In the grand theater of sports, the spotlight often illuminates the most unexpected of heroes. Today, we turn our gaze towards a unique ensemble of athletes, the Elite Team Tacky Saks, who are making their mark in the world of disc golf and bowling. This feature article will weave together the narratives of Trevor Murphy, Nid Ovathanasin, Jessica Weese, Curtis Aimino, Kevin Kiefer III, and Tony Mo Reiss, each a rising star in their respective sports, each a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the human spirit.
Trevor Murphy: The Disc Golf Dynamo from Florida
Trevor Murphy, a professional disc golf player hailing from Hudson, Florida, has been making waves in the disc golf community with his recent performance at the Sun King/Millennium Discs Independence Day Clash X. The tournament, held in Brooksville, Florida from July 8th to 9th, 2023, saw Murphy emerge victorious, demonstrating his exceptional skills and determination.
Murphy, who has been a professional member of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) since 2011, has participated in over 102 career events, securing 12 wins and earning a total of $6,957.00. His current rating stands at 975, as of July 11, 2023. Despite the numerous tournaments he has participated in, Murphy’s recent win at the Independence Day Clash X holds a special place in his heart.
In a heartfelt quote, Murphy expressed his joy and relief at the victory, saying, “Sun King/Millennium Independence Day Clash – You can’t win for losing! I’ve played a lot of tournaments and lost a lot of them. It’s hard playing week in and week out and losing or not feeling what the wins feel like. This one feels pretty darn good!!”
Murphy’s journey to this win was not an easy one. He acknowledges the challenges he faced, stating, “If I didn’t have the drive to be successful or have the support system I do there’s no way I could accomplish this small hump in the road.” His determination and perseverance are evident in his performance, as he played from the chase card to secure the win, even managing to score an Ace on hole 5.
He also took the time to appreciate those who supported him, particularly Cortnie Kruger, who he credits with providing excellent caddie skills and taking pictures. He also expressed his gratitude to his sponsors, Sun King Discs, Prodigy Disc, Tacky Saks, Schomp Shack Dyes, CoolWick, and Funk Eye Media.
Murphy’s recent performance at the Independence Day Clash X is a testament to his skill, determination, and the support system he has behind him. His victory serves as a reminder that success in disc golf, as in any sport, is a combination of talent, hard work, and a strong support system.
Nid Ovathanasin: The Unstoppable Warrior
In the disc golf world, Nid Ovathanasin’s name is a crescendo, a rising volume that demands attention. Ovathanasin recently participated in the Sun King/Millennium Discs present Independence Day Clash X, a B-Tier Pro/Am tournament held in Brooksville, Florida from July 8 to July 9, 2023. The event saw a total of 107 players competing for a pro purse of $1,876.
In the Women’s Pro Open division, Ovathanasin emerged victorious, outperforming six other competitors. Her performance at the tournament was nothing short of exceptional, as she navigated the course with precision and skill, even under challenging weather conditions.
In her own words, Ovathanasin recounts her experience at the tournament:
“Played a birdie or die course this past weekend for the Independence Day Clash X through both the rain AND the lovely Florida 100+ degree heat. 🌧️🥵 I shot the hot round of all red pad players on Saturday through the rain, and maintained the lead on Sunday to secure the win! Played with some awesome ladies and had a great time. 💕”
Her victory at the Independence Day Clash X is a testament to her resilience and determination, as she persevered through the rain and intense heat to secure her win. Her performance also speaks to her adaptability, as she was able to adjust her strategy and playstyle to accommodate the challenging weather conditions.
Ovathanasin also expressed her gratitude to Sun King Discs for not cancelling the tournament despite some roadblocks along the way, and she expressed her hope to return to the tournament next year.
With her recent victory at the Independence Day Clash X, Ovathanasin continues to solidify her place in the professional disc golf scene. Her upcoming events include the 2023 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships Presented by L.L.Bean in August, the 2023 United States Women’s Disc Golf Championships in September, and the 2023 Gulf Coast Tour Challenge Presented by Dynamic Discs – Stop 5 (Maximo Park) in October.
