Carpet Ball Champion

Every summer in our youth group we have a carpet ball tournament. Thanks to Grant Leach (current junior high youth leader and former Bayside youth group student) we have a carpet ball table at our church. Grant built it back in 2005 for a project at school and had it delivered to our church. Starting in 2006 we have had an annual summer carpet ball tournament. Each year approximately 16 students have participated in this summer long tournament. Adam Johnson won the very first ever tournament in 2006 by defeating Ryan Paulson in the finals. The following year it was Jase Tunell who took the championship by defeating his cousin Alex in the final. In 2008 Alex won the championship by defeating his cousin Luke in the final. In 2009 history repeated itself as Alex Tunell once again staked his claim on the championship with a victory over Luke in the finals. Alex was the first 2 time champion and a back-to-back champion at that.

The 2010 tournament served some very interesting match ups as Alex looked to defend his title. It also marked a bit of history as Jessica Xiong was the first female participant to make it into the final four. However, she was defeated in overtime by Zach Brookmole. In the other semi-final Erick Tunell defeated Michael Johnson (younger brother of our first ever champion in 2006). So the championship was set, Zach Brookmole versus Erick Tunell. History was made as this matchup drew the largest crowd ever for a carpet ball game at Bayside. In dominating fashion, Erick defeated Zach 5-1 to become the new champion. It was the fourth straight year that a Tunell won the tournament. "I'd like to thank my family for their support. And the crowd was amazing. I could really feel the momentum shift when the crowd got behind me. Lastly, I want to say Hi Mom - Love you!"

It was an amazing journey through the tournament, congratulations Erick! In the first round he defeated Erica Mittlestadt 5-3. His biggest challenge came in the second round as he faced off against his brother and 2-time defending champion Alex. But Erick survived with a 5-4 win. He followed that up with two dominating performances to prove this was not a fluke. 5-1 defeats over Michael Johnson and Zach Brookmole. Erick has already placed his name in the brackets for next summer. "I'll be back to defend my title next year. So everyone better start practicing now, cause I'm gonna bring it!" Strong words from a strong champion.

-PT