Timberlake Tourney: Week 2 Highlights

Timberlake Turf: amazing location for Week 2 Road Tourney

Colie Chadwick proves he has ice in his veins.  

Danica shows her toughness in the sun, while her opponent frets.

Mariko's form - a juxtaposition of precision and confusion. 

Co-Commissioner Bobby Thompson showing his standard use of style and flair.

Kurt: first timer or hustling veteran?  You decide.

Even 'Moms' skills weren't enough to carry 716 Wetmore. 

'Almost Champion' Chadwick displays her fall from grace,
while jilted opponents reluctantly offer a helping hand.

NWNWL Rankings (Through Week 2)

The following rankings are through the first two weeks of league play, and are computed using the following equation:

Average score = # of cumulative points earned / # of weeks played

For example, the Commish's ranking would be figured as follows:

Week 1 points = 2

Week 2 points = 3

5 points / 2 weeks played = 2.5

At this point, everyone is eligible for the ranking system. However, beginning in week 4, we will require that to be included in the rankings, you will have to have competed in at least 2 weeks of league play. We will then adjust the league minimum games played in following weeks at the Commissioner's discretion.

JEFFSIEVERS.COM PRESENTS THE 2011 NWNWL POWER RANKINGS (through week 2)

1st - Bree Sievers (6 points)

T2nd - Darron Kuehn, Pat Cline, and Kurt Koshelnik (5 points)

T5th - Anne Fox and Dave LeWarne (4 points)

7th - Bobby Thompson (3.5 points)

T8th - Jeff Sievers, Mariko Thompson, Danica Chadwick, and Jodina Mueller (3 points)

T12th - Erin Sylvester, Colie Chadwick, and Kevin Sylvester (2.5 points)

15th - Pete Mueller (2 points)

16th - Cindy Preston (1 point)

Koshelnik & Thompson Rekindle Elementary School Magic, Take Home Week 2 Crown

TIMBERLAKE, WA - The year was 1989. New Kids on the Block had just busted onto the scene with "The Right Stuff". "Parenthood" and "Ghostbusters 2" were blockbuster motion pictures. Ken Griffey Jr. was a 19-year old rookie phenom for the M's. Danica Chadwick was still getting dressed up for Blue & Gold spirit day. It was an amazing time and place in history.

The aforementioned milestones pale in comparison to the bond that was being forged at View Ridge Elementary School. There, in an exploratory program for Everett troubled youth, a rough and tumble Kurt Koshelnik and Mariko Smith were finally finding their way. In a classroom environment where they were encouraged to "learn at their own pace", the two children were able to overcome their learning disabilities and break out of their collective shells, giving them the confidence and wherewithal to forge a path in this world. Created under the moniker of "The Gifted Program", Koshelnik and Smith were kindred spirits, coming together to read "Good Night Moon" faster than any reading partners in the short history of the 4th grade program. This team went on to build big wood block towers, juggle handkerchiefs, and stay the quietest during 4th grade nap time. A groundbreaking partnership to say the least.

While these two have overcome many obstacles to achieve many inspiring feats over the past 20 years, their paths crossed once more with magical results for week 2 of NWNWL play. Koshelnik's grittiness and gamesmanship, combined with Smith's...err, I mean Thompson's unique throwing style, helped "The Gifted" overcome an opening round defeat to run through the loser's bracket and do the unthinkable: win two games against the "Timberlake Love" pairing of Danica and Colie Chadwick for the week 2 Championship. Below are the results from the first road match in NWNWL history:

WINNER'S BRACKET

Play-In Game

Timberlake Love (Chadwick/Chadwick) def. The Gifted (Koshelnik/Thompson) 21-13

Round 1

21 (Kevin Sylvester/Jodina Mueller) def. In-Laws (Pete Mueller/Erin Sylvester) 21-20

Timberlake Love def. 716 Wetmore (Bobby Thompson/Cindy Preston) 21-9

Round 2

Timberlake Love def. "21" (score unknown)

