Thursday, June 4, 2009
Frisbee vs. Profession
Going to CUT this weekend after some inner turmoil regarding my thesis, in the end I found compromise. Compromise is the key word. As I progress in ultimate skill I can't help but think that I am giving up on professional goals. Granted, I chose a long time ago that my lofty aspirations as an undergraduate were not my path but, the biologist side of me continues to naw away. Other people must experience similar conflicts between Ultimate and profession but I can't help but think that being a wildlife biologist makes life a little harder than a person with a city oriented job (e.g. doctor programmer). Not in terms of the amount of work, quite the opposite. Rather, I think my chosen profession is more demanding because most work requires extensive travel. Really extensive.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Turf Toe
Through some thought and conversations with teammates, I have self-diagnosed myself with turf toe. Damn. I read up on turf toe and it is related to limited motion in your ankles. No surprise there! My bad ankle sprain, suffered two years ago, is still finding ways to bother me.
I won't be driving up to Cazenovia this weekend. I still have matters to finish up in Towson. Tryouts went well with numbers at both events and consistent numbers at practice. Too bad, I wanted to witness how Cal, the labrador puppy, handles his first frisbee tournament.
I won't be driving up to Cazenovia this weekend. I still have matters to finish up in Towson. Tryouts went well with numbers at both events and consistent numbers at practice. Too bad, I wanted to witness how Cal, the labrador puppy, handles his first frisbee tournament.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rainy Days
Maryland is experiencing some misplaced rain these past two weeks. I thought April showers bring May flowers. Gladly it has not slowed down practice or conditioning. Medicine Men have a consistent practice site now and the Saturday morning workouts (Baltimore pod) are steadily increasing in numbers and rigor.
Personal goals for my Frisbee over the next few weeks.
Focus on playing on the balls of my feet. This will keep me in an attack (or anticipatory) mode. From there I want to increase the intensity of my defense in practice to game mode and open up my focus with the disc on offense.
Tryouts in two weeks, CUT in 4 weeks. Thesis defense somewhere in the middle of all this...and a job.
Personal goals for my Frisbee over the next few weeks.
Focus on playing on the balls of my feet. This will keep me in an attack (or anticipatory) mode. From there I want to increase the intensity of my defense in practice to game mode and open up my focus with the disc on offense.
Tryouts in two weeks, CUT in 4 weeks. Thesis defense somewhere in the middle of all this...and a job.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Spirit
Mackey's post on spirit and subsequent comments sparked my interest. I'd like to respond to Seigs comments specifically:
I see your point in respect to ego. Some people dedicate their lives to shedding ego and never accomplish the goal but, I don't think it is too much to require ultimate players to practice shedding ego on the ultimate field. This is after all a team sport we play. As Mackey points out, there is much more to gain by playing with spirit than without. Ask a team labeled as "unspirited", no one will talk with them at tournaments. Unspirited play has removed countless friendships and that otherwise could have grown.
I envision a scenario where we encourage players and teams to practice spirit, each improving with time. The current way we go about encouraging spirit, calling people/teams out in a public forum (i.e. RSD) is counter productive. Spirit ratings do little to help either. I don't know of any situations where a team was either A) penalized for a low spirit score or B) changed their ways in response to a low spirit score.
Rather, a better way to encourage spirit starts an understanding of spirit. Spirit and sportsmanship are closely linked, so much so that ultimate players need an understanding of this concept before they can be expected to understand spirit. While out society likes to think that it breeds good sportsmanship I don't feel this is the case. Rather, I think most would turn a blind eye to cheating so long as it is beneficial to their win:loss ratio. Then explain the differences between sportsmanship and spirit. Finally, moving on to the finer points of spirit.
I see your point in respect to ego. Some people dedicate their lives to shedding ego and never accomplish the goal but, I don't think it is too much to require ultimate players to practice shedding ego on the ultimate field. This is after all a team sport we play. As Mackey points out, there is much more to gain by playing with spirit than without. Ask a team labeled as "unspirited", no one will talk with them at tournaments. Unspirited play has removed countless friendships and that otherwise could have grown.
I envision a scenario where we encourage players and teams to practice spirit, each improving with time. The current way we go about encouraging spirit, calling people/teams out in a public forum (i.e. RSD) is counter productive. Spirit ratings do little to help either. I don't know of any situations where a team was either A) penalized for a low spirit score or B) changed their ways in response to a low spirit score.
