USCA Virginia West Virginia District History
"Work and Play in Progress"
This history is a collection of reports, recalls and antidotes; gathered from various players,the USCA Journal magazine, district newsletters, newspapers and district web site. All describe croquet in the Virginia West Virginia District of the United States Croquet Association. Because of its historical bent, it is primarily organized by year. Part I concentrates on the annual State Championships, other events and the districts players. Part II focuses on results of district players participation in tournaments outside of the district. Note that the District History is considered a work in progress. You are encouraged to contribute additions, changes and deletions of missing events as well as your past observations and experiences. The editor and web master reserve the final call on differing views. Because of the volume and amount of research required, articles and events will be summarized from the web, journal or magazine articles as obtained. You are asked to send your update contributions to the web master at 1jflee@verizon.net.
Part I - In the VA/WV District
The Beginning...
In the early 1990's the director for the USCA asked John Harralson of Lexington, VA. to be the Virginia representative to the USCA. To get things going, John called various club presidents to see what they were doing at their clubs and what facilities they had. To continue John's progress, later in 1992 George Barnes offered to take over the positions and title of President of the district.
Below are a listing of officers over the years, including the current officers:
1992-1998 George Barnes Jr. President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Director
1998-2003 Ron Turner, President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Director
2003 - 2009 Conrad Haas, President
Scotia Synan, Secretary
Robert Lankford, Treasurer
Barry Williams, Tournament Director
2006 - 2011 Jack Chase, President
Robert McCreary, Treasurer
Barry Williams, Tournament Director
Annual descriptions of historical VAWVA District events in chronological order
Early 1990's John Harralson becomes the leader of the Virginia Croquet District at request of USCA.
1992 - 1998 A summary of Events (reported by George Barnes, District president)
"Increase the growth of croquet in Virginia and develop a support program that will encourage the entire community to participate. These were the instructions from USCA on my arrival in Virginia. Working with a small group of Virginia and D.C. USCA members we attempted to draft such a program. We soon realized that the task would be impossible without an accurate assessment of the croquet data of resources on hand. A state tour provided a treasure trove of sincere and thought provoking ideas which helped form the following Basic Development Program:
Phase I Establish a Virginia's District Croquet Center for tournaments and instruction.
Phase II Growth of new facilities and membership with a concentration on Country Clubs, Retirement and Housing Communities and instruction for new members.
Phase III Increase the number of USCA Certified Referee's.
Phase IV Requested by the Virginia's USCA Members was the establishment of a Virginia's USCA Championship Yearly Tournament, which we provided in October 1992.
To establish the Croquet Training Facility we proposed to the owner of the Kiln Creek Development, Newport News, VA. that we would staff a Croquet Program for members of the Country Club if Kiln Creek would provide and also maintain a croquet court for our program. Request approved and worked well for both groups.
To help increase the support of new clubs and new members we developed travel -training - programs with scheduled tournaments and clinics held at senior citizens centers, country clubs, retirement living communities and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. The program did show encouraging results. From 1992 to '95, the district grew from 5 to 17 clubs. In 1996 we moved the venue for the Virginia District Championship Tournament to Fulks Run and utilized the three croquet courts in the area to support the tournament.
For any success our program enjoyed during the '92-98 period we all owe a special thanks to Ron Turner, his croquet playing family at Fulks Run, VA and its USCA neighbors. They insured that the program would continue to grow.
In 1998 Ron was appointed President of the District a well- deserved selection.
And a final thanks and appreciation to those who not only contributed ideas for our program in the beginning, they also gave their time and energy to the sport of croquet. With special thanks to: Members of the Norfolk Croquet Club, especially Robert Lankford for his guidance and support, Brian Hogge for backing our program at the Kiln Creek Country Club, Robert DeLuca for his generous offer of the croquet court a at Kiln Creek, and Bubbie and Martha Grimsley for keeping the program alive in Northern Virginia."
Tid-bits from Robert Lankford...
George Barnes began coaching the William and Mary Collegiate Croquet Team in 1996 and was assisted by Robert Lankford (1997-1998). He continues through 2010. Students had T-shirts once saying, "Croquet- Most Wicket Game on Campus.
Bubbie Grimsley was named USCA Hostess of the Year around 1997.
Daley Craig and Tom Huhn were the captains for the Virginia team in the CARVA tournament 1995-2000.
