I got word about a week ago that I wasn't going to be put on the final Forge roster. And while it sucks that I didn't make the cut, it isn't unexpected. I missed three tournaments this summer. It's a shame that the three weekends I would have conflicts would be the three weekends that Forge had tournaments. That's how it goes, though, and I'll be alright.
I'm still invited to come practice with them, which is always a good thing. It will help me to keep on practicing for this fall when I make my push for the A-team.
Speaking of this upcoming fall, I've been working really hard this summer to get myself into the best shape possible. I go to the gym as often as possible (I try for at least 5 times per week) and have been throwing and learning a lot more strategy. I'm in the process of completing Air Alert III. I'm currently on week 11, so only a few more weeks to go. It'll be perfect timing for the fall season.
Because I'm not on the Forge roster now, I'm left with two options for club ultimate this year. My first option is to keep practicing with Forge and see if they take me on their team for the club series. The second option is to keep practicing with Forge and play with SwaggerU for the club series. Either way, it looks like I'll be playing with Forge whenever I can during the rest of the summer.
Looks like that's all for now on the personal level. I got back from Minnesota on Monday night after coaching Pittsburgh Impulse to a 3rd place finish at the Youth Club Championships. I know I said I'd make some posts about me coaching, but that never happened this summer. Maybe I'll get around to getting a post up recapping my summer as a coach.
That's all for now.
Gotta keep on working hard.
Showing posts with label Forge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forge. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Can you hear that? Pittsburgh's calling.
So, here's the Forge update: I still don't know.
Basically, the captains (Ben and Rob) have made their selection of guys for the team. Right now, the roster consists of 20 guys. Because I couldn't make the two previous tryout tournaments, I was given an extended tryout. Ben and Rob never said they'd take me, but they never said they wouldn't. Basically, my performance on the field and off the field workouts are going to decide whether they take 21 guys with them or leave it at 20.
Yeah, so, it's mid-July and I'm still not sure if I've made the Pittsburgh's club team yet. That doesn't bother me, though, because it only makes me want to work harder. I want Forge to want me on their team because they know I can bring something to them. It's how I'm approaching the situation and the team itself.
Because of this, my extended tryout was essentially this past weekend at Forge practice. Despite most of the guys being slightly hungover because of a party the night before, I felt that I had my best Forge practice/tryout to date. It was the first time that I felt confident a Forge practice. Playing against the best players in Pittsburgh didn't seem to phase me and I took chance when I felt the time was right and I gave it my all on defense.
Guess what. It paid off.
I caused a few turnovers on defense and score a couple goals. I also had a nice full field huck for a score during one of the scrimmages. It was a good feeling and now it leaves me hopeful for what my next step might be in terms of club Ultimate.
As always, I'll update as soon as I know more about my stay with Forge.
P.S. I know I said I'd post an update about coaching and Impulse, but I got busy with work. It's on my to-do list (thanks, Google) and hopefully there will be one in the next day or two.
Basically, the captains (Ben and Rob) have made their selection of guys for the team. Right now, the roster consists of 20 guys. Because I couldn't make the two previous tryout tournaments, I was given an extended tryout. Ben and Rob never said they'd take me, but they never said they wouldn't. Basically, my performance on the field and off the field workouts are going to decide whether they take 21 guys with them or leave it at 20.
Yeah, so, it's mid-July and I'm still not sure if I've made the Pittsburgh's club team yet. That doesn't bother me, though, because it only makes me want to work harder. I want Forge to want me on their team because they know I can bring something to them. It's how I'm approaching the situation and the team itself.
Because of this, my extended tryout was essentially this past weekend at Forge practice. Despite most of the guys being slightly hungover because of a party the night before, I felt that I had my best Forge practice/tryout to date. It was the first time that I felt confident a Forge practice. Playing against the best players in Pittsburgh didn't seem to phase me and I took chance when I felt the time was right and I gave it my all on defense.
Guess what. It paid off.
I caused a few turnovers on defense and score a couple goals. I also had a nice full field huck for a score during one of the scrimmages. It was a good feeling and now it leaves me hopeful for what my next step might be in terms of club Ultimate.
As always, I'll update as soon as I know more about my stay with Forge.
