The New Corey
With the original Puerto Rican foosball legend now residing in Jeb Bush country, the 2006 Halloween Foosball Tournament figured to be a wide open affair. During Corey’s 8 years in the HFT, he reached the finals 7 times and won the championship on 6 occasions, and his last loss was way back in 2001. While most everyone appreciated Corey’s talent, there was a great deal of anticipation to see who would finally get a chance at the circular piece of wood now. There had been many competitors throughout the years that thought this would finally be their chance. Instead…we got a new Corey.
Alex Figueroa and Corey Pinkham shared several things in common. They both went to the Bartlett Middle School. They were both members and then employees of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. Whereas Steve would once go to Hooters after work with Corey, he now went with Alex. But Alex did not appreciate the repeated comparisons or the “new Corey” moniker that was attached to him. Early in the evening many people called him Corey just to bust his balls. Then later on it seemed as thought people were just saying it by accident as if they had gotten used to it. Corey’s neighbor and rival, Uncle Billy noted that he never saw the two of them in the same place at the same time.
But at the end of the night, Alex got the last laugh as he won the 2006 Halloween Foosball Tournament, becoming the first person to win the tournament in his first year since; yup you guessed it, Corey Pinkham.
But what becomes the next step? Sure they had a lot in common, but what about the differences. And the most important question of all. Who would win? The New Corey or the “O.C.” (Original Corey)? Arguably for the first time in 8 years, Corey might have competition for the title of best Halloween Foosball Tournament player. Although the one year resident of the Sunshine State dismissed that talk “tell Alex when he wins 5 more he can give me a call.” Strong words, but the truth is we don’t know. And if Greg or Jim or Steve or even Kyle had won the 2006 Halloween Foosball Tournament, Corey’s title would be safe. But now there is the question. And the distinct possibility it would entice Corey to return to settle that question once and for all.
Alex and Corey had a lot in common. And now they are both Halloween Foosball Champions. But who is really the best?
