Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, so you can’t go anywhere right now without seeing heart-shaped balloons floating high or red and pink streamers strung about. The season of love overtakes the minds of many and prompts us to consider what we care for the most. As a league, we love our players, directors, staff, and of course—cornhole.
As the fastest growing sport in the United States, hundreds of people have made significant sacrifices to follow their passion, and thousands more have given their time, money, and energy to play or even just watch our favorite sport.
Cornhole is growing, but is still a small sport, so why would anyone give up so much time, energy, and money for a simple lawn game?
Among many, players share the sentiment that the community acts as a surrogate family. These people aren’t just acquaintances who met in a bar or buddies who carpool to regionals together on the weekend; they’re family. Cornhole creates a unique balance of vulnerability and safety that allows unique bonds to form between the unlikeliest of people.
Draggin’ Bags owner Daniel Lambert loves the sport because it allows him to spend quality time with his loved ones. “It brings families together in a way few activities can, creating quality time when we might otherwise be off doing our own thing,” Lambert said. “It’s also an incredibly close-knit and welcoming community, which is rare to find.”
Cornhole has also been the centerfold for family bonding in many homes. It’s a game that people who are young, old, and in between can play together, unlike most sports that require significantly developed motor skills or speed. In our game, you can square up with anyone and have a chance at walking away as the victor.
ACL Pro Sammy Soto’s father, Matt Longoria, shared that cornhole helped build a stronger bond with his son. “What started off as me hassling my kid to come outside and throw bags with me has turned into getting to watch my son play the best in the world on the biggest platform and succeeding!”
Soto is currently tied for the #1 Singles player in the world and is one-half of the #2 Doubles team with partner Gavin Cano in this season's standings.
Outside of the familial atmosphere, players have also shared they love the sport because of the opportunities it has created for them.
ACL Pro AJ Sims shared, “I love cornhole because, financially, it has changed my life and gives my kids another reason to look up at me and see me live out my dream.” The tenured ACL Pro has not taken his opportunity for granted.
Cornhole is one of few sports where you can start out by picking up a bag at home and practice until you become one of the best in the world. There are fewer barriers to finding success compared to other sports like football or figure skating.
Alongside the fount of opportunity, many players and staff have also been able to experience new people and ways of living through tournament travel that they would not have been exposed to otherwise.
Rookie ACL Pro Matt Wilson stated, “Cornhole and the ACL have given me an opportunity I wouldn’t normally have. By taking a risk and believing in myself, I get to travel to new cities, try new foods, and experience more of what life has to offer.”
While a sense of family, abundant opportunities, and novel experiences are all good reasons to love the sport, there’s one thing that lives at the heart of all players—a love for competition.
It’s human nature to be competitive and when we love something, we want to be the best. Cornhole’s greater level of accessibility opens the door to players who have more barriers to achieving their sporting aspirations. Competitors of all ability levels can come out on top in a deep pool of talent.
Donald Steeves is a competitive player based in Maine who was involved in a serious car crash years ago. Despite the physical challenges that spurred from the accident, he has still been able to nurture his love for competition in the American Cornhole League.
“I was in a car accident that should’ve ended my life 10 years ago. This sport has given me the inspiration to keep active and play a sport that helps me keep a competitive itch.” Steeves is 64 years old and says the ACL’s motto—anyone can play, anyone can win—still reigns true for him today.
No matter the reason, there’s one thing we all can agree on—we love cornhole. Whether you’re a novice player or a tenured pro, this simple backyard game is a source of comfort in good times and bad. As we go forth through this season of love, reflect on why you’re here and consider how you can help someone else fall in love with the sport of cornhole.
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