Run Camp Banquet Postponed

Injuries, scheduling conflicts and some mishaps that organizers apparently refuse to discuss have resulted in the postponement of this year's awards banquet, according to Darrin Lund, banquet choreographer.

"I think it all started when the Digginits (shown at left) called and said they were going to be performing in Chicago the night of the banquet," said Lund. "Then, with the difficult footing at Kal-Haven, we heard of at least a dozen cases of the dreaded 'Squishy Knee Syndrome' -- and that's not something we take lightly."

Run camp critics -- small in number, but influential in running circles -- are saying that the stated reasons for the postponement "smack of smokescreen."

"They can say what they want," alleges former Team Leader Bonnie Sexton, "but I heard that they had problems with the nominations for Most Valuable Team Leader and that their Lifetime Achievement Award had gone bust."

Lund acknowledged that a special presentation for six-year camper David Pinto had been put on hold "at least for this year" because of some rowdiness issues at the Gull Lake Run. "Trust me, though," said Lund, "David is still very much in our good graces, and we're confident that when the Ross Township Police finish their investigation, David will be completely exonerated."

Lund also countered that Sexton had insinuated that her "2007 replacement" -- Brian Moon -- had bribed camp officials, asking them to scribble out "Least Valuable Leader" on his team's nominations for his award and replace the words with "Most Valuable Leader."

Said Lund: "Oh, we categorically deny that! We don't accept bribes. We take kickbacks and payoffs after the fact, of course, but to suggest our actions are based on pre-decision bribes -- well, that's just ridiculous." Lund had no explanation as to why Moon was late for his own team meeting last Saturday, nor would he comment on reports that Moon "barely has lieutenant status" on the team anymore.

Regarding the banquet, Lund said: "Big picture, we're regrouping. We'll concede it's been a rough year, weather-wise, but we're not ready to abandon the celebrations altogether. Let's just get through Week 12, shall we?"