F1215833808

WWRGD

2012-01-13T23:14:00.004-06:00

Robert Gormley Jr. was born on November 14, 1986 and is of half-Filipino and half-Irish descent. He enjoys long walks on the beach and landing wake-to-wake jumps.

He's off saving the world. We play (and drink) in his stead.

1ne

2011-10-28T23:42:00.001-05:00

"It must be hard for her to write with your dick in her mouth."

"This is what a half-time lead feels like!"

808: "I weigh 130. What do you think is going to happen!"

"Hey, Bob. Go fuck yourself!"

Three chances. Two chances. Now one chance. Here we go.

Two

2011-10-27T20:33:00.002-05:00

"#80, TMF. Stop trailing your guy by 10 yards."

"Good enough. How about tomorrow we start games not down 3-8 at half."

"Hey, after that last game our margin of victory went from 1.5 points to 1.6!"

*THOUSAND YEARS OF PAIN*

Down to Bucket at half. Clawed back and fought for every D point and throw. Cramped on universe as soon as Joe ripped the pull. Made it down the 70 yards hoping I could just tough it out. Nope. Took a sub. Misra came in and played handler D. Went to the sidelines and got some salt, banana, and water. One of their cutters tweaked an ankle on an in-cut and needed a sub. I asked Kevin to put me back in. We get the turn. A few dinks. Then Eastlund torches deep for a backhand and the 15-14 comeback. Yikes.

Three

2011-10-26T22:45:00.002-05:00

808: *halfway in*

"Good enough."

"I'll trade you two ore for two titties."

"A bit cold in that water, huh?"

"Please don't judge me!"

Here. There's a new Publix closer to the Keys this year. Materialized out of thin air. Still lots of stare downs and meet-n-greets. Basic groceries and breakfast items. Dinners, some to be planned, some to be cooked. I won a crab cake lunch tomorrow. Pride is less important than food. All the waiting comes down to this. And we're off.

Four

2011-10-25T11:17:00.004-05:00

"It's said that in ancient times a beard was a man's indication of sexual maturity."

808: "Yeah, like *this guy*!"

"Just drop us off at the Station from DSM airport to celebrate another silver."

"Are you kicking me out?"

"How drunk do we have to be each day for you to win your bet, Bob?"

Vote for Pedro. I've got nothing else today.

Five

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

"Pregnancy suuuucks."

"You're right about so many things. Friendships do fade..."

808: "I should take a picture. I've never photographed the walk of shame before."

"The Ultimate Page is suppose to stay impartial. Blah blah blah."

Packing for the fields. Packing for the beach. Packing for dinner. Commissioning trades and exchanges and giveaways all over. Coming home with a completely new bag of stuff than when I left. A better camera phone ready to go. Reinforcements arriving on Fri morning. Final errands to take care of. A checklist is crucial. Driven to the DSM airport and leaving my pants and winter jacket in the car. Every inch counts.

Happy 21, Dingo.

Six

2011-10-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

Seven

2011-10-22T23:56:00.000-05:00

Eight

2011-10-21T10:10:00.002-05:00

"Michael, you do know that you have all those skin blemishes because you never wear cotton, right?"

"That seems to be a common trend in Coed, disliking *****."

"Because goodness knows I feel like a complete tool wearing them around."

"How much does a Polar Bear weigh? Enough to get absolutely crushed by the Ghosts."

Well said. I can't wait to guard you on Thurs. Public rosters help. See you at 4, friend.

Nine

2011-10-20T22:16:00.000-05:00

"What're you going to be for Halloween?"
808: "*****"
"Funny."

"You know, it took me until Regionals (of 2011) to understand the significance of the bear eating the penguin."

"Hahah, yeah I'm a bit of a pushover..."

"Please don't judge me! (read: I'm not an alcoholic!)"

Last year the mandated sleep diet meant going into work with Robot at 5:30AM each morning. I'd watch movies on my netbook with multiple hot chocolates to keep me warm. He'd work the counter and play his latest GameFly rental. This year I leave the house at 6:30AM and do real, actual work at job #2. It's mind-numbing but it feels good to help out. I will never look at another ear of corn the same. Mostly I space off though. Visualizing all the little things here and there adds up. Bets are being placed, odds are calculated, potential power pool and fantasy brackets drawn up. Somebody has to win. Everyone else has to lose. Unless you ask the right question. From there it's up to destiny.

Ten

2011-10-19T23:45:00.001-05:00

"I'll kill you."

"Oh, you most certainly will not call her back tonight!" (on the record even)

"It's hard to look at you and think about me."

808: "Down."
*WIPEOUT (no help needed)
"Hmm, good timing."

Lorry is a CLX alum circa 2003 back in the team's humble beginnings. He opened a coffee shop this week across the street from campus. Great location, great atmosphere. I'll take on job #3 feeding people's caffeine addiction after Halloween passes. I already knew I'd be spending a lot of time there this winter, might as well help out too. Hot chocolates and free wifi and journal dates. The Iowa cold has arrived. The Florida sun and bikinis await.

Eleven

2011-10-18T03:20:00.001-05:00

"The revenge of Kris Kelly. Hi, Pool D."

"Not the number one seed, and in the PoD... get some."

"R... fuck this!"

808: "Cleanup on Aisle 5!"

Good. I've been waiting since April for those last 2 games and these next 8. Now my visualizations have faces to them. Boston, Atlanta, NJ, and Ames, IA. Fight, Chad. Fight, Bears. Everyone else can gf themselves.

Twelve

2011-10-17T10:46:00.000-05:00

"I think I just peed myself."

808: "Three ethnic dishes and one American. You guys are missing out!" (ordered by three white teammates and me)

"Jacob Serrano wants to be friends on..." *CLICK DELETE*

"They've had all year to think about this moment. Would you be ready for it. Will I."

Lana was goading everyone to do max reps on the bench on Sat night at the team gathering. A ladies strength competition. The guys followed to watch and heckle. General consensus was the bar and plates totaled to 65#. Steph hit 9, Lana hit 10 and peed herself, Emily with her guns hit 15. Then the men stepped up. Kevin set the bar at 31. Misra aimed high and overthrew Kevin at 32, Kevin would not allow that and made 33 on his second attempt. Shoe crushed them. Joe and Kurt abstained. The next morning's practice was filled with Lorry's Coffee, sore chests, and general team heckles. And that's it. Mental checklist ahead of me.

Thirteen

2011-10-16T21:20:00.002-05:00

"Garçon! Coffee!"

Fourteen

2011-10-15T23:23:00.001-05:00

Fifteen

2011-10-14T21:47:00.000-05:00

"That's a dumb 37.5%."

808: "One of those votes is mine..."

"Haha."

"[I'm] finally gonna put some rubber on that paddle."

"Your mom jumps rope."

"I'm selling out."

Know your enemy. What they do, why and how they do it. How will they respond to strength, how much fight is in their heart. What do I know about them. What do they know about Chad. What is my mark looking to take away for the first half of the stall, the second half. Where does my handler prefer to cut, prefer to fake. Can he see my feet. Can I see his eyes. Mental prep ramping up more and more until that first pull at 9:30 AM on Thursday. Visualization now, execution soon.

Sixteen

2011-10-13T16:18:00.000-05:00

"Everything in that picture strikes me as your ideal lady. She's cute, has a cute hat, and is not only holding alcohol but obviously making enough to share."

808: "I could play better D in a wheelchair than *****."

"Well I lose when you fairly beat me."

808: "When was the last time that happened..."

"Exactly."

"Drink 'til she's cute, jump 'til it's warm."

This little toy is the stone cold nuts. The first one I bought snapped because of too much wear and tear. My new one only needs to last me the next two weeks and then it's straight lifting (read: babysitting) from there. Regular speed, alternating hops, single-legged hops, butt kicks, high knees, sidewinders, demon speed. Cardio in a basement. Arms and lungs hurt the most at the end. Stay on your toes. Get that footblock. I jump rope backwards.

