Name: Mick Nardelli

Date: Thursday, August 10, 2006 12:22 PM

Age : 30

Marital status: Married

City : Washington, DC

Occupation: Lobbyist / Government Relations Specialist

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts. I used to play pool very competitively, and eventually some guys that I used to play wanted to find a game they at which they had a better chance of winning.  They decided to show me how to play darts, and I put down my cue and picked up my darts and I haven’t looked back.

In which league(s) do you play? Washington Area Darts Association (WADA).  I am the Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Which other family members play? None

How far from home do you play?    No more than one mile, most of the time much closer.

How many days per week do you engage in darts? 4

What kind of darts do you use: weight! brand? Unicorn, Bob Anderson Signature, 24 grams.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  Players who stand behind the line and after someone throws a triple with their first dart, the observer begins commenting “Wow, great shot, etc!”  You want to turn around and say, “thanks, but I have two more left.”

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life?  I have no such conflicts.

What goals in darts do you have? I enjoy playing and practicing to get better, and I really enjoying being the head of a darts Association, but I have no lofty aspirations.

What has been your best moment in darts? Throwing 7 perfect darts to begin a game of 501.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? Practice and learn from people who understand the game, both physically and mentally.  Never be afraid to ask questions.

What would make your league better and more fun? Our league is exceptional in most ways, but I suppose less pettiness would always be a benefit.

What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image? We need to have no smoking and no drinking as well as dress codes at events, which will in turn help attract sponsors and therefore increase prize money. 

How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs? Anywhere in the country.  I routinely travel for events such as the Vegas Classic, Windy City Open, USA Classic, and this year the World Series of Darts

Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301, ( X)501, ( )Cricket

Should a national championship be best of ( )3, ( )5, ( ) 7, (X ) 11

          

Date: Thursday, July 27, 2006 1:47 AM

Name: Marcia Loche

Age : 51

Marital status: n/a

City : Jericho, N.J.

Occupation: Hairdresser

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts.        I started playing in a local bar by chance. A group of us were driving by a pub and stopped in. We noticed a few people playing darts. We were interested in learning and playing. We were around 18 years old. I have been playing since that day.

In which league(s) do you play?            I play in four different leagues. Cross County dart league, LIDA dart league, the other names I am not sure of. They switch around at different times of the seasons.

Which other family members play? My significant other plays. I have tried to get my Brother interested in it but that’s it.

How far from home do you play?  It could go as far as 10-15 miles. My main bar is 6 miles away.

How many days per week do you engage in darts? 3-4 days.  Sometimes all week if I have a tourney to go to.

What kind of darts do you use: weight! brand? Hammerheads fixed point at 28 grams.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players? Stacey Bromberg’s antics. She has many..lol People that play to slow and people that drink way too much! It’s annoying having to deal with them!

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life? Don’t have any. My Husband was always supportive of me traveling the world to play. I had my own business so I was able to construct a palatable schedule. It always worked out.

What goals in darts do you have?          I have made my goal playing on the US team in England. I have played the East-West. Just want to enjoy playing.

What has been your best moment in darts? Playing on stage in Vegas. It was really really exciting for me!

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? Breath and take your time. Learn the game and be prepared! My Quote, In order to learn how to win, You must first learn how to lose!

What would make your league better and more fun?      More involvment. Our leagues are run very well. We always have a good time, win or lose.

What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image?           Televised tournaments, Newspaper additions from the leagues and local tournys.

How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs?           Only if I was playing in it..So that is hard to answer.

Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301, ( )501, (X)Cricket

Should a national championship be best of ( )3, (X)5, ( )7, ( ) 11

          

Name  Linda Bender

Age    43

Marital status  VERY married

City  Virginia Beach, VA  (originally from Buffalo, NY)

Occupation  Secretary/Treasurer, TADA, Tournament Secretary/Treasurer, TADA, Secretary/Nanny

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts.  I became interested in darts while managing an establishment that was holding league/LOD’s.  After that, it was totally my husband, Chris Bender.

