Before Indiana was plunged back into the depths of winter, people were outside taking advantage of spring. Normally, the weather is simply a topic of small talk between people who don't care for one another. However, spring weather that allows for people to be outside creates great times for social interaction and opportunities to practice Ball State University's new favorite pastime - cornhole.
First, cornhole isn't what you think, so get your mind out of the gutter. Second, take a moment to laugh at the name since it's awfully amusing. OK, now prepare yourself to learn about the fastest rising sport in the Bible Belt since cow tipping.
For those unfamiliar with the game, the American Cornhole Association was established in Cincinnati, Ohio during the late 1990s to promote, organize and spread cornhole. Two teams, consisting of two players, throw square bags filled with corn feed at an elevated platform, which has a 6-inch hole centered, near the top of the platform. Teams score points by landing bags either on the platform (one point) or in the hole (three points). Games are played to 21 through cancellation scoring, creating exciting, competitive, and emotional matches. A more detailed description of the playing surface, equipment, and rules can be found online by simply searching the ACA Web site.
One only needs to look to Friday evening before Penny Pitchers at Dill Street Bar & Grill for evidence of its growing popularity. Nearly every weekend as people line up for the bar to open, there is a group of champion players polishing up on the art of cornhole. Additionally, inside at a party last weekend, a group of fanatical cornhole players were practicing and gearing up for the upcoming summer competition. Finally, the Bird has cornhole set up in the bar. These dedicated cornhole warriors and establishments are symbolic to the growing popularity among students.
In many instances, people that make cornhole sets build elaborate and thematic designs. For instance, at the past Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, numerous fans displayed loyalty to particular drivers through detailed playing surfaces. Also, students who tailgate at Ball State make meticulous sets illustrating Charlie Cardinal. Yet, the personification of cornhole craftsmen are the Chicago Cubs since cornhole set construction and play are their only sources of pride.
Currently, Ball State Recreation Services is taking advantage of the growing popularity of cornhole through a spring tournament. In addition to the tournament, Ball State should consider creating a league in the future. For example, in Warsaw, Spikes, a local bar has a cornhole league running throughout the summer. Why can't Ball State do something like this in the fall? Who knows, maybe the ACA would hold a sanctioned tournament on campus.
Furthermore, the university and surrounding on-campus bookstores could capitalize by selling Cardinal cornhole sets. There is an untapped market that needs to be taken into consideration. Students do not have the resources or time to create sets during the school year, which hinders people from playing. Sets are relatively inexpensive to produce and could be sold at a reasonable price for consumers while turning a significant profit. Are you listening T.I.S. College Bookstore?
Overall, the growth of popularity and play of cornhole is astronomical. In fact, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics should consider cornhole to fill the Title IX quota. The slogan could be, "Ball U Cornhole, Get Some!" OK, that might be a little unreasonable, but seriously.
Write to Travis at tjoneill@bsu.edu
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