08/11/2025
The 9th annual Pine Grove/Tri County Challenge took place at the Pine Grove Courts in Camden, NY on August 10, 2025. Eight pitchers from the Tri County Club looking to defend their title from last year were Team Captain Eric Conrad, Cindy Cornwell, Fred Sheldon, Doug Kannus, Buck Gofgosky, Robin Eberhardt and two first time players in this event, Terri Miner and Sam Phillips. Looking to defend home field and take back their title for Pine Grove included Team Captain Ken Fraser, Karen Graham, Norm McCanney, Tim Collier, Robert Berninger Jr., Cheri Allen, Pete Newey and Bill McCumbers.
Pine Grove emerged victorious, taking the match 37 games to 27 games, reclaiming the Pete Newey/Bill Hornbuckle Plaque until the match in 2026. 30 shoe cancellation games, handicapped at 80% was the method of play. Star players for Pine Grove were Pete Newey and Karen Graham at 7-1, Tim Collier and Norm McCanney at 6-2. Pete was the only player to exceed his entering average for the tournament. Karen posted the tournaments high game and average of 86.7% and 65.4% respectively. Tri County top players were Doug Kannus at 5-3, Eric Conrad 4.5-3.5. Next year's match will take place at the Tri County Club in Groton, NY. Pine Grove leads the all-time series 8-1.
A delicious post tournament meal prepared by Darlene Newey and Jane Rumble was enjoyed by all and included hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, mac salad, pasta salad, watermelon, ice cream and cookies.
Many thanks to our scorekeepers Chuck Reigles, Garrett Thompson, Dan Ough, Gene Keeney and Charlie Reigles. Club prep was handled by Ken Fraser, Pete Newey, Bill McCumbers and Gene Keeney. Kitchen Patrol handled by Darlene Newey and Jane Rumble. Spectators included Pat Kannus and blast from the past, Fred Wright. Fred last pitched about 30 years ago, just happened to see people at the courts and stopped in. Fred ran some State Tournaments "back in the day" and wrote some tournament software in the early days. Noted by their absence were Bill Hornbuckle and Greg Wiley, both recovering from some health issues. Get well gentlemen and we'll see you soon!