In which league(s) do you play?  None at the moment, bunions prevent me from playing a lot, used to play in both TADA and MNDA (Monday Night Darting Association)

How far from home do you play?      Up to 500 miles.  (tournaments)

How many days per week do you engage in darts?  2-3  (practice at home)

What other activity/sport do you participate in or watch?  Avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and way into the NHL, especially the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes (Chris’ uncle owns the team) so it’s a family thing.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  Temper tantrums when they lose, not shaking hands after a match and not listening for the match to be called requiring a 2^nd or 3^rd call which they then get upset about it. 

Is league night too long, too short, just right?  I believe ours is just right, especially for 1^st division.

On which team(s) do you play?  The team of TADA

Which other family members play?  Husband, Chris, and stepson Rocky is now starting to play.

Tell us about conflicts darts create in home or work life?   How many nights does he need to play?  (OMG), time off for tournaments and why the h**l is he so much better than me.  Trying to hold down his ambitions until we have the $ to succeed at what he wants to do is probably the biggest problem.

What keeps you playing darts?  The family atmosphere of it.  You meet players from different areas and then become friends, see each other out of town and it’s like you haven’t spent much time apart.  You keep in touch by e-mail and great new friendships develop.

What goals in darts do you have?  To be a good sportsmen

What has been your best moment in darts?  Hosting the 1^st qualifier for the World Series of Darts, attending the World Series of Darts in CT, becoming friends with Russ Bray (the voice Ton 80), being inducted into the National Darts Hall of Fame, watching my husband be inducted for the awesome tournaments that he runs and watching my husband begin to excel in the sport that he loves so much.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player?  Relax, have fun, learn your outs, practice and play some of the tournaments, they are always great experience.

          

  Date: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 7:36 AM

  Name:   Kevin Liebkemann

  Age :  40

  Marital status:  Married

  City :  Jackson, New Jersey

  Occupation:  I am an attorney working at a not-for-profit company that helps people with disabilities.

  Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts.  When I lived in New Orleans my friend Jimmy Brothers played in a league and the team needed an extra player.  They took me on and I ended up loving the game.  That was about 11 years ago and I have been hooked ever since.

  In which league(s) do you play?  I have played in a lot of leagues!  The most recent was the Old English Dart League in Philadelphia.  I have also played in the Pro League at the Quaker City English Dart League (Philly), Bergen County Dart League (New Jersey),  several in-house leagues in New Jersey (Big Shots in Keansburg, Mulligans in Farmingdale).  When I lived in New Orleans, I played in the Greater New Orleans Dart Association, the Jefferson Parish Dart Association, and a soft-tip league run by Ron Gordy.I currently play in tournaments under USA Darts.

  Which other family members play?  I am teaching my 4-year old to throw Velcro balls at a board.  He calls them his “darts” and he likes to throw them when I am practicing at home.

  How far from home do you play?    I have to drive a long way!  When I play in Philly it is about 45-50 miles.  When I play in New Jersey it is about the same. I live out in the country in what I laughingly refer to as a darts  “dead-zone” between two very good dart areas (Philadelphia and Northern New Jersey).

  How many days per week do you engage in darts?  I play league once a week, and I put some practice time on the board most days. I also go to a few weekend tournaments every year.

  What kind of darts do you use: weight! brand?  23 gram Unicorn Phil Taylor darts.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  As a lawyer with trial experience I am used to all kinds of antics and head games, and I know not to get annoyed or distracted by them.  People who do that only distract themselves from the game, and such tactics only “work” if you let yourself get more distracted than them.

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life?  None!  If anything it is good for my family. I get some good time out with my friends, and my wife Margaret gets a break from me once a week!  That is healthy for any relationship.  My work as an attorney can be demanding, which limits the time and energy I have for practice. However, I don’t really view that as a conflict. I like to do both, so I am enjoying myself.

