Our New Year's Resolution Is to Stick To Deadlines

...still no resolution to the TCoS membership issues. We hope for more clarity early in 2013.

 

TCoS Says "Merry Christmas"

You won't get "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" here. Certainly no "Winter Wishes" or "Have a wonderful Holiday Season".

It's Christmas and TCoS wishes you a Merry Christmas.

Conference Realignment Issues and TCoS - Part Deux (Sayanora Big East?)

By now you have realized that "Ten" doesn't always mean "10" and "XII" doesn't have to mean "12". Likewise, "Big" can describe a conference with no "big" programs. We've learned recently that seven Catholic schools may leave the Big East. This will decimate the conference as the only remaining members will be Cincinnati, Connecticut, and Burlington County Vo-Tech.

Why is TCoS covering conference realignment? The obvious reason is TCoS may have some major membership changes in 2013. We will know more before New Year's Day.

Carlos Ruiz, PEDs, and Shuffleboard

(Riverton, NJ) - With the recent positive test results of Carlos Ruiz, as well as two members of the Seattle Seahawks professional football team, PEDs are again a hot topic.

Insiders report the TCoS board is locked in intense deliberations to decide this great sport's approach to these drugs. No one can say for sure, but it's likely TCos will take one of the following approaches:

1) A strict drug policy which will be the envy of the sporting world. This policy, if implemented, will be so strict it will likely make the World Anti-Doping Agency suddenly worry about the athletes privacy and due process rights. This would include a "biological passport" system, and polygraph testing. When needed, "enhanced interrogation techniques" would be used to identify lying cheats.

2) A completely PED-tolerant association. This option would be the polar opposite of  option 1. Performance Enhancing Drugs would be tolerated, even encouraged.

There is no way to tell which path the board will choose. Either way, our great sport will never be the same.

Its a long offseason.

Conference Realignment Issues and TCoS - Part 1

(College Park, MD) - By now many have learned Maryland and Rutgers will be joining the Big Ten Conference, likely in 2014. This creates an interesting situation as the Big Ten will have 14 members. The Big 12 has ten members. This creates confusion for some fans, but these "brands" are considered too valuable to modify their names.

How does this relate to TCoS? You'll have to wait for Part 2.

It's a long offseason...

Hurricane Sandy and the TCoS

(Mt. Holly, NJ) -

Hurricane Sandy is expected to make landfall in New Jersey soon. Impact on the TCoS is expected to be limited, as we are in our closed season. We are hoping for no damage to our facilities. Please be safe and smart. It's a long offeason.

We Should Have Seen It Coming

(Detriot, MI) -  Miguel Cabrera yesterday wrapped up the American League Triple Crown. This is the first time any player has won the Triple Crown in 45 years. Of course, Rick G set the tone earlier this year by taking the equally prestigious Triple Crown of Shuffleboard.

I'll Have Another: No   Miguel Cabrera: Yes

New TCoS Merchandise In Stock!!!

The newest item in the TCoS collection is now available! It's a complete ripoff, but we insist on pricing the tumblers at $20 each or 2 for $30. We're on our way to obscene profits! Until we have our e-commerce site ready, you'll have to email the webmaster to order.

It's a long offseason....

'Cause Every Once In A While, The Lion Has To Show The Jackals Who He Is

Looking back....looking forward. Great TCoS Moments.

Did You Know? TCoS Rule Book Fun Fact

Did you know it takes 17 mature trees just to make the paper for one TCoS Rule Book? Sure, at 31,000 pages, the rule book may seem unnecessarily long. However, we seek to address every possible situation in detail with subheadings and footnotes. We also print in a large, easy-to-read font.

It's a long off-season. Nine months till March Madness.

Rick and Affirmed Breathe Sighs of Relief; '72 Dolphins Toast

(Elmont, NY) - Rick will be this year's only Triple Crown winner as I'll Have Another has been scratched from the Belmont Stakes.

