Funny story to share about Fred.

[CSOB President]

Hello Folks
I’m looking for a funny story or two to tell at Fred’s ceremony tomorrow.
Please share. 

Thanks, Paul

[Joel Gregg]

Okay.  

My pleasure.

Here you go Paul…

For the 2009 Golden Oldies festival in Edinburgh, I was given the esteemed honor of being named The Tour Rookie. This meant that I was required by Fred to have the unique opportunity to Bring A Gallon of American Bourbon Whiskey on the Tour.  

Fortunately Our John Grummel (rest in peace John), as a Veteran, was able to get me into Buckley Air Force base, in order to requisition the cheapest gallon bottle of Whiskey.  

So I picked up Grummel, drove in to Buckley, and bought a glass bottle, and 31 little cups.  

Which we did.

Then I had to carefully pack the bottle into my checked baggage and sneak it  in thru Customs.

Which was done.  

Then on the day, at the halftime of one our matches, it was my responsibility to produce the bottle and cups for the players and referee.  

Which I Did, as Tour Rookie.  

In honor of my status as Tour Rookie, Fred presented me with my Tour Rookie trophy.  

Which I still showcase on the top of my clothes dresser in my house.  

However, for years afterward, Fred would come up to me at matches or other various CSOB gatherings, look me in the eye, and seriously ask me to give him back the Tour Rookie trophy, so he could pass it on to the next Tour Rookie. Which I Never Did.  

I still feel a bit guilty for not returning the Tour Rookie trophy. 

The end.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 23, 2025, at 12:59 PM, CSOB President <pres...@csobrugby.org> wrote:



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[Keith Slate]

Joel...

We need photographic verification.... please present the "Tour Rookie" trophy for documentation, and a shot of the cheapest whiskey available, to share in little cups....

And afterward continue to abscond with and honor that trophy going forward.

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Keith Slate
trea...@csobrugby.org

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[Joel Gregg]

Sorry mate, I’m on a camping trip for the next few days, and can’t be bothered. The trophy really doesn’t photograph, or travel, well.  And, I don’t like American Bourbon.  I’m a single malt scotch kind of guy (ask Bill about Islay). Here’s a toast to Fred (and Ernie). 🥃 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jul 23, 2025, at 6:17 PM, Keith Slate <trea...@csobrugby.org> wrote:



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[Keith Slate]

Wasn't calling you out.

Just figured good stories build great camaraderie.  Bourbon was never for you (or me, same arguments)

I'll raise a glass to that toast tomorrow afternoon

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Keith Slate
trea...@csobrugby.org

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