Trouble In Vegas 2007

The excitement for this weekend was unparalleled. The first tournament of the spring season is always crazy, but the Hodags had high hopes of the best season ever.

First round was against Arizona, a team that took UW to universe point last year at quarterfinals of this same tournament. It was warm, sunny and calm, perfect conditions for ultimate. With no wind, Sunburn came out looking for the deep shots and kept the game close 2-2. Dan “Q-Tip” Miller was clearly ready to dominate from the start as he threw or caught Wisconsin’s first 3 goals. However, Madison’s throws were still cold from the winter snow and the offensive units were still struggling to gel and convert efficiently. But with good pulls and tenacious energy, the Hodags trapped an Arizona player deep in his end zone, allowing Sophomore Evan Klane on his first point of the spring season to come up with a perfect in-cut style layout Callahan to take half 7-3. That play proved to be a huge momentum swing as Freshman Ben Feldman and Jeremiah Berlin scored their first goals of the season for a 10-3 lead. Handlers Tom Annen and Matt Rebholz put the finishing touches on defenders for the last couple of scores and helped Wisconsin cruise 13-6.
The second round was against George Washington, from the Metro East, who the Hodags played in the round of 32 last year. After the first round win, we took this team for granted and somewhat just expected the victory to come easy. G-Dub was staying in the game early with some well timed laser deep hucks, but Dan Miller was busy skying bitches of his own, getting a huge forehand from Kevin Riley to knot the game at 2-2.

With the game tied at 3-3, the Offense gets into a groove with Tom Animal sending a huge forehand shot down the line to a wide open Dan Heijmen who simply sprinted past his defender 4-3 Wisconsin. The defense gets physical as Shane almost gets an in-cut D and Chris Doede puts brutal hip check collision on the hitch pass, but GW scores 4-4. Dan Heijmen begins touching the disc consistently, going every other for several passes and brutally breaking several marks for cross field throws to Tim Pearce. As the offense works it, K-Fed somehow finds himself downfield and makes a nifty S cut with a behind the back point to space which Dan sees and puts to space for a Rilers sky 5-4 followed by a celebratory chest bump. Wisconsin begins to take control of the game with an up the line cut by Miller who rips a huge backhand. The disc is macked by Foster and Seth before the "Swill master" himself Cullen brings home the bacon and scores the break 6-4 Wisconsin. Heijmen continues his smothering marks, contesting every pivot fake as GW's deep hucks begin to miss. However, George W manages to punch in a goal after a super long goal line stand by Wisconsin 6-5 now. The O-face quickly converts for half 7-4 with Marsh finding Pearce for the easy looking deep goal. GW hucks right back to start the second half 7-5. The offense has a miscue, but Kevin Riley, proving his dedication to hard nosed defense, gets a an ill looking break side 2 handed layout-in D. However, K-Fed burns his man upfield only to throw a floaty pass to the endzone which Jack cannot come down with, as Riley smacks his head in clear disgust with himself. However, Wisconsin was beginning to break out of the midafternoon lull and and burst the lead open to 10-6 with a Muffin poach D and assist to Evan Klane. Jimmy Foster was also busying skying GW defenders and puttin ghis stamp on the contests.

