The Ultimate Toss Tour

 Ready to toss like a pro? Join us for the Ultimate Toss Tour, powered by the American Cornhole League (ACL), on Friday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. at Warrior Zone! 
Compete, learn, and face off against cornhole professionals. Plus, unlock insider tips and tricks straight from ACL legends. Register in person at Warrior Zone and get ready to elevate your game!

Open to DoD ID cardholders 18 and older.

Pro Cornhole Player Dean Norton Brings Skill, Heart and Community Spirit to JBLM

Joint Base Lewis-McChord is welcoming professional cornhole player Dean Norton and other pro players as special guests for The Ultimate Toss Tour Cornhole Tournament — an opportunity for service members and families to learn from standout athletes who bring not only elite-level experience, but a deeply personal connection to the military community. Norton is a Gold Star Family member, and his passion for both the sport and the people who serve shapes everything he brings to the boards.

Participants can expect hands-on instruction from ACL Pros, who will guide newcomers and seasoned players alike through scoring, bag-throwing basics, shot types and strategy. “People can expect to have a fun time learning the game of cornhole,” Norton said. “It’s a chance to understand the fundamentals while just enjoying the experience.”

For those who have never played, cornhole’s accessibility is a major draw. Norton — who grew up playing baseball — turned to the sport when he could no longer compete on the diamond. “I wanted to get that competitiveness back in my life, which is why I got into cornhole,” he said.

His number-one tip for beginners: “Focus on finishing with the palm of your throwing hand up and toward the hole.” It’s a simple adjustment, he explained, but one that instantly improves accuracy.

Since becoming an ACL Pro in 2021, Norton has witnessed the sport’s rapid rise across the country. “The game has grown substantially year after year,” he said. “The most exciting part is seeing new throwers at tournaments and getting to meet people who are discovering cornhole for the first time.”

Bringing that growth to JBLM carries powerful meaning for him. Norton’s brother served in the U.S. military and lost his life in service. “My brother lost his life doing what he loved, which was serving his country,” he said. “I have a very soft spot in my heart for all the men and women and their families who sacrifice so much every day. Without every single one of them, I wouldn’t be able to travel the country playing this game.”

Norton hopes the event offers more than skill-building. He hopes it feels like connection. “Cornhole brings everyone together,” he said. “The military does the same thing — bringing people together and treating everyone like family.”

Although he’s attended military events before, this is his first time participating as a featured guest and instructor. He sees the sport as a unique outlet for service members looking to unwind. “No matter your skill level, you can play and still have a good time,” he said. “It’s a great way to step back from everyday responsibilities and share laughs with people you may or may not know.”

Norton’s own path to professional play started at a backyard barbecue at his parents’ house. “We played for hours and had an absolute blast, but I wasn’t very good,” he admitted. Determined to improve, he bought regulation boards and bags, practiced daily and even took a full week off work to play 12 hours a day. “It kind of took off from there,” he said. By 2021, he had earned his ACL Pro status — which he has maintained every year since.

His proudest professional moment came as part of the California Slingers when they won the 2024 ACL Pro Teams World Championship. Still, he notes that many people are surprised to learn most pros aren’t full-time athletes. “We’re regular people with full-time careers or jobs outside of cornhole,” Norton said.

Teaching, however, is what brings him some of his biggest smiles. He recalls working with a former colleague who struggled so much at first “he hit the ceiling more than he hit the board.” That same beginner now plays — and succeeds — in the open division. “Seeing someone get more comfortable and confident is the best part,” Norton said.

For Norton, representing both the American Cornhole League and Gold Star Families means carrying community with him wherever he goes — and he’s looking forward to sharing that sense of belonging with the JBLM community.

For anyone on the fence about attending the event, Norton’s message is simple: “Come out and meet new people and learn cornhole. It’s a lot of fun no matter your age or skill level. At cornhole events, you will always meet someone who is willing to show you a thing or two.”

With Norton’s expertise and heartfelt connection to the military, and the expertise of his fellow pro players, the event promises not only a chance to learn professional skills, but a welcoming space where community, fun and friendly competition take center stage.