CT Constitution Combine

Thoughts and a few photos from the CT Constitution Combine

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Heating Up with Ollie Gordon

In the second installment of Heating Up, we went old school and across the pond to talk with Great Britain’s finest, Ollie Gordon. Topics include GB Ultimate and their WUGC 2012 team selection process, Ollie’s thoughts on the NexGen Tour, and we answer the question on everyone’s mind, “What exactly is a Class 8 Violinist?” Put on your shades because we’re dancing in the flames tonight.

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Different Place, Different Platform

Same Diesel

Out with a Bang

If the Canadians are out next year, Furious definitely leaves on top. No they didn't win the region, but they bested their bitter rival in dramatic fashion and what better way to piece out?

For the first half of last decade, Furious was the class of the NW. Grant, Lugsdin, Shank, Nichols, Savage, Seraglia, Maley, and more comprised a team that seemed all but invincible. Three UPA titles, a world title, and any Canadian championship they wanted.

However, over the next 5 years father time hovered over Furious like an opportunistic vulture. First Shank and Nichols, then MG, Mauro, and Lugsdin. Fast forward to 2011 and the Monkey is a different beast altogether.

They weren't the only ones though. Their foes across the border went through a similar transition and what once seemed like an endless line of 6' CUTers and Callahan winners, was now a collection of youngsters and a blue eyed Great Laker.

And it seemed as if this New Look Salmon squad was the aggressor. A pair of national titles, an impressive performance in Prague. While not being the penciled in champion of yesteryear, they still were a force to be reckoned with.

As for Furious, 2007 was just the beginning. Aside from a spectacular gold medal win at home, it seemed as if Furious was headed out to pasture to join the Condors. The new junta was basically the products of Vancouver's ultimate system and what they could achieve sans Disc 4 was yet to be determined. No natties in '08 or '09 and a forgettable performance in '10. Add that to the fact that GOAT was not going away (see Colorado Cup results) and it seemed as if Furious was on it's last leg.

Given all this, there was a fair amount of uncertainty regarding who would represent Canada once the dust settled. GOAT had been on the outside for so long and considering the fact that these two Maple Leaf programs rarely play one another in meaningful games, Toronto seemed determined to not repeat their 8-15 performance of 2007. Further, considering CUPA's policy on out of province players, it is likely the best 6-8 players on either team would be on Team Canada anyway. I remember asking Morgan about this and despite admitting that a few guys were headed to Japan either way, Furious came to win.

To be honest I thought GOAT had a shot to upset Furious. They seemed to have met each other in the performance spectrum with comparable talent and series success so I figured the hungrier squad would prevail. However, that is omitting the notorious Monkey Bear Trap.

Now I do not know how intentional this is, but it seems like Furious' best weapon is playing opossum. In 2005 Seattle saw themselves as the cream of the NW crop. They were younger, faster, and more confident than Furious and were riding high after a 2004 title and a 3-0 record against Furious. Even after a semifinal surprise at Regionals, the Fish were unafraid and took out Furious in power pools at Nationals. But in the Finals, the trap was sprung. Right when Seattle thought the championship was theirs, Furious came alive and snatched their 3rd title in 4 years.

The same thing more or less happened in 2008. Furious gets whooped at Nationals in 2007 and go 0-4 to Sockeye teams coming into Worlds (not to mention a 6-15 stomping in finals of Sockeye Invite). The Fish see Japan as their biggest foe and entering Worlds, Canada seemed weak and feeble. We all know how that ended.

Fast forward 3 years and Furious is more or less in the same position as the previous one. Sockeye is 2-0 against them after Solstice, they lose to GOAT in Boulder. Hell, outside a 15-13 win over NexGen, their wasn't a lot to be confident with. One would think Furious was in the worst possible situation.

And that is exactly what they wanted GOAT thinking. "We got these guys. They are past their prime. Sure they picked up Gabe, but he has been out of the game since Worlds in Taipei. This is our time." Trap sprung!! It may not have been 15-8 in pouring rain, but Furious still got the W and will represent Canada yet again.

But surely they couldn't carry that success over to the US, right? In 2007 they looked good following Canadian Nationals with a solid performance at ECC and even a win over Sockeye at Regionals, but they would eventually sputter out finishing light years behind their legacy in Sarasota.

