September 9, 2005
Last years champions, Siobhan Shonk and Kevin Shonk (missing teamate Kevin O'Neill), were paired again while the 10 other competitors were partnered randomly with the WANA bingo ball roller. The double-elimination tournament began around 7:30 after the sun creeped behind the trees to give consistent lighting to the Washoo field containing brand new Washoo pits.
Shonk Open 2005 champions, Erin Chan and Trevor Braiden, made it look easy casually going undefeated for the tournament and beating Ellen Braiden and Tracey Blackwell in a thrilling come-from-behind final match. For their efforts, Erin and Trevor received the 2004/2005 original Washoo pits for their very own enjoyment (see image left). For tournament results please the tournament bracket.
The evening was saturated with excellent Washoo play and bizarre occurrences. The first ever "innopportune throw away box" was achieved to the dismay of Tracey Blackwell when while throwing away 3 unneeded washers, 1 washer found it's way into the box therefore putting her team over the 11 points needed for the win. However, the story of the night was the Loser Bracket rampage that Tracey and Ellen put forth. After losing their first match to upstart Jonathon and veteran Mike May, Tracey and Ellen systematically defeated Kevin and Siobhan, rematch Jonathon and Mike, as well as Kirsten and Scott to make their way to the finals. In the Kevin and Siobhan match the Tracey/Ellen duo were able to overcome the "innopportune throw away box" to squeak out the victory in an up and down entertaining match. The winning end coming with an ill-timed accidental washoo drop by Kevin (won't happen again).
Some players may choose to protest Tracey Blackwell's Rock, Paper, Scissors play. To the amazement and shock of the on-looking crowd, Tracey ignored centuries of tradition and pulled out the "Dynamite" in a pre-game Rock, Paper, Scissors. Please visit worldRPS.com for WANA Rock, Paper, Scissors rules.
Other tournament mentionables included the early elimination of Tina May who had been unstoppable in 2005 winning all 3 tournaments. Upon being knocked out, Tina noted that watching is not as much fun and proceeded to set up camp in a 2 year old's airplane chair.
Impressive play was shown from rookie Jonny T-Bay who showed natural talent and was caught up in the addictive qualities of Washoos! He may spearhead the Western expansion of Washoos.
Special thanks to Shonk Open sponsors Kentain Products Ltd. (We contain the solution) who provided the amazing lighting for the event. Also kudos to Lincoln Heights Phys. Ed. dept. for providing the field paint.
Shonk Open 2005 Results:
1. Erin Chan / Trevor Braiden
2. Tracey Blackwell / Ellen Braiden
3. Kirsten Lippert / Scott Lippert
4. Jonny T-Bay / Mike May
5. Siobhan Shonk / Kevin Shonk
6. Carrie Reidel / Tina May
