Lance Boyle and the emerald green Speedo

The following is another “Have Fun or Get Out of the Way” column by award-winning writer Don Leighton and his alter ego, Lance Boyle, which runs occasionally in the Superior Telegram.

What do Vince Thomas, Dave Bjorkland, Mike Regenfuss, Kathy Maas, Janie Schulties, Genelle Hoivik, Linda Rudisell, Bucky Rudisell, Gary and Kay Varsho, Tom and Nancy O’Neill, Super One Foods and an emerald Speedo have in common? Read on, oh great readers.

• No Vince Thomas on the All-Time WIAC Men’s Basketball Team? Are you kidding me? No ’Jackets made the team. Are you kidding me, again?

• In response to last week’s article about the first ever basketball game between Superior Senior High School and Cathedral in 1966 — the Spartans was 81-80 — I received e-mails from Dave Bjorkman and Mike Regenfuss. I would like to hear from all of the players involved in that game so I can write a “Where Are They Now?” piece. Bjorkman and Regenfuss have very interesting biographical information. I know there are more stories to tell about the players from this game. Work with me and e-mail me your story or send your information to The Superior Telegram, 1226 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI, 54880. When I get a few more, there will be a story.

• I was shopping at the Super One store on Oakes Avenue last week and met a couple of really nice people with what I consider to be very important — a sense of humor. I am a little concerned about them, however, because they talked to me, a complete stranger. It was a pleasure meeting these two lovely ladies, Kathy Maas and Janie Schulties. Thanks for the conversation and humor.

• I met Genelle Hoivik a couple of months ago at my favorite Super One in the Belknap Plaza. We met in the pop aisle while I was searching for Diet A&W Root Beer. Hers is a military family deserving of the thanks and respect of all of us. Without the military, we would not be able to say with accuracy, “We live in the best country in the world.” Thank you.

• Linda Rudisell is from River Falls. Before the ifan webcast of the football game between Superior and River Falls last fall, she was a big help with game programs and where to go with our stuff. I look forward to seeing her in Superior this fall when River Falls plays the Spartans. Her son was voted most improved player last year and is a heck of a linebacker. His name is Bucky, and he is one tough football player. Her other son, Matt, is a huge fan of football and of his brother. Good luck Matt and Bucky.

• Last Saturday in Marshfield, the Spartan girls lost a tough basketball game to the Tigers of Marshfield. I have been fortunate to make the acquaintance with Gary and Kay Varsho. Their daughter, Taylor, is a great player who is being courted by several Division 1 colleges. Her sister, Andie, played softball as a true freshman for Purdue. She has just begun her sophomore season for the Boilermakers.

Gary is an advance scout for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He has been involved in baseball for many years, having played for the Cubs, Reds, Pirates and Phillies during his eight-year career. He was my halftime guest on the webcast and is a real joy to talk to. His wife Kay has a sense of humor that is indescribable. Thanks to them for our friendship.

I have also asked Gary to say hello to Albert Pujols when he sees him. He is to tell him that Lance Boyle is not happy he left the Cardinals.

• In less than 24 hours, O’Neill’s Pub and Liquor is hosting the Fun Run to benefit Hunger Takes No Holiday. Enjoy prizes galore and meeting with friends, while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the O’Neills (Are they Irish?) and making a difference in the lives of friends and neighbors who need our help.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the one-mile run at 8 a.m. for a $10 fee that will be presented to Second Harvest Food Bank and will provide $100 worth of food to Superior food shelves. Please come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the O’Neills and Lance O’Boyle.

• On Monday, the three Superior Super One Food Stores will begin their third year of involvement with Hunger Takes No Holiday. This year, there are two ways for the great people of Superior and Douglas County to help: $5 bags of groceries can be purchased that I will deliver to area food shelves, or you can donate $5 to our cause that will be presented to Second Harvest Food Bank. Each $5 donation will provide $50 of food to our food shelves. Cash is nice.

In the past two years, the great businesses and people of our area have contributed $22,000 to Hunger Takes No Holiday. With our goal of $25,000 this year, we hope to create $250,000 worth of food through Second Harvest. This amount would provide 125,000 meals for our area. Please help us with an amount comfortable for you. If you have a business or organization that is looking to help us with our campaign, please contact me by the e-mail at the end of the article or call me at 218-391-0254. I would love to hear from you.

• And the emerald green Speedo? You don’t want to know, but if you are curious, see you at O’Neill’s Saturday morning. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Opinions and story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com.

Tags: have fun or get out of the way, collections, sports, superior, updates, health, running, spartans