NEW 2008 WEST COAST MASTERS CHAMPION CROWNED!!!
---To read Perry Day's victory speech click here!
March 6, 2008
Los Angeles - The word hit the news desk late on February 23, 2008, Perry Day had once again secured the Western Division Championship title which set his name firmly in the record books. It would appear that the unlikely…nay the improbable…had happened. Day has become a Dynasty.
There were many who said that his victory 2 years ago in 2006 was just dumb luck. A fluke. That Day was just a cosmic joke that somehow managed to make it to the final round and scrape out a win. But now, with this new victory, comes validation.
And this event, like the others before it, was something to behold.
As the Western Masters gathered in the Chamberlain Hotel for another round of pig passing, partying and mayhem, there was much speculation about the event and about who was going to knock the reigning champion Matt Breen off his throne. Would the rookie John Coscia be up to the challenge of passing pigs with the big boys? Would Breen keep the pig in his closet for another year if he did win? Would Autograph Mike have his head shaved again? And would Gary Williams redeem himself from his last place 2007 appearance? It didn’t take long to find out.
But before the pigs rolled, there was an early assault.
Derango struck from seemingly out of nowhere with a strategic psychological attack of unflattering posters aimed at Perry Day. However, it was soon realized that the attack had little effect.
Day crushed his opponents and moved straight into the playoffs as a force to be reckoned with. Williams, however, stumbled badly and broke records of his own with an astonishing 5 - 25 record to secure himself the last place position for the second straight year. And to throw salt in the wound, Day swept Williams 3 – 0 in the final series of regular play before moving into the playoffs.
And the rookie, John Coscia, made a serious name for himself by winning the most games in regular season play to send him into the playoffs as a serious contender.
As the playoffs developed, Day would win 8 more games in a row. In the first round Day swept Autograph Mike 2 - 0 and then sweeping Mark Rago 3 - 0 in a best of 5 semifinal which would send Day to the final round against Coscia.
There was a lot of speculation at this point. Rookie vs. former champion. David vs. Goliath. Coscia showed he had some serious talent and even Day had to concede his skills were impressive.
But Day has seen many rookies come and go and Day had the advantage by having played in several finals in the past. The finals aren’t like any other game. They’re a monster unto themselves as Coscia soon learned.
Day and Coscia battled, the tension in the room rising. Perry won the first 3 games in a best of 7 and it seemed like there was no stopping the man. This marked his 11th straight win, an unheard of occurrence in the world of pigs. But Coscia wouldn’t give up the charge and came back to show Day he had fists of fury. Coscia finally broke Day’s winning streak with a win of his own, ending Day’s dreams of a playoff clean sweep.
With the score 3 – 1 and the crowd wondering if the rookie had the strength to win 3 more, Perry shut it down and rolled incredibly to claim the championship again for the 2nd time in 3 years. Coscia just couldn’t keep up the pace that Day was setting….in fact, no one could.
Perry Day claimed the glory and the gold, proving once and for all he was truly a champion of the pigs.
The battle of pigs lasted about 6 hours and there were some amazing rolls, but the roll of the night must go to Sean Walsh who threw a perfect leaning double jowler. The same miracle happened in the 2007 Masters Tournament by Bill Vergos, but anytime it happens is worthy of some serious praise.
There are many who hope to see a clash of the titans in 2009…Vergos vs. Walsh. Jowler to Jowler. Time will tell.
Also, Jason Leon deserves special recognition for being the designated referee. It takes a great man to stand around a field of Masters in the heat of battle. Thanks Jason for your honestly and selflessness.
The event was followed by an incredible party, the details of which have been sealed in an envelope and hidden in a crate along with the Ark Of The Covenant (for you Raiders fans)
Congratulations to all the Western Masters for yet another amazing event.
By the way…Matt Breen, the former champion, didn’t even make the playoffs. That’s what happens when you keep the trophy in your closet of shame.
DAY DYNASTY RUNNING AMUCK
By
Michael "Elvis" Greene
(based on a post-victory interview with Perry Day)
