footbag.org

[Tim Vozar (vozar)]

Footbag Players Worldwide,

The Footbag Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that we are now accepting nominations for potential candidates for induction into the Footbag Hall of Fame's class of 2012. The nominations process is open now until March 31st, 2012. The criteria for nominations and induction to the Hall of Fame is located here:

http://www.footbag.org/reference/-/Hall_of_Fame_Nomination_Criteria

Please review this information before nominating players. It's easy to nominate a player or offer testimonials or seconds. Just visit this link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dElsXzdPTVBzU2QwekRVTGllNmtfWlE6MQ#gid=0

and fill out the form. If you want to nominate more than one person, please re-visit the form and fill it out separately for each person. Thanks to all footbag players for respecting the sport's history and roots as well as looking towords the future. We look forward to honoring the players who have devoted their lives to footbag and deserve the recognition that the Footbag Hall of Fame has to offer.

Tim Vozar,
Chairman Footbag Hall of Fame
Nominations Committee

[Theodore Fritsch (yyz)]

Tim, can you post who may be a carry over from last year??

[Tuomas Kärki (tuke)]

I would like to nominate Jukka Peltola for Hall of Fame 2012 and if Ted F already nominated Jukka, I second that nomination. Jukka started playing footbag in 1994 and is one of the founding members of Finnish Footbag Association back in 1995. He has been the driving force in finnish footbag scene ever since. He has won numerous medals in Finnish Footbag Championships, attended over 10 worlds and many european championsips since 1996. He was the main organizer in worlds 2005 and 2011, which we think, have been one of the best organized tournaments ever. He has also organized and co-organised a lot of tournaments, shows and work shops in Finland in the past 17 years and has constantly been pushing footbag forward as a sport in Finland and in the world.

He is a very social guy and well known and liked troughout the footbag world. He propably still owns the best defence in footbag net. Besides his obvious talent in net court he is also well known by his funny jokes and crazy party skills and you never had a boring night when partying with Jukka in worlds or elsewhere. Now being a little older and (perhaps) wiser he has found a new passion and drive trough healthier food and lifestyle so expect him to be a top contender in Poland and in other tournaments this summer.

[Christopher Siebert (conan)]

I would like to nominate Kendall KIC for the hall of fame. Kendall started playing footbag in the 80s, and took over as the chief promoter of footbag in Oregon in the early 90s (no small feat when you consider the history here). Kendall organized 2-4 footbag tournaments per year for the entire decade, some of the best freestyle and net tournaments ever in both quality and hospitality. It culminated in Kendall's crowning achievement, the legendary 1997 World Championships (widely considered one of the best and most successful ever), which really marked one of the peaks of the popularity of footbag in the entire U.S.

Kendall also got footbag included in the Oregon State Games, making Oregon the first U.S. state to recognize footbag in this way. She's been involved in the business and manufacturing side of the game. And of course she was a graceful kicker and competed widely. Kendall's knees haven't allowed her to play footbag in a long time, but she has continued co-directing the US Open in her unique smiling and uplifting manner. It would take a great deal of counting to even add up all the tournaments Kendall has organized over the last 20 years.

Vote Kendall!

Conan

[Theodore Fritsch (yyz)]

I would also like to second, Chris, and say that what ever crazy crap(and most know i have a lot) I threw at Kendall, she always smiled and got things taken care of. Footbag would suck with out her!!!!!

[Theodore Fritsch (yyz)]

I came up with one more. Eric Bartholomay!!! Mr. Twisted. I do not no his stats, but from 1990 to 1996 it seemed every tournament I went to he was there, USUALLY WINNING. I am not sure anyone has ever jumped higher. He was the first real "jouster" I saw in the sport. HE INVENTED WHAT I STILL THINK IS THE COOLEST FREESTYLE FOOTBAG EVER!!!. Eric if your out there, My first freestyle routine was done with a twisted footbag, I am retiring this year. I NEED A TWISTED.
TED F

[Theodore Fritsch (yyz)]

I always forget he was also a great freestyle player "Great net player and innovative freestyler." quote from Hall of fame member Sam Conlon. Below is a link to there 3rd place open team freestyle routine believed to be 1992 or 93
He and I entered open team free and got 3rd.http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=362876105514&set=t.750215514&type=3

[Tim Vozar (vozar)]

Ted, please go to the nomination form and do nominations

[Peter Irish (peteirish)]

I nominated a few players this year, but I would like to bring special attention to one of my nominations this year:

James "The Legend" Harley.

