It's hard to imagine that this will be my third Cal States tournament in beautiful Santa Cruz, CA. The past three years have all been with my current team, LA Metro, and we have finished 2nd, and 3rd in '08 and '09 respectively. It's no question why this year we want to come out with guns blazing and to really start this season off on the right foot.
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The big story with the coed scene in 2010 (again), is the emergence of the (#1)Polar Bears as the new powerhouse team in the Northwest. Their core group of LPC alumni really work well together and have shown flashes of brilliance that indicate that this team is for real. On top of being a bunch of class-acts (finals vs. Ambush), they know the game well, incorporate their baller women seamlessly, and have really been taking the coed scene by storm as of late with 2nd place finishes at Lei-Out and SB Classic, and a DUI tournament win back in early April. That said, it comes at no surprise that they are the #1 seed at this year's tournament with Mischief, LA Metro, and BCBC, rounding out the rest of the top seeds.
(#2)Mischief is a perennial favorite to make it to the big show but last year was (correct me if I'm wrong), the first time they haven't made it since '05. They continually bring a roster that has experience and more than enough ability, as we haven't been able to beat them in over 2 years. This is really the first real look at Mischief for us, the last one at DUI, but I am more than sure that the brought a streamlined squad that didn't fare well. The Northwest knows how to play frisbee. I expect a very strong showing for them.
(#3)Metro is bringing a strong squad this year that is a lot younger than years in the past. The idea hinges on building up the college players in the LA area as the "future" for LA Ultimate. In a previous post, I stated that LA Ultimate's mentality and attitude was not conducive for promoting future growth, so where better to start than in the college ranks. This is our final tryout tournament and after this tournament our roster will be streamlined some more and eventually finalized. We're proud to be the top team representing Southern California and hope we can hold our own against the powerful Northwest Region.
:::NEWSFLASH::: (#4)BCBC had tryouts at SB Classic! That in itself is already a huge step in this 3 year team, as it pretty much had been an invite only team in 08 and 09. They have all the pieces to being sucessfull with strong women, skilled handlers and athletic cutters. Their only kink does tend to also somehow become their strength in that they never know their tourney roster until the day before. Sometimes it works in their favor, sometimes not. Rumor has it that the are actually practicing this season and should show improvement because of it.
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Cal States is arguably the best early-season tournament on the West Coast. It brings a majority of the Norcal and SoCal powers together on the best fields (in terms of location), I have ever played on. It's a great tournament to play at, in addition to being able to go home for a weekend and see my folks. Safe travels to everyone making the trip up north. Rock on!
-Hammie
LA Metro #10
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Cal-States 2010 Mixed Preview
A1:Polar Bears
A2: 7 Figures
A3: Dogfight
A4: Feral Cows
B1: Mischief
B2: CTR
B3: Lunch Money
B4: Dutch Rudder
C1: LA Metro
C2: AIR
C3: Classy
C4: TWSS
D1: BCBC
D2: FunK
D3: Butter
D4: TFT
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Preview coming soon
Hammie #10
A2: 7 Figures
A3: Dogfight
A4: Feral Cows
B1: Mischief
B2: CTR
B3: Lunch Money
B4: Dutch Rudder
C1: LA Metro
C2: AIR
C3: Classy
C4: TWSS
D1: BCBC
D2: FunK
D3: Butter
D4: TFT
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Preview coming soon
Hammie #10
Friday, May 28, 2010
All League Awards
Congratulations to Mary-Kate 'Uzi' Hogan (USC) ,and Lindsey 'Screamer' Cross (USC) on being selected to the Women's College All-Region First team.
Congratulations also to Gerene Garcia (CSULB) and Sara Carnahan (Claremont) on being selected to the Women's College All-Region Second team.
Simply put... LA Metro women are ballers.