2008 was more of the same, but worse. After Worlds they missed Nationals for the first time this millennium and 2009 was the same story different verse. Taken a step further, considering the fact that the free agent tides had shifted a few hundred miles south to SF with Revolver being the new stud on the block, it appeared as if Furious was not only on their last leg, but approaching irrelevance. In 2010 with no Prague data and a 12th place finish at Nationals (thank you Jam for vanishing), it seemed as if Furious was just drifting on an iceberg waiting to melt.

Entering the series this year, that iceberg was down to a cube waiting to fall beneath the surface. Sure the Monkey won CUPA's, but with only 2 bids out of the NW they were going to have to get past at least Sockeye, a team that had just stomped them 15-7 at Sectionals.

Even after a first round surprise, the Fish were still in good position. I'm sure TK, Skip, and MC shrugged it off with a "No biggy, its who wins on Sunday that matters." And who could fault them? Furious beat them 15-12 on Saturday in 2007 only to get crushed 15-6 on Sunday.

Nevertheless, much like Worlds in 2008, Seattle had their sights set on a different threat (Revolver) and went punch for punch only to lose in the front door semis. Fear not say the Fish, this is where we eviscerate the Monkey like we have a million times. But over on the other fields the opossum was as fresh as Sockeye was weary. Trap sprung!!

I don't know how they do it, but much like the Jets ('10) and Giants ('07) against the Patriots, the Monkey knows when it really matters. Such discipline, to take jab after jab waiting for your spot and then WHAM, a single pulverizing uppercut. When Furious finally edged out Sockeye yesterday I couldn't help but think of Rounders, "I flopped a nut straight."

The ride may be over for Vancouver, but who cares? You will leave the better man. You won as a favorite and you won as a challenger. Your legacy will be the sting in Sockeye's mouth, not once, not twice, but thrice!! Worry not little fishies, like Wisconsin in 2006, this feeling will be your motivation. Unfortunately, Furious may not be there to satisfy your hunger.

Just my thoughts

Match Diesel, PhD

PS Thank you for not losing to Rhino, that would have made this post more of a challenge.

NexGen Thoughts Part 2

After watching the Furious game and reading KW's thoughts on Sockeye, I have a few follow up thoughts on the NexGen tour.

Past

It looks like club teams are not bringing it the way I thought they would. In watching the Furious game, there were some notable players missing including Oscar, Gabe, and Andrew Brown. I'm not certain where in the game they would have improved things, but each has valuable assets and I think a break here or there could have been reeled in with them on the field.

The argument is even stronger with Sockeye. Only 11 players? Wow. One of the things that struck me from the Furious game is how shallow the NexGen roster is. On the sidelines there was so much more red than black, and considering the gambit NexGen is signed up for, I hope everyone stays healthy. Nevertheless, 11 vs 13 is pretty comparable, making Sockeye's 15-11 win appear more favorable for NexGen than it could have been.

Present

Regardless of how hard Furious or Sockeye fought against NexGen, I fully expect them to bring it to Rhino. The confidence and chemistry developed in these two games are significant not only becuase guys like Eric Johnson and Nick Lance have made huge plays, but they have come against what these kids believe are two of the best teams in the world. Egos were already huge on this roster and now they are only bigger.

Intangibles aside, I think NexGen's biggest weapon tonight will be their two Rhino members (Dylan Freechild and Cody Bjorklund). In addition to providing skill and scouting tips, their absence will be felt with Rhino. Portland had their heyday in '06-'07 but now that Seth is long gone and they haven't been to Nationals in a while, they really need all their standouts. Given the competition Rhino faces in the NW, a loss to NexGen won't be that big a deal. Portland has enough trouble and one more drop in the bucket shouldn't be that significant.

Future

Given NexGen's success against Furious and Sockeye (ie not getting blown out), I think their remaining opponents will be incredibly focused. I fully expected Revolver to crush NexGen and I am even more certain of that now. Don't suck Chicken ;)

However, of the games left, I am the most interested in NexGen vs Bravo. JB has quietly added Austen Gregersen and Joe Kershner, two of my favorite ultimate people. Austen was a stud for Sunburn and Barrio and Kershner hasn't come up for air since winning the Callahan. Unless I am mistaken, this NexGen game will be our first look at these two players together since (cue misty eyed Match) they captured our hearts back in 2008. Hopefully both play.

