"I know, let's cheer 'Purple Nurple' on three!"
A. Mercier - Prior to first game of purple's undefeated run.
Although I didn't write down the scores, I thought I'd provide a brief recap of my memories of the holiday mixed tourny for your enjoyment. Obviously my purple team won (duh!). Afterall, it'd be impossible for us not to win when we were wearing purple.
Purple vs. White
We got off to a quick start in this game (5-0ish), and white was never able to come back. At best, they traded points with us for a while at the end. Strangely, even though I kinda feared white (mainly Bryce and Matt from Open), this was probably my best game. I got a couple of assists and a goal. My guess is that the final score was about 13-8.
Purple vs. Yellow
Yellow was a bit of an easier game, since they weren't stacked with Open players. I'd guess the final score was about 12-5. I remember Derek on Yellow made this ridiculous layout bid for a hammer when the game was out of reach. Also in this game, I made my own layout for a point on a misthrown backhand by Anne. This was also the first game I got skyed by an Open player in (final sky count: Open players 3, Nurple 0).
Purple vs. Black
Black had lots of Open players, which made for some fun match-ups. I got a nice high D during this game, but also got stalled down by Sharpe when he chose to mark me. This was probably the game when captain Colin started yelling me for not cutting in quick enough to open things up for our ladies (this was basically our strategy for the tournament - send the Stella ladies and Phil (Open) deep constantly).
Purple vs. Blue
Blue was a tough team since they had World Champ Jeff Sward and one of my personal Ottawa ulty heroes, John Haig. High-light of the game for me was definitely scoring while Haig was marking me. Granted, he wasn't putting in a tonne of effort at the time, but, still, I scored on one of the best players in Ottawa. We ran away with this game....14-5ish.
Purple vs. Red
We came back to tie Red after last point was called, and then won on universe 13-12. Red had a bunch of Open players, and PMo....who I'm admittedly not a fan of. The reason Red kept it close was that they had some great women (Deb, Love, Nat), BUT...our women were simply better. Plus, Colin played all game....for better or worse. My best chance for a sky was my only miss of the day. A Red Open player got a peice of a high huck from Colin, and my legs just didn't allow me to get up and get as much hand as I should on the throw
Lessons Learned
1. Open is definitely not for me. I'm amazed at their speed and aggressiveness, and give them huge props.
2. Sometimes, it's more fun to play, than to win. Although Colin seemed like a nice guy when talking to him one-on-one, he came off a bit...different on the pitch.
3. Quality women will always be the difference in mixed. We had some RIDICULOUS women on our team (Anne, Alex, and Sam).
4. Open guys mark overly aggressive...and I have to call that. There were multiple times last night I should have called disc space, and didn't.
5. I really need to get sports hernia surgery. I was in all kinds of pain after the 5 games in 4 hours last night.
Once upon a time, I wrote an entry about how during pick-up, comp players threw to comp players, intermediate players threw to intermediate players, and league players just picked up the scraps....yea...that still happens. Within the 'comp players' category, I can further break that down and say 'Open players throw to Open players, Stella players throw to Stella players, and Mixed players throw to Mixed players'. Honestly, I felt bad for the two non-comp. players on our team (who got yelled at), since I wasn't seeing the disc a bunch, I can only imagine that they weren't happy with the amount of touches (and PT in general). What was supposed to be a fun holiday tournament, just wasn't.
Have a safe and happy new year. Until next time (in 2009), happy hucking!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Week 5 Recap
"We (Threezerburn) just need one good handler to be a contender."
Steve ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder - After losing to the Hammers
"I'll sit this one off since I'm still a bit oozy."
PN55 - After D-ing a disc with his face.
The last week of winter ulty before the holiday break was an eventful one. For some, it was the last chance to impress a Wednesday night coordinator in order to seal their fate the rest of the winter, for others (like yours truly), it was an opportunity to try Frisbees as an appetizer. On with the recap.
- With the F*&#ing bus strike still in full effect, the four Fish were unable to reunite for our typical workout early this week. With combined team records of 1(my team) win, 2 losses, and a tie, maybe not performing the torturous KJ routine impeded ulty performance?
- Wednesday's game against Steve and Threezerburn was quite enjoyable. While others were worried about impressing the Almighty Mahatma, I focused on shutting down Steve on D. Even though I wasn't totally successful, I'd like to think my defensive effort was somewhat helfpul in my team's 22-14 win.
- High-light of the game...ok, I'm going to pick three awesome events that had very little to do with me.
1. Unmarkable Hardenup had 2 Callahans in the same half!
2. Gym Rockin' Robinson made this ridiculous layout grab that earned him a pint from yours truly.
3. Rigid pulling off his cleat after the game and revealing his "lucky quarter" to me.
- Low-light of the game: Two throw-aways on hucks down the line. Apparently I've been over-feeding my pythons ;-)
- #25 and I talked eachother into attending Michelle's last fitness class of the year on Thursday. Although I was exhausted at the end of the hour, it felt great to finish the 3 circuits.
- Received the World Ulty Championships DVD I had ordered from Ultivillage on Friday night. Watched the Open championship game (yay Canada!) before my game later that night.
- Pre-game, exchanged Christmas gifts with #24 and #25. I'm now the proud owner of a 'Purple' purple t-shirt, and a PN55 embroidered hankerchief!
- Despite picking up a super-sub recently returned from Aussieland, Finishing Move couldn't overcome the top team in the league on Friday. In fact, it was our biggest defeat of the season in terms of point spread.
- If I had to pick a personal high-light, I'd go with an unsuccesful bid I made in hopes of catching a point later in the game. Even though I didn't come up with the disc, there was no "do you really want to lay-out on turf?" questioning going on inside my head...it was automatic :)
- Low-lights were numerous. D'ing a disc with my face on the first point of the game tore up my mouth which made it tough to get liquids down the rest of the night. Getting burnt on D repeatedly by Mike Howinthehellareyoua3inLeagueWonder from the Open program hurt the old ego. Not getting to huck one deep to the supersub was a tad disappointing. But....the lowest-low-light was: Losing it and tossing my hat late in the game.
- I remember three previous hat tosses that correspond to my worst two league games last summer, and my worst tournament game with Fish (vs. Practice). All these are excusable, since I have no leadership role to play on those teams. Seeing as how Fridays are my first captaining experiences, I can't be showing my team how frusterated I am with my own level of play. I might have to pin my hat on my head for the remainder of the season.
- Saturday was better as the Fish three got together for our last workout before the holildays. Mr. Two Pointer and Triple S came back to watch the Open championships at my place afterwards. On a sidenote, apparently my tv is too small and I have too many toothbrushes?
After having a couple of informal discussions with various ultmate peeps in the know, I think I'm going to be shuffled from my Wednesday team. Playing for a weaker team might be better for my development. As for Fridays, the schedule for our next three games all look winnable to me. I'll have to smarten up in terms of not letting my frusterations shine through on Friday nights though.
I'm definitely looking forward to the holiday break from ultimate. I'll probably be in town next weekend and might write a little recap of the holiday hat tournament. Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday, and a wonderful 2009. Until next time, happy (holiday) hucking!
Steve ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder - After losing to the Hammers
"I'll sit this one off since I'm still a bit oozy."
PN55 - After D-ing a disc with his face.
The last week of winter ulty before the holiday break was an eventful one. For some, it was the last chance to impress a Wednesday night coordinator in order to seal their fate the rest of the winter, for others (like yours truly), it was an opportunity to try Frisbees as an appetizer. On with the recap.
- With the F*&#ing bus strike still in full effect, the four Fish were unable to reunite for our typical workout early this week. With combined team records of 1(my team) win, 2 losses, and a tie, maybe not performing the torturous KJ routine impeded ulty performance?
- Wednesday's game against Steve and Threezerburn was quite enjoyable. While others were worried about impressing the Almighty Mahatma, I focused on shutting down Steve on D. Even though I wasn't totally successful, I'd like to think my defensive effort was somewhat helfpul in my team's 22-14 win.
- High-light of the game...ok, I'm going to pick three awesome events that had very little to do with me.
1. Unmarkable Hardenup had 2 Callahans in the same half!
2. Gym Rockin' Robinson made this ridiculous layout grab that earned him a pint from yours truly.
3. Rigid pulling off his cleat after the game and revealing his "lucky quarter" to me.
- Low-light of the game: Two throw-aways on hucks down the line. Apparently I've been over-feeding my pythons ;-)
- #25 and I talked eachother into attending Michelle's last fitness class of the year on Thursday. Although I was exhausted at the end of the hour, it felt great to finish the 3 circuits.
- Received the World Ulty Championships DVD I had ordered from Ultivillage on Friday night. Watched the Open championship game (yay Canada!) before my game later that night.
- Pre-game, exchanged Christmas gifts with #24 and #25. I'm now the proud owner of a 'Purple' purple t-shirt, and a PN55 embroidered hankerchief!
- Despite picking up a super-sub recently returned from Aussieland, Finishing Move couldn't overcome the top team in the league on Friday. In fact, it was our biggest defeat of the season in terms of point spread.
- If I had to pick a personal high-light, I'd go with an unsuccesful bid I made in hopes of catching a point later in the game. Even though I didn't come up with the disc, there was no "do you really want to lay-out on turf?" questioning going on inside my head...it was automatic :)
- Low-lights were numerous. D'ing a disc with my face on the first point of the game tore up my mouth which made it tough to get liquids down the rest of the night. Getting burnt on D repeatedly by Mike Howinthehellareyoua3inLeagueWonder from the Open program hurt the old ego. Not getting to huck one deep to the supersub was a tad disappointing. But....the lowest-low-light was: Losing it and tossing my hat late in the game.
- I remember three previous hat tosses that correspond to my worst two league games last summer, and my worst tournament game with Fish (vs. Practice). All these are excusable, since I have no leadership role to play on those teams. Seeing as how Fridays are my first captaining experiences, I can't be showing my team how frusterated I am with my own level of play. I might have to pin my hat on my head for the remainder of the season.
- Saturday was better as the Fish three got together for our last workout before the holildays. Mr. Two Pointer and Triple S came back to watch the Open championships at my place afterwards. On a sidenote, apparently my tv is too small and I have too many toothbrushes?
After having a couple of informal discussions with various ultmate peeps in the know, I think I'm going to be shuffled from my Wednesday team. Playing for a weaker team might be better for my development. As for Fridays, the schedule for our next three games all look winnable to me. I'll have to smarten up in terms of not letting my frusterations shine through on Friday nights though.
I'm definitely looking forward to the holiday break from ultimate. I'll probably be in town next weekend and might write a little recap of the holiday hat tournament. Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday, and a wonderful 2009. Until next time, happy (holiday) hucking!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Hammers Team Overview
"Give me a Hammers on 3
1...
2...
3...
HAMMERS!"
- Pre-game cheer of the third place team in IID.
Since we'll soon be demolished by the Almighty Mahatma, I thought it was an opportune time to provide the overview of my intermediate team. Of course, names have been changed to protect the less-than-innocent ;-)
Mama Fish (El Capitaine Numero Uno)
Strengths: solid handler, one handed grabs with her go-go-gadget arms, and patience with headcases like yours truly.
Weaknesses: speed, and not speaking up when something is going wrong.
Andrea Hardenup
Strengths: In-cuts, flick, and endurance.
Weaknesses: Backhand and height.
Lilyhammers and Tiesmen
Strengths: Athleticism, willing to experiment in different positions, and field sense.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced handling (but pretty solid), and bad knee.
Giddy-up
Strengths: Speed, striking ability, and willingness to play a position she excels at.
Weaknesses: Limited as a handler (although does have a solid flick), and she can't play every point (wish she could).
InVinceable EverYoung (El Capitain Doze)
Strengths: Lefty, able to break force consistently, and loads of experience.
Weaknesses: Playing with torn ACL, overly aggressive as a handler, and quiet as a captain.
DGo
Strengths: Pretty throws, uses dump effectively, and experienced handler.
Weaknesses: Mobility and defensive effort.
Mr. UnMarkable Hardenup
Strengths: Athleticism, speed, and willingness to lay his body on the line.
Weaknesses: Unpolished game leads him to run a lot (but LOADS of potential).
Rigid
Strengths: Hammers, hucks, and experience handling.
Weaknesses: Athleticism and slaggability ;-)
Big Jean Stud
Strengths: Speed, decision making, and defensive effort.
Weaknesses: Height and confidence in his game (he should have more than he does).
Gym Rockin' Robinson
Strengths: Height, great hands, and willingness to lay-out.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced handling and doesn't strike as often as he should.
K. Bringiton
Strengths: Solid throws, solid cuts, and solid defensively.
Weaknesses: Attendance and endurance.
Nurple
Strengths: Writing ultimate parody songs, associating with superior ultimate players, and stlyin' ultimate gear.
Weaknesses: Unrelenting, unwarranted confidence in his forehand hucks, playing defense at the cadence of "a walk in the park", and being broken as consistently as Paris Hilton's headboard.
There you have my brief assessment of my IID team. Hands down the third best team in the league, but, as mentioned above, not for long. Wonder how the holiday shuffle will impact the Hammers??? Until next time, happy hucking!
1...
2...
3...
HAMMERS!"
- Pre-game cheer of the third place team in IID.
Since we'll soon be demolished by the Almighty Mahatma, I thought it was an opportune time to provide the overview of my intermediate team. Of course, names have been changed to protect the less-than-innocent ;-)
Mama Fish (El Capitaine Numero Uno)
Strengths: solid handler, one handed grabs with her go-go-gadget arms, and patience with headcases like yours truly.
Weaknesses: speed, and not speaking up when something is going wrong.
Andrea Hardenup
Strengths: In-cuts, flick, and endurance.
Weaknesses: Backhand and height.
Lilyhammers and Tiesmen
Strengths: Athleticism, willing to experiment in different positions, and field sense.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced handling (but pretty solid), and bad knee.
Giddy-up
Strengths: Speed, striking ability, and willingness to play a position she excels at.
Weaknesses: Limited as a handler (although does have a solid flick), and she can't play every point (wish she could).
InVinceable EverYoung (El Capitain Doze)
Strengths: Lefty, able to break force consistently, and loads of experience.
Weaknesses: Playing with torn ACL, overly aggressive as a handler, and quiet as a captain.
DGo
Strengths: Pretty throws, uses dump effectively, and experienced handler.
Weaknesses: Mobility and defensive effort.
Mr. UnMarkable Hardenup
Strengths: Athleticism, speed, and willingness to lay his body on the line.
Weaknesses: Unpolished game leads him to run a lot (but LOADS of potential).
Rigid
Strengths: Hammers, hucks, and experience handling.
Weaknesses: Athleticism and slaggability ;-)
Big Jean Stud
Strengths: Speed, decision making, and defensive effort.
Weaknesses: Height and confidence in his game (he should have more than he does).
Gym Rockin' Robinson
Strengths: Height, great hands, and willingness to lay-out.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced handling and doesn't strike as often as he should.
K. Bringiton
Strengths: Solid throws, solid cuts, and solid defensively.
Weaknesses: Attendance and endurance.
Nurple
Strengths: Writing ultimate parody songs, associating with superior ultimate players, and stlyin' ultimate gear.
Weaknesses: Unrelenting, unwarranted confidence in his forehand hucks, playing defense at the cadence of "a walk in the park", and being broken as consistently as Paris Hilton's headboard.
There you have my brief assessment of my IID team. Hands down the third best team in the league, but, as mentioned above, not for long. Wonder how the holiday shuffle will impact the Hammers??? Until next time, happy hucking!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Week 5 Picks
"It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine."
REM - End of the World
The Almighty Mahatma decided to create "even" match-ups this week, which will affectionately be known as "The end of IID as we know it". I'm curious to see how the league changes after the holidays, since, at the risk of making some (more?) enemies, there aren't a lot of stand out players beside Pistol Pete and the juniors on the Children of the Corn, ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder, and Mr. and Mrs. Bush. While I'm being controversial, I wouldn't mind getting shuffled to Grey (I miss Stu and Cory's lessons of the week) or Threezerburn (the fun I'd have hucking on that team). Although I think the Hammers have talent to burn, we lack synergy and chemistry *sigh*. This week's theme for picks will be the holidays.
Children of the Corn vs. Ocho
Since the Great Kamasutra expects this to be a close game, and because I find amusement in arguing with his sailor-suited majesty, I predict a blow out for Children of the Corn. The reason is relatively simple: the Children will be pumped up for the holidays (some still believe in Santa Claus) and will run Ocho to the point where all their feet will be as red as Rudolph's nose. Furthermore, Pistol Pete is rumored to be consuming a breakfast of champions on Wednesday of pancakes, syrup, and…peanut butter?!?! The carb/protein mix will provide him with sufficient energy to hand out early gifts to his team-mates by assisting on a bunch of scores.
Grey vs. 4 Girls One Cup
This game promises to be a holiday bundle-fest (think of elves trying to play Guitar Hero with their frozen little fingers). The two teams that will benefit most by way of post-holiday shuffle are relatively evenly matched. Grey has got three things working in their favor:
1) Awesome coaches
2) A radiant red-head who can distract one of 4 Girls 1 Cups' captains by whispering a certain finishing move.
3) Black shirts!
Yes loyal readers, since my predicting continues to hover around 50% this year, I've decided to go back to my 'black shirts are superior' prognosticating philosophy. Grey to win in an ugly, but hotly contested game.
Threezerburn vs. Hammers
ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder and Matt "Suicide Running" Larose promise to keep my cheeks a festive red as they'll be sprinting laps around me all game. The striker formerly known as Delongchamps has informed me that all she wants for Christmas is to score repeatedly *gasp*. At the top of the Hammers' collective holiday wishlist is a certain lanky, hat-wearing hucker to stop gift wrapping his long passes to the other team. Mama Fish has made a simple request that we refrain from consuming "holiday spirit(s)" until after the game. As much as I'd love to go into the holiday break with a win, the Hammers will have to K. Bringiton all game long if we are to have a chance. My prediction is for the Hammers to win…the food drive*!
*Sidenote: I don't believe I've ever asked my readers for anything, but, if you're playing Wednesday night, I beg you to bring some food for the Ottawa Food Bank. Anyone who can afford to play indoor ultimate, can afford to bring a bag of food for the less fortunate.
2 x 12 vs. Army of Darkness
As much as the Great Kamasutra thinks Corn/Ocho will be the match of the night, this game promises to be the most entertaining. There are so many interesting storylines at work in this contest, many of them involving my choice for pre-holidays IID MVP (most virile playa): RPAlex. Young RP will be facing his ultimate mentor Salmon in what will be a classic teacher/student contest. If that's not enough, the man-child they call Bush will be matching up against the only other IID player to have committed the 11th edition rules to memory: Forum Frequenter Steve. If the man with the golden notebook survives those first two match-ups, he will face fellow fall Fireburp PS player El Diablo Mackalacka. My money is on young Alex to run the gauntlet and lead his team to victory. If he needs help, beside the Toronto-bound, Bonzai-lovin' prognosticator (who will light it up in his last game of IID), there will be a purple-lovin', Downtown Dave Brown huck chasin', Hammer ready to sub on a moment's notice.