What goals in darts do you have?   I don’t have any long-term goals in darts other than to enjoy playing. With my current work and family obligations, I know that my practice time is limited and I have to pick and choose the events I can go to. That is not to say that I am not competitive and do not want to win.  I usually see an event I would like to play in, and then prepare for it by stepping up my practice.  I do what I can to be ready to give my best performance.

What has been your best moment in darts?  There have been so many!  It’s hard to pick a best one. I have won events, and had some good performances. However, my favorite moment in darts was when Laurett Meddis threw a birthday party for my 40th birthday this year at a World Series of Darts Qualifier. A lot of my friends were there and helped me celebrate.  That was a lot of fun.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player?  Decide what you want from darts.  If you want to compete at a high level, get a good book on darts, and find the best competition that you can. Watch the good players and learn from what they do.

What would make your league better and more fun?  The leagues I have played in are great.  I have no recommendations for change.  They are responsive to the people who play, and they generally put all their money back in for the players.

  What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image?  Cut out smoking and excessive drinking at big events where there might be press coverage.  To grow? Look at what England does.  Make darts spectator friendly and get media coverage.

  How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs?  Anywhere in the country if it was at an interesting vacation location where I could bring my family

  Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301,(x )501, ( )Cricket

  Should a national championship be best of ( )3, ( )5, ( ) 7, ( x ) 11  or more.

          

Name Kellyann Mckinnon

Age 20 (21 on Thursday)

City Greenock, Scotland

Favorite Food: McDonald’s or chinese

WA: Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts. KM:  I started playing darts at the age of 16 with my mum and dad in the house and could not even hit the board. I went out with my dad on a Tuesday night and signed with the mens league and played my first competitive game and lost 2-0 and then I got the bug.

WA: In which league(s) do you play?    KM: I play on a Tuesday night in a ladies league for the Merchant Quay in Glasgow. I also play counties for Renfrewshire.               

WA: Which other family members play? KM: My dad, mum and my 17 year old brother has just started.                                        

WA: How far from home do you play?  miles. KM: I go to as many competitions as possible no matter how far. If I have the time off work and have someone to go with I will be there(even if it is in Australia lol)

WA: How many days per week do you play darts? KM: I play on a Tuesday night for the ladies league, once a month for my county and practice 6 days a week for at least 2 hours.       

WA: What kind of darts do you use: weight/ brand? KM: 27g Trina Gulliver at the moment.

WA: What is the most annoying thing you see from other dart players? KM: I hate seeing people using their tactics just to win and bad losers although I do get a bit angry with myself sometimes try not to though.

WA: Who is your favourite players ? KM: Trina Gulliver and Paul Hanvidge

WA: What goals in darts do you have? KM: For now I want to try and win my place back in the A team with Renfrewshire and up my averages. I also would like to qualify for the masters and pro playoffs, then play for Scotland senior squad , get some ranking points , play at the Lakeside and finally win the world championship, but hey one step at a time eh?

WA: What has been your best moment in darts? KM: I have a few. Teaming up with Louise Hepburn at the Welsh Classic and beating Jan Robbins and Dee Bateman 4-3 that was a great feeling. Winning the Galloway Open doubles with Michelle Jackson. I don’t know why this but at the French open I played Karin Krappen and she bet me 3-2 in proberley one of the best games I have ever played and when she hit the winning double she jumped and punched the air. I was a bit shocked as it was only me she just beaten and that made me feel good.

WA: What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? KM: Just keep practicing and listen to what your elders are telling you because they are usually correct.

WA: What would make your league better and more fun? KM: Nothing can possibly make it more fun come on im there haha

WA: What does the sport need to help it grow/ improve its image? KM: Definetly more publicity (especially for the ladies).

WA: How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs? KM: I would travel as far as needed anyone who knows me will tell you what this sport means to me and how much I want to make a living out of it.

