Larry "The Leech" Lichon returned to play in this Cragin after being missing in action for several years. We guessed those pictures on the milk cartons did the trick. It was either that or the statute of limitation ran out. Bear Rossi still wanted Leech's putter. And, we're all glad that nobody had to drive in Larry's big old ass car at 115 mph to get to Richmond this year.
Jerry Weberling did NOT return from Conneticut as Moe suspected, but indeed has been back around in the Chicago area for years already. Another Cragin first occured to the surprise and shock of everyone. Co-chairman Bob Ziaja actually wore shorts to play. We were, however, wondering where his socks ended and his legs began.
Dan Doyle's signs delighted participants throughout the tournament. We still think that Dan has far too much time on his hands at work, but cannot help ourselves. We have to laugh at almost every hole. His signs are almost as funny as our games.
Missing for the second year in a row were Len Tobiaski and Jim Zielinski. We hope they make it back to start off our second quarter century. Rich Wojiahowski (or however the hell you spell it) celebrated his birthday on the day of The Cragin. We suspect his wife told him that was about the only present he was getting this year.
Again, Bob Spar provided materials from WGN sports. Each participant received the usual complimentary sleeve of balls and tees bearing the WGN logo. Ken Mrock was again able to fenagle some goods from the Chicago Bears, much to the dismay of Moe Mocarski who continually wanted to put on his cheese head hat and yell, "Bears Suck!"
The year's big winners, besides the usual Zielinski contigent, were Ken Mrock for Low Gross and Larry Smotrys for Low Net. Ken was not up to his usual stellar play, but neither was anybody else. Ken's winning score this year was a mediocre 85. Larry's gross play was, well, rather gross at times, by his own admission. Still, he benefitted from the tournament officials picking the right holes under the Callaway handicap system. Larry's net total was a blistering 55, a ten shot victory over his nearest handicapped player. By the way most of us played, we can safely say, that Larry deserved to win, and that our handicaps pretty much start when we put clubs in our hands.
The Cragin dinner and awards ceremony, also known as the time when we stuff our faces and replenish lost body fluids, was highlighted by the usual cat calls and jeering at the announcement of winners. Ken Mrock kissed his trophy, and Smotrys was genuinely surprised at his victory. Hunter Country Club surprised us with a cake congratulating us for 25 years together. Co-chairman Dennis Zielinski, as always did the honors of presenting the awards, but gave way to Moe Mocarski who definitely had the surprise of the tournament.
Unknown to tournament officials, Moe figured that 25 years is a long time and a damn good reason to celebrate the friendship and loyalties that have been developed over the years of growing up in Cragin and playing golf. So way back in January, Moe started planning The Cragin Surprise. Beside writing the History of The Cragin, Moe kept remarking that he had a BIG surprise for everyone. At the end of the awards ceremony, we found out just how big it was. Dennis kept sending material to Moe for the history of The Cragin, and Moe kept saying send him more, and wait for the surprise. Gregg Rossi kept getting email from Moe about a big surprise, and no one knew what the hell Moe was talking about. Most people just figured Moe was, well, being Moe, and that it was no big deal.
Read about The Cragin Surprise here
