Francis claims record 16th title in dramatic fashion

CEDAR RAPIDS - Looks like the editors of the Guinness Book of World Records will have some extra work.

The well-known book of achievements and wonders was set to include horseshoe pitcher Alan Francis in the 2011 edition for winning 15 world championships. Well, stop the presses, because Francis has already added to that record total.

Francis swept his matches during the final day of the 2010 National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World tournament on Saturday, claiming his 16th men's open division title at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

Francis topped Brian Simmons, of Bristol, Vt., in two straight matches, including 40-12 victory in a playoff for the title. His eighth straight world crown was earned differently than the rest.

“I think it's the first time I've ever had to force a playoff then win a playoff to win a title,” said Francis, whose only loss came at the hands of NHPA and Pro Bowling Association Hall of Famer Walter Ray Williams Jr. on Friday. “It's very satisfying (and) gratifying.”

You would think after doing something 16 times it would be run-of-the-mill, but this one had a new element. Francis has entered a final match with titles already locked up, but this time he had to overcome his toughest foe to force an extra game.

“Not when it happens like this it doesn't get old. This type of fashion. Dramatic style, really,” Francis said. “He's pitched me so tough, the last couple years especially, that if you don't throw at least 90 percent you're going to get beat. That was my attitude from the beginning.

Francis, who dominated his first four opponents winning by almost an average of 35 points, threw 44 ringers in pitches to Simmons' 35 in the decisive game. Simmons, the world champion in 2000 and 2002, finished runner-up for the second straight year.

In their first match, the duo combined for 144 pitches that lasted about 90 minutes. Francis jumped to an early lead only to see Simmons rebound with some key throws to take a 20-15 advantage. Francis scored nine straight points, extending his lead to 30-20o at one point and forced the playoff match with a 42-29 win.

Francis, who completed championship competition with a 19-1 record, 827 points and shot 740 ringers at a total 87.47 percent, was an unlikely underdog. At least that's how he viewed it, entering that first game.

“I felt like the pressure was more on him to maintain his one-game lead,” Francis said. “He didn't pitch like there was pressure. I just happened to luckily out-pitch him that first game.”

As he stood on the concrete floor of the ice arena's NHL rink, he was joined by wife, Amy, who also pitched in the tournament, and 6-year-old son Alex. He received a giant hug from his son, who Francis made time to take to Ellis Park for some family pitching earlier this week.

“Being a dad is more important than being world champion by far,” Francis said. “He's a treasure to have and I'm thankful for him. I just like spending time with him.”

Not to be outdone, Joan Elmore captured her second straight world title and her fourth overall. Elmore posted an 18-1 record in championship competition. She will be toting another trophy home to Mount Juliet, Tenn., but she didn't consider celebrating until it was over.

“It's very exciting,” Elmore said. “The competition is so tough that there's no guarantee, so it's exciting to win.”

Elmore's repeat performance started slow, but as the tournament progressed Elmore dialed in. She led all pitchers in championship play with a ringer percentage of 79.50.

“The first three days of qualifying I was off my mark a little bit,” Elmore said. “Starting the first day of championship I kind of found my shoe.”

Elmore received some help from a familiar face. Maxine Griffith knocked off runner-up Canadian Sylvianne Moisan, who finished 17-2, in the final round to help Elmore clinch the title. Elmore began pitching after seeing an article on Griffith and twin sister, Marlene Ray, and is good friends with them. Griffith and Ray placed fifth and seventh, respectively.

Despite giving Elmore her only blemish of the championship rounds, Griffith received a hug from the champ after play completed, Elmore laughed while saying she congratulated and thanked her afterward.

“Her winning the last game kept me from going into a playoff,” Elmore said. “I was very happy with that.”