CROQUET NEWS:  Croquet Players Show They Can Take the Heat

13 June 2005
University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA
story by Ann Saul Dudurich in Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
photo by Eric Schmadel in Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Tony Sachs dressed to the nines for the croquet tournament, at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus.

"Rain, rain, go away ... "

	Julie Bertolino reacts after missing a short shot.

And so it did. Mother Nature was obviously of a charitable mind as more than 1,300 white-clad enthusiasts gathered Sunday at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg -- site of the 16th annual Croquet Tournament.

"I never watch the weather forecast," admitted event coordinator Amy McDivitt with a smile. "I'd just make myself sick all week."

A premier fundraising event, the tournament is sponsored by the Greensburg Croquet Club in support of the Greensburg YMCA. According to Rick Nedley, the Y's chief executive officer, this year's sanctioned competition is on track to bring in more than $50,000.

Modified single elimination play began at 10:30 a.m., with more than 100 teams seeking the coveted glass encased "Mallet."

Final-round play pitted Dennis Camlin and Aaron Sanders against Burrell Bureau and Scott Porter. Team Camlin/Sanders took the match -- and the championship -- by a score of 7-4.

Consolation round winners were Greg Mroz and Julian Vallozzi.

Gunnar Rodgers, 2, with his grandfather Tom Rodgers, watches the action Sunday during the croquet tournament at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg campus.

Winner in the children's bracket (ages 6-10) was the team of Danny and Nicky Stewart. Olivia Boyle and Shannon Littlefield out-malleted their opponents to take the youth (ages 11-15) championship title.