Results

KidleFest '08
Kidle Lakehouse - Mears, Mich.
October 11-12, 2008

The Kidle Lakehouse on Sandhill Drive was once again the site of fierce Monkeyball competition. The occasion: KidleFest'08, the long-awaited gathering of the six senior Kidle siblings and spouses (minus Eric who thought the commute from Germany too long). In a departure from established practice, the playing court was positioned at the top of the bluff on the lake side of the house--convenient for the spectators consuming beer and doing the "Kidlewave" on the deck but precarious for the players consuming beer on the court. Play began pleasantly enough on the evening of the 11th but was soon suspended due to darkness amid cries of, "It looks good to me" and "Who did that?".

#37 John Kidle cruised through his early matches, including a spirited contest with wife Marykay. After drubbing new comer Larry Riegel 15-0 in the semi-final, John was riding high before falling 15-11 to the crafty Riegel in the final match. Meanwhile, Chris Kidle--knocked out of the winners bracket by Riegel--blasted through the loser's bracket defeating sisters Jeanne Kidle, Nancy Lori, and Martha Henderson; only to be edged out in the loser semi-final again by Riegel. The lanky Dan Lori--sometimes called "The Wisconsin Whipper"--debuting his "line drive" toss was eliminated early but did avoid seriously injuring anyone. Kidle women (Nancy, Marykay, Jeanne, and Martha) acquitted themselves well despite a general disdain for things athletic. "Wait 'til KidleFest'09!" seemed to be the common sentiment of the competitors either licking their wounds or basking in the glory of the moment.