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Economy size elk ... |
Two of the more seasoned competitors. |
grand strategy on a titanic scale
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The waters were rough that evening my friends. The 2006 Elchfest
tournament flicked off with 50 contestants vying for the title
of Big Moose. Defending champion Bob Runnicles was there to defend
his crown and there were many who would try to wrest it from
him in the tepid waters of Lancaster.
This year's event was highlighted by having to keep the tablecloths
on the tables due to smaller tables being duct taped together
to make one whole one (what - you never heard of rapids? This
is championship caliber river crossing. No meek elk need apply).
The ripples in the tablecloths threw the competition wide open
as past champions fell early on and a new younger generation
of flickers rose to the challenge and competed for the glory
of WBC's premier event.
However through it all one man kept up a steady pace. The
man whose consistency over the years has made him the most
feared moose flicker on the planet—Bob Runnicles. Would one of the
new flickers rear up and snatch his crown from him?
The rounds went longer than usual due to the rough surface
and many a moose took a dip into the roaring waters that night.
Past champion Dan Dolan (The Elder) was beaten in his team event
by his son Dan Dolan (The Younger) in the first round. Team X
took a body shot early on.
Showing that Elchfest is not a sport dominated by
males, Rebecca Hebner beat some tough competition
on her way to a spot in the final. But waiting for her on
the other side of the river was none other than Bob Runnicles.
It was late and the waters were rough when the two started
their final trek across the waters and glory awaited one on the
other side. When the mud settled Bob Runnicles had captured his
third ELCHFEST title.
Next year . Next year. ... was the cry of the vanquished as
they made their sodden retreat from the river until 2007 when
they'll be summoned again to prove their mettle.
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