T-Bone Tournament Fills Plate for MCA

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Twenty-six players have committed to compete in the Lee's Summit T-Bone Tournament on Saturday.

This number of participants will be a new record high for a Midwest Croquet Association event. It will surpass the previous record of 22 competitors set at the MCA Championship in September 2014.

The large roster could test the limits of the MCA's stockpile of equipment. MCA president Dylan Goodwin says a player pool so deep will require seven courts at Howard Park.

And more balls. The MCA's order for eight sets of 16 oz. croquet balls has been on back order. Behind the scenes, tournament organizers have been securing available equipment.

With 26 participants, the tournament structure could take several formats. Discussions are underway to determine the best way to allow the new players to develop while awarding exceptional play at all skill levels.