Maui Croquet Club CROQUET NEWS:  Croquet Hall of Fame Inducts Venice Man

Click to Visit8 December 2005
National Croquet Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA United States of America Satellite Image
in Herald Tribune, Sarasota, Florida, USA United States of America
photo courtesy of Fred Jones

 
Fred Jones inducted into the Croquet Hall of Fame.  

At a formal dinner held last month at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach, Fred Jones of Venice was inducted into the Croquet Hall of Fame and presented with the traditional Hall of Fame red blazer.

Jones was elected to the hall by vote of the Board of Directors of the Croquet Foundation of America, the nonprofit organization of the United States Croquet Association. Criteria for selection includes not only one's love of the game and accomplishment playing in the sport -- Jones holds a zero handicap in croquet competition -- but also for volunteer efforts in supporting, promoting and improving the sport.

Jones was one of two players selected on a national basis for this honor in 2005. Only 15 people in the past 10 years have been so honored. Jones is currently a member of the management committee of the USCA as well as the regional vice-president for the Florida Region.

The induction ceremony is held during the annual Seniors-Masters National Croquet Championships. At the tournament this year, 84 players from throughout the country participated. Jones placed second in the Master's tournament, and with his wife as a partner, placed third in the combined doubles.

On the local scene, he is active in supporting the Sarasota County Croquet Club at its new location at Pinebrook Park off East Venice Avenue in Venice. Jones said the three croquet lawns, developed in partnership of the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Venice, and the local croquet club, comprise the largest municipal croquet facilities in the U.S.

With 140 members, the Sarasota County Croquet Club keeps the lawns active seven days a week. Basic instruction is available and the lawns are open to the public Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m.

Jones can be reached at 484-3206 for more information.