March 8, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Pigskin Pick'em pays off for Orlikowski, humane society
Pigskin Pick'em pays off for Orlikowski, humane society
Ed Orlikowski, general manager of the Claridge Days Inn of Rhinelander, got the chance to bask in the glow of a championship as he was officially recognized the winner of the 2012 Northwoods River News Pigskin Pick'em Board Wednesday during a celebration at the Claridge.
Orlikowski was not the only winner. As the Pigskin Pick'em champion, he had the honor of presenting a $400 check to the charity of his choosing - the Oneida County Humane Society.
"I've always been a friend of pets and my wife and I have always had some dogs," Orlikowski said of why he chose the humane society. "A couple years ago, we picked up a couple of dogs that were abused dogs and I really think that it's a shame for people to do that to animals. I really appreciate the hard work that they do at the humane society in helping out pets."
OCHS director Bria Swartout and OCHS board member Candy Whidden were on hand for the celebration.
Swartout said the $400 will be put to good use.
"(The money will go toward) basic animal cares and anything from vet bills to food, just care for the animals," she said. "Any time is a good time to receive donations, absolutely, and we're very grateful to receive this one."
Orlikowski beat out seven other distinguished individuals, including your's truly, to win this year's title. He had a .674 winning percentage and an overall record of 172-83-1 predicting National Football League regular season games.
"I think the dartboard really helped me out this year," Orlikowski quipped.
Retired Oneida County Sheriff Jeff Hoffman, finished second for a second consecutive year. I put forth a valliant effort to defend my 2011 title, but fell four games short and ended in a third-place tie with Tim Thorsen of Spine & Sport Physical Therapy.
Paul "P.J." Johnson of Coyote 93.7 WCYE-FM finished fifth.
"It was stressful," Johnson said of making his weekly picks. "I've been playing fantasy football for 10 years now and doing this kind of deal. Monday morning would come around and I was like, 'What in the heck was I thinking when I turned in these picks?'"
While I did not win this year, I did take some personal satisfaction in beating this year's "Shadow" by four games. I will be the owner of some bragging rights around the holiday dinner table because the "Shadow" was Vilas County Forestry Department Recreation Administrator Dale Mayo, who also happens to be my father.
Craig Lau of Peoples State Bank and Newswatch 12 Sports' Marisa Silvas rounded out the running order.
"It was such an honor, especially to be the only woman on the board," Silvas said. "It was really neat. I had never done anything like this before. I have played fantasy sports for quite a few years, but never something like this. To have the chance to do it was a challenge and proved to be more of a challenge than I had hoped, but it was fantastic."
The board members enjoyed some playful needling throughout the season. That continued Wednesday evening.
"It was a lot of fun," Orlikowski said. "I enjoyed it. It was some fun with everybody that was involved. There was some camaraderie involved - some ribbing and joking that went on between all of us."
On behalf of the River News, and Walker Communications LLC, I would like to thank all who participated in this year's Pigskin Pick'em Board and cannot wait to kick off the 2013 competition, beginning in September.
In the meantime, I encourage you to support our winning charity, the Oneida County Humane Society.
"We do have a wish list (for supplies)," Swartout said. "Monetary donations are always welcome, but we do have a wish list of our biggest needs for the animals."
To learn more about the humane society, or to donate, visit www.ochspets.org.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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