Rather, a better way to encourage spirit starts an understanding of spirit. Spirit and sportsmanship are closely linked, so much so that ultimate players need an understanding of this concept before they can be expected to understand spirit. While out society likes to think that it breeds good sportsmanship I don't feel this is the case. Rather, I think most would turn a blind eye to cheating so long as it is beneficial to their win:loss ratio. Then explain the differences between sportsmanship and spirit. Finally, moving on to the finer points of spirit.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Henlopen 2009
Medicine Men descended upon Delaware this past weekend, with intentions of healing all open teams in attendance and defending their crown as tournament champs. 16 strong the healers had 7 returners (missing several veteran college players due to regionals) and 10 rookies. A first round bye afforded the team a late rise before starting the tournament against Philly Love.
A slow start allowed Philly to jump ahead a few points and take half (7-5 ish). Using a complex set of four man rotations the Medicine Men offense often struggled to flow and reach a certain comfort level needed. However, the second half showed some improvement and MedMen took some breaks to keep the game close. In the end Philly held out and won 13-11 (ish).
The second game, against Swarming Earthworms (Swathmore Alum), continued with the improvements of the second half against Philly and kept the game close. However, prior playing experience helped and the worms were able to squirm out a ~1-2 point win.
Down a nurse the Medicine Men continued to tear up the back corner of their Saturday field against Olde English (Colt .45). Missing a few players Colt .45 are still a tall team and sometimes to mark up on for the sometimes short Medicine Men. I had the opportunity to match up against Match for a point (pun intended) but, by and large spent the game guarding others. Good to see him playing after clipboarding it last year. This time the healers prevailed and downed the 40 oz liquor (14-12 I think).
Medicine Men ended the day with the fourth seed Brooklyn. I can't remember much but the Brooklyn needed much healing and served a tough patient. In the end the Medicine Men were able to win. Dropping one seed (1 down to 2) Medicine Men left the fields to bond and create cirrhorsis.
Confusion over wins, losses and seeds aside we came to the fields Sunday to play for the championship. The first game would be against cross-Beltway rival, Wiretap. Fierce and at times gusty winds created an upwind/downwind scenario for the game. The Medicine Men started quick earning and upwind point with strong cuts under and good break mark throws. The game moved along with teams following similar strategies; on downwind points look to huck, upwind look for short in cuts with one long cut to create a breakaway. The Medicine Men marked up deep a few too many times and allowed Wiretap to earn three or four up wind points. In the end we could not make up the deficit and Wiretap won the first of likely several match ups for the season. Chances of repeat over.
Medicine Men gathered on the sidelines to find out who we would play next. As it turns out our opponent had bagged and started the drive back to NY. Tournament over. The team packed up our stuff, drove to Dogfish Head and drank some beer to cap off the weekend. A few highlights not mentioned prior include; Fulcrum pulling a flick downwind into the trees, literally 20ft in the air, waaaaaaay out the back of the endzone. Gogurt, just missing a layout callahan to win the game against Brooklyn (maybe Colt .45). Actually staying with the team for the entire tournament. Last year I had to drive back to Millington and listen to frogs both nights, causing me to miss 1/2 of the games.
Scrimmage against Towson University Thursday night to prep them for regionals, official tryouts in a few weeks, CUT in 5 1/2 weeks.
A slow start allowed Philly to jump ahead a few points and take half (7-5 ish). Using a complex set of four man rotations the Medicine Men offense often struggled to flow and reach a certain comfort level needed. However, the second half showed some improvement and MedMen took some breaks to keep the game close. In the end Philly held out and won 13-11 (ish).
The second game, against Swarming Earthworms (Swathmore Alum), continued with the improvements of the second half against Philly and kept the game close. However, prior playing experience helped and the worms were able to squirm out a ~1-2 point win.
Down a nurse the Medicine Men continued to tear up the back corner of their Saturday field against Olde English (Colt .45). Missing a few players Colt .45 are still a tall team and sometimes to mark up on for the sometimes short Medicine Men. I had the opportunity to match up against Match for a point (pun intended) but, by and large spent the game guarding others. Good to see him playing after clipboarding it last year. This time the healers prevailed and downed the 40 oz liquor (14-12 I think).
