It's been a few years since you've seen the man in the chair in the competition - and by "in" the competition, we mean not sitting in a chair kicking back near the keg but competing like he used to do in the olden day, when croquet mallets were made from stone and croquet wickets were made from animal bones

Take a step back to 1999 - The place - Ridgefield, CT

I think this may have been the last time we saw Patrick - the heat was pretty hot so we're thinking he left the kitchen

Dad C and Chip size up the competition

Donna and Sue talk about where they'll be placing the trophy once they claim it

A little break in the action allows for a great chance for the group family photo.....Uhhhhh - Aunt Donna, could you get out of the way. Where is everybody - ??? C'mon everyone....

Egads, c'mon everyone - take a seat, this'll only take a minute......okay, everybody ready.....

Uhhhhh, okay, let's try that again. Okay everyone got their place? Okay, everyone say cheese....

HEY EMMA, ROB, CLAIRE, HELEN - I'm over here - HEY PAY ATTENTION......

CHHHHHEEEEESSSSSEEEE

Finally - maybe just the kids will be easier

Carly and Emma take some time out from the competition to enjoy the natural surrounding of the Ridgefield course

Kylie waters Uncle Rob's and Aunt Amanda's flowers with her favorite juice box

Nana Joanne shares some time with Ian and Trevor

Uncle Donny thinks about making a run for the gold

Aunt Mimi and Nana Joanne do the hang

Bill and Uncle Mike make their move

Nat doing a little referee'n - doesn't look like they like the call

Peter hangs out with Claire

Helen gets ready to get rocked by Kara, as Uncle Chip looks on

The "Prize" awaits the winner

The 1999 8 Stillman Memorial Champion, from Sandwich, MA -

Michael McCartney

It's never too late to start practicing for next year