Alan Lathrop
Name: Alan Lathrop
Induction Year: 2020
Category: Career Achievement in Embracing the Spirit
Bio: Alan claims his rightful spot amongst the Hall of Fame for many accomplishments at KFM but most notably is his exceptional efforts to compete for Best Dressed. Alan is the original winner of the Award and is (at the time of induction) a 4 time winner of the award with several years wherein he should have/could have additionally won the award. His style varies from arriving with rake in hand as Bill Murray from Caddyshack to the time he appeared in a full cookie monster costume armed with chocolate chip cookies… and then golfed in the costume in 95 degree weather and then to the time he arrived via van rooftop ala Teen Wolf. He’s also come in full chicken costume, Patrick Swayze from the Chippendales skit, and plenty more intricate, amusing, and beautiful appearances. Alan has also only missed 1 KFM Cancer Classics amongst the first 20. His play is also strong, winning the Purple Rider award twice. Equally impressive is, despite there not being statistical data or an award given, Alan has undoubtedly been a staple as the last man to leave the KFM post party. In every way, Alan embodies what the spirit of the KFM Cancer Classic was designed to be.
Alan was recently named one of the most eligible bachelors in Chicago by some publication I’m sure. Alan was extremely close to his Mom and lost his mother Janet to Cancer in August of 2018. As a regular KFM attendee, Janet was an enthusiastic supporter of KFM, good times, and a very proud Mom.
Personal: Alan was born in Champaign and went to school there until the 4th grade when his parents made the wise decision to move to Amazing Arcola, IL. Alan is a 1996 graduate of Arcola High School, a 2001 graduate of the University of Illinois, and a 2016 graduate of the City Colleges of Chicago. He works as a nursing administrator and house supervisor at Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago. His sole remaining sports allegiance is to the four-time Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. In his free time he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, skiing, going to concerts, and playing Super Tecmo Bowl on the original NES.
Alan's Thoughts on His Hall of Fame Induction:
“I am proud and humbled to be inducted into the KFM Cancer Classic Hall of Fame. My favorite thing about the KFM Cancer Classic is the origin story. When Kevin conceived of the Classic, he was fresh out of college, in his early 20’s and working an entry level job. Kevin’s idea behind starting this charity was that it’s never too early to start giving back to the community and that anyone can make a contribution for the betterment of society. Kevin’s hope was that by encouraging the people in his life to make a small contribution to the cause every year, that over time, all those small contributions would add up to make a world of difference. Not only has that come true to the tune of raising over $350,000 for cancer research, it has also helped to spur on others to make additional charitable ventures on their own. Two notable examples are previous KFMCC Hall of Fame inductees Brian Marchal, who has his own non-for profit organization that donates money to families in need every winter, and Ryan Komlertkul who has done a lot of work raising awareness and money to help fight ALS. It is an honor to be counted amongst these three high quality individuals.
As to the question of why I continue to compete in the best dressed category every year… I do it as a tribute to our founder Kevin Monahan. Kevin has been my friend since the 5th grade and he puts in countless hours every year in order to put this event together. This will be my 19th classic in 20 years and I’ve had a great time at each and every one of them. It’s a fun, worthwhile event that doubles as a chance to see a lot of friends whom I wouldn’t see otherwise. All Kevin asks for in return is for people to embrace the “spirit of the event”. If my dressing up like a fool helps make Kevin feel just a little bit more rewarded for all of his hard work then I’m happy to keep the costumes going as long as he keeps putting on the Classic. Thanks for all your effort buddy, and thanks for inviting me to join your Hall of Fame.”