Predicted Quote of the Week:
From one of the many gorgeous ladies at the dome on Wednesday to one of the many excitable male ultimate playas:
"Is that a candy cane in your man tights or are you happy to see me?"
On that note, I'm off to catch a few z's since this damn bus strike isn't resolved. In case this weekend is crazy, I wish you all happy holidays. Hope to see some of you at the holiday mixed tournament. Until next time, happy hucking!
REM - End of the World
The Almighty Mahatma decided to create "even" match-ups this week, which will affectionately be known as "The end of IID as we know it". I'm curious to see how the league changes after the holidays, since, at the risk of making some (more?) enemies, there aren't a lot of stand out players beside Pistol Pete and the juniors on the Children of the Corn, ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder, and Mr. and Mrs. Bush. While I'm being controversial, I wouldn't mind getting shuffled to Grey (I miss Stu and Cory's lessons of the week) or Threezerburn (the fun I'd have hucking on that team). Although I think the Hammers have talent to burn, we lack synergy and chemistry *sigh*. This week's theme for picks will be the holidays.
Children of the Corn vs. Ocho
Since the Great Kamasutra expects this to be a close game, and because I find amusement in arguing with his sailor-suited majesty, I predict a blow out for Children of the Corn. The reason is relatively simple: the Children will be pumped up for the holidays (some still believe in Santa Claus) and will run Ocho to the point where all their feet will be as red as Rudolph's nose. Furthermore, Pistol Pete is rumored to be consuming a breakfast of champions on Wednesday of pancakes, syrup, and…peanut butter?!?! The carb/protein mix will provide him with sufficient energy to hand out early gifts to his team-mates by assisting on a bunch of scores.
Grey vs. 4 Girls One Cup
This game promises to be a holiday bundle-fest (think of elves trying to play Guitar Hero with their frozen little fingers). The two teams that will benefit most by way of post-holiday shuffle are relatively evenly matched. Grey has got three things working in their favor:
1) Awesome coaches
2) A radiant red-head who can distract one of 4 Girls 1 Cups' captains by whispering a certain finishing move.
3) Black shirts!
Yes loyal readers, since my predicting continues to hover around 50% this year, I've decided to go back to my 'black shirts are superior' prognosticating philosophy. Grey to win in an ugly, but hotly contested game.
Threezerburn vs. Hammers
ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder and Matt "Suicide Running" Larose promise to keep my cheeks a festive red as they'll be sprinting laps around me all game. The striker formerly known as Delongchamps has informed me that all she wants for Christmas is to score repeatedly *gasp*. At the top of the Hammers' collective holiday wishlist is a certain lanky, hat-wearing hucker to stop gift wrapping his long passes to the other team. Mama Fish has made a simple request that we refrain from consuming "holiday spirit(s)" until after the game. As much as I'd love to go into the holiday break with a win, the Hammers will have to K. Bringiton all game long if we are to have a chance. My prediction is for the Hammers to win…the food drive*!
*Sidenote: I don't believe I've ever asked my readers for anything, but, if you're playing Wednesday night, I beg you to bring some food for the Ottawa Food Bank. Anyone who can afford to play indoor ultimate, can afford to bring a bag of food for the less fortunate.
2 x 12 vs. Army of Darkness
As much as the Great Kamasutra thinks Corn/Ocho will be the match of the night, this game promises to be the most entertaining. There are so many interesting storylines at work in this contest, many of them involving my choice for pre-holidays IID MVP (most virile playa): RPAlex. Young RP will be facing his ultimate mentor Salmon in what will be a classic teacher/student contest. If that's not enough, the man-child they call Bush will be matching up against the only other IID player to have committed the 11th edition rules to memory: Forum Frequenter Steve. If the man with the golden notebook survives those first two match-ups, he will face fellow fall Fireburp PS player El Diablo Mackalacka. My money is on young Alex to run the gauntlet and lead his team to victory. If he needs help, beside the Toronto-bound, Bonzai-lovin' prognosticator (who will light it up in his last game of IID), there will be a purple-lovin', Downtown Dave Brown huck chasin', Hammer ready to sub on a moment's notice.
Predicted Quote of the Week:
From one of the many gorgeous ladies at the dome on Wednesday to one of the many excitable male ultimate playas:
"Is that a candy cane in your man tights or are you happy to see me?"
On that note, I'm off to catch a few z's since this damn bus strike isn't resolved. In case this weekend is crazy, I wish you all happy holidays. Hope to see some of you at the holiday mixed tournament. Until next time, happy hucking!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Week 4 Wrap-Up
"I'm coming back... what do you want to discuss?"
- Sports Management Steve
I've mentioned in the past how much I enjoy reading Steve's superior blog, so I'm very happy to see he's finally back from his honeymoon and blogging again. With the OC Transpo strike, and work being crazy, it's nice to have some interesting posts to read outside of the Gelato- Star's entries. As for what I've been up to in the last week, see below...
- Tuesday, pre-bus-strike, the week day Fish four decided we'd henceforth change our workouts to Monday so as to allow for maximum recovery before Wednesday games. With that decision being made, a couple of us still managed to get through three super sets of KJ's new workout routine on Tuesday.
- Wednesday was tough. Not only did the OC Transpo strike start, we played the second best team in IID on a day where I had zero energy. Although I've promised to provide an overview of my IID team, I still don't feel comfortable doing that. What's super frusterating is that I feel we're the second most talented team in the league...and yet...we haven't meshed at all. This was obvious when we lost to Ocho 21 - 15.
- On the plus side, we proved we could hang with a top team, having tied the game at 15s with ten minutes to go.
- On the negative side, we imploed in those last 10 minutes. Personally, I threw away two passes, and got burned on D in that critical period of the game. Up until that point, although I didn't play perfectly, I was pleased with my decisions and execution (especially with the Almighty Mahatma on the sideline). Those last ten minutes were almost enough to make me cry...(I sound so emo *lol*).
- Thursday....got a great email from one of my Wednesday team-mates. We're both frustrated with how things are going, but have no plans to go into the holiday break with a loss to ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder's team next week.
- Friday....*sigh*...locked my one set of car keys in my trunk 2 hours before game night. Was supposed to go downtown to a welcome back shin dig for a former Fish....but...I'm an idiot.
- After arriving to the dome flustered on Friday night, it was nice to have my co-captain take care of the sub situation, and all the captaining duties. All I wanted to do was run off my frustrations :)
- We lost to the coordinator's team 18-17. We're so close to securing our first win, but just can't seem to get over the hump. On the flip side, everyone seems to be having a blast...and isn't bummed about going winless in our first 4 games.
- Personally, I threw too many passes away (6ish) and had 3 drops.
- On the plus side, I ran my frustrations away....and felt great afterwards :)
Before I forget, I had a good time at two ultimate parties last weekend. Not being a big party animal, it was cool chilling at the parties with like-minded ultimate peeps.
On that note, I'm off to bed so I get up in time for my freaking car pool tomorrow. If anyone wants to know what I'm wishing for this Christmas, it's that the City of Ottawa and the ATU work out this damn transit strike. Until next time, happy hucking!
- Sports Management Steve
I've mentioned in the past how much I enjoy reading Steve's superior blog, so I'm very happy to see he's finally back from his honeymoon and blogging again. With the OC Transpo strike, and work being crazy, it's nice to have some interesting posts to read outside of the Gelato- Star's entries. As for what I've been up to in the last week, see below...
- Tuesday, pre-bus-strike, the week day Fish four decided we'd henceforth change our workouts to Monday so as to allow for maximum recovery before Wednesday games. With that decision being made, a couple of us still managed to get through three super sets of KJ's new workout routine on Tuesday.
- Wednesday was tough. Not only did the OC Transpo strike start, we played the second best team in IID on a day where I had zero energy. Although I've promised to provide an overview of my IID team, I still don't feel comfortable doing that. What's super frusterating is that I feel we're the second most talented team in the league...and yet...we haven't meshed at all. This was obvious when we lost to Ocho 21 - 15.
- On the plus side, we proved we could hang with a top team, having tied the game at 15s with ten minutes to go.
- On the negative side, we imploed in those last 10 minutes. Personally, I threw away two passes, and got burned on D in that critical period of the game. Up until that point, although I didn't play perfectly, I was pleased with my decisions and execution (especially with the Almighty Mahatma on the sideline). Those last ten minutes were almost enough to make me cry...(I sound so emo *lol*).
- Thursday....got a great email from one of my Wednesday team-mates. We're both frustrated with how things are going, but have no plans to go into the holiday break with a loss to ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder's team next week.
- Friday....*sigh*...locked my one set of car keys in my trunk 2 hours before game night. Was supposed to go downtown to a welcome back shin dig for a former Fish....but...I'm an idiot.
- After arriving to the dome flustered on Friday night, it was nice to have my co-captain take care of the sub situation, and all the captaining duties. All I wanted to do was run off my frustrations :)
- We lost to the coordinator's team 18-17. We're so close to securing our first win, but just can't seem to get over the hump. On the flip side, everyone seems to be having a blast...and isn't bummed about going winless in our first 4 games.
- Personally, I threw too many passes away (6ish) and had 3 drops.
- On the plus side, I ran my frustrations away....and felt great afterwards :)
Before I forget, I had a good time at two ultimate parties last weekend. Not being a big party animal, it was cool chilling at the parties with like-minded ultimate peeps.
On that note, I'm off to bed so I get up in time for my freaking car pool tomorrow. If anyone wants to know what I'm wishing for this Christmas, it's that the City of Ottawa and the ATU work out this damn transit strike. Until next time, happy hucking!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Week 4 Picks
"I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice."
Frank Loesser - Baby It's Cold Outside
Not only is it cold outside, but OC Transpo buses are poised to stop running due to a strike as of 12:01 Wednesday morning. How will this impact tomorrow's IID games? Glad you asked ;-)
Army of Darkness vs. Threezerburn
If I have to walk home tomorrow night, I'm tempted to stop by FCS and check out what promises to be an exciting game. ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder assures me he's getting healthier each week, BUT his team-mates on Threezerburn are obviously suspectible to the cold weather. Since many of them will probably have to walk to the the Dome tomorrow, I'm expecting the Army of Darkness to operate well without the bus headlights disturbing their triumphant march. Plus, the Army's star handler, "Downtown" Dave Brown won't have too far to walk to the dome. I'll take Army's hot offense to toast Threezerburn's ice cold D.
4 Girls 1 Cup vs. 2 x 12s
There's no snow, cold weather, or striking bus drivers in hell...and that's why I'm expecting a huge game from El-Diabolo Mackalacka as 2 x 12s prevail over 4 Girls 1 Cup. Furthermore, even if 2 x 12s offense did cool off, they have 2 12s to get that Molson Canadian fire back in their bellies. An interesting sidenote about this game - I'm relatively sure that I ended up at a party last weekend at one of the team's players. It was rather 4 Girls 1 Cup's Flyin' Ryan Benson or 2 x 12s' Benson Go4broke. Either way, they had a keg and a comfy couch, which makes both Bensons cool with me.
The Ocho vs. So You Think You Can Hammer?
Here's what I know about the Ocho:
1. The Almighty Mahatma considers them to be one of the two strongest teams in the league (along with Children of the Corn).
2. They have a cool name
3. They're going down tomorrow night.
Yea, you heard me, I've decided to talk trash and let my talented team-mates back me up ;-) Think of me as the idiot union head, who doesn't think twice before blurting out outrageous statements! Seriously, it'll probably be a close game, but I don't see how a bunch of players I haven't even heard of can beat us. It'll be a privledge handing Ocho their first loss of the season...by ocho points.
Children of the Corn vs. Grey
Grey's Deefense CanWaite had an awesome quote last Friday night before our two team's squared off: "I didn't show up for Grey's first two games, and we got hammerred. I showed up for our last game, and we tore it up!" Having caught a couple points of what was a painful game to watch, Deefense CanWaite did in fact tear it up last week, but it also helped that the awesome Grey player I mentioned in my last set of predictions played more at their natural position. Having said all that great stuff, my money is on Pistol Pete and his merry band of OJs and soon-to-be-Open stars to win by a landslide. Why you may ask? Grey will be concentrating on the grey side of the transit strike...and won't know what happenned until Low-Release Goodkey skubers a white and red frisbee over their helpless heads into the endzone for yet another point quicker than an OC Transpo bus pulling away from the curve leaving riders stranded in a snow storm.
Predicted Quote of the Week:
From more than one IID player after getting burned on D: "I can't run. I just spent the last hour walking...damn OC Transpo!"
On that note, I'm off to catch a couple Z's before a relatively early morning tomorrow. Although I have a drive lined up, I'm still worried about the crappiness of the weather, and the nightmare parking downtown. Until next time, happy hucking!
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice."
Frank Loesser - Baby It's Cold Outside
Not only is it cold outside, but OC Transpo buses are poised to stop running due to a strike as of 12:01 Wednesday morning. How will this impact tomorrow's IID games? Glad you asked ;-)
Army of Darkness vs. Threezerburn
If I have to walk home tomorrow night, I'm tempted to stop by FCS and check out what promises to be an exciting game. ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder assures me he's getting healthier each week, BUT his team-mates on Threezerburn are obviously suspectible to the cold weather. Since many of them will probably have to walk to the the Dome tomorrow, I'm expecting the Army of Darkness to operate well without the bus headlights disturbing their triumphant march. Plus, the Army's star handler, "Downtown" Dave Brown won't have too far to walk to the dome. I'll take Army's hot offense to toast Threezerburn's ice cold D.
4 Girls 1 Cup vs. 2 x 12s
There's no snow, cold weather, or striking bus drivers in hell...and that's why I'm expecting a huge game from El-Diabolo Mackalacka as 2 x 12s prevail over 4 Girls 1 Cup. Furthermore, even if 2 x 12s offense did cool off, they have 2 12s to get that Molson Canadian fire back in their bellies. An interesting sidenote about this game - I'm relatively sure that I ended up at a party last weekend at one of the team's players. It was rather 4 Girls 1 Cup's Flyin' Ryan Benson or 2 x 12s' Benson Go4broke. Either way, they had a keg and a comfy couch, which makes both Bensons cool with me.
The Ocho vs. So You Think You Can Hammer?
Here's what I know about the Ocho:
1. The Almighty Mahatma considers them to be one of the two strongest teams in the league (along with Children of the Corn).
2. They have a cool name
3. They're going down tomorrow night.
Yea, you heard me, I've decided to talk trash and let my talented team-mates back me up ;-) Think of me as the idiot union head, who doesn't think twice before blurting out outrageous statements! Seriously, it'll probably be a close game, but I don't see how a bunch of players I haven't even heard of can beat us. It'll be a privledge handing Ocho their first loss of the season...by ocho points.
Children of the Corn vs. Grey
Grey's Deefense CanWaite had an awesome quote last Friday night before our two team's squared off: "I didn't show up for Grey's first two games, and we got hammerred. I showed up for our last game, and we tore it up!" Having caught a couple points of what was a painful game to watch, Deefense CanWaite did in fact tear it up last week, but it also helped that the awesome Grey player I mentioned in my last set of predictions played more at their natural position. Having said all that great stuff, my money is on Pistol Pete and his merry band of OJs and soon-to-be-Open stars to win by a landslide. Why you may ask? Grey will be concentrating on the grey side of the transit strike...and won't know what happenned until Low-Release Goodkey skubers a white and red frisbee over their helpless heads into the endzone for yet another point quicker than an OC Transpo bus pulling away from the curve leaving riders stranded in a snow storm.
Predicted Quote of the Week:
From more than one IID player after getting burned on D: "I can't run. I just spent the last hour walking...damn OC Transpo!"
On that note, I'm off to catch a couple Z's before a relatively early morning tomorrow. Although I have a drive lined up, I'm still worried about the crappiness of the weather, and the nightmare parking downtown. Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Winter Ulty - Week #3 Recap
"Some day you will find me,
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky."
Oasis - Champage Supernova
As winter progresses, I'm starting to really enjoy both my Wednesday and Friday teams. The sad thing is that neither will probably stay together in their entirety. Ah well, such is the reality of winter semi-hat teams. On with recap.
- After taking last weekend "off", hitting the gym felt great Monday night. When I'm not doing KJ's suggested workout, I'm working more on legs than I have in the past.
- Tuesday was fun since one of my fellow Fish and I went to KJ to get a new workout plan. We've moved from base building, to a strength building phase. Just when I was comfortable with the five exercises that our previous routine consisted of, KJ gave us six different activities that should prove challenging over the next couple months.
- Since part of getting a new routine is doing enough reps to get a feel for the correct form, I was a tad sore for my Wednesday night game. However, the soreness went away after a few points, and as predicted "So You Think You Can Hammer" (I'm not a huge fan of our team name) prevailed over 4 girls 1 Cup by a score of 21-16.
- On a positive note, I bounced back pretty strong after my embarassing performance the week before. I caught and threw plenty of points, and played a tonne considering we had 7 guys.
- On a negative note, my decision making continues to be suspect. Having thrown away approximately 5 passes, I need to get that number down to 2 or less.
- Thursday was basically a write-off since I got my flu shot. My left shoulder was so sore that there was no way I was attempting Michelle's class.
- On a crazy note, this fitness instructor at work, who's class I went to once, talks my colleagues into guilting me into coming back to her class! lol I thoroughly enjoyed her class, but my French lessons are scheduled at the same time, and with Michelle's class Thursday nights, my attending her class just isn't in the cards.
- Speaking of work, thanks to those who wished me luck in my interview. It went well, and I should know the results the week after next.
- Friday night ultimate was a new experience: my first time as a solo-captain. That being said, with former coach GinnandJuice and his talented partner Sue subbing for us, they provided some help (along with the silver medalist from Mule) on the captaining / coaching front. Even though I had a blast, our team came up just a tad short losing 21-20 to a talented squad.
- After hearing I'm too hard on myself in this blog a record four times this week, I'll brag and say that the entire game, with the exception of the last five minutes, was pretty damn strong for me. With the exception of the last five minutes, I didn't turn the disc over, was quite productive on offense, and got multiple D's.
- But damn those last five minutes *sigh* Three hucks thrown away....while Stu joked about it on the sidelines, I felt like I blew our chances of tying or winning the game.
- On another positive, one of my winter team-mates from last year paid me a touching comment at the A&L. When quality players notice big improvements in your game, you must be doing something right :)
I mentioned that both of my winter teams would probably get reshuffled. For Friday night league, we have a captains meeting this Monday at the A&L. Since I beleive we're the only winless team (0-2-1), this will probably mean that we'll pick up a decent player or two from the league's only undefeated team. On one hand, this sucks, since I genuinely like all of our players, and see lots of potential for our team. On the flip side, the undefeated team is slightly stacked, and if there's a remote possibility that we could pick up the one open program guy from their squad, well....that would definitely be a huge lift for our squad, and be beneficial for me personally.
Ah well, we'll see what happens. I'm on my way to a party with a bunch of other Fishes, that should be interesting. As some of you probably know, I'm not exactly a party animal, but....it's important to put yourself out there and be a little outside of your comfort zone. Plus, it'll be nice to see some Fish team-mates before the holidays. Until next time, happy hucking!
Caught beneath the landslide
In a champagne supernova in the sky."