-hammie #10
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
SB Classic Preview
SB Classic 2010. This tournament essentially marks the first club tournament of the year; atleast in the Southern California area. It has always been a fun tournament, a mix of casual and fun ultimate as well as competitive and intense ultimate. This is a tournament that many people go to just finish off the college season, and for others, to earn spots on their respective teams that use this as a tryout. Metro is one of those teams.
This year, we will be fielding two teams. We've never split XY before and this is the first time we've had the numbers to do so. It's the first tryout tournament for this season and although we will be looking to do well, we will be moreso scoping out prospective players and evaluating those who can potentially better our team for the duration of the season. Here is a brief preview regarding each team in addition to predictions.
Pool A:
1. Ambush Paddington, Santa Barbara, CA
2. Brown Chicken Brown Cow, ???, ???
3. LA Metro-Y, Culver City, CA
4. In N' Out, Greater Southern California
5. Roeder's Runners, Irvine, CA
Ambush Paddington
The defending champs, they are a mix of experienced as well as young players from the Santa Barbara area. They have several strong players who have played Condors in the past in addition to women who have experience on the National level in College and in Club. They're a well balanced and athletic team who are deserving of the number one seed, given that they are the returning champs as well as the home team.
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
Our rival friends, BCBC has "graduated" away a lot of players from the SLO area to the Condors but continue to (allegedly) pick up great talent from all over the place (citation needed). They bring a lot of athleticism to the table in addition to a slew of great throwers on both the men and womens side. Despite going 5-1 against this team last year, they always seem to surprise people with their play, and each of their tournament rosters.
LA Metro-Y
The 'Wine' line, as we like to call it, this team is headed up by returners, Kief Z,, Trogdor, Rob Severson, Spencer Barr, and the uncoverable Jeff Chai. They have great talent on this team with plenty of cutters and in my opinion is the stronger of the two Metro teams. We're trying out a whole bunch of people this tournament. Should be a great time seeing who can ball.
In N' Out
This team will outdrink any other team. They are focused on fun and having a great time BUT can sneak up and beat you if you're not careful. At Sectionals last season, this team went up 9-7 on us and had us on our heels. They're a more experienced bunch, and a joy to play against.
Roeder's Runners
This team is made up of current and alumni players from UC Irvine. They are pretty well rounded with great throwers, fast cutters, and deep threats up an down. If they cut deep... their throwers will not be able to resist and you can bet your ass that that disc is gonna be put up deep. I love these people. When I played with them up at Potlatch, we went 7-1. Can't wait to watch them play.
Projected Finish
Ambush Paddington, LA Metro-Y, BCBC, Roeder's Runners, In N' Out
Pool B:
1. Polar Bears (rawr)
2. LA Metro-X
3. Simpler Times
4. Mafia
5. TFT
Polar Bears
The Polar Bears have simply dominated the coed scene ever since they decided to be a serious mixed team a couple months ago. Finishing 2nd place at Lei-Out really got everyone's attention such that their DUI 2010 title came at no surprise. The team bleeds LPC Red and Black as they have a core group of guys who have grown up playing together. Their chemistry is unmatched. Add in several college women who have Nationals experience, you have the makings of a legitimate Nationals contender in the always tough Northwest division.
LA Metro-X
The 'Beer' line, this Metro team is headed up by returning members Yugo, Scott Mahr, Mark Miller Simon Margolis, and yours truly. We're solid up and down with solid handlers and strong tryouts that will be thirsty to impress and pwn. I can't wait.
Simpler Times
I'm not too sure about this team, but my friends have told me that this team is essentially the 'EVIL' team from last year comprised of some core members of the now-defunct Strike-Slip team as well as members from the Condors + Lady Condors. They will be a very tough matchup in that they are all experienced, smart, and have played with each other for quite a while.
Mafia
UC Irvine's annual SB Classic team has undergone a change in that most of the veteran players and alumni are now playing with Roeder's Runners. This has left this team with most of the newer players from the B-team in addition to players from UC Irvine's women's team, the Grass Ninjas. Most of the players on this team are new to the game and have only been playing for a year or two. They'll have their hands full with the competition but I am certain they will be able to hold their own.