P.S. I know I said I'd post an update about coaching and Impulse, but I got busy with work. It's on my to-do list (thanks, Google) and hopefully there will be one in the next day or two.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Summer update
Wow. One month, no post.
Basically, I've been really busy lately with coaching, volunteer service trips and family vacation. But just because I've been all over the place doesn't mean I haven't been working hard.
I just finished week five of Air Alert and, wow, it's turning into a good workout. I can really feel my legs getting strong - not only when I jump but whenever I run and sprint, too. This could be one of the best leg workout programs I've done. I'm a big fan of it - for now. I still have 10 more weeks to go. I start week six on Tuesday. Going to be tough.
Unfortunately because of my travels lately, I couldn't make the last two tournaments for Forge (No Surf and Boston Invite). The problem? They were additional tryout tournaments. And although I already talked about tryout tournament mentality, it was almost necessary for me to make these tournaments if I wanted a roster spot on Forge. It's a shame I couldn't make the tournaments, but the final decision still hasn't been made. Hopefully I know soon.
As for other playing options...I will either see if I can get in on playing Steel Reserve, which is Pittsburgh's second open team, or see if I can play with Swagger U, a primarily all-Pitt club team. Not sure what's going to happen, but I'll update this when I know.
I'll have a post on coaching soon and hopefully another one or two by the middle of this month. Things will start to slow back down for me after the 14th, so I can begin posting more again.
Basically, I've been really busy lately with coaching, volunteer service trips and family vacation. But just because I've been all over the place doesn't mean I haven't been working hard.
I just finished week five of Air Alert and, wow, it's turning into a good workout. I can really feel my legs getting strong - not only when I jump but whenever I run and sprint, too. This could be one of the best leg workout programs I've done. I'm a big fan of it - for now. I still have 10 more weeks to go. I start week six on Tuesday. Going to be tough.
Unfortunately because of my travels lately, I couldn't make the last two tournaments for Forge (No Surf and Boston Invite). The problem? They were additional tryout tournaments. And although I already talked about tryout tournament mentality, it was almost necessary for me to make these tournaments if I wanted a roster spot on Forge. It's a shame I couldn't make the tournaments, but the final decision still hasn't been made. Hopefully I know soon.
As for other playing options...I will either see if I can get in on playing Steel Reserve, which is Pittsburgh's second open team, or see if I can play with Swagger U, a primarily all-Pitt club team. Not sure what's going to happen, but I'll update this when I know.
I'll have a post on coaching soon and hopefully another one or two by the middle of this month. Things will start to slow back down for me after the 14th, so I can begin posting more again.
Monday, June 8, 2009
CUT Recap and the Tryout Tournament Metality
Ended up going to CUT with only 27 guys because of last minute drops. Regardless, Forge struggled throughout the tournament to gain any momentum and win games. We ended up going 0-4 on Saturday and lost our only game - against Pike - on Sunday. Needless to say, it was rough.
Going to a tournament, and a tryout tournament at that, with so many players can be very difficult mentally on the players. I would say that most guys, myself included, didn't hurt a lot on Saturday night and that's because of the way the lines were run. And this is in no way a knock on the way the people calling lines, but imagine trying to gain momentum and stay in the tournament mental mode if you only play 1 or 2 points in a row and then sit for 5 or 6 points. It's very hard to stay focused and play with any rhythm or chemistry. But that happens at tryout tournaments.
Which leads me to how I approached and looked at CUT (but any tryout tournament, really). For me, trying out for a team and playing a tryout tournament is broken into two categories:
1. Preparation
2. Execution
That might sound cliche and broad, but it's pretty simple. Heading into this weekend, I prepared and told myself that I wasn't going to get a lot of playing time. In the end, I probably got about as much playing time as anybody else trying out and not "already on the team" but heading into the weekend, I didn't expect that. So without know how much I was going to play, I knew that this tournament was going to take desire, dedication and perfection. I knew that every point I was on (O, and especially on D) was going to need as much desire to get that disc. That meant sprinting when cutting and clearing, laying out when I needed to on D, making sure my throws 100% and to not go beyond my limits. That's how looked at this weekend. I mentally prepared myself for limited playing time, but knew that I needed to be perfect when on the field.
