The 2012 AGLOA Academic Games National Tournament was blessed by the presence of members of the EMPTY SET, five exceptional adults who dominated the tournament 25 years ago. Rob Curtis, Jeff Hoorn, Chris Kelly, Ray Klann, and Todd Yocum represented South Lyon, Michigan. They began their reign of excellence in 8th grade, led by their coach Pam (Miller) Placek. For five straight years from 1982-86, they returned to the National Tournament and won the sweepstakes championship of their Division. No team has ever duplicated that feat. None of the five was honored as an Outstanding Senior, but as a team they were unbeatable.

This year, they gathered together again at the National Tournament in West Virginia. They con­tinued their lifelong friendships, connected again with their super coach, had a great time reading questions to the high school players, shared stories (some probably embellished), and had fun. Shining through all of this was the quality of these individuals. They typified what Academic Games stands for. Without trying, they were models, and their messages were seen clearly by those they came in contact with.

Of course, they showed EXCELLENCE. They played and won. Each of their careers has exhibi­ted that winning tradition. AGLOA honors EXCELLENCE. Every player who qualifies for a National Tournament strives to be the best. That striving for EXCELLENCE is a trait to be admired and praised.

The five guys (now men) and their coach showed INTEGRITY. They won by playing fiercely but always within the rules. They played to beat their opponents but not to humiliate them. When tempted, they chose the high road. They did not take dishonest shortcuts. AGLOA fosters INTEG­RITY. Excellence with integrity is esteemed.

The Empty Set team and their coach also showed CHARACTER. They handled victory and defeat the same way. One year, they won the sweepstakes without a single game victory. They learned to live with their losses without being crushed and to relish their victories without rubbing it in. AGLOA strives to develop the CHARACTER of its players.