As Nid continues to carve her path in the professional disc golf scene, her journey is not just about personal victories. It’s about breaking barriers, inspiring others, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport, showing that with hard work and dedication, one can rise to the top. As she looks forward to her upcoming tournaments, the disc golf community eagerly awaits her next move, confident that she will continue to bring her best game and make her mark in the sport. With her trajectory, it’s clear that Nid Ovathanasin is not just a player to watch, but a force to be reckoned with in the world of disc golf.
Jessica Weese: The Athlete in Love
In the world of disc golf, where the focus is often on scores, tournaments, and professional achievements, it’s easy to forget that the players are individuals with personal lives that intertwine with their careers. Jessica Weese, PDGA #50656, recently reminded us of this in a beautiful and heartwarming way.
Known for her exceptional skills on the disc golf course, Jessica found herself in the limelight for a different, yet equally significant reason. As she was preparing for the PCS Open in the picturesque landscapes of Norway, her life took a romantic turn. Her partner, the legendary professional disc golfer Garrett Gurthie, chose this moment to propose to her.
This personal milestone, set against the backdrop of their shared passion for disc golf, serves as a poignant reminder that our lives are composed of more than just our professional pursuits. It’s about the personal journeys we undertake, the relationships we build, and the love we share with those closest to us.
Jessica’s engagement to Garrett is not just a celebration of their love, but also a testament to the harmony they’ve found in balancing their personal lives with their professional careers. It’s a beautiful duet in the symphony of life, where personal milestones resonate as deeply, if not more, as professional achievements.
This moment serves as a reminder to us all that while the spotlight often shines on the victories and accolades, it’s these personal moments, shared with loved ones, that truly enrich our journey. As we cheer for Jessica and Garrett on the disc golf course, we also celebrate their love and the beautiful journey they’ve embarked on together.
Curtis Aimino: The Tenacious Competitor
Curtis Aimino, a promising talent in the world of bowling, recently participated in a high-stakes tournament where he showcased his skills and determination. Despite not making it to the finals, his performance was a testament to his potential to rise in the ranks of the sport. Aimino’s performance was a rollercoaster ride, a symphony of highs and lows, but his determination and positive attitude, the rhythm that drives him forward, paints a promising picture of his future in the sport.
Aimino’s score after eight games was 1420, with an average of 177.5 per game. While this was not enough to qualify him for the finals, it was a testament to his skills and potential in the sport. His performance was particularly impressive given the high level of competition at the tournament, which included national winners like Carlos Granados, Dick Allen, and Christian Azcona.
One of the highlights of the tournament for Aimino was the opportunity to share the lanes with these accomplished bowlers. He particularly mentioned Dick Allen, a national PBA player with multiple TV titles and appearances. “Super nice guy too, he had my girlfriend sign his bowling pin,” Aimino added, sharing a light-hearted moment from the event.
Despite the outcome, Aimino remains positive and determined to improve his game. “Back to the basics for practice and spare shooting,” he said, indicating his plans to refine his skills and strategies. His experience in the tournament has provided him with valuable insights and lessons that he plans to apply in his future games.
Kevin Kiefer III: The Disc Golf Maestro
Kevin Kiefer III, a professional disc golfer hailing from Valrico, Florida, has been making waves in the disc golf community with his recent performance at the 41st Kansas City Wide Open. The tournament, sponsored by Dynamic Discs and part of the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) Silver Series, saw Kiefer III secure a solo 5th place, marking his best tournament to date.
Kiefer III’s performance at the Kansas City Wide Open was nothing short of impressive. With an average rating of 1044 and a top 5 finish at a Silver Series event, he has proven his mettle among the best in the sport. His last round was particularly noteworthy, with an unofficially rated 1062 round that included 12 birdies and only a single bogey.
