July 31, 2005

WHEELING, WV — JT Thomas stepped to the podium today to announce the signing of his brother-in-law Brian Carlstrom to this year's event. "I would like to thank Sheiker for letting me take the mike even though I haven't paid yet. He understands the check will be coming since he got Brian's. He's not happy about it; I owe him one for this." Thomas went on to add that he's been selling this event to Brian for a few years and finally wore him down. "I was really happy when he said he would make it this year," JT said. "Maybe he's just trying to get me to shut up about it, but I think he'll have a good time. Brian is familiar with the hills of WV, having played in Wheeling over the years when he and my sister have come home. He won't be the typical rookie. His fellow firefighter Mark Montgomery has also made a verbal commitment to attend this year and has registered on the website; we'll see if he sends a check in to the finance office."

Thomas also took the opportunity to announce Stacy Bartlett's commitment to another Golfapalooza event. "There's nothing to say about Bartlett that hasn't already been said except he's the consummate Loozer. Here's a guy that will lose the whole night at the card table and drink Knob like water, then get up the next morning and make omelets for everyone without getting a single cigarette ash in anyone's food. You have to love the guy. I'm glad to hear he will be back."

Golfapalooza VIIII will tee off in less than nine weeks. Fifteen days remain to register for this year's event.