TFT
A team hailing from the Bay Area... which is really all I know about them. I have some friends who play on this team but skill wise as a team, I am unsure how they are. All I know is that the two guys that I know on this team love to boost and from what I remember from DUI, they have a good core of cutters and female handlers as well.
Projected Finish:
Polar Bears, Metro-X, Simpler Times, TFT, Mafia
Quarters:
Ambush Paddington vs. In N' Out
Metro-X vs. BCB
Metro-Y vs. Simpler Times
Polar Bears vs. Roeder's Runners
Semis:
Ambush Paddington vs. Metro-X
Polar Bears vs. Metro-Y
Finals:
Ambush Paddington over Metro-Y 15-12
---------------
It's going to be a dandy!
-hammie #10
LA Metro-X
This year, we will be fielding two teams. We've never split XY before and this is the first time we've had the numbers to do so. It's the first tryout tournament for this season and although we will be looking to do well, we will be moreso scoping out prospective players and evaluating those who can potentially better our team for the duration of the season. Here is a brief preview regarding each team in addition to predictions.
Pool A:
1. Ambush Paddington, Santa Barbara, CA
2. Brown Chicken Brown Cow, ???, ???
3. LA Metro-Y, Culver City, CA
4. In N' Out, Greater Southern California
5. Roeder's Runners, Irvine, CA
Ambush Paddington
The defending champs, they are a mix of experienced as well as young players from the Santa Barbara area. They have several strong players who have played Condors in the past in addition to women who have experience on the National level in College and in Club. They're a well balanced and athletic team who are deserving of the number one seed, given that they are the returning champs as well as the home team.
Brown Chicken Brown Cow
Our rival friends, BCBC has "graduated" away a lot of players from the SLO area to the Condors but continue to (allegedly) pick up great talent from all over the place (citation needed). They bring a lot of athleticism to the table in addition to a slew of great throwers on both the men and womens side. Despite going 5-1 against this team last year, they always seem to surprise people with their play, and each of their tournament rosters.
LA Metro-Y
The 'Wine' line, as we like to call it, this team is headed up by returners, Kief Z,, Trogdor, Rob Severson, Spencer Barr, and the uncoverable Jeff Chai. They have great talent on this team with plenty of cutters and in my opinion is the stronger of the two Metro teams. We're trying out a whole bunch of people this tournament. Should be a great time seeing who can ball.
In N' Out
This team will outdrink any other team. They are focused on fun and having a great time BUT can sneak up and beat you if you're not careful. At Sectionals last season, this team went up 9-7 on us and had us on our heels. They're a more experienced bunch, and a joy to play against.
Roeder's Runners
This team is made up of current and alumni players from UC Irvine. They are pretty well rounded with great throwers, fast cutters, and deep threats up an down. If they cut deep... their throwers will not be able to resist and you can bet your ass that that disc is gonna be put up deep. I love these people. When I played with them up at Potlatch, we went 7-1. Can't wait to watch them play.
Projected Finish
Ambush Paddington, LA Metro-Y, BCBC, Roeder's Runners, In N' Out
Pool B:
1. Polar Bears (rawr)
2. LA Metro-X
3. Simpler Times
4. Mafia
5. TFT
Polar Bears
The Polar Bears have simply dominated the coed scene ever since they decided to be a serious mixed team a couple months ago. Finishing 2nd place at Lei-Out really got everyone's attention such that their DUI 2010 title came at no surprise. The team bleeds LPC Red and Black as they have a core group of guys who have grown up playing together. Their chemistry is unmatched. Add in several college women who have Nationals experience, you have the makings of a legitimate Nationals contender in the always tough Northwest division.