James is one of the all time great eastern promoters and footbag players.
While the east coast was at an all time high, we discovered that there was a whole league of footbag players in South Carolina, running their own tournaments, with their own rules and BELTS for champions! James was running his own successful footbag league independently of any organized footbag scene. We therefore referred to them as the "Lost Colony". We made a pilgrimage down there to recruit them to our scene. James began integrating into the eastern footbag scene, and became one of the greatest net players the region has ever seen.

Of note is his record in doubles net at Southern regionals, where he won the title 8 times with 7 different partners (including 5 in a row 1996 - 2000). All in all he had 35 net titles. He also helped Tina Lewis organize Texas States for years (and some Southern Regs), hosted 2 Carolina Classics, and served on the IFPA board for over 10 years. James also served on the footbag net seeding committee for Worlds a couple times, compiling stats and records more completely than ever before (or since). James was active in WFA play from 1993 to 2010. His last titles were '09 Texas States doubles and '10 Funtastik doubles masters division. Jame's Ph.D. dissertation on freestyle as performance is probably the most complete (and only) history of freestyle up to its time (2001), documenting the development of the aesthetic aspects of the sport.

All in all, James Harley is a Legend of the sport of footbag. As well as his involvement, James embodies the true spirit of a hall of fame member; has dedicated his life to his sport, and has done enough, in my humble opinion, for footbag to receive his well-earned spot in the sport's Hall of Fame.

Peter Irish

[Ted Huff (FootbagHALLofFAME)]

i second that nomination ! Been waiting for someone to nominate her !

Kendall is the glue that held together the Sole Purpose club, besides her legend of a husband, Ken Shults, and led to the very successful hosting of the 1997 World Championships, and since then she continues to be very involved in helping the club host the U.S. Open Footbag Net Championships. She was the executive director for many reasons, and she was awesome. Still is.

[Tim Vozar (vozar)]

Below are the Footbag Hall of Fame nominations for 2012, please rely if you want to second any of the nominations and feel free to write a testimony for the nominations you second. Please do this now, 4/1/12 through 4/8/2012, because on 4/9/12 the nomination committee will start their selection of the top 3-6 nominations for this years voting.
Thanks in advance for your seconds and remarks.

