Shuffleboard lost a great human being. I give you but one example of the contributions of the McDonalds. Austin and Winnie McDonald; Two Great Shufflers, Two Great Supporters!! Each year many of us look forward to the CD "Top 8 Masters"! The concept of the District Masters was conceived by Bill Smith, Tournament Director for the Central District. Although conceived in 1987, it was first played in Woodall's Mobile Home Park in 1988; the following year 1989 in Georgetown Mobile Home Park, both in Lakeland, FL. The sponsor for those first two years was none other than Austin & Winnie McDonald. Not only did the McDonald's demonstrate their generous support in "88 and 89", they again sponsored the Pro Masters in 2005 and 2006! Austin won the District Masters 3 Times. He became a member of the OSA HOF in 1995; the FL State HOF in 2000; the CD HOF in 2005; and the CNSA HOF in 2007. During Austin's Shuffling Careen he earned 1st place in the Central District FL Amateur Champion in 1983 & 1984!! He won the U.S. International Pro Classic "World" Championship Doubles in 1988 while partnering with Russ Dehart!! He won U.S. National Closed Singles at Lakeside OH 1988!! He won FSA State Doubles with partner Clyde Mills 1990!! He qualified for FL State Masters 3 years. He won FL Central District Pro Masters in 1996 and 1997!! He won the Canadian National Expert Singles 3 times!! He won the Canadian National Expert Doubles 3 times!! Austin represented Canada 7 times on the Canadian ISA team!! AUSTIN and WINNIE were inducted into the CD HOF by 1st VP Larry Brown in 2005. Max Tate was the District President. Information for this article taken from the archives of The Shuffler. The Cues of Winnie and Austin were placed in the CD HOF to ensure McDonalds significant contribution received the respect justified. Stan McCormack, FSA Historian.