District Tournament play began in 1992
1992
1992 Virginia District Championship Tournament Winners
Kiln Creek Courts, Newport News, VA
Championship Flight: Bubbie Grimsley
First Flight: Jack Ankerson
Golf Croquet Flight: Chuck Spense
1993
1993 Virginia State Championship Flight Singles
Kiln Creek Courts, Newport News, VA (August 21)
1. Rob Strickland
2. Bubbie Grimsley
3. Gray Wyatt
4. Mike Price
5. Jack Ankerson
First Flight Championship Singles
Kiln Creek Courts, Newport News, VA (July24)
1. Gray Wyatt
2. Robert Lankford
3. George Lankford
4. Kelly Hayes
1994
1994 Virginia State Championships, Kiln Creek Courts, Newport News, VA (July 23, 30-31)
On July 23 and July 30-31, twenty-six players from eight different clubs participated in the Virginia Singles Championships held at Kiln Creek. As in past years the Second Flight created the most excitement among the players and the spectators. Many of the beginners had only recently been introduced to croquet's answer to the shortage of courts in many parts of the U.S. Double banking was the main topic of conversation.
Retired Admiral Bob Blunt of the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club won the Second Flight, defeating Fletcher Manning of West Minister-Canterbury of Virginia Beach by one wicket in the final match.
Robert Lankford of the Norfolk Croquet Club and Vice President of Nations Bank, the organization that hosted our tournament,
won the First Flight Championship. He finished with a 4-0 record after defeating Wayne Synan of the Virginia Gentlemen’s Wicket
Club in the final match.
The 1994 State Champion is Darrell Turner of the Fulks Run Croquet Club. Losing his first match, he then won the next five games,
defeating in his climb to victory the 1993 Champion Rob Strickland of the Norfolk Croquet Club. And in the final game, defeating
the 1992 Champion, Bubbie Grimsley.
The championship game was different and interesting to say the least. Both Turner and Grimsley played the entire match with only
one ball each. The black and yellow balls nevercleared the number one wicket. Final score: Turner 12 and Grimsley 12.
-Reported by George Barnes, Tournament DirectorChampionship Flight
2. Bubbie Grimsley
4. Rob Strickland
5. Garnett Turner
6. Gray Wyatt
7. Mike Price
8. Mike Town
First Flight
1. Robert Lankford
2. Wayne Synan
3. David Riddick
4. George Lankford
5. Freeman Turley
6. Don Harris
Novice Flight
1. Bob Blount
2. Fletcher Manning
3. Geneva Hines
4. Warren Littleton
5. Edith Holcomb
6. Lorina Mathews
7. Charlie Holcomb
8. Audrey Mutter
9. Janetta Blount
10. Margaret Potts
11. Margaret Hedley
1995
1995 State Championships – Kiln Creek Court, Newport News, VA (July 23, 30-31) USCA Bulletin
Championship FlightDarrell Turner
Darrell TurnerFirst FlightWayne Synan
Wayne SynanSecond Flight Windel Crump
Windel Crump1996
1996 State Championships – Kiln Creek Court, Newport News, VA (July 23, 30-31) USCA Bulletin
Virginia District Championship Tournament Winners – Fulks Run
Championship Flight - Darrell Turner, First Flight - Travis Watson, Second Flight - Aubrey Nutter
1997
1997 State Championship Tournament Winners – Fulks Run (August 22-24) USCA Bulletin
Championship Flight First Flight Novice Flight
First Flight Novice Flight1. Darrell Turner 1. Freeman Turley 1. George Gier
1. Freeman Turley 1. George Gier2. Wayne Synan 2. Garnett Turner 2. Andy Hudick
2. Garnett Turner 2. Andy Hudick3. Ron Turner 3. Robert Lanham 3. David Palmer
3. Robert Lanham 3. David Palmer4. Gary Turner 4. Mary Wilson 4. Lee Fleming
4. Mary Wilson 4. Lee Fleming5. John Harralson 5. Robert Lankford 5. Jacob VanDoren
6. Wayne Arbogast 6. George Lankford 6. Thomas Williams
7. Ellison Grimsley 7. Carl Hoover 7. Mark Sikkenga
8. Travis Watson 8. Randy Synan
9. Gray Wyatt
1998
1998 State Croquet Championships – Fulks Run, VA (October 2-4) USCA Bulletin
The Virginia State Croquet Championships were held in the Shenandoah Valley, October 2-4. Thirty-four players participated in
three flights on three courts. Players came from Tidewater, Lexington, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
It was the largest ever state tournament, a 50% increase from 1993.
