Sorry to my readers out there. I wanted to get something up last night but I decided to go party and yeah, we all know how that goes.
Pre-Quarters
I usually don't get up for pre-quarters because, well, it's pre-quarters but after having been to this whole nationals thing a few times, I can say that it is one of the better rounds of the tournament. You have a bunch of teams that are really close in ability and they duke it out in double game point barn burners, and what could be better?
I mainly watched the Arizona/Dartmouth game because it was the best game to watch. When I showed up Dartmouth was up 11-7 and the sentiment among the audience was sheer shock. Could this Cinderella season end like this? Everyone likes an underdog but everyone likes Arizona as well.
In any event, the game boiled down to Arizona's ability to adapt in the second half. I talked with Chris Shepard (Arizona) after the game and apparently Dartmouth's boring old vertical stack and ability to break the mark was something Arizona could not handle early. Socks and Sam Haynor are amazing offensive leaders and spectacular defenders once their opponents have the disc and I am not surprised that they gave Sunburn trouble. Ultimately the route Arizona took was to force middle and keep Dartmouth from swinging and breaking the mark for huge break side slashes.
Down the stretch Arizona rode their two best, your new Callahan winner Joe Kershner and my new favorite man crush, Austin Gregersen. The last point could point could not have been scripted better. Sadly, Dartmouth turns it on double game, and Arizona starts to role. They get about 5 yards out and just like they have all season, they went for the upside down. Loppi and Austin have been team mates for so long and when the pirate makes eye contact with the humble superstar, they both know whats coming. Kershner tosses up a huge, crowd pleasing hammer and in the pile are a bunch of white ivy leaguers and one #8. Austin reaches up with his huge arms and reels in the game winning score. I loved it.
But as far as Dartmouth goes, someone called me out for not mentioning Pain Train's success and I have to say that they have played an awesome tournament. I know a few of their players and despite the fact that I have a southwest bias in these situations, it was really awesome to see a team that few had to make any noise at nationals threaten Arizona. Their heart was awesome and their sideline is probably the best of any team in the country. I called a friend and team mate who was a Darmouth alum when they were up 13-10 and as I called him I knew I was potentially jinxing green and white's chances. I suppose it turned out that way, sorry guys. In any event, Arizona and Dartmouth would trade jersey's later in the day and the spirit between these two teams was was amazing to witness.
Quarters
With the top three teams at Nationals being so dominant, most of quarters was a foregone conclusion. Arizona had nothing left after their DGP win and Florida steam rolled them. The only thing worth mentioning from this game was that Brodie went down with a knee injury but he would rally and played a big part in Florida's semi final performance.
The best quarters game was the dog fight between the pool D winner, Georgia, and Carleton. I have spoken with Kyle Weisbrod on multiple occasion about Carleton and I now believe that they are one of the best peaking teams in the country. Their O-line with Sam Roberts and Grant Lindsley is phenomenal and their D-line is so fast. Kanner, Fagin, Foster, and the rest of the furious little guys have so much speed and their ability to put pressure on every cutter had a lot to do with their success.
Georgia went up early 3-1 but Carleton's depth and composure allowed them to take advantage later in the game. No one on Georgia had an answer for Grant and despite the fact that I owned him in a shotgun race, he cut as if there was no defense on the field. He reminds me of Kevin Cissna and with very little wind yesterday, Carleton could send him deep over and over and he made more than a few chest level pancake catches for goals. He also has unreal quickness and once CUT got it 2-5 yards out, you knew he was going to juke the hell out of Dempsey or whoever else got stuck with the matchup. Needless to say, CUT played a very good game and despite me giving them shit all year, they deserved their seed and their semifinals birth.
I also want to say that I continue to love Georgia. Greg Swanson, Peter Dempsey, Ben Morrisey, Will McDonough, Travis Smith, Alex Deckhard and the rest of red and white are an awesome collection of flatballers. They have such an awesome team mentality of friends first and team mates second and their ability to cohesively bond off the field really helps them depend on one another on the field. They really enjoy eachother and it was a real pleasure to hang out with them during the showcase game. Plus they hooked me up with beer and that is always nice. Congratulations on a great season.
Semis
I kinda figured that Florida's height and speed would be wayy more than CUT could handle so I camped out at Wisconsin/Colorado and after Florida went up 5-0, I was pretty sure I made the right decision.
