Minnesota has had its share of impressive bridge players. Russ Arnold, Eddie Kantar, Howie Weinstein and Joe Grue are among them.
Another super star that many of us "old timers" know well is Steve Garner. And - after Sunday night in Memphis, Steve's star shines brighter still.
Above is a shot of team captain Jeff Wolfson holding the Vanderbilt Cup - with (left to right) ACBL President Russ Jones, teammates Alexander Hydes, Peter Crouch, Michael Kamil, Michael Becker - and hometown boy Steve Garner.
The team beat top notch teams throughout to make it to the finals: Pavlicek in the round of 32; "Pepsi" in the quarterfinals, Lavazza in the semis and the team who who was so strong in their semi match, their opponents dropped out at the half: Team Nickell. Yet, no matter how tough the opponents, Team Wolfson played superbly and vanquished all.
For those of us who had the opportunity to watch Vu-Graph, we saw Steve make loads of fine decisions. Of course, Steve has been "doing the right thing" for decades, be it playing on "The Rangers" - the young team that usually beat all comers in the upper Midwest (and beyond) - or trading options in Chicago - or teaching or playing professionally.
Above, Steve advises during one of the many educational seminars that Sharon and Roger Anderson have held at their home - and below, Steve with his hosts.
Another of Steve's amazing feats was leading his team to victory at the Nebraska Regional a few years ago. Here you see the very excited smiles of his teammates as they beat top notch expert after expert team to end up in the winners' circle.
Several shots below show Steve competing in the USBF trials to determine who will represent the U.S. in international competition.
Oh - and did I mention that Steve won the Mott-Smith Trophy, awarded to the player who wins the most masterpoints at the Spring NABC? Yes, Steve did secure this impressive title, too, with a fine score of 304.51 masterpoints!
Steve still has wonderful family in the Twin Cities, all of whom I am certain are busting their buttons with pride at his great bridge accomplishments. Of course, all of his friends and fans here and elsewhere are, too!
Steve - HUGE congratulations from us all on you and your team's BIG BIG BIG win!!
And I hope that - somewhere, some how - the Great Larry Oakey kibitzed you from the hereafter and is just as thrilled and impressed as the rest of your Minnesota fans are.
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