The 2010 EMC Classic-One For The Ages!

There was not a lot of giddy anticipation leading up to this years 2010 edition of the EMC Classic...The regular field of 6 to 8 participants had dwindled to 4 due to several athlete's personal obligations...The 5 kilometre run was canceled due to event Chairman Ed's and Scott's physical limitations...Glen C. was a last minute cancelation...Quebec Chairman Norm was four hours late and could not be reached by phone...And Honourary Chairman Lee M.,our trusty mentor and inspirational leader was not present for the first time in the three year history of the event. Things were looking quite bleak for this year's EMC,indeed...There was even talk that this may be the LAST year for the event...Until something miraculous happened...The collective few involved realized what this week-end is about...F-in Pabst Blue Ribbon and wine!...We had to uphold the tradition of the EMC Classic and carry on for the future...Vice Chairman Dan,Ed,Norm and Quebec Vice Chairman Scott did not disappoint!

Here are but a few of this year's event highlights:
-The event opening ceremonies started with the traditional handing over of the EMC trophy (by the "Keeper Of The EMC", Scott) to Chairman Ed...And the transfer of the beer cooler, symbolizing good will between Quebec and Ontario, to Vice Chairman Dan.
-Norm had not arrived as yet...And could not be reached by phone; Ed becoming ever frustrated.
-Opening ceremonies continue with Ed being handed a king can of Pabst Blue Ribbon as a gesture of our appreciation for organizing the event.
-Ed calls Norm again, leaves a message and starts to bash Norm for being a potential no show.
-Dan and Scott continue to enjoy more...and more...and more Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.
-Ed continues to bad mouth Norm for not calling and even speculates that he went to an outdoor concert.
-Two and a half hours pass...Still no word from Norm...And after 12 Pabst Blue Ribbons and some wine...We forget that Norm has not arrived yet...And that we have to play golf in 45 minutes!
-Norm, shockingly, arrives a half hour before our 3:47 p.m. tee off time...Dan and Scott proclaim there was never a doubt on his arrival...Ed admits he thought Norm had let him down.
-3:47 p.m., the 2010 EMC Classic officially starts with Team Wine, Ed and Norm; against Team Beer, Dan and Scott!
-In a best ball format, Team Beer gets off to a four hole lead in the first four holes.
-Team Wine slowly fights back with ties and wins on the next several holes...Norm surprises everyone with his grit and concentration...Scott continues to falter with his inconsistent play.
-On the 18th hole, par4, Team Wine and Team Beer are tied and it's down to the wire...There is no tomorrow for either team.
-Norm makes a decent drive just off the fairway, 200 or so yards...Scott finally participates with a 250 yard drive right down the center of the fairway.
-Norm and Ed make acceptable 2nd shots, in play but well short of the green...Scott duffs his 2nd shot...25 yards up the middle...Dan, ever the optimist, tells me not to worry, he'll make up for it...Dan's 2nd shot goes to the right...deep in the woods.
-Team Wine, 3rd shot, Norm makes the clutch shot of the day...on the green, 12 yards past the hole...Dan and Scott, feeling the pressure, make a decent 3rd shot but short of the green...Team Wine is in control.
-Team Wine 2 putt with a respectable 6...Team Beer, their morale shot, could not pull off the miracle and lose on the final hole to the Team Wine upstarts!!!
-A shocked Dan, ever the voice of reason, said it best..."In sports, you never give up and...never know what can happen"...Sage words, my friend.
-Ed and Norm, classy as always, congratulated Team Beer for a match well played...The disappointment and upset would last for hours with Team Beer...Losing was never an option.
-Then Team Beer got back to Ed's and had some wine...And Pabst Blue Ribbon!
-Suddenly, losing wasn't so bad...Heck, 2nd place is pretty good!
-Dinner was a masterpiece...Chef Ed concocted a guacamole dip that was prize winning...Sous chef Dan was solid on the grill, firing up one of the best burgers I ever had.
-Norm complimented Ed on a wholesome dinner and appreciated a home cooked meal.
-All said, a perfect meal concluding a perfect day with great friends!

WHAT WE LEARNED
-Dan's desert island songs are "Changes" by Yes!?!...And "Clocks" by Coldplay.
-Scott's is "The Last Resort" by The Eagles.
-Norm...Anything by Styx.
-Ed chose "Karma Chameleon" by Culture Club.
-Rickey Henderson is hilarious's and articulates.
-Ed has to think of others while choosing music for the after party...Johnny Cash's "Hurt" played 5 times!?!
-Norm has VERY healthy bowels.
-You always get screwed when you order waffles at a pub for breakfast.
-Always be direct with a waitress when asking for ketchup or getting a refill of coffee.
-Funniest moment: When Norm asked the Canada Tour Guide if she likes seamen!?!
-An emotional Chairman Ed declared the 2010 EMC Classic "The best EMC Classic,ever."

What The Future Holds
After breakfast on Sunday, the executive board of the EMC took a long, thoughtful walk through the grounds of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa...Planning the future for the EMC Classic. Like the Canadian forefathers before, these dreamers and visionaries were laying the groundwork for growth and expansion. A Quebec event was talked about and possible additions of events...Even steroid testing was discussed.

In conclusion, this year's EMC was about quality not quantity...Certainly ONE FOR THE AGES!...Great friends getting together,reuniting and bonding...And hoisting a few F-in Pabst Blue Ribbons!