Club Sectionals 2007.
That was my last tournament.
Wow. Early September 2007.
I can't even explain how excited I am for this tournament. More for myself than anything. I've been dying to play Ultimate competitively and can't wait.
It's been over a year since my last tournament, but I can still look at how my game has changed. I've become a lot more aggressive and I'm a lot more patient. My throws, especially my hucks and deep game, have gotten better. I've really focused on my fakes and release. And for me, I think they've really improved.
I'm ready.
As for the rest of the team...we're looking good. I've narrowed down the starting 5 for the O line, but still haven't figured out the next two. Practice was rough today with 3 of our starting handlers sitting out, so I'm not sure what to do. We put some guys into positions they're not comfortable with, but that's part of the game. We need guys to step into big positions whenever our stars go down. Most of the struggles started with the handlers and not positioning themselves. That shouldn't be a problem come Saturday morning, however, with our starting handlers back.
We're bringing 17 guys with us. And it's essentially split down the middle between O and D lines, which is good. We still have a lot to learn, but this a huge step in becoming a good team. A lot of these guys are out to prove something this fall and spring.
And they know it.
That's great to see. And I'm so pumped to be a part of it.
P-I-T-T
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Back in Black (and Blue)
I had one of these back in my freshman year, but got rid of it after the season. I should have kept it, but whatever. I figured I should have one of these chronicle what's going on with Pittsburgh's B-team as we fight for a spot at Regionals in 2009.
It's my first time having any serious leadership on a team. I've never coached before and never did much captaining, but things are looking good so far. From what I can tell, some of the vets are already impressed with practice turnout compared to last year. We are routinely getting close to 20 guys, if not more, out every Tuesday and Thursday. And even when the weather takes a turn for the worse, they still show up.
That's dedication. That's what this team needs to go somewhere in the spring.
A lot of the reasoning behind the increased commitment has to be because how the team is now organized. We have to two solid captains in myself and Trevor, who are handling practices and taking control of O and D lines. Asher is the unsung hero by organizing the money, tournaments and the like. There is a core of 5 or 6 guys who are assuming secondary leadership roles by helping out the rookies and throwing in input during team huddles and outside of practice. It's a good flow we have going now. It's just another part of what's going to make this team good.
As for the rookies, what can I say? Every one of them has made every effort to come to practice and are making huge strides in their game. Those who were cut from the A-team are dominating and showing why they'll be back in the running next season. The rest of the rookies are progressing nicely. I can already pick out 4 or 5 guys who, if they continue to practice and get better, will put up a fight for the A-team next year.
A lot of the vets have improved and are going to be instrumental in how this team finishes. They've all gotten better and have that never-give-up attitude.
As whole, it's making my job tough to figure out who will be the starting seven come gametime. And believe me, that's a good problem. Assuming a few more people who were off this semester come back in the spring and another 1 or 2 get cut from the A-team, we're going to have a solid B-team with the possibility of having to cut people off from attending a tournament.
Anyways, 3 months into my junior year and captain of the B-team, I have to say that I'm pleased with where we are. Very pleased.
It's my first time having any serious leadership on a team. I've never coached before and never did much captaining, but things are looking good so far. From what I can tell, some of the vets are already impressed with practice turnout compared to last year. We are routinely getting close to 20 guys, if not more, out every Tuesday and Thursday. And even when the weather takes a turn for the worse, they still show up.
That's dedication. That's what this team needs to go somewhere in the spring.
A lot of the reasoning behind the increased commitment has to be because how the team is now organized. We have to two solid captains in myself and Trevor, who are handling practices and taking control of O and D lines. Asher is the unsung hero by organizing the money, tournaments and the like. There is a core of 5 or 6 guys who are assuming secondary leadership roles by helping out the rookies and throwing in input during team huddles and outside of practice. It's a good flow we have going now. It's just another part of what's going to make this team good.
As for the rookies, what can I say? Every one of them has made every effort to come to practice and are making huge strides in their game. Those who were cut from the A-team are dominating and showing why they'll be back in the running next season. The rest of the rookies are progressing nicely. I can already pick out 4 or 5 guys who, if they continue to practice and get better, will put up a fight for the A-team next year.
A lot of the vets have improved and are going to be instrumental in how this team finishes. They've all gotten better and have that never-give-up attitude.
As whole, it's making my job tough to figure out who will be the starting seven come gametime. And believe me, that's a good problem. Assuming a few more people who were off this semester come back in the spring and another 1 or 2 get cut from the A-team, we're going to have a solid B-team with the possibility of having to cut people off from attending a tournament.
Anyways, 3 months into my junior year and captain of the B-team, I have to say that I'm pleased with where we are. Very pleased.
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