The crowd for the Hodag/Colorado semi was pretty sweet. Most of the folks were pulling for the home team but Wisconsin brings an army of fans so they were not short of noise. I talked to Muffin before the game and his main thought on Colorado was "they don't have Beau". I wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing and neither did he. Wisconsin wasn't exactly sure what Colorado was going to do and I think that helped them because it forced them to concentrate on their own game which worked out for them.
The start of the game was all Colorado. They went up two breaks early and after a dropped pull by Kevin Riley, it looked like they were going to pull off a huge upset. Martin had a huge down field D early and Colorado's D-line was converting Wisconsin mistakes into breaks, something they didn't do last year in the finals. One name I like to drop because he continues to amaze me is Kevin "Pebbles" Schipper. #16 is so fast and so versatile. He carries Colorado's offense along with Chris Wicus (#34) and despite his smaller size, he can cut deep as well as he can break the mark. He had an amazing sky score over a taller Tom "Animal" Annen, and I am continually impressed with his play making ability.
Despite Colorado's success early in the game, however, Wisconsin rallied. Their O-face turned it up a notch and Rebholz's conservative no turn play along with Muffin's power flick really made things tough for Colorado. James Foster played an amazing down field game with an unreal ability to cut deep and catch discs at chest level despite the fact that he can get up and over just about anybody. Shane also played an awesome game and down the stretch had 2 epic D's and one huge sky score that put down the Colorado threat.
After getting back the two break they lost early, Wisconsin took half 8-7 and going into the huddle, they knew they had the momentum. They came out faster and harder in the second half and really frustrated Colorado's offense. Muffin, who usually gets offensive nods, played a great defensive game and despite leaving the game late with a hamstring cramp, he played a great game. He had an awesome layout D on Pebbles and tossed more than a few scores. In watching his play this game I was convinced that a Callahan RC nomination was justified and I am continually impressed with his competitive ability.
In the end Wisconsin's biggest strength, their depth, helped them stiff arm Colorado. Tim Murray is an incredibly fast player and his build is very distinct amongst an army of 6' bulky bad asses. Ben Feldman also played a great game and his cutting ability was something Colorado could not handle. Once he got separation from his man their was no catching him and despite only being a sophomore, he is very composed in the air and snagged one deep shot after another. The crowd was definitely pulling for Colorado but Wisconsin was the better team. They get a bad wrap (from people like myself) but they aren't that bad. Their team dynamic is up their with Georgia's, Michigan's, Carleton's etc.. They care more about their team than anything in the world and despite the haters, just want it more. Everyone can/should take a lesson from baby blue, and whether or not you like them, you have to respect them. They do not rely on 1 or 2 players and despite the fact that one of their best deep threats, Drew Mahowald, was not playing 100% because of a knee injury, their play is seamless. Congratulations on a great season and best of luck in the finals.
Finals Thoughts
I went over to talk to Muffin after the game and he asked me "you've watched a lot of ultimate. how are we going to beat Florida?". Florida has been on fire all tournament and with Brodie and Kurt leading the charge, stopping them will be a tough pull. It seems like the best way Wisconsin can win is to isolate everyone that isn't #20 or #21. Taking players like Cyle and Travlagini deep while Kurt and Brodie are stuck covering backfield players is definitely a strategy I would recommend. In addition, taking advantage of the few Florida turns is also something Wisconsin needs to do to be successful. Their offense is just as powerful as their D but they need to value the disc because Kurt won't screw up often. I think it is on Wisconsin to stay in the game late and considering that there isn't a lot of wind today they can and should tire Florida out. I think the one advantage Wisconsin has is focus. They are a team that is so intense and when they can channel that intensity and apply it well, they are unbeatable. Their losses at Centex seemed to boil down to looking past opponents and now that they have some red on their score reporter page, they have been humbled. They will come out fast and hard and will definitely want the win as much, if not more, than their bitter rivals.
As for Florida, they look unstoppable. Two years ago it was all about Tim and Kurt and Brodie has really stepped up this year. I think he was just a deep threat last year which forced Kurt to hang back with the disc. However, his throwing ability in 2008 has really caught up with Kurt and he can set up his team mate just as well as Kurt sets up #21. This is something Wisconsin will have to try and keep a lid on but considering that Brodie and Kurt seem to be able to run all day and are unbeatable in the air, the Hodags will definitely have their hands full. The finals is their to lose and despite a whole country of haters, if they stick to their game, they will win.