Closing Thoughts

I think NexGen's first two games have gone as good as one could hope. They have been close, expectations have been met and momentum has been built. Given the fact that July is typically a down month for elite club teams, I suspect NexGen will get past a few slumbering squads. This should be good for NexGen becuase it will validate the entire tour and teams caught sleeping will have a wake up call before the series.

Keep up the good work.

Match Diesel, PhD

NexGen Tour Thoughts

It has been quite a while since I picked up the ultimate pen and while I still follow the game, real life has taken my focus. Since my last post I have finished my PhD, gotten engaged, and started my new career as a professional medical writer. However, of all the topics that have sparked even the slightest inspiration over the last 8 months or so, none has left the impact of NexGen.

Logistics

Lets start with praise. Unlike many ultimate ventures out there, NexGen is a fantastic product from both a macro and a micro perspective. At the 'big picture' level you have a spectacular platform to showcase some of the best up and coming talent in the sport. I do not know how this is being funded, but it rivals Dartmouth's Big Green Bus of the mid 2000s as far as ideas go and blows it out of the water from a competitive standpoint. The scheduling alone is a modern miracle and I think it is fairly safe to say that aside from WUGC 2012 chatter, NexGen will gobble up considerable attention this summer.

From a mico scale perspective, the execution of NexGen is pretty solid. Their website is a bit junky with drop downs that are blocked becuase of clutter, but the sheer definition of their pictures and interviews is unlike anything we have seen before. Much like the ESPN feel of college nationals highlights this past May, the HD-esk appearance of NexGen is a major leap forward in the marketability of ultimate. Pending SNAFU's with their execution (and considering that this is ultimate, nothing is garunteed), I think this experiment will compete with MLU, C1, ECU, Ultimate Peace etc.. as far as hype is concerned and considering the fact that success is solely expected within 2011 (as opposed to indefinitely), it will leave an exceedingly postive impression for future players/ultimate enthusiasts to emulate.

Competition

I don't know who or how this schedule was crafted, but it is incredible. It is not the first time we have seen a team showcase itself against the best teams in North America (Team USA 2005 and 2009, Team Australia 2008, etc..), but it is certainly the best thus far. Taken at a cursory glance, NexGen is scheduled to play Furious, Sockeye, Rhino and Revolver, a very respectable lineup, but NW heavy. However, if you open their full schedule, you'll see that they are playing just about everyone. Bravo, Chain, Ironside, GOAT, Truck Stop, Ring, not bad. I wish Doublewide and PoNY were on this list ahead of Oakland and either Madison/SubZero, but that is being nit picky at best. I think I speak for the bulk of the ultimate community when I say that I would gladly buy tickets to see one of these games if any were near New Haven, CT.

Now the bad news. As excited as I am to see this product come to fruition, I think the youngsters are going to get smoked. Given their youth and lack of experience as a unit, I think elite club level talent will tear them apart. It also doesn't help that their first game is up against one of the most experienced teams in the world, Furious George. On Friday, these kids are going to roll into UBC and faceoff against players that were in their place 5-6 years ago. Oscar, Morgan, Alex, Menzies, Gabe...these were the college superstars making club noise when NexGen was in middle school and they've already got a few rings and medals on their shelves. You have solid experience in guys like Stubbs, Kapinos, Arenson, and Murray, but it is peanuts relative to their competition, which raises some concerns about the roster in general.

Given my experience in actually putting together an ultimate product, I am aware of how hard it is to get people to sign on the dotted line, but I have to draw some attention to those not on this roster. First and foremost, I think Grant Lindsley, Christian Foster, and Hylke Sneider should all be on this list. I have no idea if they were asked and/or turned it down, but I think all three bring useful elements to the roster and could be invaluable to NexGen success.