I'll Have Another Calls Rick To Discuss Pressure

(Baltimore, MD) - I'll Have Another placed an early morning phone call to Rick G. to discuss the pressure that comes with winning the first two Triple Crown events. As Rick knows, pressure mounts anytime a great athlete is in a position to take the Triple Crown. Fresh off a victory at The Preakness, I'll Have Another will attempt to equal Rick's recent Triple Crown feat.

Rick, while initially flabbergasted that he was talking to a horse, reminded  I'll Have Another to remember what got him here and to be sure and thank God in his victory speech.

A Candid Q&A With The Derby Day Organizer

(New York, NY) With the Triple Crown of Shuffleboard complete for 2012, we had the opportunity to sit down with the Derby Day organizer to discuss this year's tournament, it's future, and the Triple Crown of Shuffleboard in general.


Were you satisfied with the inaugural Derby Day Tournament?
SZ: Satisfied would be an understatement. A lot of people said that three tournaments in one year was too much. "Who can dedicate three Saturdays to shuffleboard?" they asked. I think the answer is clear. Not everyone can make all three tournaments. However, there is definitely room on the schedule for a May Tournament. Derby Day falls on the perfect weekend.

It's been said you were flexible in scheduling. Are there any lessons learned for next year?
SZ: It's absolutely clear: Once you start playing into May, some people will have conflicts with Little League, softball coaching, horse racing, etc. We support dedicated parents and horse owner's who want to keep their other commitments. When we can, we are perfectly willing to juggle our schedule to help our players.

How does your tournament measure up against March Madness and The Masters?
SZ: Our tournament just completed it's first year. It would be silly to measure us against other tournaments with such stature and history.

How would you rate the level of competition at Derby Day?
SZ: Again, this was our first season. I felt the talent level was fine. It wasn't overwhelming, and we certainly hope to step it up a bit next year. I think March Madness has the most talent year in and year out. However, The Masters had an impressive eight team field this year.

Speaking of eight team fields, is that a trend for the future?
SZ: It's too early to tell. The Masters was kind of forced to limit the field this year, due to Easter weekend. I think both tournament formats have advantages. We may expand to twelve teams next year. We will make that decision sometime before New Year's Day. If we go to twelve, we will give each of our Top Four from this year a first round bye.

What are you happiest about regarding this year's tournament?
SZ: Six or Eight people entered with no idea what they were getting themselves into. They left ecstatic, and ready for next year. I feel it's an important part of my position to introduce more youngsters to the traditions of table shuffleboard. It's a great game. We want to keep the future bright.

What does the Triple Crown of Shuffleboard have in store for the rest of 2012?
SZ: It's tough to say. We're very happy with how the first TCoS played out. We're also thrilled to have Rick G. win the Triple Crown. I'm sure there will be informal games throughout the Spring/Summer at all three sites. There has been talk of a Fall Series, but most of that depends on our television partners.You'll see blog updates periodically.

One final question: what's the outlook for 2013?
SZ; I think the futures of both table shuffleboard in general and the TCoS in particular are bright. Obviously, we are all holding our breath with regards to The Masters and their site issues.  We hope to be shooting on the long board the April 13th, 2013.

Thanks. I enjoyed the interview. Best wishes for the rest of 2012!

Recognizing History As It Occurs

Derby Day Recap - The Krimpets Were Delicious

It would be easy to look at Prestige Worldwide's victory and assume they walked through the tournament. It was, however, a competitive tournament with a great field. Teams Kim Possible and Expecting raised the standards for co-ed teams. REO Teabaggin' and Grumpy Old Men also made great efforts, as well as Dennis and Randy Quate. Everyday I'm Shufflin' and Johnny & The Big Thumbs also put forth a great effort despite going 0-2.

The Triple Crown season closes and the MVP award has to go to Rick G. Rick G (Split between Prestige Worldwide and Quate Kings) became the first Triple Crown Winner since Affirmed/Carl Yastrzemski. Just as the same jockey does not have to ride a winning horse in all three races, the TCoS winner needs only to be a member of each wining team to complete the momentous feat.

