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NEWS
Ice Bowl disc golf tournaments to begin Saturday in Huntington
HUNTINGTON -- There are few athletic competitions similar to the upcoming Ashland and Huntington Ice Bowl disc golf tournaments, on Jan. 9 and 30 respectively.
In most tournaments, competitors typically don't have to pay a 25-cent tax for whining or get another chance to make a shot by paying a $1 mulligan fee. Organizers say these tournaments are unique because they focus more on raising money for local charities than proving your athletic prowess.
Now in its 13th year, the Independent Order of Redmen-Huntington Ice Bowl has raised enough money to purchase 40 tons of food for the Huntington Area Food Bank, according to event organizer Don Kleppe. Last year's tournament brought in $12,000 and 600 pounds of food, the second largest amount of money raised by any ice bowl tournament in the world, he said.
The money comes from private donations, tournament registration fees and the event co-sponsor -- the Independent Order of Redmen-Mohawk Tribe No. 11.
The two-round tournament begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, on the Rotary Park disc golf course off of U.S. 60 in Huntington. The entry fee for the event is $20. The event promises "fabulously cheap trophies and prizes" for participants, including a commemorative T-shirt.
Disc golfers will throw for an individual score in the first round then be matched with a partner to play the second round. The format allows for beginners to be matched with more experienced players, giving them a chance to learn and get better, Kleppe said.
"The Ice Bowl is not competitive, it's all about having fun," Kleppe said. "We want people to leave saying 'That was a really great, fun tournament.' "
If one disc golf tournament wasn't enough for the Tri-State, Tim Huff has organized a tournament at the two new 18-hole disc golf courses at Armco Park in Ashland on Jan. 9. Being the first Ice Bowl tournament in Ashland, Huff said he hopes to raise $1,500 and 100 pounds of food for River Cities Harvest, an Ashland-based food bank.
The format, registration and other tournament fees are the same at both tournaments. Participants will play singles on the easier white course in Ashland then, weather permitting, the second doubles round will be played on the harder blue course.
Between rounds, Huff said participants at the Ashland tournament will be given chili by volunteers from the River Cities Harvest. The first 40 participants who sign up will receive a commemorative Ice Bowl disc and disc marker combo.
The tournaments, Huff said, give area disc golfers the opportunity to come together, play dic golf, have fun and raise money for two very worthy charities. With four 18-hole courses in the Tri-State, Huff and Kleppe said they expect disc golf to continue growing and gaining popularity.
How to register for the Ashland and Huntington Ice Bowls
Ashland Ice Bowl at Armco Park, Jan. 9
Registration is from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the park, with the tournament beginning at 9 a.m. The first 40 participants to sign up for the tournament will receive a commemorative disc and mini disc. Registration is $20.
To pre-register, e-mail organizer Tim Huff at info@ABCDiscGolfClub.com. Participants can also visit the disc golf club's Web site at www.abcdiscgolfclub.com and follow the prompts to pre-register using PayPal.
Checks can also be mailed to Tim Huff, 5725 Molsberger Road, Ashland, KY 41102.
Independent Order of Redmen-Huntington Ice Bowl at Rotary Park, Jan. 30
Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at the park's picnic shelter. The first participants to sign up receive a commemorative T-shirt. There is no pre-registering. Registration is $20.
For more information on either events, visit the Huntington Disc Golf Club's Web site at www.huntingtondiscgolf.com. The Web site features news about the latest local tournaments, club and course rules and an interactive forum.
