However; a big part of my college experience was in fact playing college ultimate. This experience has not only provided me the skills to compete at the highest level of ultimate, but has also provided lifelong friendship and so much more. I did not play my freshmen year of college, even despite dorming with the men's captain. Call it laziness, lack of effort, I simply did not want to play despite already playing a bit in high school. I committed to play my second year and quite honestly, it has been one of the best decisions of my life. Whether it be playing my first tournament at UC Santa Barbara, to my last tournament at UC San Diego, it has been one hell of a ride.
The time between my first line against UCSC-B and my final line against Cal Poly- SLO, I've seen our team ranking hit as low as #238, to as high as the low 70's in the nation. I've caught and thrown one callahan, seen several greatests, played against new teams to the top ranked teamS in the nation. It's been an experience that I will never forget and I'll tell ya... if you guys ever want the definition of family, play ultimate.
So what now?
Our team is losing 6 valuable players due to graduation or loss of eligibility.
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Allen Lai, is hands down the craziest player I've been blessed to play with. This guy has the complete package. Accurate short and long throws of all varieties, upside down or break. He has the ability to run deep on the opposition's best defenders and will snag almost anything in the air or chase down anything with his crazy speed and lay outs. He's coached our team and has shown great dedication and love to all who have played here at Irvine for the past several years.
Matt Khosh has proven to everyone in the region that he cannot be covered. Like everyone knows on our team, if we need an open cutter, Khosh can be relied on to get open. Not only is he our main deep threat, he has the throws and above all the leadership and experience to get it done. His ability to calm or pick up our team is priceless and his hard work and skills will be greatly missed.
Steven Lowe is our lovable super senior. His skills although not as flashy as many others is just as meaningful and essential whether it be his hucks, break throws, or overall vision on the field, he's been a leader on and off the field. His ability to snag the huge hucks that we put up or his D's on deep hucks, Steve gets it done. His experience and willingness to sacrifice for the team will definitely be remembered. Great work Steve! You are one ultimate frisbee baller.
Jerry Yang is our token lefty. Along with Matt and Steve, he was one of the first members of UCI ultimate and over the years has shown that he is one of the main handlers and cutters on the team. His huge lefty huck was one of his signature throws, along with his ability to cut hard and get open in his shiny new not-released-yet nike cleats. His focus on the game was something I wanted and he was never hesitant to tell people what to do if it would help the team. Over the past year he has developed his deep game and the result? Freaking sky machine. Put it up to Jer-bear.. He'll chase it down and snag it over anyone.
Max Zimmerly- One of the coolest people on the team both on and off the field. His knowledge of the game, his crazy throws along with his deep ability make him one of the most valuable players on our team. His ability to calm our team down or to assure that we would be okay make him both a joy to play with as well as be around. We'll miss you Max! You are friggin' awesome!
So there you have it. My career with the NightLife of the University of California, Irvine is complete. I've played dozens of games with this team, and have learned so much about myself through this game. I'm going to miss all the members still playing on the team next year and wish nothing but the best for the team, both on and off the field. A special shout out to the Freshmen. Stiggy, Phil, and Sherlock. I've enjoyed all the time spent with you guys. You three are an awesome trio that will do nothing short of dominating the ultimate field next year. Continue to play hard, and don't be afraid to speak up if you know it will help the team. Phil... keep skying people. Sherlock... keep laying out for the D, but not gratuitously. STIG... you do whatever you have to do. You guys are awesome, and I will truly miss you guys.
I'll post more later, but these are my thoughts for right now.
I'll never forget my experiences here at Irvine. Nightlife 05-08... best 3 years ever!
take care everyone
-hammie #10
2 comments:
Why did you guys have to graduate! =( I miss you, Hammy
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