Seventeen

2011-10-12T21:31:00.001-05:00

"Let's only bet stuff on bowling! (read: I'm going to clean you out, muahahaha)"

"Gosh, I'm so smart."

808: "You are adorable."

808: "I'm buying new shoes for the big dance. I need something that will bring out my eyes."

"I'm still going to argue for Wolverines on top, though. I want those [5] drinks."

808: "Your heart is in the right place, Kevin."

Initial seedings are out. Lots of buzz about who is where and who should go where. The extra stress of a captain. It's easier to be a strategist and just watch and observe and analyze. Teammates should be stretching and throwing now. Only the leader need worry about the matchups and game plan. Everything makes sense if you can see the right clues. Human dynamics applied to teams and this silly game. I needled Ernst to apply to be an analyst for the Bears. Put those chess skills to good use other than losing shots to me at.

Eighteen

2011-10-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

"Ladies, here's the deal. We have hats, you have breasts. You show your breasts, you get a hat, ok?"

"Cut, cut, we got a surfboard in the shot."

"That's easy for you to say. You already have a hat!"

"I had low self-esteem in Ames, IA."

18. The money age. This tour bus was parked outside a local bar in Ames this weekend. Worth a picture and a post. Remember, these ladies are all putting their way through law school. And they're not for hire. #college

Nineteen

2011-10-10T19:57:00.001-05:00

"Five drinks to whoever correctly predicts the one seed, CLX or Wolverines."

"Hooray! Sarasota! What will our salutation be? Do I go for the hug? The headnod. The wave. The smile. The highfive. Acknowledgement."

"I hope you're bringing those because you stun awesomely."

"808 + 1 = 809"

Teams are set. Everyone is playing for this monster. The thing is a brick and top-heavy to boot. Seedings are always a tough dragon to slay. With the overall strength increasing as a whole this year, a premier tournament getting rained out, and two first-year teams winning the two toughest regions, there's a lot up in the air. Top 8 seeds will be a mixture of CN1-2, NE1-3, and NW 1-3. Beach houses are being rented. Google Maps the distance to the Daiquiri Deck. Flights, rental cards, bed spots, and my favorite pre-tournament ritual: packing. I'm gonna get cleaned out in the divorce.

Twenty

2011-10-09T19:38:00.001-05:00

Twenty-one

2011-10-08T10:43:00.001-05:00

Twenty-two

2011-10-07T23:01:00.002-05:00

"Bob, call the flip. We already won color so we're going blues."

808: "In that case, I don't care. You guys can have pull and side."

"He's learning."

"Becca, we need another girl on the line, not some dude with a mustache."

"Run faster, Bob"
808: "The story of my life..."

"Everything registers. Flick is away, it just never makes sense... home and away. I'm special!"

Things are going to get real tomorrow at 2:15 PM EST in Devens. The final piece of the puzzle before drink bets are doled out and the main course of seedings chatter is served. Maybe not as cutthroat as the NW, but one team is certainly going home with the short end of the stick. My guess: the Canadians. Double-peaking is tough. And now the other kids have had time to bring their A-game since there are real stakes on the table. Let's find out.

Twenty-three

2011-10-06T02:01:00.000-05:00

"I hate you, Bob." *smile

808: I know. *smile

"Go easy on me, guys. This is my first practice weekend."

"Thanks for saying hi, asshole."

(later on)

808: "HI!"

*shriek

808: "HRON! Somebody guard Hron deep!"

"It sounded like you said 'LeBron' there."

808: "Might as well be."

Drag'n stuck to their game plan as well. Their ladies were looking strong but some of their male starters didn't see much field time for whatever reason. Injuries or maybe sandbagging. Our deep game was rolling, theirs wasn't. Doug's display of demon speed to catch up to Hron and swat away a sky D was easily the play of the weekend. Hung around the fields for another round and spaced off thinking about the rest of my month. Games-to-go in all three divisions were being played around me, didn't care. In the car home I was glued to a phone with 3G showing the updates of the PBR/TFP game-to-go. Bears have heart.

Twenty-four

2011-10-05T23:20:00.000-05:00

"ALL YOU CAN EAT!?!?!!?!?!?!?!!?"

"I have big cheeks."

"Hate me."

"Oomph!"

A frozen popsicle. Waving off incoming traffic looking to nab the parking spot and eager taxis looking to pick up a fare. Both parties were none too pleased to see a smile and a shake of the head. There was snow on the ground. Driving in an urban city is always a grind. Flashbacks to L.A. The restaurant was packed. A name and number for later, coffee shop for a devil's food cupcake now. A walk back to sushi. No toro but certainly interesting stories and conversations. Finally was close to sober on the drive back. What did you expect was going to happen.

Twenty-five

2011-10-04T00:03:00.000-05:00

"Why do you only have pictures of you losing on your wall? It's depressing."

808: *smirk

"Kevin, you haven't called Bob in yet at all this game."

"Far out."

808: "It's a fall college tournament."

"So?"

"MOVE!"

Colin yelled at an observer while making a dump cut. The orange shirt was standing way too close to the disc (and had been all game). It took me a second to shake off the humor before I caught up to mark him. CLX went down 0-3 to start the semis against Overhaul. Surprise, surprise. A vert stack, one dump reset, and lots of dump-swings. Down 4-7 our O line converted and the D caught on fire, taking half 8-7. More defensive intensity in the second half and the game gets capped not because of calls but the observers taking way too long to rule on said calls. Chad earns a bid to Sarasota off a 13-8 victory and send the Autobots into the 3rd place bracket.

Twenty-six

2011-10-03T13:41:00.002-05:00

"I think I play too much Frisbee. :P"

"I lost our bet big time."
808: "I like appletini's, light on the tini."

"I fucking can't wait to see you."
808: "First condom is for you."

"No polar bear references in the team pic so someone get me a scalpel and also take off Bob's dumb hat."

It's interesting to compare motivation. If it were a bar graph then 2010 is nice and neat and 2011 would need a defragment badly. Delafield was ok. For once there were 27 CLX jerseys present and cleated up. Thank you, Overhaul, for showing up and making my earlier prediction correct. Sorry about the observers though. We'll battle without them next time.

X gon' give it to ya.

Fight

2011-10-02T19:15:00.001-05:00

Fuck. Yes. Bears.

Delafield

2011-09-29T15:28:00.003-05:00

Somebody had to post this.

CLX (Ames, IA)
The reigning World Champions have reloaded from their 2010 season. A Prague gold medal and two silvers from '04 and '09 still weigh less than the prospect of a Sarasota gold. This year Kevin Seiler has gathered all the ghosts from CLX past and present to assemble a formidable roster heading into Central Regionals and the USAU Club Championships. Female playmakers Rachel Derschied and Lana Seiler return from the 2010 injury reserve list due to ACL tears. Both of those names have been Experience'd since the team's humble beginnings back in 2003. Watch out for Misra's turnover-to-disc pickup time, one of the fastest in the nation. That man waits for no one. Don't stand in his way. Seiler and Seiler have tapped into the Iowa State women's pipeline, recruiting fresh faces Magon Liu, Rebecca Miller, and Sarah Pesch into their debut club season after a successful 10th place finish at 2011 College Nationals. The team that never practices succumbed to that very pressure this season, opting to forgo travel to big name tournaments like ECC and Labor Day and instead focus on building within. That means this year's CLX will be more polished but largely untested since their opening day appearance at Philly Invite where they went 7-1, only dropping a game to District 5.

