It was an emotional day and kick off to the 2022 Bocce season. Ken's brother Ryan opened the tournament with a tribute to his brother Ken. See the Ken Kokott link on the main page for new pics and Ryan’s video tribute.
Living up to its name Ken's Corner was an impossible shot especially this early in the season in what proved to be a fast bocce court. Many tried the shot but Ken and his Corner prevailed almost every time like he was there in spirit, which he definitely was. It was a great day of Bocce and so many memories and stories were shared about Ken.
7 players started the day, and it was a hard-fought round robin by all. Newcomer Dustin "Chet" Crowther started off strong with two early wins but couldn't keep the streak going. John Dickie also put the pressure on all he played but just couldn't squeak out those close games.
Some early controversy in game 1 with Mike Gerwing and Trevor Blohm. Both players did not throw their last balls as they were both under the impression that Gerwing held the hammer, resulting in what some might say puts an asterisk on that game but Gerwing came away with the win.
At the conclusion of round robin play, 4 were left standing moving on to the newly implemented page playoff system. First timer to the playoffs Grant Pollock faced off against his brother-in-law Ryan Kokott. Pollock got the win sending him off to meet the loser of the next playoff game. Mike Gerwing coming into the playoffs at a perfect 6 and 0 faced Rob Friesen to see who would play Pollock. Gerwing won this round moving him to 7 and 0 on the day and sending him through to the final. Friesen faced off against Pollock with Friesen prevailing and sending him off to the final for a one game championship match against Gerwing.
It was hard fought battle, but Friesen could not fend off Gerwing. Just seemed to be his day finishing off with a perfect 8 and 0 record on the day and winner of the George Jones Kickoff Tourney. Gerwing is now added to the elite list of unique past winners making him only the 4th to accomplish the task.
Points awarded:
Mike Gerwing 4
Rob Friesen 2
Grant Pollock 1
