Player Profile

Miles Norman

Federal Way, WA

Miles, how long have you been around the game of darts?  I guess saying 20 years would give away the fact that I’m not really 29, but I guess that’s the fact of the matter.

 What are some of your favorite memories around darts in the Northwest?  I’d have to say WSSTDA State at the Propeller Club in Tacoma was always a blast and the many charity dart fundraisers we held at Ocean Shores. 

What is your current Medalist rating?  MM10

 What is your beverage of choice?  Dr. Pepper for the past 3 ½ years. Long story.

 Do you believe that accuracy in dart throwing is a natural ability or learned?  I think a combination of both, but as long as you’re having fun, who cares?

 How have you elevated your game and how do you keep it sharp?  I love to play the higher flights to keep my game sharp and I try to remember that it is a game and should be fun.  I figure, if you’re not having fun, then take a break.

 Describe your optimum opponent.  Somebody that will make me throw my best darts and provide the most challenge to my game i.e. people like John Husman, Peter Clark, David Foster, to name a few.  I feel that you play to your competition so I’m always trying to step it up.

 Who are some of the people you’ve brought into the game that still remain today?  Not sure of the people I can lay claim to, but they know who they are. LOL

 Have you ever learned something about the game from a new or low-rated player?  I’m always learning new things but the best advice I’ve ever gotten was from dearly departed Mavis Lawrence (WSSTDA President) who told me to always have fun and that darts is just a game.

 Do you enjoy partnering up with your wife Jodi?  I love playing darts with Jodi.  She keeps me in line and she has the skills to carry me when my game is a little off and then when we’re both on top of our game – look the heck out!  LOL

 How did you find yourself in the position to be Coordinator at Stars Bar & Grill?  I’ve been shooting darts at Stars for about 3 ½ years now and when the newly married TJ decided to step down in January 2010 to spend more family time, I volunteered my services.

 Clarify your duties at Stars for us please.  I guess my duties would be to represent and promote Stars altogether from dart leagues and tourneys to karaoke with Seth, and just the fun that can be had by all thanks to the atmosphere provided by owners Teena and Carl.

 Tell us what your plans for Stars’ future in darts might entail.  As with anywhere, the more the merrier.  I am continuing to build a player base and we are experimenting with the types of tourneys that people want to come to – whether it’s a ladies night or an occasional Parity Draw to shake things up.  If anyone has suggestions, come up and see me at Stars!  Lastly, I would like to continue to provide a fun and safe venue to play darts.

 Name some of your other favorite locations to shoot darts and why. Pied Piper in Kent, which is an independent bar, but a blast is usually had by all.  Bobby and Teresa will treat you right.  Also Cloud 9 where you know you’re in for a match and Ike takes care of his people.

 Do you prefer tournaments or league play and why?  Tournament for the most part because that is where you get to meet new people and everybody is usually at the top of their game.

 Who are your biggest influences in the sport?  Currently, it would have to be Jodi who also brings a good game and is often my partner these days.  Then, the crew from my days at Pied Piper in Kent:  David, Steve, Bobby, Wayne and Buzz – they kept me on top of my game.  Also some other old WSSTDA friends, like John Husman, helped build a little character!

 How can location owners, coordinators and players work more effectively to ensure a positive future for our sport? I believe we need to continue to promote the sport and bring in new players.  Also remember that it should be about the fun not the money.  Don’t get me wrong the money is nice but not the most important thing.

 What’s been your biggest achievement within the sport to date?  I guess I have a few pins and a lot of dusty awards, but I would have to say in the end, it’s been the friendships made.

 How many trophies have you accumulated over the years? My accumulation if I had kept them all would be massive but I have kept a few important ones. If you have a large collection that is just gathering dust, get a hold of your local Special Olympics and donate them. They are very grateful and the athletes absolutely love them.

 How has the game changed over the years?  I’d have to say the point game. Used to be commonplace to have very low-scoring Cricket games.  Now it’s not uncommon to play a 300+ point game.  Would love to see more gentlemen’s games.

 If you could make a single alteration to the sport, what would that be?  I would love to be able to track ratings in tourneys as well as league.  You always hear about how this person should be a 9, not a 5.  As a coordinator, it is sometimes frustrating to see the sandbagging, but until we have a fool-proof way to track ratings, we have to go with the flow. 

 Are you a collector of anything?  I collect train memorabilia.

 What is your most favorite movie of all time?  A toss-up between Rudy, Hoosiers, and the classic Spaceballs.

 How do you spend your time away from the dart board? Friends and family.

 What is your idea of a perfect vacation? A week at the beach without a care in the world.

 What are you most passionate about in life? Family, Family, Family

 Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met and how did it happen?  Heart, the whole band – while out on the town in Tokyo when I was in the Navy, me and my buddies walked into a bar and there they were.  Since we were the only other Americans in the bar, they invited us over and to make a long story short, we ended up partying with them all night long and had no bar tab, SWEET!

 What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for a stranger?  Yeah right, me nice?  Okay, well once, driving at work I saw an elderly lady trip and fall on a raised side walk so I stopped my truck and helped administer a little first aid on her cuts until an ambulance arrived to take over. 

 Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers in parting?  Just remember to have fun, keep throwing, and come up to Stars in Federal Way and say hey.  We’d love to have you!  Our sign-up party for the fall season is on Friday, September 3 at 7pm – $500 payout w/16 teams.  Hope to see you!  Thank you for your time and I hope you’ve learned a little about me, but not too much!

 Aw Miles, you’re obviously a pretty swell guy underneath all that bright red facial hair, a real softy. And we endorse your emphasis on the fun and friendship in darts.

Feel free to further acquaint yourself with Miles Friday night at Stars. Thanks for your time.