Defending Cornhole League Champion Visits Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Lori Dool’s cornhole journey began like most backyard players.

“We started playing in the backyard or at Buffalo Bills games, you know, all those tailgates,” she told 2 On Your Side. “It just took off.”

That’s how the Lockport native found herself competing regularly on national television as a professional in the American Cornhole League, often wearing a Bills cap to competitions.

“That was my biggest goal on my whiteboard, it was just the road to ESPN,” she said. “That’s all I wanted to do, was just make television. Now here we are and we’re competing with the best of the best and we’re winning.”

Dool and her partner recently won first place in women’s doubles at the ACL National Championships in Milwaukee.

“It’s so amazing to be in this dynamic because I’ve had a normal career. I worked in public education for 16 years, so it’s been a pretty crazy career change, but a lot of fun at the same time.”

As a die-hard Bills fan, one of the highlights of her cornhole career was playing with Dion Dawkins, with whom she shared some fun celebrations.

“I’ve been able to play with him twice and he has the best celebrations,” she said. “Any time I can give him a big high five, I think that’s probably the best celebration. It’s kind of funny because he’s 6’4” and I’m obviously a lot shorter than that.”

Lori is based in Florida, but she will be at Wings in Orchard Park on Saturday to host a tournament to raise money for local causes, including the Boys and Girls Club.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, a lot of family and a lot of community, and I’m really looking forward to being back, even if it’s just for a few days,” Dool said.

There is still time to register your team on the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce website.