PIC rounds up the ‘U’ ringers

With only a handful of days remaining until the clangs and bangs of the 6th Annual PIC Horseshoe Tournament return to the home of the ringers in San Antonio, it’s time for untested rookies and cagey veterans to work on their underhanded “U” throwing.

Anyone has a chance this time around as the title is up for grabs this time around with the defending champion tandem of Dr. Mohammad Ashraf and John Aldrich without half of its fire.

The duo successfully came into the finals via the loser’s bracket to down local shoe sage Dale Roberts and Yuki Kawimotogawa of Japan, 15-6 15-11, but Ashraf left Saipan for greener pastures and Aldrich is in search of a new partner.

While Kawimotogawa has recently checked out of the tournament due to scheduling difficulties, big-time threats still loom, as last year’s third place finishers Mark MacDonald and Yosh Gabaldon are chomping at the bit for a chance at the dance.

With names like Yoshie Cramer, Gary Weakley, Rick Northen, and Cletus Wilkins II hunting for the elusive title, this weekend’s event may rival the 2004 shoe-tacular that attracted 24 players for the biggest turnout in the history of the event.

“I am confident that we are going to break the 24, so (the participants) really have to be here before 10am so we can get everything done before dark,” said tournament coordinator Jon Cramer.

Cramer said that he will authorize and oversee the construction of a new state-of-the-art pit if need be to accommodate all of the extra participants, and that weather will not halt the lobbing of metal horse Zories.

“Although we had great weather last year, horseshoes is the sport of champions and we are going to play rain or shine,” said tournament coordinator Jon Cramer.

The tournament gets underway this Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Pacific Islands Club, and cash prizes await the top three finishers. The teams will be randomly drawn for the double elimination bracket, and the shoes start flying at10am.

Registration for the backyard bonanza is $10 per person and includes a waterpark pass

For more information about the tournament or to register, contact Jon, Evan, Nan, or Dennis by calling 235-6231 ext. 5147/8, via email at jon@picsaipan.com, or by stopping by the SEA office at the PIC.