LOSERS BRACKET

Round 1

The Gifted def. In-Laws 21-4

Round 2

The Gifted def. 716 Wetmore 21-18

Round 3

The Gifted def. "21" 21-0 (side note: first shutout in NWNWL history)

CHAMPIONSHIP

Game 1 - The Gifted def. Timberlake Love 21-20

Game 2 - The Gifted def. Timberlake Love 21-10

The writers from NWNWL apologize for the lack of details highlighting the day's action, because simply put we can't remember what happened with a heck of a lot of detail. It was 9 days ago, and we can't recall what happened yesterday. We will say the league's first road trip was a blast, and that a return trip in 2012 is already in negotiations. Big thanks to Cindy Preston ("Moms") for hosting and taking part in the tourney action, and to Michael Preston ("Coach") for introducing the NWNWL crew to a new species of insect (Nociums). Week 3 summary to come soon...

Week 2 (6/26) - Point Summary

Kurt & Mariko = 5 points

Colie & Danica = 4 points

Kevin & Jodina = 3 points

Pete & Erin = 2 points

Bobby & Cindy = 1 point

Equipment Standards for Match Play

In response to the enormous amount of criticism which has been piled upon the doorstep of the NWNWL League Offices, the League has taken rapid and aggressive action with regards to equipment standards within match play.  Following the fierce competition from week one, many athletes expressed their distaste  due to the inconsistency of the League's equipment.  Tweets were fired off, FBook status messages filled with wild rants, and the blogosphere was lit up with opinions from all sides:

"I lost because I got cold and tightened up waiting for my next match 

while they were tossing big pucks into those tiny holes." -Mariko Thompson

"I would rather do Burpees than use those blue boards.  I refuse!" - Erin Sylvester

"I don't know why they are complaining? This game is too easy." - Darron Kuehn

"This league sucks. The Commissioner reminds me 

of David Stern and Clay Bennett." - Colie Chadwick

"I need bigger holes; these blue boards are for veterans." - Jeff Sievers
"Stop crying and start tossing." -Kevin Sylvester

The league responded to these outcries by postponing Week 2 matches and taking an opportunity to mend fences with one of the league's most vocal athletes, Colie Chadwick.  Commissioner Sylvester teamed up with Chadwick to construct two more sets of green boards, with 5" holes.  This drastic  move will allow for 3 matches at once with the exact same equipment, and will erase the opportunity for complaints and excuses following poor performances.   When asked about his reasoning for such a move, Sylvester was quoted as saying: "Chadwick is one of our founding members and a critical building block of our League.  His pioneering move to construct dozens of regulation size washers proved his commitment to this sport.  He's a man of few words, but when he speaks, I will listen.  Unless he's whining about the 'top of the board' rule."

Sylvester added that the official league rules will not change as a result of this move; all 3 hole boards are still allowed in match play, so long as both teams agree prior to the start of the match.  "In addition, this new equipment will allow for the expansion of weekly tournaments.  Several new athletes are ready to join in the league at the next open opportunity."

Week 1 - Pictures

The week 1 setup at Casa de Fox/LeWarne, with Darron Kuehn (in blue) getting warmed up for the action.

The ladies putting together some pre-game strategizing. From left: Mariko Thompson, Erin Sylvester, Bree Sievers.

Jeff Sievers showing the focus that makes him both a real estate tycoon and a threat to take home a 2011 NWNWL Championship.

In his washer board debut, neighborhood newcomer Pat Cline proved to have the inner fortitude to compete at the highest level of North Everett lawn sports competition, taking 2nd in the week 1 festivities.

Not even prime-time seats to the U2 show the following evening could distract Anne Fox on this night. Her clutch 3-pointer proved to be the proverbial nail in the coffin, with her and her husband Dave knocking off Thompson/Chadwick 21-20.

NWNWL Week 1 - Inaugural tournament brings fierce competition, controversy

EVERETT - With a setting sun sprinkling the landscape, both excitement and controversy ruled the evening as the inaugural NWNWL season got underway Friday night. When the dust had settled, the doubles team of Bree Sievers and Bobby Thompson (at right) proved victorious, knocking off Darron Kuehn and Pat Cline 21-11 in the championship match at Casa de LeWarne/Fox.

