Loose Lou Tully..... a genuine guy who wore it on his sleeve! It didn't matter if the discussion was about fun and games or serious politics, one always knew that whatever Lou contributed to any conversation, he meant what he said and stood behind it 100%. And, of course, at one point or another, that conversation would eventually find its way back to "water polo." It was THEN, that all one had to do was sit back and listen. A real "Swiss Army Knife" was Lou! Such a versatile man! Whether he played the "pet monkey," the waitress on roller skates, the race-car driver doctor's nurse, or the front-end of the camel, you knew Loose Lou would milk his roles to their fullest potential. He could convert his personality from that of a bashful nerd to a hardened tough-guy--in the midst of a 2-minute song! ("Rumble"). As "Priscilla Snodgrass," on her way to winning a dance contest, or the "love tutor" offering "Pee Wee" helpful hints with his "Drive-In" theater suggestions, this man could always take on a role as if it was the real deal. With Loose Lou at the head of the line for "The Bunny Hop," he lead those laughing groups down theater aisles or hotel corridors, taking the line completely out of the ballroom, altogether! We always knew that the people following him would be in for a ton of fun and laughter. Then, there was the "Locomotion." How good was it when the band purposefully let that song drag on? It was seemingly forever, just so we'd be able to eventually witness Lou taking that "train" right down in front of the stage. And, as he'd pass by, he'd glance up at the band out of the corner of his eye, signaling with repeated slashes across his throat, for us to, "PLEASE! CUT THE MUSIC!" as he puffed on that "engine's" cigar with sweat rolling down his forehead from his hard-hat. Yet, every time, he'd know exactly what we on stage were waiting to see, as he'd begin to turn green. Our unwritten rule? It always HAD to be Loose Lou at the front of the line for all of those numbers. Whether it was as an embarrassed young man with a lipstick smudge on his collar, with Mr. Clean throwing him to the floor, or when primping his own, personally-selected couple in a twist contest, Lou took it to the max, as he'd always implore his couple, "To actually win this thing, you're gonna have to take some clothing off!" He was a really ugly cheerleader with a bad rug. He was the heroic, "Jones," who demanded the exits of "Salty Sam" (who was chasing "Old Sweet Sue"). He would playfully boast about his inability to sing (often in the key of "R-sharp," he'd exclaim); and he was always the primary organizer of his adoring fans with "The Stroll" and "The "Twist Contest;" hence, his other stage nickname, "The Prince of the Twist." Those memories shall never be forgotten--by thousands of people! How many times did we hear, "Oh, MY favorite was the big one on the end with the "S" on his sweater!" But what I'll always remember most is Lou's sense of conviction. He deeply adored his daughter and son, as well as his loving (and patient!) wife. He was so very dedicated to his athletes and to the sport of water polo--at ALL levels. And, I can think of no other human being who could bring a smile onto so many faces every time the name, "Loose Lou Tully," was, is, and always will be mentioned. Lou, you'll forever be impossible to forget. Big Bop