Medicine Men ended the day with the fourth seed Brooklyn. I can't remember much but the Brooklyn needed much healing and served a tough patient. In the end the Medicine Men were able to win. Dropping one seed (1 down to 2) Medicine Men left the fields to bond and create cirrhorsis.
Confusion over wins, losses and seeds aside we came to the fields Sunday to play for the championship. The first game would be against cross-Beltway rival, Wiretap. Fierce and at times gusty winds created an upwind/downwind scenario for the game. The Medicine Men started quick earning and upwind point with strong cuts under and good break mark throws. The game moved along with teams following similar strategies; on downwind points look to huck, upwind look for short in cuts with one long cut to create a breakaway. The Medicine Men marked up deep a few too many times and allowed Wiretap to earn three or four up wind points. In the end we could not make up the deficit and Wiretap won the first of likely several match ups for the season. Chances of repeat over.
Medicine Men gathered on the sidelines to find out who we would play next. As it turns out our opponent had bagged and started the drive back to NY. Tournament over. The team packed up our stuff, drove to Dogfish Head and drank some beer to cap off the weekend. A few highlights not mentioned prior include; Fulcrum pulling a flick downwind into the trees, literally 20ft in the air, waaaaaaay out the back of the endzone. Gogurt, just missing a layout callahan to win the game against Brooklyn (maybe Colt .45). Actually staying with the team for the entire tournament. Last year I had to drive back to Millington and listen to frogs both nights, causing me to miss 1/2 of the games.
Scrimmage against Towson University Thursday night to prep them for regionals, official tryouts in a few weeks, CUT in 5 1/2 weeks.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
happy, not quite satisfied
Pandamonium, the Towson University Men's Ultimate team secured the third and final spot to Metro East Regionals out of the Colonial Section. Congratulations bros, you've earned it.
You didn't let administration cancelling trips to TiV and San Diego ruin your spirits. Rather, you took this lack of early season play in stride by amping up your conditioning and rogue practice habits. Dominating play at Big Moose Disc capped by an amazing come from behind win over American assured any questions about being ready for the Spring. Another dissappointing tournament turnout, this time mother nature's fault removed any more chance of refinement. You were not phased. Enter Sectionals.
Fourteen deep Pandamonium rolled into St. Mary's College on a misson, finish in the top three. You didn't hesitate, a quick three wins against George Mason, Loyola, and Salisbury-B warmed everyone up for a much anticipated game against powerhouse Delaware. Ten points against a perenial Nationals qualifier, astounding. Three and one with a point differential of +27 positioned you in the third place bracket for Sunday, not ideal. Once again, Pandamonium was not phased. Already the team had done better than recent history, but you knew nothing but third place would be acceptable.
Sunday would not be as easy. All of the teams played with the exception UMBC were equally or more experienced and deeper. I have to defer here to Farrell for the majority but I do want to make a few short points.
First, I applaud your maturity in handling chippy and dirty play against GW. After watching the footage it was clear that towards the end of the game especially, GW committed several marking fouls and made a violation call because your teammate did not call disc in loud enough?! Come on, you got burned and were upset about it. Doesn't matter Pandamonium won and with half as many guys.
Second, fourteen guys?! Are you nuts?! Towson, you guys love to run and I am so happy your work ethic has returned to what it was in the past.
Third, great patience. Farrell is right you beat teams by way of a millon little cuts. Under, under, under. It never stops but, if it does swing, contituation cut, under. This unrelenting cutting reminds me of ARHS' offense and we all know of their success. Also, it makes your roster size all the more impressive.
Fourth, and last get some uniforms! I know they are not required but in a few weeks when you are turning heads at Regionals everyone is going to want to know what number Chris Neitzey wears or Jose Maldonado. Who is Matt "Skunk" Radhe? What does he look like? Which Weir is which? Does Jay Weir always look so ripped? Or what is the name of that kid who looks like Zach Galifianakis because he sure can rip a pull. I am not expecting Five Ultimate or Patagonia, that is too main stream. All I am looking for are matching shirts, with numbers, and shorts of matching color.
