people, a healthy life-long activity enjoyed by men and women and a competitive game that is played with good sportsmanship and respect that should be the envy of all games and competitive pursuits. The fabulous detail often overlooked is that we, as members, receive this gift and belong for less than the price of a cup of coffee per week. The USCA is committed to helping all our clubs further develop and increase participation in the sport of croquet. As a member of the USCA, please extend an invitation to any croquet player at any level to join our croquet community. In addition to becoming part of this special group, their USCA membership supports the continued stewardship and development of the game on many levels.
Inquiries
The other and shorter answer to the question is: It is fun! Let’s play!
Please submit all inquiries and stories to uscacroquetnews@yahoo.com.
Sincerely,
Text should be submitted as a Microsoft Word file and photos need to be FULL resolution (300 dpi). All content may be edited for length and photos will be adjusted appropriately. Croquet News is produced four times per year and is distributed as a benefit to USCA membership. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed permission of the publisher. Views expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USCA.
Damon Bidencope
Proud USCA Member / USCA President President@uscroquet.com / croquetamerica.com
© 2021 United States Croquet Association
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