2018 MN Cup Results

Best MN Cup ever?

Hmmm... I'm not sure any final will top the classic finish from 2016, and I'm a bit partial to the charming champions of 2017 and their dominating finish, but 2018 boasts....

- The largest turnout: 32 players on 7 teams!

- ...from across the Midwest: with representatives from Bismark and Grand Forks ND, New Richmond, Milwaukee and River Falls WI, Erskine, Sartell, Stillwater, and Monticello MN (and the Duluth crew for the bring and draw).

- Some of the most talented rosters: 5 of the state's top pros in attendance.

- And a great new venue for the Cup! Thanks Jimmy and Spencer!

Okay, there's room for 2019 to top it as a number of the MN Cup's founding players and (initial champions) were celebrating Tom and Louise's wedding. Congrats to the newlyweds!

The Teams:

Team 1: Justin F (captn), John S, Jordan P, Justin K Team 2: Skip S (captn), Chad K, Chris M, Luke B, Nate O Team 3: Jeff J (captn), Don P, Jim F, Matt H, Tom D Team 4: John W (captn), Dave G, Mike B, Tristin H Team 5: Mike R (captn), Cheryl R, Mike E, Tony S Team 6: Ben T (captn), TJ T, Jared W, Zach S, Tom B Team 7: Deb PK (captn), Josh N, Nate W, Stu S, Wayne A

The qualifying round consisted of a Round Robin style Battle Royale of standard doubles, doubles triathlon and singles triathlon formats. We ended the qualifier after four rounds due to time constraints, but saw tons of upsets, comebacks, 4-4 balls and Team Rondo 3rd game deciders.

Notable performances include Schulte's Forward Shoot Out and Mike R's singles upsets, Chris M's goalie wars comeback, and John and Deb's teams undefeated streak in Team Rondo 3rd games (including a 4-0 comeback by Nate and Stu).

MN Cup Results: 7 teams

1st: Team Winter (John W, Dave G, Brazil, Tristin H)

2nd: Team Pflipsen (Deb PK, Josh N, Nate W, Stu S, Wayne A)

3rd: Team Johnson (Jeff J, Don P, Jim F, Matt H, Tom D)

The final consisted of a best of three sets. Sets being 2/3 games; any Cup-deciding game would be played Team Rondo style. Although John's team claimed the cup in four straight games, the deciding game had its fair share of drama. With their backs against the wall (down 2-4?) and Nate W on nets, Deb's team started mounting their comeback. However, John's infamous defensive 5-bar spike claimed the Cup for the final point.

Great playing all and congrats to John, Dave, Mike, and Tristin on their Cup win!

All finalists will be receiving MN Cup T-shirts designed by Ben T. (If you're interested in pre-ordering a T-shirt for purchase for $20, let me know your size and preferred color and we'll add it to your order).

Thanks to Jimmy and his staff for hosting, to Ben T for designing the shirts, Tom H for use of his table, and Jessie for help running the event. (Separate post and thank you's for the Bring).

Lastly, a big thank you to all who participated for being a part of this growing MN foos tradition. Enjoy the Cup for the year John, but we'll all be back to snatch it from you Keto grip next year!