Buttons Padin wins 2023 Scuttleball

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
Sixty-four teams sought the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s basketball title, and 45 players entered their predictions in the Scuttleball Pool where sailors go to ball. What began on March 16 ended on April 3 with University of Connecticut winning their fifth March Madness title. Congrats to Huskie Nation!

There was no shortage of upsets, with most brackets imploding amid first-round wins by 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson over 1-seed Purdue and 15-seed Princeton knocking off 2-seed Arizona. But as most ballers picked #1 Houston to go all the way, their defeat in the Sweet 16 at the hands of #5 Miami had consequences.

Whether it was with heart or head, we applaud the top three in 2023 Scuttleball who all had the Huskies cutting down the nets:

1. Buttons Padin
2. Chris Field
3. John Dodge

As is tradition, Scuttleball recognizes the competitor who finishes DFL. This was Brian Flynn who unwisely thought Charleston would beat San Diego State University, with his top picks of Arizona and Houston failing to make the Finals. We hope this public humiliation is sufficiently offset by a free lifetime subscription to Scuttlebutt Sailing News. You’re welcome!

While I come to grips with my mid-fleet finish (22nd), there are no losers in Scuttleball as all the funds from entry fees went to support the EWE Spirit Foundation which honors the legacy of Geoff Ewenson and helps those facing immediate hardship bridge financial and social support gaps. If you would like to contribute, click here.

You can also support the cause by participating in the 2023 EWE Spirit Cup on May 20 in Annapolis, MD. This fun pursuit-style race is open to any sailing vessel, with over $18,000 raised last year. For details, click here.