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What makes the American Darters Association different than all over dart organizations? We are a true family. Members from all over the world will plan their vacation around the National Championship dates. This year, the National Championship was moved up a couple of weeks but that didn’t seem to phase a lot of people. “We are trying to accommodate members’ schedules that have children and are unable to attend later in the fall due to the kids school schedules”, says ADA CEO Gloria Remick.
“I love our Championship Series events. It gives me a chance to catch up with all the members and find out what’s been going on with them since the last event” says Tiffany Paschedag. She goes on to say, “if we don’t do a formal written survey we definitely try to get verbal input from members and find out where they want the next National Championship event to be”. The American Darters Association does not commit to just one location year after year. Our members are from all over the world and with the economy and travel cost we like to move around so everyone has an opportunity to participate and attend. Where did the members suggest for next year? New Orleans was the #1 request with somewhere in the Mid West as 2nd and Orlando Florida as the 3rd choice. The ADA home office takes these suggestions and immediately starts contacting locations. Continue to check the upcoming events section on www.adadarters.com for the 2013 dates and location.
Late one night or early one morning depending on how you look at it on Las Vegas time; Mark Hinds asked me: how do all dart stories start out? I said it depends. Are we talking about the actual match or what’s happening during the event. I am very fortunate to be in the ADA Member Services position because I get to hear about both kinds of dart stories. The position also gives me the opportunity to work behind the black curtain at the NC Control Center but also free to roam the Championship Hall and talk to members. I get to find out why Shawn ‘Opie’ Purgold couldn’t make it this year (he moved from Virginia to Kansas City) or reminisce about the Open Mixed Triples event that I played with Joel and Jason Van Camp in Blue Springs Missouri at the 2011 Mid West Regional. It also gives me the chance to find out what’s going on in the members’ areas – how Texas members raised over $15,000 in fundraising events to give them funds to attend the Nationals. Roaming the Championship Hall also gives me the opportunity to meet our newest members from Chicago Illinois (shout out to Shelley, Jam, Loyal, Rick and B.I. - the Windy City Hitters. It was so awesome to meet you guys and looking forward to seeing you all again at the Mid West Regional).
The National Championship is not only a vacation for a lot of members but also a chance to unwind and party! There was no doubt that the Team Silverdart players liked to have a good time. One of the teammates is named Daniel Fiesta! In between taking photos, drinking and exchanging shirts, Team Silverdart challenged 12 ADA Professional Darters from the U. S. on Saturday at 5pm. This was the first of hopefully many more events. In addition to the Team ADA vs. Team Silverdart event they played in the nightly blind draws and a Sunday Steel tip throw together event. The members from Team Silverdart had such a good time they have invited us for a rematch next year on their home turf. Congrats to Team ADA for winning the Cup! Go USA!
Since we are one big ADA family we like to recognize more than just the events wins and losses during the National Championship. It’s also a time to celebrate birthdays (Charlie Graf III and Jason Aukland ), wedding anniversaries (Tammy and Moody), wedding celebrations (Cindy and Ruben Camacho) and/or engagements (Emily Pantazes and Toby Simko)!
This Championship couldn’t not have been successful without the numerous people that made this event possible. Thanks to Palace Station banquet and sales staff at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino. Many thanks to Shar and Kristi from the sales office. A HUGE thanks to Connie, Kurk, Kayla, Mike, Al, Peggy, Fabe, Joana and Fernane from banquet. The ADA National Championship is a very unique event and they met all of our odd requests and temperature demands in such a timely manner and without hesitation. Let’s not forgot to mention the set up and break down crew / ADA members; James Fairley, Tony Smeland, Paul Schaeffler, Shannon Frye, Garland ‘Gary’ Wallace, Mark Remick, Chris Stone and Evan Stickler. Mucho gracious to Erik Cervantes for being our translator all week with Team Silverdart. Thanks to all of our sponsors who contributed to this year’s National Championship; Palace Station, Shelti, Slick Graphics, Laramie, Budweiser, Card Parlour Darts, Leagues, Budget Car Rental, Dinn Bros, Lucci’s Korner, A-Z Darts and Bulls-Eye News.
Yes, the National Championship is a long week involving lots of events but I enjoyed every moment of it and couldn’t do it without any of you. Congratulations to all the participants and the winners this year! Thanks for another memorable year and looking forward to seeing you all again soon.
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