And as the tournament started out, I was right about limited playing time. I played three points in our first game against Ironside (13-6 loss), and despite not touching the disc once in the game (played all D points) I never let my guy get beat in. I didn't get any D's, but my guy was looked off on any incuts. It was solid play on my part, but I (and the rest of the team) wanted the win. As the day went on, I saw more and more playing time (upwards of 9, 10 or 11 points per game). Whether that is a result of my previous play or not, I don't know (but I can hope it is). As somebody trying out, it's important to keep track of your play so you know where you can improve and what your strengths are. In the end (and after a lot more playing time, especially in later rounds of the tournament) I threw away one disc, completed two hucks, turned in a layout D and improved my cutting and and fakes. Overall, I felt I played consistent. I didn't play spectacular or have layout catches for scores, but I didn't turn the disc over and I gave it my all every time I was on the field. I executed my plan to the best of my ability and had a good tournament.
What happens next with Forge, though, is up to the captains making the team. The next round of cuts will probably be over the course of the next week or so. I'll update when I know more.
Going to a tournament, and a tryout tournament at that, with so many players can be very difficult mentally on the players. I would say that most guys, myself included, didn't hurt a lot on Saturday night and that's because of the way the lines were run. And this is in no way a knock on the way the people calling lines, but imagine trying to gain momentum and stay in the tournament mental mode if you only play 1 or 2 points in a row and then sit for 5 or 6 points. It's very hard to stay focused and play with any rhythm or chemistry. But that happens at tryout tournaments.
Which leads me to how I approached and looked at CUT (but any tryout tournament, really). For me, trying out for a team and playing a tryout tournament is broken into two categories:
1. Preparation
2. Execution
That might sound cliche and broad, but it's pretty simple. Heading into this weekend, I prepared and told myself that I wasn't going to get a lot of playing time. In the end, I probably got about as much playing time as anybody else trying out and not "already on the team" but heading into the weekend, I didn't expect that. So without know how much I was going to play, I knew that this tournament was going to take desire, dedication and perfection. I knew that every point I was on (O, and especially on D) was going to need as much desire to get that disc. That meant sprinting when cutting and clearing, laying out when I needed to on D, making sure my throws 100% and to not go beyond my limits. That's how looked at this weekend. I mentally prepared myself for limited playing time, but knew that I needed to be perfect when on the field.
And as the tournament started out, I was right about limited playing time. I played three points in our first game against Ironside (13-6 loss), and despite not touching the disc once in the game (played all D points) I never let my guy get beat in. I didn't get any D's, but my guy was looked off on any incuts. It was solid play on my part, but I (and the rest of the team) wanted the win. As the day went on, I saw more and more playing time (upwards of 9, 10 or 11 points per game). Whether that is a result of my previous play or not, I don't know (but I can hope it is). As somebody trying out, it's important to keep track of your play so you know where you can improve and what your strengths are. In the end (and after a lot more playing time, especially in later rounds of the tournament) I threw away one disc, completed two hucks, turned in a layout D and improved my cutting and and fakes. Overall, I felt I played consistent. I didn't play spectacular or have layout catches for scores, but I didn't turn the disc over and I gave it my all every time I was on the field. I executed my plan to the best of my ability and had a good tournament.
What happens next with Forge, though, is up to the captains making the team. The next round of cuts will probably be over the course of the next week or so. I'll update when I know more.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Getting Ready for CUT
My first tournament with a good club team. Gonna feel good playing this weekend.
Forge is take 33 (34?) guys to the Cazenovia Ultimate Tournament in New York.
I feel like I'm ready for it. I had some good tryouts and practice this past Sunday wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. Playing Ultimate while sick is not a fun thing to do. Really slows down reaction time, even if you try to fight it. I guess I know how Malkin felt last year in the Stanley Cup Finals when he had the flu for a month.
Anyways, my cutting, throws and defense have all gotten better since I started playing with these guys. It's amazing what playing against good players does to you. If you want to get better at Ultimate, you have to play against (with) better players. Simple as that.
After this tournament, players will be cut so the final roster is produced. A lot of guys playing in this tournament, so I have to make sure I make the most of the points I do get to play. I can't afford any errors this weekend. 100% throws. Layout D's. Patience.