Oasis - Champage Supernova
As winter progresses, I'm starting to really enjoy both my Wednesday and Friday teams. The sad thing is that neither will probably stay together in their entirety. Ah well, such is the reality of winter semi-hat teams. On with recap.
- After taking last weekend "off", hitting the gym felt great Monday night. When I'm not doing KJ's suggested workout, I'm working more on legs than I have in the past.
- Tuesday was fun since one of my fellow Fish and I went to KJ to get a new workout plan. We've moved from base building, to a strength building phase. Just when I was comfortable with the five exercises that our previous routine consisted of, KJ gave us six different activities that should prove challenging over the next couple months.
- Since part of getting a new routine is doing enough reps to get a feel for the correct form, I was a tad sore for my Wednesday night game. However, the soreness went away after a few points, and as predicted "So You Think You Can Hammer" (I'm not a huge fan of our team name) prevailed over 4 girls 1 Cup by a score of 21-16.
- On a positive note, I bounced back pretty strong after my embarassing performance the week before. I caught and threw plenty of points, and played a tonne considering we had 7 guys.
- On a negative note, my decision making continues to be suspect. Having thrown away approximately 5 passes, I need to get that number down to 2 or less.
- Thursday was basically a write-off since I got my flu shot. My left shoulder was so sore that there was no way I was attempting Michelle's class.
- On a crazy note, this fitness instructor at work, who's class I went to once, talks my colleagues into guilting me into coming back to her class! lol I thoroughly enjoyed her class, but my French lessons are scheduled at the same time, and with Michelle's class Thursday nights, my attending her class just isn't in the cards.
- Speaking of work, thanks to those who wished me luck in my interview. It went well, and I should know the results the week after next.
- Friday night ultimate was a new experience: my first time as a solo-captain. That being said, with former coach GinnandJuice and his talented partner Sue subbing for us, they provided some help (along with the silver medalist from Mule) on the captaining / coaching front. Even though I had a blast, our team came up just a tad short losing 21-20 to a talented squad.
- After hearing I'm too hard on myself in this blog a record four times this week, I'll brag and say that the entire game, with the exception of the last five minutes, was pretty damn strong for me. With the exception of the last five minutes, I didn't turn the disc over, was quite productive on offense, and got multiple D's.
- But damn those last five minutes *sigh* Three hucks thrown away....while Stu joked about it on the sidelines, I felt like I blew our chances of tying or winning the game.
- On another positive, one of my winter team-mates from last year paid me a touching comment at the A&L. When quality players notice big improvements in your game, you must be doing something right :)
I mentioned that both of my winter teams would probably get reshuffled. For Friday night league, we have a captains meeting this Monday at the A&L. Since I beleive we're the only winless team (0-2-1), this will probably mean that we'll pick up a decent player or two from the league's only undefeated team. On one hand, this sucks, since I genuinely like all of our players, and see lots of potential for our team. On the flip side, the undefeated team is slightly stacked, and if there's a remote possibility that we could pick up the one open program guy from their squad, well....that would definitely be a huge lift for our squad, and be beneficial for me personally.
Ah well, we'll see what happens. I'm on my way to a party with a bunch of other Fishes, that should be interesting. As some of you probably know, I'm not exactly a party animal, but....it's important to put yourself out there and be a little outside of your comfort zone. Plus, it'll be nice to see some Fish team-mates before the holidays. Until next time, happy hucking!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Week 3 Picks
"Purple is the new black in fashion."
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08278/916291-463.stm
As for the above article, let me be the first to say "I told you so!" Onto this weeks' games.
2 x 12s vs. IID 4
I feel sorry for team 2 x 12s. After being thoroughly crushed by team 4 last week, I can’t see them losing any time soon. Between the ex-OJs, Pistol Pete, and Bo (who knows smart ultimate), this team will continue to win until they are destroyed by promotions and Mahatma’s annual redistribution of assets. Even with captain Salmon scouting his opponents, 2 x 12s chances of keeping this close are slim. Maybe forum frequenter Steve can use his vast rules knowledge to uncover a mercy rule when the lead gets past 15?!? My only advice to team 2 x 12s is to consider bringing a couple 12 packs, or even 24s to the game….to drown your post-game blues.
IID 5 vs. Ocho
This should be the closest game of the week. If “Downtown” Dave Brown has finished his work on one of the best ultimate magazines ever (and I’m not just saying that since I’m a blurry speck in a picture), he should lead his troops to a narrow defeat at the hands of Ocho. Yes, that’s right, I’m finally giving Ocho the respect they deserve. After two convincing wins, it seems that Josh the bearded Mormon has his squad playing an exciting, fast-paced brand of ulty. Or it could be that Josh’s co-captain “Iron” Rob Tyson intimidates the men on opposing squads with his facial tattoo? Team 5’s bright spot will be the bonsai-loving prognosticator who will be leaving nothing on the field before heading off to Hogtown for a new job in January.
IID 3 vs. Grey
Having caught a bit of Grey’s second consecutive loss, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for them. Not only due to their lack of height, but…at the risk of being a tad controversial… their best “player” is handling as opposed to cutting. Don’t get me wrong, IID is about developing skills, but, it kind of sucks that this individual isn’t dominating the way they could as a striker. After watching a bit of team 3’s game last week, they appear to be underachieving in an effort so as not to be blown apart by the great Kamasutra ;-) Seriously, team 3 is missing a couple handlers, and will prove deadly if the post-holiday shuffle adds (lanky *hopefully*) handlers to their squad. Look for team 3 to dominate Grey unless a naturally born cutter / striker performs this vital role.
So You Think You Can Hammer? vs. 4 Girls, 1 Cup
Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of our name. It could very well encourage me to throw hammers! Although 4 Girls, 1 Cup is probably better than I've been giving them credit for, I still think this will be a relatively easy win for my team. Mama Fish has promised us plays before Wednesdays game, and the team will be fired up after last week's crapfest. Also relevant is Daryl Go-Go-Gordon's yearning to prove his handling dominance against Michael "Stop Calling Me Brian(…James)" O'Hare. Giddy-up will be off to the races against such formidable foes as CHo and Laurie Snookstobeyou. Just so I can break out a cool nickname, I'll predict huge things from Iam Ketchupson on the opposing team. Here's a uni-ballsy prediction: we'll take this game by double digits!
Predicted Quote of the Week: From any (or possibly many) team-mate(s) on So You Think You Can Hammer? – “You played better this week.”
Since my mind isn't on ultimate right now, but instead a job interview that I'm studying for, these picks could prove to be less than accurate. Having said that, I'm planning to have some fun Wednesday night in the "Rat's Ass" timeslot, and contributing to a win for my team. Until next time, happy hucking!
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08278/916291-463.stm
As for the above article, let me be the first to say "I told you so!" Onto this weeks' games.
2 x 12s vs. IID 4
I feel sorry for team 2 x 12s. After being thoroughly crushed by team 4 last week, I can’t see them losing any time soon. Between the ex-OJs, Pistol Pete, and Bo (who knows smart ultimate), this team will continue to win until they are destroyed by promotions and Mahatma’s annual redistribution of assets. Even with captain Salmon scouting his opponents, 2 x 12s chances of keeping this close are slim. Maybe forum frequenter Steve can use his vast rules knowledge to uncover a mercy rule when the lead gets past 15?!? My only advice to team 2 x 12s is to consider bringing a couple 12 packs, or even 24s to the game….to drown your post-game blues.
IID 5 vs. Ocho
This should be the closest game of the week. If “Downtown” Dave Brown has finished his work on one of the best ultimate magazines ever (and I’m not just saying that since I’m a blurry speck in a picture), he should lead his troops to a narrow defeat at the hands of Ocho. Yes, that’s right, I’m finally giving Ocho the respect they deserve. After two convincing wins, it seems that Josh the bearded Mormon has his squad playing an exciting, fast-paced brand of ulty. Or it could be that Josh’s co-captain “Iron” Rob Tyson intimidates the men on opposing squads with his facial tattoo? Team 5’s bright spot will be the bonsai-loving prognosticator who will be leaving nothing on the field before heading off to Hogtown for a new job in January.
IID 3 vs. Grey
Having caught a bit of Grey’s second consecutive loss, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for them. Not only due to their lack of height, but…at the risk of being a tad controversial… their best “player” is handling as opposed to cutting. Don’t get me wrong, IID is about developing skills, but, it kind of sucks that this individual isn’t dominating the way they could as a striker. After watching a bit of team 3’s game last week, they appear to be underachieving in an effort so as not to be blown apart by the great Kamasutra ;-) Seriously, team 3 is missing a couple handlers, and will prove deadly if the post-holiday shuffle adds (lanky *hopefully*) handlers to their squad. Look for team 3 to dominate Grey unless a naturally born cutter / striker performs this vital role.
So You Think You Can Hammer? vs. 4 Girls, 1 Cup
Admittedly, I’m not a huge fan of our name. It could very well encourage me to throw hammers! Although 4 Girls, 1 Cup is probably better than I've been giving them credit for, I still think this will be a relatively easy win for my team. Mama Fish has promised us plays before Wednesdays game, and the team will be fired up after last week's crapfest. Also relevant is Daryl Go-Go-Gordon's yearning to prove his handling dominance against Michael "Stop Calling Me Brian(…James)" O'Hare. Giddy-up will be off to the races against such formidable foes as CHo and Laurie Snookstobeyou. Just so I can break out a cool nickname, I'll predict huge things from Iam Ketchupson on the opposing team. Here's a uni-ballsy prediction: we'll take this game by double digits!
Predicted Quote of the Week: From any (or possibly many) team-mate(s) on So You Think You Can Hammer? – “You played better this week.”
Since my mind isn't on ultimate right now, but instead a job interview that I'm studying for, these picks could prove to be less than accurate. Having said that, I'm planning to have some fun Wednesday night in the "Rat's Ass" timeslot, and contributing to a win for my team. Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Winter Ulty - Week #2
"Because when I arrive
I, I bring the fire
Make you come alive
I can take you higher."
Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne - Let it Rock
I had a hard time "bringing the fire" this week to my two games. I'll bore you with the details below.
- Monday I did one of my new speed workouts that KJ suggested during my initial consultation: sprint intervals. For non-runners, and for those who might like to improve "first step" speed, sprint intervals are when you sprint for 100 or 200 meters, take a short recovery jog, and sprint again. I did 10 sprints/recoveries on Monday since it was the last day before the snow hit Ottawa.
- Tuesday's Fish workout was fun. I think I was doing my exercises too quickly though. We decided it was time to book an appointment with KJ this coming week to change up our workout. Afterall, variety is the spice of life....
- Tuesday's Fish workout was fun. I think I was doing my exercises too quickly though. We decided it was time to book an appointment with KJ this coming week to change up our workout. Afterall, variety is the spice of life....
- I really don't want to write or talk about Wednesday. I'm ashamed of my performance, and can't think of anything positive about that game.
- If memory serves, Thursday I lifted some weights. Definitely went to Michelle's class...where we got through three circuits. Had trouble doing the side stepping with the agility ladder.
- Friday's game was definitely better than Wednesday. Low-light was making a few stupid decisions (one throw-away, one pass intercepted by a poaching defender, and one pass that was a tad too high for a team-mate to pull down).
- Multiple high-lights in Friday's game, but the one I remember most was getting a few cuts off against one of the better players in the league who plays in the open program. I also ran my ass off trying to cover him on D.
- Even though we lost (18-13ish), it was a close game against a talented team (that should lose some players after next week). The whole captaining thing is still a challenge for me. I'm not sure how much coaching/captaining to do, since the great majority of my team has been playing the sport much longer than I have....and kind of do their own thing.
- Another post-game high-light was getting to talk with one of the veterans on our team at the A&L after the game. He's one of those guys I respect a great deal, and is a national silver medal winner from Mule. I love the fact he plays so smart.
- Next Friday is shaping up to be interesting. Coach Stu and his partner Sue are subbing for my team, since the Gelato-star and Pistol Pete are off to be black sheep in La Belle Province.
- High-light of the week: I ordered a pair of black G4's from Gaia! :D I'm not going to lie, these cleats excite me...all over *haha*
On that note, I'm glad this week is over. I'm definitely going to make an effort to play smarter next Wednesday. I've been considering cutting more, since that's really what I wanted to work on this winter. It's just that, my Wednesday team is a bit handler light....and if I cut...our athletic handler count decreases by 50%. Decisions, decisions *sigh*. Until next time, happy hucking!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Failure
"Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm."
Sir Winston Churchill
No amusing post-IID-game summary this week. We got blown away 28-10, and I was a big reason why we lost. I got hand blocked three times in the first half, had passes intercepted, got beat on D, and didn't make smart decisions. After racking up impressive offensive stats last week, I was shut out on goals and assists. My brief fantasy of playing my way onto the other side of the curtain was completely dashed by my abysmal performance. Oi vey, I didn't even give the stylin' IID alumnus a chance to say her well rehearsed quote *sigh*. The one saving grace is that Mahatma wasn't around to see my train wreck of a performance. Wow…how quickly things change....
Sir Winston Churchill
No amusing post-IID-game summary this week. We got blown away 28-10, and I was a big reason why we lost. I got hand blocked three times in the first half, had passes intercepted, got beat on D, and didn't make smart decisions. After racking up impressive offensive stats last week, I was shut out on goals and assists. My brief fantasy of playing my way onto the other side of the curtain was completely dashed by my abysmal performance. Oi vey, I didn't even give the stylin' IID alumnus a chance to say her well rehearsed quote *sigh*. The one saving grace is that Mahatma wasn't around to see my train wreck of a performance. Wow…how quickly things change....
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Indoor vs. Outdoor
"Despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage."
Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet with Butterfly Wings
"She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes."
Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces
Great ultimate players should be able to dominate on any playing surface. That being said, I've noticed that there are certain skills that are required to transition from playing on grass to playing on turf (or carpet). The indoor game is quicker, more intense, and played in a controlled environment. The following is a non-comprehensive list of the skills you'll need to be successful in a bubble.
Speed
There are two types of speed that are important inside. One is the first step, sprinter speed, that players like Airborne Steele and Oops I'm InJerRed possess. This foot speed is important to cut effectively on O, and get those catch up D's. Equally important, is the mental agility to make quick decisions. With only eight stalls, decisions must be near automatic indoors, or you'll be stalled down.
Focus
Everyone knows a "slow starter" who seems to show up to play after half-time when the game gets close. With shorter time slots, and playing to time cap, every point indoors is important. If you're not stretched, mentally focused, and ready to work your ass off, you should let your team-mates play for you until you're good to go at 100%. There's no time for easing into the indoor game.
Fitness
Inevitably, the first few weeks of indoor, you'll find yourself sucking wind. No amount of running, interval work, or cardio training will prepare you for the short quick bursts you'll need to survive playing one or two points on, and one point off. Additionally, I find it hard to breath in the various Ottawa domes, and can understand the difficulty faced by people with asthma. Committing to a fitness program that prepares your body to survive the rigors of indoor play is paramount.
Confidence
Here's an observation that few could argue with – throws are easier in a controlled environment (i.e. no wind), so it's an opportune time to let some harder throws fly. Having confidence will allow you to experiment more on the field, and improve your overall game. Don't get me wrong, when the game is on the line, only use 100% throws. However, some of your 70% and 80% throws become 100% throws inside if you have confidence.
Decision Making
Even though it was mentioned in the "Speed" category, it bares repeating since you have to make more correct decisions faster to excel indoors. With only six players on the pitch, you'll see the disc more, and have to make quick decisions to keep the disc moving. Struggling with making the right decisions every time you touch the disc will slow you and your team down.
Disregard for Layout Scars
If you want the disc, there are ample opportunities to layout and get it indoors. Unlike layouts on soft grass, layouts on turf end up hurting every time. On the other hand, if you don't layout, not only will your team-mates razz you about it, you'll have a case of the "should haves" after the game. Unless you're playing at the Carleton Carpethouse, there's no excuse not to take the literal plunge.
Keeping the above items in mind, you should be better prepared to turn heads inside this winter. Remember that turf burns and layout scars are badges of honor, and should be displayed prominently ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet with Butterfly Wings
"She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes."
Dixie Chicks - Wide Open Spaces
Great ultimate players should be able to dominate on any playing surface. That being said, I've noticed that there are certain skills that are required to transition from playing on grass to playing on turf (or carpet). The indoor game is quicker, more intense, and played in a controlled environment. The following is a non-comprehensive list of the skills you'll need to be successful in a bubble.
Speed
There are two types of speed that are important inside. One is the first step, sprinter speed, that players like Airborne Steele and Oops I'm InJerRed possess. This foot speed is important to cut effectively on O, and get those catch up D's. Equally important, is the mental agility to make quick decisions. With only eight stalls, decisions must be near automatic indoors, or you'll be stalled down.
Focus
Everyone knows a "slow starter" who seems to show up to play after half-time when the game gets close. With shorter time slots, and playing to time cap, every point indoors is important. If you're not stretched, mentally focused, and ready to work your ass off, you should let your team-mates play for you until you're good to go at 100%. There's no time for easing into the indoor game.
Fitness
Inevitably, the first few weeks of indoor, you'll find yourself sucking wind. No amount of running, interval work, or cardio training will prepare you for the short quick bursts you'll need to survive playing one or two points on, and one point off. Additionally, I find it hard to breath in the various Ottawa domes, and can understand the difficulty faced by people with asthma. Committing to a fitness program that prepares your body to survive the rigors of indoor play is paramount.
Confidence
Here's an observation that few could argue with – throws are easier in a controlled environment (i.e. no wind), so it's an opportune time to let some harder throws fly. Having confidence will allow you to experiment more on the field, and improve your overall game. Don't get me wrong, when the game is on the line, only use 100% throws. However, some of your 70% and 80% throws become 100% throws inside if you have confidence.
Decision Making
Even though it was mentioned in the "Speed" category, it bares repeating since you have to make more correct decisions faster to excel indoors. With only six players on the pitch, you'll see the disc more, and have to make quick decisions to keep the disc moving. Struggling with making the right decisions every time you touch the disc will slow you and your team down.
Disregard for Layout Scars
If you want the disc, there are ample opportunities to layout and get it indoors. Unlike layouts on soft grass, layouts on turf end up hurting every time. On the other hand, if you don't layout, not only will your team-mates razz you about it, you'll have a case of the "should haves" after the game. Unless you're playing at the Carleton Carpethouse, there's no excuse not to take the literal plunge.
Keeping the above items in mind, you should be better prepared to turn heads inside this winter. Remember that turf burns and layout scars are badges of honor, and should be displayed prominently ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Week 2 Picks
"Predicting the future is easy. It's trying to figure out what's going on now that's hard."
- Fritz Dressler
Here's an admission: I quite enjoyed making IID picks on here last week. On OUHA, you have a bunch of strangers reading your words, and interpreting them any way they wish. Whereas on here, I know most of my readers, so the picks aren't taken too seriously. At the risk of tooting my own horn, I picked 75% of the games right last week, and I'm pretty sure I got my quote correct as well. Will I be able to acheive 100% accuracy this week? Don't hold your breath ;-)
Team 6 vs. Team 5
With both teams looking to rebound after week 1 losses, the smart money (i.e. funds not invested in financing the song "Car Crash" on CBC Radio 3 *tee hee*) is on team 5 to pull out the win. Why does the smart money favor team 5? Smart money comes from smart players. There are confirmed rumors that one "tall drink of water" (quoteth #24) on team 5 keeps track of his positive and negative accomplishments each game by way of a notebook. A smart improvement plan if there ever was one. As stated in my initial set of picks, team 5 has the talent to be one of the top teams in the league…it's just a matter of meshing styles. Team 6 looked to have trouble handling the speedy women on team 3 last week, and will be in for another tough test in trying to shut down Ms. Bush. So as not to be totally negative on team 6, I think they have one of the strongest groups of handlers in IID. Any post-holiday shuffle that brings team 6 some cutters will undoubtedly strengthen their team.
