2001 UPA CHAMPIONSHIPS
OPEN PREVIEW

Teams Listed in Seed Order

1. Condors

Throughout the late 90's the Condors were underrated and overlooked, usually in favor of their northern California counterparts. And over that time they made three straight finals appearances, finally winning last year to return the glory and championship trophy to an historic team now in its 26^th year. They are a team with a lot of pride and a lot of heart and are prepared to defend their crown.

"Everybody on the team is probably in the greatest shape of their lives," says one player, "We worked harder this year and used a workout program designed for Ultimate by the UCSB trainer. There are very specific skills for footwork, speed, and jumping -- all related directly to playing."

One aspect of the game that will be different this year for the tightly regimented Condors (even though they play without calling subs) is their mental relaxation. Will they be too stiff to handle the pressure of defending the Cup?

"The thing that hurt us about losing Hammond was that he brought levity to the team in 2000. Now I'm the goofball -- but Hammond was way funnier than me," says noted talker Corey Sanford.

Regardless, Andy Crews, Steve Dugan, Greg Husak, James Studarus and all the rest are back and ready as ever. Its tough to pin down what makes this team so successful and even tougher to beat them on the field.

 

INSIDE-OUT: A documentary film crew has been filming the team all season and will be in Sarasota on the sidelines to cover the Condors in their quest to repeat.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Chris Gavigan or JD Lobue (both play O and D more than others)

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Originally I had put "Jason Seidler" in here because that throw that essentially won the finals for the Condors last year should have been a turnover. But you will rarely find any Condor player in the negative after a game.

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Corey Sanford/ Tommy Burfiend. Poor 6'5" Tommy has really come into his own as a great offensive and defensive player. He played a great regionals final, but was nutmegged by Will Deaver for a score in that game and is thus an easy target for heckling. Perhaps even more fun can be had by insulting Sanford until he responds back.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: John "the Kid" Hammond moved to Seattle. Ryan Nation may still be hurt. Shep rejoins the team.

PREDICTED FINISH: Every year everyone always picks them lower than they should be. So why not again? I'll say lose in Finals, but suggest that they could be upset in semis.

 

2. Jam

Fleet-footed and smooth-talking Josh Faust is still in charge of these Bay Area bad boys and is looking once again to take the team to the promised land at Nationals (familiar ground for Faust who helped guide three Sockeye teams to finals, New York to semis in 1998, and Jam to semis last year.)

Last year's Plink-o offense, which involved not hucking the disc and instead relying on short, quick passes, was partially shelved this year in favor of variety. Now they run the Plink-o maybe 50% of the time according to Faust. Additionally, they are making sure to put some of their best all-around players on offense and defense to make sure that they can score off turnovers.

Additionally, Jam has adopted the subbing strategy from their southern arch-rivals and does not call substitutions, according to Faust. This keeps players fresh and in control of their own game.

Players to watch out for are still Kevin Beck, Faust and Damien on defense, and Damien, Big Jim, Toaster, Seth, Biscuit and Mike Payne on offense.

About Nationals competition, Faust says "I'm sure Boston will still be the team to beat. They are way underrated at the #3 seed. We are very overrated at the #2 seed."

 

INSIDE-OUT: Faust likes to say that Alex Nord is on the roster but Alex Nord is not on the roster. Faust also says the team will not be destroying any hotel accommodations this year, claiming that the departed Worm and Hoover were responsible for "95% of the damage." As a safeguard, Josh assures me that the team also "stopped doing acid."

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Damien Scott

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Is John Shelton playing?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Faust. Faust has apparently turned the other cheek this year, losing the "asshole" persona (to quote him) in favor of a new Zen attitude. As perfect a target for heckling as you are likely to find.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Karlinsky moved further North, Worm and Hoover relegated to DC. South African phenom still around, as is Cribber (!).

PREDICTED FINISH: Semis

 

3. DoG

"Every year we throw a retirement party for Mooney and he stays around. This year we didn't have a retirement party. I haven't seen Mooney around so I'm assuming he really is retired." Says newfound offensive captain Nathaniel "Wiggity" Wicks.

Billy Rodriguez is taking more charge of the team's strategy this year while always-dangerous Jim Parinella has taken a backseat to guiding the team, focusing instead on his play. Forch remains another voice in the huddle for this dangerous team.

As usual, says Wicks, "been working on zone a fair bit." It showed at Regionals where their zone was very effective in stymying New York. A windy weekend in Sarasota could prove advantageous to Dog (and the Condors).

