Eric Anderson

Derrick Mentzer

I am ACL Pro Derrick Mentzer 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 out in a back yard and it took off from there

Katherine Kennedy

I am ACO Pro Katherine Kennedy from the Mid-Atlantic Conference and this is how I became a professional cornhole player for the American Cornhole Organization. I started playing recreational cornhole in the backyard and occasional blind draw when I was in high school. I didn’t start playing with the ACO until Season 10. It didn’t take long to realize it was quickly going to become a lifestyle for me. I’m now not only an ACO Pro but the Mid-Atlantic Commissioner and tournament director for a good amount of our Majors.

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?

Jason Tyson

I am ACL Pro Jason Tyson from the Carolina Conference and this is my story of how and when I started playing cornhole and worked my way up to an ACL Pro. I started out as a madden pro back in madden 13. I played on madden circuit for 3 years and accumulated lots of accolades and achievements in my time traveling. I started getting out of madden around 2012 and got into cornhole from playing with friends at a cookout. And just like with madden my competitiveness took over and I started to traveling to local tournaments. And for about 9 years now I’ve been traveling to events and playing against very best.