Cornhole leagues offer great sport for seniors

Cornhole — It’s a relatively simple game. The main objective is to toss a small bag into a 6-inch hole carved into a set of 2-by-4-foot boards placed 27 feet opposite each other.

There are four bags to a set, and each set of bags are different colors. According to Wikipedia, the game originated in 1883, but it didn’t really take off until 1974 when it became popular in the Midwest. The original bags were filled with corn kernels, which lead to the name cornhole. Most bags now are filled with resin and have different types of material on each side, which gives the thrower more options on how to throw the bag.

A cornhole match is played until the first player or team reaches 21 points at the completion of an inning where every player throws four bags, alternating between each throw.

Much like horseshoes, the game is ideal for tournament play and easy to practice social distancing. Although there are professional teams, it’s a sport that’s easy to learn, and fun can be had with just a little practice and some luck.

At age 62, Elaine and Mike Knab, of Wittenberg, enjoy playing the game because it’s something they can do as a couple.

“It’s a great way to socialize and get in some exercise,” said Elaine Knab, who admits that it’s fun regardless of your skill level.

According to Knab, it’s a low impact sport that doesn’t require excessive training or special equipment to wear. So each Thursday night, it’s easy for her and her husband to hop in the car and get ready to play once they arrive at Resch Lanes bowling center in Wittenberg. Owner Jason Resch has the boards and bags set up outside, and on a nice summer night customers like the Knabs can have a fun night of friendly competition. Resch noted the play generally continues even through nights with light drizzle since there is very little chance of injury.

“It’s a sport that young and old can enjoy playing together,” said Mike Knab. “The young might have more stamina, but we tend to have strategy and a few tricks up our sleeves.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, a job opportunity in 2011 brought the Knabs here and they quickly found they enjoyed living in a small town.

“We also participate in a couples bowling league at Resch Lanes during the fall and winter,” said Mike Knab. “We’ve met a lot of great people through the league sports.”

The Knabs had participated in bowling leagues in Pennsylvania, but noted it wasn’t as popular as what it is here in Wisconsin.

Jeff Low and his wife, Nichol, are in their early 50s and have been participating in cornhole tournaments for the past four years. They’re locals but noted that some come from as far away as Plover to play.

“It’s not highly competitive, not a money league, just fun and easy to do,” said Jeff Low, who also bowls at Resch Lanes during the winter. “It’s a good group of people, we love the camaraderie.”

For Resch, it’s a way to keep the fun going outside all summer long. This season he has had 16 couples in a Wednesday night league, and 24 couples that have been competing each Thursday night.

One week, Resch had to cancel the league play as he temporarily closed his business. A family member had been in close contact with a non-family member who tested positive for COVID-19. Fortunately everyone tested negative for the virus, and Resch was able to reopen his business on the weekend.

Todd and Cathy Linke are also in their early 50s and enjoy having the weekly activity to look forward to doing together and still keep in touch with their friends and make some new ones.

“This is something we can walk to, have supper, play in the tournament and then walk home before dark,” said Cathy Linke.

During the Safer at Home order, Resch was able to keep the food side of his business going, thanks to the many customers who supported his curbside pick up. He also took special orders for making custom-made cornhole boards.