Not Just a Game!
Our country is in dire need of a change, a new and exciting way to turn our nation around. There is only one way that we will be victorious in this pursuit. We need game; a fun and exciting adventure that can excite people and help us reach a brighter future. This game must be treated with the highest regard and respect. This competition has the power to turn our struggling economy around, help our nation reach victory in all of our wars and conflicts and create peace around the globe. The name of this splendid sport is “Cornhole”.
Many people may not have heard of Cornhole, I hadn’t until I was an intern for a political campaign this past summer. It turns out that Cornhole originates from the hills of Kentucky; the object of the game is to toss small sacks of corn into a hole on a timber board. “Cornhole is the fastest growing sport in the political campaign world” says Michael D. Whitton the President and founding member of The American Cornhole Association. The ACA is the largest organized Cornhole association in the United States. This action crammed sport combines physical toughness, style, endurance, great physical conditioning and accuracy. “I have had to practice my technique and throwing motion for years to get to the level of play that I am at now” says Ethan “Deadly Toss” Smith a field organizer for the Darcy Reichert campaign for congress.
The American Cornhole Association has seen its membership exceed 25,000 this past year. With all of the money raised from Cornhole tournaments, our government will be able to use to turn our huge deficit into a surplus in a matter of weeks, because this game of fierce action is only going to become more popular and sweep the nation and start generating mass quantities of capital.
Whitton articulated that “Our membership is truly worldwide. Our brothers and sisters in the military are in the forefront of spreading the game wherever they go. Our association has had contact with members of every branch of the armed services. Your support has allowed us to send Hats and Shirts to many of the tournaments they have had”. To follow in the footsteps of this great advocate of the Cornhole, I propose that we as American’s make sure that every soldier in the United States military has their own set of Cornhole bags and planks, so they can experience this great fun, anywhere they might be. Suddenly, soldiers will be asking for Cornhole accessories in their care packages from their families, instead if the usual box of candy, letters, magazines and soap.
It would not surprise me that in the middle of an intense battle with insurgents, American soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan would be inclined to retreat and play a game of Cornhole. A poll that recently came out in Time Magazine showed that sixty-five percent of the soldiers polled would rather, go and play Cornhole, where the action is fiercer, rather then overtake rebels and capture terrorist.
Jerry “Boomie” Vesper, one of the best players out of Cincinnati since “Big Toss” Bob Benson, declared that “Cornhole is big over here because so many different people can play, and men and women can compete against each other equally”. Cornhole has the possibility to break down sexual discrimination, because males and females have the same opportunity; it is truly the only equal sport played on an equivalent playing field. Everyone has an equal shot, to be the best at this historic game of cornhole. With its rich tradition it will surely be the top sport in the United States soon.
Cornhole has been used to raise money for those in need. In 2001 Rachel Pinson of Cincinnati, Ohio was diagnosed with cancer, not having a way to pay for her medical treatment, family and friends decided to host a Cornhole tournament to raise money. The tournament raised enough money to cover Rachel’s medical expensive.
We need to use this sport to break down the obstacles in our society; it is a social, fun and competitive game that only brings out the best in people. There is even news that with this national and soon to be worldwide passion for Cornhole that the small sacks used in Cornhole will actually replace the stars on the American flag. Our nation will eventually be renamed as The United States of “Cornhole” America.
Works Cited
Russell, Shannon. “World’s best-kept secret, West Side’s game: Cornhole.” Www.cincinnati.com. 14 July 2002. Cincinnati Enquirer. 27 Sept. 2008 <http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2002/07/14/spt_worlds_best-kept.html>.
Smith, Ethan P. “Interview on “Cornhole”" Personal interview. 21 Aug. 2008.
Vance, Karen. “Some good news, Cornhole fund-raiser to aid family.” Www.cincinnati.com. 21 June 2003. Cincinnati Enquirer. 27 Sept. 2008 <http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2003/07/21/loc_wwwcolhoward21.html>.
Whitton, Michael D. “Message from our President and Founder.” Playcornhole.org. 1 June 2003. American Cornhole Association. 27 Sept. 2008 <http://www.playcornhole.org/president.shtml>