The CBSMF and MFCA Experience...

[Hook'em Horns]

Many thanks to Greg Hardmon for his tireless efforts to make sure that this tourney was a successful one. As you can see it is extremely difficult to play in a tournament and host at the same time. You did a fabulous job my friend. Much thanks also to those who have lended support along the way. Reginald Rutledge, Joe Greco, Doug Shanafelt, Shabby J, Don Lang and any others that I have not mentioned.

To the MFCA...Wolf you are the MAN! I have a new level of respect for you and your committee my friend! What a great job!

To future CBSMF participants. I have spoken to Greg Hardmon already and the CBSMF is already in the process of creating ways to shorten the games for all rounds with the exception of the final 4 and the championships. This will allow us to run a much smoother tournament and allow for many of us to enjoy the festivities and fellowship more with family and friends.

As for moving the tournament around to other cities I am so torn on this issue. The economics of keeping the tournament in Canton over the hall of fame weekend is tough. It's very difficult to find a hotel, many of us stay 30 minutes to an hour away from the event and flights are expensive. However, with that being said...after experiencing what I experienced the last night of the event at the tailgate, I see no reason to want to move the tournament. Many may disagree but Canton has a tradition like feel to it that you will not experience anywhere else in the country. The tailgate, the football game, the fellowship, the camraderie, the parade, the induction ceremony, the bbq and the people are just all FANTASTIC! I mean I would love to save money and have the event in Texas. Reg puts on the best of shows! However, there is something special about Canton!

I love the guys out west and I know that they support the CBSMF and would do a fantastic job and blowing this thing up. The Eric & Dave's open run is a prime example of that. What better place to have it than out in New York as well. The mega market of the big apple, the draw of time square, they already have a venue at the toy wiz, the BAM and all of their members will blow this tournament up. However, again I say there is something special about Canton.

I think the primary thing for the CBSMF to do is to take a page out of the MFCA's book and form a committee. See if Wolf and the committee is willing to establish an area on the forum where only the CBSMF and MFCA board has access to. There, the board can discuss the growth process for the CBSMF and the MFCA. It's no secret that the CBSMF is blowing up. However, it will blow up in our face if one or two people continue to try and handle everything. Many may disagree but I am in favor for a CBSMF/MFCA Merger. With the new tourney format we can co-exist with no issues on scheduling.

Its about Unity. Not winning and losing! Not making one or two or a few happy. Its about creating an unbreakable bond through fun and fellowship. The truth of the matter is regardless of where we move the tourney, there will be many that will be unable to travel due to economics. So lets keep the tradition where it has already been established and accomodate those who are fortunate enough to be able to make it. The one thing that we need to figure out is the ability to broadcast. If you can't make the tournament then we can bring it to you. I for one will make this my priority to figure out by next year.

I pray that this message does not offend anyone. I just want what is best for the hobby, the CBSMF and the MFCA as a whole.

I will post more later on the CBSMF tournament!