This year's format was block play on Friday and par of Saturday. Players were then seeded into a single-elimination ladder.
Winner of the 2nd flight was Norman Hardee from McLean who stormed through both the block and ladder play undefeated.
David Palmer of Mt. Jackson took second and Jake VanDoren of Bayse was third. All three players are members of the Crest
Ridge Croquet Club near Bayse.
In the 1st flight, Miles Turner of the Fulks Run Croquet Club took top honors, winning in double overtime against David Riddick
of the Charlottesville Club. Miles was undefeated in both block and ladder play. It was also his first state tournament. Third place
went to Wayne Turner of the Fulks Run Club.
In the championship flight, each of the block's top seeds lost the first round of matches and upsets were the norm during block play.
Darrell Turner, Virginia state champion the last four years, got off to a rocky start, losing to fellow club members Wayne Arbogast
and Ronald Turner. Darrell was seeded 7th at the conclusion of block play. In ladder play however, Darrell resumed his usual rock
steady form, winning four in a row, 26-6, 26-7, and 26-2 on his way to the final against his cousin, Ronald Turner.
In the final it looked like there might be a new state champion when Darrell “stuffed” wicket #2 and Ronald took the advantage. The
score got to 22-2 in Ronald's favor when he missed a 12-foot roquet at Rover. Darrell hit in and set a break for his red ball. Blue
missed and Darrell ran a 3-ball break to Rover after picking up blue. He also managed to work yellow into position at #2 and after
Ronald missed the black, Darrell ran yellow to Rover, staked out blue and then pegged out red and yellow for a 26-24 victory and
his fifth straight state title.
John Harralson finished third. Also of note was the fact that this was the first year a father and son won their flights. First flight winner
Miles Turner is Darrell's father.
The Crest Ridge Croquet Club led by Bob and Carol Lanham and Norman and Linda Hardee hosted Saturday night's dinner. This
year they fixed their famous barbeque wings and whole, deep-fried Cajun turkey. Crest Ridge knows how to cook – and play
croquet! Seventy-three box lnches were provided for players and social participants by Peggy Turner on Saturday.
-Reported by Ron Turner, USCA Virginia District PresidentChampionship Flight First Flight Second Flight
1. Darrell Turner 1. Miles Turner 1. Norman Hardee
2. Ron Turner 2. David Riddick 2. David Palmer
3. John Harralson 3. Wayne Turner 3. Jake VanDoren
4. Travis Watson 4. Bob Lanham 4. Lee Fleming
5. Wayne Arbogast 5. Mary Wilson 5. John Harrison
6. John Hunter 6. Jonathan Cooney 6. Susan Aiello
7. Gary Turner 7. Allen Clem 7. Mark Sikkenga
8. Wayne Synan 8. Wayner Herkness 8. Jerry Aiello
9. Gray Wyatt 9. Carl Hoover 9. Sally Williams
10. Garnett Turner 10. Randy Synan 10. Thomas Williams
11. George Gier 11. Barry Williams
Press release from the USCA Nationals in 1998:
Fulks Run Croquet Club (VA) recently sent 5 players to the United States Croquet Association's National Tournament in Haverford,
PA. Over 120 players from across the nation gathered for the week-long tournament on the great lawns of Merion Cricket Club.
Darrell Turner of Fulks Run and Ronald Turner of Timberville teamed up to capture second place in the Championship Doubles
Flight. After winning 7 straight games, they were defeated in the semi-finals. The Turner-Turner team came back to the finals after
winning in the losers bracket. The Turner Team was defeated in the finals by Doug Grimsley of Alexandria, VA and Rich Curtisfrom
of Rochester, NY.
There were 35 teams playing in the Championship Doubles Tournament. In Championship Singles, Darrell Turner tied for 4th and
Ronald Turner tied for 12th.
In First Flight Doubles, the team of Garnett Turner of Fulks Run and Travis Watson of Bayse captured second place after being
defeated by a Richmond, VA team of Freeman Turley and Gray Wyatt.
The team of Gary Turner of Harrisonburg and Jane McDonnall from Santa Rosa, CA finished 4th. In First Flight Singles, Garnett
Turner places second after losing to Frank Hentic, a 16 year old from Southhampton, NY.
