We have something new in the AZ version of the Medallion that will appear from time to time. It will be our "Dart Player of the Month".

Now, before you call in and tell me how good you shot in league or how you carried your partner in a recent tournament and that you should be the Player of the Month, that isn't the only criteria.

If you know a quality individual that plays darts, send me some information and I will consider that player. Make sure you leave a contact so I can get a hold of them or you.

This month's featured player is Tom Slivka. I chose Tom because he is not only a great dart player, but a great father, husband and provider. He is 54 years young and looks way younger than me.

Tom is a structural engineer and is disciplined enough to work for himself. He has a wonderful wife, Doreen, who is truly smart, because she doesn't hang out with us goofballs a lot. According to Tom, she deserves most of the credit for raising their wonderful children.

They have two sons and two daughters; Michael is with the Department of Defense Research and Development in Camp Pendleton, CA. Robert is a Staff Sergeant in the US Marine Corps. He is on his third tour of duty in Iraq and is based in Yuma, AZ. Robert's wife is pregnant, expecting the Slivka's first grandchild.

The Slivka ladies are no slouches either. Michelle just graduated from ASU with a degree in Business Management and Law. His youngest, Jennifer, works with the Phoenix Police Department.

I know how proud Tom is of all the family.

Now, on to the fun stuff. Tom's greatest accomplishment in darts was being selected to Team USA in 1999. His toughest opponents are John Gray, Rick Kerska, Dave Fatum and Martin Bedoni.

When Tom isn't playing darts, he is fishing or working in his garden. Tom, like myself, moved here from Ohio 20 years ago and Has played darts for 15 years. Here are some questions I asked Tom:

MIKE: Would you rather win the NDA Singles title or four-man team event?

TOM: Singles of course; you only depend on yourself to win.

MIKE: Would you rather win the Master League Top Gun or win the league?

TOM: Hopefully if I am throwing well enough to win the Top Gun, my team will win the league.

MIKE: Rather eat a cheeseburger or pizza?

TOM: Pizza, unless I make the cheeseburger.

MIKE: Rather have sex or shoot a 5.0 on league night?

TOM: Hands down, shoot a 5.0. I can have sex anytime, but I've never shot a 5.0 in league. If I did it, would be a night to remember.

MIKE: Steak or lobster?

TOM: Nothing beats a good filet mignon.

MIKE: Rather win the Don Henson Award or Top Gun?

TOM: I would be honored to win the Don Henson Award.

MIKE: What player would you like to beat the most?

TOM: No one person comes to mind. I'm not afraid to play anyone and I am not concerned about who is at the tournament. I do worry about the lucky draws some people seem to get at tournaments. I can beat anyone and I can also get beat by anyone.

MIKE: You seem to have a lot of nicknames, what would you rather be known as?

TOM: I don't have much choice on this one. My dart buddies always decide what to call me. The last time nicknames came up, they were calling me "Rod the Crow Slivak who's a wire away." I am just glad they forgot about the Jaegermeister.

Well, I didn't forget the Jaeger! What have we learned about Tom Slivka? He likes meat over fish, but he likes to catch fish and take care of veggies. He doesn't like sex as much as good darts, can beat anyone or get beat by anyone. Seems to be on the fence on a lot of issues, but at least he is not in the closet. Wants his Burger and pizza, too.

For me, Tom is a fierce competitor who plays the game with a passion. He wants to win. Even driving home from the bar, he wants to beat you to the next light.

He has coined two phrases that he will always be remembered for, and they are, "Come on" and of course, "I'm just a wire away."

Tom is a man that others and I look up to. His family comes first and he takes pride in his work and everything he does. The younger players and non-dart players should take a lesson from Tom: you get your work done, take care of the family and then enjoy your outside activities.

I am proud to be a friend of Tom's and he can be my wingman any time. Tom gives dart players a good name and proves that lots of winners play darts.