George Washington responded and scored 3 in a row to bring the game back to 9-10. Jim Foster took a deep shot hitting cutter Jack Marsh for the offensive conversion 11-9 and Dan Heijmen just continues to break the living shit out of his marker, again going crossfield to TP. Wisconsin punches in a O2 goal from Animal to Riley and finished strong for a 13-10 victory with Heijmen catching the final goal from Bucket again. This set up the #1 Wisconsin vs. #2 Central Florida match-up after the bye-round.
With one game left to go on Friday, the Hodags were focused on finishing strong. Most of the team looked forward to playing UCF, hoping to debut in the next Dogs of War Highlight video. It was a much different team than we faced first game at CCC last fall because it was clear UCF had been playing outside and Wisconsin had been practicing… well running and jumping indoors. However, UCF proved that practicing outside has its benefits as it broke the Wisco Offense early and built a 3-1 lead. With Chiquita Banana overhearing talk of the Hodags being overrated and not as good as advertised, tempers began to rupture. This served as a major wakeup call as Wisconsin began to respond to Central Florida’s intensity and grit. Tim Pearce got the Offensive unit back on track by catching a deep huck from Jack Marsh to close the gap to 2-3. UCF was running the defense all around the field and just like all the teams we played on Friday, the Dogs of War were jacking the disc relentlessly. The Hodags made some adjustments, going Zone for several possessions and converting 4 points in a row, twice Malecek finding Heijmen in the end zone. Central Florida managed one more score at 4-5 before the onslaught continued. Shane Hohenstein made a ridiculous deep layout D on a seemingly for-sure goal and got the sidelines jacked up after landing on his face from about 5 feet high to get the disc back for the Hodags (see UV COTD). Dan Miller takes the in-cut and jacks the disc to Dan Heijmen who brutally skied a pack of players over-the-top Nord style to help secure the goal to Foster for the 7-4 halftime lead. Muffin helps out with a nice deep poach D to continue accumulating the turns and “Q-Tip” gets one of the sickiest in-layout D’s seen in months setting up a Feldman goal. Miller went horizontal at like 4 feet and smacked the crap out of the disc, clearly sparking Wisconsin’s energy. With the stakes up and passion to match, Madison turned it on late gaining 4 more breaks in a row for the 10-4 lead. Jack Marsh makes a nice reaction D on the goal line to save a goal and Kevin Riley wasn't getting whatever throw he wanted almost every time. Another huge break mark huck to Foster helped Wisconsin to a 12-6 lead. The defensive identity of the team had been realized for the first time as Feldman makes a goal line bid just too late as UCF scores 12-7. The Offense closed out the game with Foster deep air D and then a string of break throws before Foster, who must have been doing bicep curls during halftime, twice puts the disc out the back of the endzone. It only added to the suspense as Tom Animal gets an O2 catch Paco somersolt roll. Several brutal brutal breaks by K-Fed puts the disc in Marsh's hands, who throws the flat break to Foster for the 13-7 Hodag victory.
Wisconsin got the chance to watch the end of the Carleton-Colorado game which was absolutely awesome. It seemed like every CUT player was less than 6 feet tall, which made for pretty bad odds when matching up with the BIG 3 of Mamabird. However, CUT got up 8-5 and 9-6 before Colorado got their game together, put on a run and tied the game at 9-9. With the game going down to the wire, CUT used precision throws to space and fast cutting to work the disc smoothly. Colorado was jacking the disc as usual. As the game came down to 13-12 Colorado, CUT got a huge break side deep throw from Pat Baylis and tied the game 13-13, setting up double game point. Carleton, who had been doing some sneaky poaching to grab the significant lead, snatched the disc back with a Rabbit stall on CUT’s goal line. The disc quickly found Goldstein’s hands and with a transition deep look to space, Beau once again proved he was the fastest thing on the planet. He took off about 12 yards wider and probably 6 yards behind the receiver and just smoked everybody to the deep spot at what looked like a relatively easy pace and instead of D’ing it, Sir Longshanks kicks the disc out of the air for the D! (Super funny but perhaps Bad Karma?). For when the disc was put in play on their goal line, Rabbit turfs the swing and Carleton quickly converts for the first day upset, setting up a Florida-Colorado match up first thing Saturday morning.
That evening, 18 Hodags were to be found in front of the Bellagio fountain show at one point. With the parade ending at NYNY, young apprentice Tom Animal began learning the art of craps from Jack Marsh. As the dealer’s constantly reminded every other Hodag what the correct odds were and what not to do at the table, everybody at the table stumbled to victory as Annen rolled 8 after 8 after hard 8 and made the team a combined total of over a $1,500!
Anyway, Saturday morning set the stage for an intense first round game versus UC Santa Barbara. The winner would receive the #2 seed, the loser the #6 seed, which is a pretty huge difference when it comes down to who we play on Sunday.
Let’s just say it was really all the offense’s fault. On the first couple of possessions in the game Wisconsin struggled to score and had reliable cutters dropping several wide open goals. This allowed UCSB to remain in the game with a plethora of killer deep throws by Asa. Their short stack was so simple, yet it proved very effective as they broke the Hodag Offense early for a 3-2 lead. The D line stepped up and responded with Muffin finding Tim Pearce for the break back at 6-4. Kevin Riley found a dominating Jim Foster, who scored 3 times in the game, for the 7-5 halftime lead. The defensive unit was now taking advantage of any opportunities presented as Shane Hohenstein gets a poach D and Will Lokke rules the air assault as the game remained close 9-7. Despite the entrance of Andrew Mahowald who made his first major appearance on the weekend, the Black Tide scored 2 in a row for the 9-9 tie and soft cap horn. Dan Miller began to assert himself in every aspect of the game and caught 3 of his 5 goals down the stretch. The O scored very efficiently and the D line closed out the game, cashing in a break to Lokke to win 11-9 and steal the #2 seed before the reseeding and round of 32 began. The lines had tightened for this important game and the Hodags were working their way into the second day of the long weekend.