After a family potluck BBQ that featured many of the world's finest culinary choices, NWNWL Commissioner Kevin Sylvester addressed the crowd of 12 with an elegance and statesmanship that has already elevated him to the upper pantheon of North Everett lawn sport commissioners. "Thanks for coming," stated Sylvester, "let's pick tonight's squads!"

Those words of wisdom were followed by the selection of the following teams and 1st round matchups:

Game #1 - Erin Sylvester/Jeff Sievers defeated Mariko Thompson/Colie Chadwick 21-9

Game #2 - Darron Kuehn/Pat Cline defeated Anne Fox/Dave LeWarne 21-17

The first round winners moved on to face the squads that received first round byes; these matchups produced the following results:

Semifinal #1 - Sievers/Thompson def. Sylvester/Sievers 21-16

Semifinal #2 - Kuehn/Cline def. Danica Chadwick/Kevin Sylvester 21-6

With the championship set, the focus moved to the consolation semifinals, where the team of Mariko/Colie squared off against Fox/LeWarne. After many huge throws by members of both teams, Colie took the board as the last thrower, holding a 20-18 lead. With his first throw, Chadwick calmly sunk a 1-pointer, hitting the 21 point threshold. But to close out victory, he needed to hit the top of the washer board with both of his remaining washers. His following throws hit the corner of the board, which led to the first Commissioner ruling in NWNWL history. Commissioner Sylvester ruled against Thompson/Chadwick, putting the score back to 20-18. In the following round, Anne Fox stepped up and drilled a 3-pointer. Thompson was unable to cancel out Fox's throw, catapulting Fox/LeWarne into the 3rd place game with a stunning 21-20 victory.

Following the game, NWNWL.blogspot.com caught up with an incensed Chadwick, who simply could not contain his frustration. "The Commish doesn't know his head from his $&^," he said. "I will be filing a complaint with the Rules Committee, because this is ridiculous." Ever the diplomat, Sylvester responded with compassion and sympathy you'd expect from the Commissioner: "Good luck with that." He added that the Rules Committee is always looking for ways to improve the game, and that they would look at rule alterations during the off-season at the Board of Directors Winter Meetings.

The other consolation game was also hotly contested, with Sylvester/Sievers knocking off Chadwick/Sylvester 21-16. This set up the following match ups and results from the Consolation bracket finals:

3rd/4th place game: Fox/LeWarne def. Sylvester/Sievers 21-18

5th/6th place game: Chadwick/Sylvester def. Thompson/Chadwick 21-16

While the Vegas line had the Championship match-up as a pick-em, Sievers and Thompson quickly put the game out reach, jumping out to a 20-0 lead en-route to a 21-11 dub over Kuehn-Cline. The night's results lead to the release of the 2011 NWNWL Points Leaders after week 1:

T1) Bree Sievers - 6 points

T1) Bobby Thompson - 6 points

T3) Darron Kuehn - 5 points

T3) Pat Cline - 5 points

T5) Anne Fox - 4 points

T5) Dave LeWarne 4 points

T7) Erin Sylvester - 3 points

T7) Jeff Sievers - 3 points

T9) Danica Chadwick - 2 points

T9) Kevin Sylvester - 2 points

T11) Mariko Thompson - 1 point

T11) Colie Chadwick - 1 point

Many thanks to Anne and Dave for hosting the week #1 festivities. We are looking for a week #2 host, so if you are so inclined, let the Commissioner know.

Week 1 results

Official Rules and League Overview – Summer 2011 Season

Mission Statement
The mission of the Northwest Neighborhood Washerboard League is to inspire, lift, and provide tools for healthy competition amongst friends. We will enjoy a fun and inviting environment to learn and challenge each other, and we will give our best efforts in the tossing of washers, annoying heckling, and friendly insults.