Drag'n Thrust (Minneapolis, MN)
These Minnesotans exude one word: fearlessness. The Dragon has a clear game plan and they stick to it. If you don't know what that is then you better ask somebody. Dave Klink and Jeff Trosvig quarterback the offense with powerful throws from both sides of the mark. New pickups, Änna Hagstorm and Jill Kiener, help bolster their female firepower as that deadly duo can run and throw with the best of them. Tara Olds had a huge game against CLX in the finals of CHC showcasing her deadly speed to complement a handler's field vision. On defense Pat Niles and James Hron look to shut down male cutters, the first looking to challenge every under, the other daring teams to throw deep past his 6'3" hulk of a frame. After the turn Alex Baker and Mike Peterson have the permanent green light to fire shots deep and let the legs of their teammates speak for themselves. Athleticism is something this team has in spades, running out of a sidestack to give their cutters plenty of freedom to attack open spacing. Missing personnel at Philly led to a lackluster W-L record to kick off their season. Then, like their Ames counterpart, they focused more on local tournaments over the summer and has asked Chad to dance three times already, walking away the victor twice at MUDI but a more recent loss on Labor Day weekend.

Overhaul (Ann Arbor, MI)
Last year's best quarter-finalist is back and hungry for more. Colin McIntyre leads the Michigan team with on-field poise and deadly around backhand hucks. If Drag'n represents the raw power of the region then these Autobots embody the discipline. Their vertical stack operates with efficiency and lives or dies by the dump-swing to their one handler reset. Unthrown cuts to the break-side can either be 180'd to the deep space or will see a strike across the middle of the field. Breakaway cuts from the front of the stack to a deep look start their offense from a pull. From there it's all free flow as cutters are confident in their routes and the dump-swing does its job. Discipline in their cutting patterns, discipline in their dump set handler movement, and discipline in their decision-making. Overhaul 2011 will have to adjust to losing Bemu to Slow White and their primary handler defender, Solon, of Stanford fame. The team was stiff-armed by God at Chesapeake so they only have Philly and CHC to their name, performing better at Philly than Drag'n but worse at CHC's.

Three teams, three bids. There are no darkhorses in this shallow region. If the 3 and 5-8 teams say otherwise then they should stay in the northern half of the country and walk due east or due west until they see water. Overhaul's hiccup at Sectionals isn't even a blip on the radar. Delafield will be a jostling of position for who will be seeded where in Sarasota.

Overheard

2011-09-28T12:10:00.004-05:00

"I'll write it if my name isn't on the byline."

"Nice playoff beard, Bob."

"I think you should lighten up a bit."

"We have the perfect pair. Small, white, and say 'wish you were here' across the butt."

808: Nice Sectionals. 1/3rd of the way there.

Adam: 1/4.

"Drink until she's cute, jump until it's warm."

"I think everybody except Bob and Emily have played there before."

"Hamachi! I want hamachi!"

"Ninjas... they have an unfair advantage."

"Yeah, that'd be an easy game if we had to play you."

*CHOMP

Why do you play Ultimate - part 77

2011-09-27T11:47:00.007-05:00

808: You guys do know we have Sectionals tomorrow, right.

Kurt: Yeah, that's 20 hours away. Drink your damn beer, Bob.

Adam

2011-09-24T20:52:00.003-05:00

It's that time of season again. Quotes, quotes, quotes.

"I firmly believe that any man's finest hour - his greatest fulfillment to all he holds dear is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."

-Vince Lombardi

Work harder.

Vitamin B

2011-09-20T21:50:00.001-05:00

*This post is rated B for your enjoyment*

"i remember when i used to make your blog posts..."

-PB #26

And on that note, here you go. In ascending order.

"Don't forget to take your vitamins, Lisa."

"What vita... Oh, those..."

Fireworks

2011-09-16T10:28:00.006-05:00

The Series is here, though not the football draft one that Kevin seems to favor. I've been talking to various names and faces around the country. A lot is going on behind the scenes. Everyone is working hard. Teams have their ducks in order and it's time to march. Whispers and hushed rumors that blow like the wind, only to vanish in direct sunlight. Some are playing their cards close to the vest. Others are willing to reciprocate. Information is power. More important sections are playing out this weekend. This puzzle will be a little clearer on Monday. All these little dots are doing battle in their own areas, then in their own bigger areas, then finally they all come together in the same area. To wait. Someone sprinkles a little catalyst. And waits. Someone else lights a match. Boom.

Come here, Halloween.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 76

2011-09-14T11:25:00.002-05:00

Philly Invite - outlet mall in Iowa City on the way home from Allentown
MUDI - grocery store for Sat morning pre-game (Shoe played better)
CHC - no rides in Chicago, North Grand Mall in Ames during 7 for $24 deal

Kids will be kids.

Genesis

2011-09-13T08:32:00.000-05:00

I made a detour the other day when I had some time to burn before pickup. An inauspicious soccer field at one of the countless parks in Ames. There are two rows of horseshoe courts at the back end, a pair of tennis courts, and a stone stairway from an adjacent street as well as one to the main park area. I pulled up through that gravel road and parked on the grass just before the wooden pylons. The field seemed smaller than my memory saved. Not even 55 yards between each of the permanent white soccer posts. I once threw a huck to a guy and he ran straight into one of those metal poles. Had to be taken to the emergency room for stitches on his lip and had a huge line of a bruise across his chest. Another time I pulled the disc at dusk and then tripped over Misra's little brother, breaking my right collarbone and jump starting my lefty backhand career. The bees that were there in the tall grass 9 years ago were still there on this day. I'm just allergic to them now.

I walked through that field and thought about where this game has taken me since I first picked up a disc almost a decade ago. The people I've met and the person I've become, the games I've played and the each new field I've walked up to in the mornings with cleats in my gym bag and a jersey on for my current team. A stark contrast from my humble beginnings of barefoot running and cotton t-shirts. When I watched a pickup game on campus they seemed happy. If someone watched me play would they arrive at the same. I saw a pair of guys toss a green non-Ultra Star disc around while not 20 yards away there was a women's skills clinic being instructed by reigning World Champions. Each party seemed oblivious to the other. Who was happier.

I snapped a few pics as I left, one to be put in my Screen Saver and used as a reminder of where I've been. Because I know where I'm going. It's good to take a breath and look back. With the field in my rear-view mirror and the Club Series in my windshield I asked myself the same question I always do.

Has it all been worth it.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 75

2011-09-11T09:52:00.000-05:00

Beef - part 6

2011-09-10T00:35:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Beef Against The Polar Bears - Finish Line

2. District 5
The Cinderella team of the 2010 regular season, they racked up consecutive tournament crowns until running into a brick wall in the Regional final with a 15-4 loss to Slow White. Our first game with them in Thursday pool play wasn't very memorable. Boosted a huge lead to half, rode it to victory. Every team at Nationals cracked our zone D, except D5. How lucky of us to see them again on Sunday. Korber did a monumental job wrangling in talent, implementing a system, and leading by example all of last year. I've chatted with him online and talked shop at Philly and he seems to be in good shape to lead CT through a tough region and to the big show once again. He's recruited the help of two co-captains and a huge name of a coach in Ted Munter. Delegating responsibility is always a good thing. He only blames himself for the mental lapse of letting his team slip behind in the second half of the finals when we started throwing our zone D. He and I think alike. Forgive many things in others; nothing in yourself. As Adam Raty always says, "Go Ducks."

Which brings us to the #1 team that is or should be mad at the Polar Bears' run from 2010...

1. Drag'n Thrust

7-1. The only game the Bears dropped at the tournament, and dropped hard. They would huck the disc from anywhere on the field, even refusing to walk the disc to the goal line for free yards so they could send it without a mark on. It was one of the few weak spots in the Bears' game plan, and one that the USAU magazine even mentioned in the team previews leading up to Nationals. We weren't a very tall team. Bad things could happen when those discs start hanging in the air from the Sarasota wind. I think Spillum wrote the preview article. Good foresight on his part. The Dragon was the only team that had wins against both teams that made it to the finals. They just couldn't get past D5 a second time in their semis. Their roster remains largely intact from last year to now and after playing Drag'n three times already this season with CLX (two losses at MUDI and finally a win at CHC) I can confidently say had they won their D5 semis they would have rolled the Bears again in the finals. A scary thought indeed.