Here it comes, the lull. With UC-Irvine not really expecting to win outright, the intensity dropped ridiculously as both sides of the disc seemed to be just going through the motions. Jon Gaynor picked up some of the slack with a pretty high layout D to spark a 2-0 lead. Matt Scallet and “Dan “Crazy Eights” Schmit began to weave the disc past defenders for the goal at 6-3. Evan Klane continued to dominate the pulls and managed another in-throw D near the goal line to take half 7-3. Jeremiah Berlin collected several goals in the second half, but players were not rejoicing over the performance. The cutting was selfish, the throws were being forced deep, and things were not clicking. The epitome of the effort came when Hohenstein and Muffin made the exact same S cut in the end zone, with Muffin trying to sky the unexpecting Shaner before the defender caused the strip 9-4. Seth Meyer threw the final goal to Ben Feldman to win 13-6. However, the Hodags received a tongue lashing from the captains about team energy before the start of the round of 16.
With Colorado State as the #15 seed, Wisconsin re-warmed up with an increasingly concentrated Seattle Drill. With inter-team intensity peaking, Wisconsin could sense that feeling in the air and was getting jacked for start of the last game of Saturday. Madison understood that Colorado State thought they could play with us (See 2006 Terminus) and we wanted to make a statement game. Despite CSU being far superior to Irvine and even calling sets, half was taken 7-0! It was the smothering defense and crazy intensity that led to a plethora of defense plays. The defensive killing attitude of the team was beginning to crystallize and Wisconsin came to discover that aggressive energy can beat anyone. However, at 5-0, Colorado State had the disc with a time out on the goal line. Things turned extremely ugly when a defensive foul call in the end zone negated a Colorado score when the CS player was knocked down to his back, but still caught the disc. Wisconsin got a goal line layout D/drop by Shane and a quick deep look by Muffin found Ben Feldman deep. Colorado State was understandably very pissed, but back to back super ridiculous plays by Seth Meyer put the Hodags over the top. The first was an absurd very last second layout D covering almost 8 feet to prevent a score and the second was a nice shoulder high full extension trailing edge catch for a downwind goal from again Mr. Hohenstein. Seth’s catch was probably the play of the weekend up to that point by far! These huge plays pushed Madison forward 13-4 with the Hodags playing their best round of the weekend, gaining momentum for Sunday.
“It’s Sunday Baby, Sunday! Hodags don’t lose on Sunday!” That is the motto and with the first two rounds off, everybody slept in nice and late, barely making it to the fields an hour before game time. Instead of beautiful sunny and serene weather, it turned windy and more windy. Sometimes a 5 mph breeze upwind-downwind, other times a pretty brutal 25 mph sideways gust.
The first round opponent was actually a complete surprise. We assumed that it would inevitably be the looming Carleton-Wisconsin Quarters match-up. However, after beating Colorado the previous day, CUT lost to Las Positas on universe point without the services of Jacob Goldstein, who was having some knee trouble. And then Las Positas loses to UGMO, so we were set up to play UC-Berkeley. As the afternoon began, the second Wisconsin fan arrived – Jack’s Dad and Uncle now. With the bolstered sideline numbers, the Hodags began their assent to finals. With the trap zone clearly coming and freaking ridic huge forehand pulls by Muffin, Cal turned the disc from the corner of their own end zone often, leading to a 3-1 lead. Newcomer Jon Gaynor was making his impact felt as he hit the ground repeatedly and tallied a sweet layout D on a pass through the cup. Dan Miller was dishing out goals left and right as Madison took half 7-3, looking especially confidence going upwind. As the second half began, Kevin Riley and Matt Rebholz began to dominate the backfield, scoring end zone possessions like seasoned pros for the 12-3 lead and OATBAG. The wind was too much for Berkeley as they conceded 13-4 as Dan Heijmen punched in the last goal.
This landed UW-Madison right where they bowed out last year, semifinals. The Hodags would not be denied in 2007. As the winds reached levels where ultimate no longer becomes fun or a game of skill, both teams struggled going both upwind and downwind. It pretty much developed into a huckfest for awhile with the 2-1 point lasting several hours with both teams getting upwards of 10 chances with the disc. The tension between teams also reached ridiculous levels as disagreements on calls lasted for minutes at a time. Fingers were pointed, spikes hit players, and names were called as each team went slug for slug in the super blustery wind. After Santa Barbara finally scored their O point upwind and freaked out, they punched in the down-winder for a 3-2 lead with the cap looming. Wisconsin had left their work cut out for them, needed to respond upwind to keep the game within reach as Muffin skied for a disc between 2 SB defenders and sent it deep to Jim Foster for the 3-3 tie. Despite Will Lokke getting 2 catch D’s and Dan Miller getting 5, Santa Barbara continued to huck the disc upwind and score on a deep sky in the corner of the end zone taking the lead 5-4.

