American Cornhole Organization

Sometimes you meet the most interesting people in airports.  I’m not saying there aren’t interesting people in everyday life, but airports tend to gather people from many different places, jobs, etc. in a very concealed space.  Since I am the outgoing type, I tend to strike up conversations with people from time to time.  That’s how I met Ryan Labelle on my trip back from Sea Otter.  I was waiting for my connection in Dallas and I saw this guy wearing a shirt that caught my attention.  I had to ask him about it.

Ryan, how do I get one of those awesome shirts?!?!

Would you believe that Ryan is an independent agent for the American Cornhole Organization? That’s right, I said the American Cornhole Organization!  That bean bag tossing game you play in the backyard with a beer in one hand.  The ACO is a full on professional group that sanctions professional cornhole playing…if that’s what you call it.  I was totally fascinated and, luckily for me, Ryan was more than enthusiastic about his job.  He ran me through the whole thing.  Maybe he really does like his job.  Maybe it was the amazed look on my face every time he told me something.  Or maybe it was my constant questioning about the whole subject.

Ryan tells me that the ACO sanctions professional tournaments all over the country.  There is actually a world cornhole champion.  That’s right.  The best cornhole player in the world is crowned every year at…The King of Cornhole Tournament!  Everyone who’s into this game (seriously into this game) wants to be the King of Cornhole.  Guys like Kevin “The Glove” Pinkerton and “Journeyman” Steve Perry.  Yes, they have awesome nicknames, just like prize fighters and gun slingers of the old west.  This totally makes me want to come up with a Cornhole nickname for myself…ha ha.

The King of Cornhole was in March, but you can still make the Corny Forty!

According to Ryan, those cheap boards and bags you can buy at Wal-Mart are crap!  If you’re serious about your cornholin’ you need to use the authorized equipment offered up on the official ACO website.

Just look for the ACO seal of approval. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

That’s how you get good.  And, these guys are good.  I can’t wait to see some of the videos on YouTube.  Yes, there are videos on YouTube of these guys...playing cornhole...ha ha!  They are even making a major movie about the sport!  That’s right, you thought Dodgeball was funny.  Check out this trailer…ha ha!