Big AL’s Dreams are Smashed

Kimberly Madison and I had the honor of emceeing the 7th annual Mayor's Cup on Saturday April 27th. The 5k Pre-K initiative started at 8am sharp with a record 1600 registered and 1300 finishers! We were told this morning that the $20,000 goal for the Pre-K will be met and then some. Congrats to all the finishers, the sponsors and volunteers!

As the Mayor's Cup was wrapping up, Kimberly and I also had the honor of hosting the Mascot's Cup .05K (50 Yards) featuring McGruff the Crime Dog, Ricky the Recycling Raccoon, Sparky the Fire Dog, Emergency Management’s Wally the Turtle! University of Alabama’s Big AL.  Let's just say that Big AL was a 'favorite' to win.

As we set the race up, the mascots stood ready. "On your mark, get set, GO!" The mascots tore from the finish line with blades of grass flying. As they rounded the 50 yard marker Big Al was in the lead with the spectators cheering loudly! Suddenly, out of nowhere, came Emergency Managements Wally the Turtle (almost in slow motion) and  gave Big Al the best strong arm in mascot history pushing him back to take the lead by at least four shell lengths!

The crowd gasped. Wally didn't look back. He crossed the finish line with arms raised and did the Turtle victory dance. The silence was deafening. The crowd of 1600 was confused, mesmerized even. Perhaps a little heart broken.

Big Al came in second. Clearly, Big Al's victory was 'anticipated' as our emcee scripts were written to award Big Al with the Mascot Cup Medal....there was no winning ceremony.

This put a new twist on a well known fable. We'll call this one "The Turtle and the Elephant" Moral? You are never guaranteed to win anything.  Better luck next time Big Al.

Hear Madison and Shepherd recap the event here

Congrats to Wally?