This year’s Lawn Olympics, while momentous for several reasons, is especially noteworthy this year because of an official exit of an old friend and the emergence of a new and powerful force in the LO universe. In a move that began with last years event, Chad Bernheisel, a.k.a. God of Style, has decided to retire to Mt. Olympus (in his case Windham), while Josh Wolfgram has ascended from the rank of common man to that of God of Fellowship.

Chad Bernheisel, as one of the original members of the Lawn Olympics Committee, has seen many successes during his tenure of God of Style. Largely responsible for LO committee uniforms, Style has gone a long way in creating the signature, runway-worthy look of the Gods. Meticulous and exacting in his standards, Style took this responsibility seriously. Sunglass and haircut approval prior to the big event were just some of the powers he wielded over his fellow Gods. Known for his boyish good looks, he was nicknamed “Yummy Chad” by some doting LO attendees.

Chad has juggled his God responsibilities with those of husband and father for several years and has decided to now concentrate on the latter. While he is stepping down as an active member of the committee, he will be no stranger to Lawn Olympics. The position of God is a lifetime one, and membership has its privileges. Expect to see him perusing the grounds, swinging for the waffle ball fences and critiquing the God’s attire at future events.

Chad’s departure created a void in the Lawn Olympics committee that could have potentially damaged the event forever. LO had never had to deal with the adversity of a retirement. The Committee had to move swiftly. In a clandestine meeting at an undisclosed location, the remaining Gods met to ponder the issues in front of them. Who could step up to the lofty position? Could Kevin and Mike live with a Wolfgram majority on the Lawn Olympics Committee?

In the end, the answers were not hard to come by. Only one person was truly suited for the position. Josh Wolfgram, brother to Brett, in-law to Pam and close friend to all the Gods, has been officially appointed to the committee. See his initiation here. Those who attended last years LO know that Josh was a last minute fill-in for Chad when a new entry to the Bernheisel family arrived on the day of the event. Despite having little notice and no preparation time, Josh filled in ably. That performance proved his mettle and left the Gods with little doubt as to his worthiness.

As Lawn Olympics moves towards its final appearance on the fields of Riverside, the new God of Fellowship represents the changing face of the event. Bringing a new perspective and a youthful exuberance, Josh will surely make his presence felt immediately. As for the Wolfgram majority on the LO committee, we can only hope that Kevin and Mike are not driven to join Chad sooner than expected!

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Mike Anderson, a regular contributor of LOOP, is a member of the Lawn Olympics Committee but claims that no positive slant or bias was used in the writing of this article. We believe him.