[TURKEY RUN :: SERB FEST - Online] Fire & Ice Extravaganza

Vince was the final addition to the TR 2004 line-up and it proved to be a great one. He no doubt was able to provide an unusual brand of entertainment to the group - always a welcomed trait. He was recruited by CR, Scott Berger & Dan F, having been a friend of the three in high school.

In 2008, the Intellectual of the Year award was officially renamed in honor of its first ever recipient. A fitting way to pay respect to the intellectual of all intellectual TR attendees, past, present and future.

To this day, while many of today's regulars have never met Vince, he continues to be one of the most talked about past attendees of Serb Fest history and his eventual return is among the highest anticipated of past Serb Fest attendees. In early 2012, nearly 8 years after his one and only infamous trip to Turkey Run, TR Online caught up with him for a little "where are they now". Vince did not disappoint!

The Intellectual of the Year was first awarded to one-time TR attendee, Vince Kus in 2004. This of course, is not awarded for true intellect, but rather for more or less, “marching to the beat of your own drummer”. In 2008, the award was renamed in honor of its original recipient and the greatest intellectual of our group to ever grace Serb Fest.

AWARD RECIPIENTS >

Intellectual of the Year :: 2004
Cevapcici Consumption Award :: 2004 (for consuming 20 in one sitting)

"Dr. Phil" - 2004
Fell asleep on the wall -2004
Saved 2 drowning children in Sugar Creek -2004
Received a speeding ticket on the drive home at a toll booth -2004

"If it doesn't fit, I'll just stick my nose in it" - 2004
"I'll make him give her a dead horse... That's my quote" -2004

4.08.12 :: TR 2004 Attendee and inspiration behind the “Intellectual of the Year Award”, Vince Kus, Chats with TR Online!

TR Online: In 2004, you joined us for your one and only trip to Serb Fest at Turkey Run State Park. Where has life taken you since that legendary weekend nearly 8 years ago?

Kus: It's been a long trek, for all of us men who were apart of TR 2004 - a trek that I have and will continue to enjoy. I have a wonderful Wife (Kathryn), a son (London 5yrs), a second son (Sebastian 1yr) and have been residing in Arizona. I continue to work at CDW (5yrs), while building and working toward fulfilling my dreams and enjoying my friends and family.

TR Online: During the kayak/canoe trip in 2004, you saved two drowning children. Have you experienced any more heroic moments since miraculously saving these children’s lives?

Kus: I have been dominating opportunities that present themselves and cherishing the moments they have created.

TR Online: You had a significant presence in the 2005 “Fire & Ice Extravaganza, Special Edition” DVD release. I’ve heard stories of you putting the DVD to good use in college to impress guests at your apartment. Do you still find yourself turning to the DVD when in need of (for lack of a better term) an ego boost?

Kus: Often.

TR Online: In 2004, you were the very first recipient of the “Intellectual of the Year Award”. In 2008, the award was renamed the “Vince Kus Honorary Intellectual of the Year Award” in honor of the unprecedented intellect you displayed at TR 2004. Please share your thoughts on this and any words of inspiration you may have for future attendees.

Kus: For all those who have taken part or will one day take part in the TR experience, no finer thoughts can be offered than this: Coming from the 2004 “Intellectual of the Year”, an award that today, bears my name in honor, "Every man has the opportunity to inspire, and those men who learn the art of inspiration understand how to create the opportunity. However, before the man understands how to create an opportunity he must understand his own inspirations to be able see an opportunity to inspire others."

TR Online: Since your attendance in 2004, the dynamic of the Serb Fest has evolved quite a bit, nearly coming full circle to what it was at Serb Fest’s inception in the mid-1970’s. No longer is it perceived as a “guys weekend”, but more of a family friendly gathering among friends. There has been summoning by the TR High Council for the return of “Kusseneggar” to TR. Is there hope that one day you will return to Serb Fest along with your family?

Kus: Could be soon! I raise my head high and say "hello" to the TR class of 2012. May it be inspiring and legendary for you. I will one day return to enjoy and share the new and exciting experiences of being together at TR with my good friends. Until then, I challenge you this: “Let's not be men of our successes, but men of value” - Albert Einstein.