Tim Vozar - HOF nomination committee chairman

1) Jukka Peltola (nominated by Ted Fritsch and Tuomas Karki)
From Ted - Having recently played with him, I saw a video of him show casing footbag on a Finnish T.V. show from 1995. Here is the link. Footbag on Amatsonia www youtube dot com, Justin Sexton, Tuomas Kärki and Jukka Peltola showing some footbag skills on Amatsonia TV-show 1995. He has been to 7 worlds, his best place was 7th, he directed the 2005 wolds, And again directed this past years worlds
From Tuomas - I would like to nominate Jukka Peltola for Hall of Fame 2012 and if Ted F already nominated Jukka, I second that nomination. Jukka started playing footbag in 1994 and is one of the founding members of Finnish Footbag Association back in 1995. He has been the driving force in finnish footbag scene ever since. He has won numerous medals in Finnish Footbag Championships, attended over 10 worlds and many european championsips since 1996. He was the main organizer in worlds 2005 and 2011, which we think, have been one of the best organized tournaments ever. He has also organized and co-organised a lot of tournaments, shows and work shops in Finland in the past 17 years and has constantly been pushing footbag forward as a sport in Finland and in the world. He is a very social guy and well known and liked troughout the footbag world. He propably still owns the best defence in footbag net. Besides his obvious talent in net court he is also well known by his funny jokes and crazy party skills and you never had a boring night when partying with Jukka in worlds or elsewhere. Now being a little older and (perhaps) wiser he has found a new passion and drive trough healthier food and lifestyle so expect him to be a top contender in Poland and in other tournaments this summer
2) P.T. Lovern (nominated by Ted Fritsch)
I can not count his wins, I am not that good at math!!!! So let me just say CHAOS!!!!!!!
3) paul vorvick (nominated by Ted Huff)(seconded by Tim Vozar)
Paul Vorvick is one of the greatest spirits of the game. period.
In 1977 he saw his first footbag play while attending OSU. Immediteaely he joined the NHSA, forerunner to the WFA, then IFPA. Since those beginnings of the sport, he has been a Champion of Footbag. The unquestioned leader , now, of the longest running Footbag tournament, since 1980, The Beaver Open. His enthusiasm for the game and sport has led him to play all the footbag games, including going for Guiness world records. He is a teacher of the game and sport. A partner in passing on the sheer enjoyment of the game, freestyle, net, 4 square, or ..... GLOW GOLF ! Yes, with his tape of Dark Side of The Moon, by Pink Floyd, no one has done more to inspiire the glow golf games at the Beaver Open, or elsewhere around the world.!! He has inspired so many others. Many that have gone on to championships, and records. Paul Vorvick is an energy circle unto himself !!! But, shared with all others, willingly. The main criteria for the Footbag Hall of Fame is to recognioze those that have demonstarted leadership in the sport, and for the sport. past to present, worlldwide.
Paul never sought out to be a world champion, yet in so many ways, he is more than that. He is an Ambassador of Footbag. Please join me in voting for Paul Vorvick into his sport's hall of fame. The sport would not be the same, if not for him.
4) Steve Blough (nominated by Peter Irish )
Steve created his own league and style of footbag, Bloughchi, from the old days, and although many old school players discredit him he nonetheless promoted the sport in his own way, and deserves to be acknowledged for his contributions regardless of personal or political issues.
5) Sunil Jani (nominated by Peter Irish)
Sunil was one of the all time greatest freestylers the sport has ever known. At a crucial time, he pushed footbag to a new level, and had a direct and strong influence on people like Vasek Klouda and Jan Weber, resulting in the current level of play. The combinations Sunil was hitting in his prime still hold up, and sometimes excell, to the current standard of technicality in footbag freestyle.
6) James Harley (nominated by Peter Irish and Tina Lewis)(seconded by Tim Vozar)
From Peter - James "The Legend" Harley is an east coast footbag legend. At a time when the east coast was at a historical high point, it was discovered that James Harley was running his own footbag league, with it's own rules, tournaments, and Belts, in the Carolinas. He tirelessly promoted footbag in his region, and eventually joined the east coast footbag scene to be one of the power houses of footbag net. James more than deserves a spot in the sport's hall of fame. Of note is his record in doubles net at Southern regionals, where he won the title 8 times with 7 different partners (including 5 in a row 1996 - 2000). All in all he had 35 net titles. He also helped Tina Lewis organize Texas States for years (and some Southern Regs), hosted 2 Carolina Classics, and served on the IFPA board for over 10 years. James also served on the footbag net seeding committee for Worlds a couple times, compiling stats and records more completely than ever before (or since). James was active in WFA play from 1993 to 2010. His last titles were '09 Texas States doubles and '10 Funtastik doubles masters division. Jame's Ph.D. dissertation on freestyle as performance is probably the most complete (and only) history of freestyle up to its time (2001), documenting the development of the aesthetic aspects of the sport.
From Tina - James Harley should be in the Footbag Hall of Fame for his contributions and efforts to advance our sport. He has given countless hours to training other players, organizing, running events, and providing his scholarly input to both Freestyle and Net. He definitely contributed to bringing new life to Footbag in Austin and Texas but I think to our entire sport. Many of you know that he wrote his PhD thesis on Footbag and for those that don't, I think it's an important contribution. Finally, as with all of the great nominees, he is just a blast on the net court and an asset to our community.
7) Ahren Gehrman (nominated by Peter Irish)
Ahren Gherman showed up on the scene as a 16 year old prodigy, coming out of Oregon, and tutored by none other than Kenny Shults himself. Shortly after his arrival he was nicknamed "The Torch" by Kenny Shults "as in, the passing of"--quoted by Kenny. Ahren quickly set the freestyle world on fire, pushing the limits and challenging every player to play the game. Although mostly an underground player thru his career, Ahren's influence is still felt and respected by freestylers throught the world. Ahren should be considered one of the all time greatest of the elite freestylers in history.
