Mount Pleasant shuffleboard group attracts all kinds of players

Near the southern edge of Island Park, a dozen triangles at the end of six narrow lanes beckon shuffleboard enthusiasts.

Twice each week the Mount Pleasant shuffleboard group welcomes sport veterans, amateurs and everyone in between to practice their skills. The six shuffleboard lanes slightly resemble bowling alley lanes in the park at 331 N. Main St.

To some, the concept of the game might seem simple, whereas some disagree.

“It’s more complicated than it looks,” said Jennett Klumpp, a member of the Mount Pleasant shuffleboard group.

Mount Pleasant resident Jennett Klumpp kisses her husband Herb as Polly Ellsworth walks past the couple Thursday morning at Island Park in Mount Pleasant. The Klumpps began playing shuffleboard together approximately 15 to 20 years ago. (Paige Calamari/Staff Photographer)

On the end of each lane there are two large pyramids on opposite sides, the tips pointing toward each other. Inside of the pyramids, there are seven sections designated with certain points.
To move the disc-like playing pieces of the game, which are called biscuits, one must use a stick called a tang.

There is a lot that goes into the thought process of the game and it may take a little longer to learn than you thought, Klumpp said.

Phil Taylor said, in the context of the game, the kitchen isn’t a place where you eat.

“Be careful not to get it in the kitchen!” said Taylor, another group member.

As new players quickly learn, the kitchen is the worst box to shoot in as it costs the player 10 points, he said. Many learn that lesson the hard way as their chances of winning shrink with every visit to the kitchen.

Focus and dedication is what it takes to get the biscuit down the lane and into the perfect section to score points, Taylor said.

Klump said players need to focus on every aspect; even down to the way one holds their stick.

“Hold the stick as if it is a small bird in your hand,” she said.

Fast friends

The group includes a few different types of people — the serious, the relaxed and the friends.

Pauline Ellsworth has been playing shuffleboard for four years and continues to be an active participant. Shuffleboard is a way to bring friends together every week and a great way to stay up to date with the community, she said — anyone can be involved.

“My favorite thing about shuffleboard is the fact that it can be very serious at points but it is always fun and relaxing,” Ellsworth said.

The Mount Pleasant group participated in their first state tournament this year. Shuffleboard players traveled hours across the state and even from Germany to play with others who shared their passion for the game.

Taylor didn’t ever think he would get so involved with shuffleboard.

“I thought it would be something fun to try, after my first game my friends and I ordered sticks,” Taylor said.

Most participants are senior citizens, but it is not limited to just one specific group, Ellsworth said. There is always competition and fun to be had out on the shuffleboard course. Focus, dedication and love for the game keep players on their toes.

The group meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through September and October at the park shuffleboard court.