Pilgrims of Another Sort
Life Lessons from the Turkey Bowl in Lawrence, Kansas
by
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YOU MAKE YOUR BED, YOU LIE IN IT There was a slight lack of sympathy from the “Pilgrim” Women, as they talked about their feelings regarding their men getting injured while playing. It was clear that an injury of any kind did not absolve a Turkey Bowler from carrying out his responsibilities on Thanksgiving Day. “I don’t care how much he whines, or if he limps in, or is bleeding. He still needs to carve the turkey.” Now, some of the “Pilgrims” do work out a week or two ahead of time to avoid the whining, limping and bleeding. As I watch from the stands, I don’t think the workouts help. In fact, I think it is only a rumor. One founding father of the Turkey Bowl was overheard professing, “It just doesn’t help to work out ahead of time. It doesn’t prevent soreness, so I go for the gusto, and suffer the consequences later.” And, consequences there are. Injuries, injuries, injuries every year. These guys play hard. The Rookie “Pilgrims”, who have passed the test at Johnny’s, play with abandonment. The Old “Pilgrims” abandon the play. Doesn’t matter. Guys still get hurt. Heads get sliced open, stitches are sown, smelling salts are administered to the unconscious, ankles are twisted from making those sharp turns on the uneven turf, and muscles are pulled from the sudden starts and stops. As Lance remarked, “Playing in the Turkey Bowl reminds me of what it was like to play for K.U. against
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About the Book
In PILGRIMS OF ANOTHER SORT, the past marries the present. Simon,
the narrator, taps into the challenges of the historic Puritans of 1620
by lifting out a modern-day "Pilgrim" event - a highly competitive and
rugged game of touch football - known as The Turkey Bowl.
Without fail, in
What makes this Thanksgiving Holiday Bowl game so unique? Why
are men in their 40's and 50's throwing down the gauntlet at the feet
of hopeful young upstarts and placing their years of Turkey Bowl wisdom
against unbridled energy? The answer is TRADITION.
Everyone gathers at
Johnny's Tavern the night before to "initiate" new "Pilgrims" and hear
any announcements regarding the next day's Bowl Game. As Simon points
out, these PILGRIMS OF ANOTHER SORT are engaged in the power of choice, which is the theme throughout the book. Turkey
Bowlers negotiate postponement of family travels and holiday meals,
risk injury on the field of play, flow with the ever-changing rules of
the game and vote for the most valuable players after the final whistle
is blown.
The Pilgrims of 1620 and the modern day "Pilgrims" have weathered the storms, each in their own way. One group found a rock called
About the Author
David Dalke is a native of
Whether David is dealing with gender issues, team development, creative conflict management, positive communication skills or how to lead with compassion, he strives to create environments for learning that promote emotional, spiritual and physical health. He has taken his message nationally to large and small businesses, in both the private and public sectors.
In addition to publishing numerous articles, David has co-authored several books, most recently, Balancing Personal and Professional Ethics (HRD Press), with Sheryl Ankerstar, R.N. He is presently finishing his new book, Jake’s Band, which speaks of hope - amidst the great depression, war and racial strife of the 1930’s and 40’s – through music.
As a youth, and throughout his life, David has pedaled bicycles, ridden streetcars and buses, driven many miles and flown across the county to be at sporting and music events. Pilgrims Of Another Sort continues to highlight his belief that games have much to teach us about life’s important values.
David is married, lives in