But perhaps more importantly, the team has worked hard on finding a method for the offense to handle the straight-up progressive defense played successfully by the Condors in their semifinal last year. Dog has implemented the straight-up force (or "prevent huck") in order to train their offense how to successfully maneuver against it.

"I don't know if we are going to win. I know we are in the hunt. I feel that our D is better than it is in years, " says Wicks and adds, " I feel that people are a lot hungrier."

As always, Dog will rely on "dictating the flow of the game" by showing numerous defensive sets and relying on an offense that works on the philosophy of "take what they give you."

Pardon me, I just received my copy of Zagats.

Also don't forget to watch out for "great athlete" Rob Barrett with "amazing closing speed."

 

INSIDE-OUT: The team still does an amount of push-ups after practices that is determined by group ro-sham-bo (sounds kinky, eh?)

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Forch

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Tough one here. Maybe rookie Ville.

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Forch. Still smarting from being lauded as "our hero" in 1999, For-chew-not is an easy target to mock.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: No Mooney, Jeff Brown (injured), Brian Cameros, Paul Greff, Bob Lobel or Lenny Engel. Ville from Finland joins the team, as well as Justin Hughes (formerly with Ring), Dillon and Dutchie from Dartmouth. Zack rejoins the team. Seeger is back

PREDICTED FINISH: Finals

 

4. Bonzi

Already famous for naming their team after former Hoosier Bonzi Wells, now a sparkplug guard for the Blazers, this team should bring some fire of their own to the show. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get hold of their team, so what you see here is quotes from other teams and some heresy mixed in.

"Brian Linkfield is the man. Everybody is scared of him and rightfully so. You can watch him all game and still do nothing to stop him."

"Steve Finn is big for them and some guy named Sonaton. I don't know who he is, where he came from, but he's a freakin' athlete"

"They have a bunch of amazing role players -- faceless, nameless, and all their names end in 'er.' Bouncer, Tweaker, Freaker, Gunner, Launcher, Prancer…"

They get very fired-up to play and show a lot of heart. That's how they beat Furious - they got in a gunfight. Won on a huck to Linkfield. Unfortunately they'll probably lose to Furious 8 out of 10 games. Their weakness is that they are young and will turn over the disc."

THE INSIDE-OUT: I met Brian Linkfield at 2000 College nationals in Boise. He was coaching the Oregon women's team. After the last finals game ended I was hanging around watching the boys from my alma mater Notre Dame play a massive game of 500. Maybe 10-15 shaggy-haired domers were involved in chasing down the disc. I was talking to Linkfield when all of a sudden he bolted away and ran into the crowd of college students he doesn't know. The disc was up in the air and like a trained dog he couldn't resist the urge to chase it down and try to sky someone. Afterwards he jogged back and walked around nonchalantly for two minutes. Then without warning he would rush into the game again and curse to himself loudly when he failed to get the disc. This guy has plastic running through his veins.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Linkfield

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Linkfield. Make sure to note his connections to those famous hecklers from Wilmington North Carolina.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Don't know.

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters

 

5. Furious George

Dave Samuels says they are ready as ever to make this year the big breakthrough for Canada. I wouldn't be surprised. Sneaking into 5^th place was probably not such a bad idea. They lost to Portland at Regionals by failing to close the door early and then failing to get a late-game turnover out of the young guns. But they were also missing Kirk Savage, Andrew Lugsdin and Jon Gewirtz from that game for various reasons.

They are not sounding very afraid of a rematch with Portland in Pool Play and should be able to defeat them in the last game of the day en route to a strong bid to make semis.

"They are a scary team because they have so many ways to beat you," says one NW player. That may be true. From talking to Andrew Lugsdin, it is apparent that Furious feels they are only improving as a team, notwithstanding last year's "disappointing" Finals loss.

"We have a little more polish. We used to some weaknesses against the zone but now we have an excellent zone O. Our defensive transition O has improved and we've added more sophisticated defensive looks," says Lugsdin.

One thing opponents will notice is that big-play receiver Mike Grant has added a huck to his game and has become a consistent thrower and deep threat for Furious.

"Mike has a big gun, he's our second biggest hucker behind Jeff Cruickshank," credits Lugsdin.

The team is still captained by Lugsdin while Shank, Mike Grant and Jonathan "Span" Woolridge form the junta and Evan Wood and Al Nichols call subs. Lugsdin believes that all last year's semifinalists (Condors, Jam, Dog) are all capable of winning the tournament this year and should once again make semis.

