Summing Up the Seawall Brawl

[Reginald Rutledge]

For me, the Seawall Brawl 2007 was the best experience I have ever had at any tournament, including the Texas Shootout. For starters, Don Smith is one of those guys who loves to compete. For him to put aside his zeal to compete is one of the most selfless things that makes great ambassadors to the game.

Don persuaded Rose to get me to come. For the life of me, I had no interest in being apart of the Seawall Brawl. With the many things that I am working on, miniature football was becoming a thing of the past for me. However, somewhere along the line, Don persuaded Rose and Rose persuaded me that I should be there. In retrospect, I could not have been so grateful!

I was truly humbled and accepting of the Lifetime Achievement Award which was bestowed upon me. I don't think guys know just how much that meant to me. Many never will know the depths of my dedication to the hobby but on this one special night, I was deeply honored and humbled by the crystal trophy. The Lifetime Achievement Award will continue to be a beacon for something I did good to bring enjoyment for others in the hobby.

I do remember like Mark Elfresh the first night of acting as waiter for my table, getting waters for everybody. I did not think much of what I was doing at the time other than being happy to be a part of the event. I just remember Mark and my wife, Rose, laughing it up and just having themselves a good time. I remember the enthusiasm of Joel P. Always wanting to learn and willing to listen.

I remember meeting Mustand Jerry for the first time. Here's a guy who told me he came just to meet me. He had read that I would be there and he changed his schedule to make sure we met each other. The same can be said for Mark.

I remember Ernie Grice coming to me and telling me how on one private post to him, I impacted whether he would continue to play the hobby or not. I remember meeting Ed Roche for the first time and spending much time discussing his life, MF, and everything else.

I remember "the teacher's pet", Kelvin Lomax, sitting at the front of the customizing class answering questions and asking many. I remember guys genuinely wanting to know what I do and how to do it. I remember sharing secrets with Kevin Boddie on "how to make footballs" and he just went to trippin'! I remember RavenManiac showing me top-notch work that he learned while watching my customizing DVDs and applying the principles of the DVD.

I remember playing my good friend Brian Healey and he beating me similar to what happen last year. What a fierce competitor, great family man, and good guy. He always apologized for using the sticks because he know we don't use them. But Brian, you definitely won fair and square and you did me a favor by beating me. I was exhausted!

It was great to see old friends like Jim Davis, Anthony Burgess, Steve Martin, Mr. National, LaVelle Shelton, Durwood Lundy, Adrian Baxter, Sean (Tron 1984) Carter, Smitty, D-Legend, Ray F., and Joe Freco (sorry Joe about last year). Always good to see "The Professor" Johnson. There definitely were many others!

So many new faces and many old faces. It was truly an honor to meet Coach J. This guy is one of the kindest guys you will ever see in the game! By now everyone knows I will do anything possible to see Andre. Such always a great friend and supporter.

Guys like Jimbo are few and far between. Jimbo is and always be my 'Boy! He's just one of those who puts things together and wants them to work for the good of everybody. There were so many faces and so much fellowship that it does your heart good to be associated with the hobby.

All of this would not have been possible if not for the efforts of Don Smith. While Don make think he's infamous in some circles, I always tell him don't worry about those circles. Worry about the circles where the the appreciation is greatest for the things that you do. So between you and Jimbo's work, we all are indebted to you. I look forward to you getting that opportunity to bust some plastic at a tournament as well because I know you want to play as well. And what you did is the most selfless of acts of any ambassador of the game. And that is-to watch.

Sorry for the longwindedness!

Reginald Rutledge
MFU Lifetime Achievement Award

[NATIONAL]

Reggie, you were the man of the weekend. I was lucky to get a handshake as you were mobbed the whole weekend. I applaud Don and the MFU staff for taking the time to show some appreciation for what you have done, and are doing for this sport/hobby.

Keep in touch and tell Mike I was looking to see him there.

The NATIONAL One

[Coach K-LO]

for me, a novice, in "the cutting" world, I was great to have a seat in the front row learning 1st hand the how to........ making some mistakes and getting the right way off the bricker was well worth staying for.

K-Lo

I'm glad you and Rose had a good time here in Tidewater. I'm just happy you got to hangout with people, and share your vision of this hobby with all who made the choice to fellowship with you. It was our (MFU- Miniature Footballers United) pleasure in honoring you, for all that you've done in this hobby. Though your resume is vast... our appreciation is even more vast. Thank you for sharing your customizing tips with those in attendance, and for playing in the Brawl itself. People seemed to gravitate to you all weekend long, it must have been an awesome feeling. Jimbo, Lisa, D.C., and myself appreciate your kind sentiments, and warm thoughts.

Take care and I will be in touch soon,

Don Smith
2007 MFU Seawall Brawl Coordinator

What more can I say that hasn't already been said? It's ALWAYS a good time when all my 'family' is together and it wouldn't be a 'reunion' without Double-R in the house.

Despite his mocking tone and off-timing, Jim Davis said it best, "WE LOVE YOU REG!"