Winterfest XVIII – Myths and Legends – Part IV
Author: Woozy | Category: Myths and LegendsOne of the more heart-warming legends (or is it?) of WinterFest history involves The Stork "Stu" "Bubba" Sterkel.
During WinterFest XVIII The Stork succumbed to a back ailment, having to forfeit his match to Gator Kouremetis and Team EUR.
Determined to get "back in the saddle", The Stork sought out the best medical advice — and feet — in Phoenix. It’s reported at one point that The Stork had 4 Asian girls walking on his back to work out the "stiffness". After the back walk, the girls put The Stork on "the rack" for additional "therapy" — with The Stork at times screaming — "Thank You Mistress Ling — May I have another?"
Well the treatments seemed to work, as The Stork was able to return to action in Round #4 of WF XVIII — and although not "at his best", The Stork proved to be inspirational to his Yank Yank team mates — not unlike "Rudy" of Notre Dame fame — or Brian Piccolo of Chicago Bear fame.
In fact, The Stork’s story was so inspiring that Hollywood decided to make a film about the courage of — The Stork.
A search was launched to find the very best actor to play the part of The Stork…. Would it Brad Pitt? Tom Cruise?? Harrison Ford?? Woody Allen??
No — none of these fine actors were deemed to capture "the essence" of The Stork…. so who would it be?
The Legend goes that it was decided to use Joe Don Baker and reprise his character and role of "Walking Tall" fame – to pay tribute to the courage of The Stork. So while Joe Don is a little older now (the walker was a nice touch) — and the use of a baseball bat versus a golf club seemed a bit suspect, the movie was a huge success, selling 8 copies of the CD that year….
Myth or Legend?
Myth!!!
While it is not true that "Walking Tall XII" starring Joe Don Baker was a tribute to The Stork — Hollywood did indeed make a tribute film to The Stork’s courage — and hired a big time star for the role — and you know him and it of course — Heath Ledger — starring in…………..
Broke "Back" Mountain.
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Tags: Humor
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