Sometimes the stars align and fairy tales do come true. My teammates last year and I put in the hard work and then some, the luck of the draw helped us out, and everyone else can see or say what they want. I still only hear An-Chi's words resonate in my memory from that Sat night before finals, "Win a gold medal and they will never be able to take that away from you."

It was a brutal decision to not play with the Bears again this year. The draw of lining up with the same faces and welcoming new ones like Taylor, Roeder, and Jimmy was very hard to turn away from. All I can do now is work harder each day, help Magon become a better player and teammate in her debut club season, and help my new team win a National Championship. I can't wait for Halloween weekend and I hope to see my former teammates there, smiles and PBRs ready. And if I get a chance to play the Bears, even better, I couldn't ask for more. I owe it to them and to myself to bring my best game to the table.

"Hard work starts before you put on your jersey. I look forward to guarding my former teammates, as I'm sure they look forward to guarding me."
-CLX#80

Beef - part 5

2011-09-09T02:24:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Beef Against The Polar Bears - Home Stretch

Here's a little pit stop teaser as we crescendo into the climax. These are the ones that just barely missed the list.

Honorable mention #1 - JenChen
Jen was on the original Leiout roster that was the point of origin for the Polar Bears. She didn't play club in 2010 after 2 seasons with LA Metro. Then when Nationals pools came out and the Bears were paired with Metro she made a dinner bet with Zip that Metro would beat us. She lost when her horse fell 10-15 but then Zip lost for never cashing in on a free meal at Sushi King in Santa Monica. That place is the nuts.

Honorable mention #2 - Pabst Blue Ribbon
Apparently copyright infringement is a real thing. Think twice before posting your team gear on a website for the internet to see. We contacted PBR early on in the season asking for a sponsorship or a big flag banner to wave around or just some free beer. They never got back to us. Then this little gem popped up after Nationals. We drank PBRs exclusively last year. Safeway always had the 12-pack deal for 7 bucks. Then I move home to Iowa and no one drinks it out here. I lose.

Beef - part 4

2011-09-08T13:22:00.003-05:00

Top 10 Beef Against The Polar Bears - Second Wind

4. Chad Larson Experience
Ames, Iowa, the best Mixed pickup in the world. Unfortunately CLX's run at the triple crown (Poultry Days, Worlds, Nationals) fell short on the third and final leg. I felt a bit guilty for knowing their scouting report to the letter even before our power pool game started. They got the short end of a 1-2 tie with D5 and had to wade through wHagenweel in pre-quarters and a monster Slow White the next day. Then we played them again, same result, same 15-12 score. The injury-gender substitution fiasco was all me though. One of our girls got injured during a point and subbed out, they took the opportunity to sub in Kevin to add some offensive firepower to their D line, and I argued for a good 10 minutes that they could only sub in a girl. Then I got beat deep by Kevin for an O line break. Ouch. I should read the rules better. I even got my first heckle from my CLX teammates about that incident last weekend at CHC. Def not too soon. They laughed, I laughed, everybody wins. Boom. Roasted.

3. Mischief
Woo wee. I don't think the red team liked us from the get-go. A 10-3 one night stand at DUI and then no sexts or booty calls until the finals of Sectionals, another Bear victory at 13-10. They had to do a double take on our blue jerseys at ECC. "Is... is that a penguin...being mauled by the bear...?" Feathers McGraw got the last laugh in Ripon and took the regional final on universe in a hotly contested and TMF-filled game. Adam "Too Much Fun" Raty, ladies and gentlemen. There's a reason they gave us a 2 and we gave them a 1 in the spirit scores. "Good game"s, and "win that second bid" in the handshake line after the final, then boos from the hill in the game to go at my team (or just at me, I could live with just at me). Hands down the maddest time that we didn't actually play in Sarasota. Driving past them at the end of Saturday when we had one more game left in our season and they didn't made me smile. They couldn't hear our heckles from inside the van just as we couldn't hear their thoughts from behind stone-cold faces. Brenda wanted to stop the van and get one of their guys' numbers though. Negatory.

Beef - part 3

2011-09-07T15:27:00.003-05:00

Top 10 Beef Against The Polar Bears - Over The Hump

6. Mental Toss Flycoons

At the first CLX practice of the season (and of the team's existence even) in mid-June we gathered everyone together before the warmup jog and did a standard meet-n-greet. I knew most of the names and faces on Kevin's email list of invitees. Emily Smith was one of the names that didn't register when I read it on paper. I introduced myself to her and found out 1. she is also a Club Champion from MTF's 2008 run and 2. she was present for the Bears/MTF battle in the front door semis of NW Regionals last year. Not the Bear's cleanest of games and after that weekend we were red-flagged going into Sarasota. I smiled and apologized for the game and she smiled back and accepted. And somehow we both managed to end up in the Midwest for 2011, listened to the honey potion that Kevin Seiler poured in our ears, and the rest is history.

5. Slow White

This one counts double even though the Bears did not see this team across the line in Sarasota. The first half is dedicated to Kurt's story from the Daiquiri Deck on Sat night when he ran into a very drunk and belligerent Slow girl who was beyond furious that CLX lost their semis game to that joke of a team. She went on to spout their one meeting against the Bears (at ECC) ending up in a landslide victory for the poisonous apple (13-10). Kurt had to apologize to the girl twice, the first instance at the bar and the followup this year at Philly Invite. I smirked at the second apology. The second half goes to SW #71 who has a very good feel for the pulse of the Mixed scene all across the country. She correctly predicted that 2010 would be a weak year for the division with the disbanding of the defending champions, Axis, as well as Worlds in Prague leading several teams to burnout early in the season. Whenever she reminds me that 2010 was a down year I just smile, stick my tongue out at her, and work even harder. Sorry, Slow.

Beef - part 2

2011-09-06T00:15:00.001-05:00

Top 10 Beef Against The Polar Bears - Striding out to 100%.

8. The ones that jumped ship or got cut

It is hard to penetrate established team chemistry. Trying out for a team that's basically family is pretty daunting. The core of the team originated from LPC and we did our best to handpick ringers to fill in the holes and bring up the roster count to a bolstering 21 Bears. In hindsight that number is more synonymous with "Sarasota suicide" but our conditioning and the luck of the draw shone through. Plenty of young Bears fell through the cracks and went to other teams including: Will, Allen, Venus, Meeko. My recruiting campaign for Allen was prob the hardest I've ever tried to game a guy. Hot. My recruiting propaganda for Kevin was a bit more cutthroat and "I told you so". I would have enjoyed being his teammate and flirting together on the sidelines.

7. 7Figures

The only team that just plain rolled us in a regular season game (quarters at Labor Day). We couldn't handle their junk D and their O was patient and powerful enough to not give up many turns. They get a nod on this list also because they bombed hard at SW Regionals, losing to Metro in the front door final and then Barrio in the game-to-go. And just like that their Sarasota aspirations as a first-year team were crushed. Chucktown wished us well Sat night before the finals, Orin gave us the lowdown on their junk D after Regionals so we could potentially use it ourselves in Florida, and BOFA has been the man for creating our Leiout jerseys and my special 3-jersey order for me and the captains a few months ago. Good group of guys and girls and they seem to be right on track this year. Pretty sweet jerseys too. If you don't know, you better ask somebody.

Beef - part 1

2011-09-05T11:11:00.007-05:00

"What would you be without me, Michael? A loser!"

