News Summary
Winthrop University has made headlines by launching its first-ever championship cornhole team, actively recruiting talented players. The team enjoyed success in its inaugural season, with all athletes qualifying for the national collegiate championship. Winthrop is also pioneering cornhole scholarships for students, significantly reducing tuition costs for participants. The rise of cornhole, particularly during the pandemic, is being bolstered by community partnerships and local sponsorships, reflecting the sport’s growing recognition. The upcoming American Cornhole League World Championships in Rock Hill promises to further elevate this emerging sport.
Rock Hill, South Carolina is set to host the American Cornhole League (ACL) World Championships from July 28 to August 3, drawing over 10,000 attendees, including celebrity guests and players from around the world. This event marks the sixth consecutive year for the championship to take place in Rock Hill, which has gained international recognition as a premier location for cornhole competitions.
The ACL world championship will feature athletes ranging from professionals to newcomers, competing for more than $700,000 in winnings across 30 different events. In a significant first, top European players will compete against American players on U.S. soil, representing countries such as Germany, France, Slovenia, and Croatia. Additionally, popular celebrity matches will highlight the event, with notable participants including University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and actor Shemar Moore.
The event’s excitement will be amplified by its coverage on ESPN on August 3, as part of the network’s summer series, “SportsCenter: 50 States in 50 Days,” offering live coverage and features with ESPN personalities.
Winthrop University’s Cornhole Team
Winthrop University has made headlines with the launch of its inaugural championship cornhole team, which actively recruits talented players for the sport. The team finished its first season under coach Dusty Thompson successfully, with all ten athletes qualifying for the national collegiate championship hosted by the ACL. Achievements include securing two first-place wins, two second-place finishes, and one third-place finish at the national event.
Part of Winthrop’s initiative includes the implementation of cornhole scholarships, making it the first NCAA Division 1 school to offer such opportunities. These scholarships enable athletes to access in-state tuition, reducing costs from approximately $28,000 to $14,000—a significant saving that many students have attributed to their ability to pursue a college education, as without the scholarships, they would have been unable to attend. The scholarship program also emphasizes academic performance, requiring student-athletes to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Building a Community
Winthrop’s team fosters a familial environment and encourages recruitment efforts, including welcoming female athletes to the roster. The university’s proximity to the ACL headquarters provides valuable learning experiences from some of the top cornhole players in the country, further enhancing the skill development of its athletes.
Local sponsorships and community partnerships play a vital role in the growth of Winthrop’s cornhole program, potentially paving the way for full-ride scholarships in the future. The momentum surrounding cornhole as a recognized sport, particularly with the ACL seeking Olympic status for cornhole, continues to propel its popularity, particularly during events integrated into community gatherings in Rock Hill.
Background on Cornhole’s Rise
The popularity of cornhole has surged in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many individuals turned to backyard games as a form of entertainment while confined at home. Despite being the most commonly played sport in the United States, cornhole has not yet reached the level of viewership or fan following seen with other major sports. However, initiatives by the ACL and institutions like Winthrop University are paving the way for this backyard pastime to transition into a competitive and widely embraced sport.
The upcoming ACL World Championships not only showcases the talents of cornhole enthusiasts but also highlights the efforts of educational institutions and organizations to elevate the sport to new heights. As this trend continues, the landscape of cornhole could see significant changes in recognition and participation.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill to Host ACL World Championships
- Wikipedia: Cornhole
- Charlotte Observer: Cornhole Coverage
- Google Search: Cornhole
- WCCB Charlotte: Local Cornhole League Super Bowl Ad
- Google Scholar: Cornhole
- Herald Online: Community Impact of Cornhole
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cornhole
- Charlotte Observer: Things to Do in Charlotte
- Google News: Cornhole Championship
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The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