Team 1 vs Team 2
The other two "loveable losers" from week 1 face off in what should be a close game. Having seen a few points of team 1's loss last week, it's obvious that the great Kamasutra didn't distribute height evenly throughout the league (see the giants on team 3 as further proof). What makes it obvious? There was this 5'4 guy on team 1 that weighed about 100 pounds (if had been painted with lead) that wore a t-shirt "Will Flex for Food". The sad thing is, he wasn't the shortest player on that team. *sigh*. With coach Cory back in the line-up, team 1 will be improved. Hopefully, Deefense can Waite will also return for team 1, since they seemed to be lacking her energy last week. Although I hate to bet against my captains from last year, I think team 2 will take this match-up. Team 2 has tones of talent, and will use the height of "Tree" Thomson to their full advantage. Also look for MC to "Steele" the show by shutting down the Leggy girl on team 1.
Team 7 vs Team 4
Team 7 will be rockin' our black shirts which increase our chances of winning this tilt. I'm hoping that team 4 blew their collective load to pull out a tight win last week, and that their Good-key won't open any clear lanes for them. With unconfirmed rumors that Pistol Pete hurt his shoulder while trying to impress his uber cool girlfriend with gratuitous layouts last week, number 55 will look to test number 25's fitness ;-) I'm really looking forward to seeing who on team 4 (if anyone) will step-up to cover Giddy-up (who is quickly moving up my list of favorite team-mates who chase after my errant hucks). Lastly, I'll predict that Gym Rockin' Robinson will dig into his purple-wearing past to be a deciding factor in team 7's win.
Ocho vs. Team 3
Team "Ocho" surprised me by their large margin of victory over team 1 last week and impressed me by picking such a cool name. For those accomplishments, they earned my respect. However, my gut feeling is that team 3 will dominate the league until the Almighty Mahatma blows them apart. With two Fish women (Golentement and Morehands), and my ulty-name-crush formerly known as Delongchamps (who could easily play competitive with her speed and handling skills), team 3 has the strongest women in the league this side of team 7 ;-) With two male giants, the amazing ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder (when he recovers), and de-captained Jody to keep things organized, all that team 7 is missing is a lanky handler to send discs deep and high (I might know someone who's interested…). I'll pick team 3 by a sizable margin…possibly double figures.
This week's predicted quote will come from a stylin' IID alumuni, who will undoubtedly be courtside to see the clash of the undefeated titans at 9:30pm. With a vested interested in the outcome of the game, this former IID star will at some point in the game exclaim:
"Yo 25. Stop making 55 look better than he is. Bring the fire P-star!"
On that note, I'm off to dream of skies, layout D's, and smart decisions. Can't wait til Wednesday at 9:30 :) Until next time, happy hucking!
- Fritz Dressler
Here's an admission: I quite enjoyed making IID picks on here last week. On OUHA, you have a bunch of strangers reading your words, and interpreting them any way they wish. Whereas on here, I know most of my readers, so the picks aren't taken too seriously. At the risk of tooting my own horn, I picked 75% of the games right last week, and I'm pretty sure I got my quote correct as well. Will I be able to acheive 100% accuracy this week? Don't hold your breath ;-)
Team 6 vs. Team 5
With both teams looking to rebound after week 1 losses, the smart money (i.e. funds not invested in financing the song "Car Crash" on CBC Radio 3 *tee hee*) is on team 5 to pull out the win. Why does the smart money favor team 5? Smart money comes from smart players. There are confirmed rumors that one "tall drink of water" (quoteth #24) on team 5 keeps track of his positive and negative accomplishments each game by way of a notebook. A smart improvement plan if there ever was one. As stated in my initial set of picks, team 5 has the talent to be one of the top teams in the league…it's just a matter of meshing styles. Team 6 looked to have trouble handling the speedy women on team 3 last week, and will be in for another tough test in trying to shut down Ms. Bush. So as not to be totally negative on team 6, I think they have one of the strongest groups of handlers in IID. Any post-holiday shuffle that brings team 6 some cutters will undoubtedly strengthen their team.
Team 1 vs Team 2
The other two "loveable losers" from week 1 face off in what should be a close game. Having seen a few points of team 1's loss last week, it's obvious that the great Kamasutra didn't distribute height evenly throughout the league (see the giants on team 3 as further proof). What makes it obvious? There was this 5'4 guy on team 1 that weighed about 100 pounds (if had been painted with lead) that wore a t-shirt "Will Flex for Food". The sad thing is, he wasn't the shortest player on that team. *sigh*. With coach Cory back in the line-up, team 1 will be improved. Hopefully, Deefense can Waite will also return for team 1, since they seemed to be lacking her energy last week. Although I hate to bet against my captains from last year, I think team 2 will take this match-up. Team 2 has tones of talent, and will use the height of "Tree" Thomson to their full advantage. Also look for MC to "Steele" the show by shutting down the Leggy girl on team 1.
Team 7 vs Team 4
Team 7 will be rockin' our black shirts which increase our chances of winning this tilt. I'm hoping that team 4 blew their collective load to pull out a tight win last week, and that their Good-key won't open any clear lanes for them. With unconfirmed rumors that Pistol Pete hurt his shoulder while trying to impress his uber cool girlfriend with gratuitous layouts last week, number 55 will look to test number 25's fitness ;-) I'm really looking forward to seeing who on team 4 (if anyone) will step-up to cover Giddy-up (who is quickly moving up my list of favorite team-mates who chase after my errant hucks). Lastly, I'll predict that Gym Rockin' Robinson will dig into his purple-wearing past to be a deciding factor in team 7's win.
Ocho vs. Team 3
Team "Ocho" surprised me by their large margin of victory over team 1 last week and impressed me by picking such a cool name. For those accomplishments, they earned my respect. However, my gut feeling is that team 3 will dominate the league until the Almighty Mahatma blows them apart. With two Fish women (Golentement and Morehands), and my ulty-name-crush formerly known as Delongchamps (who could easily play competitive with her speed and handling skills), team 3 has the strongest women in the league this side of team 7 ;-) With two male giants, the amazing ChowareyouonlySTILLa4inLeagueWonder (when he recovers), and de-captained Jody to keep things organized, all that team 7 is missing is a lanky handler to send discs deep and high (I might know someone who's interested…). I'll pick team 3 by a sizable margin…possibly double figures.
This week's predicted quote will come from a stylin' IID alumuni, who will undoubtedly be courtside to see the clash of the undefeated titans at 9:30pm. With a vested interested in the outcome of the game, this former IID star will at some point in the game exclaim:
"Yo 25. Stop making 55 look better than he is. Bring the fire P-star!"
On that note, I'm off to dream of skies, layout D's, and smart decisions. Can't wait til Wednesday at 9:30 :) Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Winter Ulty Recap!
"I'm not happy with your happy hucking ways!"
- Anonymous ultimate mentor to an overly happy hucker...who likes purple.
"When we play eachother, I'm going to cover you all game."
- Anonymous former team-mate to a happy hucking, purple preferring, fast-running Fish.
Amusing recaps aside, it felt great to get winter ultimate underway. Here's the first of 20 weekly recaps to appear this winter (barring any injuries *crossing fingers*).
- Mr. Two Pointer and I have been getting together for a couple of weeks now and going through the KJ approved workout on Sundays at my local gym. It's crazy how fast we can get through the sets of the workout when it's just the two of us. Having said that, I'm looking forward to Sandra being able to join us one of these weeks when she's not "sick" (haha).
- Tuesday's KJ approved workout with the four Fish continues to make my figure slightly less girlish. Sandra entertained us with an odd saying about big, blue balls. A saying that is best left unrepeated.
- At the risk of overanalyzing the first IID game of the year, I thought I'd do the usual positive and negative summary.
- My positive is that my sprint speed has already improved. There were a few times on D and Berkley cuts where I found myself blowing past my opponent. Not to say that I don't have a lot of work to do to get to the point where the improvement would be obvious to GLUM Ford, but I'm on my way. The classes, KJ workouts, and sprint intervals I'm running are paying off.
- Since I usually come across quite negative in this blog, I'll give another positive for Wednesday, in that I was very happy with my "competitive mindset". There were some tough match-ups for me on team 2 that I would have shied away from a year ago, but that I chose to initiate Wednesday night. Knowing that I'll face players in the summer where I give away height, experience, and speed…I picked three people on team 2 that I was able to match up against that would teach me how to effectively mark these types of players. The speed match-up was pretty close :)
- As for a negative, my decision making was awful, especially in the second half. I'm glad former captain GinnandJuice didn't hang around after his team lost, since I rarely dumped at stall 4, and forced more than my share of throws. Which leads me to my personal goal for next week: no throw-aways. Frankly, I have to play smarter with El Ultimo Organizero as a captain...since she's also a Fish captain.
- Thursday's workout with Michelle was the first of the winter that made me sore. I blame those damn resistance bands and the arm curl exercises we did with them.
- Friday's game was odd because:
1) We got behind 9-1
2) It was my first time "co-captaining" a team (granted, I did next to nothing in terms of captaining duties...for which I feel a tad guilty).
3) My bad decision making from Wednesday continued.
- As for the positives, after getting so far behind, our team rallied and came back to tie a very talented squad (including Mr. Two-Pointer, Devlish Kennedy, and Lovely Liz (of Late Night fame)). As a "co-captain", I was so proud of the way we rallied. I like to think just a little bit of that was my example...even if I'm wrong ;-)
- Again, the big negative is decision making. If I want my team-mates to dump on 4 or 5, why am I not doing that? If I hold my breath everytime one of them hucks long to an unsuspecting cutter, why am I doing that? I need to play smarter next week and set a better example. The same "no throw-away" goal will apply.
- Sadly, I wasn't able to join the team for a post-game bevy at the A&L since I had to get up at 8am for 9am pick-up ulty this morning.
- My heart just wasn't in pick-up this morning. Without any open guys there (well...there was one Carleton/Firebird dude), I couldn't really get the competitive juices flowing. I hucked a lot (quel surpise), had one nice break throw for an assist, and misjudged a disc so badly that I got skyed by a guy who's about 5'5 lol. Oh yea, my team lost...but I blame that on G dominating her overmatched (and hung over) opponent on my team ;-)
To summarize, I have to start playing smarter ultimate next week. I know I'm capable of it, so I have to buckle down and execute. As a way to motivate myself, for every throw-away I have in IID and on Friday, I'm going to do 10 push-ups (P.S. I hate push-ups). Hopefully next week's recap will contain two 'mistake free' games.
Oh, and before I forget, the second quote should prove for an "interesting" match-up in a couple of weeks. Admitedly, this quote has me fired up to take this former team-mate for a run. Until next time, happy hucking.
- Anonymous ultimate mentor to an overly happy hucker...who likes purple.
"When we play eachother, I'm going to cover you all game."
- Anonymous former team-mate to a happy hucking, purple preferring, fast-running Fish.
Amusing recaps aside, it felt great to get winter ultimate underway. Here's the first of 20 weekly recaps to appear this winter (barring any injuries *crossing fingers*).
- Mr. Two Pointer and I have been getting together for a couple of weeks now and going through the KJ approved workout on Sundays at my local gym. It's crazy how fast we can get through the sets of the workout when it's just the two of us. Having said that, I'm looking forward to Sandra being able to join us one of these weeks when she's not "sick" (haha).
- Tuesday's KJ approved workout with the four Fish continues to make my figure slightly less girlish. Sandra entertained us with an odd saying about big, blue balls. A saying that is best left unrepeated.
- At the risk of overanalyzing the first IID game of the year, I thought I'd do the usual positive and negative summary.
- My positive is that my sprint speed has already improved. There were a few times on D and Berkley cuts where I found myself blowing past my opponent. Not to say that I don't have a lot of work to do to get to the point where the improvement would be obvious to GLUM Ford, but I'm on my way. The classes, KJ workouts, and sprint intervals I'm running are paying off.
- Since I usually come across quite negative in this blog, I'll give another positive for Wednesday, in that I was very happy with my "competitive mindset". There were some tough match-ups for me on team 2 that I would have shied away from a year ago, but that I chose to initiate Wednesday night. Knowing that I'll face players in the summer where I give away height, experience, and speed…I picked three people on team 2 that I was able to match up against that would teach me how to effectively mark these types of players. The speed match-up was pretty close :)
- As for a negative, my decision making was awful, especially in the second half. I'm glad former captain GinnandJuice didn't hang around after his team lost, since I rarely dumped at stall 4, and forced more than my share of throws. Which leads me to my personal goal for next week: no throw-aways. Frankly, I have to play smarter with El Ultimo Organizero as a captain...since she's also a Fish captain.
- Thursday's workout with Michelle was the first of the winter that made me sore. I blame those damn resistance bands and the arm curl exercises we did with them.
- Friday's game was odd because:
1) We got behind 9-1
2) It was my first time "co-captaining" a team (granted, I did next to nothing in terms of captaining duties...for which I feel a tad guilty).
3) My bad decision making from Wednesday continued.
- As for the positives, after getting so far behind, our team rallied and came back to tie a very talented squad (including Mr. Two-Pointer, Devlish Kennedy, and Lovely Liz (of Late Night fame)). As a "co-captain", I was so proud of the way we rallied. I like to think just a little bit of that was my example...even if I'm wrong ;-)
- Again, the big negative is decision making. If I want my team-mates to dump on 4 or 5, why am I not doing that? If I hold my breath everytime one of them hucks long to an unsuspecting cutter, why am I doing that? I need to play smarter next week and set a better example. The same "no throw-away" goal will apply.
- Sadly, I wasn't able to join the team for a post-game bevy at the A&L since I had to get up at 8am for 9am pick-up ulty this morning.
- My heart just wasn't in pick-up this morning. Without any open guys there (well...there was one Carleton/Firebird dude), I couldn't really get the competitive juices flowing. I hucked a lot (quel surpise), had one nice break throw for an assist, and misjudged a disc so badly that I got skyed by a guy who's about 5'5 lol. Oh yea, my team lost...but I blame that on G dominating her overmatched (and hung over) opponent on my team ;-)
To summarize, I have to start playing smarter ultimate next week. I know I'm capable of it, so I have to buckle down and execute. As a way to motivate myself, for every throw-away I have in IID and on Friday, I'm going to do 10 push-ups (P.S. I hate push-ups). Hopefully next week's recap will contain two 'mistake free' games.
Oh, and before I forget, the second quote should prove for an "interesting" match-up in a couple of weeks. Admitedly, this quote has me fired up to take this former team-mate for a run. Until next time, happy hucking.
Friday, November 21, 2008
First IID Game Recap
"We haven't killed each other...yet."
Rigid - Refering to playing with pn55 to an innocent bystander in the A&L after game 1.
After gathering in a circle to determine who the tallest woman on the team was (conclusion: Mama Fish by a Blackberry) and evenly distribute height over our two lines of men (conclusion: Two former purple team-mates shall never play together this winter *sigh*), team 7 let out a quick cheer of "Lucky 7" and got our season underway. Proving that anything can happen in IIDy-land, team's 2 pull was caught by Rigid, who showed questionable decision-making ability by passing it to yours truly, who proceeded to huck it deep to a striking "Giddy-up" for a quick score. Team 7 continued to click as we jumped out to a 4-0 lead causing opposing captain Salmon to call a timeout and berate his troops for not acquiring the requisite "man tights" that are needed to play effectively in the dome. A high-light for team 7 was the brilliant play of Lilyhammers and Tiesmen who was as offensively awesome as her team-mate Andrea Hardn'Up was defensively spectacular. Team 2's St. Patrick "El Diablo" Mackalacka spent the game putting on a handling clinic that resulted in "Tree" Thomson pulling down numerous scores over shorter defenders. Forum frequenter Steve disappointed me by not calling any violations, and barely contesting when some purple-loving IID-iot called an 'up' disc 'down'. Although team 2 closed the gap, team 7's amazing women led us to a 18-14 win.
A post-game beverage at the A&L brought together all three OUHA IID predictors from last year at one table, who were temporarily joined by OUHA recapper, and resident fashionista G-star / DeakslikeDaigle / Ms. Row-star. The fantastic four were broken up when the Almighty Mahatma sent a telepathic message our way indicating that we should immediately disband in separate cars so as not to promote rumors of "Pick Rigging".
Rigid - Refering to playing with pn55 to an innocent bystander in the A&L after game 1.
After gathering in a circle to determine who the tallest woman on the team was (conclusion: Mama Fish by a Blackberry) and evenly distribute height over our two lines of men (conclusion: Two former purple team-mates shall never play together this winter *sigh*), team 7 let out a quick cheer of "Lucky 7" and got our season underway. Proving that anything can happen in IIDy-land, team's 2 pull was caught by Rigid, who showed questionable decision-making ability by passing it to yours truly, who proceeded to huck it deep to a striking "Giddy-up" for a quick score. Team 7 continued to click as we jumped out to a 4-0 lead causing opposing captain Salmon to call a timeout and berate his troops for not acquiring the requisite "man tights" that are needed to play effectively in the dome. A high-light for team 7 was the brilliant play of Lilyhammers and Tiesmen who was as offensively awesome as her team-mate Andrea Hardn'Up was defensively spectacular. Team 2's St. Patrick "El Diablo" Mackalacka spent the game putting on a handling clinic that resulted in "Tree" Thomson pulling down numerous scores over shorter defenders. Forum frequenter Steve disappointed me by not calling any violations, and barely contesting when some purple-loving IID-iot called an 'up' disc 'down'. Although team 2 closed the gap, team 7's amazing women led us to a 18-14 win.
A post-game beverage at the A&L brought together all three OUHA IID predictors from last year at one table, who were temporarily joined by OUHA recapper, and resident fashionista G-star / DeakslikeDaigle / Ms. Row-star. The fantastic four were broken up when the Almighty Mahatma sent a telepathic message our way indicating that we should immediately disband in separate cars so as not to promote rumors of "Pick Rigging".
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Eat Your Heart Out Kenny
The song parody competition continues between me and my fellow Friday co-captain (with an intriguing blog that examines the spiritual connection between stars and discs). Although some of our best work has not been posted, I feel confident saying that many of my readers will enjoy this latest ditty. I might not have a chain of successful chicken restaurants, but Kenny doesn't have my long forehand hucks ;-)
The Handler
On a warm tourny evenin, on a field in the middle of nowhere
I met up with a handler, we were both too pumped to sleep.
So we took turns a huckin, discs into the darkness
Til we ran out frisbees, and then he began to speak
He said, "yo, I’ve made my career, out of readin mark’s faces,
And knowin their strategy, by the way they squint their eyes.
So if you don’t mind my sayin, your throws go weird places
For a taste of your Gatorade, I’ll give you some advice."