The Hodags were feeling the pressure, but continued to score upwind tying the game 5-5 with Jack Marsh scoring the goal before the soft cap. Tom Annen was literally putting together his highlight reel this game, as he tallied at least 2 sweet layout D’s and one pretty disgusting clothesline.


With time running out UCSB scored upwind 6-5 as Wisconsin was having difficulty judging/reading the disc and giving BlackTide the opportunity to go downwind for the win. With our tournament lives on the line, the Hodags responded by slashing the SB cup and Muffin throwing a 25 yard upwind hammer to the corner of the end zone, finding Marsh for the 6-6 tie. On universe point, Andrew Mahowald D’s the deep huck and Wisconsin works the disc to the goal line, with Heijmen slicing it through the cup and Muffin punching it in to Foster for the tremendous 7-6 win. Wisconsin smacked 16 recorded D’s in the game!

Ugh, I officially now hate Florida. I hate their basketball team, their football team, their Frisbee team, pretty much the whole state. I hate random people I see wearing their colors and I especially hate the names on the back of their jerseys. With some quick tips from Colorado about what Florida had been doing, (mainly double teaming, jacking the disc in transition, and Brodie making bitch calls every time he does not come down with the disc) Wisconsin barely had to time to regroup between games due to the time cap. As the lights warmed up and the crowd formed, the Hodag intensity had fallen due to the emotional universe point victory over UCSB.
The game began as the O continued to drop the disc. Wisconsin was able to get the disc back and an absurd Heijmen huck blade down the line ended with a ridiculously sweet Jim Foster sky over Kurt Gibson 1-0. Both teams were going 4 man cup zones but Florida was in a better groove gaining the first break upwind fairly easily at 4-3 with Kurt throwing huge cross-field hammers to split the deep and then hucking it deep. Wisconsin’s O must now score upwind to tie and Jack Marsh’s perfect backhand huck was called back on the first of many shitty travel calls made by Florida. The observers were not watching closely enough, so after the disc came back, Jack again threw the picture perfect huck to a wide open Jim Foster for the double score 4-4 tie. However, Madison could not deliver the kill shot as Florida scored their O upwind and broke downwind for the 6-4 lead. Jack Marsh scored his 4th point of the first half from Kevin Riley, but Florida held on to take the lead 7-5.
The Hodags needed a spark as they decided to abandon the zone and go man defense for awhile, trying to force the Florida no-name players who just stand in the stack to make some plays. However, UFUCT stuck to the game plan as Brodie, Cycle and Kurt jacked the disc to each other and built at 10-6 lead. Wisconsin seemed at a complete loss for words and called a timeout. The challenge was issued, even if we do not win this game, we better sure as hell put our sacks on the table and give full effort. With the game seemingly out of reach, Wisconsin nutted up, started running the systems and pushed up the intensity meter, scoring a chilly O point upwind 7-10. Wisco immediately stole a break downwind 8-10 with Andrew Mahowald making nice in-cuts and Danx2 touching the disc relentlessly. Florida tallied another score 11-8 before the shit hit the fan. With nothing but sure will and desire from the top Wisconsin studs who had been playing point after point, Wisconsin responded and scored 9-11 with a ridiculous layout D by Shane.

Another huge blade pull by Muffin touched Gibson as he tried to stop the roll, forcing him to put the disc in play at the back corner of his end zone. The quick turn led to a end zone iso score to Mahowald as Wisconsin stormed back into the game 11-11 The cap sounds and the captains meet midfield to discuss how universe point sounds. As Wisconsin pulls upwind, the sideline excitement had returned. Just past the brick, one of Florida’s victims gets the disc and is not able to reset it to an actual thrower and is forced to throw it OB at stall 10. Once again the observer was not close enough to rule on the stall count so the disc comes in on the sideline trapped. After several disagreements about the double-team rule and one tap-in that apparently did not count, Florida is able to get a footblock on a goal line pass through the cup by Muffin. Cycle quickly converts to Gibson as Florida snatches the victory 12-11.
Another disappointing early season defeat will only motivate the team as the indoor season continues. We look forward to watching finals on UVTV and are glad that we sacked up and made the comeback to tie the game at 11-11, forcing universe. Hopefully our performance will lead to success the following weekend as Wisconsin travels down to Baton Rouge for Mardi Gras to prove that we still desperately need that prize money.

Pictures can be found right about mmehere:
Vegas Pics
Sick Nasty

Highlight Video Baby Baby!



On a side note: Andrew Mahowald came within literally seconds (guessing about 35) from missing his return flight to Milwaukee. Apparently he forgot about the extra Nalgene full of lighter fluid, that can of coke that he refilled with gasoline so security had some things to say to him before he boards the wrong shuttle to the wrong gate. The only reason the flight was delayed and he made it was due to the heroics of Kevin Riley, who single handedly held up the plane by refusing to board and by lying out of his ass to the boarding flight attendants about actually "seeing his buddy turn the wrong way... twice!"

Dan on Dan VIOLENCE... ONE WEEK!

DanVDan.mov

StarcraftStrat.mov

Classic City Classic XLI

Classic City Classic XLI – The Dirty Details
http://www4.upa.org/scores/tourn.cgi?div=18&id=3021

I’ve been saying this for awhile, but only the Midwest was really listening. Wisconsin is good. Like really talented, scary good, like never lose again good. Frankly, the Hodags have almost forgotten how to lose. After the most successful season in history with 48 victories and 7 tournament wins, many of the returning Hodags have become accustomed to the feeling of domination. As Adam Drews comments, “I am 64-3 as a Hodag, Wow.” Yeah holy crap, who else can even say that in his first season? But enough sweet-talk, let’s get down to business.

There is a reason Wisconsin is the hardest team to make in the country. It starts with defensive intensity and ends in focus. Although coping with the departure of 8 players, three of which won the title in 2003, there is no doubt about it; Wisconsin is a different team than last year, but no less deadly. There are new faces and stud athletes with different strengths. But it becomes clear that once they put on the baby blue their play elevates due to the contagious emotion and overall team speed. Soon enough teams will see the throwing lanes shrink and offensive opportunities wane as every player is being shadowed by his defender. The crazy part is that Wisconsin got younger, faster and taller losing in sheer experience and dominant leadership. Veteran players will need to step up and take control of roles on a team still without a coach. Enough hype right? Without further ado, I give to you CCC XLI.