LA Metro-X
The 'Beer' line, this Metro team is headed up by returning members Yugo, Scott Mahr, Mark Miller Simon Margolis, and yours truly. We're solid up and down with solid handlers and strong tryouts that will be thirsty to impress and pwn. I can't wait.
Simpler Times
I'm not too sure about this team, but my friends have told me that this team is essentially the 'EVIL' team from last year comprised of some core members of the now-defunct Strike-Slip team as well as members from the Condors + Lady Condors. They will be a very tough matchup in that they are all experienced, smart, and have played with each other for quite a while.
Mafia
UC Irvine's annual SB Classic team has undergone a change in that most of the veteran players and alumni are now playing with Roeder's Runners. This has left this team with most of the newer players from the B-team in addition to players from UC Irvine's women's team, the Grass Ninjas. Most of the players on this team are new to the game and have only been playing for a year or two. They'll have their hands full with the competition but I am certain they will be able to hold their own.
TFT
A team hailing from the Bay Area... which is really all I know about them. I have some friends who play on this team but skill wise as a team, I am unsure how they are. All I know is that the two guys that I know on this team love to boost and from what I remember from DUI, they have a good core of cutters and female handlers as well.
Projected Finish:
Polar Bears, Metro-X, Simpler Times, TFT, Mafia
Quarters:
Ambush Paddington vs. In N' Out
Metro-X vs. BCB
Metro-Y vs. Simpler Times
Polar Bears vs. Roeder's Runners
Semis:
Ambush Paddington vs. Metro-X
Polar Bears vs. Metro-Y
Finals:
Ambush Paddington over Metro-Y 15-12
---------------
It's going to be a dandy!
-hammie #10
LA Metro-X
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
LA Metro Early Season Schedule
The season is just starting, club players are coming out of pick-up hibernation and starting to hit the track in anticipation for another lengthy club season. LA Metro recently had two pick-up sessions in which we saw over 50 players participate. It is a tough job to be a captain these days, and with the formation of a new coed team in the LA area, good talent is scarce, but I think we will be fine. Here is our tentative schedule for the next month or two.
May 30-May 31
Santa Barbara Classic, Goleta, CA
10-12 teams competing in a warm up tournament for all teams. Metro will be sending two teams of 20 (wowsers). We will be treating this tournament as a tryout for those who are new in anticipation for Cal States, where we will field a much leaner and meaner team.
June 5-June 6
Cal States, Santa Cruz, CA
This is by far my favorite tournament in the Ultimate circuit (minus Nationals). The weather is generally perfect at this time, the field is beautiful, and you get a great view of the ocean. That said, the competition is all but beautiful. This is predominantly every club team's main "try-out" tournament and although teams do not have the full chemistry yet, it's a very high level tournament that we've placed 2nd and 3rd in the '08 and '09 respectively. I'm also looking forward to spending time at home with the parents. Always nice to be back home.
June 12-13 or 19-20
Final Tryout
We will be holding one more set of "official" tryouts in Culver City, CA. After this final tryout, the final roster will be set.
July 17-18*
Grass Roots Ultimate Benefit Tournament (GRUB), Boulder, Colorado
Not 100% confirmed that we are going, but we are in the process of securing a bid to this tournament in beautiful Boulder Colorado in the middle of July. We will be able to size up the competition from our friends in the Rockies and hopefully use this tourney to tune up kinks and develop chemistry among the new members and the returners.
August 14-15
Emerald City Classic, Seattle, Washington
We are interested in attending this tournament, but are not sure as we have yet to hear back from the TD's after several weeks of trying to reach them. Hopefully we'll be able to attend, as this tournament is probably one of the highest level tournaments during the Club Season. Update coming soon.
Other Tournaments:
Discos Calientes, Chico, CA- We hate this tournament, despite winning it last year... we don't like it. So we are putting a lot of thought in this before we decide if we want to go
Labor Day, San Francisco, CA- 2nd place finish last year. Great tournament to prepare for the Club Series. It's always good to play against the powerhouse Bay Area teams: CTR, AIR, Mischief, and this tourney has been a very good barometer for our play in the middle of our season.
