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1999 HWCI NCAA Pool Update
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Thursday, March 4, 1999 http://www.HWCI.com/ncaa
Issue # 0.0.0
1999 HWCI NCAA TOURNAMENT POOL
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The Chosen Ones,
The time is upon us once again. I'm sure you've all seen the Nike
commercials, March Madness is here. Nothing compares to the spirit
and drama of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. It starts out
with 64 teams fighting for their schools, and after two days, half
of them are headed home. Each game is do or die: lose, and your
season's over; win, and you take one more step towards the brass
ring. Eventually it gets down to 4 teams, each with it's own story,
it's own winning streak, each having beaten the best of the best to
get to that point. Not compelling enough for you? Then join the
5th Annual HWCI NCAA Tournament Pool and have a rooting interest in
every game! Each year since 1995 we've increased our number of
entries. Last year we had 28 entries, with first place winning $150.
All this information can be found on our web page at
http://www.hwci.com/ncaa. Here are the basics:
-the entry fee is still $10
-all entry fee money goes back out as prize money
-standing updates are sent out via email and posted on the web page
There are a couple changes noted below (recruiting incentives and web
based entry). Detailed rules and procedures can also be found below.
If you're worried about the fee, don't. If you've received this letter,
I know you're good for the money, so don't stress about getting the
entry to me in time. The tournament seedings are announced Sunday
afternoon, and then the entries can start rolling in. Let me know if
you have any questions.
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WHAT'S NEW?
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1. Recruiting incentives
For every 5 entrants you recruit into the pool, you will receive
one free entry. Remember, statistically, having 2 entries instead of one
doubles your chances of winning. There is a limit of 3 paid entries per
person, but there is no limit to the free entries gained through recruiting.
For example, if you recruit in 20 people, you can have anywhere from
4 (free) to 7 (4 free, 3 paid) entries (and if you still don't win any prize
money, then you must really suck).
2. Web entry
This year you will be able to submit entries through our web site.
This means that instead of having to endure the cumbersome act of typing out
your entries, or manually filling out newspaper xeroxes, you can enter with
a few clicks of the mouse. The entry form will be available at
http://www.hwci.com/ncaa Sunday night.
HOW TO ENTER
1. Get thee a copy of the NCAA Men's Tournament Bracket. The most
convenient place to get one would be the sports section of your local
newspaper. You can also get the brackets at various sports related web
sites. If you are planning to enter online via the web site (available
Sunday night, March 7th), skip to step 6 below.
2. Fill out the brackets completely using all the college
basketball wisdom you can conjure up.
3. Make a prediction for the total combined score for the
championship game. For instance, if you think the final score will be
82-76, your prediction would be 158.
4. Create a nickname for yourself. This is important, because if
you don't give us one, we'll make one up for you. Historically, these
assigned nicknames have not been flattering.
5. Send all that precious information this-away before the first
game on Thursday, March 11. Obviously, the fastest way to get the info
here is by e-mail ([email protected] and [email protected]). However, you can
also send it via snail mail, so long as it is post marked by March 11th.
Those going the e-mail route will have to manually type in all
your picks. The most efficient way of completing this tedious task is
to send in your picks as follows:
- First and Last Name:
- Nickname:
- Email/Phone #:
- Final game total score:
- NCAA Champion:
- Runner-up:
- Final Four losers (round 5):
- Round 4 losers (4 teams):
- Round 3 losers (8 teams):
- Round 2 losers (16 teams):
Those going the snail mail route can send the info to me at:
David Feng
14127 El Mirador St.
La Mirada, CA 90638
6. And finally, you must send your entry fee of $10 to me at the
address immediately above. Are we trustworthy enough to trust us with
your credit card numbers? Yes! Are we technologically sophisticated
enough to offer that option? No! Hence checks are the preferable means
of payment. All entry fees must be paid by Thursday, March 18. Remember,
if you have any questions, address them to [email protected] or to
[email protected].
THE RULES
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-Who's eligible to join the pool?
Anyone and everyone (members of participating NCAA programs might
want to consider carefully, though ;-)).
-What are the requirements?
The only requirements are that the $10 entry fee is paid before the
round of 16 games have begun, and that the pertinent entry information
is received before the start of the tournament. The pertinent entry
information would include:
- Real name
- Preferred nickname (I am the Mighty Mobelfakta, so that name's
taken already).
- Email address or phone number
- Prediction for the total combined score of the championship game
(for tie breaking purposes).
- Predicted winners of all 63 tournament games.
-How are the points scored?
2 points for each 1st round win
3 points for each 2nd round win
4 points for each 3rd round win
6 points for each 4th round win
8 points for each 5th round win
12 points for correctly picking the NCAA Champion
There is no weighting for "upsets".
-How is the prize money distributed?
Last year with 28 entries, there was a first, second, third, and
fourth place prize. The $280.00 pot was split as follows: 1st-$150.00,
2nd-$70.00, 3rd-$40.00, and 4th-$20.00. This year the money will be
split with roughly the same proportions going to the winners.
-What if there's a tie?
The participant whose prediction comes closest (higher or lower)
for the final combined score of the championship game will win the
tie-breaker. If there is STILL a tie, the money will be split. For
instance, if there is a tie for first place, the winners will split
the combined prize money for first and second place. FYI, in four years
of running this pool, there has only been one tie for prize money.
-Can I enter more than once?
You certainly can. Statistically, your chances of winning would
double. However, so far of the four people (eight entries) who have
tried their luck with two entries, none have taken home any prize money.
Go figure.
That's it for now. Remember to check in at http://www.hwci.com/ncaa
after Sunday night.
That is all,
David Feng ([email protected]) and Scott M Tamashiro ([email protected]) -
Pool Administrators
©
1995-1999 HWCI Productions