1999
1999 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 4-6)
Darrell Turner wins 1999 Viginia State Championships
Championship Flight First Flight Second Flight
1. Darrell Turner 1. Jonathan Cooney 1. Norman Hardee
2. Ron Turner 2. Randy Synan 2. Walter Jaenicke
3. Wayne Synan 3. Wayne Turner 3. David Palmer
4. Miles Turner 4. Bob Lanham 4. Richard Tutwiler
5. Garnett Turner 5. Mary Wilson 5. Jacob VanDoren
6. Gary Turner 6. Carl Hoover 6. William Sipe
7. John Harralson 7. Allen Clem 7. William Bowers
8. Freeman Turley 8. Barry Williams 8. John Harrison
2000
2000 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 23-25)
Wayne Synan wins the 2000 VA/WVA State Championships by beating Gary Turner. He did not play Darrell Turner or Ron Turner
en route.
The Virginia-West Virginia State Croquet Tournament was held June 23-25 on three courts in the Shenandoah Valley. This year's
tournament saw 25 players from across two states participate in three flights.
In the second flight, nine players competed for the top honers. There were several new players to the state tournament this year, but
by Sunday the finalists were from the local Crest Ridge Croquet Club. Norman Hardee was the winner after a nearly flawless
morning of croquet. Crest Ridge's Dave Plamer finished second, newcomer to the Virginia Tournament Marie Haas defeated her
husband Conrad for the third place finish.
First flight had seven players compete in a round robin block with the top four seeded players advancing to a single elimination
ladder. Randy Synan went 5-1 for block play, losing only to Mary Wilson from Indian Springs Croquet Club. The match was close
for nearly the entire 80 minutes. Synan's lead towards the end of the game was enough to secure his first place finish. Second place
went to Wayne Turner. Bob Lanham from the Crest Ridge Croquet Club took third.
This year's championship flight had a field of nine participants. Top players Darrell Turner and Wayne Synan were separated and the
remaining seven players filled out the blocks. After a day and a half of block play, it was Darrell and Wayne emerging with perfect
records.
After the first round of the ladder, five players remained. For the last match on Saturday, it was Ronald Turner playing against his
cousin Darrell Turner. For only the third time in two years, Ronald defeated Darrell, eliminating him from the tournament. In Sunday
morning's games, Gary Turner defeated Ronald Turner and Wayne Synan continued his march to the finals by taking Garnett Turner.
For third place, it was a father and son match. Garnett was too much for his son Ronald and won the match in last turn.
The final match for state chamion was between Gary Turner and Wayne Synan. In a back and forth match, Synan moved blue to
Rover, but still had black at #2. Turner managed a few short runs with each ball, but didn't have a break until after a hit late in the
game. With only minutes left, Gary's break fell apart after he failed to hit partner on a long shot. Wayne hit a 65' shot and managed
to protect his lead by sending black to yellow. Red took the shot at yellow on the line but missed by only an inch or two. Black took
yellow away and the game was over. Virginia has a new state champion in Wayne Synan. Wayne was kind of the hit over the
weekend, having several long game winning shots. Congratulations to Wayne, our new state champion. He came to the valley to play
croquet this weekend and play he did.
Courtside breakfasts and boxed lunches were provided to all players and participants each day. Our many thanks go out to the
Lanhams and Hardees from the Crest Ridge Club for hosting our dinner on Friday night. Thanks to all the participants and guests
that came to the valley for our tournament. We hope to see everyone next year.
-Ron Turner, VA/WV District President Championship Flight First Flight Second Flight
1. Wayne Synan 1. Randy Synan 1. Norman Hardee
2. Gary Turner 2. Wayne Turner 2. Dave Palmer
3. Garnett Turner 3. Bob Lanham 3. Marie Haas
4. Ronald Turner 4. Mary Wilson 4. ?
5. Darrell Turner 5. Carl Hoover 5. Jake VanDoren
6. Travis Watson 6. Barry Williams 6. Bill Bowers
7. Freeman Turley 7. Allen Clem 7. William Sipes
8. John Harralson 8. John Harrison 8. Miles Turner
Virginia State Doubles Tournament – Fulks Run, VA (November) USCA Croquet News
The first Virginia State Doubles Tournament was held in November. The turn out was small, but the competition was tough. Randy
Synan and Ron Turner were the winners for 2000. Many thanks to those who came out to play. We enjoyed a full day of nothing
but croquet and eating our boxed lunches in the sun. We hope that next year we can give everyone a bit more notice and increase
participation. Call Virginia District President Ron Turner for more details at 540-896-1039.