So I handed him my bottle, he backwashed and didn’t swallow
Then he bummed my last Powerbar, and checked it wasn’t “light”
And the night got deathly quiet, as he stroked his handle bar mustache
He said, "if you’re gonna play this game, rookie, ya gotta learn to play it right."
"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."
"Now every handler knows, the secret to thriving
Is knowin who to throw to, and knowin which discs to keep
Cause receivers are a dime a dozen, and handlers are skilled players
And the best that you can hope for is that all your strikers cut deep."
So when he’d finished preaching, he burped and farted loudly
Stripped down to his Speedo, and snored off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness, the handler broke his mark,
But in his final words I found some pearls I could keep.
"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."
If you'd rather not see any more songs in the blog, well, I wouldn't blame you ;-) Just let me know. Having said that, I'm guessing my brother will enjoy this latest entry since he performs a mean version of The Gambler (which is my personal favorite).
On that note, I'm off to bed and will dream about huge skies and lengthy hucks tomorrow in my first IID game of the season. To say I'm pumped would be an understatement. For what it's worth, it's 95% excitement, and only 5% nervousness about playing with Rigid. As mentioned, unlike last year, there's not a player in the league who scares me this year, and I'm really looking forward to my super awesome team. Oh, and before I forget, after quickly checking my Friday team, our roster appears to have filled out, and we just got much, much better (at least for the first 3 weeks of evaluations). Until next time, happy hucking!
The Handler
On a warm tourny evenin, on a field in the middle of nowhere
I met up with a handler, we were both too pumped to sleep.
So we took turns a huckin, discs into the darkness
Til we ran out frisbees, and then he began to speak
He said, "yo, I’ve made my career, out of readin mark’s faces,
And knowin their strategy, by the way they squint their eyes.
So if you don’t mind my sayin, your throws go weird places
For a taste of your Gatorade, I’ll give you some advice."
So I handed him my bottle, he backwashed and didn’t swallow
Then he bummed my last Powerbar, and checked it wasn’t “light”
And the night got deathly quiet, as he stroked his handle bar mustache
He said, "if you’re gonna play this game, rookie, ya gotta learn to play it right."
"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."
"Now every handler knows, the secret to thriving
Is knowin who to throw to, and knowin which discs to keep
Cause receivers are a dime a dozen, and handlers are skilled players
And the best that you can hope for is that all your strikers cut deep."
So when he’d finished preaching, he burped and farted loudly
Stripped down to his Speedo, and snored off to sleep
And somewhere in the darkness, the handler broke his mark,
But in his final words I found some pearls I could keep.
"You gotta know when to dump em, know when to huck em
Know when to shuffle on D, know when to “run”
You never look off your receivers, unless they’re screwing up your stats
There’ll be time enough to apologize, when the game is won."
If you'd rather not see any more songs in the blog, well, I wouldn't blame you ;-) Just let me know. Having said that, I'm guessing my brother will enjoy this latest entry since he performs a mean version of The Gambler (which is my personal favorite).
On that note, I'm off to bed and will dream about huge skies and lengthy hucks tomorrow in my first IID game of the season. To say I'm pumped would be an understatement. For what it's worth, it's 95% excitement, and only 5% nervousness about playing with Rigid. As mentioned, unlike last year, there's not a player in the league who scares me this year, and I'm really looking forward to my super awesome team. Oh, and before I forget, after quickly checking my Friday team, our roster appears to have filled out, and we just got much, much better (at least for the first 3 weeks of evaluations). Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My IID Team Rocks!
"We're gonna win
Forget about a draw - we're gonna score
And then were gonna get a few more
Maybe another one just to be sure
We'll make ya look just like an amateur
Until the final whistle its a war
And then were gonna pick ya off the floor
We wanna hear the crowd really roar
Ya - we're comin in were gonna win win!"
Bryan Adams - We're Gonna Win
The IID rosters were posted on Friday morning and DAMN did I luck out! Team 7, led by InVinceable EverYoung and Mama Fish looks super strong and experienced. Although I was hoping for another winter of being coached by Cory and Stu, Vince and Sandra were a very close second pick. Plus, this way I get to show Sandra that I'm more than just a cutter (even though that's what I'm planning on doing in IID this year).
Despite knowing most of the team, I really want to play with them a few games before I give an overview of our roster. To be honest, I guess the biggest surprise for me was seeing the infamous "Rigid" on my team. After sending Mehmet a message thanking him for putting me on such a talented squad, he replied saying that Rigid was a last minute trade, and he's sure we'll be able to get along. I'd tend to agree with that assessment as I always respected his game, and am really looking forward to learning how he gets off his backhand hucks.
Instead of giving an overview of our roster, I thought I'd cave to peer pressure and post my picks for next week's games instead. Although I was rather awful at picking winners last winter, I really enjoyed it, and thought I'd continue it outside of OUHA. Even though there's a temptation to be crude since these will only be posted here, the picks will probably be pretty PC…at least for now. On to the first week's games!
IID 1 vs. IID 8
Welcome to our first mismatch of the season! Led by captains Cory and Stu, IID 1 will trounce IID 8. The only chance that team 8 has is if Liz D. completely dominates team 1's women. Having played with Liz at CHEO last summer, and guessing that one of the guys on team 8 is her talented partner, there is a good possibility of her kicking ass. However, seeing Deefense CanWaite and Lizzy "Legz" St. Jean on team 1, well, quite frankly those are some hard asses to kick. Even though I only recognize one guy on team1 (a Rowdy OJ), I still know Stu and Cory will have them playing smart ultimate. Good luck team 8…you'll need it.
IID 2 vs. IID 7
Guaranteeing team 7 will bring the instensity, I still expect a battle out of team 2. Having a cleat mark from Salmon on my right leg from fall league, I'm out for revenge against him and his talented group of players. Admittedly, I'm also looking forward to seeing if forum frequenter Steve calls something crazy against our team. I'll expect to see some hot throws from El'Diablo Mackalacka to my favorite MC (who reminded me yesterday that she is in possession of an embarrassing topless picture of me). As further evidence of my quest to keep things PC, I'm not even going to touch the surname of the woman on team 2 that's begging to be made into a hilarious nickname. Even though team 2 will battle hard, they'll go down fighting to InVincable and Mama Fish's wonder kids. To bastardize the name of one of my awesome teammates, "K. Bringiton".
IID 3 vs. IID 6
Team 3 bares an uncanny resemblance to last year's Finskies, except they have added fire power with Tanya Silvousplait Golentement, and are lacking the sender of deep discs, gangsta rap fanatic – Captain Chris Route'em. Note to the women on team 6: I suggest you grow some balls, because chasing Golentement, Morehands, and Delongchamps (glad she kept that name after getting married last month) will cause you to run those balls off. To the men on team 6 – I dare you to try to stop ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder. Steve is only killing time in IID until he's healed up and ready to sky elderly IADers :) Team 6's best chance? Let Mike "Stop calling me Brian (…James)" and CHo work handler isolation plays all night long.
IID 4 vs. IID 5
Team 5 is officially my dark horse team of the year. Count on "Downtown" Dave Brown hucking breakforce with his beautiful lefty throws to "The Shocker" to produce a ton of points. Also count on RPAlex challenging forum frequenter Steve for the title of "Best Rules Knowledge / Most Violations Called in IID". The only problem, is that team 4's captain Bo…knows rules ;-) I'd also be willing to bet that Matt "Low Release" Goodkey will be the first to be promoted to the big leagues (just because Steve needs a little time to heal), with Pistol Pete following closely behind him. Speaking of safe bets, I'm really hoping to hear a cry of "Bonzai" when team 5 pulls ;-) I like team 4 to win a squeaker with Pistol Pete showing his "KJ workout" developed fitness by outworking RPAlex to huck one deep to IID's hottest CMA on universe.
With only four games to pick each week, I'm going to start a new tradition of trying to predict a quote. Since it's my first week, I'm going to go with a relatively sure thing:
*While being marked by a man on team 4*
RPAlex: "Violation!"
With that, I have some studying to do for a case study on Monday. In the mean time, I'm hoping to learn my Friday night team sometime soon (there's some uber talented ladies playing Friday this year...including my captain). Hoping everyone is making the most of the last week "off" before winter ulty officially starts this Wednesday. Happy hucking!
Forget about a draw - we're gonna score
And then were gonna get a few more
Maybe another one just to be sure
We'll make ya look just like an amateur
Until the final whistle its a war
And then were gonna pick ya off the floor
We wanna hear the crowd really roar
Ya - we're comin in were gonna win win!"
Bryan Adams - We're Gonna Win
The IID rosters were posted on Friday morning and DAMN did I luck out! Team 7, led by InVinceable EverYoung and Mama Fish looks super strong and experienced. Although I was hoping for another winter of being coached by Cory and Stu, Vince and Sandra were a very close second pick. Plus, this way I get to show Sandra that I'm more than just a cutter (even though that's what I'm planning on doing in IID this year).
Despite knowing most of the team, I really want to play with them a few games before I give an overview of our roster. To be honest, I guess the biggest surprise for me was seeing the infamous "Rigid" on my team. After sending Mehmet a message thanking him for putting me on such a talented squad, he replied saying that Rigid was a last minute trade, and he's sure we'll be able to get along. I'd tend to agree with that assessment as I always respected his game, and am really looking forward to learning how he gets off his backhand hucks.
Instead of giving an overview of our roster, I thought I'd cave to peer pressure and post my picks for next week's games instead. Although I was rather awful at picking winners last winter, I really enjoyed it, and thought I'd continue it outside of OUHA. Even though there's a temptation to be crude since these will only be posted here, the picks will probably be pretty PC…at least for now. On to the first week's games!
IID 1 vs. IID 8
Welcome to our first mismatch of the season! Led by captains Cory and Stu, IID 1 will trounce IID 8. The only chance that team 8 has is if Liz D. completely dominates team 1's women. Having played with Liz at CHEO last summer, and guessing that one of the guys on team 8 is her talented partner, there is a good possibility of her kicking ass. However, seeing Deefense CanWaite and Lizzy "Legz" St. Jean on team 1, well, quite frankly those are some hard asses to kick. Even though I only recognize one guy on team1 (a Rowdy OJ), I still know Stu and Cory will have them playing smart ultimate. Good luck team 8…you'll need it.
IID 2 vs. IID 7
Guaranteeing team 7 will bring the instensity, I still expect a battle out of team 2. Having a cleat mark from Salmon on my right leg from fall league, I'm out for revenge against him and his talented group of players. Admittedly, I'm also looking forward to seeing if forum frequenter Steve calls something crazy against our team. I'll expect to see some hot throws from El'Diablo Mackalacka to my favorite MC (who reminded me yesterday that she is in possession of an embarrassing topless picture of me). As further evidence of my quest to keep things PC, I'm not even going to touch the surname of the woman on team 2 that's begging to be made into a hilarious nickname. Even though team 2 will battle hard, they'll go down fighting to InVincable and Mama Fish's wonder kids. To bastardize the name of one of my awesome teammates, "K. Bringiton".
IID 3 vs. IID 6
Team 3 bares an uncanny resemblance to last year's Finskies, except they have added fire power with Tanya Silvousplait Golentement, and are lacking the sender of deep discs, gangsta rap fanatic – Captain Chris Route'em. Note to the women on team 6: I suggest you grow some balls, because chasing Golentement, Morehands, and Delongchamps (glad she kept that name after getting married last month) will cause you to run those balls off. To the men on team 6 – I dare you to try to stop ChowareyouSTILLonlya4inLeagueWonder. Steve is only killing time in IID until he's healed up and ready to sky elderly IADers :) Team 6's best chance? Let Mike "Stop calling me Brian (…James)" and CHo work handler isolation plays all night long.
IID 4 vs. IID 5
Team 5 is officially my dark horse team of the year. Count on "Downtown" Dave Brown hucking breakforce with his beautiful lefty throws to "The Shocker" to produce a ton of points. Also count on RPAlex challenging forum frequenter Steve for the title of "Best Rules Knowledge / Most Violations Called in IID". The only problem, is that team 4's captain Bo…knows rules ;-) I'd also be willing to bet that Matt "Low Release" Goodkey will be the first to be promoted to the big leagues (just because Steve needs a little time to heal), with Pistol Pete following closely behind him. Speaking of safe bets, I'm really hoping to hear a cry of "Bonzai" when team 5 pulls ;-) I like team 4 to win a squeaker with Pistol Pete showing his "KJ workout" developed fitness by outworking RPAlex to huck one deep to IID's hottest CMA on universe.
With only four games to pick each week, I'm going to start a new tradition of trying to predict a quote. Since it's my first week, I'm going to go with a relatively sure thing:
*While being marked by a man on team 4*
RPAlex: "Violation!"
With that, I have some studying to do for a case study on Monday. In the mean time, I'm hoping to learn my Friday night team sometime soon (there's some uber talented ladies playing Friday this year...including my captain). Hoping everyone is making the most of the last week "off" before winter ulty officially starts this Wednesday. Happy hucking!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Winter Goals
"The difference between you guys and the players on the other side of the curtain [IAD] isn't skill or ability, it's decision making."
S. Ginn(andJuice) – Before first IID game in November 2007
When I first heard the above quote, I was tempted to raise my hand and argue that not only was my decision making horrible, but I also lacked the skill and ability to compete against the players on the other side of that magical curtain. After a winter of playing for Stu, a summer on the BF practice roster, and a compliment from GLUM Ford for playing within myself, I know that my decision making is IAD caliber. Instead, I've decided to take the (bastardized) advice that Donald Sutherland gives Billy Crudup in the movie Without Limits and "make IID my damn play thing".
The "play thing" concept might make it sound like I'm not taking IID seriously this winter, but that's inaccurate. Granted, since I'm not planning on making picks and slagging "competitors" on ultimate message boards this winter (bye bye OUHA), I won't be focused as much on winning games in order to make my predictions come true. Having said that, if my own personal improvement goals contribute to my team's success, that would be a bonus.
It's also worth noting that after initial disappointment, I've come to think that another winter in IID is a better fit for me. In IID, I won't be stressed out about playing mistake-free ultimate. Plus, I kind of overshot my expectations by getting some PT on Fish this summer. There's something to be said for progressing at a more comfortable pace.
What will I be working on this winter in IID? Glad you asked.
Defense
1. Improve defensive positioning and footwork – As per Sharpe's advice, this is an area I need to focus. Remembering not to stare down my opponent, but keep my head on a swivel, was starting to pay dividends in falltimate. The "keeping low" vs. "hunching over" will be a more difficult and time consuming transition, but I'm committed to it. Lastly, I know at least one Friday team-mate who won't be afraid to yell at me to stay on my toes on D!
2. Making layouts automatic – On offense, I tend to layout whenever needed. Sadly, on defense, I always ask myself "Do you really want to lay out for this?" With a new pair of tights to protect my knees, the goal this winter is to make laying out for D's automatic.
Offense
3. Cutting - Cutting on BF this past summer was the first time I cut for any team in over a year. It's embarrassing to admit, but Bryce's "Take 3 steps in the direction you don't want to go in, 180 degree turn, go hard the other way" advice was what I did 95% of the time this summer. I can't remember making any Boulder cuts or sideline cuts, and I only slanted when the play required it (i.e. the other 5% of the time). Since I won't be "cutting up" anyone on OUHA, I'll use my 20 games in IID to "get my cuts in" ;-)
4. Attack high discs – This is a BF captain piece of advice that I need to work on. Knowing a couple of taller and athletic cutters in IID, I look forward to an updated "perfect sky" entry (see May or June) next year.
5. Get confidence in my backhand – It's definitely better than it was last winter, or even early summer, but I tend to break and flick instead of throwing backhand. Warm-up throwing will be focused on getting comfortable with my backhand.
General
5.5 (Yay 55!) Have fun – I know this sounds basic, but being a competitive person, it sometimes skips my mind. Since my focus is on improving, as opposed to winning games, or being promoted, I think the 'fun' goal will fall into place easier this winter. For instance, I've been thinking of ways to incorporate purple into my IID wardrobe (which would simultaneously increase chances of winning!).
There you have my plan for the winter. If you happen to wander past the "intermediate" area of the dome, and see me laying out for a hot D that I was well positioned to make, running over and pushing my defender to the sideline with a beautiful cut, skying for catch, then breaking him backhand for a score, only to do a little dance in my purple shorts afterward, you'll know I'm accomplishing my goals ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
S. Ginn(andJuice) – Before first IID game in November 2007
When I first heard the above quote, I was tempted to raise my hand and argue that not only was my decision making horrible, but I also lacked the skill and ability to compete against the players on the other side of that magical curtain. After a winter of playing for Stu, a summer on the BF practice roster, and a compliment from GLUM Ford for playing within myself, I know that my decision making is IAD caliber. Instead, I've decided to take the (bastardized) advice that Donald Sutherland gives Billy Crudup in the movie Without Limits and "make IID my damn play thing".
The "play thing" concept might make it sound like I'm not taking IID seriously this winter, but that's inaccurate. Granted, since I'm not planning on making picks and slagging "competitors" on ultimate message boards this winter (bye bye OUHA), I won't be focused as much on winning games in order to make my predictions come true. Having said that, if my own personal improvement goals contribute to my team's success, that would be a bonus.
It's also worth noting that after initial disappointment, I've come to think that another winter in IID is a better fit for me. In IID, I won't be stressed out about playing mistake-free ultimate. Plus, I kind of overshot my expectations by getting some PT on Fish this summer. There's something to be said for progressing at a more comfortable pace.
What will I be working on this winter in IID? Glad you asked.
Defense
1. Improve defensive positioning and footwork – As per Sharpe's advice, this is an area I need to focus. Remembering not to stare down my opponent, but keep my head on a swivel, was starting to pay dividends in falltimate. The "keeping low" vs. "hunching over" will be a more difficult and time consuming transition, but I'm committed to it. Lastly, I know at least one Friday team-mate who won't be afraid to yell at me to stay on my toes on D!
2. Making layouts automatic – On offense, I tend to layout whenever needed. Sadly, on defense, I always ask myself "Do you really want to lay out for this?" With a new pair of tights to protect my knees, the goal this winter is to make laying out for D's automatic.
Offense
3. Cutting - Cutting on BF this past summer was the first time I cut for any team in over a year. It's embarrassing to admit, but Bryce's "Take 3 steps in the direction you don't want to go in, 180 degree turn, go hard the other way" advice was what I did 95% of the time this summer. I can't remember making any Boulder cuts or sideline cuts, and I only slanted when the play required it (i.e. the other 5% of the time). Since I won't be "cutting up" anyone on OUHA, I'll use my 20 games in IID to "get my cuts in" ;-)
4. Attack high discs – This is a BF captain piece of advice that I need to work on. Knowing a couple of taller and athletic cutters in IID, I look forward to an updated "perfect sky" entry (see May or June) next year.
5. Get confidence in my backhand – It's definitely better than it was last winter, or even early summer, but I tend to break and flick instead of throwing backhand. Warm-up throwing will be focused on getting comfortable with my backhand.
General
5.5 (Yay 55!) Have fun – I know this sounds basic, but being a competitive person, it sometimes skips my mind. Since my focus is on improving, as opposed to winning games, or being promoted, I think the 'fun' goal will fall into place easier this winter. For instance, I've been thinking of ways to incorporate purple into my IID wardrobe (which would simultaneously increase chances of winning!).