The Classic City Classic might be one of my favorite tournaments. I guess I like it almost as much as I love Clip of the Day from Rob. But after a finals loss in 2004 and victory in 2005, it was still the premier tournament of the fall. Needless to say, Wisconsin approaches every tournament with the intent to win. But seriously, we drive 15 hours south and find frost on the fields? I mean what sort of trick is that? It should just be always nice in the south. Anyway, warm-ups looked… well actually I didn’t make it there in time for warm-ups, because my car left Madison at 6:15pm Friday night (Thanks Q) and had not quite made it to campus. But when I finally made it to the fields and got my cleats on, well, it was a little swilly. There must be something wrong with this Frisbee, is that a Wham-O? Why is it being dropped and turned over with such little regard? I mean, yeah it was cold, the sun was right in your eyes, but Jesus guys, catch the disc! I guess both teams were “feeling each other out” for the first half, turnovers mainly within 3 throws. Playing time must have been a little loose and kids were trying to learn and figure some things out. Maybe it was the anticipation of not knowing how the ‘07 Hodags would play because this was the first time the entire team had been together. But with the 6^th seed in pool D, our day looked forward to many many field changes.

The Central Florida Dogs of War looked pretty intimidating for the start of the windy, cold and yet glaringly sunny Georgia morning. The wind would actually be a pretty big factor throughout the day and could be attributed to the plethora of turns early. Despite the sloppy play and miscommunication between handlers, Tom Annen found Jack Marsh for the first score of the season. I was worried as I warmed up on the sideline if Wisconsin would be as good as I expected us being. I guess it took about half the game for new players to get on the same page and for our Offense to start dominating.

The O line isn’t that bad… it’s not like they get broken over and over again so the defense just has to watch from the sidelines. I mean the defense didn’t just work incredibly hard to get that one super important break and the O just gives it right back… it’s not like that, no seriously. So with Wisco up 2-1, lil’ Rilers is looking to throw a pass through the cup, but manages to hit a defenders chest for a Callahan. After this the D line decided to take up the responsibility to carry the team this year. Now with the game tied 2-2, Foster busts out the big forehand and finds Heijmen for the score. The game was close early 3-3 and then the calls started. At first, they were only kind of shady. But soon, the desperation in their eyes showed as bad calls amplified and the legend of Bulge became a little more transparent. Flashback… (Cloudy smoke) à Bulge is that really unspirited club team from Florida, not that one, the other one. I’ve never seen the cheat to win philosophy played out so well. They make calls like it’s their job. It’s like these stubborn old men get a little bit of contact when he was reaching for the disc and suddenly his world ends and he is rolling in the fetal position on the ground screaming bloody murder. There will be finger pointing and obscenities slurred, somebody might need to hold back Rocky. Well I guess a couple of the young kids at CF took notes and thought it was cool to make calls. It blows to play against that without observers and that’s why Central Florida struck me as odd when they made some pretty unusual calls. Either way it didn’t matter as the Hodags began working things out and the deep looks started finding their man. It was pretty much the Dan Miller Show going upwind snagging deep discs and even Skywalker got in the action bitching some awkward looking freshman to capture 2 straight breaks. Madison takes a 7-4 halftime lead with Pearce finding Heijmen again in the end zone. The zone was also coming out, with both teams trying it both ways, setting up some ruthless cross field hammers downwind. The Hodag end zone offense seemed confident and relaxed, patient yet purposeful. I think Dan “Bonkers” Schmit had some nice throws upwind and Tom Animal was wearing socks on his hands, both racking up 2 D’s each. And then there was Riley, he was like doing his own thing. One time he was running so hard that he punched the other kid in the face. Well something like that, but Kevin was kicking defenses in the face, especially on the marks as he threw a break goal to Rebholz for an 8-5 advantage. The Hodags run off 4 straight breaks in a row and cruise in the second half for a 13-6 win over CF.

Round 2 was against upstart team Indiana “Hoissiermama”? It was pretty nice to move to a bigger field and change wind directions. However, Indiana actually thought that they had a chance in this game. Probably because after they dropped the pull on the first point, we spiked the disc out of the end zone. Well actually, Heijmen spikes the disc for a turnover because apparently there was a red line and a white line, so when Dan catches the break for the would be goal, as fellow Hodags were screaming for him to not spike the disc, he promptly takes two steps and flips that shit like a hot pancake. I guess this fired up Indiana who was so hilariously pumped to score that they spiked the disc with contempt and seemed to think they were awesome at ultimate every time they made a play. This tactic worked until the Hodags got pissed and began exerting their will and shutting down every single player on the field with some suffocating defense. Seth Meyer, the new Dan Miller, of GOP origin, showing some skills, catches a pass from Adam Drews for a break and finds Ryan Ingersoll on the very next point for the second break to take a 3-0 lead. Freshman Cullen Geppert also got into the action marking up two layout-in D’s, one on a player like 9 inches shorter than him with a ponytail, so let’s just keep things in context. But it did feel really good to break Indiana down like that. On the next point, Wisconsin keeps rolling, with Muffin finding his deep game in a big huck to a streaking Drew, but not before punching his mark in the jaw with the off hand (!) calling the goal back. Nevertheless, we struck out 4-0 before Indiana scored 3 of 4 to bring the game back to 5-3. At this point the Hodags freaked out and with Scallet getting D’s in the air all over the place and Even Klane bombing forehands, we steal half 7-3. Anyhoo, with the larger field (yet smaller end zone) and nice crosswind, the floodgates of deep shots exploded. Jim Foster began dropping bombs to Jack Marsh, who was clearly looking to impress the only Wisconsin fan at CCC, his dad. Yes, that’s right, I said it. Jack Marsh, yeah you jealous? I bet your school could pick up these big name transfers too; yeah, you wish. But seriously the J-Fo-to-Harvard-combo is absolutely unstoppable already. And then, you know what really turned the tide in favor of the baby blue, Dan Heijmen. This guy is the truth. Give this man the biggest burden and he will carry us through the pain. Dan was marking up fantasy points left and right dropping deep bombs. And then Heijmen got into this shouting and flexing contest with these Indiana punks who were trying to call this catch a goal but the dude was OB, but they were just trying to walk off like a goal. I think Dan ripped his shirt he flexed so hard, and after that, Indiana yielded and finally had to double score it to count. We crushed some more and quickly finished 13-4 final.