Further, I am surprised that there is no Florida representation. Colorado, CUT and Wisconsin all have included personel and even more could be put forth (see above). Neverthless, their is one missing competitive piece and it deserves to be included. Cole Sullivan is a stud and just as 'Next Generation' as any of these other players. I would even argue that Brodie Smith and/or Chris Gibson should be on the roster given their relative youth and play making ability. Perhaps all were asked and each one turned NexGen down, but regardless, a +6-foot cocky superstar will be necessary against the likes of Morgan, Nord, Beau, Mac, Dylan, Jolian, Hassell, etc.

Closing Thoughts

Most folks know that I am a Furious homer, so favoring them comes as no surprise. Considering that Furious is well on their way to Condor/Ring status, I would not be surprised if NexGen made it interesting. However, FG is just the tip of the iceberg. Sockeye is absolutely vicious and will eat these kids alive. Take a look at what they have done to the Buzz Bullets in big games and they are 10x more experienced.

And it only gets worse. Revolver could switch their O-/D-line sets and cruise. Bravo, Chain, and GOAT would love to show that they are still relevant. Maybe NexGen gets past a crumbling Ironside, but by that point most of their best games will be behind them. I want to see these kids shine on the big stage, but I fear their lack of chemistry will turn into break after break for these cold blooded veterans.

Long story short, I'm pumped to see how this tour goes down, but my money is on CurrentGen.

Just my thoughts.

Match Diesel, PhD

Another Year...

...another Fury Championship. I think Chelsea Putnam said it best during the mixed finals broadcast "Matty Sang, you are the best coach in ultimate". Truer words have never been spoken. For those like me that have heard about DoG's 6-peat for years but weren't around for it, insert Fury. Two years ago they lost one of the best individuals in the ultimate community, Gwen Ambler, and they haven't missed a beat. It may have been taken a 12 point comeback but the streak was still alive. Winning with new faces, a better test of a championship caliber team there is not. Congrats across the board.

Open

I was texting back and forth with my cousin Alex about Revolver and he seemed to think their performance was the most dominant in Club Nationals history. Now he is definitely a NW homer, and you can't blame him, but despite the hyperbole, there is some truth to his statement. Coming into this tournament the expectations on Revolver were probably the most a team has felt since Sockeye back in 2007. Three years ago the Fish were trying to repeat AND earn the chance to represent the USA and they delivered, albeit with two nail biters in semis and finals.

As for Revolver, everyone knew they were the team to beat. Some made a big deal out of Ironside's undefeated streak but every time it was brought up I thought to myself, "Really? What are you 12?" Within the US or not, they got whipped right in the middle of the season. Way to go ESPN/Favre and harp on a topic no one wants to talk about. You could totally see it on Will Neff's face during his post game interview that the streak was more of a liability than anything else. They may have been the 1 seed but the focus, talent, and experience of Revolver was as good as billed.

Going into the tournament I was curious to know if Revolver would underperform the way Bravo did in 2008 when they were easy favorites to win it all in a double peak year. However, after SF's win over Chain there was no doubt in my mind. ATL may have been in a down year, but when you avenge a crushing loss with a 15-6 power pool win, you are sending a message, to them and any 7 who dare stand 70 yards away. That game also reminded me of Bravo in 2008 when they avenged their Finals loss to Sockeye 15-14 in quarters, but in Revolver's case it was a stepping stone to Sunday glory and not Saturday exhaustion.

Revolver did face some stiff opposition in Doublewide and I think Austin should be very proud of their semifinal performance. They have had a few good seasons now and the youthful rejuvenation of Brodie et al seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Historically, DW seems to be in the same category as Furious and Ring in that they are a talented team, but struggle in the free agent department. Not in 2010 however. Hopefully the pipeline can stay alive.

And then there were two. I don't know what it is, but Ironside has really struggled in these games. In 2008 Ironside was easily the better team on paper going into the finals, especially considering their youth, Jam's lack thereof, and a pool play win over SF, but it didn't matter. Confidence was the limiting factor then and it was the limiting factor yesterday. Boston seemed gun shy against Revolver and the Bay Area capitalized. It seems a lack of depth in the NE is Ironside's downfall. I mean come on, you win your region with 4 victories? The closest of which was a 15-10 semifinal win over PoNY? Revolver has had to go through Sockeye, Furious, Jam, Rhino, etc.. since Day 1 so it is no wonder they brought swagger in buckets.

