Jose and Angel Reunite in Chase for Epic Glory

Association Press

March 20 th , 2008

Once word hit the wire that Living Legend Greg Kaminskis was looking to move to the next challenge with a new partner, Angel Hurtado's camp wasted no time and arranging talks with Jose Vega's agent.   It took no more than a day to get a deal done.

"I had heard rumors circle the wires that Kaminskis was in talks with other potential teammates but I decided not to inform Joser until something substantial came up.   He had enough on his plate with other projects and ventures for him to worry about rumors."   Said Giovanni Totti, longtime agent for Jose Vega.  

"I got the call from Gio while I was training for a soccer match.   I was fucken shocked.   First Gio tells me Kaminskis and I will not attempt a repeat and then he lets me know that a deal with Angel's camp had already been drafted.   There was so much to process in a short time."   Jose said of his reaction when he heard the news.   Jose was asked if he was disappointed in the turn of events.   "Sure it would have been great to go for a repeat.   I think other than Mohler and Paiko, no one has been able to repeat.   But I understand the world of horseshoes.   There's so much turnaround.   Myself, I've had no less than six different partners in the eight Balboa Opens I've participated in.   That's gotta tell you how hard it is to build a dynasty in this sport."

Reports had listed such companies as Corona, Fat Tire, Sony, and Ferrari as candidates to take up the coveted sponsorship spot. "Since Joser won the Open last year, the offers have been coming in non-stop."   Said Totti.   It has been rumored that Heradura Tequila, a one-time sponsor of the Jose and Angel duo, has finalized a hefty deal with officials from both camps for this year's Balboa Open.

"Heradura has always been good to our team and we hope to continue that relationship for many years to come." Said Angel. "In the past it has given us quite an edge in getting into our opponents heads.   It has been documented that at a previous Open, after taking two shots with our opponents at mid-court, one of the players from the other team threw his next two horseshoes straight up into the air.   If that's not getting into your opponent's head, I don't know what is."   When asked what the team strategy would be for this year's Open, Angel had this to say "The tequila will flow and it will flow plenty".  

We asked Jose and Angel who they thought were the favorites this year.

"Speculation is great to hype the event but all that means nothing once you step onto the pits.   Of course there are teams out there that have a history but now a days, the teams are so strong up and down the list that any one of them can win it.   That's the beauty of this tournament." Said Jose.

Angel added the following, "It doesn't matter who's favored.   Any team worth their salt will throw just as hard regardless whom they're facing.   That's the way it should be."

Brent Munger agrees to terms...Jared returns to free agency

March 18th, 2008

San Diego, CA:   The Associated Press has learned that Brent Munger (Bung) is in the process of opting out of his 2008 contract with Jared Cummings.   "Jared and I had a strong run two years ago, advancing to the Final Four.   However, opportunities like this don't come up very often" stated Brent at a recent public appearance.   It has been reported that Brent was hand picked by horseshoe legend Chris Mohler for an attempt to make a run at a 4 th championship.

In 2006 Brent and Jared advanced to the Final Four eventually loosing in the semi-final match.   In the Final Four Jared, in complete compliance, fell off his game with a lackluster performance.   Bung, apparently stung by the defeat, backed out of the 2007 Open to focus on other business opportunities.   Brent and Jared seemed poised for another run for the 2008 Final Four until recently when Brent's manager was contacted by Mohler's representatives.   Mohler has been very tight lipped about his choice for a partner...many have speculated he would go with long time friend, G-Ride, with whom he won the inaugural Freak Fest tournament in 2004.   It was even reported that he may be courting Sacramento based pitcher Mike Facciuto.   However, many sources have confirmed that Brent Munger was his first choice.

"It makes sense to me that he would go after Bung" stated 2007 Balboa Open Champion Greg Kaminskis.   "What I did last year was go for the best player without a championship and the move paid off big time."   In 2007 Greg signed free agent Jose Vega to a one year deal and the two marched straight through the tournament to a championship.   The move proved to be extremely beneficial for both players as endorsement deals have been pouring in for the highly marketable Jose.   "It was good for both of us", stated Jose, "it really put me in the spotlight and has allowed me to branch out into new opportunities."   Several observers speculated that Mohler may make a run at Fargo, however, Fargo and longtime partner Josh Fisher are closely aligned with Mohler's camp.   "Making a run for Fargo would be disrespectful to both Fargo and long time friend Josh Fisher," stated an Association insider.