So after a full warm-up game, we were finding our rhythm and especially our deep game. The best throwers began to look to jack the disc deep with some regularity and the D line was garnering confidence. This set up William and Mary coming off a close game on another field. It’s never good for the other team to show up to find Wisconsin scrimmaging or competing against itself, because that means people are getting serious. The team’s stifling defensive pressure (including super sick Drew Mahowald poach layout D in the lane) set the tone for the game. Wisconsin scored fast and efficiently, ridiculously rolling. W&M had some nice break throws but just couldn’t complete more than 3 in a row before giving it back. They timed their deep shots well, but failed recognize the poachers as Wisconsin began eating the disc on every possession and then scoring as if it was nothing. Somebody must have hooked up the game-genie and despite W&M having more talent and overall skill than some of the teams we already played, they just could not score and we yielded no mercy. I would recommend relying on the dominators and speaking of dominators, Jim Foster is ridiculous at ultimate. With every component of the game in his arsenal and at his disposal he is an unstoppable force. This one time, I think he might have even skied Heijmen… but we rarely speak of such for Dan’s wrath would be terrible. Jon Gaynor was also dominating this round, getting 3 D’s, one a super sick over the shoulder layout D (injuring his foot in the process for the weekend, unfortunately). Also playing some defense, the Bucket of K-Fed gets a mack layout D out of bounds to save a goal when W&M almost scores, but in the end we successfully crushed in a 13-0 slaughter.

A fast victory set up a large gap giving us plenty of time to cruise around and check out some of the other top teams. I mean right? Wouldn’t you be curious as to whom Colorado showed up with and just how bad Florida is? It was also pretty funny to see a sweet Richmond layout D on a Minnesota player and then snap his fingers just like Ali G, Booyakasha Respec!

When we again changed fields and re-warmed up after the long delay, the intensity just wasn’t there. Players were already feeling the affects of stiff legs and easy wins, not as focused on the game as earlier when Madison was building steam. But then we realized it was just Davidson and decided to punish. I guess they only have like one thrower. It’s the FOTY or something and apparently he is the shiznit, like the bombast throws in all the AC. So naturally, all we needed to do was stop that guy and let the rest of the players prove to be the difference. But really, the Wisconsin playmakers still showed up. With Bobby Lau’s Callahan, Jack’s dropped Callahan, and Q-Tips straddle Callahan, we almost had 3 in the game and a 7-4 lead. Dan Heijmen was rocketing deep shots upwind and the offense played well when the defense wasn’t dominating as much, with Rebholz keeping the disc chill. I think Davidson got some lucky crap and good deep match ups to score. The conquistadors of defense were still contributing with Heijmen and “ass clown” Gaynor finding their hands on the disc for turns, and helping Wisco roll in a game not as close as the score indicates 13-7.

Our last game on Saturday to finish undefeated was against National qualifier Pittsburgh, who we actually played at Nationals in pool play last spring. You know that really tall handler. Yeah him, with the goggles. He can throw the disc pretty far and was hitting receivers left and right, putting the game at 2-2. With some actual competition and a good game brewing, Wisconsin freaked out and cracked in two breaks for a 4-2 lead. It was probably the Red Bull Girls because they supplied the caffeine and sideline intensity to promptly get Wisco fanatical about defense. At 6-5, guess who? Jim Foster gets a ridic layout D to set up the score for the double break before half 7-5. Pitt stuck with their strategy of hucking early and finding good match-ups like unknowing freshman to keep the game close at 9-7. However, the end of the day was within sight and food was calling so the anger spewed forth as the lines tightened and we proceeded to roll to a 13-7 victory. So 5-0 in pool play and a top seed in the quarterfinals put as exactly where we expected to be. However, Florida somehow lost to NCST, so since they took the #2 seed in their pool, we were set to play Florida in quarterfinals first thing on Sunday. Ridiculous!