Sectionals: Rumored to be in Long Beach. Maybe we'll play BCBC 2 times again?
Regionals: Will be in Southern California. I can guarantee you that much.
Till next time,
Hammie
LA Metro #10
May 30-May 31
Santa Barbara Classic, Goleta, CA
10-12 teams competing in a warm up tournament for all teams. Metro will be sending two teams of 20 (wowsers). We will be treating this tournament as a tryout for those who are new in anticipation for Cal States, where we will field a much leaner and meaner team.
June 5-June 6
Cal States, Santa Cruz, CA
This is by far my favorite tournament in the Ultimate circuit (minus Nationals). The weather is generally perfect at this time, the field is beautiful, and you get a great view of the ocean. That said, the competition is all but beautiful. This is predominantly every club team's main "try-out" tournament and although teams do not have the full chemistry yet, it's a very high level tournament that we've placed 2nd and 3rd in the '08 and '09 respectively. I'm also looking forward to spending time at home with the parents. Always nice to be back home.
June 12-13 or 19-20
Final Tryout
We will be holding one more set of "official" tryouts in Culver City, CA. After this final tryout, the final roster will be set.
July 17-18*
Grass Roots Ultimate Benefit Tournament (GRUB), Boulder, Colorado
Not 100% confirmed that we are going, but we are in the process of securing a bid to this tournament in beautiful Boulder Colorado in the middle of July. We will be able to size up the competition from our friends in the Rockies and hopefully use this tourney to tune up kinks and develop chemistry among the new members and the returners.
August 14-15
Emerald City Classic, Seattle, Washington
We are interested in attending this tournament, but are not sure as we have yet to hear back from the TD's after several weeks of trying to reach them. Hopefully we'll be able to attend, as this tournament is probably one of the highest level tournaments during the Club Season. Update coming soon.
Other Tournaments:
Discos Calientes, Chico, CA- We hate this tournament, despite winning it last year... we don't like it. So we are putting a lot of thought in this before we decide if we want to go
Labor Day, San Francisco, CA- 2nd place finish last year. Great tournament to prepare for the Club Series. It's always good to play against the powerhouse Bay Area teams: CTR, AIR, Mischief, and this tourney has been a very good barometer for our play in the middle of our season.
Sectionals: Rumored to be in Long Beach. Maybe we'll play BCBC 2 times again?
Regionals: Will be in Southern California. I can guarantee you that much.
Till next time,
Hammie
LA Metro #10
Monday, April 19, 2010
Types of Pickup Players
In any level of pickup, there will be the "token" ______ guy. The guy who you always find at pickup regardless of level or geography. Here are just a few that I noticed.
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1. The Elder Statesman
Here is the guy that has a 4 digit UPA number. Here is the guy who started throwing hucks and hammers even before you knew about the game. You will frequently hear them talking about the 8th edition rules and gasp when they realize that the UPA is on the 11th edition. They may be older than most of us, but they still can ball. Typically they will bring their shaggy dog with them to the pickup game in addition to 2 or 3 of their young childeren whom at age 5 (sorry to say), tend to have better flicks than we do. Most are handlers who don't move very quickly on their surgically repaired knees (see Braces McGee), but will bomb hucks and 50 yard hammers with stunning accuracy. Poachy defense, and with great spirit, these old dogs are to be respected as they offer so much for the younger generation to learn.
