From the Editor
Alright, alright, alright spring has sprung and its time to get another season under way. In fact right now as most of you are reading this I'll be in Moline checking out the first qualifier of the year.

I don't really know what to expect out, but I'll be there to figure out how the West was won.

Although I did have a chance to speak with reigning NASP National Champion Tony Patterson earlier this week, and he told me that he is set and ready to go.

Actually his exact words were something along the lines of, “I don't know, you tell me Mark. Whose ready to get slapped. I'm ready to fire this bitch back up. Bring your camera, Tony's back in town.“

But we'll see, because that's why they play the match right.

Hope to see a lot of you out and about at events this season.

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

Staredown Trivia (find the answer the next NASP Quarterly)
Who were the first people to take part in organized Staredown tournaments?

* Andrew Arrington (answer to last issue's trivia question: Which Staredown competitor is on record for staring at himself in the mirror for 19 consecutive minutes?)

A new Staredowner joins the world!
Congratulations to "The Bishop" Al Harris and his lovely wife Tiffany as they've recently become the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy. Al Harris Jr. came into the world February 12, 2005. Both mom and baby are doing fine and all of us at the NASP look forward to seeing junior at the toe line.

Retirements
On a sad note, Alex Macentire, a long time friend and competitor has decided it was time to hang 'em up. Citing a disappointing finish in the 2004 National Championships and a desire to spend more time with his family, Alex has decided to move on.

Alex was a consummate professional and tough competitor. He will be missed, but we wish him the best of luck.

Upcoming Events
The Quad City Clash (Moline, IL) - March 5, 2005
Face-Off Fresno (Fresno, CA) - March 12, 2005
The Birmingham Classic (Birmingham, AL) - April 2, 2005
Stare-Till-You-Drop Austin (Austin, TX) - April 23, 2005
The Portland Regional Classic (Portland, OR) - May 21, 2005
The Greater Milwaukee Open (Milwaukee, WI) - May 28, 2005

The Smart Money (For entertainment purposes only)
Odds of winning Face-Off Fresno
Greg Doyle - 3 to 1
Andrew Arrington - 3 to 1
Jon LeCroy - 5 to 1
Philip Rockhammer - 10 to 1
Stuart Cormier - 100 to 1
Andrew Weston - 500 to 1