Olive Garden for a team feast and free beer at the tournament party (for those with energy) made for the good end to Saturday. However, as Sunday came into view, it became clear that our road to the title would be more difficult than in past years. Soon, the surprise turned into excitement and anticipation to have an incredible Sunday. Actually, we had the hardest road possible to a victory. Florida (National Champion) in quarters, Georgia (National Semifinalist) in semis, and Colorado (National Quarterfinalist) in Finals. It seemed like a daunting task really. However, all returners who were part of the team last spring came out with more focus and determination to play well than I have ever seen. We would not accept bad play and the importance of beating Florida was at the forefront of our minds. The stud power-players would be asked to make plays on some of the best players in the nation. Namely Stud Space Cadet who would be guarding the top 3 Callahan frontrunners in order: Rook, Dylan, Beau. The defense responded to the challenge and while being inconsistent they were certainly incredibly clutch throughout the day.

So UFUCT. Yeah, I agree, ha. Florida has lost 2 players from last year and most of their team had played in Club Nationals the previous weekend. The game started in controversy with Cycle going deep from Rook and calling a foul on a Heijmen poach deep D. The call could not be rationalized and eventually sent back again on a morally questionable call. Their tactics worked as they punched in the end zone set for the first point for a 1-0 lead. The Hodag O gets on the field and scores efficiently sending an early message 1-1 with Tim Pearce finding gainers all over the place. With Gibson continually jacking flicks, Wisconsin was getting the disc often, not with turns but with 13 actual D’s. With the disc in our hands and poaches all over, we punched in two breaks with Mahowald (4 D’s) finding Heijmen (2 D’s) twice in a row for a 4-2 lead. It was awesome to see Madison players actually getting D’s rather than just turfs or turnovers. By this time Kurt was playing both every point and Cyle was counting his calories. After some trading, the Wisconsin D cracks down on Kurt’s touches and finds high stall counts for another turn and Wisconsin break for a 6-3. At this point King Rook and evil Rasputin Cycle are the only handlers in the game staring at unflinching vertical stack and just screaming at kids to cut and make plays, just barking out orders. It might have worked actually, but someone hit the relax button? Who did it? Florida scores their O and capitalizes on deep Hodag turn to get back into the game at 6-5. The freaking O almost gets it together and scores to go up 7-5. However, after Florida gets a foul on the goal line to score the O 7-6, a quick Wisconsin in-cut drop by Miller gives Florida the opportunity to cash in and tie the game at 7-7. The O finally converts when it matters with Heijmen throwing his big flick to Jack for the score 8-7 Hodags.

The game is going late with long points so the cap is inevitable. Wisconsin tightens the lines but it doesn’t matter as the O gets broken again for the 8-8 tie. The defense meanwhile is getting pissed. All those breaks we cashed in earlier… I mean really? The O holds and the D goes out and brutalizes for 2 straight breaks 11-8 with Drew sniping a foot block on another of Kurt’s forced deep looks. Florida holds as the cap sounds for 11-9, game to 13. Once again, the D breaks Florida at their convenience to win 13-9, ending on defense. That was awesome and all the veterans absolutely loved the feeling of beating Florida, a team that had haunted our dreams for months over the summer. It was a feeling of accomplishment and relief to win that first game on Sunday with a new team.

In semifinals, we met the home team Georgia who appears to be a serious contender for the Championship this year. We started on D and were still really pumped from beating Florida. However, Georgia came out strong, throwing deep to Dylan every single time he cut there. And well, Dylan played like a stud and pulled down just about every bladed disc coming his way in the first half. Jojah clearly relies on him as a receiver and on several possessions it was first pass huck turnover from Georgia against a first pass huck turnover from Wisconsin, back and forth in the deep game. With the game tied as 2-2, Wisconsin broke the tension with the first break of the game, a deep shot from Heijmen to Ben Feldman. However, Georgia immediately responds scoring their O with more hucks to Dylan and cashing in a break on the Wisco O 3-4 GA. It was a game of runs and breaks and with Muffin playing 5 points in a row (including 2 hammer goals), Wisconsin scores 4 of them to lead 7-5, ready for the O to take half. And then I remember why I hate the Offense so much, ah yes, they are constantly getting broken. Georgia steals back one break before half 8-6 Hodags. Wisconsin was in control of the game, but we weren’t generating as many D’s and this made us nervous when we really needed breaks. As the second half began our O was broken again for only an 8-7 advantage. The O finally takes care of business on the next point, with Rebholz and Animal getting the up-line at will; Wisco up, 9-7. The D line was faced with the decision to save the day and with Heijmen making perhaps the shadiest decision of the weekend throws a stall 9 ¾ hammer blade straight to Chris Doede’s defender, right? Wrong. Chris takes an aggressive angle at the high hammer and goes up with one hand to stick an amazing catch, firing up the sulking Wisconsin sideline. But Georgia was determined to stick around, scoring another break to bring the game to 11-10 Wisco. The game was coming down to the wire and the Hodags needed some big time production. We scored 4 of the last 5, breaking twice for the 15-11 victory. We even earned the Badger theme song from Mr. Marsh on the guitar for our efforts and leapt into finals.

