MCA Targeting Three Events After Annual Meeting

The Midwest Croquet Association held its 2023 AGM on February 11, 2023, in Leawood, Kansas, to outline plans for the 2023 season. The meeting featured a discussion on the mission of the Midwest Croquet Association and how the organization can support clubs and events in the area.

In addition, elections were held and Dylan Goodwin was re-elected as a board member and president, with Jodi Adams also being re-elected to the board to continue in her role as treasurer. Valerie Andruss was also re-elected to her position as a board member, while Greg Clouse and Justin Marciniak also join the board. Both have previously served on the MCA Board.

“I was hoping with the new board to get representation from the north, east, central, south and western regions of the Kansas City metro area,” says Goodwin. “And the makeup of the board does reflect that geography. Hopefully, this will facilitate the opportunity to promote the sport in each sector of the city.”

Tournaments for 2023 were discussed and the consensus was that the Kansas City Open should remain a nine-wicket event. Goodwin had asked if the event should be transitioned to golf croquet or American rules croquet. There was interest in a separate American rules event or possible GC, but the group agreed that the Kansas City Open should ideally remain a nine-wicket event. Goodwin in his role with the Kansas City Croquet Club indicated that he wants to have the club host at least one nine-wicket event this year, but it would likely not be at the club’s usual Saturday venue. Ideally, he would like to see both the Missouri Open return and the Kansas Challenge also return. In both cases, he is targeting parks as host venues.

The MCA will continue to operate strictly on tournament fees for MCA-supported events and not require an annual membership fee. Relative to the mission of the MCA, this approach provides continued support and promotion of area events in an effort to connect any clubs and groups that play in the area.

The meeting also had an open discussion on the growing popularity of the sport and the shortage of suitable locations for play in Kansas City. The issue has been more prominent in recent years as more transplants to Kansas City from croquet cities are reaching out for information on places to play. It was noted that sessions or tournaments held in public parks tend to attract interest from new players. Goodwin encouraged the board and attendees to start up weekly sessions and be consistent in playing, as new players will eventually show up. These sessions can be supported by MCA members and promoted on the MCA website and social channels. 

NEXT UP

The MCA is hoping to start announcing event dates for the 2023 season by the end of February, with a full schedule in place by mid-March.