I wanted to say thank you to a number of people who helped make GenCon a memorable event this year, and in particular made it an enjoyable one for me. If you have someone to thank, feel free to chime in.
Ray Becker. Ray got us our hotel room at a great rate, helped me with parking and far too many logistical things to mention. For a second timer such as myself, his experience and help was instrumental in eliminating a lot of the headaches that plagued me last year. He did all of that for me while still taking care of all of his responsibilities at the convention. Thank you, Ray.
Dean Miller. Dean stood tall in the face of the gale force winds of change. More than anyone else, Dean kept this game and hope alive during some difficult times after the announcement. He got all of us working together and even though he was frustrated at times with a number of problems, he fought through them to make sure we had a great GenCon. Thank you, Dean.
Bill Russel. I want to include all of the judges in this, but particularly Bill and Brad Phillips. Brad ran great events and in particular took the 100pt leg of the Jedi Challenge which started late to actually finishing early. Bill gave up his chance of competing to maybe make it to the final table an unprecedented third time in a row so that Dean could play. For the serious competitor, be it sports or anything else, that is the height of unselfishness. And, oh yeah, he did a good job judging as well.
I also want to thank Bill and Matt Peterson for running a great Star Wars Saga RPG event Wednesday night. That was my first time ever to play RPG and I had a blast. I will say that they owe me a new pair of underwear for what happened when they dropped 6 rancors on the map.
My roommates. Don, his son Jonathon, and Ken didn't snore. We had a great time all weekend and a special thanks to Don for becoming the designated driver after Hooters Saturday night. Thanks, Guys.
Matt Francella. Matt was my constant 'hang out' bud all weekend. He really came through for me at my regional and we got to know each other a lot better at GenCon. He introduced this lightweight to wheat beer and I got to know it very well that night. He has really come through for us with maps and we need to respond in kind. Thanks, Matt.
Jon Brook. Jonny basically took my rough idea of a character for the RPG and completely fleshed it out for me. He took the time to teach me most of what I needed to know and showed me how to learn the rest. Jonny, I wouldn't have been able to have nearly as much fun as I did without your help.
Also, Jonny provided us with a light hearted moment at Hooters when Chuck goaded him into hitting on our waitress with the false...eyelashes. Unfortunately, she turned out to be married and 85. Thanks, Jonny.
Jake Schuler. Jake and I played each other in each of the first 3 tournaments. I really got to know the guy and understand now why everyone speaks so well of him. We had an epic battle in our third game, playing 11 rounds in less than an hour despite each of us sporting 20 activations. Jake is also a generous and unselfish person. He pulled Yoda FS in his sealed event and was going to sell him to me but when I told him it was for a special needs kid in my group he gave it to me outright. Thanks, Jake.
Aaron Breuckman, James Wysinsky, Eric Frost, Tim Ballard (sporting the new tier 1 hair), Trevor Peyton, Jake Schuler, Lou Vasillion, Phillip Carlisle, Darth Ted, and a number of others I can't think of at 1:18 in the morning. Like Chris Torgenson last year, these guys made a special effort to greet and talk to me and make me feel welcome and a part of our community. I can't really stress that enough, guys. I was only there for the second time, have never really been competing at the top level like you all, yet you treated me like I was part of the old guard. James, I promise that I won't 'geek up' Hooters next year, dude. Trevor, thanks for the schooling with Skybuck 101. Honestly, I really did learn something. Thanks, guys.
Chris West. Thanks for supporting our game and continuing to churn out new maps. Those two slightly damaged maps will be going to the same special needs boy I talked about earlier. Thanks, Chris.
David Weeks and Matt Spry. You guys asked me to join your team when I didn't think I'd be playing, and it turned out to be one of my favorite events. Go team 'That's what she said'. Thanks, guys.
To all of our attendees this year I say thank you. While a lot of individuals gave of their time money, and hard work to bring this to fruition, it still doesn't happen if people don't come. Thank you all.
_________________ Cancer is not the boss of me.
Being organized is for people who are too lazy to look for their stuff.
Lasers make everything better... except Alderaan.
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