Tribal youth earns championship at state cornhole tournament

By Nicole Montesano

Smoke Signals staff writer

Tribal member Bob Haller said he first got interested in cornhole -- a popular lawn game where players toss fabric bean bags at a angled board-- because his dad, Tribal Council member Matt Haller, enjoyed it.

A few years ago, they held a fundraising tournament for the city of Willamina to put on a fireworks display and brought in $2,000.

“They had a really amazing fireworks display that year,” Matt Haller recalled.

The tournament also sparked Bob’s interest in the sport and now, he often beats his dad at the game. This year, the 12^th annual Oregon State Cornhole Championships were held at Spirit Mountain Casino and 13-year-old Bob walked away with a junior league championship, a first place win in tier three singles and notched third place playing doubles with his uncle.

Because the tournament was sponsored by the American Cornhole League, rather than the casino, Matt said, they were able to participate.

Bob said he enjoyed being able to compete close to home so he wasn’t tired out by travel by the time he got to play.

Traveling around the state participating in cornhole tournaments is one of Bob’s joys in life, particularly since he has kidney disease, which often leaves him not feeling well. He is on the waiting list for a new kidney, with friends and family lined up to be evaluated, but that takes time. While he waits, he attends school online and participates in as many tournaments as he can.

He’s known as “Big Bob,” in cornhole circles.

“He’s gonna be a pro and he knows it,” Matt said.

Bob said he enjoys both the game and the friendly atmosphere.

“I like the social activity in it; you get to talk to a lot of people,” he said.

This summer, for his son’s 14^th birthday, Matt is planning a cornhole tournament among Tribal employees, to raise money for the Grand Ronde Food Bank. Bob said he’s looking forward to participating.