Chris and Jeremy, the new kids in Subbuteo Town, Texas accompanied The King to Baltimore, MD for the biggest Subbuteo event in US history Nov 30-Dec 2. Put on annually by Paul Eyes, the Holiday Silver weekend is officially More Subbuteo Than You Can Handle™. Starting on Friday evening with youth and veteran category play, and running through the FISTF I/O on Sunday, there were a total of 7 tournaments completed over the weekend. Two youth, on veterans, a team tournament, a traveler's cup, the MLS Cup (ASA open) and the Holiday Silver (FISTF IO.) This was in addition to the dozens of friendly matches played over the three days. Over 70 people played tournament games over the weekend. It was huge, it was fun, and the LSSL is proud to have represented Texas. All Lone Star players made it out of group play for the ASA open and the team tourney, Chris and Keith made it out of group play for the FISTF IO, with Keith going to the quarterfinals. All in all, a very good showing for the latest and greatest subbuteo league in the state of Texas.
Chris and Jeremy started the trip very early on Friday morning, choosing to grab a flight into DC and spend part of the day there seeing some sights. The Air and Space museum was the location of choice, and after about 45 minutes of navigation in extremely confusing south DC, the Smithsonian was found and the museum explored extensively. After all the exhibits had been seen, it was time to head up to Baltimore to pick The King up at the airport and proceed to the venue. It took almost 2 hours to get from DC to BWI, and the minions arrived just in time for The King's private transport to land, followed by an uneventful drive to the tournament Venue, Patapsco middle School.
The school cafeteria was filled with subbuteo tables, and there were kids playing games on most of them. Other tables had Traveler's Cup games going on, and a few veterans games were taking places as well. No games were to be had for the Texas guys on Friday night, but that was just as well, it was a tiring day and the most important part of the day was still to come... visiting The Shrine at the home of Paul Eyes. Paul was gracious enough to allow the Texas Hooligans and El Presidente, Lenny Foster stay at his home during the tournament, and it was very much appreciated by all. The Shrine is something amazing to see - hundreds of subbuteo figures, full teams, singles, bleachers, fans, and other various equipment necessary for the beautiful tiny game. All Lone Star members present signed The Wall, flying our LSSL letters proudly, fully aware of the honor bestowed, and the greatness that was already on The Wall. After some very entertaining conversation and brews in the Eyes parlor, it was time for bed - for the morning wake-up would come in short order.
Saturday
What a day of subbuteo. Team tournament followed by the ASA open MLS cup. Old friends were seen again, and new friends made. Lone Star represented themselves well, with all members making it out of group play in both tournaments, but losing in the first round of elimination play. It was such a fun day of hanging around with friends made at the National and new friends made this trip (everyone from Connecticut, the Brister Clan, Mike Byrd) that the disappointment of not advancing out of the first round of elimination was hardly felt for long. It was just a long, great, fun day. And it was made better by the post-game(s) trip to Kelsey's where some fine beers and crab cakes were consumed and fun conversation took place. Huge props and gratitude to Scott Brister for picking up the tab. After much fun at Kelsey's, it was back to Chateau Eyes for a little more sleep before the next day's games.
Sunday
Holiday Silver FISTF IO. Biggest single tournament in US history. Unbelievable turnout - this event involved everyone from the youngest students at Patatpsco up to National Champion Zach Walker (who also won the MLS cup the previous day.) 65 total players - HUGE! Jeremy was shut out in group play and didn't make it to elimination. Chris played well enough to come out of group play, but was eliminated in the first round of knockout. The King put together an impressive run to make it to the quarterfinals before being eliminated. Before the semi finals could get started, it was time for the minions to leave the building, in order to make their flight back to DFW. Thanks to good directions from Zach and Gregg, they made it in plenty of time for their flight.
For pure subbuteo action, one cannot say enough good things about the Holiday Silver weekend. Paul Eyes, despite having so many other things to deal with over the last few months, did an amazing job with the organization of so many games, tables, categories, and players. He was an extraordinarily gracious host, and fun to be around all weekend. Most of all, it was amazing to see him up and well and strong after all the health issues recently. It was a great weekend of subbuteo and fun and friends that will not soon be forgotten.
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