As a boy growing up on the mean streets of Port Washington there were two constants in my life. Bob Ueker calling great Brewers games every memorable Spring and Summer day and my big Brother beating me up. Not a day went by that I didn’t get beat up or pushed around somehow someway, and there was basically nothing I could do about it. I tried every fashion to get him back, using illegal weapons (trophy’s, boots, butter dishes) anything I could get my hands on that would give me the advantage. In every sporting event it was usually my brother versus me and two or three of my friends……he would still usually beat us.

I hated every minute of it! However, one day unbenounced to me the tide turned. It happened when a friend and I were getting beaten up again for no reason. My buddy turned and looked at me and instead of running away we both went charging toward him and hearing Vince Lombard’s words in our heads we jumped into the air simultaneously and took him down with a double Crane Kick to the back and the knees. From that day forward things changed.

A similar story happened in Major league baseball. On October 17, 2003 Aaron ‘Bleeping” Boone crushed a devastating Home Run for the New York Yankees to lift them over the Red Sox once again in the ALCS and continue their dominance. Since 1918 up until that time the Yankees had won 27 World Championships and 40 AL Pennants compared to the Red Sox measly 0 World Championships and paltry 4 AL Pennants.

Why do I mention this? Because it is a foreshadowing of the Cobra Kai-Sharks feud. Once again the Kai took the field against the Mighty Defending Champion Sharks. And once again, the outcome was much the same. The Sharks and Kai battled back and forth and then the Sharks putting on a hitting display for the ages overcame the Kai. However, this game was different. The Kai didn’t back down at all, we kept battling and didn’t relent or give anything to the Sharks. The Sharks didn’t smell the blood in the water like they usually do against teams. Once they smell blood they go for the kill. However, this game they never achieved that ‘Kill” they simply took too many bites out of the Kai that we didn’t have enough of a base to complete our Crane Kick for the knockout.

The Sharks tried their usual power shots to the Gaps but the Swami was wise to this and adjusted the outfield to render their power hits useless. Roundhouse Reger ran down their blasts to Right Field and even gunned down an unsuspecting Shark at home plate trying to take too much heading home with no respect for the Kai. Reger also came through at the plate for the team punishing the Sharks for their lack of respect by putting one to the fence to spark the Team. However, it proved to be too little too late.

The Sharks are one of the most dominant teams in Red Bug Lake history. However, it should be noted they are also the “OLDEST” Team in our league. This game was different. It is only a matter of time before the tables turn and the Cobra Kai overtake the Sharks for league dominance. The Sharks know it and we know it. However, until that time we should be thankful for their “lessons” much like the same way Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel Son. At first, these lessons seem trite and a waste of time. But, I guarantee you one thing. In a few seasons, we will look back and say “Remember when these old guys use to beat up on us, yeah I can’t believe it…………let’s not let up and let’s go for the Mercy Rule on them just for old time Sakes”!!!!!

Until that time, just remember……Wax on….Wax Off……Wax On…..Wax Off!

See You under the Friday Night Lights! Let's Win this One For Johnny Blaze and Sully whom celebrated Birthdays this Week!!!