What started out as a backyard dream turned into a national treasure.
Cornhole Canada was established in November of 2020. It was fourteen months in the making. We could’ve never envisioned what was about to happen. The goal was to structure and standardize the new sport of cornhole in Canada. Very few leagues existed and a national body was not established.
Over the first few months the support was overwhelming. Leagues were started across the country. Over twenty-five leagues in the first ten months! We had built a close knit community in a very short time. Through the pandemic most leagues could not start but we kept everyone active by hosting virtual tournaments.
It was very early on that we decided that a National Championship was needed to help promote the game. The planning began in January of 2021 and we were off and running. We noticed the biggest push for players was in Ontario so the Board of Directors decided that the inaugural National Championships would be hosted there.
There are so many components that make up a national championships and our first goal was to secure a location. The Southshore Centre in Barrie was the choice mainly because of the intimate setting and picturesque view. It was a very busy July and August but in the end the event was exactly how we envisioned it.
It was great to get some national exposure as our President was on TSN Radio on the Thursday leading up to the tournament. CTV was also live at the tournament with daily reports. All this led to twelve new leagues wanting to join. And the interest is piquing!
As players from across the country began arriving Cornhole Canada hosted a social on Thursday night before the CNCC. It was great to finally meet all the people who have helped grow this beautiful community in person. Of course the boards came out with some friendly competition.
Before we knew it Friday was here. The start of the Championships! Before the tournament began the Board of Directors and member leagues hosted their first Annual General Meeting at 9am. Many things were discussed and members agree we are on the right path.
Our goal was to have 120 tournament spots available. In the end over 150 spots were sold! Over eighty players from five provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec) were represented. All registered players received a commemorative jersey and a special package from one of our sponsors Matt & Steve’s.
1pm arrived and the atmosphere was electric! We started with some words from the Boards of Directors. Then a ceremonial bag toss from our first official league operator Chris Schuk from Kelowna, BC. And as customary the playing of our national anthem.
Divisions played were Singles Men and Women, Doubles Open and Mixed and Teams. We also had three blind draws and an air mail challenge. Pictures and video from all the finals will be posted soon.
And here are your winners:
Singles – Women
Champion: Marlene Auger (Alberta)
Finalist: Wendy Lomanto (Ontario)
3rd Place: Damara Gabel (Saskatchewan)
Singles – Men (Upper Bracket)
Champion: Dean Lang (Ontario)
Finalist: Darren Bradley (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Travis Moreau (Ontario)
Singles – Men (Lower Bracket)
Champion: Sean Ruddy (Ontario)
Finalist: Tom Moffat (British Columbia)
3rd Place: Rick Wiersma (Ontario)
Doubles – Mixed (Upper Bracket)
Champions: Marlene Auger & Dennis Prince (Alberta)
Finalists: Wendy Lomanto & Pete Lomanto (Ontario)
3rd Place: Damara Gabel & Parker Kentz (Saskatchewan)
Doubles – Mixed (Lower Bracket)
Champions: Tracey DeCoste & Brandon Brown (Ontario)
Finalists: Karen Lalonde & Dave Dunlop (Ontario)
3rd Place: Launa Smith & Sean Ruddy (Ontario)
Doubles – Open (Upper Bracket)
Champions: Jason Goff & Dean Lang (Ontario)
Finalists: Llyod Cunningham & Dennis Prince (Alberta)
3rd Place: Lee Carson & Don Leslie (Ontario)
Doubles – Open (Lower Bracket)
Champions: Sean Botelho & Brandon Brown (Ontario)
Finalists: Eric Bornino & Nick Bornino (Ontario)
3rd Place: Sebastian Gianino & Chris Schuk (Ontario/British Columbia)
Teams
Champions: Wallaceburg Beavers (Ontario)
Finalists: Orillia Cornhole Club (Ontario)
3rd Place: Barrie Baggers (Ontario)
Blind Draw #1
Champions: Parker Kentz (Saskatchewan) & Dean Lang (Ontario)
Finalists: Jason Goff (Ontario) & Kevin Newson (Saskatchewan)
3rd Place: Nick Bornino & Tim Santsche (Ontario)
Blind Draw #2
Champions: Pino Gatto & Dean Lang (Ontario)
Finalists: Travis Myers & Tim Santsche (Ontario)
3rd Place: Mark Goode & Scott Gorry (Ontario)
Blind Draw #3
Champions: Nick Bornino & Dean Lang (Ontario)
Finalists: Paden Clark & Keith Tibbo (Ontario)
3rd Place: Eric Bornino & Ryan Morgan (Ontario)
Air Mail Champion
Kevin Newson (Saskatchewan)
We want to thank all of our volunteers for their tireless efforts. Christine Gianino, Lyndsay Hill, Angie Panza, Brittany Silvaggio, Ryan Pellegrini, and Frank Zampini.
Our amazing DJ Justin Ruggiero, known as JR, was throwing down all weekend long getting the players fired up! He is a resident DJ in downtown Toronto bars. Check him out. Thanks buddy!
Our sponsors, who we could not do without. We thank you!
Our premier sponsor Mr. Curtis Goddard and his RE/MAX team who were onsite all weekend long.
Matt & Steve’s – Home of the Extreme Bean and the best caesar on the planet!
Tyler McLay Realtor #BuyWithTy.
Sherwood Mortgage Group
Legend Cornhole
And lastly, we want to thank all the players, family and friends for spending the weekend with us. Without you none of this is possible. We can’t wait for the 2022 National Championships. Location to be announced soon!
The Board of Directors