When folks come out to participate in the Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on Saturday, March 23rd, 7 p.m. at SSG Michael Wayne Schafer Memorial VFW Post 10209, they’ll be doing far more than enjoying an exciting, good-natured athletic match.
In addition to good food and drink and the chance to win valuable prizes, they’ll be supporting a pair of championship flag football teams, both based in Hernando County, who are literally at the top of their game.
“All proceeds will go towards the Pirate Bay Krewe team and the Shruumz Jr. team for their trip to the National Championship tournament in Canton, Ohio,” said team spokesperson and proud player parent Heather Baldwin.
The Shruumz team, in fact, made it to the top of the flag football field last season. “The Shruumz 6u is a world championship team,” said Baldwin. “They competed at the flag football world championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, which was broadcast on ESPN+.”
And when The Shruumz won, they won big. “They had 50 teams in their division and played a total of 8 games to win the title of world champions,” said Baldwin. “Coach John Hogeland, Nick Martino and Stephen Scire led the team to victory.”
Team players are Blayn Baldwin, Griffin Scire, Jayden Martino, Kameron McNeil, Mack Deighton, Jordan Lugo, Cameron Hogeland, Corbin Klein and Kipton Bruscino.
Players for the Pirate Bay Krewe team are: Andrew Suarez, Avery Floyd, Dylan Dye, Ethan Beverly, Gavin Humpheries, George Chudyk III, Joshua Walek, Jovanni Torraco, Ryan Jones, Rylan Winston
Krewe team coaches are Lameek Floyd and Kevin Winston.
This fundraiser will revolve around a fun game known as Cornhole, a North American lawn game in which players take turns tossing fabric bean bags at an angular board that comes complete with a hole carved into its far end. Players score points by either landing a game bag on the board or landing a bag through the hole in the board.
At the cornhole fundraiser, the public will have the opportunity to launch these teams on yet another path to victory, as they have qualified to compete in July’s NFL Flag National Championship in Canton, Ohio. Aside from enjoying a multi-team tournament at the fundraiser, guests can partake in a full bar and kitchen with food and drink for sale, raffle baskets and 50/50 drawings. “Any proceeds from the fundraiser will go to both teams to cover their entry fees and travel expenses,” said Baldwin.
Baldwin credits SSG Michael Wayne Schafer Memorial VFW Post 10209 with offering their space and support to these teams. “The post supports us by hosting these fund-raisers,” she said.
In Baldwin’s view, any child who plays flag football (with players on these teams aged 7 to 12) is a winner. “Aside from athletic skills, this game teaches confidence,” she said. “It also teaches players how to be good sports, which is important at this age. It’s great to win, but it’s just as important to be graceful when you lose.”
All are invited to support these two young teams as they walk–and toss–their way to victory once again. VFW Post 10209 is located at 14736 Edward R Noll Dr, in Spring Hill.
For more information, contact Heather Baldwin at 607-778-0967.