Eric Bartholomay (nominated by Ted Fritsch and Scott Milne )
From Ted - Mr. Twisted. I do not no his stats, but from 1990 to 1996 it seemed every tournament I went to he was there, USUALLY WINNING. I am not sure anyone has ever jumped higher. He was the first real "jouster" I saw in the sport. HE INVENTED WHAT I STILL THINK IS THE COOLEST FREESTYLE FOOTBAG EVER!!!. Eric if your out there, My first freestyle routine was done with a twisted footbag, I am retiring this year. I NEED A TWISTED.
From Scott - Bart (Eric Bartholomay) should be inducted into our Hall Of Fame.
Everything about Bart was unique, he was excellent at all disciplines of our sport. I'm not exactly sure if he has world titles but was a fierce competitor at Net for many years. He always had a new twist in his very entertaining freestyle routines and ruled on the Footbag golf course.
9) Fred Kipley (nominated by Andy Linder)
Fred Kipley teamed up with Gary Preston and was a significant co-pioneer of footbag in the midwest. Fred co-formed an active club in Wisconsin that came to Worlds during the early-mid 80s. In addition to being a good freestyler, Fred was a world-class net player during those years. He actively promoted the sport at various events in different areas during the early 80s period of footbag's growth. I believe Fred is worthy of the Hall of Fame because of his important significance in our sport & all of his efforts to promote the game during an important period of growth. As a veteran in those days, he was always kind & encouraging to young players. He introduced the sport to people and helped them develop as players.
10) Gary Preston (nominated by Andy Linder)
Gary Preston teamed up with Fred Kipley and was a significant co-pioneer of footbag in the midwest. He co-formed an active club in Wisconsin that came to Worlds during the early-mid 80s. In addition to being a good freestyler, Gary was a world-class net player during those years. He actively promoted the sport at various events in different areas during the early 80s period of footbag's growth. I believe Gary is worthy of the Hall of Fame because of his important significance in our sport & all of his efforts to promote the game during an important period of growth. As a veteran in those days, he was always kind & encouraging to young players. He introduced the sport to people and helped them develop as players. Tragically, Gary had to have a leg amputated because of a car accident, but he continues to kick footbag at festivals & events and continues to inspire others.
11) Kendall Kic (nominated by Chris Siebert and Tina Lewis and Ted Huff)(seconded by Ted Fritsch, Tim Vozar)
From Chris - I would like to nominate Kendall KIC for the hall of fame. Kendall started playing footbag in the late 80s, and took over as the chief promoter/director of footbag in Oregon in the early 90s (no small feat when you consider the history here). Kendall organized 2-3 footbag tournaments per year for the entire decade, some of the best freestyle and net tournaments ever in both quality and hospitality. It culminated in Kendall's crowning achievement, the legendary 1997 World Championships (widely considered one of the best and most successful ever), which really marked one of the peaks of the popularity of footbag in the entire U.S.
Kendall also got footbag included in the Oregon State Games, making Oregon the first U.S. state to recognize footbag in this way. She's been involved in the business and manufacturing side of the game. And of course she was a graceful kicker and competed widely. Kendall's knees haven't allowed her to play footbag in a long time, but she has continued co-directing the US Open in her unique smiling and uplifting manner. Kendall has organized dozens of tournaments over the last 20 years. Vote Kendall! Conan
From Tina - I support Kendall and believe she belongs in the Hall of Fame for her lifetime of dedication to Footbag. She like all of the nominees this year embodies the Spirit of Footbag. As a Female competitor and amazing organizer she has contributed immensely to the image and prestige of our sport. She is World Class all around and on so many levels. Kendall is a role model for all footbag players but especially to the women in our sport and the generations that will come after all of us.
From Ted Huff - Kendall is the glue that held together the Sole Purpose club, besides her legend of a husband, Ken Shults, and led to the very successful hosting of the 1997 World Championships, and since then she continues to be very involved in helping the club host the U.S. Open Footbag Net Championships. She was the executive director for many reasons, and she was awesome. Still is.
12) Chris Donofrio (nominated by Randy Mulder)
Chris Donofrio deserves Hall of Fame recognition as a Pioneering member of the Footbag Community. Chris was an early touring member of the WFA, having toured, consistently, from the Fall of '86 through the Summer of '89. At the time this was,or may still be, a record number of consecutive tours promoting the sport of Footbag. During this time , he toured with Randy Nelson, Peter Shunney, Animal, and Jeff Haas. Chris was an integral part of the early growth of Footbag, selling thousands of dollars worth of product during these tours. Chris was also a proud member of the Wash Park Footbag Club. He was instrumental in promoting and developing the best net club in the world of the early and mid 90's. Chris was also a top competitor in all aspects of the sport. Consecutives, Freestyle, Net, and even Golf were specialties of his game. He was at, or near the top, of numerous tournaments, in all categories, throughout the US, in the 80's and early 90's. Thank you for your consideration.
13) Pauline Bechtel (nominated by Scott Milne)(seconded by Tim Vozar)
Pauline was very influential to the Footbag scene in Vancouver BC for many years. Her enthusiasm sense of humor and friendly personality drew new players into our group regularly. Pauline always helped out with organizing our tournaments and brought in a lot of the women that joined our club. She started playing before I did and still kicks today. Pauline deserves to be recognized and inducted to the Footbag Hall Of Fame.

