Morgan Miskell Wins Spring 2008 Hickory Poker Showdown

After over five hours of poker, a pair of Tens secured the last hand of the night and
the Grand Champion’s trophy for Morgan Miskell.  Starting with a Nine and a Ten
against Tom Fannin’s Jack-Nine, Mr. Miskell improved his hand on the flop and
held his advantage to win the tournament.  They were the last of twenty-six
participants who played No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em in a charity fundraiser for

Junior Achievement and Rotary International.

Both finalists were familiar with the tournament’s championship table.  Mr. Fannin also
finished second in the Fall 2007 tournament, and Mr. Miskell finished second in Fall 2005. 

Also returning to the final table were Patrick Joyner, who finished sixth in Spring 2007
and seventh in Fall 2007; Nick Landry, who finished second in Fall 2006 and third in

Spring 2007; and Aaron Swisher, who finished fifth in Spring 2007.

The final table consisted of:

Morgan Miskell – Grand Champion

Tom Fannin – Runner-Up

Patrick Joyner – Third Place

Tom Fisher – Fourth Place

Nick Landry – Fifth Place

Cayce Dixon – Sixth Place

Aaron Swisher – Seventh Place

After winning the tournament, Mr. Miskell was awarded the Grand Champion’s trophy. 
In compliance with North Carolina’s gaming laws, the tournament awards no cash or
prizes of value – only trophies and bragging rights.  Mr. Miskell’s trophy will have
company:  his wife Andrea is the tournament’s only two-time champion.

Also winning were students in Catawba County.  Players in the tournament contributed
over $2500 to support Catawba County Junior Achievement and Rotary International
scholarships.  In addition to the poker tournament, a silent auction of sports, movie and
celebrity memorabilia conducted by Sports and More 2 raised over $300 for the charities.