“Champions, Movers, and Shakers”

Ah, the Media Golf league.  Brings up images of a quiet stroll on a pristine fairway just enjoying each others company.  Guys just enjoying the game for the relaxation and sharing a story or two from our busy business lives.  I suppose it’s that to some extent but let’s never lose sight of the fact that all of us in media are the most competitive individuals anyone has ever seen.  Anywhere!  That’s why the Media League Pete Williams Memorial Trophy is so coveted.  It’s impressive, it’s big, it has a 20 year history, and everyone wants it.  And why not.

I had the priviledge of knowing Pete Williams back when he first started this media league concept.  In the early 80’s, it was a 9 hole league at Mill Road and it was co-ed.  Names like Ken Parker, Anita Voss, and John Kelly were regulars, as was I.   Pete was always the driving force.  Years later, our own “Scottie” took over the reigns and kept the tradition alive and well.

The list of past Champions is a “whos who” of our business.

1990        Marshall Lucier

1991        Peter Williams

1992        Jim Millis

1993        Steve Janack

1994        Jim Millis

1995        Doug Marr

1996        Tom Woodman

1997        Jim Millis

1998        Rocco Ricchiuti

1999        Sang Woo

2000        Cliff Mark

2001        Sang Woo

2002        Steve Janack

2003        Jeff Whitson

2004        Nick Brooks

2005        Nick Brooks

2006        Ryan Serritella

2007        Mike Hendricks

2008        Andrew C. Rudack

2009        Mike Hendricks

 2010 Tom Blau

Jim Millis was our only three time winner having won the trophy in 1992, 1994, and again in 1997.  Steve Janack was a two time winner in 1993 and repeated again in 2002.  sang Woo won twice as well in 1999 and 2001 as did I, 2007 and 2009.  The only two time and defending Champion was Nick Brooks, 2004 and 2005. 

So the Media Golf League and the Pete Williams Memorial Trophy, just a stroll on  a pristine fairway with a bunch of close friends?  Don’t bet on it.  Think of it more as winning the tradition and honor that comes with such an event.  After all, these are the “Champions, Movers, and Shakers” of our business.  Good luck to all.

                                                                        April, 2010

                                                                                    Mike Hendricks