4th Annual Labor Day Invitational (Grand Ledge, MI)
The annual Olds Labor Day Weekend Monkeyball Tourney (or whatever we call it each year) was once again a great success. A field of 15 Monkeyballers — some veterans, some newbies — came to play and eat (and purchase delicious lemonade from the kids’ lemonade stand)…and yes, end the summer with some beverage drinking as well!
Lots of newcomers to the MB world this year…including the Sullivans (Joy, Jim and their daughter Casey)…also the Stages, Todd and Amy, who didn’t bring much skill, but brought the entertainment in their little dogs, Daisy and Chevito.
Having high expectations for himself after his disappointing finish at the Monkeyball world championships, Tony Olds hoped to bring his “A” game at his home court. But after losing to Jim Shelley, he had a brief comeback in the loser’s bracket, only to lose to Jim a second time. Disappointing, but once again he did bring his A music and A game in terms of drinking.
Another highlight of the afternoon was the interesting game featuring 2 of the neighborhood females, Joy Sullivan and Beverly Kasper. This game seemed to be going on FOREVERand EVER and all of the sudden it was done; we smelled a forfeit, but it was never admitted to.
There were many females who brought lots of game this year, including Dawn Byers, Tina Giller (those Gillers must practice in their back yard secretly!) and the extremely pregnant Maggie Olds, who remained undefeated until Chuck Giller snuck in to take the championship away after she sent him to the loser’s bracket!
This brings up an interesting point…much debate has probably surfaced over the effects of drinking alcoholic beverages on Monkeyball skills. The two finalists were the two sober adults of the bunch. Hmmmm…kinda makes you think. Maggie has had quite a summer, finishing fairly well at the Worlds, and almost taking her first trophy in this tourney. Also makes you wonder what pregnancy does for your Monkeyball game. Well, this will be the last time she tries that theory out…someone else is welcome to try it next! It definitely wasn’t a true “labor” day at the Olds house!
Congrats to Chuck Giller for taking home the MB Labor Day Trophy! It was a great way to close out the summer and enjoy good company of neighbors and friends!
Champion: Chuck Giller
Runner-Up: Maggie Olds
# of Players: 15