Well, here we are. Officially at the 6 month mark. 2009 figures to be a very important year for The Memorial and the future. We have some slots to fill because of an untimely wedding and because of the reluctance of a certain thunderous competitor to commit to making the cross-country flight. - Filling out an appropriate roster of worthy competitors who will give their all
- Finding a new cabin site. Penn Scenic View was a perfect backdrop. However, their constant criticism and unjust fines of our usage of the Red Oak Chalet. Plus Dave Cobb's influence runs deep with this group and that spitefulness has permeated my psyche from living with Jigs for 4 years now.
- Consideration of a few rule changes and event alterations (more to come below)
Lots of decisions and not that much time. So, if anybody has any suggestions, ideas or nominations, please feel free to post them and we can discuss this in an open forum. Anybody who will be in Greensburg over Thanksgiving or Christmas will be welcome to contribute to a roundtable discussion (that may or may not take place as we say we'll have it every year but never wind up doing it). __________________________________________________________________
I'd also like to take this opportunity to recognize 2-time defending champion Kevin Bowler. His efforts and commitment to The Memorial have not gone unnoticed - as he has taken home quite a bit of hardware. But now, Bowler has a title to go with his trophies. During the summer months, myself and The Beekeeper decided to bestow a great honor upon Ol' Mr. 300: he has been named Master of Ceremonies for Friday night. He will be responsible for planning the drinking festivities for the pre-competition drinking. Early indications include beer pong and flip cup. But I'm sure Bowler has a lot of good ideas bouncing around that brain of his.
Keep in mind that Bowler was a write-in competitor that was given the opportunity to shine. Once he got that opportunity, he has run (and chugged) with it EXTREMELY well. Do not hold any preconceived notions that so-called "GBG/Pgh Outsiders" are a bad thing. We are keeping a completely open mind for 2009 and will consider anybody. Bowler is perfect evidence of what could happen if you give a young, impressionable lad - with the thirst to learn, lead and excel - a chance. ________________________________________________________________
Below are a number of rule changes that I think is worthy of at least some consideration and debate:
- Addition of a solo chugging event. An individual Beer Beer Chug that is not team oriented. It would provide a team the ability to double up on points and showcase their chugging abilities - much like the Shuttle Run, Log/Tire Toss and Eliminator do for speed/strength events
- Incorporate some drinking in the Tug-O-War event. Because the event is so grueling and can run long, we were thinking that it might benefit us to keep morale up and spirits high with some added drinking. I have an idea of how to do this, but am open to other ideas obviously
- Eliminate the Egg Toss? Is this event necessary? It just seems like a useless event to me that wastes time. But I know a lot of yinz like it a lot. I'm just throwing it out there that we could eliminate it.
- Move from a 4-Beer Beer Chug to a Six-Beer Beer Chug for the final event?
Any other ideas for an improved 2009? ______________________________________________________________
All in all 2009 is a big, big year for The Memorial. I'd like to think that we are all getting very good and have learned what it takes to be a strong competitor. Think about your friends. Consider them for each event and try to decide who would be best. We absolutely must try to avoid any potential disaster invites as it really does ruin a lot of stuff.
Let's hear some suggestions. And for all of you veterans who are counting down the days until Peezy reaches into that sweet cup, I have a message for yinz:
See you at Thanksgiving! Planning begins...
