Adams, Bill R.

Mr. Bill Adams, also known as Tornado, born 1930 and of Wichita, Kansas, was an employee of ACBL, the American Contract Bridge League. He is presently retired. His bridge career was primarily that of a distinguished national tournament director.

As reported in the Bulletin for the 40th Spring North American Bridge Championships held in Dallas, Texas, for Sunday, March 9, 1997, Volume 40, Number 3, the article of the official retirement is presented below:

 

Computer Maven Bill Adams
To Retire on April 1, 1997

Bill Adams, head of the ACBL's computer division, will retire on April 1 after 27 years of service. He plans to move back to Wichita, Kansas - and I may even take up bridge again.

Bill Adams began directing in 1963 while he was a buyer in Boeing's purchasing department in Wichita. Even back in those days he didn't like getting up early. Once in a while he made the supreme effort and went forth to do battle in the morning game. Those were great times.

He became a salaried national director in 1970 and worked out of Phoenix. Three years later he made Wichita his home base again. By this time his matchpointing speed had become so fast that he was nicknamed Tornado - or was that because he was based in Kansas? Only the Wizard knows.

In 1985 he came to Memphis to be the tournament coordinator, and two years later he was put in charge of the new computer division. His infectious humor and witticisms lightened even the most serious management meetings.

The camaraderie with his fellow tournament directors is the dearest memory Bill Adams will take back to Wichita. The accomplishment of which he is proudest is his selection of a nickname for National Tournament Director Johnny Wiser, now retired. From now on you're Sadderbut, Adams told Wiser. And Wiser to this day is known to directors as Sadderbut Wiser.

Watch out, Wichita! A Tornado is on the way!

 

 

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