Promoting the Game:The David Nickles File

[Reginald Rutledge]

I had this discussion with my protege, son, and confidant Michael Robertson about the difference between promoting the game and selling your products. I know everyone has their opinion in these areas but my definition was based on what have you done for the game and not necessarily your company or own self interest. I respect the salesman as those who are opportunistic but the promoters are the dedicated ones who take a selfless act to further the hobby. One such person I know has been David Nickles.

For many years, David has done his thing down in the BAMA area keeping the game alive, not just for himself but for everyone else. I have been there, played in his tournament, and supported his efforts in the past. I continue to see every year he moves forward with promoting the game. The funny thing is, David has nothing to gain. He has no MF company and no agendas other than trying to keep guys interested. I would dare to say his work has not only gotten people in Alabama interested in the game but ones in Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida and Tennessee. Sometimes his work goes un-noticed and under-appreciated. This MF brethren is as unselfish of a promoter as there is in the game.

Everyone wants to bring you flowers and compliments when you have passed on but sometimes, these things need to be noticed and stated while the person is still breathing (not wishing ill upon my friend). In a game where guys literally hate to dole out the compliments to their fellow players because they think it will make them look weak, I am one of those who have no problem in telling it like it is.

For me, this guy has been a Hall of Famer in his efforts to promote the game. Not only that, he's a fantastic person and outstanding coach. Guys like him are the reasons many of us still have a game. Don't get it twisted, it's not the figurines, the boards, the stadiums that are the foot soldiers of promoting the league! It's guys like David Nickles who has dedicated his life to making people happy through playing the game.

Ask yourself, what have you done for the game? Can you really walk a mile in the shoes of a David Nickles?

Just my opinion,

Reg