While the competitors were preparing the evening prior to the commencement of the tournament, I had an opportunity to sit and talk with each of them over a Labatt 50 or three. The overwhelming impression that I gathered from hanging with these boys was that they were very honored to be at the inaugural Rockin’Vitational and they were excited to see what differences and challenges playing in the cold and on the snow and ice would bring to the game that they have come to love. When asked how he felt about the coming tournament Junior replied, "I am honored to be a part of this pioneering festival of Canadian sport, spirit and beer drinking; especially so close to Festivus." Bobby D. offered up, "I’ve been waiting for this for soooo long." While ManCake, the towel clad novice nearby, simply exclaimed "Bitchin’!"
But what of this rookie, RedRob from B.C.? Would he be able to handle the winter rocks? Would the snow and ice have an effect on his play? Scouting reports from the Left Coast were as rare as a beerless Boss, so the throwers inquired of Bobby D. as to what he might tell them of his long time friend and rival. Bobby D. could only say, "I hope that he takes this experience back to the BC chapter and improves the current condition of rocks in the West Coast League. Beside that, it is great to see the Rookie coming out for the tournament and I have great confidence that he will meet the challenge before him graciously and with heart. I hope to return the gesture by playing in the Beachcomber League (west coast chapter) and perhaps put in a bid for the Relic Cup. Cheers." When asked how he planned to approach the games ahead of him RedRob said, "I want to have a good time, work a good score and give 110%. I need to play my game and continue to try hard in this game of predatory history" We’re not sure what that last part meant but when asked if he had anything to say to the youngsters he commented, "Play a good, clean game and keep off the coke!" A motto for All really.
Tournament organizers and competitors alike were concerned to say the least when Buzz did not show up at the club house on the evening prior to competition. Rumours abounded that Buzz would be a healthy scratch as a result of navigational error in the cockpit of his custom outfitted tour vehicle, the ’95 Eagle Talon known as "Kobie", and that industrious snowmobilers were forced to extract the tour vehicle from a drift on the snowmobile trail. In fact, organizers were just preparing to award a forfeit to Buzz’ opponent in the first round when the Girthy One strolled confidently into the arena, loudly proclaiming his presence, his need for a Fitty and a toilet.
The tournament was to be three rounds in length. First round pairings were determined by a draw from the ceremonial toque. The toque decreed that in the first round, Slugger would take on the relative newcomer ManCake (or "Sweetness", as he would come to be known), Bobby D. would battle his long time friend and rival RedRob, and Junior was to match hit wits against his brother in girth, Buzz. Fremlin, being the reigning 1999 Summer Rocks Champion, would receive a bye in the first round.
As the contestants marched in to "O Canada" as performed by the Ontario Whistling Janitors Quartet (D. Slater, soloist), the fans in attendance began to jangle their keys in fitting accompaniment. The ceremonial first rock was thrown by Ledham Widdoutsen (chairman of the MLROC) and the Year 2000 All Star Rockin’Vitational was declared officially open by Terry Sheehan , local businessman, politician and rocks enthusiast. The competitors opened a twenty-one 50 salute, hounds were released, and the matches got underway.
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