A crisp but clear day saw a record turnout for the 2019 NPD Hockey Cornhole Classic, a joint production of the Winner’s Circle Cornhole Club & NBPT Cornhole, and sponsored by Jasmine’s Famous Roast Beef, Sea Dog Brewing, NA Nichols, & McFarland Ford.
A total of 53 teams made the trek to the Newburyport Elks, with 23 teams entering into the Competitive division and 30 teams trying their luck in the Beginner division, including many of the finest from our area’s police departments, undoubtedly insuring we had the safest tournament you could imagine! Most importantly, over $2500 was raised for the Newburyport Police Hockey Team (comprised of several local departments), as they play in the Heroes Cup Tournament, to benefit the Lt. Derek Hines Soldiers Assistance Fund.
In the Competitive division, it was a dog day as the team of Tom Halloran & Alex Budny avenged a loss to TJ Snediker & Jermaine King (making his 2nd straight WCCC major finals appearance) with a straight sets victory of 23-8 & 23-10 in the all-Doghouse finals. John Clark & Scot Morrison claimed the final podium spot. Incredibly, the top three teams all came out of the same round robin group, having been tested in the crucible before dispatching all before them until the money matches.
In the Beginner’s division, Angie Colon & Darielle Rivera survived an early playoff loss to Lissa Rockwell & Carly McGrath before winning 7 straight elimination games, including a revenge win over Rockwell & McGrath, to claim the crown, finishing with a sweep of Corey & Todd Rabeau by scores of 23-0 & 23-4. Such was their dominance that they outscored the opposition 129-53 in those 7 games. Matt Simons & Jason Kohan claimed the final podium spot in the best performance by The Police since Sting’s heyday.
Congratulations to Lefty Rodgers for winning the airmail, and a big thank you to whoever won the 50/50 (sorry we don’t have your name!) for kicking back your entire prize to the charity – a grand gesture!
We’d like to thank the Newburyport Elks for being wonderful hosts, and the Newburyport Police Hockey team for allowing the WCCC & NBPT Cornhole the honor of running the tournament. We can’t wait until next year!
