Kevin Williams – Everett, WA
You’ve all seen him and probably met up with him at the boards at State. His name is Kevin Williams and he’s been an integral part of Medalist darts for many years around the Everett area.
A new father, Kevin and his wife, Sherri, can typically be found coordinating darts out of Flights Pub in Everett. Kevin’s a super guy and could probably give you a few tips on how to better appreciate your chosen sport. Kevin believes in the power of the little guy. Those up-and-comers in the sport and does his best to cultivate new talent.
Cruise out to Flights and get to know Kevin and the rest of the gang. Here’s a one-on-one conversation we had with Kevin just recently.
So, Kevin, how long have you been throwing darts? 10 years
What’s your current Medalist rating? 6
How long did it take you to get there?
I started as a temp 7, went down to a 3, back up to a 8, down to a 5, back to a 6. Consistency is the name of the game!
Name some locations you’ve played leagues for over the years.
Flights (Kodiaks), Madison Ave, Sportys, JR’s, Jimmy Jack’s, Speedway Grill
What sort of big plans do you and owner, Ty, have for darts at Flights Pub?
Ty is an awesome owner. All he focus’s on are the players and how the bar can better support them and attract new talent. We just started our “Frequent Players” club, which is going over great. We are limiting the number of shoots so we can provide a higher payout. I have always focused on bringing in new players and providing tournaments that appeal to the low rated players as well. I try to entertain as well as running the tournament. Just give me a shot of Jager and a microphone!
When and where did you meet your lovely wife?
Playing darts of course?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ GT Groovy’s in 1998.
What is the neatest thing about your young daughter?
Her amazing personality. She is always smiling and laughing, as she is sooooo cute. We must have a really cool and handsome milkman.
How is raising a daughter similar to raising a brand new dart player?
Both will look at you and nod when you tell them what to do, then turn around and do exactly the opposite.
Who’ve been some of your favorite dart partners and why?
First would have to be Rodney Shierk. We have played together for a long time, he is a lot of fun to shoot with, and he is not afraid to speak his mind, especially when I am at the line throwing! Terry B, Rob, Cindi, Jason and Tracy, Todd and Faith. I have always tried to shoot with different partners, especially those that are new to the game. The new players are the best, makes you remember when hitting a hat trick was one of your greatest achievements!
What are some of your favorite memories surrounding the game?
- Winning State after seven years of trying! Every “Hot August Night” for the last ten years, what a party! Worlds in Vegas! Reading my first edition of the Medallion?¢‚Ǩ¬¶
Do you prefer league play to tournaments?
When I first started, tournaments were the most fun. But as the years went buy, the money has made the tournaments too serious. I remember when a first place in a tournament would get you $50 and a steak, when you drew for partners, and when the only lying about ratings was when you claimed to be higher rated than you were just for the bragging rights. League is a lot of fun, but it can be a long ten weeks when your team is not doing well?¢‚Ǩ¬¶
How many nights a week are you out playing darts these days?
2 nights of league, 1 night for tournament.
Who is your mentor within the sport?
Lisa and Trevor taught me how to play, or at least tried to teach me. To this day when I am throwing, I can still hear Trevor’s advice ringing in the back of my head (then I take a shot of Jager and it goes away!)
Are you a collector of anything?
Money, but my collection is very small right now!
What is your most favorite movie of all time?
I can’t remember the title, but the picture on the front of the case has 5 blond college girls having a pillow fight?¢‚Ǩ¬¶
If you could make one improvement to the sport of darts, what would it be?
Limit the amount of money that bars can give out in tournaments. The money is causing so many problems, either the smaller bars cannot afford it and lose all their players, or the players start taking the game too serious and start fighting about ratings and sandbagging. This is supposed to be a fun way of spending a night out, not a person’s primary form of earning a income!
How does a dart house attract brand new players?
Free beer works, but most aren’t willing to do that. Actually, I think its all about atmosphere. Players want good service and prices, and entertainment when they are not shooting. New people cannot resist picking up darts if there are 50 people having a blast playing all around them. Darts is just plain contagious.
What kind of tournament is a novice or first-time player more apt to attend?
Here is something that I have never understood. Considering that something like 80% of Medalist dart players are rater 5 or below (I am guessing at that number), why do so many bars insist on having tournaments with 20+ point max? For new players, I recommend a low point max shoot (12 to 16 point max), or a parity draw shoot – if you can find one (good luck).
How important are the brand new players to the longevity of the game?
They are the life of the game. We all get old, gain more responsibility with less time for fun and darts, and eventually move away from the sport. New players keep the whole thing going, as well as it is their ideas and inspirations that shape the league.
What do you do for work, Kevin?
I work at Boeing (work is a strong word to use), and I fix computers for BestBuy (Geek Squad) at night.
Do you enjoy any activities outside of the dart world?
Sure, just don’t have any time to do them! Spending time with my daughter and wife, fishing, poker, golfing, and just plain relaxing!
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Kevin. We look forward to seeing you out and about but remember, when we meet at the board, it’s all business, buddy!
