(Madison Heights, MI)

The next step of technological advancement in shuffleboard was taken while running the Wilbur Benefit Tournament at Madison Park Bowl on December 10 – 11, 2005. Along with the ever-improving Computer Peas software designed by Eddie Brayman, a high projection screen was purchased by Jason Papa and suddenly the need for brackets, sponsor sheets, payout postings, etc., were virtually eliminated. With Computer Peas being run via laptop by tournament directors CoCo & Cindy Brown, and Rob & Debbie Kern, results were instantaneously visible on a large screen showing partner draws, Calcutta auctions, payouts, brackets, on-deck information, etc. This was certainly a huge step in finalizing the next generation in shuffleboard tournaments.

This fund raising tournament was designed to help offset recent expenses incurred by the founders of The Board Talk – George and Donna Wilbur. Through Betty Parrish (founder of Shuffleboard PLNG – Pioneers and Legends & New Generations), many door prizes were gathered for drawings, as well as two additional raffles for Federation Weights (donated by John McDermott), and a custom designed weight case (donated by Paul Panholzer). Additional donations were made by Jerry Siebert, Williams’ Shuffleboards, and Pacific Coast Players. Special thanks also go to all of those who donated food and door prizes, the wait staff at Madison Park Bowl, Kim Stripe who assisted in ticket sales, and auctioneers Bill Kane and Steve Auten.

Saturday kicked off the tournament with 30 players participating in the ABC Draft event. Finishing in first place was the team of Steve Auten, Travis Taylor, and Peggy Williams (sponsored by John McDermott). Second place went to Jason Papa, Steve “CoCo” Brown, and Harold Garian (sponsored by Travis Taylor). Third place winners were Don Grossman, Slick Parrish, and Cindy Brown (sponsored by Bert Lowe).

On Sunday, in efforts to maximize teams, the decision was made to merge the Open Doubles and Division II Doubles into an AB Draw. A total of nine teams participated, with first place going to the double dipping team of Steve Auten and Travis Taylor (sponsored by themselves). Second place victors were Jim Earl Madary and Tom Williams (sponsored by Jason Papa), and third place to Carrie Siple and Don Parkhurst (also sponsored by Jason Papa).