TCL Houston Signature Series Open Preview

As I continue my preview of the Texas Cornhole Leagues Houston Signature event, this story will focus on the Open Division.

With a depth of up to more than 200 feet, Lake Travis is one of the deepest lakes in Texas. Pecos, Tx is the home of one of the deepest oil wells at over 29,000 feet. Everyone knows that Blue Bell Ice Cream is made right here, "Deep in the Heart of Texas, and that my friends is deep!!

So when I mention that the field for Texas Cornhole League's Houston Signature is deep, you may get the idea. This one is deep yall!

Most will agree that Josh Groce, Eric Weathers and Eddie Grinderslev from Central Texas are three of the best there is. Groce and Weathers have been close to dominate in most of the TCL major events the past year and half running roughshod over many of the TCL's finest. Grinderslev too has been one of the most feared players over the past several years with multiple State Titles. All three of these players can without a doubt be strong contenders for this weekends event. Other Central Texas players who have had some success in previous Signature events are AJ Sims and Chris Paul. Both are fully capable of putting folks "in the truck"!

The Dallas Forth Worth area has several strong players as well including current TCL Player of the year Todd Bridgeman. Once the "Rainmaker" gets in his groove, watch out because he can hang with anyone. Stuart Foster, Brandon Gregor and Daniel Vinson all are top players that are all throwing very well right now, just in time for Houston. Foster is having a great season so far and is making a serious push for this seasons Player of the Year. Gregor who is a former State Champion and Player of the Year is always in the mix and regularly makes deep runs in these events. Vinson who also is a former State Champion and Player of the year, is also throwing a good bag here of late and is looking to get back onto the podium. Other DFW players of note who should be considered are Chad Jacobson, Adam Utz and Jason Andrews.

Did I say this field was deep?

Several other players not mentioned earlier that may be considered sleepers are Christina Espinosa, Earnest Herrera, Joe Arrington and Greg Kilmer. All of these are very strong players and have proven there worth in big events.

In Doubles, I'd say the obvious favorites would be Groce and Weathers as they have been so good in these tournaments. However there will be some strong teams that may provide some credible competition, starting off with Stuart Foster and Christina Espinosa. We all know Foster can bring it and Espinosa has big game experience as well. Chad Jacobson and Joe Arrington are teaming up and will try to regain their hot throwing form that won them a State title a couple of years ago. I think we all heard the phrase "Yeah buddy" at least 3 or 4 times!!  Jason Andrews and JC Nekuza have played together in the past and quietly had some success. Some others that may make some noise will be Brandon Gregor and Justin Fowler, Eddie Grinderslev and Kenneth Johnston, Adam Utz and Nik Gemmiti, AJ Sims and Tristan Janca as well as Shawn Anderson and James Jackson. Anderson and Jackson had a very good showing back in December at the Tyler Signature. Oh yea, there is another pair that may have something to say about who reigns and that is none other than Chris Paul and Travis Welch. No typo folks...Travis and Chris are back and boy oh boy look out Irene! These two once dominated TCL as the "Poachers" winning several events in a row. Not the pair you want to draw right out of the gate!

There are a couple of names that are supposed to be making a appearance that you may recognize. Noah Wooten from Georgia is signed up along with Jamie Graham from North Carolina. Both of these guys are big time players and will be another duo you wont want to face early...or late for that matter. Kyle Malone is also signed up to play this weekend and looks to be playing with fellow Floridian Scott Schultz. All of these guys have experience playing on a big stage in national events and will certainly be a strong challenge.

The competition in Houston will be strong and deep...kinda like the pockets of a Texas Oil tycoons pockets!. I look forward to seeing you all and I hope you all have safe travels.

Throw em straight yall!