Pat and I attended the Feb 8th event. The weather dealt another surprise snowstorm a few days before, and not knowing what to expect, we were driving up the road nearing the Hix Homestead, and I just barely applied enough braking power to turn into the driveway. There are days when I am sooooo glad to have four-wheel-drive.

Entering the complex, a loud roar could be heard. Oh yea! Heat! After a while the noise of the space heater blended into the background, drowned by clanking shoes and people talking. 

Looking around the courts, I could tell I was in for an experience. My first observation was the raised courts similar to those used at the World Events, and then I noticed the basketball hoop hanging about mid court. I said to those around me “With my luck I’ll score a few points”. Indeed I did, in my third game - I scored a big three points in the net. It took Miles Noel with Trey McDowell held over his shoulders to get my shoe back. It takes a while to get used to the close quarters. The ceiling is not a problem for most people. Elden with his high shoe was the only one to hit the ceiling. DUCK!!! 

When I finally got up the nerve to throw a shoe, I met Dana Newton, new to the sport and recently joined the Ruther Glen Club. We sparred for a few rounds before we noticed a window missing in the garage door. A few of the members were placing plastic on it to keep the heat in. One of the panes had been covered with plywood, one with plastic and 2 with glass. Elden said “Don’t worry, the other two have plexi-glass”. No sooner did he speak those words when Dana’s shoe hit the top of the peg, bounced and you guessed it - broke the window. Glass everywhere!. After the mess was cleaned up and the window covered, the games began. Needless to say, I did not fare well in my class, but I did have a lot of fun trying.

The raised courts provided a rebound, kind of like the ball return in a bowling alley. Many of my short shoes returned past the 20 foot mark and one of them I only had to walk five feet to retrieve. 

Pat was not as intimidated pitching indoors as I was. She fared much better in her class.

The winter rust in my shoulder, as in yours, will take a bit of time to get back into pitching. Beware, if you have invited to the next event and one of the Hix Family members is in your class, be sharp! Find your rhythm as fast as you can. They are used to the courts and most certainly have an advantage.

Being the first open event for the club, it went very well. Ruth provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for those that attended, and only asked for donations to the club. Thank you Ruth! I’ll come back for your ham biscuits anytime!

The club  has another tournament coming up in March - if you‘re invited, be prepared and ENJOY the experience!