Ann Arbor Open (Ann Arbor, MI)
The first sanctioned event of 2006 almost ended before it began. Only 7 players could be found (as C. Frushour wussed out) but Claire Forster stepped in to save the day. Not only did she fill the 8th spot, but her experience pitching softballs carried her deep into the competition.
With a group of inexperienced players, Dan Kidle, the host of the tournament, was the heavy favorite to bring home the Chimpionship medal. However, Stuart Remick pulled an upset over Dan 15-13 in the winner’s bracket final. After cruising past Walker Rutter-Bowman 15-3 in the loser’s bracket final, Dan was matched up against Stuart in the tournament finals. With Stuart up 10-5, Dan made a bold move, switching from the traditional throw to the rope-pinch method. Dan came back and won the match 15-10, then clinched the Ann Arbor Open Chimpionship with another 15-10 victory. The cardboard medal that Dan had made for the event was his to keep.
Champion: Dan Kidle
Runner-Up: Stuart Remick
# of Players: 8