Players in the 17th annual Greensburg Rotary Club Euchre Tournament battled through some very tight rounds in the day-long event Saturday at the Knights of St. John Hall in Greensburg. In the end, Joe Taylor was crowned the champion of the 2018 tournament and has been awarded the top prize of $1,000.
The euchre tournament has been a southeastern Indiana staple of the Greensburg Rotary Club, who uses the proceeds to benefit Decatur County Special Olympics and its Olympians by providing charter bus transportation to the Special Olympics State Games in Terre Haute. All local Special Olympians ride in the comfort and convenience of the chartered bus so they can arrive safely and rested from the trip, ready to compete in the games.
The euchre tournament saw 97 players participate in the event this year, down slightly from last year. “We do appreciate the players coming from all over for this event,” Greensburg Rotarian and Euchre Tournament Chairperson Jennifer Sturges said. “For the most part, there were very few issues and players seemed to get along very well. They played at a steady pace and the day moved rather quickly. Of course we had a lot of help from our Greensburg Rotarians who showed up in force for the event, assisting with whatever was necessary.”
The official results show that Joe Taylor was the champion, while Shirley Dowell came in second and won $500; Doris Andre was third capturing $250; James Feaster came in fourth and won $150, while James Koors came in fifth garnering $100. In the consolation round, Greg Baker won $100. Other winners included Scott Davis who won $50 for most lones in the morning session and Joe Taylor and Bill Eldridge who won $25 each for most lones in the afternoon session. Taylor and Eldridge agreed to split their winnings of $50 for $25 each.
The trophy presentation was made by Greensburg Rotary Club President Mandy Lohrum.
“Not only is this event successful thanks to those who play, many who are repeat players from throughout the years, but also to our many sponsors who generously contribute to our event and causes,” Sturges said. Major sponsors for the 2018 tournament include Hilliard Lyons, Decatur County Memorial Hospital, Robub Farms, LLC, Arbor Grove Village, and David and Mary Miers.
“There were many other levels of sponsorship as well and we thank all who contributed in any manner,” Sturges said. “Seeing the faces of the Special Olympians from Decatur County as they get on that bus and knowing that they have comfortable and safe transportation makes all this effort worth it. Greensburg Rotary Club can’t do what we do without the help of our players and supporters.”
