I heard this one third-hand, and I apologize for posting something that I can't confirm, but it's still pretty good. As some of you might know, Jon Barkan left the "full-time" sportswriting world to work for his family's business. Apparently Barkan was talking on the phone to either LSSU SID Scott Monaghan or coach Jeff Jackson, and expressed concern as to whether he'd actually be able to *attend* this year's Barkan Bash, or if he'd have to leave it in the capable hands of Neil Koepke. I heard the exchange went something like this: LSSU Rep: "Jon, you've gotta come to St. Paul. We're XXX-XXX with you in the stands. You gotta be there." Barkan: "I don't know...I was just at the Regionals, I'm missing a lot of work..." LSSU: "What if Jackson writes your dad a note excusing you?" I really hope this is a true story..."Dear Mr. Barkan. Can Jon come out and play?" --Greg