          

Date: Friday, August 11, 2006 2:29 PM

Name:  Keith Mair

Age :    36

Marital status:   Involved

City :    East Rutherford, NJ

Occupation: Assistant Director / Exec Chef

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts. Playing locally in Bars Fri & sat Nights.

In which league(s) do you play? ABCD & ARLINGTON DART LEAGUE.

Which other family members play? UNCLE.

How far from home do you play?   UP TO 45 miles. AS AWAY TEAM- 5 MILES HOME BAR.

How many days per week do you engage in darts? 2

What kind of darts do you use: weight! brand? POWER POINT DIMPLEX- 24gr

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players? Talking while someone is on the hockey tossing-

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life? Just time being away from home

What goals in darts do you have? WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS AND ALL GAMES PLAYED.

What has been your best moment in darts? WINNING CHAMPIONSHINPS IN ALL LEAGUES.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? TAKE YOUR LUMPS AGANIST THE BETTER PLAYERS – PLAY FOR MONEY & LEARN FROM HOW THEY BEAT YOU. IT’S ALL RELATIVE. YOU WILL HAVE YOUR DAY AND WIN IT BACK. BE A STUDENT OF THE GAME.

What would make your league better and more fun? IF AFTER A TEAM HAS WON THE TOP LEVEL CHAMPIONSHIP THEY ARE FORCED TO SPLIT IN HALF AND RE GROUP INTO DIFFERENT TEAMS.

What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image? I DON’T FEEL THERE IS AN IMAGE PROBLEM IT IS A BAR GAME THATS WHERE IT IS MEANT TO BE PLAYED – THE ONLY WAY IT WILL GROW IS IF WE PASS THE GAME TO OUR YOUNGSTERS- I DO BELEIVE IT SHOULD BE AN OFFICIAL WINTER OLYMPIC SPORT ALSO.

How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs? only IF I’M PLAYING IN IT OTHERWISE I WOULDN’T TRAVEL TO SEE IT. I AM THE BEST SHOOTER IN THE WORLD , PEOPLE SHOULD TRAVEL TO SEE ME.

Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301, ( )501, ( X)Cricket- ITS A GAME OF SKILL NOT CHANCE.

Should a national championship be best of ( )3, (X )5, ( ) 7, ( ) 11

          

Date: August 11, 2006

Name: Keith Bauer

Age: 40

Marital status: Married

City: Allentown, PA

Occupation: Bridge Draftsman/Designer-PennDot

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts. Well, it started about 10 years ago. Myself and a friend of mine that I use to work out and lift weights with had a dartboard (AMERICAN DARTBOARD) in his dads downstairs.  In between doing sets we would shoot a game (lifting weights and shooting darts at the same time is difficult…..not recommended!).  After doing that quite a bit, we eventually went out and made sure there was a dartboard around.  One thing led to another and before I knew it I was into league play.  My uncle who shot darts quite a bit offered for me to play on his team.  My first year in the league I averaged 38.50, which was a real good average for a newer player.  Now 10 years later, with experience and lots of knowledge from people that have paved the way in American Darts, I have got myself to a respectable 44-45 average.

My English dart backround has been brief.  I just started playing English about 3 years ago.  The interest started when two teammates, Dick Keen & Phil Sroka, who know the English game pretty well took me under their wing and kind of got my interest peeked.  English darts is a more strategic game and you don’t get 0 points for a missed dart as in American darts, it’s a free for all…get as many points as possible and hope you have more that the other guy.  I am glad I am getting to enjoy another form of darts.

In which league(s) do you play?  Bethlehem City Dart League-Bethlehem, PA & Bux-Mont League-Quakertown area.

How far from home do you play?          15-20   miles.

How many days per week do you engage in darts? 2-plus tournaments. Either American or English

What kind of darts do you use: weight/ brand? American-Widdy-Darto-Apex…whatever is supplied at tournaments……English: 20 Gr.-Voks Helix Darts Designer Series – JGR (Jerry Umberger design)

Top of Form

What other activity/sport do you participate in or watch? Basketball, Weight training, Bowling, Nascar.  I also, enjoy my restored 1964 Pontiac GTO.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  Trash talking and talking to someone while that person is on the line.