After qualifying for Regionals, Chris' facebook status stated "happy, not quite satisfied, keep this in the back of your mind. The work is nearly over but with every extra minute you are building memories for the rest of your lives. I expect great play from you all and I know I will not be disappointed. Don't forget to savor each moment, take notes for your return next year, and convince the rookies to go.
Good luck bros,
You didn't let administration cancelling trips to TiV and San Diego ruin your spirits. Rather, you took this lack of early season play in stride by amping up your conditioning and rogue practice habits. Dominating play at Big Moose Disc capped by an amazing come from behind win over American assured any questions about being ready for the Spring. Another dissappointing tournament turnout, this time mother nature's fault removed any more chance of refinement. You were not phased. Enter Sectionals.
Fourteen deep Pandamonium rolled into St. Mary's College on a misson, finish in the top three. You didn't hesitate, a quick three wins against George Mason, Loyola, and Salisbury-B warmed everyone up for a much anticipated game against powerhouse Delaware. Ten points against a perenial Nationals qualifier, astounding. Three and one with a point differential of +27 positioned you in the third place bracket for Sunday, not ideal. Once again, Pandamonium was not phased. Already the team had done better than recent history, but you knew nothing but third place would be acceptable.
Sunday would not be as easy. All of the teams played with the exception UMBC were equally or more experienced and deeper. I have to defer here to Farrell for the majority but I do want to make a few short points.
First, I applaud your maturity in handling chippy and dirty play against GW. After watching the footage it was clear that towards the end of the game especially, GW committed several marking fouls and made a violation call because your teammate did not call disc in loud enough?! Come on, you got burned and were upset about it. Doesn't matter Pandamonium won and with half as many guys.
Second, fourteen guys?! Are you nuts?! Towson, you guys love to run and I am so happy your work ethic has returned to what it was in the past.
Third, great patience. Farrell is right you beat teams by way of a millon little cuts. Under, under, under. It never stops but, if it does swing, contituation cut, under. This unrelenting cutting reminds me of ARHS' offense and we all know of their success. Also, it makes your roster size all the more impressive.
Fourth, and last get some uniforms! I know they are not required but in a few weeks when you are turning heads at Regionals everyone is going to want to know what number Chris Neitzey wears or Jose Maldonado. Who is Matt "Skunk" Radhe? What does he look like? Which Weir is which? Does Jay Weir always look so ripped? Or what is the name of that kid who looks like Zach Galifianakis because he sure can rip a pull. I am not expecting Five Ultimate or Patagonia, that is too main stream. All I am looking for are matching shirts, with numbers, and shorts of matching color.
After qualifying for Regionals, Chris' facebook status stated "happy, not quite satisfied, keep this in the back of your mind. The work is nearly over but with every extra minute you are building memories for the rest of your lives. I expect great play from you all and I know I will not be disappointed. Don't forget to savor each moment, take notes for your return next year, and convince the rookies to go.
Good luck bros,
Friday, March 20, 2009
The photographer
Wow. Damn. Amazing. What the? Almost.
All words I think to myself when looking at a new crop of ultimate photos. Easily one of my favorite parts of ultimate are the endless photographic opportunities it provides. If only I had a better camera! Alas, I do not (for now) so I am mainly a spectator/student of ultimate photography.
It seems to me that Ultimate photographers are largely current players or family/friends of current players. Brandon Wu was my teammate last year as are many other photographers. Scobel's sons both played college and now club. Matt Lane, I can't quite tell. Likely he played in the past and now focuses on photography. This is but a short list of course, with countless other more amateur photographers out there. Shout out to my roommate Chris. If he didn't captain his team/play so much I bet he would have more actual game photos.
All words I think to myself when looking at a new crop of ultimate photos. Easily one of my favorite parts of ultimate are the endless photographic opportunities it provides. If only I had a better camera! Alas, I do not (for now) so I am mainly a spectator/student of ultimate photography.
It seems to me that Ultimate photographers are largely current players or family/friends of current players. Brandon Wu was my teammate last year as are many other photographers. Scobel's sons both played college and now club. Matt Lane, I can't quite tell. Likely he played in the past and now focuses on photography. This is but a short list of course, with countless other more amateur photographers out there. Shout out to my roommate Chris. If he didn't captain his team/play so much I bet he would have more actual game photos.
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