Ironside's D-line was legit though. Colin Mahoney made an amazing layout catch block on Beau late in the game and with a play like that, you could really tell the D-line came to win. Unfortunately the O-line did not. Oh well, much like Bravo in 2007, you were simply going up against a more focused, talented, and experienced opponent.

Mixed

Wow, I gotta tell ya, it was surreal seeing my CT buddies suit up on Sunday. Korber, Kendra, KG, Napoleon, Mazur, Kravitzes, X, etc.. I am so proud of all of you guys. First year in existence and you put together one of the most impressive seasons in any division and when faced with some major gut checks (i.e. two losses, one in pool play) you grind it out and make the finals.

Unfortunately, the buck stopped there and Polar Bears Ctrl C'd and V'd their Thursday success. Knowing 808 and the LPC crew a little bit, this win was not a surprise. For several years the 925 has been quite close and while this may have been their first year as Polar Bears, a Div III championship and some major college noise say otherwise. I have seen few teams as close as this group and when it comes to success in this game, especially on offense, a tight knit bunch is clutch. All season D5 dominated which basically means their D-line dominated. Going into the series CT knew their O-line was their weak spot and Polar Bears' zone D exposed them big time.

Plus PBs had this blur of a female named An-Chi Tsou. Holy crap! Could anyone stop this girl? It definitely says a lot when a woman busts out in a mixed game. I've always thought mixed is all about your females and when most say "its basically 4 on 4", this game was refreshing. Plus rather than hearing "(insert name) Smith", we got "(pause) An-Chi (pause) Tsou?" Hilarious Chelsea. Robot's play was also very impressive but not unexpected. Since almost my first day as a squid, I have known about this guy and his final goal was just another in a slew of spectacular plays I've seen out of him. He reminds me a lot of Kurt Gibson in that he has superb body control and makes exceedingly awkward, but athletic, plays as if they were nothing. Korber is easily the best player I have ever played with/against and to poster him like that at such a big moment was....I got nothing. Congratulations!

D5 wasn't without their own superstars however and Justin Segool really played well. I remember at tryouts being much more impressed with Brandon Redding, but Segool really asserted himself as D5's premier deep threat. Regrettably, the highlight reel plays that I'm sure D5 is used to seeing out of Korber, Morrone, Rafe, DJX, etc.. just weren't there yesterday. I remember the second point of the game, a long one where D5 couldn't punch in the upwind break despite two hucks to the endzone, being a moment of fear for me. In that instance, it just seemed like the big plays weren't coming and when your O-line is weak, small ball is not an option you want to have to rely on.

In the end D5 had a successful season by anyone's standards and I'm sure those that had their doubts in May/June about playing Mixed in New Haven were fully confident in their decision yesterday, even in defeat.

Closing Thoughts

In watching the feed I quickly realized why I decided to ease off on the whole journalism gig. While ultimate is exciting to watch and follow, the only word I can come up with to describe the way it is packaged is "unprofessional". From the sombreros to the neon green sunglasses, the game just looks hokie. No wonder no one takes us seriously. I also agree with most of the RSD criticism about the commentary and would just like to add that the lack of focus was really irritating. Getting the score wrong over and over, talking about high fives, bold/incorrect decisions over and over, come on. My girlfriend (not a frisbee person) overheard the broadcast and consistently was puzzled by the dialog. I subject her to quite a bit of ESPN and even she can tell the difference.

I am conflicted when criticizing the job UV does though. I've been there in the editing sessions and I know how hard they work. However, this is not the first year UV has done this, its the 3rd and its also not the first time some of the commentators have done this. However, rather than improve year to year, things seem stagnant. I fear for UV's grip when/if CBS comes into Sarasota because they could easily take Rob's gig. In all honesty, they do a way better job and if you claim they have more resources, I suggest charging for access to nationals video footage. Rob did it with UVTV.

I also miss Tom Styles. His voice over the WUGC Finals was incredible. No offense to the current commentators, but the first hurdle in broadcasting is having a good voice. Tom has one, the current crew does not. You can call foul, but its just like sports, if you're fat, slow, short, and/or clumsy, you probably don't belong on the field.

just my thoughts

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