Closing Thoughts
I have a ton of Callahan thoughts and that will have to wait. This tournament has been unreal to watch and I can only imagine how today will unfold. Thank you to all my supporters and players that are willing to talk to me. I couldn't do with out either of these things and I will continue to do my best to cover this sport the way it deserves.
just my thoughts
match diesel
Pre-Quarters
I usually don't get up for pre-quarters because, well, it's pre-quarters but after having been to this whole nationals thing a few times, I can say that it is one of the better rounds of the tournament. You have a bunch of teams that are really close in ability and they duke it out in double game point barn burners, and what could be better?
I mainly watched the Arizona/Dartmouth game because it was the best game to watch. When I showed up Dartmouth was up 11-7 and the sentiment among the audience was sheer shock. Could this Cinderella season end like this? Everyone likes an underdog but everyone likes Arizona as well.
In any event, the game boiled down to Arizona's ability to adapt in the second half. I talked with Chris Shepard (Arizona) after the game and apparently Dartmouth's boring old vertical stack and ability to break the mark was something Arizona could not handle early. Socks and Sam Haynor are amazing offensive leaders and spectacular defenders once their opponents have the disc and I am not surprised that they gave Sunburn trouble. Ultimately the route Arizona took was to force middle and keep Dartmouth from swinging and breaking the mark for huge break side slashes.
Down the stretch Arizona rode their two best, your new Callahan winner Joe Kershner and my new favorite man crush, Austin Gregersen. The last point could point could not have been scripted better. Sadly, Dartmouth turns it on double game, and Arizona starts to role. They get about 5 yards out and just like they have all season, they went for the upside down. Loppi and Austin have been team mates for so long and when the pirate makes eye contact with the humble superstar, they both know whats coming. Kershner tosses up a huge, crowd pleasing hammer and in the pile are a bunch of white ivy leaguers and one #8. Austin reaches up with his huge arms and reels in the game winning score. I loved it.
But as far as Dartmouth goes, someone called me out for not mentioning Pain Train's success and I have to say that they have played an awesome tournament. I know a few of their players and despite the fact that I have a southwest bias in these situations, it was really awesome to see a team that few had to make any noise at nationals threaten Arizona. Their heart was awesome and their sideline is probably the best of any team in the country. I called a friend and team mate who was a Darmouth alum when they were up 13-10 and as I called him I knew I was potentially jinxing green and white's chances. I suppose it turned out that way, sorry guys. In any event, Arizona and Dartmouth would trade jersey's later in the day and the spirit between these two teams was was amazing to witness.
Quarters
With the top three teams at Nationals being so dominant, most of quarters was a foregone conclusion. Arizona had nothing left after their DGP win and Florida steam rolled them. The only thing worth mentioning from this game was that Brodie went down with a knee injury but he would rally and played a big part in Florida's semi final performance.
The best quarters game was the dog fight between the pool D winner, Georgia, and Carleton. I have spoken with Kyle Weisbrod on multiple occasion about Carleton and I now believe that they are one of the best peaking teams in the country. Their O-line with Sam Roberts and Grant Lindsley is phenomenal and their D-line is so fast. Kanner, Fagin, Foster, and the rest of the furious little guys have so much speed and their ability to put pressure on every cutter had a lot to do with their success.
Georgia went up early 3-1 but Carleton's depth and composure allowed them to take advantage later in the game. No one on Georgia had an answer for Grant and despite the fact that I owned him in a shotgun race, he cut as if there was no defense on the field. He reminds me of Kevin Cissna and with very little wind yesterday, Carleton could send him deep over and over and he made more than a few chest level pancake catches for goals. He also has unreal quickness and once CUT got it 2-5 yards out, you knew he was going to juke the hell out of Dempsey or whoever else got stuck with the matchup. Needless to say, CUT played a very good game and despite me giving them shit all year, they deserved their seed and their semifinals birth.
I also want to say that I continue to love Georgia. Greg Swanson, Peter Dempsey, Ben Morrisey, Will McDonough, Travis Smith, Alex Deckhard and the rest of red and white are an awesome collection of flatballers. They have such an awesome team mentality of friends first and team mates second and their ability to cohesively bond off the field really helps them depend on one another on the field. They really enjoy eachother and it was a real pleasure to hang out with them during the showcase game. Plus they hooked me up with beer and that is always nice. Congratulations on a great season.
Semis
I kinda figured that Florida's height and speed would be wayy more than CUT could handle so I camped out at Wisconsin/Colorado and after Florida went up 5-0, I was pretty sure I made the right decision.
The crowd for the Hodag/Colorado semi was pretty sweet. Most of the folks were pulling for the home team but Wisconsin brings an army of fans so they were not short of noise. I talked to Muffin before the game and his main thought on Colorado was "they don't have Beau". I wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing and neither did he. Wisconsin wasn't exactly sure what Colorado was going to do and I think that helped them because it forced them to concentrate on their own game which worked out for them.