In finals, (a familiar place for CCC) we met Colorado, a team we didn’t see at all last year and a team we had lost to quarterfinals of nationals in both 2004 and 2005. The majority of the current Hodags had never beaten Colorado, much less never played them. Mamabird does have 3 of the most dominant cutters in the nation with Beau, Jolian and Martin all being over 6’2 and very very fast. This game had a huge crowd, and I love playing in front of crowds (probably because I get heckled often). However, CO came out with the intent to win, playing their best lines over and over again.

They broke us first and were up 6-4 with major momentum (with Mamabird starting on O). They were making our O line play marathon points with 5 turns by both teams before anyone scored. On one of those marathoners Wisconsin turns the disc deep in the end zone and Colorado takes an injury. Dan Miller then demands that a Wisconsin player leave the field as a sacrifice for fresh legs to match. Insert Rabbit, insert Heijmen. Rabbit was clearly the strength of Colorado’s handlers, getting very involved until that point. But Heijmen had his own idea, getting 3 D’s, two of which were point blocks (one upheld through observers), leaving hecklers calling out for the hand-block hat trick. However, they still clearly had the advantage and were making our offense work incredibly hard to score. Our D line was getting antsy and nervous. However, after noticing that they had limited throwers and great receivers we started playing zone, trying to slow down the game. Colorado doesn’t ever really slow it down, still looking to "Zone-Break" the Z with a huge huck to one of their big time receivers for the 1-on-1 match-up. Wisconsin was having some success with the zone (Drew Ding Beau in the air!?!), but with Colorado up 7-6 and posed to break the Hodags again for the halftime lead, we have a Pontiac Game Changing Performance. In the end zone set it was Beau on the goal line being guarded a little too closely on the break side by one Q-Tip Miller with the forehand force on the short side of the field. Rabbit was eyeing up the easy toss to a clearly open Kittridge. But then, a certain Kevin Riley catches his eye, “breaks him”, and reads his mind. As the flick is about to be released, Bucket is already 3 and ½ steps in and accelerating from his defender in the back right corner of the end zone. With Sir Longshanks already contemplating his spike, K-Fed explodes and gets a layout in-D on Beau, saving the would-be break and half. Wisconsin praises the Gods and immediately jacks the disc deep for a goal. The D, finally getting on the field and again being super clutch, break for half with a Heijmen bomb to GOP future Hall-of-Famer Seth, who showed some hustle making a nice, diving catch; 8-7 Wisconsin! In stealing those last two points to take half we were freaking out and gaining confidence and energy back, Heijmen played 9 straight points and scored 6 times. The second half can only be described as an explosion of pain given out by the Hodags. First, the Hodag O had to hold and Rebholz came out bombing to Heijmen for the 9-7 lead. At this point, Muffin was told not to leave the game, playing 5 points and scoring 4. Freshman Ryan Ingersoll even got into the action, throwing a low release air bounce backhand about 2 yards, just hovering above the grass. With Colorado faltering and players pushing to injury, Mamabird relented – giving up pick calls for scores and playing the lines more open near the end. Madison was all set to cruise to a 15-8 whomping with 9 of 10 straight scores but then there was this beautiful backhand huck down the line by Animal and Adam Drews had beaten his man by like 35 yards and was all set to clap this guy in and quick think of a game winning spike, but in the confusion, Drews clap spiked for the drop. Colorado scored for the second time in the half and instead 14-9 setting up the finale. On game point, the handlers are working and Rebholz finds Riley going “oven” and with an open field Jack goes deep. Kevin throws this brand new high release 6 finger inside-anvert-out forehand that just goes forever. Jack gets on his horse and runs to position, but the disc hangs a little (still anverting), and he makes a great sky while at the same time being sandwiched between two swooping Mambirds. What happens when you can make plays that sick? You can spike it however you want. In Jack’s case, this includes a sick round-off back-flip, and the fan (1) promptly stormed the field. It should be noted that Colorado was very spirited down the stretch, allowing a final unrelated injury call to go unnoticed. So BOOM 8-0 and CCC Champions for the second straight year and third straight year in finals. We collected our victory cups, breathed a collective sigh of relief, and *snap snap* took that winning team picture! Now that was an incredibly hard day of ultimate and getting to see all the teams that we wanted was awesome. It was great to win, but this lion is starving.

For the next 7 months – not until the final game – The desire to win means nothing without the desire to prepare.

PS: News on the street is that the Bella Donna are wrecking some havoc on the women’s competition, getting their much desired revenge on Stanford from the National Semifinals in Columbus last spring. They will only be stronger this spring with the key pick-up Junior World’s dominator Georgia Bosscher. Coupled with superstars Holly G and Claire M, not to mention the-up-and-coming stars in Steph Knell and Courtney K, Wisconsin will have some strong leaders. Watch out ICUltimate, Bellas back.

Pictures - http://www.frameatatime.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=23

Hodag Tryouts

Join the 2006 National Finalist UW Hodags Ultimate Frisbee Team

Tryouts Begin Monday September 18th at University Bay Fields
Practices Will Be Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30pm

No Experience Necessary
Do you have a competitive nature??
Do you want to have a great time being part of an awesome team??

Come see what the Baby Blue is all about!!