2001
2001 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 29, 30 and July 1)
The Viginia-West Virginia State Championship Tournament was held on three courts in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia at Fulks
Run. This year's tournament saw twenty-three competitors from acros Virginia and West Virginia. Players competed in block format
with everyone being seeded for either a single or double elimination ladder for the finals. This year's weather cooperated with the
tournament with the exception of the excessive heat on Friday.
The championship flight winner was Darrell Turner from Fulks Run, VA. This was his 7th title as VA/WVA State Champion. Darrell
defeated his uncle Garnett Turner also of Fulks Run. Third place went to Travis Watson of Bayse, VA.
First Flight winner was Barry Williams from Roncerverte, WV. Barry was the first player from West Virginia to win the title. He
defeated Wayne Turner from Broadway, VA. Third place went to Allen Clem form Kingsport, TN.
In the second flight, Jacob VanDoren from Bayse, VA defeated Bill Bowers, also from Bayse. Norman Hardee from McLean, VA
took third.
Championship FlightFirst Flight Second Flight
1. Darrell Turner 1. Barry Williams 1. Jake VanDoren
2. Garnett Turner 2. Wayne Turner 2. Bill Bowers
3. Travis Watson 3. Allen Clem 3. Norm Hardee
4. Gary Turner 4. Bob Lanham 4. Andy Hudick
5. Ronald Turner 5. Andy Williamson 5. John Harrison
Wayne Herkness Joyce Ellis
6. Marie Haas 6. James Carroll
Bob Whitmore Urchie Ellis
Carl Hoover
2002
2002 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 28-30)
This years Virginia-West Virginia State Tournament drew a crowd of twenty-three participants to three courts in the heart of the
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Clubs from around the two states were well represented.
After seeing a larger number of players move up to first flight, the number for second flight was down for 2002. Three players played
a double round robin with the top two seeds playing for first and second. In the final match Dave Palmer defeated Jacob VanDoren
to take forst place. Phil Peters finished third.
For first flight there were fourteen players competing for the top three places this year. On Sunday, the match saw Bob Whitmore
play Wayne Turner. In a tight match throughout, it was local Wayne Turner holding on to win the match. Whitmore was second and
Norman Hardee took third place.
Championship flight had six players in a round robin block. Block winner was Wayne Synan defeating everyone 26-2, 26-3, 26-5,
26-3 and 26-3. A single elimination ladder followed with Garnett Turner giving Synan a solid run for the money. In the end it was
Synan 15-12. The final match was Synan vs. Gary Turner. Gary also put in solid wins throughout his block, losing only to Synan.
After some shaky starts and early deadness, both players settled down into their championship form. A late run by Turner proved to
be too little too late to overcome the comfortable lead that Synan established. At the end of the game it was Wayne Synan 20, Gary
Turner with 10 for second and Garnett Turner defeated Barry Williams for third place.
Many thanks go to the Turners, Travis Watson and Bob and Carol Lanham for their generous hospitality and making their excellent
courts available for the tournament.
-USCA Croquet NewsChampionship Flight First Flight Second Flight
1. Wayne Synan 1. Wayne Turner 1. Dave Palmer
2. Gary Turner 2. Bob Whitmore 2. Jacob VanDoren
3. Garnett Turner 3. Norman Hardee 3. Phil Peters
4. Barry Williams 4. Dick Sullivan
5. Ron Turner 5. Will Snipe
Travis Watson Carl Hoover
Allen Clem
Mary Wilson
6. Walter Janicke
Robert Lankford
Richard Tutwiler
Andy Williamson
Bob Lanham
2003
2003 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 6-8)
Wayne Synan won again for a second year, defeating Randy Synan 26-2 in a game featuring interesting opening play. Ronald Turner
earlier won over John Harralson 26-14 to take third place.
Bob Whitmore won the first flight 22-21 in a hard fought match over Norman Hardee that saw both players producing excellent play.
Wayne Turner captured third place with a 26-9 win over Wayne Herkness.
