2005 VA Open Results Bonzini U.S.A. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bonzini ™ U.S.A. 2005 VA Open Thunder in Mtn. Foosball Spectacular Results July 22nd-24th Byers St. Bistro Staunton, VA $2000.00 in Cash, Prizes and Trophies Register Players: 65 Areas Represented: VA, NC, SC, MD, and Canada OPEN DOUBLES 1st Marc Gilbert (Can) & Xavier B. Harvey (Can) 2nd Bruce Nardoci (NC) & John Wilkerson (NC) 3rd Bill Lewallen (VA) & Kenneth Kniceley (VA) 4th Mack Smith (NC) & Jim Parris (NC) 5/6th Tim "Fuji" Alberts (VA) & James Neal (VA) 5/6th Rickey Martin (NC) & Dave Pelny (VA) OPEN SINGLES 1st Bruce Nardoci (NC) 2nd Mack Smith (NC) 3rd Jim Parris (NC) 4th Tim "Fuji" Alberts (VA) 5/6th Jean-Benoit Pineault (Can) 5/6th Xavier Harvey (Can) U1500 Singles 1st Jean-Benoit Pineault (Can) 2nd Luc Tremblay (Can) 3rd Jim Corbett (SC) 3500 LIMITED DOUBLES 1st Bruce Nardoci (NC) & Dave Pelny (VA) 2nd Jim Parris (NC) & Bobby Yates (NC) 3rd Tim “Fuji” Alberts (VA) & James Neal (VA) 4th Kenneth Kniceley (VA) & Mike Giles (NC) DOUBLE DIP DOUBLES 1st Rick Forgey (VA) & Russell Mabus (VA) 2nd Jimmy Gonzales (VA) & Korbin Gonzales (VA) 3rd Scott Dunbar (VA) & Brian Gallatin (VA) DESIGNATED DRAW 1st Sam Crockett (VA) & Frederic Spence (Can) 2nd Kenneth Kniceley (VA) & Jean-Benoit Pineault (Can) 3rd Tim "Fuji" Alberts (VA) & Marc-Eric Gagnon (Can) NOVICE DOUBLES 1st Josh Skalko (NC) & Jesse Barnhill (NC) 2nd John Lewis (NC) & Tony Shifflett (VA) 3rd Marc-Eric Gagnon (Can) & Jerome Gravel (Can) 4th Todd Weatherspoon (NC) & Bobby Yates (NC) NOVICE SINGLES 1st Jerome Gravel (Can) 2nd Dave Powers (VA) 3rd Chris Cupp (VA) 4th Tony Shifflett (VA) FRIDAY DYP 1st Tim "Fuji" Alberts (VA) & Bill Lewallen (VA) 2nd Mack Smith (NC) & James Neal (VA) 3rd Kenneth Kniceley (VA) & Steven Smith (NC) 4th Dave Powers (VA) & Xavier Harvey (Can) "Life is an open road - its the best story never told/ its an endless sky- its the deepest sea/ life is an open road to me" Bryan Adams And that's pretty much sums the opportunities the Bonzini U.S.A. Foosball Tour has afforded foosers for the past 7 years. Life is an Open Road for foosball players. The exception is, we finally got to tell the story before media and a national audience. ESPN came to town to promote their 50 States in 50 Days SportsCenter Across America show with the 2005 VA Foosball Open at Byer's St. Bistro. Foosball was introduced to Virginians around 1965/1966 in the Tidewater area and rapidally became the game of choice in local bars and taverns. Imported by Peabody's Inc. in Virginia Beach, VA, the Euro-style foosball table enjoyed growth and popularity in the area into the late 1970's. Naval servicemen in the area had familarity with this Euro-game from service abroad and taught it to the local community. It was fittting that ESPN chose foosball for their showcase event for the state of Virginia. Thanks go out to all of the players that took the time to do interviews with the local and national media. I was extremely proud of the comments about our support for the local charity organizations and the focus on the quest just to play the best competition to improve one's own skill level. I appreciate the players for allowing everyone to get some playing time on the outdoor setting in front of the cameras. From what interviews I observed and participated with in a group, was done very professionally and sincerely. For those efforts, I am very greatful to all. ESPN, without a doubt, was a dream company to work with. The producing staff showed the upmost respect in allowing our event to flow smoothly and at the sametime coached us how to maximize the opportunity of exposure to let the national audience know about the players and Bonzini U.S.A. The road set-up crew and remote camera crew quickly established