As my week 11 Fantasy Football matchup with Bombers looms, I would like to take a minute, step back and reflect on the dominating past that has been my relationship with BombSkitz. Before I tack on another victory to an already impressive resume this weekend, I thought I would briefly touch on 8 of the greatest victories that have taken place in my 16 year friendship with Tommy Boy.

#8 - Sure Thomas Daniel majored in Mathematics at St Thomas, came from a mathematic lineage, and had Ms Triers answer book at his disposal, but when the votes were tallied for 2002 EHS Math Student of the Year, he fell short. Winner: Version4.0 by a fraction.

#7 - At one of the toughest 18 hole layouts around, the Hayword Log Cabin Putt Putt Course, Tom took a huge skins lead after his ball ricocheted off of a wood chip and bounced in on the 5th. Reality caught up with him on the back nine. Winner: Version4.0 by 3 skins.

# 6 - In our Woodland hay days, the annual Eagan Football Camp. Toms father Dave ran the camp. Tom knew all the coaches. Tom even played the sport of football (Version4.0 did not) But when the punt, pass, kick winner was announced, his name wasnt called. Winner: Version4.0 by 13 yards (he won a pennant, how gay were those things)

#5 - On a bus-ride home from DHMS, a note was passed back to two innocent 6th graders from the one and only 7th grader Ali Slu. Tom read aloud in anticipation, “You can have Tom, but I get Sexy Jeff.” Winner: Sexy Jeff

#4 - As the friendship grew strong in the high school days, Tom mastered the N64 game of NFL Blitz. His NY Jets were untouchable. He beat Version4.0 95% of the time. Then Version4.0 won back to back games and refused to play Bomber again. Winner: Version4.0 by 2

#3 - Ah, the Waterous Fire Hydrant Days. Setup Randy goes down with the flu. The Supervisor scans his employees, and calls Version4.0 over. Tom stays put, head down, and watches while Version4.0 is asked to be the interim Set-up man, an honor similar to being called up from AAA. Winner: Set-up Version4.0

#2 - Winter Team Activities. Now best of friends. Tom and Version4.0 devise a plan on Lacrosse draft day to have one be captain and select the other with his first pick. The problem for Captain Version4.0, Nick Gonzo was on the board. Gonzo and Version4.0 go on to an undefeated season and Version4.0 is rewarded as a First Team Selection (Bomber was 2nd Team, if that matters) and the prestigious ALL JORAN MVP HONORS. Winner: The draft king and MVP himself, Version4.0

#1 - Bomber develops his first serious crush Sophomore year, the quiet beauty, Andrea Lavaille. Not knowing where he stands with her, he has Michael Moller call to get the infamous Top 5. Lucky for Bomber, he cracks the Top 2, a admirable accomplishment for any strapping young lad. Andrea’s heart however, beat for another man. Winner: #1 Ranked Version4.0

Good luck this week Bomber, may our tradition continue.