Sitzler wins Top Gun, Malchow takes MVP

Glendale, Arizona, Friday November 28, 2007, Singer’s Sports Bar. It is the 42nd annual Masters Banquet and time to hand out some awards.

The most prestigious award that a player can earn is the Top Gun in the Masters League A Division. Why is that such a big deal? Because this is not just another dart league, it is the top league in the country.

Taking the Top Gun in this league means you were the-best-of-the-best for ten weeks. What makes this one even more special is the player who won this season was the top gun in both 501 and Cricket. Not often has a player swept both, but this season Dean Sitzler put his name in some select company with the award.

In doing this, Dean has come full circle in the league. A long-time player and supporter in the league, Dean was at the top of his game when he moved to Washington. After and eye injury, Dean had to overcome a lot to get his game back – and he has; and then some.

Dean garnered several top finishes in both Medalist and NDA, and has also been a member of the NDA Team USA. Congratulations to Dean on his perseverance and great accomplishment.

Probably the next most prestigious award is the Master League A Division MVP Award. This season’s winner was Lonnie Malchow. This is a special award because the committee selects the recipient and it means they felt you did the most for your team. Lonnie’s squad finished first by one game and he was definitely a deciding factor. Lonnie has played in 38 straight Masters leagues and ranks near the top in weeks played. He holds the distinction of playing the most seasons without being a captain, but with another run like this season, that can all change.

The key to winning the Masters League is 501, and Lonnie finished in the top ten in that category, shooting over 30 ppd. Congratulations to Lonnie for the great season and having the distinction of being on the most Masters championship teams.

I couldn’t have picked two better guys to win these awards. I am proud of my two buddies and proud that they are a part of the Masters League.