2. Agro Craig
Mr. "Takes it too seriously." Or the guy who simply is too competitive for the level of pickup. We all have seen it... or maybe even assumed tihs role. These guys tend to be the more sour personalities of the bunch and are frequently seen chewing out their team for bad cuts/lack of cuts and/or muttering under his/her breath about how the cutter didn't make that deep S-cut or how the handler simply couldn't throw that inside/out flick break in the wind. Their skills tend not to keep up with their level of expectations from their teammates (although there are few exceptions), but in most cases, the average pickup player will just leave him be in his cloud of Agro-ness. They expect a lot out of other players who are really there just for some nice exercise and sun... and treat pickup much like universe point in the game to go to nationals. Sometimes warrented... usually ignored. Most players will respond to his motivational speeches promoting timed-cuts, hard defenses and marks with a simple reply of.. "Dude it's just Pickup..." Also will D the sh*t out of women.
3. The Newbie
These guys loove to BBQ. Backhand of course. Gear of choice includes and is not limited to a grey t-shirt, board shorts, tennis shoes, and/or a very confused facial expression. These are the guys who are usually brought out by friends, or who are new to the game. They are there to learn, and you have to give them credit for their determination and willingness to try. They stand out on the open side, not sure as to what to do, and when given the disc, they twirl the disc up above their head and throw the famous BBQ Backhand. Give them a couple more pickups... and they'll have the game down easy.
4. The Prespirer
The guy you hate to mark... because he's just dripping in sweat. They don't ever believe in synthetic materials and love to sport the dark cotton shirt that is simply struggling to keep up. It's not a big deal until you have to mark them and they pivot into you, drowning you in the process. They're good players... but for some reason just like to sweat.
5. Braces McGee
(See Elder Statesman). These are the guys that take quite a bit of time to get in the right flexibility/stretchy/warm uppy mode to play. In addition to cleats, players of this category will sport two humungous knee braces usually made of neoprene + velcro, ankle braces that lace up, and or an elbow brace for their curious case of "thrower's elbow." As a result, it takes a good 15-20 minutes for these players to gear up and stretch before playing. Their ankle braces are usually squeeky so it is not difficult to know when your guy is starting to run/cut. Sometimes (God forbid), they will reinjure their braced joint, but only slightly to the point where they retire to their fold out chair and talk about the MLB or NFL.
6. Sir Hucks o' Lot
Like the name implies, these are the good o'l huckers... and many of them simply are NOT huckers. They are solid players, but the huck is lacking. These are the guys that will simply break the hearts of their team... but forcing them to *gasp* play defense at pickup. Their hucks will be either super floaty/hospital, and or line drives that are easily d'd by people simply just standing there in the stack. Occassionally they will huck a nice one to an open receiver but that will simply boost their confidence into throwing something they really don't have. Common quotes include:
"Oh [name]!.... I thought you were going!!"
"Just go DEEP!"
"I totally have that!"
"Sorry guys... I hit my leg before the throw."
7. Mr. Excuses
Always has a reason as to why things happen or don't happen.
Why did the huck float out of bounds? "My cleat slipped."
What's with the drops? "It's too cold out..."
Why did I throw it straight into the ground? "I didn't warm up."
These guys always find a way to pass the torch of blame to someone/somebody else. I have even heard one guy say "I didn't shave," or even the "Allergies" alibi. I'm still waiting to hear someone say something along the lines of. "Yea, sorry about dropping that perfect throw... it's just the economy... you know how it is... my mind really isn't into it right now."
8. The Coach
Here are the aspiring coaches in the Ultimate world. The ones who want to throw ZONE in pickup... the ones who will demonstrate to newer players or even savvy veterans how to set a force. Everyone is below them, and their knowledge of the game is superior and they seem to want to share it with everyone when it simply doesn't matter or fit for the game at hand. I can see why they do it, why they look to coach their team, but for pickup... it seems a bit ridiculous when they ask a guy who has been playing ultimate their whole life if they know what a cup is... or when they teach an entirely new line of people the complexity of Split-stack, or a box zone. There are unwritten rules in pickup... and being the coach is not something that is looked well upon... especially if one is simply way too serious about it.
