I called my friend Legend in the Midwest the other day to encourage him to attend Village Idiot Armada Days (VIAD) which is scheduled for June 22-26 in Las Vegas:
Roy 'Legend' Cumpton etched his place in Greenwood County lore thirty plus years ago as the Bulldog who made the play of all plays thus enabling Madison' first state title in football - all these years later and I still remember it like it was yesterday - "Goddammit Legend! What a fucking play!" That is the very first thing I say to him every time we speak nowadays. He likes it - "What can I say?" He then adds with confidence, "My number was called and I was ready." Legend didn't score a lot of touchdowns, but the one he did was certainly memorable. It was a fifty yard hail Mary at the gun to advance the Bulldogs to a state title.
We always joke about this, there is a movie called The Best of Times. It stars Robin Williams and Kurt Russell. The premise is based on the fact Robin Williams' character dropped the winning pass in the championship game and has regretted it for twenty five years. I always tell Legend his life could have easily mirrored the Robin Williams character if he would have dropped the pass. He says the same thing to me every time I bring it up - "They're certain times in life when a person has to make a play. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. I just happened to make that particular play."
We chat about the weather for a bit and then I ask if he is planning on attending VIAD - "Are there going to be any ladies there?" His catch is only a part of why he is called Legend. If you delve into his libido than you realize, rather quickly, why the Legend nickname has stuck through the years - I knew exactly what to tell him - "I know Legend doesn't want to come out to Las Vegas and not have a good time," I then add emphatically, "Yes sir, I understand that, and that is why I will make sure that your request is no problem" - "That's what I want to hear boy!" He then adds, "Who else is coming to this shindig?" I reply - "Fred, Junior and a couple of guys in Las Vegas are the firm commits right now. I have extended invitations to a number of other people and am still waiting for their confirmations. It is starting to take shape. I want you to do me a favor and bring your Legend self out here and be the Legend that you are!"
I would like to end this post by saying that I am excited about VIAD and all the neat things that will be showcased there. It will be a special time for all those who attend.