“My last round felt amazing. Everything came together for an unofficially rated 1062 rated round. 12 birdies and 1 bogey. My driving and putting was at an all-time high and I can’t wait to continue this great play!” Kiefer III shared enthusiastically. His performance earned him a prize of $1,800, further solidifying his place among the top competitors.
Kiefer III, a member of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) since 2017, has been steadily climbing the ranks in the disc golf world. With a current PDGA rating of 1017, he has participated in 21 tournaments in the 2023 season alone, earning a total of $10,837 in prize money. His career earnings stand at a commendable $34,304 as of July 2023.
His recent performance at the Kansas City Wide Open follows a series of strong showings in other tournaments. Earlier in the year, he placed second at the Estero Open VIII and third at the Team Figgins Open 3.0. He also secured a 14th place finish at the DGPT Silver Zoo Town Open and a 17th place finish at the DGPT The Preserve Championship.
With his recent success, Kiefer III is looking forward to continuing his upward trajectory in the sport. His driving and putting skills, which he describes as being at an “all-time high,” will undoubtedly serve him well in future tournaments.
As he continues to compete and hone his skills, the disc golf community will undoubtedly be watching Kevin Kiefer III’s career with great interest. His passion for the sport, combined with his impressive skills and recent successes, make him a player to watch in the coming years.
Tony Mo Reiss: The Disc Golf Champion’s Resilience
Tony Mo Reiss, a professional disc golfer hailing from Springboro, Ohio, recently showcased an impressive display of resilience and determination in the Nati Big 3 tournament. Despite facing physical challenges, Reiss managed to secure a top-five finish, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport and his competitive spirit.
The Nati Big 3 tournament, was a three-day event that tested the mettle of its participants. Reiss overcame a slow start and physical discomfort to finish in a tie for 5th place.
On the first day of the tournament at Mount Airy, Reiss started off with a bogey on the first hole and had a slow front nine. However, he managed to improve his performance on the back nine, finishing 6 down and securing 9th place.
The second day at Lincoln Ridge presented a new set of challenges. Reiss woke up with a stiff neck, causing him significant discomfort. Despite this, he powered through the pain, securing a tie for 7th place after a storm delay.
The final day at Idlewild saw Reiss playing well, going 3 down through 6. Despite missing several opportunities for birdies from inside the circle, he managed to finish 6 down, tying for 5th place.
Reiss’s performance at the Nati Big 3 was not without its challenges. He suffered from a stiff neck throughout the tournament, which at times caused him severe pain. In his own words, Reiss described the experience: “I woke up to a stiff neck… the one where you can’t turn without shooting pain but I got it loosen enough to be able to play thru it… I was considering DNF but I powered thru it.”
Despite the physical challenges, Reiss remains optimistic about his future in disc golf. He acknowledges that the Nati Big 3 was his worst-rated disc golf week in over a year, but he also recognizes the positives from the experience.
“First and foremost, I finished and in the top 5 while played 2 rounds in less than 70% health … I threw the disc pretty well backhand at least because forehands were painful … my putts were on online just didn’t have any power to get there or too much power no control and last I cashed making it 30 events in a row to keep it going!” Reiss said.
Reiss managed to secure a top-five finish, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the sport and his competitive spirit. As he looks ahead to future tournaments, Reiss continues to prioritize his health and well-being, ensuring that he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Elite Team Tacky Saks is not merely a collection of skilled athletes in their respective sports; but they are also composers of their own symphonies, where each note embodies the very essence of their being. Continuing to compete and win, they are not just making a name for themselves in their sport, but they’re also inspiring other aspiring athletes with their narratives of overcoming obstacles, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the bond that unites them. Serving as a beacon to all who are passionate about the sport. As they continue to etch their legacy, one thing remains clear: the Tacky Saks Elite FEEL THE DIFFERENCE, motivating others to follow in their footsteps.
