Brad Powers

Nick Schafer

I am ACL Pro Nick Schafer from the Great Lakes Conference and this is my story of how and when I started playing cornhole and worked my way up to an ACL Pro. I first started playing cornhole in 2017, winning my first social league ever and then decided to travel across the state to try out an acl tournament and I've been hooked ever since!

Dennis Posey

I am Dennis Posey ACL Pro from the Mid-East Conference and this is my story of how and when I started playing cornhole and worked my way up to an ACL Pro. Played in a ACO regional and just got hooked. Started traveling all over the country and worked my way up the ranks and on to the ACL.

Jackie Sayasone

I am ACL Pro Jackie Sayasone from the Midwest Conference and this is my story of how I became a professional cornhole player for the American Cornhole League. I was playing at a local bar league, when I met some players that told me about a blind draw event. I thought I was good at cornhole because I was the one who always won at backyard parties or tailgates. So I showed up to my first ACL event and kind of laughed at everyone that had their own bags.
Well, I got my butt whooped and was annoyed. I didn't want to see the disappointment when a player drew me, lol -so as competitive as I am, I decided to buy my own set of bags and practice on my own time. It took me a week to get it all down. Since then I just kept growing as a player. I went out to compete at the World Championships last season, there was a really strong, and special cornhole culture there, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that vibe. Eight months later, here I am! :)

Stacia Pugh

RETIRED FROM CORNHOLE 2020

I am Stacia Pugh ACL Pro from the Mid-East Conference and this is my story of how and when I started playing cornhole and worked my way up to an ACL Pro.

My name is Stacia Pugh and I'm an ACL Pro and the number one ranked female in the nation.

Cornhole was introduced to me about 9 years ago at a family cookout, and after a few weeks of my dad incessantly trash talking me and winning game after game

Stacia's Dad: Did you bring your toothbrush?
Stacia: ummm.. no. Was I supposed to sleep over or someth.... ?
Stacia's Dad: Cuz it's BED TIME!
*4th bag goes in the hole for the win*
Stacia: you fricker... *grumble grumble*

So enough was enough and I decided to get my own set of boards and start practicing secretly so I could put an end to it. Once I was finally giving him some good games, it was too late.. I was hooked. And when I learned there were actually cornhole leagues and cornhole tournaments I swear I was never so excited. I had to try. :)

This lead to me the Cleveland Cornhole League and Dave Weiser, who at the time, was arguably the top player in Cleveland. My neighbor, Ron Weiss, and I fought through the ranks and eventually got to Division I and even began winning it. Later I teamed up with Christine Papcke and we began competing in national events together. In 2015, we achieved Team of the Year and many Women's titles.

In August 2018, after 20 years utilizing my Master's Degree in Urban Planning & Development, I actually left my job to go full-time cornhole (and chess as well; my 2nd favorite passion). Now I travel the country playing cornhole, playing chess, teaching chess, working as a tournament director and doing media appearances for the ACL. I used to joke about living the dream, but now it seems maybe I am?