Saturday, December 29, 2007

The Great Hufford (Huff)


Craig Hufford is without a doubt the best foot bagger who has ever lived. He was hired by the founder of the Hacky Sack founder John Stalberger to travel around southern CA, as a "foot bag ambassador". Hufford not only introduced the game to young adults and children, he also showed the world that Hacky Sack was a legitimate sport. Hufford was at his best when he had his wingman Jerry Cunningham. The two were an unstoppable force at over the net Hacky and their chemistry could only be rivaled by such greats as Joe Montana and Jerry Rice or Michael J and Scotty P.

Although Hacky Sack is the trademarked name of a type of footbag, the name "Hacky sack" came from the inventors of the footbag, John Stalberger and Mike Marshall. Although Marshall suffered a fatal heart attack in 1975, Stalberger continued the business. At a later date, Stalberger sold the title to Wham-O™ The name Hacky Sack has become a generalized trademark, and can refer to either the footbag or a footbag game.

Many have accused Stalberger of being a sell out, but Hufford has always remained loyal to the man who gave him his break to become a Hacky Sack Hall of famer.

Hufford also explains to most people that the idea of the game is similar to traditional Asian games of kicking the shuttlecock, known as Jiazini and Chapteh. Hufford says that while he was in Southeast Asia he was able to meet the children of history's truly great baggers.

No comments: