A widely played game during a backyard barbecue, graduation parties, and more, cornhole has taken the next big step in the sports spotlight: ESPN deals, a national league, and competitions with big payouts.

Seniors Michael Dodson, Zach Dodson, Ben Moore, and Devin Burall were lucky enough to participate in at the national level and win money prizes.

The Dodson brothers took home two national champion titles. Zach Dodson won the 2021 National High School Cornhole Singles Champion. Zach and Michael Dodson then competed in the doubles championship, becoming the 2021 National High School Cornhole Doubles Champions. Michael Dodson also got fifth place in the high school singles championship. Their combined winnings total out to be $6,200.

In addition, Moore and Burall got fifth place in the doubles championship, and, as a team, they were ranked third as a national high school team.

All together the four took home, $7,500.

“My brother and I both got arm injuries from playing baseball. We weren’t allowed to do any overhand throwing motions but underhand was allowed. One day we saw cornhole on TV and decided that we wanted to give it a try,” said Michael Dodson. 

From there they played cornhole whenever and wherever they possibly could, often playing with his friends for fun and competitively.

This year, The American Cornhole League (ACL) held their first National High School Cornhole Championship (NHSCC). High school students from all across the nation headed to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The championship was held over three days, December 30, 2021 – January 1, 2022.  By the end of the first major tournament, the organization awarded $25,000 in prize money.

“We had been playing for over a year and started to get really good. We were throwing consistent 4 baggers. When we went to local tournaments, we were doing really well and beating pro players. We saw there was going to be a high school national cornhole event, so we wanted to give it a try,” said Zach Dodson.

Michael, Zach, Ben, and Devin to travel to Myrtle Beach for their first true test in competitive cornhole. Participating in the singles, doubles, and team events to achieve the national titles.

“We got a lot of love from everyone. The Frederick News Post and another news station interviewed us to learn more about our cornhole journey. My family was all very happy,sending us congratulation texts and calls. Our friends and teachers at school were all fired up for us winning,” said Michael Dodson.

Their parents were most excited. “I have watched them play sports their whole lives, but I’ve never been as nervous as I was watching their games at a National Championship! It was so exciting! I am so proud of how well they handled the pressure and supported each other throughout the whole tournament,” said Mr. and Mrs. Dodson.

The American Cornhole League, is the newer of the two major cornhole organizations in the nation. The American Cornhole League features local, regional, conference, and national events. The most recent addition is ACL High School. This program was created for high school students who want to compete recreationally, socially, or competitively in qualifier events. Participants can earn a spot in the ACL National High School Cornhole Championship and compete to win thousands of dollars to be used to develop cornhole programs within their schools and districts.

Michael and Zach do plan to continue playing cornhole into their future. They will continue to sign up for tournaments and put in the work to become ACL pro players.