When the final poker hand of the evening was dealt, it all came down to a pair of 9's beating out a pair of 7's. Mr.
Finnbarr Geary over came Mr.
Marc Dupre, who finished second in the poker tournament, to be crowned the Third Annual JBHS Texas Hold 'Em Tournament Champion. Over 100 players competed for the top prize that will now grace the Geary home - a 40" LCD high definition television (donated by Net Global Distribution). For his efforts in taking second place, Dupre took home a desktop computer equipped with wireless keyboard and a 19" flat panel monitor.
The Texas Hold 'Em tournament has been a major fundraiser for the John Burroughs High School baseball program, with donated funds allowing the team to purchase needed equipment, uniforms, and supplies. This year, the softball program joined baseball, with both groups meeting over the past few months to bring the event together. Lead by baseball Head Coach
Tom Crowther and softball Head Coach
Nick Schepperle, the planners included
Lonnie Hamilton, Julie Grene, Tanka Chochran, Charlene Block, Yvonne Colón, and several other booster parents.
The Feb. 17, tournament began at 5:30 p.m. as players competed at tables of eight for three rounds. During this time if a player ran out of poker chips they could request an additional buy-in and continue playing. As round four began, remaining players would have to depend on the luck of the draw and a large stack of chips to stay in the tournament. Over the next several hours, tables were consolidated as players ran out of chips and were forced to withdraw from competition. Around 10 PM, Coach Crowther announced the 10th place winner,
Orv Grene, and the players for the Final Table (listed based on final tournament placing):
Jacquin Cecena (9),
Ricardo Mamuza (8),
Charlene Tabet (7),
Paul Matsuoka (6),
Bernard Morris (5),
Charlie Peters (4),
Ron Cwik (3),
Dupre, and
Geary
If you have ever watched a poker tournament on TV, I will tell you that a live event is definitely more intense. The "house" calls out the ante for the round, then each player is dealt two cards. The "flop" is next as three cards are placed on the table face up. At this point some players will fold while only two or three place bets. The next card, called the "turn", is placed face up. Are you in or are you out? Do you "check" or bet? Players are checking each other out for signs of a winning hand or a bluff. On the final hand of the evening, Dupre had no choice but to "go all in" against Geary (who was ahead in total chips). The last card of the hand, called "the river", seemingly crashed onto the table as everyone quickly sized up both possible hands. 9's over 7's for Geary!
The night definitely belonged to the baseball and softball players, as the donated funds generated by the tournament will support both programs. So like Academy Awards winners, we say thank you:
To the coaches, Crowther and Schepperle; to the booster parents (both programs) who worked hard behind the scenes; to the team players who were "volunteers" at the event; to the poker players who came to have fun, support JBHS, and hopefully win prizes; to the Burbank Elks Club for welcoming the poker tournament to their hall; and finally to our sponsors. Sponsors are often the unsung heroes who open their hearts and wallets to support a variety of programs and events every year. To all who were a part of the 3rd Annual Texas Hold 'Em Tournament we say "thank you" from the bottom of our hearts.