by Deb Cleere |
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Mike Marshall (posthumous) - The co-founder of the original Hacky Sack® footbag, Mike is considered to be the first footbag freestyler. Tragically, Mike died at the age of 28 in 1975. His free spirit and positive attitude were an inspiration because, when Mike "hacked the sack", everyone wanted to play along.
John Stalberger - Co-founder of the Hacky Sack® along with Mike Marshall, Johnny is a mover and a shaker in the development of footbag games. Retiring from formal competition in 1981, John concluded his singles footbag net career undefeated and set the first official singles consecutive record in 1978 with a rally of 1,518 kicks. Currently, John is president of Pastime Sports, makers of the adidas® footbag.
Lori Jean Conover - One of the first women to break the gender barrier in footbag, Lori Jean started kicking with Mike and Johnny in the early '70s. She was a force throughout her competitive career in the late '70s and early '80s. Lori Jean dominated in 1983 by taking the "triple crown"¬winning singles, doubles with Cheryl Hughes, and mixed doubles with Bruce Guettich. Her sizzling serve and powerful back kick set the standard for her time. Lori Jean is still active in the sport, promoting the popular Beaver Open, the sport's longest running event.
Ted Huff - Defining the term "pioneer", Ted distinguished himself through his tireless efforts promoting, organizing, and demonstrating the sport of footbag, hauling that bratty kid, Kenny Shults, to demo after demo. Ted's most illustrious competitive accomplishment still stands: he is reigning Alaskan State Doubles Footbag Net Champion! (Any challengers?) Ted's commitment to footbag continues¬he is the vice president of marketing for Pastime Sports, distributor of the new line of adidas footbags.and was a volunteer for the 1997 World Footbag Championships.
Garwin Bruce - Garwin Bruce established himself as one of the top players in the late '70s and early '80s. He also made his mark as one of the finest coaches the game has ever known. Garwin toured through western United States in the early '80s, demonstrating and promoting the sport. His administrative accomplishments include service as Vice President of the National Hacky Sack Association, and his repeated commitment as a staff-member of the U.S. Open Championships in Portland.
Gary Gamon - Gary is living proof that not all promotional activity originated in the United States' Pacific Northwest. This man was instrumental in popularizing footbag in the state of Texas. Pushing Kenny Shults to three games in the Soc Sac Championships is just one of the highlights of Gary's competitive career that spanned from 1978 to 1992. Gary's work in bringing footbag to areas of the country far removed from the mainstream of footbag events, and his dedication in organizing tournaments and festivals, mark him as a true pioneer.
Dave Hill - Dave is a player who may have amassed more first-, second-, and third-place trophies combined than any other player during the late '70s and early '80s. Dave's involvement in footbag ran the gamut from demos to handling shipping and receiving for the original Hacky Sack® Company. Dave was and is an asset to the sport.
Ed Robertson - Ed was introduced to the sport in 1974 by John Stalberger. He was one third of the first Hacky Sack® touring team (including Fischetti and Cunningham), which hit the road in 1978. In short, he was there when it all began. Back when many of the present players were still in diapers, Ed was one of the few ever to play with Mike Marshall.
William Fischetti - Another pioneer from the first Hacky Sack® touring team, William found out that blazing trails is never easy. He did it, however, with class and style, and was among the best players in his time. He still enjoys a good kick, and loves to reminisce about the place he fills in the history of the footbag sport.
Jerry Cunningham - Completing the line-up of the first Hacky Sack® touring team, Jerry Cunningham excelled at the sport and developed his skills at a record pace. He and his doubles partner, Craig Hufford, won numerous net titles, distinguishing him as a leader and a model player.
Craig Hufford - Craig grew up in the Portland area, kicking a footbag as a youngster. He and Jerry Cunningham dominated doubles net in every tournament they entered. His dedication and love of the sport shone through in his performances as a touring team member.
Mark Hill - One of the first to master the use of both feet equally, Mark was always willing to go the extra mile. His love of footbag was and is contagious. Mark was instrumental in training many of his fellow inductees in the early touring-team days.
Walt Mason - The poster child for the "Footbag Fever" T-shirt logo, Walt Mason achieved All-American status as a college baseball player. This athletic prowess stood him in good stead in his career in footbag. Walt was a familiar face in the finals of footbag tournaments, and has duly earned his place in the Footbag Hall of Fame.
Jack Schoolcraft - Jack is the "Father of Competitive Freestyle", and rightfully so. An unmistakable grace, strength and beauty define his style of play. To his credit are many freestyle moves that are popular today. Perhaps the only person to perform a backflip during a routine, this many-time champion has indebted himself to the sport for his ground-breaking involvement and innovative spirit.
Billy Hayne - Think "back kick" and you think of Billy Hayne. An All-American athlete in college with a 93-mile-per-hour fastball, Billy discovered footbag and, after that, things were never the same again! Billy teamed with Mag Hughes to form the formidable "H" factor, and together they toured for the National School Assemblies Agency. Billy's court demeanor and high ethical style set a standard that is unprecedented.
Greg Cortopassi - Greg's contributions to footbag could fill a book. Co-founder of the WFA, he was instrumental in motivating, inspiring and driving the sport of footbag to new heights. The sport would not be where it is today without his commitment and passion. As a footbag competitor, Greg won the 1982 World Footbag Team Freestyle title with playing partner and WFA co-founder, Bruce Guettich, before retiring from competition in 1992. Greg has toured around the globe, teaching and promoting footbag to the masses. There is no doubt that his impact on footbag will last forever.
Scott "Mag" Hughes - With his endless credentials, no one would dispute that Mag is one of the most popular players to ever kick a footbag. Mag joined the ranks of pro touring in 1977, and has never let up since! He soared to the top of the heap in footbag net, and from 1981 through 1994 reigned as a champion in either singles or doubles. Retiring from major competition in 1995, Mag continues to promote footbag through his company W.E. C.A.R.E. Alternative Sports. He kicks on a daily basis. n