-MamaLiu

MamaLiu found my medal in a random suitcase this morning. Magon gets saved. It's kinda weird looking at it since it's been MIA since last November. Almost as if it doesn't belong to me and I'm holding it for someone else.

After CHC this weekend and Labor Day going on in SF I began thinking about the Bears and my Rawr teammates. I miss them plenty and reminisced on the fun we had playing together last year all while pissing off the Mixed division. We left a lot of teams mad at us after Ripon and Sarasota. A group of young, brash punks coming together and upsetting the established pecking order of a division that no one takes seriously, even the players in said division.

Zip said half of his fire for 2011 is for the haters. Well, these next five days will take you through those haters in a convenient countdown. This is a Top 10 of teams that have legitimate beef against the Polar Bears. If you don't see the humor in this list then it's prob cuz you're somewhere on it. It's kosher for me to write this because 1. I'm not affiliated with the team anymore and 2. I'm an asshole.

10. The tier 2 bay area teams (CTR, Death Star, ABBQ, TWSS, Butter, AIR)

"Hey, do you guys want to join us for dinner? (after CTR tryouts)"

"Somebody email AIR and tell them to clean this mess up."

The bay area flourishes with Mixed teams. Then comes a bunch of tier 2 Open players that are tired of losing to Revolver and the NW Open scene and decide to form a coed team that immediately torches past the bell curve. Doesn't seem fair. "FAIR?! Who's the fucking nihilists around here you bunch of fucking crybabies?!"

9. FunK

The "scariest team in the bay area of 2010", as quoted by CTR after ECC, gets their very own slot ahead of the pack. That line became a well used inside joke among the Bears last year. We met them officially in the finals of Revolution and then a followup date in the semis of Sectionals. I think it's safe to say they paid the bill for our meal both times. Next time, FunK, make sure your Google group view permissions are set to private. Whoops.

Chad

2011-09-02T23:48:00.002-05:00

CLX 2011

1. Kevin Seiler

2. Mark Groteluschen

5. Zach Eastlund

6. Zach Kasdan

7. John Misra

8. Magon Liu

9. Rachel Derscheid

10. Chelsea Twohig

12. Rachel Sheldahl

13. Dan Kresowik

15. Shawn Walding

16. Lana Seiler

21. Amy Sheldahl

22. Dave Karsten

25. Joe Brisbois

28. Jessy Erickson

31. Doug Jacobs

32. Emily Smith

45. Jon Staron

47. Becca Miller

49. Steph Jacobs

56. Abby Karsten

69. Michael Brisbois

77. Kurt Brorsen

80. Michael Liu

97. Sarah Pesch

99. Michael Shoemaker

3. Tai Misra (baby duty)

Who is Chad Larson. Where is Ames, Iowa. What is Na-nuh-do.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 74

2011-09-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

State of the Union

2011-08-31T21:01:00.004-05:00

A moment of pause to look at the landscape as we approach the home stretch of the season. What a year so far and still to come. Everyone and their mom is playing Mixed.

Tryout period

CLX drank a lot. Then one day in mid-June Kevin sat at his computer, likely hungover, and sent out the email invites for CLX 2011. The rest of the teams in the country arms up like it's the Cold War. Kevin clicked the last "Send" button and then sat there twiddling his thumbs.

Philly Invite

Opening Day for Mixed started in Allentown as sunny skies greeted 7 Club Championship qualifiers from 2010 as well as a Canadian champion-hopeful. Rosters were set by Philly and players whistled at what pickups opposing teams nabbed in the off-season and from tryouts. People like to talk and people like to look for free. Two NE and two Central teams made it out of the pools to dance in a mix-n-match bracket play. The third teams from those regions underperformed, Drag'n was missing personnel from flight cancellations, Odyssee just got the short end of some tight games.

ECC

No Slow, Barrio, and a weaker MTF gave ECC a little less bite than its legacy commanded. Newcomers like 7Figures and Blackbird tried to raise the average. The Bears ran the table with their legs and debuted a scary new cub from out of nowhere in the human form of Jimmy Chu. Seems like team chemistry is still worth something in this division and PBR does a great job of incorporating all their new cubs over the course of a summer. The first recipient of a strength bid for 2011, the NW will have three roses to give out come early October. Wish I could be there.

Chesapeake

Rained. Sorry, Bucket.

Labor Day

A strong NW contingent plus Slow. L.A.'s 7Figures has a lock on the SW now that Metro and Barrio are out of the picture. Worthwhile results here will heavily influence NW Regionals seedings and that #1 spot is PBR's to lose. Four Bears will have to shake off the sand from their freshly earned gold medals and readjust to putting on cleats to run on that Labor Day turf. Wish I could be here too. Happens.

Heavyweights

Should be renamed Central Regionals take 1. It's too bad some of the east coast teams that were set for Chesapeake couldn't adjust their travel plans to come to Chicago instead. The Central region has 3 bids thanks to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th place finishes from their teams in 2010. Milwaukee will be about fighting for position in Sarasota. There are no darkhorses in the Midwest. The CHC champion will have an easier road to the Regional final in addition to the standard set of team jerseys prize. I'm in it for the jerseys. And the opportunity to not be 0-4'd.

Sectionals

The bay area will once again host a maxed out party at Sectionals. The new Blackbird team adds a third element into the reaction, making that semis all the more watchable. Bears, penguins, and birds, oh my. Some teams will even have to fight for those last few bids to Burlington. Rough. Meanwhile Sectionals in Ames will be a 1-day stint with 4 teams. When your team is largely untested through the season it comes down to mental toughness.

Regionals

Someone in the NE is going to go home raging. They have 2 bids so far (but potential for 3 from the size bid) with 2 established faces (Slow and D5) and 2 ringers (Odyssee and The Ghosts). Put them all together, add the catalyst, and enjoy the fireworks from afar.

Nationals

Sakai, Japan 2012. Don't stand in my way.

Welcome home, Bobby. One day you will be good enough to play for an Open team. I promise.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 73

2011-08-22T22:49:00.004-05:00

Back on the horse. Always a good thing when you can laugh at yourself.

"MICHAEL!"

-MamaLiu

Strikeout

2011-07-26T23:30:00.002-05:00

L, 9-15.

L, 13-14.

L, 13-15.

I am 0 for 3 lifetime against Drag'n Thrust. Lovely.

"Nice trade."

"What."

"Those shorts (PBR). That's a sick trade."

"No, these are mine."

"Oh, did you play with them last year."

"Yes."

"Oh..."

Work

2011-07-05T14:54:00.006-05:00

I'd like to thank these two kids for showing me the meaning of hard work.

Break is over. Back to work. What did you do to get stronger today.

Appeasement

2011-06-27T13:50:00.004-05:00

And that's a wrap, kids. The rest of my Nationals pics are of naked girls. Now stop pestering me and go out and throw.

"I also think that the only thing you may care about is ultimate which I may have already assumed..."

A dash of cold water on a Mon afternoon.

Jump

2011-06-26T22:22:00.000-05:00

Seiler: I didn't think you were gonna catch that.

808: Yeah, neither did I.

Opportunity cost

2011-06-22T12:01:00.006-05:00

"We either win it all this year or we exit in the semis. I refuse to lose another night (of drinking) like in '09"

-CLX#2

Sleeveless

2011-06-20T12:39:00.005-05:00

It's starting to get hot and humid. I'm on the market for a reversible basketball jersey. White and royal seem like my cup of tea. I don't understand how anyone could wear anything except Patagonia shorts in this air. It's muggy. My glands are starting to swell up.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 72

2011-06-15T00:11:00.000-05:00

Alcohol and sugar. Two things I should stay away from.

Karma

2011-06-13T21:41:00.006-05:00

I doled out 11 of these babies this weekend. Then I found the 12th in my bag as I was heading out to pickup today. GG.