9. Add yours here! [comment below]
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till next time,
Hammie #10
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1. The Elder Statesman
Here is the guy that has a 4 digit UPA number. Here is the guy who started throwing hucks and hammers even before you knew about the game. You will frequently hear them talking about the 8th edition rules and gasp when they realize that the UPA is on the 11th edition. They may be older than most of us, but they still can ball. Typically they will bring their shaggy dog with them to the pickup game in addition to 2 or 3 of their young childeren whom at age 5 (sorry to say), tend to have better flicks than we do. Most are handlers who don't move very quickly on their surgically repaired knees (see Braces McGee), but will bomb hucks and 50 yard hammers with stunning accuracy. Poachy defense, and with great spirit, these old dogs are to be respected as they offer so much for the younger generation to learn.
2. Agro Craig
Mr. "Takes it too seriously." Or the guy who simply is too competitive for the level of pickup. We all have seen it... or maybe even assumed tihs role. These guys tend to be the more sour personalities of the bunch and are frequently seen chewing out their team for bad cuts/lack of cuts and/or muttering under his/her breath about how the cutter didn't make that deep S-cut or how the handler simply couldn't throw that inside/out flick break in the wind. Their skills tend not to keep up with their level of expectations from their teammates (although there are few exceptions), but in most cases, the average pickup player will just leave him be in his cloud of Agro-ness. They expect a lot out of other players who are really there just for some nice exercise and sun... and treat pickup much like universe point in the game to go to nationals. Sometimes warrented... usually ignored. Most players will respond to his motivational speeches promoting timed-cuts, hard defenses and marks with a simple reply of.. "Dude it's just Pickup..." Also will D the sh*t out of women.
3. The Newbie
These guys loove to BBQ. Backhand of course. Gear of choice includes and is not limited to a grey t-shirt, board shorts, tennis shoes, and/or a very confused facial expression. These are the guys who are usually brought out by friends, or who are new to the game. They are there to learn, and you have to give them credit for their determination and willingness to try. They stand out on the open side, not sure as to what to do, and when given the disc, they twirl the disc up above their head and throw the famous BBQ Backhand. Give them a couple more pickups... and they'll have the game down easy.
4. The Prespirer
The guy you hate to mark... because he's just dripping in sweat. They don't ever believe in synthetic materials and love to sport the dark cotton shirt that is simply struggling to keep up. It's not a big deal until you have to mark them and they pivot into you, drowning you in the process. They're good players... but for some reason just like to sweat.
5. Braces McGee
(See Elder Statesman). These are the guys that take quite a bit of time to get in the right flexibility/stretchy/warm uppy mode to play. In addition to cleats, players of this category will sport two humungous knee braces usually made of neoprene + velcro, ankle braces that lace up, and or an elbow brace for their curious case of "thrower's elbow." As a result, it takes a good 15-20 minutes for these players to gear up and stretch before playing. Their ankle braces are usually squeeky so it is not difficult to know when your guy is starting to run/cut. Sometimes (God forbid), they will reinjure their braced joint, but only slightly to the point where they retire to their fold out chair and talk about the MLB or NFL.
6. Sir Hucks o' Lot
Like the name implies, these are the good o'l huckers... and many of them simply are NOT huckers. They are solid players, but the huck is lacking. These are the guys that will simply break the hearts of their team... but forcing them to *gasp* play defense at pickup. Their hucks will be either super floaty/hospital, and or line drives that are easily d'd by people simply just standing there in the stack. Occassionally they will huck a nice one to an open receiver but that will simply boost their confidence into throwing something they really don't have. Common quotes include:
"Oh [name]!.... I thought you were going!!"
"Just go DEEP!"
"I totally have that!"
"Sorry guys... I hit my leg before the throw."
7. Mr. Excuses
Always has a reason as to why things happen or don't happen.
Why did the huck float out of bounds? "My cleat slipped."
What's with the drops? "It's too cold out..."
Why did I throw it straight into the ground? "I didn't warm up."
