Send 'em To Hell - Regionals 2008

The 2008 Great Lakes Open Regional Championships
Detroit, MI
April 26th - 27th

As mentioned before, on this very blog, there were egregious amounts of exciting plots being played out this weekend in Detroit during the 2008 Great Lakes Regional Championships. For some, the weekend was a resounding success. For some others, the weekend signified a catastrophic meltdown. It was intense, well fought, and exciting for all. To be one of the final 16, from all of Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, to still be standing, duking it out, is an accomplishment in itself. But being happy with that accomplishment, and wanting to do more, is in the end, what separates the men from the boys.

FRIDAY NIGHT

Ghetto Force embarked for Detroit in the early evening hours on Friday. The team caravan, leaving in 5 cars, made a pit stop en route to Michigan at the Elzey residence, where the classy men of Ghetto were graciously treated to delicious brats, burgers, and quite possibly the best, prepackaged store bought chocolate chip cookies ever. The Kozby Kid managed a 4 course meal on cookies alone. Luckily, with the arrival of the Chosen Son Evan Corcoran, everyone was treated to a nice desert of Penguin Hockey. Backed with lively debates about how Mario Lemieux would kill Wayne Gretzky in a bar fight, a final goal and an exciting Penguin win prefaced the weekend with some good vibes. Repping Squirrel Hill, Corco's weekend was off to a swell start.

As the train of D-I Ultimate athletes (yes, D-I ONU) left the wonderful hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Elzey, everyone embarked for the Motel 6 in Michigan. Everyone arrived swiftly, save for some nasty traffic which was only properly navigated by Joel Brand...who bypassed the clogging by utilizing crafty illegal u-turns and the cutting off of irate mini-vans while careening by Eminem's house on 8-Mile road. Nonetheless, the team arrived safe and sound, and Shanikwa promptly checked us in under the Motel 6 guarantee of getting your room key in under two hours.

While guys dropped their bags off, everyone reconvened in Papa Corc's room for the ceremonial Pre-Regional talk. A team sporting only 4 losses, Ghetto Force had set a high goal from August of 2007 - to make Top 8 at the Regional Championships. With that goal firmly in place, Steely Corc embarked on a whimsical talk about using Jedi-Defensive powers to bring the Noob Stamp. Unfortunately, the loss of Jeffrey Giese, who was hanging out with living Saint Donna Giese, left everyone thinking of what awkward comment Kid Ic would say at that moment. Realizing the team needed to focus, the Secret Weapon was revealed. Over-nighted from Sir Budd Nerone in Colorado, (for a whopping $16.00) the surprise Secret Weapon was brought into the room still contained in its original Federal Express packaging. Corboy, the guardian of the secret, began to read the hand written note Budd had included. Touching on subjects ranging from Hoover Vaccuums to 11th Edition Rules Committee members, somehow Budd's voice rang through and spoke volumes to the team. What it spoke, is still yet to be determined. However, after flipping and flopping and turning pages, Corboy concluded the letter and pulled out THE Secret Weapon. No, it wasn't a Harry Potter Cloak of Invisibility. It was better!! Just what every team needs before Regionals, an original copy of Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell III cover! Signed on the back by Buddly, the cover was meant to depict the release of the Ghetto Force Monster. And from this inspiration, Ghetto decided to honor Meatloaf, and Budd, by rallying around the weekend's cry to "Send em' to Hell". With sugarplum fairies and bats out of hell in our minds, the Ghetto Force members retired to their Motel Sicks beds in an attempt to get enough shut-eye before the 9:00 am showdown with North Park. Sleep would be sparse, as the energy was high.

SATURDAY MORNING

As everyone awoke, the team outfitted itself with black shorts and black jerseys before boarding the cars and heading to the fields. Taking the day on as a challenge, the team had internalized that today's first game was the most important of the season. Approaching the Crane-infested, drunkenly lined fields, Ghetto was one of the first teams to arrive. Again indicating the growth of the program in the last three years. After getting some throwing in and finding out which field the team would be on, Ghetto was cleated up, and more than ever, locked and loaded.

Taking a 1/2 time Brian Belkin warm up job, Ghetto took full advantage of the added time to mentally prepare and physically prep for the battle that was ahead. Having watched the game footage, Dayton knew full well what North Park brought to the table, and as a #6 seed, NPU had come to win. As the wind began to pick up, the two squads split the field in an effort to run some early drills. On the NPU side of things, the team focused on 30 yard + throws to streaking cutters, while on the UD side, closer in and out cuts were the preference. It was a meeting of two hungry teams, who knew full well that both were bringing different styles to the table.