Ate 3.75 chicken dinners. DTB lost in pre-quarters. CLX lost in finals. Fun time is over. Back to work now. Sprints solve everything.

Opportunism.

Gamble

2011-06-10T13:26:00.000-05:00

Over/under is set at 3.5 for number of chicken dinners I eat this weekend. Place your bets.

Politics

2011-06-08T10:40:00.002-05:00

Iowa is a blue state, right.

Gauntlet

2011-06-07T11:16:00.001-05:00

Hard work starts before you put on your jersey. I look forward to guarding my former teammates, as I'm sure they look forward to guarding me.

As for everyone else, well, I'm coming for you.

-CLX#80

Fluffy

2011-06-06T09:04:00.003-05:00

Something lighter for a Monday. Tryouts are done. I hope you didn't get cut.

"Watch after Magon this weekend. If she injures her leg then no man will want her."

-MamaLiu

Why do you play Ultimate - part 71

2011-06-04T12:08:00.006-05:00

Touting a brand-new flick in her debut club season, may I present CLX#8.

Straight from the MamaLiu Twitter:

"Word things better. Instead of 'Magon, you're fat.' it's 'Magon, you should swim some laps.' Then she'll get the message and not hit you."

Transition

2011-06-03T01:09:00.002-05:00

College wraps up. Club kicks off. Everyone is spooked because it's a Worlds year. Chicken and alcohol can calm a lot of nerves. Both will be in abundance in Versailles. Please don't expect me to try hard.

"Play some fucking D, Bob!"

-Source shall remain anonymous to preserve integrity

Patience

2011-06-01T15:11:00.000-05:00

May 28, 5:43 AM. Email to WS#8 (misfired text elsewhere):

"The ONLY reason your team lost to UCSB was not talent, nor heart, nor intensity, nor desire, but patience. The ONLY factor separating ISU women's Ultimate from the best in the country is recognizing those crucial points in high-pressure games where all that's necessary is to complete the pass. Have confidence in yourself and your teammates to make good decisions and move the disc. Your cutters and your dumps/swings are open. Today you have one game, followed by another, followed by another to prove me wrong. Stay patient and complete the pass, WS. You will hear my voice."

Cheater

2011-05-31T14:23:00.000-05:00

Awarded my first TMF ever this weekend. Whoops. Halfway to catching Adam "Too Much Fun" Raty.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 70

2011-05-29T23:24:00.000-05:00

Everything burns if your fire is big enough.

Vacation is over. Miss me much.

Tiger

2010-12-26T13:40:00.000-06:00

My mom told me 2010 is an important year for me. In Chinese culture you don't want bad things to happen on years when you turn 12, 24, 36, etc. Well, this is what I have to show for the Year of the Tiger, good and bad. Click away.

10-0 beer pong with Meeko, on the Goonies Wall

New Year's, kissed a Bear

Beware Ho 13 - 1st

Davis Hat - didn't get 1st

Created a mixed team as a tribute to Teddy

Leiout - 2nd

Club Vegas - 1st

New Year's Fest - 1st

Moved back to the bay

Bought a cute hat

Failed a power hour

Completed a power hour*

Lifted weights for the first time

Learned Canon in D on the piano*

Got a tattoo*

Designed my first disc

Spring Fling - 2nd

Decided to play Coed, declined captaining, offered to help everywhere else

Printed this up as my motivation for the season

Ran a track workout for the first time

DUI - 1st

DUI free happy hour even when the hotel tried to prevent it

Spontaneous trip to SoCal with 3/4ths of the now debunked Wolfpack

Finally caught the last pokémon

Fools - rained out on Sun, 3-1 with a close loss to Bruisers

MUSE concert #4

Gained 20 pounds in 2 months

Jumped out of a plane, puked, vomit-free since 2010

Created my favorite pair of shorts thanks to RoBoT

SB Classic - 2nd

Picked a new jersey number

John and Tai's wedding - dropped a bridesmaid on the dance floor

Poultry Days - Quarters

Fit 15 Bears in a 7-passenger RV to drive to Seattle

Created a cute white jersey and alcoholic white shorts

Created a blue jersey that pissed off the red team

Revolution - 1st

DonP #3

Counted down from 50

Picked up a guest Polar Bear and drove my loyal car to Seattle

Survived my first ice bath with encouragement from my teammates

ECC - 3rd

Stopped chasing a girl

DonP #4

Jumped off a 100-foot cliff and survived

Labor Day - 5th

Sectionals - 1st

DonP #5

Thousand Years of Pain'ed the Ginger

"No excuses, train like a champion."

Three track workouts a week, 4:30 AM sleep diet

Created my first highlight video

Nationals - 1st*

Woke up in a bed I clearly didn't belong in on my 24th, helped a friend move for the rest of the day

Finished Green, started lightRed

Fuck it, Dude, let's go bowling

Got a shield on my heart

Went to my first NBA game

Created my second highlight video

PB Banquet, still not sure how I won MVOP over RoBoT

Couldn't go to Sean Ryan, missed a chance for the view I needed to see badly

Gave away my medal to the most important person in my life

Catered mini-808 around the bay and embarked on a brutal 4-day bus tour

Had all you can drink sake, slipped and fell hard on my butt

Got over a girl

Went to SF more in the month of Nov '10 than the rest of my life combined

Met Elliot

Moved back home

Almost stayed afloat thanks to this duder

Relearned a very important life lesson

Fun stuff planned with Foster that I wouldn't miss for the world

Printed up new motivation

*Life goals

Bad beats in 2009, flopping the nuts in 2010, anteing up soon for 2011. I'm done volunteering information about myself now. Thanks for reading and the supporting this project of mine over the years. Browse the archives for a timesink, there are a few good ones amongst the masses of words and pictures. Feel free to leave your mark in the comments section.

Come talk to me if you're up for it, I'll be waiting.

Good talk.

-808

Beware Ho

2010-12-20T16:27:00.001-06:00

Registration for Beware Ho 14 is open.

Won the last two, going for the three-peat.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 68

2010-12-06T14:54:00.001-06:00

Heart

2010-11-29T01:13:00.000-06:00

As a good friend of mine always says, "Shields up."

Reform

2010-11-24T01:39:00.000-06:00

If you could change any one rule of Ultimate, what would it be and why.

Look at that little duder go.

Mini

2010-11-17T12:50:00.000-06:00

Mini-808 arrives today. Hide your wife, hide your kids.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 67

2010-11-15T12:48:00.001-06:00

Skyd Magazine

Numbers

2010-11-14T23:16:00.000-06:00

Robert turned 24 today.

He's also 5'7", which blows my mind. The Polar Bears 2010 Most Valuable Defensive Player is shorter than me. What a baller.

PB 2010: 21 Bears, 12 Polar Bees, 9 Polar Boos

Average age: 23.7

Youngest Bear: 18

Oldest Bear: 30

Number of Bears with previous College Nationals experience: 7

Number of Bears with previous Club Nationals experience: 2

Overall 2010 record: 64-12

Undefeated in Davis

Sectional Champions

Regional Finalists

National Champions

PB #1: Best Male Offender

PB #5: Best Male Defender

PB #8: Best Mark

PB #9: Top Chef Award (Rice Bowls)

PB #10: Most Improved

PB #11: White Heart Award

PB #12: Best Layouts

PB #13: Most Bungalow

PB #16: Lightest Polar Bear (Most Inspirational tie)

PB #17: Princess Polar Bear

PB #20: Team Drunk

PB #22: Best Endzone Celebration

PB #24: Best Female Defender

PB #25: Grandpa Polar Bear

PB #26: Best Punt Returner

PB #35: Darkest Polar Bear (Most Inspirational tie)

PB #50: Bi-Polar Bear Award

PB #55: Cutest PB Cub

PB #76: Greg Oden Award

PB #82: Most Valuable Player, Best Female Offender

PB #88: Best Quote

This girl owes me money. Do not trust her.