relationships with the players and locals and at the end were calling each other by first names. We were allowed a few behind the scenes photo shots. John Anderson made a few visits to the tournament room and hung out with the players. Yes, the ladies were definatley entertained . Quick list of appreciation: Robbie Patterson- Without my big man of support, Bonzini tournaments would never be the same. Mr. Patterson, you bring warmth and kindness and provide the tournament room a constant smile. Congratulations on your 51st birthday and thank you for watching over the tournament room and caring about the staffs needs. Gloria appreciated the carrot cake and is greatful for the crowd control around the desk. Ken Knicely- Consider yourself hired. I hope you do not think match announcing was a one time deal. It's sometimes risky to hand over the microphone, but you did a professional job and kept the players moving to start their matches and we both know Bruce cannot speak directly into the mike. Thanks for allowing me time off to attend to tournament business. Also, congradulations on some really intense foosball play. Brian Gallatin and Scott Dunbar- You guys always stick around and assist with breakdown before hitting the road. Thanks for the help and continued support. When I hit the road after a tournament I come to appreciate you guys even more. I'm looking forward to the VA State Tournament in September. Dave Pelny- I guess it was a good thing we didn't skip town after we saw the crowd on Friday. Your attention to detail is impeccable and your concerns for everyones comfort and entertainment does not go unnoticed. It these attributes you continue to display that reaffirm your Bonzini U.S.A. Excellence Award membership. Thanks again for hosting our mid-summer tournament and handling the added of excitement of ESPN. The Shenandoah Valley Foosball Association did one helluva job. Now, on to our Canadian Bonzini brothers. You guys are the future of Bonzini foosball in North America. A little roll call. Luc Trembley J.B. Pineault Mark Gilbert Marc-Eric Gagnon Jerome Gravel Frederick Spence Xavier Harvey Youth and sportsmanship do not always go hand in hand but that was not the case from our visitors . The Canadian team showed a level of maturity and skill that will grow Bonzini foosball in North America for the future. Their tournament results speak highly of the level of play, but it doesn't begin to tell everyone about their contribution to the success of the tournament. I personally want to thank Xavier Harvey and Mark Gilbert for coordinating the trip to the U.S. and their assistance with their fellow Canadian players in playing matches. Marc-Eric, Frederick, Jean-Binoit,Luc and Jerome all had outstanding performances. Thanks to all for joining the Bonzini U.S.A. Foosball Tour group. We look forward to seeing you again, in Canada and the U.S. Xavier, I'll forward the sponsorship information via mail. Let me know what I can do to help assist AQBB. Total tournament cash payout: $2,520.00 Now, why were we there? Hospice was the designated charity for this event. Most people know about Hospice and their service to the community. Improving the quality of life when the option of extending life is no longer there. Our sponsors came from far and wide to support this event. To date the 2005 Thunder in the Mountain Foosball Spectacular/ VA Open raised: $3,500.00 Great job SVFA I'll list our sponsors soon. Next tournament event: 2005 VA State Foosball Championship September 30th - October 2nd SHARKX 21st and Pacific Hotel Reservation need to be made ASAP Sundial Motel 301 21st Street 800-626-7373 This tournament happens to fall on the same weekend as the Neptune Festival. Rooms will be limited. Edited by: Alan Cribbs at: 7/26/05 6:21 pm