Every summer, members roll out the welcome mat for five children’s tournaments and 13 adult competitions, filling Lakeside with excitement and camaraderie. Monday nights come alive thanks to crowd favorite Moonlight Madness, hosted by Carol Haines, the club’s Vice President of Social Activities. Meanwhile, the daily 9:30 a.m. Shuffleboard Adult Mixer offers a perfect start to the day, orchestrated by enthusiastic club members who ensure everyone feels included.
August at Lakeside is filled with shuffleboard fun, as the club hosts imaginative tournaments that challenge and delight. Ralph and Anna May Peterson lead the Add ‘em Up contest, Bob Phifer organizes the competitive Team Singles and Haines brings players together for the charming Sweetheart Doubles tournament.
Marilynn Phifer, the club’s Vice President of children’s tournaments, is renowned for her inspiring pep talks on shuffleboard etiquette, which spark confidence in every young player. She also spearheads a unique tradition: collecting gently used trophies, which are lovingly refurbished by Steve Hartman, Ryan Hamilton and their families. This season, 80 trophies will find new homes in the hands of Lakeside’s youth, a badge of pride and a memory that lasts.
Shuffleboard at Lakeside is a cherished childhood rite. Bill Hoyer, now Vice President, clinched victory in the Junior tournament back in July 1953, winning an astonishing 25 games in a round-robin style tournament. Hoyer is an International and National Champion and serves as an Ohio and National officer. Two-time International Champion and club member Michael Hirsch served as a court attendant as a youth. International and National Champion Bob Sudomir started playing at Lakeside when he was 6 years old, during his family’s vacation. Chris Cermak, immortalized in a classic photo at age 8 next to legendary Court Manager Bill Slyh, has conquered numerous national championships. As a youth, Cermak formed a friendship with fellow shuffleboard enthusiast Bob Jones Jr. Together, the pair claimed numerous National Championships. Club President Connie Roop, a national champion herself, co-authored the first-ever children’s book about shuffleboard, inspired by her youthful days on the Lakeside courts.
The club’s history is also reflected in its prized collection of vintage DIMCO shuffleboard discs — 56 sets originally crafted in Dayton. These treasured discs, lovingly tended by Vice President Jim Albrecht (“the Disc Guru”), make every tournament special and add extra sparkle to Moonlight Madness.
Thanks to the dedication of its members, Lakeside Shuffleboard Club continues to thrive. Members and friends will celebrate with a banquet luncheon on July 26 at Wesley Lodge.