Sunday

2010-11-13T02:26:00.000-06:00

For once Bears get to sleep in and take things slow. Cereal and the Women's live stream for breakfast. Lounging around until noon as spirits are relaxed and casual. Netbook in the kitchen playing the Leiout and PB2010 highlight videos. An-Chi was not feeling well and stayed in her room, dry-heaving all morning. Greg and I were worried it was a concussion from Saturday's games. We both understood this could be her last game before just plain retiring. Let's go win it. I went back outside to make sure the rest of the team was on track to roll out. We arrive at the fields early. Everyone is already cleated up and throwing at 12:15. Run through the full gauntlet of warm up drills with plenty of time interspersed for water and cooling down in the shade. The heat/humidity from Thursday came back with a vengeance. Eventually move over to the finals field. Robot and I throw in one endzone and share a singular thought: one more game to go, let's go run the train on them. Adam averts a crisis and finds his white jersey at the last minute. Player intros, disc flip, and we're off.

Finals - District 5 (W 15-11)

Our first two D points of forcing backhand are laughed at. Two break-mark flick hucks go up and their O line scores with relative ease. Our first O point was a mess with 5 turns from each side. We punch it in with a Robot to An-Chi break around but the marathon left me gassed. The D fires up and starts putting breaks on the board. I should have noticed D5 #14 was scoring a lot of their goals. He wasn't a factor during our Thursday pool play game. Robert should have had more chances against him. There was a string of breaks against us, I call in Robert at 6-7 and tell him to just strike deep. That was easy. Back on D and we get a turn and call timeout to set up our EZ offense, Robert cuts upline for the break to take half and give us the disc back on O. We score after half with one of Lucas' patented hook shots to Robot and then an easy space pass to Eli to make it 9-7. Greg strategically pulls out the zone looks that steals a quick turn and score. We earn a few more breaks and the O line does its job and trades points for the win. Robot catches the game winner that the observer just happens to get lucky and make the right call. There was no way the naked eye would have been able to discern in or out. After watching the footage I completely forgot how many goals An-Chi caught. Yeah, I wouldn't want to guard her either, or any of my teammates for that matter. 3 ST, 1 SC, 1 D, 0 OT for the game. Right up there with PB #25 and PB #82. A van of Bears has to leave right after the finals to catch their flights. The rest of our team takes its time and wins the fields. The trophy and plaque get passed around for pictures. Our season was finally over. We find an abandoned cooler full of PBRs. A sign and a blessing. We stop by a gas station and Robot buys 3 tall cans of Guinness for him, Zip, and me. The CV crew that ran all 27+ track workouts. I hated watching those two guys' backs as they finished 60-70m ahead of me on every 400. The three of us were step-for-step on the 100's and 50's. Castro Valley, home of the Polar Bears. The captains are still prob sore about me putting that on the shorts design. Whoops.

Sunday night we drank. A lot. Wish I could have gone to the DDeck.

Team banquet tonight. Suit up. Another highlight video is set to debut tonight for Polar Bears eyes only. If An-Chi doesn't win MVP I will riot. Without her we wouldn't have a team. In the initial Polar Bear talks for club 2010 we all shared the same sentiment. If An-Chi plays then we'll give this Mixed experiment a shot. If not then we go play for Wolf or something.

Thanks to all the supporters and haters alike this entire year. We couldn't have done this without both groups. We got lucky. Who cares. We played the tournament of our lives. Who cares. This team prob wont exist next season. Who cares. A crew of 21 Bears came together and created greatness. No one can take that away from us.

Rawr.

-PB #1

Saturday

2010-11-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

Bears are getting better at waking up in the morning. We arrive to the fields by 7:45ish despite Brenda screaming bloody murder from her crotch area. Warmups are focused and we dedicate time to scrimmaging against a vert stack and explore poach D opportunities.

Quarters - Overhaul (W 15-7)

Not many mixed teams run vert. We tried and although we didn't use it exclusively during the season it still helped to have a different offensive set to break in case of emergency. Overhaul was very patient with the disc and looked to isolate cutters in the back of the stack for their deep shots. We take half at 8-6 and our legs and zone dominate the rest of the game, allowing only one more score for the Michigan team. Never stand in front of a charging Polar Bear.

Semis - Chad Larson Experience (W 15-12)

CLX took out Slow White twice in the quarters. The first victory was an observer error on what constituted soft cap. After the teams shook hands the captains realized there was still one more point to be played, CLX goes back in on D and gets the D and converts for the break. We take plenty of time to warm up again while the Iowa kids find shade to cool off. I had three overthrown hucks this game, all execution errors, flat but too far in front. The crosswind wasn't too noticeable. Former Bears start to show up and we are running hard to the voices of Venus, Allen, Annie, and Will. Greg and Robert do very well shutting down their go-to offensive cutters and our D line's O was patient to walk in the breaks. CLX #7 suits up this time and gave me a sly smile having almost gotten a foot on my huck. I smile back.

Off to finals. All 4 teams in our power pool made semis. D5 eeks out a close win over Drag'N Thrust. Bears versus Ducks and one more night of ice baths. I manage to sneak away once we get back and see the beach right at sunset. It was worth the wait. Hard to believe I've been cleating up during this Florida visit. Plenty of work left to be done. We have a team meeting to cap the night and steady our nerves. One last game left in our season and An-Chi said it best, "come out on top to win a National Championship and they will never be able to take that away from you." Rawr.

Friday

2010-11-11T15:04:00.000-06:00

Day 2 with games against the two Central Region teams.

Drag'N Thrust (L 9-15)

A moderate crosswind showed up and hit our throwing/catching game hard. I had the worst game of the tournament with multiple drops (unforgivable for a handler) and multiple throwaways. They used their height very well and were not afraid to send the 50:50 shots deep. Robin's flick was scary. We dug ourselves into a hole at half and couldn't claw back.

Chad Larson Experience (W 15-12)

Meanwhile CLX just lost a barn burner to D5 making things very interesting for the last round of our power pool. All four teams had 1-1 records and certain wins/losses could send anyone to a pre-quarters game. We knew to put Robert on Kevin and Greg on Kyle. Adam did his best to mark Wimer and our girl matchups were solid all-around. Their experience and athleticism was tough to crack for our D line. They would take shots deep without hesitation but also look to break the mark to keep offensive flow. We played with a lot of heart and didn't let the earlier loss affect morale. I don't remember this game as well as our semis rematch. I also didn't know CLX #7 sustained an injury the day before so we didn't get the pleasure of running against each other.

Drag'N Thrust takes out D5 and nabs the 1 seed out of the power pool, us at 2, D5 at 3, and giving Chad the pre-quarters game against wHagenwheel. Some of us stick around to mingle and watch the other power pool. After the dust settled we booked a quarters date with Overhaul from Michigan and head back to the house for more ice. The top 8 seeds coming into the tournament all make quarters. Not too shabby.

Thursday

2010-11-10T12:36:00.000-06:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these. But as Kevin always likes to quote, "it's like riding a bicycle, an elephant never forgets".

Our 21 Bears arrive in Tampa on Wed afternoon and as soon as we walk out of the terminal I have flashes of the previous year's Sarasota. The humidity is a kick in the face. Wearing all whites doesn't even start to help. The beach house is spacious and I stake out a crucial bed spot. Stay away from the living room and Zip's snoring. I couldn't fall asleep that night and only clocked in 4-5 hours. Too much on my mind. I knew the sleep deficit plus 3 full games would ensure I slept better the next night. The captains smartly mandated 7:30 AM departure times for our 9:30 AM games. Bears are slow in the morning. Playlist 2 helps.

