Jeff's $100 Challenge

Back when Collin and Kevin were young teenagers, they dabbled in various activities like baseball and football but eventually landed on swimming and water polo as their preferred sports in school. As the boys progressed in their abilities, they would often challenge Jeff to a race or swim-off in the pool. In their younger years, it was usually no contest because Jeff could beat them easily. But he (wisely) always knew the day would come where his boys would outperform him in their talents.

Somewhere along the way, in true Jeff form, he managed to turn the casual summer swim-offs into a more formal challenge. He let the boys know that whenever they were ready, they could pick an activity - their choice - and officially challenge him to a competition. Whether it was running a certain distance or swimming a particular stroke, they could declare the challenge and attempt to beat him. At stake was a whopping $100 for the first time they were able to beat Jeff at their sport, whatever they chose. To a 12 or 13 year old boy, that was an exciting prospect and one they were anxious to take on! Both Collin and Kevin attempted to beat him a time or two at running or swimming, and he easily put them in their place. But sure enough, it was only a matter of time until they became stronger and faster and surpassed Jeff's abilities in the pool. I think it was around age 13 or 14 that Collin and later Kevin issued the official challenge and easily beat Jeff's time in the race, securing their $100 winnings and, best of all, bragging rights. It's something the boys and their Dad talk about often and definitely a rite of passage for them all.

Fast forward about 10 years, and Jeff and Connor began talking about the same challenge. Jeff shared the stories about how Collin and Kevin were anxious for that $100 challenge and had some losses along the way, and of course Connor was ready to get in on the action sooner rather than later. I'm not sure how many challenges Connor issued and lost previously, but it was during winter break in January when he felt pretty confident to declare he was ready for an official challenge against his Dad. It would be Connor versus Jeff in an epic game of Around the World (basketball game), right in our front driveway for all the world, a-hem, street to see!

Kaitlynn and I made sure to witness the momentous occasion. They played the best 2 of 3 games, and it turned out to be quite the close competition with Jeff finishing strong in game 1 for the win and then Connor taking game 2. It all came down to game 3...who would be the ultimate winner?

With $100 and bragging rights on the line, it was truly a great battle. The competition came down to Jeff's final shot - if he made it, Connor would lose. But as luck (and skill?) would have it, Jeff lost his shot and Connor got a shot at redemption. He had to make 4 around-the-world baskets to reach Jeff's status and try to win the game. There was a lot of back and forth trash talking and definitely some nerves as they played it through.

In a stunning come-from-behind win, Connor sunk his final 4 baskets to take the 3rd game and the ultimate victory! It was a great battle down to the final shot, and Connor jumped for joy at beating his dear old Dad to take home his $100 prize money along with the title of Around the World Champ. It should come as no surprise that there was quite a bit of celebration on the court after his win!

Connor happily took his $100 and is still reveling in his big win to this day. Next in line for Jeff's $100 Challenge is Kaitlynn, and we're all anxiously awaiting what she decides as her sport of choice before she is declared the 4th and final victor!