Mickey/Mac a success?

By Ken Wright

On Saturday, February 16, the annual Mickey/Mac Tournament was held at Toso’s. While the turnout was good and the money raised will surely help, I can’t help but be disappointed in the lack of support I have seen from dart players when it comes to these types of events lately – from the Don Henson Classic to the Wrightway clothes drive.

Where is everyone? Why do other bars run conflicting tournaments? Why do some of us choose to go to these tournaments? Do you really only play for the money? Let’s all try and get on the same page and make these legitimate benefits a success like they once were.

Okay, on to the tourney. Forty-four people showed up to give their support and time to help raise money for the American Cancer Society to honor the names of Mickey Frasier and Johnny MacDaniel, two long-time dart players who lost their lives to cancer.

Bobby Lang ran the tournament smoothly, despite the fact that about half the people in it had never played before. The servers were on their best game, making sure no one went thirsty or hungry. With the tournament going great and the servers doing a great job, it is hard to believe that this was not the best entertainment of the night.

Mark Lance showed up to donate his time and play the role of auctioneer. If you have never seen Mark do this, you need to get out to the next benefit event.

Items ranging from silks shirts and neon lights to spa packages were donated. About half way through the tourney, Mark started the auction. His hilarious antics and his antagonizing comments raised $1,577. The top bidder of the night was Kelli Wise, buying a spa package donated by Wrightway for $600.

So after a small break and a good laugh, it was time to get back to the tourney. I am sure everyone was playing their best and having a great time. The teams were matched evenly and the competition was high. It was obvious there were many distractions though, when Hamilton Tylor and Justin Beoble came out on top at the end of the night.

If this is the type of night I have to look forward to, I am already looking forward to next year!