THE
POST
PATTERN
Published by the Impeccables since 1975
Pickers & Packers struggle in Week 6
The last few weeks saw our pickers put forward some of the best results of the season including a 13-3 week from Casey Buboltz in Week 4 and a 12-4 mark from Ella Kuchenbecker in Week 5. However, like the Packers offensive line vs the Jets, our pickers couldn't seem to do much right in Week 6 as only 40% of our pickers faired better than .500.
Leading our New Impeccables division and overall leader, Casey Buboltz continues his strong start pacing all pickers with a 57-37 mark about 1/3 of the way through the season. In our Hall of Famers division, Steve Simmons continues to lead the group, however things have tightened up considerably with "Hoofer" one pick back and the Best Tour Guide Ever two picks behind. In Packer Nation, we have a log jam atop the leaderboard as Amy Wilma, Jason Keller, Noah Vanderhoof, and Sadie Dubs (Bub Dub? Dub Bubs? The editor still hasn't figured out which one is which) all are tied at 53-41. Finally in our Junior group, Jack Simmons has vaulted to the lead after pacing all pickers in Week 6 and now sits at 55-39, two picks ahead of cousin and classmate Noelle Vanderhoof.
At this point, every division is up for grabs and every picker is still in the hunt. As we move to the meat of the season will we see anyone pull away from the pack? Who will be the first picker to post a perfect week? Will anyone be able to get the Keller crew to get their picks in on time? Stay locked in to The Post Pattern to find out!
Why we tailgate
If you happen to be within range of Lambeau Field on gameday, you can't help but notice the small slice of Americana that while not purely unique, is 100% authentic. Sure other areas of the country celebrate "pre-game" festivities that on the surface may appear similar, but no other place on the planet does "tailgating" quite like Wisconsin...especially at Lambeau Field.
Growing up as a Buboltz grandchild, it was a right of passage to attend your first Packer game. In September of 1983, as a 5 year old boy I experienced my first taste of tailgating. Camped out in front of Lambeau on a sunny fall afternoon, I took in the sights, sounds, and smells of an experience that has etched a special place in my heart. As you can tell from the picture below I was indeed a rookie at tailgating. Rule #1 -- Bring your Packer gear and wear it proudly.
(I'm the character on the left sporting Badger gear...Collin had things figured out. *Side note* -- we are turned to the same page in the GameDay program)
Truth be told I don't remember much about that first game. The record books tell me it was quite the game. James Lofton caught 5 passes for 169 yards and 3 touchdowns. Franco Harris scored a TD for the Steelers, and the Packers lost a close game. None of those things really stick out to me though. What I remember is being there with family and experiencing the electricity of something special.
When you partake in a Packer tailgate, the actual experience itself starts well in advance of gameday. With seasoned vets in our ranks, having uncles like Rick and Doug ensures your tailgate experience will be thoroughly planned. From who is preparing the main course, to what snacks or treats everyone will bring and where we'll meet, every detail is covered. While our group isn't "over the top" like some tailgaters (those people probably do the Wave too), the care that's put into our tailgate is genuine. Seriously, if you look at the back of Rick's truck on gameday it's like a real life Tetris game! Rule #2: Everyone brings something to pass, and there's always PLENTY of food.
When you arrive at a Buboltz tailgate, there's nothing better than getting in that first handshake with a relative you haven't seen in awhile, exchanging a smile, or maybe even a hug (it's the only place in the world I feel like Norm from Cheers). It isn't long before a favorite beverage is cracked open and the sounds of people exchanging stories, talking football, and laughter is heard. When I think about the question "Why do we tailgate", this is where my thoughts turn. It isn't the game, the food or drink, or the numbers pool; it's the memories we've made over the years and the bonds we've built by simply being together clad in green and gold, enjoying each other's company. The "event" is just the backdrop. Rule #3: Make memories.
Looking back through the Post Pattern's archives, I noticed the original editor would coordinate a special "tailgater" for The Post Pattern subscribers. In 1987, he advertised the group was as large as 70 attendees at one point. Anyone in attendance had to look no further than the Impeccables flag (that is now the symbol of one of our divisions) which humbly stood as a modest beacon for attendees. While we haven't flown the flag in a few years, rumor has it that may be changing in the future.
Recently, a group of 15 Buboltz's (be sure to count below to check my math) got together to continue the tradition. Hands were shook, hugs were exchanged, and beverages were consumed. We were joined by some family friends (yes that is Paul Schwann photo bombing us in the back) and even some friendly New England Patriots fans who kindly donated 2 brand new grills to our cause afterwards. But as always, the highlight, at least for this editor, was the memories we made.
The original and current editor of The Post Pattern at a tailgate in September of 2011 celebrating the Packers 4th Super Bowl title.
What's on Tap?
In this edition of The Post Pattern, we go back to October of 1978 in "The Vault" to hear tales of legends like Vince Lombardi and Lefty "Scooter" Prahl. We also check in our with Buboltz kids as they head in to the post season for fall sports. Be sure to check out our Division page as there's been some movement on the leaderboard!
