Norman veterans defeat Oklahoma governors at dominoes
Annual tournament gives state leaders opportunity to thank those who served country

BY MICHAEL MCNUTT Comments 3
Published: November 10, 2009

A pair of Norman veterans made quick work in ending the governor’s winning streak at one.

Former state Gov. George Nigh, right, talks with veteran Darrel Dooley, left, of Norman. AP PHOTO

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It took Darrel Dooley and Charles Caton about 30 minutes Monday to win two domino matches to claim victory in the best-of-three-match against the governor.

Earlier in the day, Dooley, 81, and Caton, 82, from the Norman Veterans Center, won the annual veterans domino tournament by beating players from the other veterans centers in the state.

"These guys are serious,” Gov. Brad Henry told his playing partner, former Gov. George Nigh, after Caton took a couple minutes to ponder his move in the second match.

Nigh, who started the annual tournament 30 years ago when he was governor, could tell they were about to be swept.

"Governor, we’re about to be history,” Nigh told Henry, who last year ended a five-year streak of losing to the best domino players from the state’s veterans centers.

Each of the state’s seven veterans centers sends a two-member team around Veterans Day to the state Capitol to compete, with the winning team taking on Nigh and, since 2003, Henry.

"I used to go to the veterans centers and play there,” Nigh said. "But the guys wanted to come to Oklahoma City. ... It’s a great thrill to play with these guys.”

Dooley and Caton won the right to take on Nigh and Henry after several hours of domino play in the governor’s Blue Room.

Dooley and Caton said they both joined the military in 1947. Dooley, from Oklahoma City, served in the Air Force and Caton, from Shawnee, served in the Army.

"Darrel,” Nigh called to Dooley after the match, "Do you mind if the losers have pictures made with you?”

Dooley and Caton obliged and held their domino veterans tournament championship trophy as they stood next to Nigh and Henry.

"This is a great way to celebrate our veterans and in a small way to say thank you to our veterans,” Henry said. "These veterans are wonderful, and they have provided a tremendous service to the citizens of our state and our country.”