DAYTON v NORTH PARK, 9:00 am

Getting pulled to, the Dayton offense would start the game. With the sun not fully risen, the battle begun. As Dayton penetrated the field utilizing in cuts, a quick strike by Hoover was followed by a beautifully placed turn-over on an errant continuation throw to T-Nizzle. It would be the first of 264 turnovers by Hoover on the day. Welcome to Regionals. It was the first point and Dayton was already in fear of being broken. Luckily, the D set appropriately, and Dayton was able to take a quick turnover and convert for the first score of the day.

Yet, as they had in the prior week, North Park was experienced and knowledgeable. It wasn't but a few minutes later that the game had been matched. And, minus some well placed hucks, and a couple unsuccessful upwind runs, the beginning of the game was on-serve. The wind, proving to cause problems for both sides, was to be reckoned with. And almost as though everyone knew it, someone was going to break up wind. Finally, with the score tied at 3s, the Brand to Hayson connection was made during the D point, and the first upwind break was earned by Ghetto, 4-3. Now, to capitalize, the D would have to be gotten, and Dayton would have to punch another in, with the wind to our backs. Luckily, with T Knight marking and some nifty D's from Krissek poaching in as a wing, the turnover was received and Dayton took advantage of the wind and marched the disc upfield for the score, 5-3 Dayton. Points again would be traded, and Dayton, fully in control of the momentum, would take half 8-5.

After half, there would be more of the same, lots of scores with the wind. Yet there was a looming feeling from the sideline that either North Park would get a break, or Dayton would begin to run away with it. And luckily, Dayton brought the hot O-line to the battle, and the Magnificent 7 decided it was more fun to score, and that getting broken is more fun when it's avoided. With points being traded, Giese decided to give Mrs. Giese, who had brought plenty of rations to the Ghetto sidelines, a nice thank you. As the D-line pulled, an errant offensive throw was given up and Dayton began to take the disc upwind again. As the disc reached North Park's endzone, the disc was quickly swung from Corc to Corboy to Hoove to T Knight, who had executed a sick nasty break side cut, who proceeded to give Giese his opportunity to shine by hitting Kid Ic in the chest for a fully horizontal break side upwind break. All of which Mrs. Giese thoroughly enjoyed.

With another break under Ghetto's belt, the taste of victory was close. So Mr. T, normally quite modest, decided to get down with his bad self. After getting a turn, T received the disc and showing his underrated handling skills, he dropped the meanest flick fake of the weekend, officially putting his mark on the ground in an obliterated state of decay. T, relishing his accomplishment, made quick work of the opportunity by hitting Double D's will a fully break side backhand, who worked the disc upfield getting it to Corc and then The Show for the 2nd half of the upwind break, again furthering Dayton's lead. Now at 13-8, Dayton's D-line was enjoying the moment until the Bull Dog came on the field and outwardly announced the score, claiming it'd be a bad omen if the game was brought to 13-9 (the same score Illinois rebounded from when they upset NPU). The line, displeased with his superstitious naiveté, berated him for his insolence and forced him into Ultimate exile for his life. As fate would have it, Foor's superstitious blunder didn't have any affect on the game, and points would be quickly traded to 14-10.

With Dayton receiving, the Universe O line was sent in to finish the business. Again relying on vicious in-cuts, the squad knew the end was near. Closing the game in a fury of swings and strikes, Dayton's O-line got the disc to Giese-Unit, who, by an act of God, managed to punch in the final score, capping a 15-10 upsetting of the #6 seed.

Air Alert. Saturday morning practices. Dealing with Jeff. It had all paid off.

Ghetto Force, a team that hadn't made any noise for a decade, was again back on the Regional scene and making waves. It's one of the greatest moments in Ghetto Force history. Against all the naysayers and trash talkers, Dayton, as the #11 seed, shut out all the talk and spoke more volumes in one game then any shit that can be said on RSD. Case closed. North Park has outstanding talent, extremely gifted handlers, and what seems to be a really tight knit unit. We knew it'd be a tight game, and to have beaten a team of such caliber, is what made that moment special. Congrats to them on making their first Regional, and all the best to them in the future, it's definitely a program to be on the look out for.

