| 3rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament
Centennial Park was the site of some “baci” (kisses) on Saturday, September 8, 2007. As a result of excellent play by all who participated, several bocce balls actually touched the “pallino” (target ball), resulting in 2 points rather than just one for the nearest ball to score. Twelve teams came out strong for the battle to win the trophy this year. In the three years the tournament has been held, the trophy has been awarded to a new champion each time.
Team R&P were crowned the Springfield Parks Foundation 2007 Bocce Ball Champions although Team Shafer gave them a tough challenge for the trophy. Each team had to win three games to make it to the championship round. Members of the winning team were Brian Kerber, John Davis, Keith Petri and Kevin Magerl. Team Shafer consisted of John Shafer, Norm Brown, Marty O’Brien and Frank Darneille.
We were glad folks who were not registered to play came out to watch. Several people who were visiting Springfield for the day and others who were in town for a group event told us they really enjoyed the matches. We certainly welcome tourists, conventioneers, and our own residents to join the fun from the sidelines. Queen Bee Bar B Q sold tasty grilled meat sandwiches and drinks for both spectators and those tossing their bocce balls. Thanks to Don Beahringer and Court Conn for serving as judges for those close balls that needed measuring. And kudos goes to Mike Stratton and his wife Lisa for making the big elimination scoreboard on which Don kept track of the teams. And we also congratulate Carolyn Dungan for winning the raffle for the brand new bocce ball set in its own carrying case. Her name was drawn from all the entries by Emma Shafer.
Although the 3rd Annual Bocce Ball Tournament is now over, the Springfield Parks Foundation in coordination with the Springfield Park District encourages you to form teams so we can organize our first Bocce Ball League next spring. Contact Sean Dickerson at 217-753-0700 for more information.
And start planning now to participate in the 4th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament! |
