Derek Singleton

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?

Michael Dinges

I am Michael Dinges ACL Pro from the Atlantic Conference and this is my story of how and when I started playing cornhole and worked my way up to an ACL Pro. Started playing cornhole in the backyard and my competitive nature took over

Hunter Simington

I am ACL Pro Hunter Simington from the Mountain North Conference and this is my story of how I became a professional cornhole player for the American Cornhole League. I grew up in the great state of Iowa, patron state of tossing corn. In 2006 I attended Iowa State University where I was first introduced to cornhole; tossing with friends in the backyard and in the tailgating lots before football games. After college I moved to Idaho where I started seeking out any and all cornhole tournaments and leagues. I’ve been climbing ever since!

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!