Bellflower, CA. – Bellflower’s Mick Diana led his team of “All Americans” to win the Southern California Shuffleboard League title over seven other teams during league play that began January 19, at Oskar’s Sports Bar & Grill. In addition to team captain Diana, the championship team included Robert Davidson, Rick Kvernen and “Yardsale Mike” Huber. Diana was named the league’s MVP at the league ending Marathon tournament held on Saturday, July 23, at Oskar’s.

The “All Americans” finished three games ahead of Tim O’Brien’s second place team with a record of 37 wins and 19 losses. O’Brien’s team included Anna Brunskill, Jan Manes and “Newcomer of the Year” Dan Childs. Third place in the league went to the team of Bob Brunskill (Captain), Paul Weber, Erika Worley and Robert Purmort. The long-running shuffleboard league ended its season on Wednesday, June 1.

The league then began its All Star playoffs for each division of players. On June 8, Bud Mitchener captured the C-2 All Stars followed by Jan Manes, the next week in the C-1 All Stars. Anna Brunskill, who along with husband Bob we’re playing in the league for the first-time, won the B All-Star tournament on June 22. And finally pro player Karl Spickelmier, who had played during the league season as a substitute, won the A All Stars on Wednesday, June 29. The league handed out $448 in All Star money to the top finishers in each division.

The season ending Marathon tournament and league buffet and awards presentation was postponed from its original date of July 9 and moved back to Saturday, July 23, to accommodate player’s vacation dates.

Paramount’s Weber served as Master of Ceremonies and recognized each of the league’s eight teams – who split up the league’s money that totaled $2,240. Next came the league’s awards with Diana receiving the “MVP” and Childs the “Newcomer of the Year” award. Ms. Pearl Minard was then honored with the awarding of the “Lucky Lee Love Sportsmanship” award. Susie Jones won the “Most Improved Player” award. Last season’s recipient presented each award winner his or her trophy.

A total of 32 players were on hand to compete in the single game, double elimination A-B Draw tournament. 54 players competed during the year as both regulars and substitute players. Weber handled the very even draw and did the bracketing throughout the hot summer afternoon and evening.

Bob Brunskill and Huber battled back from a winner’s round loss to Joe Muniz and Childs to take the final by beating them twice in the championship final rounds. Tim O’Brien and newcomer Jim Wheeler ended up with third place money with Mick Diana and Erika Worley taking fourth. A total of $320 was divided between the top four teams.

The annual Marathon Buffet is fast becoming legendary as this year’s fest featured Ernie Alvarez’s Carne Asada, Hope Weber’s Chile Rellenos, Chicken, several Mexican dishes, a huge sandwich and assorted salads and desserts. Ms. Weber served as the buffet coordinator as the league contributed $440 toward the dinner and league trophies. The league handed out more than $1,800 in 50/50 draws to several lucky ticket holders.

Thanks goes out to all who participated, Oscar Ugarte (owner of Oskar’s), Paul and Hope Weber, Ernie Alvarez and everyone who brought something to the season ending event.

Pacific Coast Shuffleboard News