League Overview
The 2011 Summer Season will consist of weekly Tournaments in Doubles format (Regular Season) and will culminate with a Playoff Tournament in Singles format (Playoffs). Each player will be awarded individual points on a weekly basis, depending on their team’s performance that week. Points will be carried over from week to week, and will be used to calculate Regular Season standings, Playoff Tournament seeding, and league payout structure.

Regular Season
1) Regular Season Tourneys will take place on a weekly basis. Host field will rotate amongst volunteer yards. We shall do our best to behave ourselves so that we are invited back to each field in the future (note that this is best effort).
2) Each week, a Doubles tourney bracket will be created, depending on how many teams are participating that week.
3) Each player will buy-in to the weekly tourney with $1. Side bets are encouraged.
4) Teams consist of two players, and will be selected at the beginning of the weekly match via random drawing. Teams will remain the same throughout the night, so be nice to your teammate or it could be a long night.
5) Points will be awarded at the end of each tourney in accordance with team performance. Both players on the team will earn the same amount of points based upon this standing. For example, if 8 teams are playing, each player on the team will earn:

o 1st place: 8 points
o 2nd place: 7 points
o 3rd place: 6 points
o And so on, down to last place.

6) All teams will earn points on a weekly basis. Yes, even the losers will get some form of recognition at the end of the night.
7) Weekly point totals will be recorded on the league blog and will likely be the subject of much gloating and gentle ridicule.

Regular Season Awards
o The winning team members shall receive a tacky award each week, to be provided from the basement, garage, or junk drawer of the Host field.
o The Points Leader at the end of the Season will earn the JeffSievers.com Excellence Award, and will receive 50 % of the accumulated buy-in pool from the Regular Season.

Playoffs
1) A final Playoff Tournament will take place at the end of the Regular Season, and will be based on a Singles competition. No more riding on the coattails of your teammates.
2) All players which have played in 3 weekly matches will be eligible for the Playoffs.
3) Each player will buy-in to the Playoff Tournament with $5. Once again, side bets are encouraged.
4) Tournament bracket will be created based on participating players, and in accordance with Points standings from the Regular Season. More points = higher Playoff seed.
5) Playoff winnings pool will be based on remaining 50% of Regular Season pool plus the total of the Playoff buy-in.

Playoff Awards
o 1st Place earns the distinguished title of CHAMPION; 60% of pool; and gets to hold on to the League Champion Trophy, designed and fabricated by none other than Colie Chadwick.
o 2nd Place earns 30% of pool and some sort of tacky consolation gift
o 3rd Place earns 10% of pool and not much else

League / Game Rules
1) The official board style to be used is ‘3 hole.’ While there are several variations on board / hole / washer size, all are acceptable as long as both teams agree.

o In the Playoff Tournament, the higher seeded player selects the board / washers to be used for their match.

2) Boards should be placed 10 feet apart from each other. The preferred surface to play on is short grass.
3) During Singles competition, the first player will toss at a selected board while the second person follows from the same spot. After tallying scores, players will then pick up the washers and tossed to the other board. During Doubles competitions, teammates will stay at the opposite board.
4) Each player must toss their respective washers while standing on the opposite board. If the design of the boards does not allow this, the foul line will be the front of the board you are tossing from.
5) Each player that has a beverage must hold his or her beverage during the toss. The preferred beverage is Bud Light cans, however all are acceptable.
6) All disputes should be resolved by Rock Paper Scissors, 2 out of 3.

Order of Play
1) At the beginning of the match, the order of play shall be determined by Rock Paper Scissors, 2 out of 3. If the same teams / players are playing back to back matches, the losing team from game one shall toss first in game two.
2) A round consists of a player tossing three washers in a row as one turn, and then an opposing player tossing three washers in a row as the second turn. Thus, a round consists of two turns.
3) Points for both teams are tallied at the end of each round.
4) The last player or team to sink a washer tosses first in the next round, regardless of the earned score in that round.