 

THE INSIDE-OUT:

Monday Afternoon, three days before the tournament begins:

Me: "So, are you guys prepared for the early AM games?"

Andrew Lugsdin: 'Well, its just a matter of being, um, professional about it and getting your body awake. Wait, what times do the games start?"

Me: "8:30 Eastern Standard Time"

Andrew Lugsdin: "Wow, that is early. Well to be honest, we've never been much of a morning team."

Me: "Who do you play?"

Andrew: "Um, I don't know. Who do we play?"

-- he searches his memory --

Andrew: "Oh, OK, Big Ass Truck."

Me: "You know, I heard they like to huck it."

Andrew: "Laughs. Well, that's fine with us!"



FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Mike Grant or Cruickshank

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Gewirtz (he'll play out even)

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Gewirtz. He's probably a lot less irascible these days, but still a proven heckler's favorite.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Free agent Greg Shiring has moved to a new team. Lugsdin has supposedly been nursing a hurt back, but will be playing in Sarasota. Savage and Gewirtz had hamstring problems at Regionals but should be ok. D player Mike Enz blew out his knee early in the season and is out. Mitch Scott and Khai Foo are taking sabbaticals from the team. Picked up Anthony Mailey from Toronto.

PREDICTED FINISH: Finals

 

6. Ring of Fire

A youth movement has emerged from Raleigh-Durham as former college champs Chris Hinkle and Kris Bass join Tim Brooks in captaining the team. Augie has chosen to play with the co-ed team Griffins. Robbye "river" Brooks is still there.

According to Bass, "We tried a lot of different things this year and had some growing pains. But that's all part of it. We did not do so well at Chicago but that gave us something to build off of."

"We're looking to peak in about three of four days," chuckles Bass. " We have lots of weapons in the bag. We'll see if we can catch some people by surprise with different offenses. We're confident."

Last year Ring lost a heartbreaker to San Francisco (a Nationals rivalry that has gone both ways over the past five years) after a miraculous "greatest play." This year they are looking forward to the rematch in pool play.

Ray Parrish may be one of their biggest deep threats.



THE INSIDE-OUT: Bass and Hinkle are cool customers and if they can get this team confident and fired-up at the right times, they will be a dangerous opponent.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Tim Brooks or Ray Parrish

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Chris Hinkle. Hinkle is a gentleman and a scholar but on the field he sometimes get a little rowdy. Easy target.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Flashy D player Brent Shannon now plays with Jam, Justin Hughes with Boston, Augie is gone, Brian Snyder moved to Oregon. Picked up new reliable talent from Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State.

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters



7. Florida

Wow. I just read about that fight with Doublewide down Regionals-way. Maybe it was the air in Sarasota? Whatever the case, we know these Florida guys have long been a contentious, hard-playing team. I am sure they love to tangle and take down the more polished and prissy Nationals teams, just to show where they're at.

This year they apparently still run the effective 4-man cup (pioneered in South Bend, Indiana in 1982) and doubleteam right off the bat, forcing teams to make the call. I have been told that Butch Brown has stepped up his game and of course you must watch out for Dan DePaul. Pony and Billy from Houstin have picked up as free agents.

THE INSIDE-OUT: Homecourt advantage!

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Pony or Dan DePaul

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Sarasota hero Butch Brown is always a good target.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Added Pony (Jason Calvi) and Billy

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters

 

8. Sockeye

Lou Burruss will not be stopped! Back in action with a gritty team that will not go away. Good for them, spurning a host of free agents that are always in the area. With so much talent and so many strong teams in the region, it is not always easy to stay steady and not succumb to the urge to put together or join an all-star pickup team like 1999's BoG.

That's really all I know about these guys. John "The Kid" Hammond, the big playmaker from the Condors last year joins the Fish as he moved up to the Emerald City to chase a girl (or so they say).

Sam and Jeremy are supposed to be the guys who throw a lot of goals for the team.


THE INSIDE-OUT: Sockeye does not have Alex Nord on its roster either, but Sockeye would like to have Alex Nord on its roster.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Hammond

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Hammond. The girl is a good place to start, or maybe you can try to get him to repeat last year's performance.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: John Hammond joins. I don't know who else.

PREDICTED FINISH: Pre-quarters

 

9. Electric Pig

Maybe the DC area has finally gotten the right combination to make a legitimate run at semis? Adding free agents Corky, Worm and Hoover seems like a very good idea. They also gained some height over the season, which is important. Obviously Corky will help deep too.