Is league night too long, too short, just right?  I have no problems with it.

On which team(s) do you play?  American leagues: Leithsville Inn, Ravens Nest.  We have no English dart leagues in the Allentown-Bethlehem area.

How do you pick a team to play on?  The leagues I participate in are OPEN…you shoot with a group of people you feel comfortable with.

Which other family members play?  My wife will shoot recreationally,  my brother inlaw participates in a league and a few tournaments.

Tell us about conflicts darts create in home or work life?  With American darts….tournaments usually hit towards the end of the season. Feb.-Mar.-April are pretty hectic times. Usually a tournament on Saturdays or Sundays.  I currently run the American Baseball Dart Association-A.B.D.A.  Our tournament runs for two weekends at the end of Feb and early March….this really takes a lot out of me (12-14 hour days).  But for the most part I am able to manage darts-home and work without ticking off my wife.

What keeps you playing darts?  The ongoing passion too be the best I can be and never being content and what I have accomplished…….there is always more goals to meet and conquer.

What goals in darts do you have?  The list is too long!!!

What has been your best moment in darts?  There are a few moments that standout…..shooting my first 62 game with 25 guys dead silent in back of you and hearing them erupt when the last dart went trip!!  Winning numerous Bethlehem City Dart League Championships with my teammates. 

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? Learn from your mistakes and enjoy everything the game has to offer.

          

Date: Sunday, July 30, 2006 9:11 AM

Name:Juan Paez

Age :62

Marital status:Married

City :Rockaway, NJ

Occupation:Mechanical Engineer

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts.  Challenging a friend.

In which league(s) do you play?                        Lake Hopatcong

Which other family members play?                    Son

How far from home do you play?                      15    miles.

How many days per week do you engage in darts?                    Every day

What kind of darts do you use: weight! Brand?  18g Capricorn

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  Can’t shoot yet when you screw up they are all over you.

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life?  The wife supports it. So the biggest conflict is getting her off  my back, telling me to practice

What goals in darts do you have?          To win.

What has been your best moment in darts?        3 in the bed.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player? Don’t give up because of a bad season, practice.

What would make your league better and more fun?      The better players helping others instead of criticizing and making fun of their mistakes.

What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image?

More major coverage on national TV, write ESPN and tell them how good it was to watch the dart chanpionship.

How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs?           I have flown over the pond, if that tells you something.

Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301, (X)501, ( )Cricket

Should a national championship be best of ( )3, (X)5, ( ) 7, ( ) 11

          

Name:   JOHN NEWSOME               

Age:   39

Marital Staus:   MARRIED

City / State in which you reside:   CLAYMONT,  DELAWARE

OCCUPATION:          USPS route delivery

How, when, and where did your interest in darts begin?    I WAS WORKING FOR A VENDING COMPANY WHICH SUPPLIED ELECTRONIC DARTBOARDS TO VARIOUS PUBS THROUGHOUT DELAWARE.  THEY STARTED A LEAGUE CALLED THE UNIVERSAL AMUSEMENT DART LEAGUE SOMETIME AROUND ’91 OR ’92.  THERE WAS A BAR THAT NEEDED TO FILL ONE MORE ROSTER SPOT, AND WHO DO YOU THINK GOT STUCK FILLING IT?  I WAS PRETTY MUCH FORCED IN TO FILLING THE SPOT BY MY BOSS, WHO WAS RUNNING THE LEAGUE.  TO THIS DAY I’M STILL MAD AT MITCH HENDERSON (THE BOSS) FOR MAKING ME DO SOMETHING I DIDN’T WANT TO DO, BECAUSE NOW I AM A “DART ADDICT”

In which league(s) do you play?   I PLAY NDA (NATIONAL DARTERS ASSOCIATION) SOFT TIP OUT OF WILMINGTON, DELAWARE.   THE OEDL (OLD ENGLISH DART LEAGUE) IN PHILADELPHIA.  AND THE ADVANCED SINGLES LEAGUE WHICH IS RUN BY THE QUAKER CITY DART LEAGUE IN PHILADELPHIA.  BOTH THE OEDL AND QUAKER CITY ARE STEEL TIP LEAGUES.