There you have my plan for the winter. If you happen to wander past the "intermediate" area of the dome, and see me laying out for a hot D that I was well positioned to make, running over and pushing my defender to the sideline with a beautiful cut, skying for catch, then breaking him backhand for a score, only to do a little dance in my purple shorts afterward, you'll know I'm accomplishing my goals ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
"Off Week" Recap
"Everybody needs some time, on their own
Don't you know you need some time, all alone"
Guns N' Roses - November Rain
I wouldn't recap a week unless their was some ultimate involved, so after sampling some pick-up today at the BFP Dome, I felt compelled to write a little summary.
- Tuesday's KJ program workout was fun, as it was half-intermediate (the fellas), half-advanced (the lovely ladies) session. Pistol Pete joined the usual Fish divas for his second workout, and helped up the testosterone quotient at the gym. Sadly, the man they call "Buckshot" also ejected quite a bit of phlegm (<- a word I never thought I'd use in my ultimate blog).
- Michelle directed us through 55 second reps in the last of the KJ "Build Your Base" class on Thursday. The high-light of the workout was clearly doing 55 second reps, and then doing 55 push-ups. Can I get a "Yah 55!"?!?! Next week I start the circuit training session.
- Even though the price went from $10 to $15, after a few ultimate-less weeks, I needed my fix this morning. I decided to rock the black gear, cuz when you can't wear purple, black will do.
- High-light of the two hour pick-up session was getting a chance to play with so many high-caliber players. Half of the women were comp. players (including some familiar BFC faces), along with two Open guys, coach Stu (who was accompanied by the talented Sue), famed OCUA poster Steve, favorite OCUA poster DMO, and the man who thought of the team name "The Pink and Cuddly, Chainsaw Wielding, Pyshopathic Killer Buzz Bunnies - Now with 10% Less Anal Leakage": Mikey B (who's a kick ass BDU/GLUM player).
- Low-light was the first point. So get this, I volunteered to handle with one of the BFC ladies and Open player Mike. BFC lady collects, throws a pass to me in the center handler role (wtf was I doing there!?!) who bobbled it, and dropped it. Off the turn, Josh the bearded Mormon (I semi-know the guy, I can get away with that nickname) strikes break force and scores on me *sigh* Sigh.
- The cool thing about pick-up, is you get a chance to play with players you wouldn't normally get a chance to share a pitch with. Both of the Open guys complimented me on my cutting, and gave me some tips on how to cut even more effectively, and how to acheive better positioning on D. I know it's corny, but when Open guys choose to despense their wisdom to me, I take it as a huge compliment, and make sure to incorporate their points into my play. I also got a nice compliment from Stu who noted I was one of the few running in the last hour of session, and noting I was clearly in game shape (thank you KJ, Michelle, G, Pistol Pete, Go-Go Dancer Girl).
- I also found out today that another one of my co-tryoutees didn't make IAD, nor did the only other handler on my tryout squad (Pat "El-Diablo" Mackalacka). Coach Stu is back captaining an IID team, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Almighty Mahatma will see fit to put me on his team again.
- On the other hand, the talented Mikey B will be playing in IAD this winter. When I told him I didn't make it, he noted that "It's sometimes political". He also informed me that I should have show-cased my cutting ability since "you're pretty fast". I always enjoy compliments from far superior players.
Depending on how the U of O did in their game today (too lazy to check), I rather start IID and Friday late night next week, or the week after. Either way, I'm raring to go. Although there's another pick-up session in two weeks, I'm looking forward to some league play! :) Until next time, happy hucking!
Don't you know you need some time, all alone"
Guns N' Roses - November Rain
I wouldn't recap a week unless their was some ultimate involved, so after sampling some pick-up today at the BFP Dome, I felt compelled to write a little summary.
- Tuesday's KJ program workout was fun, as it was half-intermediate (the fellas), half-advanced (the lovely ladies) session. Pistol Pete joined the usual Fish divas for his second workout, and helped up the testosterone quotient at the gym. Sadly, the man they call "Buckshot" also ejected quite a bit of phlegm (<- a word I never thought I'd use in my ultimate blog).
- Michelle directed us through 55 second reps in the last of the KJ "Build Your Base" class on Thursday. The high-light of the workout was clearly doing 55 second reps, and then doing 55 push-ups. Can I get a "Yah 55!"?!?! Next week I start the circuit training session.
- Even though the price went from $10 to $15, after a few ultimate-less weeks, I needed my fix this morning. I decided to rock the black gear, cuz when you can't wear purple, black will do.
- High-light of the two hour pick-up session was getting a chance to play with so many high-caliber players. Half of the women were comp. players (including some familiar BFC faces), along with two Open guys, coach Stu (who was accompanied by the talented Sue), famed OCUA poster Steve, favorite OCUA poster DMO, and the man who thought of the team name "The Pink and Cuddly, Chainsaw Wielding, Pyshopathic Killer Buzz Bunnies - Now with 10% Less Anal Leakage": Mikey B (who's a kick ass BDU/GLUM player).
- Low-light was the first point. So get this, I volunteered to handle with one of the BFC ladies and Open player Mike. BFC lady collects, throws a pass to me in the center handler role (wtf was I doing there!?!) who bobbled it, and dropped it. Off the turn, Josh the bearded Mormon (I semi-know the guy, I can get away with that nickname) strikes break force and scores on me *sigh* Sigh.
- The cool thing about pick-up, is you get a chance to play with players you wouldn't normally get a chance to share a pitch with. Both of the Open guys complimented me on my cutting, and gave me some tips on how to cut even more effectively, and how to acheive better positioning on D. I know it's corny, but when Open guys choose to despense their wisdom to me, I take it as a huge compliment, and make sure to incorporate their points into my play. I also got a nice compliment from Stu who noted I was one of the few running in the last hour of session, and noting I was clearly in game shape (thank you KJ, Michelle, G, Pistol Pete, Go-Go Dancer Girl).
- I also found out today that another one of my co-tryoutees didn't make IAD, nor did the only other handler on my tryout squad (Pat "El-Diablo" Mackalacka). Coach Stu is back captaining an IID team, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Almighty Mahatma will see fit to put me on his team again.
- On the other hand, the talented Mikey B will be playing in IAD this winter. When I told him I didn't make it, he noted that "It's sometimes political". He also informed me that I should have show-cased my cutting ability since "you're pretty fast". I always enjoy compliments from far superior players.
Depending on how the U of O did in their game today (too lazy to check), I rather start IID and Friday late night next week, or the week after. Either way, I'm raring to go. Although there's another pick-up session in two weeks, I'm looking forward to some league play! :) Until next time, happy hucking!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Ultimate Superstar
Granted, this is no "Huck Star", but it's almost as catchy as "Happy Feet". My apologies to Love Inc. for ruining your one hit wonder.
Ultimate Superstar
Reach for the disc in the sky
Bring it down and hold it high
For this game and every other game
You're an ultimate superstar
And don't you be afraid
Think of all the D's you've made
Like any other game, you've got all the fame
You're an ultimate superstar!
You're an ultimate superstar!
Every point you give everything
Don't you know that one drop don't mean a thing at all, at all
For an ultimate superstar
You've gotta find your fancy throws
Show your opponents what every else knows
Don't let them tell to stop throwing swill, do it at will
Cause you're an ultimate superstar
If the player you are today, isn't what you wanna be
Imitate someone who dominates, I'd recommend TK or G
If you sky, if you make hot Ds, baby you'll succeed
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar
You're an ultimate superstar
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar!
Ultimate Superstar
Reach for the disc in the sky
Bring it down and hold it high
For this game and every other game
You're an ultimate superstar
And don't you be afraid
Think of all the D's you've made
Like any other game, you've got all the fame
You're an ultimate superstar!
You're an ultimate superstar!
Every point you give everything
Don't you know that one drop don't mean a thing at all, at all
For an ultimate superstar
You've gotta find your fancy throws
Show your opponents what every else knows
Don't let them tell to stop throwing swill, do it at will
Cause you're an ultimate superstar
If the player you are today, isn't what you wanna be
Imitate someone who dominates, I'd recommend TK or G
If you sky, if you make hot Ds, baby you'll succeed
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar
You're an ultimate superstar
And all your fans will see
You're an ultimate superstar!
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Tasty Tidbits
"Wasting time
That's all you'll do if you're waiting for me
Wasting time
I don't want what you think I need"
Collective Soul - Wasting Time
Here are six ulty tidbits that are about half cooked. If this blog was the Frisbee equivalent of Tim Horton's you'd owe me a loonie ;-)
- Great to see OCUA brought back pick-up at BFP and the Hornet's Nest this winter. Too bad that they put up the price at BFP by 50%, and chose to have it on Thursday night (KJ classes) in Gloucester.
- The more people I find out are in Wednesday IID, the more I'm looking forward to a really awesome league. My only concern is that the quality of women players will be lower than last year.
- Speaking of IID, last year I signed up with "Aarmon of Steele", but this year he's playing with his wife. I asked Steve "Chowareyouonlya4inLeagueWonder" only to find out he signed up with someone this winter (but is "down for a 3-some" if Mehmet permits lol). Since I'm generally impressed with the level of male players in IID, I'm going to roll the dice and trust the Great Kamasutra to put me on a decent team. On my "wish list" for said team: one handler who I can learn from, one cutter who I can learn from, one defender I can learn from, and a captain who focuses on improvement as opposed to winning.
- Keeping track of the Capitals and GLUM at the UPAs on Friday via the score reporter was quite addictive. I was really pulling for the Ageless Wonder and GLUM to turn some heads. Congrats to GLUM for giving the eventual champs their biggest test with a 15-13 squeaker in the last game in pool play.
- Nice to see some new blood step up and claim three Board seats on OCUA. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the ultimate community, and we should all give them thanks whenever we can.
- *Polishes own horn in preparation of blowing it* Between KJ classes, Fish workout routines (soon to be increased to two a week), and my own plugging away at the gym, I've been able to increase the weight for my three sets of ten bench presses up to *deep breath* 180 lbs. Not that it makes me a better ultimate player (unless we start using a much heavier disc and are mandated to throw hammers), but it does show how much my general strength has improved over the last year (I started my reps at 100lbs…and had trouble with that).
One last bonus tidbit (think of it as a baker's half dozen).
- It was amusing to see several ultimate players' choices in Halloween costumes this past week. If memory serves, we had an angel (didn't fool anyone!), a devil, superman, a Scottsman, a go-go dancer, a suave singing telegrammer, and an uber cool 70s pimp. Psychologically speaking, makes me wonder if our playing styles relate to our costume choices?? :P
So yeah, enjoying my week off, working out lots, doing tons of physio exercises for my groin, keeping busy at work, and trying my best to get ready for indoor. I have a fun idea for a mid-next-week entry, so I'll get to work on that soon. Until next week, happy hucking!
That's all you'll do if you're waiting for me
Wasting time
I don't want what you think I need"
Collective Soul - Wasting Time
Here are six ulty tidbits that are about half cooked. If this blog was the Frisbee equivalent of Tim Horton's you'd owe me a loonie ;-)
- Great to see OCUA brought back pick-up at BFP and the Hornet's Nest this winter. Too bad that they put up the price at BFP by 50%, and chose to have it on Thursday night (KJ classes) in Gloucester.
- The more people I find out are in Wednesday IID, the more I'm looking forward to a really awesome league. My only concern is that the quality of women players will be lower than last year.
- Speaking of IID, last year I signed up with "Aarmon of Steele", but this year he's playing with his wife. I asked Steve "Chowareyouonlya4inLeagueWonder" only to find out he signed up with someone this winter (but is "down for a 3-some" if Mehmet permits lol). Since I'm generally impressed with the level of male players in IID, I'm going to roll the dice and trust the Great Kamasutra to put me on a decent team. On my "wish list" for said team: one handler who I can learn from, one cutter who I can learn from, one defender I can learn from, and a captain who focuses on improvement as opposed to winning.
- Keeping track of the Capitals and GLUM at the UPAs on Friday via the score reporter was quite addictive. I was really pulling for the Ageless Wonder and GLUM to turn some heads. Congrats to GLUM for giving the eventual champs their biggest test with a 15-13 squeaker in the last game in pool play.
- Nice to see some new blood step up and claim three Board seats on OCUA. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the ultimate community, and we should all give them thanks whenever we can.
- *Polishes own horn in preparation of blowing it* Between KJ classes, Fish workout routines (soon to be increased to two a week), and my own plugging away at the gym, I've been able to increase the weight for my three sets of ten bench presses up to *deep breath* 180 lbs. Not that it makes me a better ultimate player (unless we start using a much heavier disc and are mandated to throw hammers), but it does show how much my general strength has improved over the last year (I started my reps at 100lbs…and had trouble with that).
One last bonus tidbit (think of it as a baker's half dozen).
- It was amusing to see several ultimate players' choices in Halloween costumes this past week. If memory serves, we had an angel (didn't fool anyone!), a devil, superman, a Scottsman, a go-go dancer, a suave singing telegrammer, and an uber cool 70s pimp. Psychologically speaking, makes me wonder if our playing styles relate to our costume choices?? :P
So yeah, enjoying my week off, working out lots, doing tons of physio exercises for my groin, keeping busy at work, and trying my best to get ready for indoor. I have a fun idea for a mid-next-week entry, so I'll get to work on that soon. Until next week, happy hucking!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ottawa's Ultimate Characters
"The qualities of a great man are vision, integrity, courage, understanding, the power of articulation, and profundity of character."
- Dwight Eisenhower
One of the things I enjoy most about playing ultimate is the characters I meet. There are OCUA members whose personalities make a lasting impression on you (for better or worse). Since I'm currently waiting for indoor to start up, or for someone to foul RPAlex or forum frequenter Steve in an imaginative and controversial way, I thought I'd map some of the local characters that I've come across in Ottawa's ultimate community to the 8 character types in my favorite ulty book Ultimate: The Greatest Sport Ever Invented by Man.
Engineer
There's quite a number of possibilities here, but an obvious example of the engineer character in Ottawa is Ahmad. His job title scares me, his education impresses me, and the way he explained flicking into a head wind to me wreaked of nerdiness ;-) I get the feeling he's one of those guys who could break down the mechanics of his (beautiful) throws to a level that would impress any PhD.
Athlete
Again, there's a multitude of individuals who one could imagine playing any other sport they chose. Instead of picking an obvious male (TK, Geofford, anyone on Phoenix), I'll select Paula of Stella fame. With her build, it's natural to picture her dribbling a basketball, chasing a soccer ball, or spiking a volleyball.
Permanent Grad Student
I can think of five examples of this player type coming from a Monday night rec league team I used to play on. It's almost too easy, as people who are reluctant to enter the "real world", are apt to fit in the "surreal world" of ultimate. I'll just put down the first name that popped into my head when I read about this category: Christine. Which will only mean something to two or possibly three of my faithful readers.
Rec Leaguer
When I think of the typical rec leaguer, I think of someone who almost has competitive skills, but is content slugging (or is it "slagging"?) away in league play three or four nights a week instead. Also important in this category, is that the person has to sincerely care about league play. For this reason, I'm going with my favorite OCUA forum poster, and dedicated volunteer – DMO.
Oddball
It's important to note that the description of this player is quite positive. Yes, they're quirky, but they tend to kick ass everytime they step on the field. Their ability to pick up with high-level teams is also paramount. Even though he bares a striking resemblance to the "Local Oldster" picture in the book, out of respect, I'm giving this title to Mr. Webb.
Local Oldster
MHJ. If anyone needs an explanation, just read the OCUA forums or talk to the man, the myth, and the legend for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Greenie
And the OCUA player most likely to be living "off-the-grid" is: Craig. Having had the pleasure to play with and be tutored by the Greenie, I can assure you that he was my runner-up pick as the "Oddball" as well. One of the few pleas I'll ever make in this blog: buy a few discs from this guy. If I see him waving at me one more time when I pull into UPI, I just might lose it.
Partner
Someone who is dragged to the ultimate field by their significant other, but secretly enjoys the sport. The idiot from my Wednesday fall team jumps to mind, but instead of giving him the positive publicity (?!?!), I'll go with Darcy from my Monday team who accompanies her husband Chris to the field, but can always hold her own. The fact she's a former comp player is evidence that their two kids are bound to be ulty superstars!
If you agree, disagree, or are baffled by any of my picks, feel free to direct your complaints to your local Member of Parliament. I guarantee they're as likely to care about your opinion as I am ;-) Furthermore, I beg you, if you happen to bump into RPAlex or forum frequenter Steve, make sure to give them some far fetched scenario that will trigger an imminent post in the rules forum. It'll give me material for my next entry. Until next time, happy hucking!
- Dwight Eisenhower
One of the things I enjoy most about playing ultimate is the characters I meet. There are OCUA members whose personalities make a lasting impression on you (for better or worse). Since I'm currently waiting for indoor to start up, or for someone to foul RPAlex or forum frequenter Steve in an imaginative and controversial way, I thought I'd map some of the local characters that I've come across in Ottawa's ultimate community to the 8 character types in my favorite ulty book Ultimate: The Greatest Sport Ever Invented by Man.
Engineer
There's quite a number of possibilities here, but an obvious example of the engineer character in Ottawa is Ahmad. His job title scares me, his education impresses me, and the way he explained flicking into a head wind to me wreaked of nerdiness ;-) I get the feeling he's one of those guys who could break down the mechanics of his (beautiful) throws to a level that would impress any PhD.
Athlete
Again, there's a multitude of individuals who one could imagine playing any other sport they chose. Instead of picking an obvious male (TK, Geofford, anyone on Phoenix), I'll select Paula of Stella fame. With her build, it's natural to picture her dribbling a basketball, chasing a soccer ball, or spiking a volleyball.
Permanent Grad Student
I can think of five examples of this player type coming from a Monday night rec league team I used to play on. It's almost too easy, as people who are reluctant to enter the "real world", are apt to fit in the "surreal world" of ultimate. I'll just put down the first name that popped into my head when I read about this category: Christine. Which will only mean something to two or possibly three of my faithful readers.
Rec Leaguer
When I think of the typical rec leaguer, I think of someone who almost has competitive skills, but is content slugging (or is it "slagging"?) away in league play three or four nights a week instead. Also important in this category, is that the person has to sincerely care about league play. For this reason, I'm going with my favorite OCUA forum poster, and dedicated volunteer – DMO.
Oddball
It's important to note that the description of this player is quite positive. Yes, they're quirky, but they tend to kick ass everytime they step on the field. Their ability to pick up with high-level teams is also paramount. Even though he bares a striking resemblance to the "Local Oldster" picture in the book, out of respect, I'm giving this title to Mr. Webb.
Local Oldster
MHJ. If anyone needs an explanation, just read the OCUA forums or talk to the man, the myth, and the legend for yourself. You'll be glad you did.
Greenie
And the OCUA player most likely to be living "off-the-grid" is: Craig. Having had the pleasure to play with and be tutored by the Greenie, I can assure you that he was my runner-up pick as the "Oddball" as well. One of the few pleas I'll ever make in this blog: buy a few discs from this guy. If I see him waving at me one more time when I pull into UPI, I just might lose it.
