First Annual Paul Codispodi Memorial Cornhole Tournament Concludes Successfully

KINGSPORT, Tennessee (WJHL — The Model City organized an extensive cornhole competition on Sunday aimed at supporting a meaningful purpose.

The initial Paul Codispodi Memorial Cornhole competition took place at Flangan Brothers Bierworks as a tribute to an individual they regarded as part of their family, Paul Codispodi, who passed away due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in January 2024.

The event generated support for the ALS Foundation. ALS, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an advancing neurologic condition that progressively leads to the breakdown and death of nerve cells, resulting in muscle degeneration. Consequently, people diagnosed with ALS develop paralysis, although their cognitive abilities stay unaffected. This illness is invariably deadly, and at present, there is no available treatment.

Mike Flanagan, the proprietor of Flannagan Brothers Bierworks, along with Betsy, Paul's spouse, facilitated the tournament.

Approximately two years ago, around a year and a half ago, we created a beer for Paul in support of the ALS Foundation, and raised a significant amount of funds," Flanagan said to News Channel 11. "We wanted to find another approach to truly give back in a way that was somewhat different from simply brewing a beer, allowing those who don't consume beer to get involved.

The pub was a common meeting place for Paul and his jogging team. Paul and his running crew often met at the brewery. The local brewpub was a familiar hangout for Paul and his exercise group. Paul frequently visited the brewery with his running companions. It was customary for Paul and his running friends to gather at the brewery.

Paul was an avid runner. After being diagnosed with ALS, he lost the ability to run," said Betsy Codispoti. "His running group bought him a racing chair, and they wheeled him in competitions as well as during his regular runs each week. He'd start at Bays Mountain Brewery and head over to Flanagan's.

A $25 entry fee was required for pairs to join the competition. Eleven groups registered, among them the Italian Stallions.

“Paul was the Italian Stallion "And it was one of those moments where he said, 'If I'm going down, I'm going down like Rocky,' and he left, and since then it's been all about Italian Stallions," said Betsy Codispoti.

Flanagan mentioned that he and Betsy Codispoti plan to hold this event annually.

I don't want to lose another friend; she can't afford to lose another one," Flanagan stated. "Therefore, our objective is to assist in raising sufficient funds so they can achieve this, and they're progressing well.

Betsy Codispoti reported that Sunday's cornhole competition generated $1,000.

If you wish to contribute to the ALS Foundation, please click here .

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