Early in the season as CBASS they were not particularly impressive, but some wins at Tune-Up helped and the additional players are a plus. Played a close game at Regionals in finals loss to Ring.

"Definitely have a good team," says a Ring player. " A loft more firepower with offensive guys Worm and Hoover and they added a few new strategies."


THE INSIDE-OUT: The original Electric Pig made nationals in 1991. The last DC team to make semis was Chesapeake in 1994.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Corky?

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Corky. He is a storied player from a storied team. Once the icon of the contentiousness between the New York, New York and Death or Glory dynasties: in 1997 he was arguably the most dangerous player in the game. Can be hotheaded on the field, although a nice guy off.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Lost Ben Pauker (moved to New York and plays there). Gained Corky from Boston and Worm and Hoover from San Francisco. Opie from Madison joins fellow alum Ben Cohen.

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters

 

10. New York

Removed Bombsquad name after the WTC tragedy. In fact, several players on the team were witnesses to the attack. Regardless, the team and the community remains healthy and intact and New York is hoping to gain a spot into quarters this year and maybe make a surprise run into semis.

It will be tough. Although several members of the old guard are still bringing that old NYNY magic and several young guys are stepping up big, the team still lacks a definitive flash that may be necessary to win the big games.

They run and train as hard as anyone and have a large, capable squad. But sometimes it seems that only a few players can step it up in the big important games. However, any number of them can be "the man" in any given game, so it will be extremely difficult for an opposing team to focus on just a few main players to shut down.

New York likes its chances as coming in under the radar for Nationals and are prepared for the competition. "Florida is really the watershed game for us. We played a little bit of 8 Vs 7 at practice to simulate a very aggressive 4-man cup," says Rob Alpen.

"We're excited to play everyone at Nationals. We're in great shape. Conditioning has been big for us," says Marty, "And with everything that's happened recently we want to represent New York the way it should be represented."

Marty and Lars are calling the shots. Chicken Joe, Walter and Dave Cult are notable veterans. Elijah is a bigger part of the offense, J Dono, Matt Tracy and Alpen command the defense.



THE INSIDE-OUT: Might have peaked early in the season. Need a strong Nationals showing to prove themselves.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Rob Alpen

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Rob Alpen. What can I say? The way I see it, the team wins with super-fast defender Alpen or loses with him. During summer league he was a turnover machine, but it always seemed like he would get it back by making a sick defensive play.

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Rob Alpen. Heckling Rob should prove a fun pastime. He may be wholly unprepared for an onslaught of "not a thrower" calls. Another fun one to pick on is Arnold Sanchez. Really the possibilities for creative insults are endless with Sanchez. Ask Dobyns for a cheat sheet.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Added Ben Pauker. Arnold Sanchez returned. Marty Brutvan returned from a devastating car accident to continue guiding the team (see Adam Zagoria's column in the newsletter to read about Marty).

PREDICTED FINISH: Pre-quarters

 

11. Madison

13 off 22 players are going to be playing spring ultimate this year for the College team, so that makes this team probably the youngest going in. But adding veteran leadership and skills in Ron Kubulanza is a huge plus.

Co-captain Dave "Chipper " Markwardt likes to credit Kubulanza's presence as a reason they won regionals and are looking forward to a successful Nationals. "Madison ultimate has always been a real cut back offense. We used to get shut down a lot with the comebacks and never really had the great long throwers. Kubulanza helps us in that area."

Don't look to their Tune-up appearance as a good indicator of the strength of the team. With all the college kids on the squad, an early-season tournament like Tune-up is really just a meet-and-greet for them.

Defensively, the fresh legs provide speed and blocks on the man-to-man. Defensive handler Rhubis Crowley provides the scoring threat after turnovers, along with Kevin Brunett and Charlie Reznikoff.

For pool play, Madison will provide an interesting matchup with Ring. Says Chipper, "the game will be decided by whichever veteran group of players plays better."



THE INSIDE-OUT: Traditionally, as befitting Wisconsin culture, Madison players like to drink a lot of beer.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Kubulanza

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: Pick a college kid

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Call everyone on the team "Opie" and see how long it takes before one of them gets upset.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Added Kubulanza. Always lose a handful of college players every year.

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters?



12. Johnny Bravo

"The scariest team out there," says a Condor player. Well, maybe its about time. With the talent out in Colorado it has long been a mystery why this team always seems to fare poorly at Nationals, even while the Colorado masters team wins the whole show.

