Some call it cornhole, others call it throwing bags. No matter the jargon, it’s a game that is growing in popularity across the country.

Missouri state students Carter Otwell and Evan Bergmann compete in the game nationwide.

The duo recently reached the National College Cornhole Championship.

“We went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for New Years,” Bergmann said. “It was a multi-day cornhole event with singles, doubles and a team cornhole event. Carter and I were the only ones who could depart from the state of Missouri, so we competed in the singles and doubles. In singles, Carter almost hit the ESPN broadcast, he was one game away. In doubles, we did the ESPN 2 broadcast and we made it to the top eight teams. “

Cornhole, Otwell and Bergmann said, requires more strategy besides just throwing a sack in a hole.

Both said they found their passion and talent for the game through the Springfield Cornhole League.

“Me and Evan thought it would be cool to get there, but we never really dreamed, I think, when we got there, that we would be in the last eight teams,” Otwell said. “A lot of these guys play a lot more. It’s a lot more popular in the South than here, but we’re starting to grow in Missouri.

Otwell and Bergmann said they usually play against each other, but have joined forces to compete for the national championship.

The pair lost in the quarterfinals but said the experience was worth it.

They encourage anyone interested in the game to join the Springfield Cornhole League. All ages and skills are welcome to play. For more information, click here.