The move with Bung works out on several different levels, except of course, for Jared Cummings.   "Jared will have no problem finding a solid player to team up with", stated 2006 Champion Truckee Joe, "he will not have a seasoned Old Bull on the other side of the pits, however, it will give him the opportunity to step up and really make a name for himself."   Jared is a prime time player with several successful tournaments under his belt.   With the right move Jared will be one of the favorites to make a run for the final four.   "It does not matter who Jared teams up with, I do not want to see him in the first round," stated a long time shoe thrower.   Some have speculated that Jared may team up with Mike Forshee.   Forshee has made several strong runs at the Balboa Open.   This year Forshee's partner, Travis, will be unable to compete at the Balboa Open due to other travel plans.   Jared and Forshee could be an extremely tough team.   All reports, however, are pure speculation.   No official word from Jared or his representatives has been released.

In Search of Glory

Jan Jokovich

March 13, 2008

Sacramento, CA - It is a sunny Sunday afternoon in late February.   I am sitting in the living room of legendary horseshoe player turned promoter Chris Mohler.   He just called my cell phone letting me know that he would be a few minutes late.   Chris told me not to worry and grab a Bud Light from the fridge.   His wife, Tamara, had let me in and was preparing something in the kitchen that smelled very good.   I have been trying to get this interview for several months and was feeling a bit nervous that it was about to go down.

Five minutes later I hear the low rumble of the V8 on Chris' Jeep.   I look out the window and see the shiny black vehicle with the dark tinted windows.   There is a yellow Railroad Earth sticker on the back window, signifying one of Chris' favorite Bluegrass bands.   Chris jumps out talking on the cell phone.   He is wearing tan dress slacks with a light blue button down shirt.   His sport coat looks brand new or, at the least, freshly pressed.   His hair has grown quite a bit since I last saw him publicly at the 2007 Balboa Open. It hangs down over his dark Von Zipper sunglasses.   Chris finishes his call as he steps through the back door.   Always moving and energetic, Chris opens the fridge and grabs a Bud Light.   He hangs his sport coat in the closet and turns on some music.   Chris enthusiastically lets me know that this new band most recently opened up at The 728 party, an ultra successful all night event featuring three of California's most prominent up and coming Americana bands.

Chris sits down on the couch and asks, "how should we do this?"   I switched on my tape recorder and off we went.

JJ: "After all of your success in the past and then complete disappointment the past two years, what are you going to do differently to get back into the finals?"

CM:   "Well, this is going to come as a major shock to the horseshoe community.   Last year I felt stale with no spark going into my first round game.   The lull lasted into the second round and before Andy or I knew it, we were out.   So, after much soul searching I decided it was time to part ways with Andy Paiko.   I just recently opted out of my contract and am now in negotiations with a potential new partner.   I can't release any of the details as things are not yet finalized.   I will say that I am looking for a veteran old bull and a one year contract.   Unequivocally, I am looking for someone who I believe I can win a championship with...THIS YEAR!

JJ:   "Is this a mutual decision that was made with Andy Paiko?"

CM:   "Truthfully, Andy has other things going on in his career right now.   It became obvious that winning a 4 th championship was not on his agenda for 2008.   We may get back together in 2009 but nothing has been written down.   I look at what Kaminskis did last year, sign a veteran player hungry for a championship, and hope to replicate what he was able to accomplish."

JJ:   "Can you give me any indication on who you are going to sign with?"

CM:   "There is a real short list, really.   When I think of Old Bulls, who have yet to win a championship, and have the skill to do so...maybe three or four names come up.   A move to someone with a championship is possible as well...I have gotten a few calls from Jason Wheeler's people.   I am looking for fire...I want someone who wants their first taste of Epic Glory as badly as I want a 4 th championship."

JJ:   "How has your ultra successful promotions company Epic Glory Productions affected your horseshoe game?"

CM:   Well horseshoes was really the bridge to Epic Glory Productions.   I am so fortunate to have had so many opportunities in my life.   EGP is looking forward to some major events this summer.   As far as my training is concerned EGP has not been a problem.   I will arrive in SLO with the goal of once again Achieving Epic Glory.

JJ:   "Chris, do you have anything else you would like to add?"

CM:   "Listen, I think this year is going to be the most competitive Balboa Open ever.   Come on, it is history.   I feel fortunate to be friends with all of the front runners and will be cheering for everyone.   The residents of The Balboa impress me every year with their professionalism and over the top rocking events they throw.   I look forward to partying with epic buddies in the warm sunshine of the San Luis Obispo spring.   I am lucky to have this opportunity, the opportunity to be the only player in the history of the sport to have four championships...if I win, Jan, shit I might just retire...hey it looks like our beers are empty...lets have another