Don Valk (TSA President from Texas, who presided over the induction ceremony and even found time and the energy after a long flight to play in 2 of the 3 events, but missed Singles due to having to catch his flight back to Texas on Sunday); and

Jim Payne (TSA Director from Nebraska who played in all 3 events and took a 5th/6th place tie in Doubles on Saturday); and

Rick Pittman (TSA Director from Missouri who played in 2 of the 3 events, heading back home on Sunday); and

Jerry Siebert (TSA Director from Michigan who played in all 3 events); and last but most importantly...

Larry Creakbaum (TSA Director and TSA HOF inductee/honoree who was also one of the founding Directors of the NSHOF organization (nka TSA).
Notable: Larry Creakbaum & Don Valk teamed up on Saturday (TSA Director Team!) for the Doubles event.  They didn't come in the money, but thoroughly enjoyed playing as partners after celebrating a smooth and enjoyable TSA ceremony on Friday afternoon together. 

Don Valk (TSA President) welcomed attendees and thanked all for coming to help celebrate this deserving honor of the induction of Larry Creakbaum and Jim Long into the TSA Hall of Fame.  

Pat Riewoldt then came forward and asked attendees to join him in the opening prayer.

Don Valk then invited "Testimonial Speakers" one-by-one to come forward to the microphone:

	Sheryl Cockerill (of Muncie, Indiana, who was also the TSA focal point petitioner to recommend Larry Creakbaum & Jim Long for consideration to be inducted into the TSA Hall of Fame and she was also instrumental with working with the TSA Directors on the induction plans and agenda).  Sheryl is a very active league and tournament player and does a lot of promotion of shuffleboard tournament and league play both within the State of Indiana and elsewhere.
	Glen Ingram (of Muncie, Indiana, a Pro-rated player who has been close friends to both Larry Creakbaum & Jim Long for years and has traveled extensively with Jim Long across the U.S. to play in many tournaments [See TSA HOF Program Booklet for Glen/Jim partner stories & Larry stories (Click Here) - This TSA HOF Induction Program Booklet was designed, compiled and printed by the TSA's Secretary (Lynda French) which includes history and information provided by many, including: Sheryl Cockerill and the many others involved in the nomination and petitioner process] .
	Terry Dowell (of Mentone, Indiana), long-time friend of Larry Creakbaum & Jim Long.  Terry kiddingly noted in his speech that he didn't like Long & Creaky when he first met them (others said they didn't either - they beat everybody back then!), and that he never thought there would come a time when he'd be honoring them along with players around the country.
	Jerry Siebert (of Holt, Michigan and TSA Director) another long-time friend of Larry Creakbaum & Jim Long and often refers to this duo as "The Red Baron" and "The Silver Fox" (as do many others).
	Keith Spencer (Sons of Legion) gave testimonial and presented both inductees with commemorative plaques.
	Kevin Stewart (Legion Commander) gave testimonial and then jointly presented (with Robin Creighbaum, Pres. of the Legion's Ladies' Aux) both inductees with commemorative jackets. Note: See TSA HOF Ceremony  -  Photo Album Slide Show (Click Here) for photos of the commemorative plaques and jackets and two special commemorative posters that were signed by attendees.
	Notable Comments in Larry & Jim's acceptance speeches:  Larry Creakbaum gave a very touching acceptance speech and talked about the sport he loved so much, speaking of his illness and the limits it has placed upon his game.  And when Jim Long said he appreciated all the women shuffleboard players (not just for allowing their spouses to play), but he thinks women are more competitive players and that the sport would have withered away to nothing without the involvement of women... his comments brought the house down!

John McDermott (Thanks!):  The TSA wishes to thank John McDermott of The Shuffleboard Federation for his greatly appreciated assistance with the TSA HOF ceremony with photo taking, etc.  John was a great help!  Thank You, John!

Larry Creakbaum, et. al. (Thanks!):  A very special thanks from Don Valk to Larry Creakbaum for transporting him around and to/from the airport. Don also wishes to thank all for helping to make this TSA HOF a smoothly run and "class act" ceremony!   

Marty Allen (of Mims, Florida) comments:  Marty wishes to thank all for a great tournament and wanted to let everyone know that he really enjoyed the wee hours breakfast too -- quote: "The Bourbon tournament was outstanding, tough, tough competition.  The Larry Creakbaum and Jim Long TSA HOF induction was a very smooth program with a packed house.  Don Valk did a super job and we got to talk to Don a little Saturday night (no make that Sunday morning 2:00 AM) at Crazy D's restaurant along with Jim Long, Glen Ingram, Dave Boaz and myself."

Tournament Overview:  The tournament kicked off with the Draw Partner Event (single elimination) on Friday after the TSA HOF induction ceremony finished (about 7PM).  Terry Dowell drew up the brackets for all 3 events (with help from Gary Neff on Friday's event) and carried the brackets through the first round until Pam Dowell finished dividing and handling the monies and then she took over the brackets.  Money-wise, Pam reports that the Saturday and Sunday events were also a success - taking in over $20K total pot for the Open Doubles and Singles events.