Adam "Thorn" Smith interviews Erik McVay
"THORN: I've traveled all over Earth looking for SEWAnauts-that's what I call them--dart lovers from different lands. But, when I decided to include the United States, I thought one player deserved first dibs on representing America, and here he is. Please introduce yourself!
ERIK: Erik K. McVay, founder of SEWA-Darts.com (smiling) Who did you think I am? (laughing)
T: It's great to see you again Erik, or should I say Commandant? Well, for those out there that don't know. Where do you live-in other words, where is SEWA headquartered?
E: Richland Washington, USA.That's the dry part of Washington - not the rainy one! I've been here since meeting my wife Darci in 2002 and well, what can I say? She's awesome and this is a neat place to live. I've lived all over though and been all over and quite honestly the best place in the world is the Pacific Northwest!
T: (pumping fist) Woot woot! I couldn't agree more. Which makes me think. You know, because of darts and especially SEWA, you and I practically know each other like old friends-despite only meeting face to face, what, three times? The 37th Oregon Open, Bob Anderson's Exhibition in Portland and this interview. So when your not running SEWA, organizing tournaments, conducting charity fundraisers, or answering all of my annoying private messages (grinning), what do you do-you must have a job that actually pays you, right?
E: I'm am an independent contractor for a telecommunication company. I work from home, which is very nice, and it gives me time to keep SEWA running.
T: Right on. Ok, metaphor time: If Erik McVay was a computer, SEWA was your monitor and work was your keyboard, what would we find in the memory of your hard drive?
E: (smiling proudly) I'm a marine, a veteran, a soldier, a sergeant, was raised in Canada, where I learned to play darts, and love the USA! I bleed red, white and blue! Due to travels and SEWA I've met a lot of great people and I suppose the most amazing thing (other then having two great kids and getting married to Darci) was getting to spend a week with Bob Anderson to include a nice weekend of barbecuing and fishing! For a dart player that has to be tops!
T: I didn't know you grew up in Canada! Is that why SEWA ends in 'A' (snickering, slapping knee). Ok, enough joking around. What are your dart skills like? You know that being the site founder a lot of us consider it an honor to compare ourselves to you, because we all assume you're pretty good!
E: I used to be good! (laughing) When I could practice and play a lot, but today I'm probably just a tick above average. I'd like to get it back, but that would require practice which I don't have much time for these days.
T: But you have played a long time-you must have some stand out achievements don't you?
E: Probably my best memory was taking second to Bob Savacool in the FMFLant Men's Singles 501 tournament in 1989 after losing the first round! I fought my way back through nine or ten opponents and took the first set off Bob but then lost the last set 2-1 to be the runner up. It was just awesome. And, to this day I can't help but smile about it. (smiling) My best achievement though would have to be making it up to 76th in the American Darts Organization (ADO) in 2005 when I made the most points in the Northwest. I had help of course.like David Foster not competing much and Rainman (Kevin Luke) getting sick, but I still made it!
T: I saw those guys at the Oregon Open, where we first met. I've told you this before, but one of my favorite memories was seeing you put your arm around your son that weekend, and give him some father-to-son advice on darts. Speaking of, what are your proudest moments beyond darts?
E: Graduating Marine Corps boot camp, making Sergeant in the Army, marrying Darci, my daughter and sons births of course, successfully organizing a great singles league, driving my Mini Cooper across the USA for a women's charity and so much more!
T: So, what's the dart scene like in your neck of the woods?
E: You know it of course! The Northwest has some awesome shooters and great tournaments and there are several leagues for steel tip players in the region.
T: Sounds like a great place to find some good competition-not to mention great beers! (laughing) Ok, last question. How about "Darts 101" in fifty words or less?
E: Point often and always. Hit your outs because it's points for show, doubles for dough, and take a deep breath, it's a game, competition makes it better but always be a good sport and wish your opponents well as you crush them! Cheers. (smiling, winking)
THORN: Good stuff! Thanks for making SEWA Erik-obviously, I think it's great, and I know thousands of others do too. Let's go throw a few quick games before my flight leaves!
ERIK: (smiling)