Partner
Someone who is dragged to the ultimate field by their significant other, but secretly enjoys the sport. The idiot from my Wednesday fall team jumps to mind, but instead of giving him the positive publicity (?!?!), I'll go with Darcy from my Monday team who accompanies her husband Chris to the field, but can always hold her own. The fact she's a former comp player is evidence that their two kids are bound to be ulty superstars!
If you agree, disagree, or are baffled by any of my picks, feel free to direct your complaints to your local Member of Parliament. I guarantee they're as likely to care about your opinion as I am ;-) Furthermore, I beg you, if you happen to bump into RPAlex or forum frequenter Steve, make sure to give them some far fetched scenario that will trigger an imminent post in the rules forum. It'll give me material for my next entry. Until next time, happy hucking!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Last Week of Falltimate
"Time, you've had more than your share of mine
I'm a criminal with no crime
Sing like a bird that is now released
Like an angel with clip-on wings
Yeah nothing that's etched in stone
See I'm already who's already gone."
Collective Soul - General Attitude
Instead of using a complimentary quote from Mehmet about a bid made during today's game, I decided to pull out the best opening line of any Collective Soul song (my favorite group). The first two lines reflect how I feel about the whole IID/IAD thing right now. It's over, it wasn't worth the time and energy I put into overanalyzing it, and I'm moving on. With the last week of fall ultimate behind me, and the FCS dome still in storage, this could be my last weekly recap entry for a month or more. Against my better judgement and an aching groin, I decide to pack as much ulty as possible into the last week of falltimate.
- On Monday, Employee of the Month shut up (well, not so much, there was even more sideline taunting than usual) and ran (more so the ladies than the fellas) in beating Shut Up and Run 15 – 9. After the frustrating game against Cruisin', this contest was much more fun due to EoTM having almost two full lines of players, and looking to enjoy our second last game of the fall.
- Personal high-light was the first half. You won't hear me say this often, but I was very satisfied with my level of play, especially given how sore I was feeling. If memory serves, I caught 4 goals as EotM jumped out to an 8-6 half-time lead.
- Personal low-light was the entire second half. I contracted a bad case of the dropsies, and proceeded to bungle 3 relatively easy goal catches. If that wasn't bad enough, after being strongly encouraged by the sideline (read: heckled), I tried for a "wetback" over an unsuspecting defender. As Tron acutely pointed out to me after my ill-fated attempt, you need a receiver in order to get a wetback. Note to self: Ensure Aggie knows what you're going for on the endzone line. Luckily, the other team found the attempt humorous.
- Tuesday got off to a great start when I received a reply from Carl with feedback about my IAD tryout the week prior. He gave me five points to work on, but one really resonated with me. Apparently when I defend, I'm leaning instead of hunching, my base is too narrow (which takes me longer to change directions), and my head is focused on the person I'm guarding, as opposed to being on a swivel. This is something I'll focus on improving in winter league play.
- On the plus side, Carl commended me on my decision making which didn't make him cringe. Since last winter was all about making better decisions, that comment made me happy.
- Tuesday's KJ approved workout was productive. I increased the weight in the push-ups-to-rows by 3 lbs up to 15 lbs, and then squeezed out 2 more push-ups-to-rows on my third set (yay 12!). Sadly, it's now too cold to enjoy a post-workout gelato *sigh*.
- Wednesday was a pretty crappy day. Although I was happy to find out a couple of friends made IAD, as my October 22nd entry indicates, I was upset after discovering my own fate. I'm reminded of the words of a scholar, intellect, and poet "That which does not kill me, only makes me stronger" (K. West).
- While I was still angry on Wednesday, I joined DVC for their second last game of the season against Slappy Butts…a team they apparently had some Spirit issues with in their previous encounter. On a freezing cold night, I turned the anger into energy, and lit up Slappy Buts for 2 goals, and 3 assists. Oh, and I played shutdown D. Not bad considering DVC lost 15-9.
- High-light of the game came courtesy of the Almighty Mahatma, who was having a rough night. After dropping the disc near the end zone, the Great Kamastura carefully kneeled down, and proceeded to spank the disc! Once my laughter subsided, I couldn't help but wonder if the nickname "Disc Spanker" is taken?
- Low-light was back-talking a team-mate who felt the need to repeatedly tell me to "run" while he was on the sideline, doing what he does best, standing stationary. From anyone else on DVC, I'd happily oblige and run to/from the disc as directed. This idiot is only on the team due to his partner, and is by far the laziest player I've ever met. Plus, he caught me on a bad night.
- As my October 24th entry indicates, things got better on Thursday. My new favorite ultimate parody song broke me out of my rut. Then I "officially" got accepted into IID Wednesday via email from the disc spanker himself.
- We did 45 second reps at Thursday's KJ…no wait…Michelle class. Without my two BF team-mates, I was left to dominate the wall-sit (3 minutes), push-up ladder, and contra-planks. I've already signed up for the next five week session of classes that will consist of circuit training.
- The strangest part of Thursday was an email I got from Reza containing Spence's feedback on my tryout (Spence evaluated me). The first two points made sense (I have good hands and my defense was hot/cold), but the third point was ridiculous. It was almost laughable, and goes against the whole "team" concept of ultimate. Since it doesn't warrant repeating, my "personal vendetta" goal for next summer is to play Spence and thread him like a needle with a series of crisp throws to team-mates (ones who will actually lay out and strike deep) to work it up the field for a point.
- I lifted for about 30 minutes on Friday, before going out and seeing Wes's band play at Philthy McNasty's. Wes plays the base as well as he plays the cup...which is saying something given his defensive prowess.
- EoTM's last game of the season against the Outlaws was...wet. The captains decided on a 10 point game, which EoTM took 10 - 8 to finish the season strong.
- High-light was that it was fun. Yes, both teams tried their best to win, and Michael made this ridiculous bid on a pick call to come up with a disc, but it was just nice to get in the last game of the year with a lot of Fish and friends.
- Low-light, hmm, I probably threw it away more times than I'd care to admit.
- Sunday DVC won our last game of the year 15-12 over the Rump Shakers (or something like that). As rainy as it was on Saturday, it was windy on Sunday.
- Since it was so windy, time to blow my own horn: as indicated in the introductory paragraph, I made I sweet bid to come up with a pass (mis)thrown by the Almighty Kamasutra to keep possession on an upwind point that we ended up converting. I should really start paying Stu royalties everytime I come up with a disc on a layout.
- On the flip side, I told the same annoying team-mate to "shut-up" when he was trying to direct me from his semi-permanent pulpit on the sideline. As much as I enjoy playing with his partner, his cheap calls, poach D, and lazy hucks really piss me off.
With that, fall season is officially over. Both of my teams ended up top 5 on their respective nights, with EotM probably placing 4th or 5th, and DVC up around 3rd. Taking a step back, my OCUA team last fall ended up third last on Monday nights (they were dead last without me this year), and my PROUF team last year won one game (they were in the bottom ten on Monday in OCUA this year). Things have really changed in terms of the caliber of ultimate that I'm playing. Every mistake I make (mental or execution) is magnified on teams on which I have to challenge myself to keep up with my peers. It's on higher caliber teams like this where I'll inevitably learn the most from my team-mates and competition.
All in all, it was a fantastic fall season. As much as I'm looking forward to the friendly confines of indoor at FCS, I really need a few weeks to stretch and strengthen my sports hernia to get it ready for 20 weeks of indoor games. Enjoy the fall colors! Until next time, happy hucking!
I'm a criminal with no crime
Sing like a bird that is now released
Like an angel with clip-on wings
Yeah nothing that's etched in stone
See I'm already who's already gone."
Collective Soul - General Attitude
Instead of using a complimentary quote from Mehmet about a bid made during today's game, I decided to pull out the best opening line of any Collective Soul song (my favorite group). The first two lines reflect how I feel about the whole IID/IAD thing right now. It's over, it wasn't worth the time and energy I put into overanalyzing it, and I'm moving on. With the last week of fall ultimate behind me, and the FCS dome still in storage, this could be my last weekly recap entry for a month or more. Against my better judgement and an aching groin, I decide to pack as much ulty as possible into the last week of falltimate.
- On Monday, Employee of the Month shut up (well, not so much, there was even more sideline taunting than usual) and ran (more so the ladies than the fellas) in beating Shut Up and Run 15 – 9. After the frustrating game against Cruisin', this contest was much more fun due to EoTM having almost two full lines of players, and looking to enjoy our second last game of the fall.
- Personal high-light was the first half. You won't hear me say this often, but I was very satisfied with my level of play, especially given how sore I was feeling. If memory serves, I caught 4 goals as EotM jumped out to an 8-6 half-time lead.
- Personal low-light was the entire second half. I contracted a bad case of the dropsies, and proceeded to bungle 3 relatively easy goal catches. If that wasn't bad enough, after being strongly encouraged by the sideline (read: heckled), I tried for a "wetback" over an unsuspecting defender. As Tron acutely pointed out to me after my ill-fated attempt, you need a receiver in order to get a wetback. Note to self: Ensure Aggie knows what you're going for on the endzone line. Luckily, the other team found the attempt humorous.
- Tuesday got off to a great start when I received a reply from Carl with feedback about my IAD tryout the week prior. He gave me five points to work on, but one really resonated with me. Apparently when I defend, I'm leaning instead of hunching, my base is too narrow (which takes me longer to change directions), and my head is focused on the person I'm guarding, as opposed to being on a swivel. This is something I'll focus on improving in winter league play.
- On the plus side, Carl commended me on my decision making which didn't make him cringe. Since last winter was all about making better decisions, that comment made me happy.
- Tuesday's KJ approved workout was productive. I increased the weight in the push-ups-to-rows by 3 lbs up to 15 lbs, and then squeezed out 2 more push-ups-to-rows on my third set (yay 12!). Sadly, it's now too cold to enjoy a post-workout gelato *sigh*.
- Wednesday was a pretty crappy day. Although I was happy to find out a couple of friends made IAD, as my October 22nd entry indicates, I was upset after discovering my own fate. I'm reminded of the words of a scholar, intellect, and poet "That which does not kill me, only makes me stronger" (K. West).
- While I was still angry on Wednesday, I joined DVC for their second last game of the season against Slappy Butts…a team they apparently had some Spirit issues with in their previous encounter. On a freezing cold night, I turned the anger into energy, and lit up Slappy Buts for 2 goals, and 3 assists. Oh, and I played shutdown D. Not bad considering DVC lost 15-9.
- High-light of the game came courtesy of the Almighty Mahatma, who was having a rough night. After dropping the disc near the end zone, the Great Kamastura carefully kneeled down, and proceeded to spank the disc! Once my laughter subsided, I couldn't help but wonder if the nickname "Disc Spanker" is taken?
- Low-light was back-talking a team-mate who felt the need to repeatedly tell me to "run" while he was on the sideline, doing what he does best, standing stationary. From anyone else on DVC, I'd happily oblige and run to/from the disc as directed. This idiot is only on the team due to his partner, and is by far the laziest player I've ever met. Plus, he caught me on a bad night.
- As my October 24th entry indicates, things got better on Thursday. My new favorite ultimate parody song broke me out of my rut. Then I "officially" got accepted into IID Wednesday via email from the disc spanker himself.
- We did 45 second reps at Thursday's KJ…no wait…Michelle class. Without my two BF team-mates, I was left to dominate the wall-sit (3 minutes), push-up ladder, and contra-planks. I've already signed up for the next five week session of classes that will consist of circuit training.
- The strangest part of Thursday was an email I got from Reza containing Spence's feedback on my tryout (Spence evaluated me). The first two points made sense (I have good hands and my defense was hot/cold), but the third point was ridiculous. It was almost laughable, and goes against the whole "team" concept of ultimate. Since it doesn't warrant repeating, my "personal vendetta" goal for next summer is to play Spence and thread him like a needle with a series of crisp throws to team-mates (ones who will actually lay out and strike deep) to work it up the field for a point.
- I lifted for about 30 minutes on Friday, before going out and seeing Wes's band play at Philthy McNasty's. Wes plays the base as well as he plays the cup...which is saying something given his defensive prowess.
- EoTM's last game of the season against the Outlaws was...wet. The captains decided on a 10 point game, which EoTM took 10 - 8 to finish the season strong.
- High-light was that it was fun. Yes, both teams tried their best to win, and Michael made this ridiculous bid on a pick call to come up with a disc, but it was just nice to get in the last game of the year with a lot of Fish and friends.
- Low-light, hmm, I probably threw it away more times than I'd care to admit.
- Sunday DVC won our last game of the year 15-12 over the Rump Shakers (or something like that). As rainy as it was on Saturday, it was windy on Sunday.
- Since it was so windy, time to blow my own horn: as indicated in the introductory paragraph, I made I sweet bid to come up with a pass (mis)thrown by the Almighty Kamasutra to keep possession on an upwind point that we ended up converting. I should really start paying Stu royalties everytime I come up with a disc on a layout.
- On the flip side, I told the same annoying team-mate to "shut-up" when he was trying to direct me from his semi-permanent pulpit on the sideline. As much as I enjoy playing with his partner, his cheap calls, poach D, and lazy hucks really piss me off.
With that, fall season is officially over. Both of my teams ended up top 5 on their respective nights, with EotM probably placing 4th or 5th, and DVC up around 3rd. Taking a step back, my OCUA team last fall ended up third last on Monday nights (they were dead last without me this year), and my PROUF team last year won one game (they were in the bottom ten on Monday in OCUA this year). Things have really changed in terms of the caliber of ultimate that I'm playing. Every mistake I make (mental or execution) is magnified on teams on which I have to challenge myself to keep up with my peers. It's on higher caliber teams like this where I'll inevitably learn the most from my team-mates and competition.
All in all, it was a fantastic fall season. As much as I'm looking forward to the friendly confines of indoor at FCS, I really need a few weeks to stretch and strengthen my sports hernia to get it ready for 20 weeks of indoor games. Enjoy the fall colors! Until next time, happy hucking!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Better Now
Feeling a lot better about the IAD letdown. It's partly some tryout feedback I got from Reza that was totally against what I stand for, it's partly a short conversation I had with the Almighty Mahatma, it's partly knowing I'm not the only Fish that didn't make the league, but the majority of me feeling better has to do with the ditty below. It easily replaces Marko's "Happy Feet" as my favorite ultimate parody song EVER!
SO WHAT
Na na na na na na na, na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na, na na na na na na
Got rejected from IAD
I don't know what to do
Burning my cleats seems pointless
Playing soccer would too
I got a brand new Reza doll
And will voodoo it todnight
I wanna stick him with pins
He'll never again throw right
Na na na na na na na
He'll never again throw right
Na na na na na na na
Regret playing ulti all right!
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I got my hot throws
I don't need Reza
And guess what I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Coz i'm rockin'
So so what?
I am a huck star
I got my sweet cuts
Light up IID tonight
Uh, check my flow, uh
I give and go off the pull but
My teammate turns it over, shit!
I guess i'll go get a hot D
Back on O, sure to score
After the win will head home
On the sly as Nurple
Maybe get in trouble
if i Slag Rigid in recaps
Na na na na na na na
Rigid will start a fight
Na na na na na na na
But i'll break him all night!
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I bail on stall four
I don't need Reza
And guess what
I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Clad in purple
So so what?
I am a huck star
I can throw breakforce
Light up IID tonight
I've got the throws
I've got the cuts
Will make them see
Who they passed up
Week after week
I'll give my all
Great layout bids
Sweet endzone scores
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I'm turf burnt ev'ry week
I don't need Reza
And guess what
I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Coz i'm Nurple
So so what?
I am a huck star
Sky you ev'ry time
Light up IID tonight
No no no no
Don't need IAD
Oh, you will seeI
'm gonna show you tonight
Run around, stall you down
Coz' i'm rockin'
So so what
I am a huck star
Left all on the field
Lit up IID tonight
Ba da da da da daaaaaaa!
Although I can't disclose who wrote this for me, I've promised to repay them with the recap to end all recaps this winter. I think that I'll leave the below entry up as evidence of temper tantrum :P It might come down later this winter, but who knows. For what it's worth, I used some of that anger to light my opponents up something feirce. You'll have to wait til the recap to find out about it ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
SO WHAT
Na na na na na na na, na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na, na na na na na na
Got rejected from IAD
I don't know what to do
Burning my cleats seems pointless
Playing soccer would too
I got a brand new Reza doll
And will voodoo it todnight
I wanna stick him with pins
He'll never again throw right
Na na na na na na na
He'll never again throw right
Na na na na na na na
Regret playing ulti all right!
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I got my hot throws
I don't need Reza
And guess what I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Coz i'm rockin'
So so what?
I am a huck star
I got my sweet cuts
Light up IID tonight
Uh, check my flow, uh
I give and go off the pull but
My teammate turns it over, shit!
I guess i'll go get a hot D
Back on O, sure to score
After the win will head home
On the sly as Nurple
Maybe get in trouble
if i Slag Rigid in recaps
Na na na na na na na
Rigid will start a fight
Na na na na na na na
But i'll break him all night!
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I bail on stall four
I don't need Reza
And guess what
I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Clad in purple
So so what?
I am a huck star
I can throw breakforce
Light up IID tonight
I've got the throws
I've got the cuts
Will make them see
Who they passed up
Week after week
I'll give my all
Great layout bids
Sweet endzone scores
So so what?
I'm still a huck star
I'm turf burnt ev'ry week
I don't need Reza
And guess what
I'll have much more fun
And when the game's done
I'm gonna show you tonight
All my stats, my layouts
Coz i'm Nurple
So so what?
I am a huck star
Sky you ev'ry time
Light up IID tonight
No no no no
Don't need IAD
Oh, you will seeI
'm gonna show you tonight
Run around, stall you down
Coz' i'm rockin'
So so what
I am a huck star
Left all on the field
Lit up IID tonight
Ba da da da da daaaaaaa!
Although I can't disclose who wrote this for me, I've promised to repay them with the recap to end all recaps this winter. I think that I'll leave the below entry up as evidence of temper tantrum :P It might come down later this winter, but who knows. For what it's worth, I used some of that anger to light my opponents up something feirce. You'll have to wait til the recap to find out about it ;-) Until next time, happy hucking!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Still a Rock Star
Warning: I doubt the below post will stay up for long. I'm just pissed right now...it'll pass. Without going into details, October has been a shitty month for me....November can't come fast enough. So ya, the below is just me being angry and immature.
"I'm sorry to inform you that your application to IAD was not successful."
- Reza
"So, so what?
I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't need you
And guess what
I'm having more fun
And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight
I'm alright, I'm just fine
And you're a tool."
Pink – So What
The above lyrics go out to Reza, and accurately reflect my thoughts after getting his "You didn't make the cut" email. If this entry comes back to bite me in the ass at a future date, so be it. One of the nice things about having a blog, especially one that is now reasonably well hidden (thanks again Jon) is that you get to vent when things don't go your way.
"So, so what?
