Shoot the Rapids Feb 16-18 2007

The final event of the evening is the Mixed Pairs Chicago format. This year my partner is newly inducted Hall of Famer, Lori Burgett. She is an amazingly talented player and all around fun person. Despite both of us hailing from Michigan we had never shot a team event together. Our approaches and personalities on the oche couldnt be more different but any anxiety about chemistry was quickly dispatched as we began play.

Lori's play was superb and it had to be against Ed Debenke and June Bug in a heated first round encounter. Ed and June are definately among the best mixed teams in the country. and it was a harsh test of our team resolve early. But on the strength of Lori's scoring and my... well Lori's finishing skills we advanced.

I did manage to help my partner out in the next few rounds and we eventually found ourselves in the quarter-finals. Steve Brown stepped up to meet us and this time his partner is my very own mother. Luckily for me Mom was off her game this match and we squeked past.

Eventually, Lori and I managed to outlast the field including a the tough husband/wife team of Greg and Ruth Hall in the finals. As Lori massaged her back I quickly took advantage of her momentary delirium to set up more tournaments with her. All and all it was a great night and I look forward to shooting with her again in the future.