Yet more ultimate talk...things have gone really well for Chilly thus far at the National Championships. We're undefeated so far, down to the final 4 teams (2 of whom we've already beat this tourney), and feeling good about our chances. The other team we haven't faced, "Barefoot" (Sydney-based), is built around largely the same core of players that formed "Thong", which those with good memories will remember upset Chilly in the semifinals of Worlds in November. If going for 3 straight nationals championships wasn't enough motivation, the prospect of beating those guys adds more than enough.
I'm pretty happy with how I've played in the tournament so far. I've scored a fair number of points through either receiving or throwing the disc, and with one or two exceptions I'm reasonably pleased with the defense that I've played too. My role on the team is largely to be a constant threat on offense (both through throwing and running the guy guarding me all over the field) and provide some hard, tight defense. I haven't had too many blocks this tourney, but I feel like I'm really stepping into a leadership role. It's been good fun, I love playing with the guys on our team, and if anything is bad about today it is that tomorrow it's all over. If things go well, we'll have a national championship and a lot of partying before that happens...
It's been great to have dad (a.k.a. The Rog) here, and he's been a big hit on the sidelines. He's seen me play games before, but he's never been to a full tournament and hung out on the sidelines with everyone to this degree. At last night's party (I was restricted mostly to ice water, unfortunately!), a bunch of people told me how "cool your dad is", etc. If you know my dad, you won't be surprised. Most of the time such a comment was followed by amazement, both by the speaker and me, that such a fun set of parents could result in a boring sod like me. :)
Off to the fields now, excited and nervous, knowing that the next 8 hours of the day will be pretty pivotal in the memories and athletic motivation I take from this tourney, as well as the overall impression I make within the ultimate community. With selections for the World Ultimate (country-based, rather than club-based like Perth) Championships in Vancouver 2008 not too far away, the last part is both important and too general to be my first priority at this stage. Updates to follow!
Congrats! Go Chilly:) Hope your dad has fun at the post party!
Posted by: Carrie | April 25, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Good luck dude!
Posted by: Ben Flood | April 26, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Yo! Not surprised that you are taking the Aussie Ultimate scene by storm. UVa Ultimate Alum making good. Keep it up. Cheers.
Posted by: Daniel | April 27, 2007 at 10:59 AM