From the Editor
As we near the end of another riveting NASP season, it's time to reflect on what will be the defining story of this season. Is it “The Bishop” Al Harris' continued brilliance at the toe line? Greg Doyle's return to form after a mid-season knee injury? Of course not.

Tony Patterson's continued dominance and his epic run at a fifth NASP National Championship will be the story the staredown world will be talking about a decade from now. Birmingham and Austin provided the perfect venues for Patterson to signal to the staredown world that he's fully focused on a five-peat.

But Doyle and Harris will surely not take it lying down. They are fierce competitors who will no doubt provide more of a challenge to Patterson than what he faced in the '03 season. And yet Patterson is even better than ever before. “If it ain't broke don't fix it,” some have said. Patterson scoffs at this notion, and has improved his legendary move each and every season. This season's twist is an intimidating and controversial chin thrust he's added to the mix.

I am encouraged by the increasing numbers of fans turning out to watch this season's tournaments. While we are all inspired by the successes of our favorite athletes at the toe line, the NASP would be nothing without its loyal fans. You, my friends, are the real champions.

Sincerely,
Mark Chipwood
Staredown Analyst/NASP Quarterly Editor-In-Chief

Wedding Announcement: Berkin-Cormier
Susie Berkin and Staredown athlete Stuart Cormier are engaged to be married next summer in the bride's hometown of Oklahoma City, OK. We wish these members of the NASP family the best as they begin their life together.

Staredown Hoedown a Success!
The Staredown Hoedown held September 10 in Houston was a huge success with more than 50 straredown enthusiasts turning out in their best country western outfits for a grand ole party. Refreshments were served, the music was booming, and plenty of barbecue was enjoyed.
Thanks for Bob Henderson for planning this fiesta. Our hats are off to you partner!

The Smart Money (For entertainment purposes only)
Odds of winning The Sioux City Stare-a-thon
Greg Doyle - 3 to 1
Marty "Pupils" McAllister - 5 to 1
Carlos Hernandez - 22 to 1
Bobby "Big Man" Evans - 75 to 1

The Anonymous Fan

Hi it's me again, the anonymous fan. I'm the man who drove 8 hours to catch my favorite sport in action. I'm a mom who drives her son to his friend's house to play Staredown in the backyard. I'm the football player who dreams of joining the NASP tour. I'm the bank teller who lives for the weekends, when me and my friends can pile in my truck and head on down to the Staredown tournament. I'm an Aztec princess. I'm a serf from the Dark Ages. I'm five years old going on 80.

I love Staredown's simplicity yet appreciate its complexity. I believe it's an easy sport to pickup, and yet the most difficult to master. I cheer when I see the underdog pull off a victory. I boo when I see the integrity of this grand game tarnished.

You think you don't know me, but you do. I'm that guy with the sign cheering for my favorite athlete. I'm the girlfriend cheering my man on to victory. I'm selling NASP merchandise to pay for my Staredown trips. I give out free hotdogs to my fellow fans. I offer rides to other fans when they lack transportation. I'm a rookie with a dream. I'm a veteran with a legacy. I'm in love. Her name is Staredown.

I am the anonymous fan.

-Anonymous Fan