Many thanks go to the Turners, Travis Watson and Bob and Carol Lanham for their generous hospitality and making their excellent
courts available for the tournament.
-USCAChampionship FlightFirst Flight
First Flight1. Wayne Synan 1. Bob Whitmore
1. Bob Whitmore 2. Randy Synan 2. Norman Hardee
2. Norman Hardee 3. Ronald Turner 3. Wayne Turner
3. Wayne Turner 4. John Harralson 4. Wayne Herkness
4. Wayne Herkness 5. Barry Williams 5. Carl Hoover
5. Carl Hoover 6. Garnett Turner 6. ?
6. ? 7. Allen Clem 7. Marie Haas
7. Marie Haas 8. Bob Lanham 9. David Palmer 10. Robert Lankford New Leadership for 2003
Conrad Haas, upon regional and district request, became the new district president in 2003, succeeding Ron
Turner's excellent tenure. (1999-2003) To set additional direction, the following items were established to help the district:
The PURPOSE of the USCA and its member-affiliated clubs is to increase the popularity of croquet.
The district's VISION is to produce world-class players while creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy
croquet at all levels.
The district's MISSION is to improve the participation, enjoyment and quality of croquet in VA/WV.
The four GOALS listed in our ongoing District Plan (see the website for details) are aimed at improving
organization, communication, quality and quantity of play.
Rounding out the leadership team for 2003:
Secretary – Scotia Synan
Treasurer – Robert Lankford
2003 CARVA Challenge – Etowah, NC (October 31 – November 2)
The Carolinas now hold the beautiful carved wood CARVA Challenge trophy. With the score tied at 36 matches apiece, the
Carolina used their momentum on the last day to win the last three matches, 39-36.
The annual CARVA Challenge has returned after a three-year absence. This annual competition between the Carolinas and Virginias
was held in North Carolina with the Etowah Valley Croquet Club being the host sight. Earlier in the year, North Carolina district
president, Danny Huneycutt and VA/WV district president Conrad Haas, with the help of people like Daley Craig and Harold
Allison, decided to revive the CARVA Challenge. In addition to USCA sanctioning the tournament for the first time, the tounament
had thirty-five players in seventy-five matches, mostly doubles. Danny Huneycutt served as tournament director.
Carolina's team co-captians Harold Allison and Gene Young and Virginia's co-captains Daley Greg and Conrad Haas met before
each round to draw up the matches. The Virginias team took a four-match lead on day one. This held through the end of day two.
In Sunday's first round, the Carolinas leveled out the matches with five of six wins. The second round was tied at 36 games, leaving
three singles games (one in each flight) to determine the outcome.
The Carolinas swept the final round, with three wins to earn the right to hold the handsome CARVA trophy for 2003.
Top players for the two teams included:
Carolina's wins – Danny Huneycutt (7), Bob Cherry (6), Paul Embry (5), Joan Allison (5), Karen Christian (4),
and Chris Christian (3).
Virginia's wins – Travis Watson (7), Wayne Synan (7), Claiborne Minor (6), Conrad Haas (6), John Harralson (5), Allen Clem (5),
Dorothy Craig (4), and Betty Williams (4).
-Write-up adapted form the North Carolina Croquet News, November 2003.CARVA Winning Teams by Year
1993 – Virginia
1994 – Carolina
1995 – Tie
1996 – Carolina
1997 – Virginia
1998 – Carolina
1999 – Virginia
2003 – Carolina
2006 – Carolina
2008 – Virginia
Current (2008) standings – Carolinas 5, Virginias 4
CARVA side notes – Did you know that the CARVA tournament started in 1993 with the last being played in 1999 until the revival
in 2003? It was again revived in 2006 as a biannual event.
It started at Daley and Dorothy Craig's place on the Chesapeake Bay. Mike O'Brien and Mack Penwell from North Carolina and
John Harralson from Virginia were visiting with their wives. Mack suggested they play a game matching the states against each other.
John and Daley won and that was the beginning of CARVA. The next year a tournament was played in Pinehurst, NC. Until the tie-
breaker in 2003, players from the Carolinas (North and South) won three tournaments and the Virginias (Virginia and West Virginia)
won three. There was a tie in 1997.
___________________________________________________________________________________
USCA Virginia-West Virginia District Loses Its Top Player
We were all very saddened by the unexpected death of Wayne N. Synan, 61, of Chesterfield, VA on December 28, 2003. Wayne
truly was a championship croquet player in many ways.
