Great Lakes Dart Classic / NDHOF Induction Sept 28-Oct 1 2006

Saturday morning rolls around and after finishing up a box of doughnuts John and I are off to throw some darts. The first event of the day is the Draw Triples which started at the crack of noon. My team meshed well from the onset and cruised into the first semi-final of the day. But we ran into Ed "Bam Bam" Debenke and Gary Mawson and that hurdle was just too high. Not a bad finish to start off the day...

The next event is the cricket doubles and my partner for the weekend is Brad Wethington. Now Brad and I had played just once before so getting the chemistry going early was crucial. We dip and dodged our way to the quarter-finals where we met a tough team of Gary Mawson and Darin Young. After two very heated games we find ourselves in a decider. Amazingly enough both Brad and I missed darts at 3 bulls to finish the leg and our journey ended.

On tap next is the singles 501 and an important event at this tournament. This year the GLDC is on the road to Vegas circuit so points count toward a free bid into the TV round of the Desert Classic. The competition is tough with all the usual suspects in attendance. Despite my shoulder protesting I stay solid and reach the quarter-finals.

Prior to playing the quarter-finals of the Men's Singles the National Darts Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held. This is a fun event and last year I had the honor of inducting my mother. Little did I know that she was to repay the favor this year. My wife and children arrived and I knew something was up. As my name was announced I was overwhelmed by the show of support from the local crowd. Some of these people have known me almost my entire life and to be honored by your peers is the greatest feeling in sport.

After I recieved my plaque I was able to hand it off to the kids who I am sure will remember that day for a long time. Then someone let my mother on the microphone. As she tells embarressing stories of darts past I could only think of how we have come full circle in this sport. Who would have ever though those many years ago when we travelled around to those tournaments...

Other inducties included, Gary Mawson, Ed Debenke, Mary Mcdonald, Dennis Bushi, Isen Veljic, and Lorie Burgett. The show of support and genuine goodwill shown by all involved made me proud to be involved in such a tremedous sport such as darts. The attitude present and atmosphere in the room was truly inspiring. You can view the gallery of the inducties here.