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KIDLE FEST '09
Kidle Lakehouse -- Mears, Mich.
June 27, 2009

Ten Kidle siblings and spouses faced-off in the Second Annual KidleFest Invitational on the shores of Lake Michigan.  In an eerie repeat of last year's competition the top three finishers (Chris Kidle, Larry Riegel, and John Kidle) were the same.  The difference this time: John remembered that it was a double elimination tournament and won the final match (15-6) to clinch the championship (and the coveted sombrero) over last year's winner, Larry Riegel. 

Newcomers and recent German transplants Eric and Uschi Kidle played with enthusiasm but fell early---apparently the beer drinking aspects of the game are well known in the Teutonic regions, but the athletic aspects not so much.  Dan Lori (aka The Wisconsin Whipper) reprised his unorthodox overhand, tree-smashing throwing style.  Fortunately for the equipment Dan was eliminated in his third match (15-7) by wife Nancy who advanced farthest into the bracket among women, finally falling to brother Chris (15-0) in her fourth match.  Sisters Jeanne and Martha made early exits but formed a quite adequate cheering section on the deck.  Hostess Marykay Kidle also graciously bowed out early---or maybe she saw the grand prize sombrero and thought, "I'm competing for that?" 

In any event, KidleFest III looms in the Monkeyball related dreams of these hardy competitors, and who can blame them?