The athletes took their places, stretching, flexing and discussing strategies with their partners. The brackets were posted and the trophies displayed. And as the competition began, the crowd went wild. 

The first ever Loving School Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by the Student Council, was held Wednesday, March 10 in the Gym at SFCH.

The excitement began at 12:30 pm with a welcome from Recreation Coordinator Ben Tiemersma. The national anthem was led by Music Teacher Wendy Ensz.

The 46 athletes had been matched randomly the week prior, so partners had the opportunity to prepare for team play. As the games began, the tension rose. The sounds of bags hitting the wooden platforms echoed throughout the gym. Students sat in the bleachers and cheered for the teams playing closest to them.

Win or lose, it was fun

Student Council member Ryan, age 11, explains how the Council came up with the idea of having the tournament.

“We wanted to have fun, get to know staff and help staff get to know each other,” Ryan says. “It’s not about winning or losing, but to have fun and to try your best.”

Some competitors, however, were pretty serious about winning. Breckin Steilen and Haley Nettinga, both RTCs in the same unit, had custom team shirts.

“It’s fun to have kids come and watch and to get everyone involved,” Haley says.

“Also it shows kids good sportsmanship and how to handle losing,” says Breckin.

Breckin adds that his competitive philosophy is, “You win some, you lose some.” Evidently, this was one of the ones you win, because he and Haley were the tournament’s grand champions. Each received a shiny, gold Cream of the Crop trophy.

Interestingly, the pair brought their own Spiderman cornhole bags, which several opponents reported had a sticky side. Whether or not this helped them win the tournament is unknown. Witnesses said Breckin sank bags in holes with finesse, time and time again; however, he denied that he was a professional cornhole player. The tournament is under review by the Olympics judging committee.

The other winner

Before entering the gym, athletes and audience members had the opportunity to enter a raffle. It was a benefit for Team Coordinator Todd Miller, who had a stroke in early March.

Unit Director Scott Egan pulled together a tremendous fundraising drive, which included a bracket pool to pick tournament winners, the raffle, and free will donations. Scott’s very persuasive emails promoting the various events were noted by the Marketing Department.

The pool had 21 participants, with Therapist Jamie Van Voorst winning definitively with 35 points. Raffle winners were Cook Alex Waldner, Residential Program Director Sue Williams, Overnight Team Coordinator Mike Hieb, Nurse Supervisor Beth Amble, Adoption Therapist Vanessa Hoogendoorn, Adoption Specialist Tina Graber, Maintenance Worker Brian Mack, CFO Joe Herdina and RTC Ross Leonhardt.

On March 18, Scott announced that the drive had raised $1,553.73 for Todd and his family! Thanks to everyone who participated! Donations are still being accepted—contact Scott if you wish to give. Click here, if you would like to sign up to help provide meals for Todd and his family.