How far from home do you play?  Miles / Minutes:  MY HOME SOFT TIP MATCHES ARE 5 MINUTES FROM MY HOUSE.  WHEN I TRAVEL TO PHILLY, IT’S USUALLY 45 MINUTES TO AN HOUR.

How many days per week do you engage in darts?   2 – 3 DAYS A WEEK.

What kind of darts do you use: weight / brand?   FOR SOFT TIP I USE AN 18 GRAM VOKS CONVERSION DART.  FOR STEEL I MAINLY USE A 27 GRAM PAUL LIM DART.  BUT I’VE BEEN KNOWN TO CHANGE UP MY DARTS A TIME OR 2 OR 3….  BUT I STAY WITH A HEAVIER DART.

What other activity/sport do you participate in or watch?   FAMILY….CAN THAT BE CONSIDERED A SPORT / ACTIVITY.  I DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME FOR ANYTHING ELSE.  IT’S WORK, FAMILY, DARTS.

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?   I PLAY WITH A GUY IN MY SOFT TIP LEAGUE IN DELAWARE WHO LIKES TO DRINK AND GET LOUD.  WHEN HE HITS SOMETHING BIG, HE CLAPS HIS HANDS LOUDLY, SCREAMS AND POINTS AT THE BOARD, SOMETIMES DOING A LITTLE DANCE BEFORE HE PULLS HIS DARTS.  BASICALLY HE’S LETTING EVERYONE IN THE BAR KNOW HE JUST DID SOMETHING THAT….WELL…ANY GOOD DART SHOOTER HAS DONE MANY TIMES OVER WITHOUT SCREAMING AND DANCING TO THE BOARD. 

Is league night too long, too short, just right?   STEEL TIP IN PHILLY…WAY TOO LONG.  SOME NIGHTS END AFTER 1 AM.  SOFT TIP IS PERFECT.  IN BY 7PM AND OUT BY 9:30PM.

On which team(s) do you play?   FOR SOFT TIP, MY TEAMS NAME IS O.U.A.C.O.W.A (OPEN UP A CAN OF WHOOP ASS)  MY STEEL TIP TEAM IS THE DARK HORSE TAVERN.

Do you switch teams often?  Why / Why not?   NO…NOT REALLY.   HOWEVER, THE NDA SOFT TIP LEAGUE CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP TEAMS TOGETHER BECAUSE IT’S A HANDICAPPED LEAGUE WITH AN OPENING ROSTER RULE.  YOUR COMBINED HANDICAPS CANNOT EXCEED THE LIMIT SET BY THE LEAGUE OPERATOR.

Which other family members play?    NONE.  MY WIFE PLAYED FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS….THEN WE HAD KIDS AND THAT WAS THE END OF THAT.

What conflicts are there with home or work life?    WITH WORK, THE ONLY CONFLICT I HAVE IS GETTING TIME OFF TO GO TO TOURNAMENTS.  AT HOME THOUGH IS A DIFFERENT STORY.  I COULD WRITE A BEST SELLING BOOK ABOUT SOME OF MY “HOME” BATTLES.  BUT I’LL KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE.  MY WIFE “HATES” DARTS.

What keeps you playing darts?    THE COMPETITION.  I HATE LOSING!!!  I MAY SMILE AFTER A LOSS…BUT DEEP DOWN I’M PISSED!

