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WasherZ tourney comes to Carbondale

by andrea hahn, the southern

Tuesday, September 12, 2006 6:47 AM CDT

CARBONDALE - The self-proclaimed World WasherZ Championship Tournament debuts in Carbondale this weekend.

Raymond Lenzi, who retired last week as associate vice chancellor of economic and regional development at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, has taken a new challenge - promoting and sponsoring the Washerz game and tournament.

"We just declared it," he said when asked what qualified this washers tournament to be "world" worthy. "Besides, the WasherZ with the 'Z' is copyrighted."

So, much like Tigger, it's the only one.

The cash prizes make it a tournament. And there are worse ways to compete for $500.

Lenzi acknowledged that washers, to use the common spelling, is not a new game in town.

"I've seen probably 30 or 40 varieties of the game," he said.

Differences exist in materials used for box, for the washers, for the point system, for the distance between boxes.

Here's the skinny on how washers works. Needed are two, square boxes, typically of wood and typically about four inches high. Inside the boxes are round wells made from PVC or metal pipe and as tall as the box sides. Players stand at a specified distance from the box, which serves as a goal. They toss round metal washers of three inches diameter, trying to get the washers into the pipe - or at least into the box. It's kind of like yard darts but without the sharp points.

For the WWCT, points are awarded like this - four points for sinking a washer in the tube, two for getting it in the box, one for a leaner. A leaner is any washer that is touching the box in any way without actually being in the box. The first team or individual to get 21 points wins the round. Two of three round wins is a game win.

For those who need to see it rather than read it, a WasherZ demonstration is set for noon at the Town Square Pavilion tomorrow. Official WasherZ sets will be for sale as well.

Lenzi said there are 64 slots available in both the individual and the team competition. Entry forms are available online at www.carbondalemainstreet.com and at various businesses throughout Southern Illinois and oh, yes, teams are signing up already.

For example, Gordon Plumb of Carbondale said his secret weapon is his son-in-law from Lick Creek ? a life-long washers player.

"I don't play very often," he said. "I picked it up because it's something different and something to do with my son-in-law."

Plumb said the pair may need to consider team shirts or some display of team spirit. He hadn't really thought such a statement would be necessary, but as game day approaches he is rethinking the notion.

"We're not going to win," he said, confidently. "But we'll have fun."

The tournament is at 11 a.m. at the Pig Out site ? 710 S. Illinois Avenue. Lenzi said the tournament would be held in "the flattest spot."

Proceeds benefit Carbondale Main Street.

andrea.hahn@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 15076

World WasherZ Championship Tournament

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Mediacom/OnMedia Carbondale Main Street Pig Out (710 S. Illinois Avenue)

Prizes: First - $500; Second - $200; Third - $100

Entry fees: $25/individual; $25/team

Download an entry form from www.carbondalemainstreet.com or pick one up at a participating business

Registration closes at about 10:30 a.m. game day