Smith and Stewart Lead the Charge at LaFortune Park

LaFortune Park’s new croquet pavilion set the stage for flawless play and friendly competition as Matt Smith swept the field during a perfect Labor Day weekend in Tulsa.

Yoder, RUBY, SMITH and Parsells

Under a postcard sky and mild Oklahoma breezes, the 2025 USCA Midwest 6 Wicket Regional delivered a showcase of precision play and community spirit at the LaFortune Park Croquet Center in Tulsa. From August 28 to September 1, thirty players from across the country converged for four days of competition that felt more like a reunion among friends than a high-stakes regional — though the level of play said otherwise.

This year’s event marked a turning point for the Tulsa Croquet Club. Gone were the tents, tables, and portable restrooms of tournaments past. In their place stood the club’s brand-new LaFortune Croquet Pavilion — a brick-and-mortar home complete with climate control, a kitchenette, and bathrooms. The facility quickly became the social heart of the event, keeping players cool between matches and creating a comfortable home base for players and fans alike.

Smith in Command

Denver’s Matt Smith was nearly flawless throughout the weekend, capping his run with a commanding 26–2 victory over Tulsa’s Kevin McQuigg in the Championship Singles Final. Smith’s crisp shot-making and strategic control made him nearly untouchable. His momentum carried into doubles play, where he teamed up with Art Parsells to capture the Championship Doubles title, defeating Texas duo Britt Ruby and Joe Yoder in a battle that drew applause from every sideline.

Berry and stewart

First Flight Fireworks

In the First Flight division, newcomer Scott Stewart of Louisville continued his breakout season with a 7–5 win over Gene Bryan in the Singles Final. Stewart wasn’t done — he and Steve Berry went on to secure the First Flight Doubles title, topping the Carl Archiniaco/Gene Bryan pairing. It was a strong showing for a field that featured three 4-handicap players competing down a flight, a testament to the depth of regional talent.

Community and Camaraderie

Beyond the scoreboards, the weekend belonged to the croquet community itself. The Tulsa club rolled out its signature hospitality, with thanks owed to a long list of volunteers who made the event seamless. Brian Hovis coordinated with the USCA to keep entry fees low, Matt Smith set wickets, Steve Fisher prepped the lawns, and Joe Steiner handled the on-site logistics that kept matches moving. Tournament Director Matt Baird orchestrated scheduling and reporting, while Barbara Parsells, Ginny Schulte, Lucy Spaulding, Mary Baird, and Karen Hampton kept players fueled with home-style meals and refreshments.

Familiar faces filled the roster — from Oklahoma City’s Scott and Suzanne Spradling and Conner Helms, to Kansas City regulars Greg and Jodi Adams, and Ron and Deborah Millican. The Texas contingent, led by John Brown, Britt Ruby, and Joe Yoder, made the trip north once again, while newcomers like Robert “Scott” Stewart and Bill Maxey added fresh energy to the field.

By the final day, with the sun setting behind the LaFortune Pavilion, the consensus was clear: Tulsa had delivered another picture-perfect weekend — this time with all the comfort and class of a true home court.

Champions at a Glance

Championship Singles: Matt Smith (Denver, CO)
First Flight Singles: Scott Stewart (Louisville, KY)
Championship Doubles: Matt Smith / Art Parsells
First Flight Doubles: Steve Berry / Scott Stewart

Learn more about the Tulsa Croquet Club at www.tulsacroquetclub.org.