[Brenda Solonoski (Mrs.Funtastik)]

As an long time tournament director, I have felt that love of the sport, the people and the drive/need to offer a solid venue to showcase talent besides offering a welcoming social circle to new comers to enhance the growth of the sport. Kendall, James and Paul started playing and participating in footbag events as individuals as everyone does but grew to encompass the passion to fulfill the needs of the sport. They took on the challenge that few people do and have spent timeless hours and energy over the years running events that have created footbag history. They not only should be on the ballot, but should be acknowleged for their efforts with an unanimous vote into the Hall of Fame. ( Being paid thousand of dollars would be nice also. )

Brenda Solonoski

[Janne Uusitalo (janne.uusitalo)]

I second the nomination of Jukka and the opinion about his defence. In fact, there's nothing you can really disagree with in what Tuomas wrote about him: Jukka is probably the funniest and certainly one of the most creative people I've ever met, and considering the unoverestimable amount of personal effort he put in to the 2005 Worlds tournament, it was… humbling to see that he was willing to do it all over again last year. But this time, of course, a generation of younger players, inspired by his example, where already there to help.

And just for the record, there's more to this guy on the court than just defense.

[Scot Hansen (scothansen)]

I know this is a little late (although I don't know why it is- you were still taking nominations in June last year), but I just wanted to reiterate what I wrote about PT last year. The only difference is now he has another year of experience under his belt. Here's what I said:

PT Lovern started playing competitive footbag sometime around 1994. From the very beginning, he brought a new attitude on training and work ethic unseen by anyone prior to him. His hard work was contagious: he motivated dozens of college students at Eastern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and all over the state as well. He brought that same passion to the Bay Area in the late 90’s, revitalizing a net scene on the brink of obscurity. He has won countless tournaments over the years, including multiple World Titles. As an educator, he has taught footbag in Middle School programs for over a decade, introducing the game to thousands of students. His club hosts the largest North American non-Worlds net tournament every year, the prestigious Green Cup.

I believe that PT Lovern is well deserving of induction to the Hall of Fame. He has dedicated much of his life to promoting the sport, and there are few that can compare their on-court record to his. On top of that, he is a great to know personally, and I’m proud to call him my friend for all these years.

[Martin Côté (martincote)]

I want to second PT's nomination. PT definately deserve to be in. He's one of the few that made his mark in every aspects of the sport. First by his uber skillz , still one the best net player and then for his leadership with getting people to kick, organising, promoting. There's no aspect where this guy didn't excell.


I also want second Kendall and Eric Bartholomay nomination.