As we look toward next year, it's proper to note that Champions Prestige Worldwide, Runners-Up Kim Possible, 3rd Place Grumpy Old Men, and 4th Place Dennis & Randy Quate have secured "Priority Entry" for next years tournament. Mark your calendars.


2013 Derby Day Shuffleboard Tournament Saturday May 4th.

Dust Settles on Triple Crown Season

(Riverton, NJ) - The first Triple Crown Season is in the books. This year's champions were Quate Kings and Prestige Worldwide(twice). Rick G won all three tournaments to become the first ever individual Triple Crown champion.

Prestige Worldwide Wins Going Away

(Riverton, NJ) - It took two games, but Prestige Worldwide beat Kim Possible to win the inaugural Derby Day Tournament. Rick G became the first ever Triple Crown Individual Champion (Winning March Madness as part of the Quate Kings and the Masters and Derby Day as part of Prestige Worldwide. Like Dave Grohl and Ronnie Wood, Rick G is successful in multiple partnerships.

Grumpy Old Men and Expecting Advance to Complete First Round

(Riverton, NJ) - Grumpy Old Men defeated REO Teabaggin' 15-3. Expecting defeated Johnny & The Big Thumbs 14-6 close out Round 1. Loser Bracket round 1 is underway.

Dennis & Randy Quate Advance!

(Riverton, NJ) Dennis and Randy Quatehave advanced 15-13 with a victory over Everyday I'm Shufflin'. The first round continues.

Prestige Worldwide Takes Opener 17-8

(Riverton, NJ) - Prestige Worldwide defeated Co-ed team Kim Possible earlier today in the opening match. There will now be an intermission while new players familiarize themselves with the board. Play will resume at 430 when Dennis and Randy Quate take on Everyday I'm Shufflin'.

The Day Has Arrived

(Riverton, NJ) - It's the First Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby - and the Derby Day Shuffleboard Tournament. Curtain Raiser at 237PM. The rest of the action starts at 4PM. C'mon out and watch some world class shuffleboard.

3,000 Miles to Graceland, But Only 682 to Churchill Downs

It may be 682 miles from Riverton, NJ to Louisville, KY, but it will feel much closer this Saturday. We will have our second "open practice" tomorrow at 7. With the Phillies playing a day game, all televisions will be tuned to the Flyers vs. Devils game 3.

"Oh honey, he's teasing you, nobody has two television sets."

We Do! This isn't 1955, Stella. We'll be watching both the Phillies and Flyers tonight. If the door is open, come on in. I might be fashionably late to my own place. See you tonight.

Practice Sessions Announced!!

(Riverton, NJ) - In anticipation of Saturday's Derby Day tournament, two practice sessions have been announced.

Tuesday May 1st -   7PM - 11PM
Thursday May 3rd - 7PM - 11PM

Stop by anytime between 7 and 11 to get a feel for the new table.

Possibly Breakthrough With Prestige Worldwide

(Riverton, NJ) - Sources close to the Triple Crown of Shuffleboard are reporting a potential breakthrough in negotiations with recent Masters champs Prestige Worldwide. Sources say the issue of an appearance fee has been settled and only minor issues remain unresolved. Look for an announcement by the middle of the week.

Bleak Outlook: Negotiations With Prestige Worldwide Bear No Fruit Thus Far

(Riverton, NJ) - Organizers of the Derby Day Shuffleboard tournament continue to negotiate an appearance fee with recent Master's Champions Prestige Worldwide. Apparently, Prestige Worldwide is demanding a five figure appearance fee. Tournament organizers have thus far rejected the appearance fee request as unrealistic.

In related, but separate news, there is talk the two members of Prestige Worldwide  cannot agree on certain details including: percentage split of winnings, percentage split of endorsements, and order of introductions.

The smart money is indicating we will not see Prestige Worldwide together again before the 2013 Masters.