Captain's Log, Stardate 28122.7:
The mission was a success far beyond the expectations of the Captain or the Crew. 39 brave members of our crew volunteered for the mission: to determine which one of them was best suited for our Silver Medal. These 39 souls were broken into divisions of 16, 13, and 10, and each division battled bravely for their respective titles.
Before getting lost in the rather messy details of those that rose above the rest, a moment must be taken to remember all those that were left behind. All the 31 people who left with nothing more than a stamped card, a pin, and a smile. Our gifts thrown into lots were incredibly well received, even those gifts that time and experience had forgot. 25 gifts from the lots were given out to different people. Two incredibly lucky souls won our rarest of lots gifts; the ability to continue their mission for many hours, days, and weeks after the conclusion of this mission for all others.
In the end, though, only 8 could rise to stand above the others. In the division of 16, Commander Alvis and Lieutenant Van Heesch rose above their competition, Major Cobain and Major Borgmann. Then, in a spectacular showdown between two minds of wit and learning, Commander Alvis prevailed over Lieutenant Van Heesch for the honor of our Silver Medal.
In the division of 13, only two managed to rise above the rest, though top honors must be recognized for both Ensign Gambill and Ensign Arnold for their well fought victories throughout the day. However, it came to bass that Commander D. Simon, a former competitor at the highest level, enjoyed a hearty victory over Lieutenant Young.
And finally, the division of 10, like the division of 13, only managed two members of the elite class, though both Ensign Butterworth and Ensign Ingerson, in his first ever Mission, diserve honors for their valors on this day. In the end, though, Commander J. Simon, a Finalist at the highest level, outwitted and outlasted Lieutenant Arnold in an epic battle that took all of the time that the mission could allow.
Truly, this day was a day for the history books. One where many battles were both won and lost, and where many young recruits learned great life lessons and continued to hone and improve their skills. My greatest hope is that all of these recruits will return for more missions and that their success will continue through all of them.
This is Captain Bull Doshi of the Starship Rantoul, signing off.
[/Star Trek]
Yes, I'm still wearing my Nationals Captain's Shirt. And DAYUM, do I look good in it! I just had to post like a Starfleet Captain for this. Just once.
OK, here's the breakdown. 39 players, 16 Masters, 13 Seniors, 10 Juniors. I'm not exactly sure how many people came from each area. At least two from Indianapolis, at least 4 from Rockford, at least 4 from Troy's area, and at least 3 from Milwaukee, not to mention at least 5 coming down from Chicago for this. Three Judges for this insanity.
We gave away 25 door prizes to unique players (only one of which actually made the top cut), as well as TWO copies of Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia for the Nintendo DS.
The final standings:
Masters:
1st: Matt Alvis
2nd: Jordan Van Heesch
3rd: chriscobi
4th: Biginzzz
Seniors:
1st: D. Simon
2nd: J. Young
3rd: D. Arnold
4th: A. Gambill (LOCAL!!! Same kid who got T16 at St. Louis Regionals last year.)
Juniors:
1st: J. Simon (no, I'm not joking. They are siblings)
2nd: G. Arnold (again, I'm no joking)
3rd: O. Butterworth (Rockford transplant)
4th: R. Ingerson (LOCAL!!! First tourney EVER!)