Playing at the championship level, Wayne was a two-time VA/WV State Champion, winning at Fulks Run, VA during 2002 and
2003. Wayne also won three regional championship singles titles (Southern in 1998, Southeast in 2002 and 2003) and two in
doubles (2000 with Mack Penwell and 2001 with Bill Aden). HE was a strong competitor with a soft touch on his shots and always
had a pleasant smile for everyone. Around him.
Here are comments made by croquet players that express feelings and thoughts that so many of his competitors and friends shared:
“Wayne will be missed by everyone that played croquet with him here in Fulks Run, VA. He was without a doubt one of the nicest
men to ever play on our court. Scotia, his beautiful wife, is exactly the same. Both always ready to help in any way they could.
Wayne's desire to be Virginia State Croquet Champion took several years to accomplish, but once there, he defended his title
successfully. To me, Wayne will always be the 'Virginia Champion'.”
-Ronald Turner, Fulks Run, VA“Wayne Synan was a great croquet player, but yet a greater human being. We admired, loved and respected Wayne on and off the
court. We offer our saddened sympathies to Scotia and the family.”
-Conrad and Marie Haas, Suffolk, VA “The kindest, most gentle man I know, yet the fiercest of compititors. Wayne is already so sorely missed.”
-Danny Huneycutt, Winstom-Salem, NC___________________________________________________________________________________
2004
2004 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (May 21-23)
Conrad Haas congratulates Garnett Turner on being runner-up to Darrell Turner. Darrell Turner wins again for the 8th time, defeating his cousin Ron Turner 21-14. Ron won earlier over his dad Garnett, who took third place. All are members of the Fulks Run Croquet Club.
Bob Whitmore of the Confederate Hill Croquet Club, won the first flight 22-21 in a tight match for the second straight year, winning
over Miles Turner (Darrell's father) of Fulks Run Croquet Club 16-14. Miles had been undeafeated until the final match. Conrad
Haas of the Confederate Hills Croquet Club, placed third.
In the second flight, newcomers took top honrs. Jason Tesauro, Confederate Hills Croquet Club, captured first place over John Lee
of the Middle Peninsula Croquet Club. Jack Chase, also of Middle Peninsula Croquet Club, took third.
Players wore black wristbands in memory of Wayne Synan, championship flight winner for the two previous years.
Continued thanks to the Turners, Travis Watson and Bob and Carol Lanham for their generous hospitality and making their excellent
courts available for the tournament.
Championship Flight First Flight Second Flight
1. Darrell Turner 1. Bob Whitmore 1. Jason Tesauro
2. Ron Turner 2. Miles Turner 2. John Lee
3. Garnett Turner 3. ? 3. Jack Chase
4. Travis Watson 4. Andy Williamson 4. Urchie Ellis
5. Barry Williams 5. Norman Hardee 5. Joyce Ellis
6. Randy Synan 6. Bob Lanham
7. Allen Clem 7. Carl Hoover
8. Claiborne Minor 8. Dave Palmer
9. Marie Haas 10. Wayne HerknessCroquet Etiquette at Culpeper
At the invitation of the Culpeper Junior Cotillion, Conrad and Marie Haas instructed 20+ young adults in the rules and etiquette of
playing nine wicket croquet in August of 2004.
__________________________________________________________________________________
In memory of....
Mary Wilson, of Pinehurst Croquet Club, died November 16, 2004 in Pinehurst, NC where she had retired. Mary inspired many
players to take up croquet and become better at their game. She encouraged Henrico County to start the Confederate Hills Croquet
Club that continue to thrive today. She later moved to Pinehurst, NC where she got manyplayers involved there.
John Houston, Jr., Confederate Hills Croquet Club, died December 3, 2004. His fellow players wil miss him on Thursdays and
Sundays.
___________________________________________________________________________________
National Croquet Day Award
The USCA awarded Confederate Hills Croquet Club third place in the “Most Media Attention to the Sport” category for its
activities on National Croquet Day, august 18, 2004.
2005
2005 VA/WV State Championships – Fulks Run, VA (June 24-26)
9th Championship for Darrell Turner! The Turners again dominated the championship flight of the 2005 VA/WV State Croquet
Championships. Darrell Turner won the tournament championship for the 9th time, defeating his cousin Ron Turner decisively 26-4.