Scoring
1) The closest hole is worth 1 point (single), the middle hole is worth 3 points (triple), and the furthest hole is worth 5 points (nickel).
2) Washers must drop into the hole to score.
3) A thrown washer from either player can knock washers on the board in a hole. The owner of the knocked-in washer receives the applicable score for the hole into which it was knocked.

Canceling Points
1) After a player has thrown three washers for their turn, the other player has the opportunity to cancel out the opponent's score. For example:

o Player A tosses a washer in the first hole for 1 point, the middle hole for 3 points, and then misses the third shot, the score would be 4 points for Player A.
o However, the opposition, Player B, has a chance to cancel points from Player A's total during this round. If Player B tosses a washer in the first hole for 1 point and the last hole for 5 points, and then misses the third shot, the score of the first round would be Player A – 3 points; Player B - 5 points. The single tossed by Player A was cancelled out by the single tossed by Player B.
o Player B’s single only counts as a cancellation; it does not count for 1 point to Player B.

2) If a player tosses more than one washer in the same hole, all of those points can be cancelled out by only one washer thrown into that same hole by Player B.
3) Cancellations are only applied to an opponent’s score (you cannot cancel your own points).
4) Once the points from Player A are cancelled, that hole is now eligible for scoring by Player B in the same round.
5) The cancel rule is counted only for turns in the same round.

Winning
1) The first player or team to reach exactly 21 points at the end of the round wins the game.

o NOTE -- the round has to be complete and a player or team must reach exactly 21 points to win the game. Breaking the 21-point level creates a penalty situation (see section “Breaking 21 – Penalty”).

2) As soon as Player A (first player to toss) reaches 21 points, they must hand their remaining washers to Player B. Player B then uses these washers in combination with their own three washers for their round. This allows for multiple attempts by Player B to cancel out Player A’s victory and is yet another opportunity for smack talking and heckling.
3) If Player B (second player to toss) reaches 21 points, they must toss their remaining washers such that the washers touch the top of the opposite board. If they do not, their previous scoring toss is cancelled. This prevents scared players from intentionally missing their final tosses in order to avoid Breaking 21.
4) Tie Breaker: If both teams reach a tie by scoring 21 at the end of a round, each team will go back to 13. This continues until there is one victor.

Breaking 21 – Penalty
1) Exceeding the winning point total of 21 results in your score being reduced to 13. For example:

o If Player A has 18 points and tosses a nickel for 5 points, then misses the final two shots, their score is reduced to 13 points because the total number of points thrown during that turn exceeded 21 points.
o If Player A has 18 points and tosses a nickel for 5 points, they immediately return to 13. They could still score 21 in this round by tossing a triple and a nickel following their first toss.
18 + 5 = 23 --> back to 13. Then, 13 + 3 + 5 = 21 --> WIN.

2) Cancellation of points still applies in these examples as previously outlined.

Summer League Schedule to Be Announced

EVERETT, WA May 20th, 2011 - In a press release, Northwest Neighborhood Washerboard League Commissioner Kevin Sylvester announced that the inaugural NWNWL season schedule will be released shortly. "This league will revolutionize recreational sports in North Everett," Sylvester exclaimed from his North Everett estate. "We haven't felt a buzz like this in the neighborhood since the Jeff Sievers era." Sylvester was referring to the Everett Seagull cult legend, and the 1991 haircut that had the Northend abuzz with delight.

The league does in fact have the epic potential to surpass that aforementioned Golden Era. Sitting on his deck sipping on a Blue Moon Summer Ale, Sylvester detailed in thorough fashion what will make the league successful:

• "The league will be held on Friday nights this summer,"
  


• "Everyone will host a week when possible,"
  


• "The host BBQs on a weekly basis, everyone else brings a side and beverage,"
  


• "It's a family-friendly affair. I'll try to keep my pants on, just keep the Jack-D away from me,"
  


• "We have 3 sets of boards, it should be plenty,"



• "Home court sets house rules. We seem to all share same rough set of rules,"
  


• "Umm, we'll define everything else in our season schedule press release...

Stay tuned for the latest info regarding the NWNWL.