I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves"
Seriously, so what? I'm still a competitive ultimate player (aka a "rock star"…hell, BigFish beat Rock Star *haha*), which is more than I can say for half the players in IAD. This brings me to my primary criticism of IAD – since one of the goals of OCUA is to support their competitive program, why wouldn't you want competitive players playing at the highest level during their off-season? Instead, IAD has plenty of Reza's buddies who I've bested in various games throughout the summer and fall. How did I best them? My rock moves of course ;-) Let's see any of them complete a field length flick, play hard for seven games in two days, or sky a taller defender for a point at Regionals.
"And I don't need you"
Sharpe gave me some great advice on stuff to work on this winter, one of the BF captains told me where to focus to improve, and KJs classes are going to have me in such awesome shape come next spring, I'll be kicking IAD players' asses when it counts…at tryouts and tournaments.
"And guess what
I'm having more fun"
I plan on busting my ass in IID and on Fridays this winter, But since I won't be in IAD, I'm guaranteed to have more fun than by playing in Reza's old boy club.
"And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight
I'm alright, I'm just fine"
Now that IAD tryouts are over, and I didn't make it, I'm gonna show Reza and everyone playing on Wednesday night at FCS just how much I improved this summer. There were nights when I was healthy last winter that I was pretty dominant in IID. This winter, I'll prove I'm better than "alright" or "just fine"…I'm going to make a run at being this year's Ahmad of IID.
"And you're a tool."
No elaboration required.
As mentioned before, even though I wanted and hoped to be playing IAD this winter, the realist in me expected to be playing IID. Having said that, with a little extra fuel, I'm super fired up to get winter ulty underway. I know I'll have some good company in IID (a couple of Fishes come to mind). Plus, I know that next year, I'll have to totally dominate at tryouts like G did in order to get my ticket stamped for the big league. Until next time, happy hucking!
"I'm sorry to inform you that your application to IAD was not successful."
- Reza
"So, so what?
I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves
And I don't need you
And guess what
I'm having more fun
And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight
I'm alright, I'm just fine
And you're a tool."
Pink – So What
The above lyrics go out to Reza, and accurately reflect my thoughts after getting his "You didn't make the cut" email. If this entry comes back to bite me in the ass at a future date, so be it. One of the nice things about having a blog, especially one that is now reasonably well hidden (thanks again Jon) is that you get to vent when things don't go your way.
"So, so what?
I'm still a rock star
I got my rock moves"
Seriously, so what? I'm still a competitive ultimate player (aka a "rock star"…hell, BigFish beat Rock Star *haha*), which is more than I can say for half the players in IAD. This brings me to my primary criticism of IAD – since one of the goals of OCUA is to support their competitive program, why wouldn't you want competitive players playing at the highest level during their off-season? Instead, IAD has plenty of Reza's buddies who I've bested in various games throughout the summer and fall. How did I best them? My rock moves of course ;-) Let's see any of them complete a field length flick, play hard for seven games in two days, or sky a taller defender for a point at Regionals.
"And I don't need you"
Sharpe gave me some great advice on stuff to work on this winter, one of the BF captains told me where to focus to improve, and KJs classes are going to have me in such awesome shape come next spring, I'll be kicking IAD players' asses when it counts…at tryouts and tournaments.
"And guess what
I'm having more fun"
I plan on busting my ass in IID and on Fridays this winter, But since I won't be in IAD, I'm guaranteed to have more fun than by playing in Reza's old boy club.
"And now that we're done
I'm gonna show you tonight
I'm alright, I'm just fine"
Now that IAD tryouts are over, and I didn't make it, I'm gonna show Reza and everyone playing on Wednesday night at FCS just how much I improved this summer. There were nights when I was healthy last winter that I was pretty dominant in IID. This winter, I'll prove I'm better than "alright" or "just fine"…I'm going to make a run at being this year's Ahmad of IID.
"And you're a tool."
No elaboration required.
As mentioned before, even though I wanted and hoped to be playing IAD this winter, the realist in me expected to be playing IID. Having said that, with a little extra fuel, I'm super fired up to get winter ulty underway. I know I'll have some good company in IID (a couple of Fishes come to mind). Plus, I know that next year, I'll have to totally dominate at tryouts like G did in order to get my ticket stamped for the big league. Until next time, happy hucking!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Recap - Too Much Ulty???
"If you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple..."
Daniel 5:16
Is it possible to have played too much ultimate in a week? As I write this, my body is saying 'yes', while my mind is saying 'no'. Below is my lengthy recap of the week's events.
- Since I covered the IAD tryout in another post, the only new piece of information is that my groin, right foot, and right hand hurt extremely badly the days following the tryout. It's depressing how one night of intense ultimate can bring so many dormant injuries to the forefront.
- Although Carl hasn't written me back with feedback about the tryout, my informal network of evaluators / co-tryoutees / ultimate peeps seem to be under the impression that I had a 'solid' to 'impressive' tryout. This of course makes me question the people I associate with ;-)
- Tuesday's KJ-approved workout was quieter since:
A) The drilling in my gym at work has decreased; and
B) The creator of the 'iPurple' workout journal was absent *sigh* sigh.
- Wednesday I picked up with DVC again and had an interesting night. During the prolonged warm-up, I threw hard and long flicks with a team-mate for about 20 minutes. With no wind, and coming off tryouts, my flicks were beautiful. During my first point, after getting the disc on a hard cut, I threw a 20 yard flick to one of my ex-comp team-mates, only to have the flick go extreme O/I, float, and get D'd by a group of defenders.
- High-light of the game was helping DVC win against a very talented Montego Bay Lobsters squad 15 – 12 to temporarily claim first place on Wednesday nights. Our opponents included BF-er "Salmon", one of the famed Casey and Jackie combo (even though I played with them, I get them mixed up), and one of my personal handling heroes, he of the sweet lefty flick, he who enjoys hucking even more than I do, he who can break me at will – Kris "Kross" Korpinen. Sadly, MBL sub Glenn didn't make it out. I'm glad he didn't since…
- I sucked <- Low-light of the game. Apparently, after warm-up my flick abandoned me to visit my sister and nephews near-by in Barfhaven. I also missed 2 easy passes (one sky, one flick that hit me in the belly-button). Oh, and I stopped counting throw-aways at 5....because despite the popular 80s tv show title, 5 is enough!
- For those of you who are saying "I'm sure you weren't that bad", let me give you two pieces of information.
1. DVC had 5 men (including myself) and 3 women, and I didn't have one goal or assist. Therefore, I was totally useless on O.
2. Mehmet was having an equally awful game, and after hearing him call himself a "wuss" for not jumping / moving for an easy point since he had two girls around him, I resisted the urge to slag him simply because I knew he'd have so much potential material to respond with.
- Given how sore my groin, wrist, and foot were, I wasn't sure about going to KJ's…no wait, Michelle's (<- that's her name…I think) class on Thursday. Wanting to get my money's worth, I went, and was glad I did. High-light of the class was doing 55 (yah 55!) push-ups while teaming with Michelle and BF-er Sandra. Low-light was barely lasting 2 minutes on the wall sit, and having Sandra totally show me up on that and the step-ups.
- On Friday, I rested. Well that's not entirely true, I lifted for about a half hour.
- Saturday morning, I played in one of the closest games I've ever been a part of, as Employee of the Month won on universe point against Cruisin 16-15.
- Low-light of the game was that Cruisin seems to bring out the worst in a EotM. They gave us a 5 for spirit last time we played, this time we traded 7s with them. The sad thing is, Cruisin is such a good match-up for EotM, since they're fast and do a lot of things unconventionally. Their rules knowledge is definitely lacking, but I enjoy playing them for the competition they provide.
- High-light of the game was....hmmm....trying a lay-out D. No, I didn't get it, but I'm glad I gave it an effort since it was for an important point in our end-zone. I don't think twice about laying out on offense (actually, I got a pretty sweet layout grab that very game), but I have to remove that "do you really want to layout?" filter on defense.
- Sunday morning I picked up again with DVC, but we lost with an uninspired effort by a score of 15-8 to Sweet: Fall.
- Low-light was that the DVC just wasn't sharp. We were creating lots of turns on defense, but our passes, catches, and strategy were a tad off all day.
- High-light was that I got a little redemption after a bad game on Wednesday. I caught 3 or 4 goals, and had a couple of D's to boot. My flicks weren't great, but I only tried two long ones before I stopped throwing them.
On that note, I'm going to take a nap since I'm exhausted. DVC offerred me a spot on their roster for the rest of the season, but I'm not sure if I'll take them up on it. Granted, it's basically just 2 more games, but I'm so tired and sore right now, I really need a break. Not that I don't love playing with Chris and Mehmet, but, it's tough when your body is telling you to stop, and they don't ever seem to have any more than 5 guys out at a game. Decisions, decisions. Until next time, happy hucking!
Daniel 5:16
Is it possible to have played too much ultimate in a week? As I write this, my body is saying 'yes', while my mind is saying 'no'. Below is my lengthy recap of the week's events.
- Since I covered the IAD tryout in another post, the only new piece of information is that my groin, right foot, and right hand hurt extremely badly the days following the tryout. It's depressing how one night of intense ultimate can bring so many dormant injuries to the forefront.
- Although Carl hasn't written me back with feedback about the tryout, my informal network of evaluators / co-tryoutees / ultimate peeps seem to be under the impression that I had a 'solid' to 'impressive' tryout. This of course makes me question the people I associate with ;-)
- Tuesday's KJ-approved workout was quieter since:
A) The drilling in my gym at work has decreased; and
B) The creator of the 'iPurple' workout journal was absent *sigh* sigh.
- Wednesday I picked up with DVC again and had an interesting night. During the prolonged warm-up, I threw hard and long flicks with a team-mate for about 20 minutes. With no wind, and coming off tryouts, my flicks were beautiful. During my first point, after getting the disc on a hard cut, I threw a 20 yard flick to one of my ex-comp team-mates, only to have the flick go extreme O/I, float, and get D'd by a group of defenders.
- High-light of the game was helping DVC win against a very talented Montego Bay Lobsters squad 15 – 12 to temporarily claim first place on Wednesday nights. Our opponents included BF-er "Salmon", one of the famed Casey and Jackie combo (even though I played with them, I get them mixed up), and one of my personal handling heroes, he of the sweet lefty flick, he who enjoys hucking even more than I do, he who can break me at will – Kris "Kross" Korpinen. Sadly, MBL sub Glenn didn't make it out. I'm glad he didn't since…
- I sucked <- Low-light of the game. Apparently, after warm-up my flick abandoned me to visit my sister and nephews near-by in Barfhaven. I also missed 2 easy passes (one sky, one flick that hit me in the belly-button). Oh, and I stopped counting throw-aways at 5....because despite the popular 80s tv show title, 5 is enough!
- For those of you who are saying "I'm sure you weren't that bad", let me give you two pieces of information.
1. DVC had 5 men (including myself) and 3 women, and I didn't have one goal or assist. Therefore, I was totally useless on O.
2. Mehmet was having an equally awful game, and after hearing him call himself a "wuss" for not jumping / moving for an easy point since he had two girls around him, I resisted the urge to slag him simply because I knew he'd have so much potential material to respond with.
- Given how sore my groin, wrist, and foot were, I wasn't sure about going to KJ's…no wait, Michelle's (<- that's her name…I think) class on Thursday. Wanting to get my money's worth, I went, and was glad I did. High-light of the class was doing 55 (yah 55!) push-ups while teaming with Michelle and BF-er Sandra. Low-light was barely lasting 2 minutes on the wall sit, and having Sandra totally show me up on that and the step-ups.
- On Friday, I rested. Well that's not entirely true, I lifted for about a half hour.
- Saturday morning, I played in one of the closest games I've ever been a part of, as Employee of the Month won on universe point against Cruisin 16-15.
- Low-light of the game was that Cruisin seems to bring out the worst in a EotM. They gave us a 5 for spirit last time we played, this time we traded 7s with them. The sad thing is, Cruisin is such a good match-up for EotM, since they're fast and do a lot of things unconventionally. Their rules knowledge is definitely lacking, but I enjoy playing them for the competition they provide.
- High-light of the game was....hmmm....trying a lay-out D. No, I didn't get it, but I'm glad I gave it an effort since it was for an important point in our end-zone. I don't think twice about laying out on offense (actually, I got a pretty sweet layout grab that very game), but I have to remove that "do you really want to layout?" filter on defense.
- Sunday morning I picked up again with DVC, but we lost with an uninspired effort by a score of 15-8 to Sweet: Fall.
- Low-light was that the DVC just wasn't sharp. We were creating lots of turns on defense, but our passes, catches, and strategy were a tad off all day.
- High-light was that I got a little redemption after a bad game on Wednesday. I caught 3 or 4 goals, and had a couple of D's to boot. My flicks weren't great, but I only tried two long ones before I stopped throwing them.
On that note, I'm going to take a nap since I'm exhausted. DVC offerred me a spot on their roster for the rest of the season, but I'm not sure if I'll take them up on it. Granted, it's basically just 2 more games, but I'm so tired and sore right now, I really need a break. Not that I don't love playing with Chris and Mehmet, but, it's tough when your body is telling you to stop, and they don't ever seem to have any more than 5 guys out at a game. Decisions, decisions. Until next time, happy hucking!
Monday, October 13, 2008
IAD Tryout Breakdown
"Sometimes when you win, you really lose, and sometimes when you lose, you really win, and sometimes when you win or lose, you actually tie, and sometimes when you tie, you actually win or lose. Winning or losing is all one organic mechanism, from which one extracts what one needs."
Gloria Clemente (Rosie Perez) - White Men Can't Jump
To echo the words of a wise (and undeniably hot) actress, tonight I didn't win or lose, but probably tied. My tryout was neither completely positive, nor completely negative. Below are some thoughts on the tryout.
The Positive
- During the two half-hour scrimmages, I got two D's, one of which was rather pretty.
- In the first scrimmage, I laid out and came up with a Berkley pass that I would have previously given up on. Props to Stu for teaching me never to give up on a disc.
- I handled reasonably smartly, moving the disc up the field the great majority of the time, dumping in lots of time, swinging it quickly when I was playing middle handler, and clearing when there were four back and I was on the far side.
- My pulls were suprisingly on tonight. All three flick pulls landed within 10 yards of the end zone, and one was even in the end zone. Since I don't pull often on EotM, this surprised me.
- I didn't play with any fear, despite being matched against some very talented players.
- Received some very nice compliments from various IAD, IID, and comp players that I respect.
The Negative
- I got mad at my team on one point for not calling an 'up'. This was a bone-head move, since I should have covered the breakforce cut closer, and not relied on people I don't know to hold a force.
- My mark was a bit crowdy tonight. I also got called for a fast count....but that's more subjective.
- I was giving away in cuts all night. Mainly because...
- My fitness, which I have been working on ridiculously hard, sucked donkey balls *sigh* Seriously, I was winded after the first point. I was totally in survival mode during the second scrimmage.
- My team was kind of meh. We had a couple of decent players (Pat, Josh, one lady from Scarlett)...but others were hesitant to call themselves handlers, and wouldn't lay out for discs. It was a weird mix. I would have rather played with either of the other two teams, both of which had many more cutters who weren't afraid to go long.
- Ok, so I let a couple of hucks fly tonight. People would get a few steps on their defenders, and shoulder check, make eye contact me....at which point I'd let fly....only to see them turn and come in....or jog after a huck that was catchable if they only LAID OUT! I don't regret any of my hucks...although they probably didn't look the best to some of the evaluators.
- I threw one pass away on an in cut....ah well...it happens.
The Strange
- I fell over while marking a girl on a sideline dump drill. In my defense, she was a lefty with a very convincing fake.
- I completely forgot the bread and butter break force drill (in particular which side to cut to). Odd since I did it about 50 times this summer.
- After handling for the great majority of the scrimmage, I was asked to cut for a few points by my evaluators (Spence and Sharpe). I was two for two on in-cuts, and got over thrown when I made a deep cut. On the bright side, at least both the evaluators know who I am.
In summary, some good, some bad, didn't exactly shine, didn't exactly suck. Most likely, I'll be in the familar confines of IID again this year, unless the evaluators were looking for a decent handler with awful fitness *tee hee*. Seriously, it was a good learning experience. I talked to Carl Sharpe briefly on the way out and am going to email him for some feedback on things to work on this winter. Since winning or losing is only an organic mechanism, I'll extract some tidbits to work on in IID, and bust my ass this winter to improve. There's always next year :(
Until next time, happy hucking!
Gloria Clemente (Rosie Perez) - White Men Can't Jump
To echo the words of a wise (and undeniably hot) actress, tonight I didn't win or lose, but probably tied. My tryout was neither completely positive, nor completely negative. Below are some thoughts on the tryout.
The Positive
- During the two half-hour scrimmages, I got two D's, one of which was rather pretty.
- In the first scrimmage, I laid out and came up with a Berkley pass that I would have previously given up on. Props to Stu for teaching me never to give up on a disc.
- I handled reasonably smartly, moving the disc up the field the great majority of the time, dumping in lots of time, swinging it quickly when I was playing middle handler, and clearing when there were four back and I was on the far side.
- My pulls were suprisingly on tonight. All three flick pulls landed within 10 yards of the end zone, and one was even in the end zone. Since I don't pull often on EotM, this surprised me.
- I didn't play with any fear, despite being matched against some very talented players.
- Received some very nice compliments from various IAD, IID, and comp players that I respect.
The Negative
- I got mad at my team on one point for not calling an 'up'. This was a bone-head move, since I should have covered the breakforce cut closer, and not relied on people I don't know to hold a force.
- My mark was a bit crowdy tonight. I also got called for a fast count....but that's more subjective.
- I was giving away in cuts all night. Mainly because...
- My fitness, which I have been working on ridiculously hard, sucked donkey balls *sigh* Seriously, I was winded after the first point. I was totally in survival mode during the second scrimmage.
- My team was kind of meh. We had a couple of decent players (Pat, Josh, one lady from Scarlett)...but others were hesitant to call themselves handlers, and wouldn't lay out for discs. It was a weird mix. I would have rather played with either of the other two teams, both of which had many more cutters who weren't afraid to go long.
- Ok, so I let a couple of hucks fly tonight. People would get a few steps on their defenders, and shoulder check, make eye contact me....at which point I'd let fly....only to see them turn and come in....or jog after a huck that was catchable if they only LAID OUT! I don't regret any of my hucks...although they probably didn't look the best to some of the evaluators.
- I threw one pass away on an in cut....ah well...it happens.
The Strange
- I fell over while marking a girl on a sideline dump drill. In my defense, she was a lefty with a very convincing fake.
- I completely forgot the bread and butter break force drill (in particular which side to cut to). Odd since I did it about 50 times this summer.
- After handling for the great majority of the scrimmage, I was asked to cut for a few points by my evaluators (Spence and Sharpe). I was two for two on in-cuts, and got over thrown when I made a deep cut. On the bright side, at least both the evaluators know who I am.
In summary, some good, some bad, didn't exactly shine, didn't exactly suck. Most likely, I'll be in the familar confines of IID again this year, unless the evaluators were looking for a decent handler with awful fitness *tee hee*. Seriously, it was a good learning experience. I talked to Carl Sharpe briefly on the way out and am going to email him for some feedback on things to work on this winter. Since winning or losing is only an organic mechanism, I'll extract some tidbits to work on in IID, and bust my ass this winter to improve. There's always next year :(
Until next time, happy hucking!
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