16th Annual Deputy's Bash
On March 31, 2007, Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes hosted the 16th Annual Deputy's Bash. It's the one time during the 'Ganza when the Deputy gets to demonstrate his hospitality -- oh yeah -- it's really Second Lady Tammy Sipes that offers the hospitality. Dan's just good at ordering the pizza and cleaning up afterwards.
Here's a group of prognosticators enjoying some pizza and snacks while watching the final four. A copy of the scoring possibilities matrix is within reach to refer to as the game progresses. From left, Meg Raatz, Dave Raatz, Nathan Raatz, and Dan Sipes Sr. Hey Dave and Dan, nice shirts!
Some of the younger generation prognosticators would rather make a ruckus downstairs than watch the games. Heather Patch looks like she's about to burst a button with excitement, while Brianna Sipes watches Joshua Sipes complete a monster one handed pinwheel dunk. Wrestling practice is well underway for Elijah Sauer and Ashlyn Sipes.
Elijah Sauer (left) discusses the latest in toy light saber technology with Joshua Sipes (in chair). Jason Sauer has just explained that when he was a kid, toy light sabers were made of die cast metal, not plastic. On the right are Robyn Patch and ganza.com benefactor Jon Patch. Hey Jason and Robyn and Jon, nice shirts!
Here's some prognosticators relaxing in the Deputy's family room. Donalee Sipes (back left) and Esther Sipes are reminiscing about the first time they entered the 'Ganza. Rob Sipes (front left) is telling daughter Ashlyn about the time he won the 'Ganza (he left out that there were only 19 prognosticators back then). And Dave Raatz and Dan Sipes Sr. are virtually in the same position as they were in the photograph at the top of this page -- they pretty much stayed there the entire evening. Hey Rob and Dave and Dan, nice shirts!
When the Lands host the Deputy's bash, we get treated to a television that's about half the size of Alabama. When we go to the Deputy's house, we get this little beauty. But we don't mind -- we're all just happy to be together and celebrate the 'Ganza. Besides, how can a prognosticator complain when they have such fine looking happy hosts? Hey Dan and Tammy, nice shirts!
Here is a group of prognosticators of the fairer gender. It's easy to see that the 'Ganza makes them really happy. From left, Dawn Sauer, Annie Raatz, Donalee Sipes, Second Lady Tammy Sipes, and Cheryl Patch. Hey Tammy and Cheryl, nice shirts!
Here's Caitlin Sipes (left) and Esther Sipes guarding the fruit tray and pizza while they have a contest to see who can smile bigger. Caitlin won. Hey Caitlin, nice shirt!
Robyn Patch celebrates her chances in the 'Ganza with her dad, ganza.com benefactor Jon Patch, while mom Cheryl Patch looks on.
Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam, left, prepares to make a speech welcoming everybody to the Deputy's Bash while Caja Sipes and Autumn Patch await. Caja had a few too many soda pops and was suffering from carbonation poisoning. Hey Gavin, nice shirt!
ganza.com benefactor Jon Patch, center, accepts his 10 year 'Ganza service award certificate from Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam. Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes looks on. Hey Dan and Jon and Gavin, nice shirts!
The bash attendees who wore the proper attire were invited to be included in the annual 'Ganza Shirt Photo. Standing from left, Benevolent Grand Pooh-Bah Gavin McCollam, Jason Sauer, Dan Sipes Sr., Dave Raatz, Cheryl Patch, ganza.com benefactor Jon Patch, Second Lady Tammy Sipes, and Deputy Pooh-Bah Dan Sipes. Kneeling from left, Marissa Sipes, Robyn Patch, Taylor Patch, and Caitlin Sipes. Hey Gavin and Jason and Dan and Dave and Cheryl and Jon and Tammy and Dan and Marissa and Robyn and Taylor and Caitlin, nice shirts!
Here's what a group of prognosticators looks like when they realize they will not hoist the Ostertag Plaque yet again. Only Robyn Patch, front, maintains a smidgeon of happiness in her pose, as she still has a chance to hoist the plaque.
This Ain't No Pool!
One Monday, April 2nd, ganza.com Benefactor Jon Patch and his family had a private celebration to witness Robyn Patch's triumphant hoisting of the 2007 Coveted Ostertag Plaque.
Here's the entire family toasting to Robyn's success. From left, ganza.com benefactor Jon Patch, Taylor Patch, Heather Patch, Robyn Patch, Cheryl Patch, and Autumn Patch. Hey Jon and Taylor and Heather and Robyn and Cheryl and Autumn, nice shirts!
Robyn's chances to hoist the Coveted Ostertag Plaque were pinned to the success of the University of Florida. If Florida won the championship game, Robyn would hoist the plaque. Hey Robyn, nice sign!
Here Robyn sidles up to the television to broadcast some positive vibes to the Gators basketball players. Hey Robyn, nice shirt!
Here are the bookends of the 2007 'Ganza and of the record books. Robyn Patch, left, won the 2007 'Ganza with a record score of 86 points. Autumn Patch won the 2007 Sportsmanship award with a record setting 15 points. Hey Robyn and Autumn, nice shirts!