The start of the game was all Colorado. They went up two breaks early and after a dropped pull by Kevin Riley, it looked like they were going to pull off a huge upset. Martin had a huge down field D early and Colorado's D-line was converting Wisconsin mistakes into breaks, something they didn't do last year in the finals. One name I like to drop because he continues to amaze me is Kevin "Pebbles" Schipper. #16 is so fast and so versatile. He carries Colorado's offense along with Chris Wicus (#34) and despite his smaller size, he can cut deep as well as he can break the mark. He had an amazing sky score over a taller Tom "Animal" Annen, and I am continually impressed with his play making ability.
Despite Colorado's success early in the game, however, Wisconsin rallied. Their O-face turned it up a notch and Rebholz's conservative no turn play along with Muffin's power flick really made things tough for Colorado. James Foster played an amazing down field game with an unreal ability to cut deep and catch discs at chest level despite the fact that he can get up and over just about anybody. Shane also played an awesome game and down the stretch had 2 epic D's and one huge sky score that put down the Colorado threat.
After getting back the two break they lost early, Wisconsin took half 8-7 and going into the huddle, they knew they had the momentum. They came out faster and harder in the second half and really frustrated Colorado's offense. Muffin, who usually gets offensive nods, played a great defensive game and despite leaving the game late with a hamstring cramp, he played a great game. He had an awesome layout D on Pebbles and tossed more than a few scores. In watching his play this game I was convinced that a Callahan RC nomination was justified and I am continually impressed with his competitive ability.
In the end Wisconsin's biggest strength, their depth, helped them stiff arm Colorado. Tim Murray is an incredibly fast player and his build is very distinct amongst an army of 6' bulky bad asses. Ben Feldman also played a great game and his cutting ability was something Colorado could not handle. Once he got separation from his man their was no catching him and despite only being a sophomore, he is very composed in the air and snagged one deep shot after another. The crowd was definitely pulling for Colorado but Wisconsin was the better team. They get a bad wrap (from people like myself) but they aren't that bad. Their team dynamic is up their with Georgia's, Michigan's, Carleton's etc.. They care more about their team than anything in the world and despite the haters, just want it more. Everyone can/should take a lesson from baby blue, and whether or not you like them, you have to respect them. They do not rely on 1 or 2 players and despite the fact that one of their best deep threats, Drew Mahowald, was not playing 100% because of a knee injury, their play is seamless. Congratulations on a great season and best of luck in the finals.
Finals Thoughts
I went over to talk to Muffin after the game and he asked me "you've watched a lot of ultimate. how are we going to beat Florida?". Florida has been on fire all tournament and with Brodie and Kurt leading the charge, stopping them will be a tough pull. It seems like the best way Wisconsin can win is to isolate everyone that isn't #20 or #21. Taking players like Cyle and Travlagini deep while Kurt and Brodie are stuck covering backfield players is definitely a strategy I would recommend. In addition, taking advantage of the few Florida turns is also something Wisconsin needs to do to be successful. Their offense is just as powerful as their D but they need to value the disc because Kurt won't screw up often. I think it is on Wisconsin to stay in the game late and considering that there isn't a lot of wind today they can and should tire Florida out. I think the one advantage Wisconsin has is focus. They are a team that is so intense and when they can channel that intensity and apply it well, they are unbeatable. Their losses at Centex seemed to boil down to looking past opponents and now that they have some red on their score reporter page, they have been humbled. They will come out fast and hard and will definitely want the win as much, if not more, than their bitter rivals.
As for Florida, they look unstoppable. Two years ago it was all about Tim and Kurt and Brodie has really stepped up this year. I think he was just a deep threat last year which forced Kurt to hang back with the disc. However, his throwing ability in 2008 has really caught up with Kurt and he can set up his team mate just as well as Kurt sets up #21. This is something Wisconsin will have to try and keep a lid on but considering that Brodie and Kurt seem to be able to run all day and are unbeatable in the air, the Hodags will definitely have their hands full. The finals is their to lose and despite a whole country of haters, if they stick to their game, they will win.
Closing Thoughts
I have a ton of Callahan thoughts and that will have to wait. This tournament has been unreal to watch and I can only imagine how today will unfold. Thank you to all my supporters and players that are willing to talk to me. I couldn't do with out either of these things and I will continue to do my best to cover this sport the way it deserves.
just my thoughts
match diesel
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