Beware-Ho the Sombrero 2010

I flew home on New Years Day for a family event that lasted all for two hours on Saturday. It was pretty nice to see the family and all, but after being home for a week before during the Christmas holiday, it was kind of weird to be back so soon. However; because of my quick weekend home, it gave me the opportunity to play at Beware-Ho, a local hat tournament that has been going on since the 90's despite changing TD's once or twice. This year it was at the Hayward Adult School, hosted by the guys at LPC.

Hat tournaments are always a blast. People sign up and "rate" themselves on a pre-determined scale, and the TD's sort out the teams so that an even number of skill levels are on each team. Typically, one would usually find oneself on a team with an entire group of strangers sans maybe one or two other players.

The team I was on was a conglomeration of players with playing credentials from all over the country. We had players from Ug-mo and Pie Queen's (Cal), Rutgers, Pepperdine, Sonoma State, and even players who had played club with the likes of Chain Lightning, and End Phase. Overall on paper, it looked good but as most hat tournaments go, it comes down to overall team chemistry rather than just talent.

In the end, our team finished up at 3-3, winning the Beer Bracket soundly with a win over Sai, Nguyen, Diesel, and StraightJacket's team. There were many great players at the tournament, and although all I had to go off were the jerseys representing their respective teams, it was an array of very high level talent.

Beware-Ho was actually my first tournament ever as an ultimate player way back in 2002. I was a sophomore in high school with no idea how to flick or pivot, in a huge tournament that was rainy and muddy. I will always hold a special place for Beware-Ho, which is why I always try to make an effort to attend. Sure the tournament has gotten smaller since the YR guys had taken over, but it is still going strong and I sincerely hope that everyone gets a chance to play in it one day. Bay Area ultimate is a whole different beast than Southern Cal. It was great to be home playing again and seeing familiar faces on and off the field.

Scott Roeder(UCI) goes up for a disc against Albert Tsai(Rutgers).

missed it...

but Hooray for Coed!

Team "Falidew!" 3-3. FIVALS winners

photos by: Christine Laszlo

http://christinelaszlo.zenfolio.com/p219050529

till next time,

hammie #10