In the Jernigan family dominoes, the game has more significance than other games because it has been the family tradition for more than four years.
The family is a part of every year the Rotary club’s annual World Championship Domino Tournament at the Kiwanis Community Center each year.
“My family was part of the industry community of Georgiana located just 35 minutes from Andalusia and dominoes were the most popular pastime of my family. We learned about the event and my parents decided to enter me into it when I was nine years old in 1981. Jenna Jernigan, my sister Coker began playing in 1984, when she was nine years old.” T.J. Jernigan said. “Our girls competing and winning at this event is a family tradition” Jodie Jernigan added.
The Jernigan family has placed or won more than 50 times during the WCDT. T.J. competed seven times in the youth and teen division, and finished third for the adults doubles section. He also finished third in a round-robin competition. The cousin Jennifer Coker participated four times with a second place finish in the adult round-robin division. He was the father. James Jernigan won a round-robin tournament for adults. The wife Jodie Jernigan came in second in the adult division of a round-robin event. The cousin Chase Smith competed four times in the teen and child divisions, and also placed in a round-robin event. The couple’s nephew and niece 20-year-old twins, Charleston as well as Virginia Coker, have competed and won over the course of several years. Charleston was crowned the winner of adults’ at a round-robin event.
T.J. and Jodie’s daughters, Emma Cate and Maggie Jernigan have followed the footsteps of their parents.
“It has been a great time to not just compete but also making new friends as well as meeting up with old friends who we have met during previous tournaments, and learning valuable lessons in sportsmanship. One of the greatest experiences for me and my husband is watching our daughters exhibit kindness and patience when they instruct the younger children to play. Sometimes, this means telling their adversaries how important it is to speak up for their arguments. The majority of people will remain still and let the opponent fail to make their point. The rule is that you have to call your points so that they can be recorded. Our daughters have discovered that although winning is good, displaying integrity, character, and kindness is more important,” Jodie said.
T.J. stated the domino game is like an annual family gathering.
“We gather for two days every time to enjoy dominoes and laugh and catch up on the lives of everyone else, and have fun. It’s an honor to be able to participate in a tournament. It is a chance to test your skill and luck against competitors from all over the world.”
The highlight of this year was when both his daughters were crowned world championship in doubles contest.
“One daughter of mine was successful in the children’s division and the other one won in her teens. This year was Maggie’s third time winning the championship. It was also Emma Cate, my 17-year old daughter’s first year of winning the title. I was thrilled to see Emma Cate because it was her first championship and she has only two more years left in the teen division,” he said.
T.J. feels dominoes is an enjoyable activity for everyone within his household.
“It is a wonderful game because it’s something everyone in the family can participate in. In family gatherings the dining table is a domino-only area and not for people for eating and sitting. Dominoes are a lot of fun but also challenging and fiercely competitive. It can also help with mathematics and statistics.”
Family members have already arranged to participate in the tournament next year. They also encourage others to compete.
“Every July my family and I travel to Andalusia to participate in the World Championship Domino Tournament. I am a huge fan of dominoes since it’s something that I’ve been playing since I was around four years old. Being a winner will make my family proud and this is what’s most significant for myself,” Emma Cate said.
The chance to play dominoes with family members is a blessing.
“I do not remember how I learned to play, but I do remember playing. I played with my grandparents, parents as well as my sister and my neighbors. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find families with whom to compete against and play with because less people play nowadays,” T.J. said.
The story No one knows about it Jernigans participate in domino family tradition for over 40 years appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
