Can it really be 25 years of the TKE Memorial Open? It just doesn't seem possible. Wasn't it just the other day that we tied Tom McCarty to the front porch in his red underwear? Or the midnight line-up at the fieldhouse complete with the Zedack belly flop? Are our IFC Dynasties in waterpolo, soccer, and hoops still going strong? The Red House, Wood St, The TKE house on 4th St...God I miss that place! Especially the tap system and the DJ booth. Good thing there was no such thing as CSI back in those days.
The Ski Lodge, Warhurst, Sesame St, Fickes and PK's trailer, The Arcus Circus, The White House, RCB's, mixers, date parties, sorority formals, Pinochle in the union, Hess' Lemon's, Good Old days, the paddock, building floats, coach Puhl's farm...surely all these things happened only ten years ago, not 25...It just can't be!
Of course there were bad times too. The riot (I got your purple bandana, right here), the police coming to the house to arrest Zeke, the fire, and the tragic car accident that caused us to start The Robert M. McCarty memorial open. Over the years we have lost too many fraters, way too young, in many tragic ways which led us to change the name to the TKE Memorial Open. There is a plaque in the current TKE House honoring all the Pi-Beta's that are having the pre-party in the chapter eternal. Thanks to Lee Cash for making that happen. The plaque will be on display at this years TKE Memorial Open on July 15th at Ravens Claw Golf Club. Some of the names on that plaque I barely knew, most I knew well, but I love and miss you all.
Hairlines and waistlines may change, but the bond is truly forever! I am truly honored to call each of you my brother. Soon we will gather to raise a glass and a few golf clubs, shed a few tears and have many laughs on what is my favorite day of every year. Until then, I remain...
Yours In The Bond,
Mike "The Big Cheese" Morgan #199
