Nine Wicket Committee’s New Roster

By Paul Bennett

Our committee was reformed in March 2022 with a completely new set of members. Loretta Cooper believes in the USCA marketing goal of utilizing “the fun of croquet” as one of the main reasons for joining the USCA. Connection with the USCA helps players learn where and with whom croquet is played in their local area and is part of participating in the growth of the sport throughout the nation.

Russ Dilley is a player looking to help build a croquet facility in his area of Indianapolis as well as helping others start and develop their local clubs. Currently, Dilley has many obligations as a volunteer of the USCA, including his support and development of a YouTube channel.

Ron Eccles is a player involved in what seems like more than just croquet, but I see his name at most croquet tournaments. Eccles would like to simplify the game, its rules and oversee at least one more national tournament in Colorado. His tournament several years ago is what got me hooked on learning more about how nine wicket fits into the USCA jigsaw puzzle.

I asked each of these members to join me in moving the ninewicket committee forward. We need to find out who plays nine wicket in North America and how we can encourage those players to see the benefits of joining the USCA — highlighting the concept of “bringing the fun of croquet” to friends and neighbors.

Nine Wicket YouTube Videos

As part of the USCA partnership with his YouTube channel, Dilley has recently posted videos on the 2022 USCA 9W National Championship. Dilley has concentrated a lot of effort this past year on uploading edited videos of most of the national croquet championships. These resources are excellent in promoting the game of croquet. The USCA has provided funding to expand on this effort. Check out the 2022 9W National Doubles Final at http://bit.ly/3EEUHQB

National, Regional and Invitational Events

The 2022 9W Nationals were recently held in Palm Beach, Fla., down in the pit under the direction of John Warlick and Ursula Peck. The NCC is looking to develop that retention pond into additional six wicket court space. Thus, for at least the next two years, we need to look forward to hosting the National 9-Wicket championship at a new venue. If you are interested in helping the USCA host this event at your club, please let us know.