Ron earlier won over Gary Turner 19-9, who took third place in the championship flight. All are members of the Fulks Run Croquet
Club.
Marie Haas of the Confederate Hills Croquet Club, overcoming a dissapointing first day, toughed it out to win first flight in a tight
match with Dave Palmer of Crest Ridge Croquet Club, 17-16. Marie earlier edged out Conrad Haas, also of Confederate Hills
20-19, with the final wicket scored in last ball, last turn. He placed third.
In the second flight, Jack Chase of the Middle Peninsula Croquet Club, took first place with a 15-13 win over Jacob VanDoren of
Confederate Hills. John Lee, also of the Middle Peninsula Croquet Club, took third.
Continued thanks to the Turners, Travis Watson and Bob and Carol Lanham for their generous hospitality and making their excellent
courts available for the tournament.
Championship FlightFirst Flight Second Flight
First Flight Second Flight1. Darrell Turner 1. Marie Haas 1. Jack Chase
2. Ron Turner 2. Dave Palmer 2. Jake VanDoren
2. Dave Palmer 2. Jake VanDoren3. Gary Turner 3. Conrad Haas 3. John Lee
4. Garnett Turner 4. Betty Williams 4. Joyce Ellis
5. John Hunter 5. Carl Hoover 5. Urchie Ellis
6. Barry Williams 6. Wayne Turner 6. Bob McCreary
7. Allen Clem
8. Bob Whitmore
Quotable Quotes: An exchange between Ron Turner and Marie Haas
Says Barry, “I offer the 2005 awards ceremony a quotable quote. As Darrell Turner went forward to accept his 9th championship
award, Marie Haas said 'Darrell, what are you going to do with all those things? Tile a floor?'”
Ron said, “That's a good one! If the write-up for the tournament hasn't already been done yet, we should include it in the “Turn of
the Tournament”.
Also from Ron: “The best in the champion flight (and likely the tournament) was me taking blue all the way around on a 3-ball break
to 2-back where I made the wicket and then cannoned Darrell's (yes, Darrell Turner) yellow ball into the game, completed the 4-ball
break, set the killer leave and finished the game with black on the second turn. As Richard Petty told his son Kyle in one of those
commercials, 'That's not that way I would have done it, but you got away with it.'”
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Cedar Point Croquet Club
Located in Northern Suffolk on the James River, last year, with Conrad and Marie Haas, they organized a nine wicket croquet club
that meets monthly between April and November. Their president is John Novcross and they have about fifteen enthusiastic
members.
Westminster-Canterbury Croquet Club
They play a “wicket” game of golf croquet weekly at Virginia Beach right off the ocean. Penny Brown is their leader and they have
15+ members at this active retirement center. Conrad and Marie Haas were invited to give lessons.
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2005 USCA District President of the Year
Conrad Haas was named the USCA District President of the Year 2005, primarily for his (with Marie's help) work promoting nine
wicket croquet and golf croquet in addition to other district activities.
They started with organizing the Suffolk YMCA as the first YMCA nationally to have a nine wicket croquet program for youngsters.
It later pooped out.
They assisted the Cedar Point Croquet Club set up their nine Wicket season play and tournament and introduced them to American
rules croquet.
Golf croquet was promoted at the Westminster-Canterbury Croquet Club at Virginia Beach.
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Communications
The Virginia-West Virginia newsletter and website were both started in 2003 with last issues published in 2005.
2006
2006 VA/WV State Championships – Charlottesville, VA (June 24-26)
John Hunter wins! John Hunter turned back a game-ending rally by Garnett Turner to win the VA/WV State Championships in the 15th year of the event.
Many thanks to Daley Craig for making his and his son Hunter Craig's courts available and for hosting the entire tournament.
Championship First Flight Second Flight Third Flight
1. John Hunter 1. Marie Haas 1. Jack Chase 1. Bob Spratley
2. Garnett Turner 2. Jack Chase 2. John Harrison 2. Jim Carroll
3. Ron Turner 3. Betty Williams 3. Jason Tesauro 3. Scotia Synan
4. Barry Williams 4. Robert Lankford 4. Urchie Ellis 4. Farley Massey
5. Darrell Turner 5. ? 5. Brenda Ham
6. Bob Whitmore 6. Wayne Herkness
7. Allen Clem 7. Whickey Knight
8. Will Sipe