Dirty Birds (W 15-11)

Our mandatory sleep diet of waking up at 4 AM the weeks leading up to Nationals helped us get to the fields on time but we still came out slow this game. They ran deep shots through ex-DW player #12. Venus warned us about Charlie so we had the matchup assignment ready from the get-go but they would still bomb it deep with Robert breathing down his back.

An-Chi showing scary closing speed for the D against Dirty Birds.

LA Metro (W 15-10)

Both teams came out of the gates knowing the importance of the outcome of this game. They had confidence in their deep game to Barrs, Hennessy, and Keegan. The few D's we did earn on those 50:50 balls we were able to convert for crucial breaks. Our O line looked to exploit mismatches and run the same system of attacking all three areas of the field as we have all season. One of the jump balls saw Lucas and Keegan go up together and after Lucas swipes away the D the follow through connects Keegan in the face. He had to take an injury for medical assistance to his eye and was out for the rest of the game. Hopefully he's ok but it certainly put a damper on his team's spirits. I got to guard Ham for a few points. Couldn't ask for more.

Emma with a flick past Taz in the Metro game.

District 5 (W 15-8)

Watching one point of the D5-Metro game saw the CT crew dump-swing the disc at least 15 times in their endzone offense set. Very patient, very scary. Our teams trade the first point and I save a break by swatting at the disc when my dump cuts upline and quickly pick it up to a fast-breaking AJ in the endzone. After that point their wheels fell off as our D line caught on fire and took half 8-2 with a mix of smart zone looks and suffocating person defense. We ride the second half with confidence and essentially trade points for the last win of the day and head into the power pools with a 1-0 head start.

Zip cleaning up somebody's trash against D5.

Dinner was at the Italian restaurant Ricky suggested. I make a covert phone call with CLX #7 to exchange scouting info for our dates the next day. He ended the phone call wishing me good luck on the rest of my dry night while he and his team continued to pound back the beers. Clever fox. We head back to the beach house and start the ice flowing into the bathtubs. Nationals is a huge grind on the body and Thursday's humidity was tough to run through let alone breathe in. Wind would be nice. I did not have a good dream that night.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 66

2010-11-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

I owe two posts-worth.

Lift

2010-11-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

Santa Clara, Nov '09.

Sarasota, Oct '10.

Now I get to become even stronger. Here we go.

Florida DTB

2010-11-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Limbo

2010-11-02T18:11:00.000-05:00

I feel off. Looking through the initial pictures flowing through to the public I see 21 Bears who will never wear the same jersey and shorts combo together ever again. Once again I failed when my team needed me the most. I woke up on Sunday with very dead legs from three straight days of playing. I went through the warmups and drills fine and felt the energy come back. Then after the first marathon O point around 0-1 with multiple turns on both sides I basically shut down. The heat and fatigue finally caught up and hit my mental game. I was too tired and was on autopilot for the rest of the game. I couldn't cheer or rush the field when we scored. Thankfully my team played exceptionally well and that's why we won, not because of me. In Ripon after our loss to Mischief I couldn't regroup and lead my team in the game-to-go against Swagger. The very thing I made a vow to never happen again did in the finals of Nationals. Not a proud thing to admit. After Robot caught the last score I was thrown into disbelief. Our season was finally over. We got a bunch of stuff. There were smiles on my teammate's faces. I hit the trifecta of requirements for a perfect tournament. Yet I didn't know how to feel.

Today I go back to being a regular kid.

Thanks

2010-11-01T20:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all the texts, emails, gchats, and calls over the last 24 hours. I appreciate all the supporters and haters throughout the season. Couldn't have done it without you all.

Yatta

2010-10-31T20:39:00.001-05:00

I win.

Who cares. I'm drunk. Alcohol wins.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 65

2010-10-27T17:51:00.000-05:00

WDIPU. To go to Sarasota and wreck teams and crush dreams.

Here we go, Bears.

Debut

2010-10-25T02:00:00.000-05:00

Macs are fun.

Mango

2010-10-24T08:34:00.000-05:00

Happy 20, Magon. I've run out of embarrassing pictures of you though. Imagine that.

Now off to practice.

Evolution

2010-10-23T18:17:00.000-05:00

The time has come for me to evolve my photography skills into the realm of video editing.

I've got Zip covered by a mile.

Stay tuned.

Brunch

2010-10-21T18:31:00.000-05:00

Q: What's the best way to have brunch.

A: With your baller teammates after a 6:30 AM practice in the rain.

I have no idea what to do now that we've finished our last track workout and I'm not allowed to run any more. A week of rest, water, stretching, and sleeping. I look forward to what 100% feels like. Does anyone realize how dark it is at 5:15 AM. Come throw with me.

Rawr.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 64

2010-10-18T23:50:00.000-05:00

Well I did have my next WDYPU post locked up with 15 standard pics. But then my muse inspired me to reach for greatness. Here you go.

PB #26, Lisa Pitcaithley. She's going to Disneyworld in 8 days.

Don't forget dessert, my favorite meal of the day.

Ham

2010-10-17T23:33:00.000-05:00

#7 Polar Bears

#10 LA Metro

Watch out, Hammie. I'm coming for you.

10 days.

Self-esteem

2010-10-16T10:20:00.000-05:00

Zip needs an ego boost. Go give him a hand.

http://vimeo.com/9831097

Polar Bears 2010: cheating since 2010.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 63

2010-10-15T03:35:00.000-05:00

Mad lib

2010-10-14T14:28:00.001-05:00

Rule #76: No excuses, play like a champion

Rule #1: _______________________

13 days.

Firsts

2010-10-11T02:40:00.001-05:00

A season of firsts:

new jersey number
Mixed
track workouts
weightlifting
ice baths
jerseys/shorts popular enough to support public sale
Sarasota

Same core of friends and teammates that drink too much as the memories and laughs create themselves. Watch out, Halloween. I'm coming for you.

Why do you play Ultimate - part 62

2010-10-09T02:00:00.000-05:00

One pic for each year.

Careful what you wish for, obv.

Happy 2-6, kid.

Polar Bears 2010

2010-10-07T15:19:00.000-05:00

21 of the scariest bears ever headed to Florida together.

1	808		5'8"	23
5	Robert	Gormley	5'7"	23
8	Bekah	Sexton	5'8"	30
9	Greg	Marliave	6'1"	26
10	Emily	West	5'6"	26
11	Jacob	Serrano	5'10"	24
12	Eli	Kerns	5’10”	18
13	Ernst	Westphal	6’1”	24
16	AJ	Shankar	5'9"	30
17	Natasha	Won	5’3”	20
20	Alexa	Kirkland	5'5"	23
22	Matty	Sung	5’9”	22
24	Emma	Dobbins	5’4”	22
25	RoBoT		5'9"	25
26	Lisa	Pitcaithley	5'10"	18
35	Lucas	Dallmann	6'0"	23
50	Clay	Miller	5'10"	23
55	Kwai	Philpott	5’6”	20
76	Adam	Raty	6'2"	25
82	An-Chi	Tsou	5'2"	28
88	Brenda	Shaylor	5’4”	25

Why do you play Ultimate - part 61

2010-10-06T16:07:00.000-05:00

Fans

2010-10-05T19:29:00.000-05:00

Buy me.

Polar Bears 2010

Shommy

2010-10-05T00:51:00.000-05:00

Since Venus wants the "good shit"...

May I introduce the scariest Polar Bear by far...

PB #5, Robert Gormley.

1982

2010-10-03T22:26:00.001-05:00

Greg, An-Chi, and myself:

"We didn't achieve our goal. So now we get to set a new one. Drink tonight and then back to work, Bears."

Sarasota. Boom.

0

2010-10-01T02:00:00.000-05:00

I've never worked this hard for anything in my life.

Here we go.

-PB #1