The Charlotte Observer
Published Sunday, June 24, 2001
my guys can beat your guys
No more boasts; let's just compete
Bragging in a bar turns into a challenge to decide which 40ish group is best
By STEVE LYTTLE

Mike Waite and his buddies have battled among themselves for several years, to determine which of the dozen or so 1980 high school graduates is in the best athletic condition. But last weekend, they rallied together against a common foe. "It was a bunch of Waite wanna-bes," said Waite, who organized the multi sport competition among his friends and has served as Waite Challenge director for the past decade.

A few months ago, Waite was challenged to a weekend competition by Tom Hastings. "This actually started in a restaurant bar," Hastings said. "I think a few boasts were made, and the next thing we knew, we were planning a competition."

The Waite Challenge, in the fall, features competition in sports ranging from track, to bowling, to basketball, to darts.
The Waite-Hastings Challenge last week featured football, baseball, golf, an obstacle course and bowling.
Each member of Waite's group graduated either from Catholic or South Mecklenburg in 1980. Hastings' group, a few years younger on average, came from around the country.
"We're a melting pot," he said.
They even bought a big shiny cup, to serve as a trophy.
And there was drama. The outcome wasn't decided until the final event - bowling. Waite's team won by a mere seven pins, clinching victory.
"Great drama, and a great time for all," Waite said afterward.

Steve Lyttle: (704) 358-5006; slyttle @charlotteobserver.com