What goals in darts do you have?    I HAVE A FEW.  TO ONE DAY REPRESENT THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE NDA TEAM DART TOURNAMENT IN LAS VEGAS…TO WIN THE PRESTIGIOUS MR. PHILADELPHIA….AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, TO WIN AN EVENT AT THE RAE CHESNEY SHOOT.

What has been your best moment in darts?    I HAVE TWO.  WINNING THE ADA (AMERICAN DARTERS ASSOCIATION) MEN’S SINGLES DELAWARE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 95′, AND BEATING RAY CARVER AND DARREN YOUNG IN MEN’S DOUBLES CRICKET AT THE RAE CHESNEY TOURNAMENT WITH THE MUCH NEEDED HELP OF MY PARTNER AND FRIEND, MR. GEORGE SILBERZAHN.

Advice to a newbie dart player?    PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.  AND LEARN YOUR OUT SHOTS IN 01′.

          

Thursday, July 27, 2006 5:50 PM

Name: John Dieckmann

Age : 46

Marital status: Married

City : Bloomingdale, NJ

Occupation: Product Manager

Tell us about the beginning of your interest in darts. Starting throwing with some friends at the Front Porch in Hawthorne on a Friday night and got hooked.  Went to a couple of LOD’s at Sips in Passaic and restarted up the dart team at the Porch after they had been out of the Bergen County league for a number of years.

In which league(s) do you play? A.B.C.D. and the Passaic – Morris Dart League

Which other family members play?  My wife.  As a matter of fact, I met my wife during a Thursday league night when her bar came into the Porch. Started up a conversation and accepted her challenge for the singles cricket  match in the last set.  Gave her the start and she almost whipped me by piling on the 17′s.  Afterward, I told her that I would be working the dart concessions for Tom Quinn at the NY/NJ tournament that Saturday.  Finished our conversation over dinner after the tournament that Saturday and married her two years later.  Even had our wedding reception in the same room as the tournament.  Had an ice sculpture made referencing our meeting over days and included it as an attachment here.

How far from home do you play?          17+ miles for the ABCD and 6 miles for PMDL.

How many days per week do you engage in darts?        4-5 counting friendly competitions at the local pub.

What kind of darts do you use: weight! Brand? 25g Hammerhead GT’s

What is the most annoying antic you see from other dart players?  Temper.  Too many people take this game too seriously and forget the fun that they are supposed to be having.  I learned early on after almost breaking my hand on a chair after a match that the difference between winning and losing in darts sometimes is the width of a wire and noone I know is good enough to make that kind of adjustment.

Tell us about conflicts darts created in home or work life?  I schedule my work travel to avoid missing league night and stay at hotels that I know have a bar with a dart board nearby. Also have annoyed my wife sometimes by staying out longer than I should because I am having fun throwing on a particular night.

What goals in darts do you have?  To be the most consistent player I can be and to become a very severe challenge to some of the best shooters in the area.

What has been your best moment in darts?  Meeting my wife.  After that, beating Dave Marienthal on a league night and on rare occassions at the Stumble Inn when both Dave and myself are playing well.  Also scaring the heck out of Tom Waterman in a single cricket match at NY/NJ.  Lost two out of three but had him sweating in the rubber match.

What’s your advice to a newbie dart player?  Watch other people’s styles and strategies and select or adapt one that will help you get consistent. Remember that three fat numbers is better than the occassional triple.

What would make your league better and more fun?  Better sportsmanship.  Try to be an ambassador for the sport not a negative.  People like Dave Marienthal, Paul Lim and Bill Davis are GREAT examples.

What does the sport need to help it grow and improve its image?  Education.  When this game is played properly, it is a beautiful thing to see.  People will realize that it is more than just a pub and/or basement game.

How far would you travel to see national championship playoffs?  My wife and I have gone to the WSOD in Uncasville but would consider matches within driving distance up and down the east coast.

Which game would interest you most in a national championship: ( )301, (X)501, (X)Cricket

Should a national championship be best of ( )3, ( )5, ( ) 7, (X) 11