Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2008-03-19, Page 12Crossroads 12 Times -Advocate Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Exeter's three -time world crokinole champion writes book By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — Three -time world crokinole champion and Exeter resident Joe Fulop has written a book, "It's Only Crokinole: But I Like It," a book which was just printed yesterday in a new version. Fulop, who retired from teaching after 38 years in June from South Huron District High School (SHDHS) says the 83 -page book was named after The Rolling Stones song, "It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It,)" a song Fulop says is "a good tune." In addition to having more time, when asked why he decided to write a book, Fulop answers simply, "Why not?" also explaining that a former co-worker, Jenny Rowe, who runs the cafeteria at SHDHS, has asked him many times when "I was going to get off my butt and do it." "It's Only Crokinole: But I Like It," features all aspects of crokinole, from the key tech- niques to Fulop's personal crokinole history. The book, written mainly by Fulop, also has sections writ- ten by Derek Kidnie, Ray Beierling and Brian Cook. Fulop says while writing the book, a first for him, "it was worrisome," explaining that "playing crokinole is different than writing about it," but he adds now that he feels "satis- fied." Fulop began playing croki- nole when he was only four or five years old with his grand- father at Christmas time, play- ing crokinole until he was 14 years old. He then only played croki- nole, "now and again until I was 47." Then on a whim, Fulop entered a crokinole tournament in Goderich with no practice, placing fourth overall. "The first guy I played was a top level player. By chance I beat him, and he was so upset," says Fulop, adding after finishing fourth he bought his own board, prac- ticed for a week and placed second at the Ontario Crokinole Championship, a tournament Fulop has won seven times. Never looking back, Fulop began his successful crokinole career. And however successful Fulop's crokinole career has soared, he remains modest, explaining he was "pretty sur- prised" hearing there was a Facebook group with over 375 members dedicated to him, adding also that there are other people who deserve some "limelight" in the com- munity, including the Exeter Express under head coach Doug Fairbairn. Fulop is the assistant coach. "They have won the last few years," says Fulop. Fulop, who is 63 years old, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease seven years ago and takes 50 pills daily. But although he has slowed down over the years, "my hands are still OK," and, crokinole is all about "Good hand eye co-ordination, with the key being to concentrate but relax." Fulop says shooting 20's is the best way to win, while not tensing up, something Fulop says, "never happens to me," but regardless, Fulop's goal is just to do the "best I can and carry on." Fulop practices just half an hour a day, competing in about four tournaments annu- ally, but admits to "practicing more when closer to a tourna- ment." Fulop, who was recognized in a documentary "Crokinole" for his 2004 run, will also be honoured this year with a spe- cial trophy for winning the world championships three times in the nine years since it began, while also landing in the final four a total of seven times throughout the nine years. The World Crokinole Championship is in Tavistock June 7 at the Tavistock District Recreation Centre. Fulop is also hosting a croki- nole tournament May 3 at SHDHS, called "It's Only Crokinole: But I Like It." Participants must enter by May 1. If interested in entering the tournament or buying Fulop's book, available in both a colour version for $27 and a black and white version for $18, call 235-1022 or e -mail- ing jfulop@cabletv.on.ca. Fulop is reminding the public to leave their phone number or address with him when buying a book. Ii cold1OV111': I'm! 1 I.i It Crokinole champion — Exeter's Joe Fulop, above, a three - time world crokinole champion has written a book,"It's Only Crokinole: But I Like It." Fulop was a guest at the Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron games night. Below,Anne Fydenchuk plays crokinole with Fulop, who was teaching everyone some world champion crokinole moves. (photolNinaVan Lieshout) Giving back — Fulop showed several people how to play crokinole, including above left Makailah McBride who had a lot of fun competing against the world champion. (photos/Nina Van Lieshout)