We all have a little fooser in us. Whether it's in your basement, dorm room or garage, there's a fooser (a.k.a. table soccer player) just waitin' to get out.
Could you be the next top foosball player in the nation? We won't count you out, but since you're still in training, you can stop by the 2012 Maryland State Foosball Championship the weekend of Feb. 17-19, when the nation's best foosball players will vie this coming weekend for the $12,000 championship prize.
Admission is free and beginners are invited to participate. As a matter of fact, they have a special invitation for Maryland college students to win some money ($200-$400). You must represent your school, fraternity or sorority (school ID required) to not only win a cash prize but receive a free entry into the main tournament -- and a clinic with the Team USA coach, Pat Ryan, from Maryland.
This year's regional and national foosball tournaments across the United States will dish out more than $250,000 in prize money.
Worth the Trip
Throughout the weekend, more than 150 skilled pro-master foosers will be on hand to compete in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition. Special events will also take place, including forward shoot-outs, goalie wars and draw your partner (any player gets teamed up with a top-ranked player).
Notable players at the championship include Tony Spredeman, the top-ranked player in the United States. Tony, who at the ripe old age of 16 turned pro, has since helped the U.S. win the 2009, 2010 and 2011 World Cup Table Soccer Championships.
We like to think that this foosball championship could thrust other underdog sports into the limelight -- think mini golf, kickball and bocce ball. Do we see a 2013 World Mini-Golf Championship? We think so!
The championship starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 and continues throughout the weekend, with most finals played on Sunday. It's happening at the Holiday Inn Columbia (7900 Washington Blvd., Jessup, Md.). For more info, call 410-905-5074 or email marylandfoosball@gmail.com.
