Glory Is Theirs
Hearing the names for King Of The Court 8 (KOtC8), cleary we are courting the best field ever courted in the history of this perpetual and royal tennis experience. Tournament Administrator Keck's recruiting excellence has built a royal family of tennis Kings and Princes and Dukes and Earls. And the Kings do get the spoils of war. The ransom. King James (2), King The Todd (2), King Stone, King Foster, and King Huff. Glory is theirs.
King Stone and King Huff are back for the KOtC8 crown. The other Kings have unavoidable scheduling conflicts. The perfectly comfortable friday afternoon cold patio blond ale was smooth and delicious. Keck continued to reveal the line up. We were both in, of course. And Joe and William The Earl. Frank Friday had confirmed, prioritizing this event while scheduling his USTA fall season. Another very, very respectable trait that Frank Friday posesses that makes him, a former Prince and Earl, a model KOtC participant. His joy of winning is another.
Bobby was out, perhaps he will attend, perhaps he will write an expose. It could be added to the Isner book. An excerpt, or a quote. Italicized and bolded. He is an excellent playwright, his documented observations would be welcome. Vito is in and the competition committee will ensure that he is placed in my morning round. In KOtC7, before the deluge that marred the trophy ceremonies, we were to meet in the Duke afternoon round. Mysteriously, he had to Roddick and left. His timing was good, he stayed dry, we would have been rained out anyway, but our mahut was never played. Vito is rythym and blues, Vito is rock, Vito destroyed me 8-2 in KOtC6. Yes, we will meet in the morning round of KOtC8. Hunter Foster, son of a King and local collegiate player, is entered and is intense. The Peruvian Berco is returning. Our 5-5 mahut in KOtC7 was very enjoyable, happy he is back again. Really smooth game. Established in their princely royal blood, Marty Feldman and Chris Fess return thirsty as always. Marty always looks as though he could never walk another step after finishing the 60 game, 6 opponent, 5 hour KOtC format. He gives it all to every shot. Even second serves. There is a reason his younger brother, King The Todd, accomplished what he has. In tennis, in his career, in his life. Marty taught him there is more to exaust in our bodies than our minds determine as rational. Marty has now taught us all this truth. Prince Fess, his fierce game, his unreturnable running slice down-the-line backhand, his determined grit, is always thirsty. Relieved that the competition committee has evidently let me avoid playing him in the morning round on the first draft of the matchups. Unreturnable shots are tough.
Rhyder Robison has a spot again. The reputation of his game is glowing. He has been mentored, personally and professionally, by Keck, toiling under his mentorship and leadership. Like what Jared and Jack Keck have endured thier entire lives. Suffering produces perseverance produces character produces hope. It is the only way to greatness. Rhyder is a royal threat. If he don't cramp or get dehydrated. Water is life once again. Drink up. This Scott Verdery was somewhat of a mystery to me. He played in KOtC6, the one played for the French (The French!), when King Foster staked his claim, when the Vita's abruptly, physically, and literally ridded Tupps Brewery of a maniacal, out of control drunk. The man was attaking an elderly couple for no reason. Joe's repeated screams of 'sit down and shut up!' and Bill's legendary involvement is still remembered by the brewmaster and volunteer beer drawers at Tupps. Ultimately, the staff intervened, tossed the drunken man into an UBER, and sent him on his way. Back to the rhythms, back to the rhymes.
As always, Keck has entered The Kid, usually a star player on the Justin Quest led Allen Eagles. Just run us kid, run us around. Only Dayton has earned royal blood as The Kid. KOtC3, Prince Dayton. Then he went off to Shreiner College in Kerrville, TX to join the Mountaineers, where he now plays #6 singles alongside Nick Pena, who plays #3 singles and is also a former The Kid in the KOtC. The Kid is always a legitimate threat. Keck had no name, but the name didn't matter. The final entry is Briggli, evidently a former TCU player originally from Romania. Plays doubles mostly but, in Keck's estimation, a challenger to the throne. With King Stone and Huff entered, we'll see. Duke Holmes is the first alternate in a controversial ommision from the initial 16. Never had a current royal been put in this position. He may never know, this invitation is so exclusive. His complete Kramarian game will be sincerely missed if he doesn't play. Flying to the net always. He considered not entering and being the full time administrator. A Roddicking Keck was incredible in that role as his wrist healed for KOtC7. He is tempted as the format moves forward with Kaizenian intentions and perpetual minds. But his game is back and intact, he has pop on his serve and could be the Prince. Too much game left for Keck to hang up the bandana. He still craves toyal blood. Expansions have been discussed, the Queen Of The Court dreams, different locations, catered after-parties with kegs and boxes of wine.
For now, glory is theirs for the taking in KOtC8. Mahut!