So, some of my readers may ask – Where has Wegs been all summer? Well, the simple answer is at the Beach!! For those that know me well, you know that I am a very competitive person. I have played almost every sport known to man, and in most cases, I try to play at a very high level. Well, over the past 2 years with the pandemic, I have been lucky enough to meet a very fun and talented group of people on the beaches of Chicagoland.
I’ve been playing beach volleyball for about 12 years now. Like most people who start to play moving from indoor, beach volleyball is a real struggle. However, over time, we all get better and better enough to play real 2 on 2 beach volleyball. So, instead of wasting time and money on the golf course, I’ve poured my heart, sweat and tanned skin into the beach 3 to 4 days a week.
One of the guys in the group has been incredible (Shout out to Erv!) in organizing ever growing tournaments (Quest for the Chicago Mini Cup) on the beaches of the north side of Chicago. In the June tournament, which was 80 people strong, I believe, I was just terrible. However, even in defeat, I was able to have a great time drinking my new favorite summer drink – Topo Chico hard seltzers (mixed in with a few other cocktails). Erv even let me announce the championship games live for the crowd on the mike. His next tournament (Quest for the Mini Cup III) on 8/21 is supposed to be epic with 160+ participants. God bless him for figuring that out.
Background on the Battle
Back to the story now, at the Quest for the Chicago Mini Cup II, two of my favorite competitors, Luke and Jane brought a mascot to the beach that day. That mascot was Kevin, the friendly, blow up T-Rex (pictured here).
Kevin was the talk of the tournament. Everyone took photos with Kevin in his Magnum PI Hawaiian shirt and lei. Luke and Jane are very proud and protective of Kevin who somehow made it to the beach in their compact car…..
Anyway, in true Wegs fashion, I kept up with the party even after the beach tournament. We went to Michael’s Pizza on Broadway to recount the fun of the long day and have some pizza and cocktails. As often happens at these post-volleyball events, there is some friendly, competitive banter. In this case, a young, stellar server, Kali, was seated next to me, Luke and Jane. Kali threw out a challenge that Kali and Jane could take down the likes of Luke and I in a game.
Now, mind you, I had an awful tournament. We all were probably a little buzzed and very competitive, so what happened next is the stuff of lore.
The Negotiation
Luke, being the competitor and antagonist that he is, offered a $5 wager on said hypothetical game.
Jane, being an attorney and master negotiator, countered with a $50 wager……
I had to up the stakes to a real level. Sure, I’m always in for a good time, but if we are going to make this official, then let’s make it count. I offered that if Luke and I were to prove victorious, then we would win the $50 and I would get possession of Kevin for 1 week!!
Jane was shocked and appalled at the suggestion, but when I said I would take Kevin on several outings taking photos of each adventure, she softened and Kali and Jane accepted the terms of the game.
Now, in subsequent negotiations, the game turned into a best of 3 match for all to see. Also, Luke who was both dumbfounded and crestfallen with the news of potentially losing Kevin for a week despite being the victor, can attend all potential outings.
Battle Details
The date has been set. The name of the event is The Battle for Kevin’s Love (which seemed apt). The arrangements are made for this Saturday, August 14th at 9 AM on Foster Beach (5200 N. Lake Shore Drive). Please feel free to attend, if able. I will do my best to record and/or livestream the event on social media. We will have the grill going and also perhaps a libation or two both during and post-game.
There is some discussion of special rules by the teams to be implemented, but those details have yet to be released.
Since such negotiations, the attached Short-Term Lease Agreement has been drafted and will be executed if Luke and I are lucky enough to return enough of Kali and Jane’s serves for points on Saturday.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, I can confidently say that there is no better cure for the Pandemic Blues than beach volleyball with not just my fellow Kevin Battle match players, but the entire greater Chicago volleyballer community. Thank you all for the last 2 summers with more great games and tournaments ahead.
Let’s do this!
Wegs