These guys always find a way to pass the torch of blame to someone/somebody else. I have even heard one guy say "I didn't shave," or even the "Allergies" alibi. I'm still waiting to hear someone say something along the lines of. "Yea, sorry about dropping that perfect throw... it's just the economy... you know how it is... my mind really isn't into it right now."
8. The Coach
Here are the aspiring coaches in the Ultimate world. The ones who want to throw ZONE in pickup... the ones who will demonstrate to newer players or even savvy veterans how to set a force. Everyone is below them, and their knowledge of the game is superior and they seem to want to share it with everyone when it simply doesn't matter or fit for the game at hand. I can see why they do it, why they look to coach their team, but for pickup... it seems a bit ridiculous when they ask a guy who has been playing ultimate their whole life if they know what a cup is... or when they teach an entirely new line of people the complexity of Split-stack, or a box zone. There are unwritten rules in pickup... and being the coach is not something that is looked well upon... especially if one is simply way too serious about it.
9. Add yours here! [comment below]
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till next time,
Hammie #10
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
LA Metro Tryout Schedule (Tentative)
For those interested in trying out for LA Metro, here is a very preliminary schedule:
05/01/2010: Pickup, TBA*
05/09/2010: Pickup, TBA*
05/16/2010: Pickup, TBA*
-Pickup sessions will give attendees a better understanding about our team in addition to giving the Captains an adequate idea of who is trying out.
*-tentatively scheduled. NOT Official. Location will be announced soon.
05/29-05/30: Santa Barbara Classic, Goleta, CA
- Roster will include returners from the 2009 campaign as well as those interested in trying out for the team. In the past, Captains have been selective in whom they invite but this is by no means a first cut. SB Classic Roster should be around 20-25, so captains are limited in the # they can bring.
06/05-06/06: Cal States, Santa Cruz, CA
- This will be more so the "official tryout," or at least the official tournament tryout. We will be fielding a team between 20-25 people with a mix of returning players + interested players. This tournament will give the selection committee an idea as to the dynamic of this year's squad in addition to seeing how the new talent stacks up against solid co-ed teams from all over California.
(Past Results: 2008: Runner-up, 2009: 3rd place finish). Cuts will be made after this tournament.
Following Cal States, there may be a full official tryout w/ drills/ scrimmages/ etc. This is not official but there have been talks regarding having this "official" tryout, something that we have not had in the past. Should be finalized soon.
If you have any questions regarding tryouts or are interested in trying out, please contact the captains at metro.ultimate.la@gmail.com
Good Luck!
-Hammie
LA Metro #10
05/01/2010: Pickup, TBA*
05/09/2010: Pickup, TBA*
05/16/2010: Pickup, TBA*
-Pickup sessions will give attendees a better understanding about our team in addition to giving the Captains an adequate idea of who is trying out.
*-tentatively scheduled. NOT Official. Location will be announced soon.
05/29-05/30: Santa Barbara Classic, Goleta, CA
- Roster will include returners from the 2009 campaign as well as those interested in trying out for the team. In the past, Captains have been selective in whom they invite but this is by no means a first cut. SB Classic Roster should be around 20-25, so captains are limited in the # they can bring.
06/05-06/06: Cal States, Santa Cruz, CA
- This will be more so the "official tryout," or at least the official tournament tryout. We will be fielding a team between 20-25 people with a mix of returning players + interested players. This tournament will give the selection committee an idea as to the dynamic of this year's squad in addition to seeing how the new talent stacks up against solid co-ed teams from all over California.
(Past Results: 2008: Runner-up, 2009: 3rd place finish). Cuts will be made after this tournament.
Following Cal States, there may be a full official tryout w/ drills/ scrimmages/ etc. This is not official but there have been talks regarding having this "official" tryout, something that we have not had in the past. Should be finalized soon.
If you have any questions regarding tryouts or are interested in trying out, please contact the captains at metro.ultimate.la@gmail.com
Good Luck!
-Hammie
LA Metro #10
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