That Buzz You Hear!

That's right, folks! I know there's been a buzz among The Memorial competitors this weekend. And that buzzing hit an all time high Sunday night! After months of soul searching and time spent pondering life in the solitude of the Las Vegas desert, our very own Beekeeper has decided to end the drama and suspense that comes with his job and has committed to the 2010 Memorial! He hasn't stopped smiling since the news became official!

The Beekeeper has never been one to lack enthusiasm when it comes to The Memorial. He has always been the first guy in and last guy out when the planning comes around. So, his absence this year was perplexing and troublesome. I figured there was only one reason for it: he couldn't make it so he didn't want to hear about it.

Much to my delight, I received a text yesterday around noon that read "It's time for me to realize what's important in life!!!" No less than 24 hours later, I received the following email:

I apologize for my lack of effort and enthusiasm for the Memorial so far this year. I have been scared to death that I was not gonna be able to make it, so I guess I have been ignoring it. This morning, I was hungover, put on my '09 Memorial shirt because I had no clean black shirts to wear under my work shirt. Something must have clicked after I saw myself in the mirror with this sweet, sweet shirt on because I decided right then and there that this aggression will not stand! I booked my flight, for 10 days no less!!!!! So i have to get off of work, whether they like it or not...
I just walked the check to the mailbox! My guess is that you won't get it until Thursday or Friday, but it is OFFICIAL!!! Post it! Blog it! Tell your friends! The Beekeeper is out of hibernation and swarming for a great partner!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,
Bee

He's ready to roll! This will round out our field of competitors (it appears). We were disappointed to learn of The King's injury and inability to physically perform at this year's events. But we welcome him with open arms to attend and contribute in any ways that he can. But, back to the matter at hand, there is no greater substitute than The Beekeeper! A Memorial without Greg, is like a honeycomb with no honey. He has been at the forefront of The Memorial since it's inception and I think it's safe to say that without Greg's enthusiasm, energy, commitment and passion for the events that this great weekend would not exist as it does. He is a visionary who lobbied hard for the Shuttle Run, now a Memorial staple and an event that really sets the tone for the entire day!

He is a fan favorite and somebody who is always a threat to win any of the chugging events. He is a 4-year veteran and has been involved since those early nights on Grace Street in Wrigleyville back in 2005 when we'd chug along with Dan White and Jonny Love with pedestrian times of 32 seconds. Oh how far we've come!! It truly is an honor and a thrill to welcome back to the fold Greg "The Beekeeper" Plundo!!

For those keeping score at home, we officially have 12 committed competitors:

Bowler, Beard, SweaTy, Rhino, Jigs, Nacho Joe, Biz, Rattsfield, Thunder Dahar, Grant, myself and Beekeeper. Peezy will be reffing of course and King will be his assistant/fluffer (hat tip to Rhino)

One final huge name is missing: Rick Douglas. I am not optimistic, but you are more than welcome and we'll find room and go to 14 if and when he commits!