Chad Chat

So the boys survived another year, eh?

Well, well, well.  Here we are.  Another year has passed and yet another chance to see if the "over the hill gang" can muster up enough energy to conquer what most 9-year-olds do in their sleep.

This year's rendition of Ye Olde Athletic Cup will take place in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania at the lovely confines of Seven Springs Resort, best known for its skiing.  After August it may be best known for its medical clinic.  Last year's absentee Kevin will rejoin the tribe, having been the second in as many years (Paul was the first) to have missed the coveted event.  Events remain the same, but handicaps for both bowling and golf have really spiced up the pre-competition rumors.  Here's my take on what will happen in the wee days of August...

DEREK "DEFENDER" ROSE (46) - Kevin's absence certainly shivered the timbers of last year's Cup, with Derek taking up most of his slack.  Stormy times lie ahead for "Big D" however, as acute tendonitis in his right elbow will impact his performance in all four events.  His recent "insane" ACUP bowling performances will come to an abrupt halt.

PREDICTION: Perhaps an event trophy, but there will be no joy in Mount Airy this year...

PAUL "THE GIMP" SETZER (47) - Last year's runner-up has been plagued by various ailments over the past year, including some wicked job-related paper cuts.  My ACUP snitches claim his bowling game looks solid, but he's not been very active with "the sticks" which will pose a challenge.  He's typically been solid in both tennis and hoops.

PREDICTION:  A wise coach once said, "You play like you practice."  If Paul dedicates some practice time, he could challenge.  If he doesn't, he'll be drowning his sorrows with Derek.

TOM "CLUBHOUSE" LEAHY (43) - I swear, "Junior" lives on the golf course.  If he doesn't do better this year than last, he can eat my shor... er, hat.  He's lowered his golf handicap recently, and it's rumored he spends regular time on the lanes.  He'll still need some improvement in hoops and/or tennis to put him over the top.

PREDICTION:  I wouldn't bet against this guy this year.

KEVIN "KASSANOVA" WAGNER (44) - If Kevin would spend as much time on his ACUP events as he has teasing the ladies of State College with his personality and good looks, he'd probably be a lock, but...  After his one year layoff, his first and biggest challenge may be merely finding his equipment.  Always a threat in golf and the favorite in tennis, his chances will come down to hoops and his unpredictable bowling game.

PREDICTION:  Could be the only guy to give Tom a battle.  Is he up to it?

2005 ODDS (favored event)

Tom:  3-1  (golf)

Kevin:  4-1 (tennis)

Derek:  5-1 (hoops)

Paul:  5-1 (bowling)