I'll update Forge scores this weekend on Twitter, so follow me if you want.
Forge is take 33 (34?) guys to the Cazenovia Ultimate Tournament in New York.
I feel like I'm ready for it. I had some good tryouts and practice this past Sunday wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. Playing Ultimate while sick is not a fun thing to do. Really slows down reaction time, even if you try to fight it. I guess I know how Malkin felt last year in the Stanley Cup Finals when he had the flu for a month.
Anyways, my cutting, throws and defense have all gotten better since I started playing with these guys. It's amazing what playing against good players does to you. If you want to get better at Ultimate, you have to play against (with) better players. Simple as that.
After this tournament, players will be cut so the final roster is produced. A lot of guys playing in this tournament, so I have to make sure I make the most of the points I do get to play. I can't afford any errors this weekend. 100% throws. Layout D's. Patience.
I'll update Forge scores this weekend on Twitter, so follow me if you want.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Forge Update
Got word yesterday that I made the first round of cuts for Forge. Not sure of the exact roster, but my guess says it's somewhere around 28-30 guys still on the team and that the next round of cuts will put the roster to 20-22. Still a lot of work to be done, but it feels good have made such a good team.
Up next is C.U.T. in New York from June 6-7. Should be a great test of where I actually stand on this team. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good tryout. I felt good out there and felt like I was competing with the best. Hopefully my defensive presence is something that continues to shine on this team. That's definitely one my strengths.
Other than the Forge announcement, not much is happening. I start "coaching" TRUC next week. Already 40 guys signed up and hoping to get another 15 or so over the week. Can't wait for it.
On the injury front, the groin is still an issue, especially during Saturday of the second weekend of tryouts. I think the only way to combat this issue is to make sure I ice it the night before practices/tournaments. That seemed to work last time. Anybody have any other ideas? It sucks.
That's all for now. Heading to Columbus in a couple hours to watch Pitt at College Nationals. Should be a great time.
Up next is C.U.T. in New York from June 6-7. Should be a great test of where I actually stand on this team. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a good tryout. I felt good out there and felt like I was competing with the best. Hopefully my defensive presence is something that continues to shine on this team. That's definitely one my strengths.
Other than the Forge announcement, not much is happening. I start "coaching" TRUC next week. Already 40 guys signed up and hoping to get another 15 or so over the week. Can't wait for it.
On the injury front, the groin is still an issue, especially during Saturday of the second weekend of tryouts. I think the only way to combat this issue is to make sure I ice it the night before practices/tournaments. That seemed to work last time. Anybody have any other ideas? It sucks.
That's all for now. Heading to Columbus in a couple hours to watch Pitt at College Nationals. Should be a great time.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Not Ultimate, but WOO!
So, this is one of the few times I'll post a non-Ultimate entry.
But, damn, I love Pittsburgh.
Go Pens!
But as for Ultimate, Pittsburgh Impulse 2009 and more Forge updates to come later this week. I've literally been running a hard mile everyday and doing a good abs workouts (8 minute abs), so I'm hoping my core is getting better. We'll know come Forge tryouts.
But for now...Go Pens!
But, damn, I love Pittsburgh.
Go Pens!
But as for Ultimate, Pittsburgh Impulse 2009 and more Forge updates to come later this week. I've literally been running a hard mile everyday and doing a good abs workouts (8 minute abs), so I'm hoping my core is getting better. We'll know come Forge tryouts.
But for now...Go Pens!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Forge take two and working hard
Day two of Forge tryouts took place last Sunday. It was a pretty good day, with an intrasquad scrimmage at noon and then a scrimmage against Pitt at 2.
During the Pitt scrimmage, I was talking with Wes about my ultimate career right now and said something pretty cool to me:
"If you play for Forge, you can be more than just a role-player on Pitt-A next year, you can be a player."
I think that's an important piece of advice, and I'm going to follow that (not just Forge, but working hard) this summer. I'm ready for the A-team. It's been 4 years coming.
Anyways, the night before, I iced off-and-on my groin injury and it apparently worked. I played to two intense scrimmages and walked away sore on Sunday, but no injury.
