Directions From Oklahoma Johnny Hale
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Jack Effel welcomed "Oklahoma" Johnny Hale to the stage to kick things off today. Saying "I'm glad to be here today. At my age, I'm happy to be anywhere," Hale welcomed the players to the Amazon Room and accepted the Golden Eagle trophy on behalf of all past champions. Hale has asked all post-2001 champions to join him at break to have their photo taken with the new trophy.
After leading the group through the Pledge of Allegiance, wished everyone luck in getting second place and gave the famous instructions to "Shuffle up and deal."