Graham McNerney and Robert Philips Win 2017 Southern Invitational

By Jimbo Galloway
January 28, 2017
Winston-Salem, NC

In its sixteenth year, the Southern Invitational had its largest, strongest and deepest 32 team draw ever!  A full day of paddle resulted in Graham McNerney (Atlanta) & Robert Phillips (Charlotte) being crowned champions. Graham, having won the Peachtree in Atlanta the previous week with partner Randy Lofgren, is on quite a roll in Region VII.  Many local paddle enthusiasts were on hand throughout the day soaking up the display of quality paddle and local craft suds from Foothills Brewery.  The Carolina Blue sky day ended at the home of Jimbo & Camille Galloway, who hosted along with many of the local participants the famed Champion's Paddle Party.  An (shall remain nameless) Atlanta guest reportedly said "What happens at the Champion's Paddle Party stays at the CPP!"  I won't report that one champion from Atlanta said, "The Southern Invitational continues to be the best tournament in the South!"  Oops, I guess I just did report it.  Sorry Peter, but I didn't say it, I report it as I hear it!  This is not fake news.  Happy Paddling!

Results:
Main Draw: Graham McNerney/Robert Philips def. Nathan Crick/Eric Miller 6-2, 6-1
Quarterfinal Reprieve: Marcel Lima/Joe Perdue def. Blake Gayle/Peyton Lawson 7-6, 6-4
Reprieve: Ted Irvin/Jim Walsh def. Adrian Alday/Todd Agney
Consolation: KC Kadow/Peter Lauer def. Rich Brown/Jeremy Connor 6-0, 6-4