Right now, we're in the midst of a two-week break before another tryout weekend the 16th and 17th. I believe it will be run very similar to this past tryout.
In the meantime, I'm working on sprint workouts, going to the gym when I can and throwing as much as possible. It's the summer, I can do this.
Not much else to talk about personally on the Forge end.
During the Pitt scrimmage, I was talking with Wes about my ultimate career right now and said something pretty cool to me:
"If you play for Forge, you can be more than just a role-player on Pitt-A next year, you can be a player."
I think that's an important piece of advice, and I'm going to follow that (not just Forge, but working hard) this summer. I'm ready for the A-team. It's been 4 years coming.
Anyways, the night before, I iced off-and-on my groin injury and it apparently worked. I played to two intense scrimmages and walked away sore on Sunday, but no injury.
Right now, we're in the midst of a two-week break before another tryout weekend the 16th and 17th. I believe it will be run very similar to this past tryout.
In the meantime, I'm working on sprint workouts, going to the gym when I can and throwing as much as possible. It's the summer, I can do this.
Not much else to talk about personally on the Forge end.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Forge tryouts started
First day of Forge tryouts today. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yeah, six hours with an hour break around 1. It was a long day, but I definitely knew that going into the day. Hell, I wouldn't be trying out if I didn't think I could make it.
And speaking of making Forge, there's a saying I've heard a couple times that I don't quite understand. It goes something like this:
"I don't think I'll make the team, but I'm just going to tryouts to get better."
It's not the last part of that sentence that frustrates me, it's the first. Regardless if you'll make the team, you should head into any tryout expecting to make the team. You should give it your all and show the captains/coaches that you deserve to be on the team. If you walk into a tryout and aren't 100% sure that you can make the team, then you won't be giving 100% when you're trying out. There's no way around that. If you don't think you can make a team, especially one as competitive as Forge, you will always have that in the back of your mind and won't be trying your hardest. I've seen it in a few players on different levels.
I've even done this before, back when I started out at Pitt as a freshman. And even as I continued to make cut after cut during the fall, I never thought I'd be make the A-team come spring. And sure enough, I wasn't giving 100% and didn't make the last cut.
Anyways, Forge tryouts were intense, but nobody said it would be easy. A lot of good drills that tested different aspects of the game with intrasquad scrimmages to three between every drill or so. I was definitely able to showcase a few of my skills (my speed in the beginning and my throws in the second half).
On the injury front, the groin problem showed back up. Very tough and painful to start accelerate. I was able to get some good step-outs on my throws, but I could definitely feel it.
Tomorrow: Intrasquad scrimmage at 12 p.m. and then scrimmage against Pitt-A at 2 p.m. We'll see how the groin feels and gauge how much I play on that.
And speaking of making Forge, there's a saying I've heard a couple times that I don't quite understand. It goes something like this:
"I don't think I'll make the team, but I'm just going to tryouts to get better."
It's not the last part of that sentence that frustrates me, it's the first. Regardless if you'll make the team, you should head into any tryout expecting to make the team. You should give it your all and show the captains/coaches that you deserve to be on the team. If you walk into a tryout and aren't 100% sure that you can make the team, then you won't be giving 100% when you're trying out. There's no way around that. If you don't think you can make a team, especially one as competitive as Forge, you will always have that in the back of your mind and won't be trying your hardest. I've seen it in a few players on different levels.
I've even done this before, back when I started out at Pitt as a freshman. And even as I continued to make cut after cut during the fall, I never thought I'd be make the A-team come spring. And sure enough, I wasn't giving 100% and didn't make the last cut.
Anyways, Forge tryouts were intense, but nobody said it would be easy. A lot of good drills that tested different aspects of the game with intrasquad scrimmages to three between every drill or so. I was definitely able to showcase a few of my skills (my speed in the beginning and my throws in the second half).
On the injury front, the groin problem showed back up. Very tough and painful to start accelerate. I was able to get some good step-outs on my throws, but I could definitely feel it.
Tomorrow: Intrasquad scrimmage at 12 p.m. and then scrimmage against Pitt-A at 2 p.m. We'll see how the groin feels and gauge how much I play on that.
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