So perhaps this could be a good year for them in a quest to make quarters and maybe upset Bonzi just for kicks. Having 6'10" Mike Madzinski is a definite advantage as few people will be able to successfully guard him and his presence will draw poachers and otherwise occupy top defenders.

Will Deaver is getting high praise from the SW for his Regionals play and should spark it up again down in Florida. Better hope that he not preoccupied with helping to run the tournament however.

THE INSIDE-OUT: That Will Deaver nutmeg throw!

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Madzinski

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Will Deaver. Or perhaps you can get on Mark "Poster Boy" Driver.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: ?

PREDICTED FINISH: Quarters if they can upset Bonzi as the bookies seem to like.

 

13. Big Ass Truck

"Well I know that Big Ass is Eric," says Chipper from Wisconsin.

"He's tough to get around, and he's got great throws. Heck, they named the team after him," confirmed Steve Steury from Sub Zero.

Personally, I used to play with and against Eric, the erstwhile leader of Truck. He's a very sneaky player with great hands and nice puts.

"They play a good transition game. Arcing hucks on turnovers and getting behind the defense. They throw IO and bladey hucks just beyond reach. But they are not a handler team and aren't going to handle if they don't need to," says a Central rep.

The team is led by Little Rickey, who apparently provides a living as an inspirational speaker. His leadership of the team has done them well. A fast kid named Pool is a tough guard. Chris York will go deep and score points.



THE INSIDE-OUT: Why does Michigan still have its own section?

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Chris York.

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Eric. For being the Big Ass in Big Ass Truck.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Lost Tim Murray from last year's team to Sub Zero. Chris York rejoins the team.

PREDICTED FINISH: Consolation pool

 

14. Sub Zero

Lost some key players from last year's squad and overused Eric "Turtle" Lonsdorf at Regionals but only lost by 1 or 2 to Madison's hard runners. May be in a rebuilding year, but I wouldn't count them out so easily. Still have veteran experience on the team, especially with Steve Steury, Turtle, Dave Boardman, Dan Rydell, Mark Severt and Paco.

Several fast Carleton kids have joined the lineup and they primarily count on 01 grad Alex Masulis to connect with Turtle on hucks.

12 young players round out the roster. Addition of Tim Murray gives them a capable big-play receiver.



THE INSIDE-OUT: Alex Nord still owes team dues from last year. Alex, are you reading? Pony up big dog!

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Turtle

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE:?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Go after Randy Gage for gakking the game winner against Madison at Regionals.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Sam O'Brien sliced his index finger and will not be playing. 6'9" Josh Wilhelm is not playing this year. Did not keep Alex Nord in town. Got Tim Murray from BAT.

PREDICTED FINISH: Consolation pool



15. Warriors

Mike G and crew outhustled everyone at Regionals, losing narrowly to Ring and Pig. Defeated Ring twice this year. Always a well-coached team, at least for Mike keeping up the intensity level and focusing his players. Fast and sneaky guys like Tully Beatty and Andrew Zeldin provide experience and handling skills. Presumably Rhett Russ plays for the team and maybe Broc Adams too.

THE INSIDE-OUT: ?

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Tully

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: Duh. Mike G. Don't be afraid of any taunt, retort, or even trapping him in the Joy's John. He can dish it out and he can take it too.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: ?

PREDICTED FINISH: Consolation pool

 

16. Doublewide

A Houston/Austin combination team. Some players from the Houndz glory days include Sean McCall and Calvin Lin. Not a bad team, but have not apparently picked up any of the Texas A&M college kids. Although a combo, players have played together over the years and know each other well. Could surprise a few people.

THE INSIDE-OUT: Who was the player that spiked a disc on someone's forehead in the Florida game? Is that true? If so, watch out for that guy.

FANTASY PICK POSITIVE: Seanymac

FANTASY PICK NEGATIVE: ?

BEST PLAYER TO HECKLE: That guy who spiked the disc on someone's forehead.

LOSSES/GAINS/ INJURIES: Pony to Florida. Did not get Harriford.

PREDICTED FINISH: Consolation Pool

Open Final Write-Up

I called up a few old friends to write these previews. For the most part I was accurate, although Sub Zero certainly finished above their "consolation pool" as I lamely predicted. Apparently they used this piece as a little motivation. The whole shebang was written and paid for by Ultimate Life Magazine, www.UltyLife.com.

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