MOOSE JAW — For years, Mildred (Milly) Schultz was dedicated to Moose Jaw’s shuffleboard community and helping organize its annual tournaments, so her death late last year left a hole in many people’s hearts.
To honour the woman’s contributions, the organizers of this year’s 31st annual Western Canada Bob and Corinne Cobbe Classic floor shuffleboard tournament at the Timothy Eaton’s Centre dedicated the event as the “Milly Schultz Memorial Tournament.”
Earl Berard, president of the shuffleboard association and tournament co-organizer, said Schultz was important since she registered players and organized the tournament draws. Her death forced board members to acquire the entries — “There’s a lot of phone calls” — themselves and build a database of players.
“We ended up with 40 players, so we’re happy with that. We had 40 last year as well,” he remarked. “We have a good representation from Western Canada (and the United States).”
Berard added that Schultz was always smiling, took everything in stride, was patient and understanding, and was a hard worker.
Meanwhile, Berard said the tournament has accumulated quite a history over its 31 years, while it has seen many great players participate over the years. He recalled how Moose Javian Don Swenson won the tournament at age 92, beating Jim Brock of Mesa, Ariz., on the final rock.
“We had to take a photo of it to see if it was a photo finish,” Berard said. “So … you can play this game as long as you’re physically able to do it.”
The shuffleboard association president was excited to highlight how they upgraded their playing surfaces this year to a Roughriders’ green tone with yellow baseboards. He pointed out that the organization considers Moose Jaw to be “the shuffleboard capital (of) Saskatchewan” because it’s the only group with this type of venue.
“We’ll just keep moving forward, and as long as we keep presenting (the tournament), people will keep coming and enjoying it,” Berard added.
This was Glynn McLaughlin’s first time attending, and he thought it was “very interesting” since the courts were different — “They’re a challenge … (and) tough” — from the ones on which he played at home in Yuma, Ariz.
McLaughlin explained that he and his wife, Marlene, participate in an annual shuffleboard circuit in Canada and the U.S. — something they’ve done for four years — because after Moose Jaw, they will travel to Innisfail, Alta., for a team tournament.
After Innisfail, the couple will participate in the World Senior Games tournament in St. George, Utah, before driving back to Yuma.
McLaughlin noted that all the travelling they do isn’t too bad considering the events are usually weeks and months apart. Moreover, they journey in their motorhome, so they can take their “home” with them.
The shuffleboard player noted that he has been playing for 21 years and jokingly said his favourite part is winning.
“Actually, I think the best part of the sport is making that shot that you didn’t think you could,” McLaughlin said. “I think it’s about winding your way through and taking out your opponent. There’s satisfaction in that.
“It’s (also) like having a day at golf: you get one good hole and you come back.”
McLaughlin added that he and Marlene will explore Moose Jaw afterward and then travel to Saskatoon.
For Dale and Shirley Dunlop, of Stoney Plain, Alta., this was their third year participating in the tournament. He said they enjoy the multi-day event since it’s fun, they meet great people, they have a good time and appreciate how well organized it is.
With a chuckle, Mr. Dunlop said he wasn’t doing well this year and had only won one game — against his wife. However, he pointed out that he’s won tournaments in previous years.
Meanwhile, the Dunlops compete with a club in Edmonton — they have played for 30 years — while they travel to other communities to play. Mr. Dunlop noted that they enjoy meeting people and developing camaraderie, along with renewing relationships with people they see only once or twice a year.
The next shuffleboard tournament at the Timothy Eaton’s Centre is the “Earl and Ione Berard Classic” on Oct. 6 to 9. This event will be dedicated to Ione, who died in May.