However, as all this was going on, and Dayton was making monumental steps as a program, there was also other major news within the Region. The East Plains, which for those of you not in the know, GOT COMPLETELY SHAFTED IN THE SEEDINGS! There was all sorts of hype about the Central Plains and blah blah blah. Well what happened by 10:30 Saturday morning? OSU, Dayton, and Miami had all won their games. Just to save everyone some quick math, the Central Plains' 6 teams dropped seed by a total of -13 spots. The East Plains' 7 teams, obviously well underrated, pushed up and broke seed by +18 spots. What more can you say? Oh yea, maybe EAST - PLAINS - EAST - PLAINS - EAST - PLAINS!!!

With Meatloaf fueling the fire, Dayton had unleashed a Rush-sized serving of hater tots for breakfast, and everyone, from the parents to the players, was pumped. Dayton was moving on to the Quarterfinals.

DAYTON v NOTRE DAME, 11:30 am

Reaching the Quarterfinals, something Ghetto hasn't done in nearly a decade, again showcased the growth of the program the tenacity to make things happen. After planning out where the team wanted to be way back in August, everything was falling into place like clockwork. And now, Ghetto was going to get to face up against Notre Dame's Ultimate juggernaut, Papal Rage.

Notre Dame, ranked 24th in the country and the #3 seed overall in the tournament, had only 5 losses coming into the weekend (all against the highest caliber teams). And, since the team only allows you to play if you're beastly and over 6'0'' tall, Notre Dame appeared to be a hurdle that Ghetto hadn't faced yet in the season.

However, as the game began, it quickly became apparent that Ghetto was facing a mental challenge, and early in the game, things seemed like they were going in Ghetto's favor. With some sick D's and well placed puts, all of a sudden, Ghetto was up 5-2. With the D line coming in, an outstanding pull put Notre Dame near their endzone, where a quick drop left Ghetto in prime position to extend their lead. Unfortunately, a caught hammer for the score was brought back do to a stall count, which, in the scheme of things, was all ND needed to get back on track. Making quick work of the disappointed Ghetto D-line, ND rebounded, bring the score back to 5-3, and Papal Rage was off to the races.

What separates the good teams from the great teams, oftentimes isn't talent or style or intensity. At a certain level, those aspects begin to become strong across the board, no matter the program. But what really can separate a program is mental toughness. Notre Dame had been here before. They'd played tight games throughout the season against the best in the nation, and had been to the GL Quarterfinals the last three years. Dayton, on the other hand, had played predominantly Sectional-esque opponents during the season, and didn't have a single player on the team who'd ever been to Quarters. And in the end, that experience is what made the difference in this game.

Although Ghetto was up to start, Notre Dame relied on their poise and experience to mentally pressure Ghetto. And, with little comparable experience to fall back on, Dayton was sucked out of the game during the second half. ND seemed to have flipped a switch, and Ghetto couldn't quite respond. Notre Dame took the game 15-6.

Although the score wasn't where any Ghetto member wanted it to be, the experience was awesome. To have made it to Quarters, and to know that this young program (basically returning almost everyone next year) can compete at this level speaks volumes. There are lessons to be learned, and knowledge to bad. Ghetto's time in the Championship Bracket in '08 will be utilized to better the program in the future. This is for sure.

DAYTON v OHIO NORTHERN, 2:00 pm

Having sustained the first loss of the weekend, Ghetto was now relegated to the 2nd place bracket, in an effort to keep the dream alive in the double-elimination format. Ironically, as the East Plains had dropped a bomb in the first round of the day, more East Plains "pwnsaucing" continued in the 2nd round of the day. Although Miami and Dayton sustained losses, Oberlin had beaten North Park, Bowling Green had beaten Chicago, and OSU had beaten Michigan State. The other two East Plains teams, Ohio University and Ohio Northern, had dueled to Universe Point where after a hard cap controversy, ONU came out the victor 12-11.

Having won that game, ONU had earned the right to play the #11 seed overall in Dayton. As Sectional rivals, the orange glow of ONU's jerseys seemed to be all to familiar. Running hybrid, Dayton didn't want any part of some cross-sectional tomfoolery, and made a commitment to expose ONU's ever present array of strategic loopholes.

As the game started, Ghetto took the field like a lax group of players who expected to roll through a game with one hand tied behind their back. Obviously, it's a dangerous stance to take, a la North Park. However, with less than stellar effort, Ghetto came out on top early, took a couple breaks, and was up 5-2. Although Coach Pak and Mack were making every effort to fire up the sidelines, the wheels just seemed to be running on cruise control. D's were coming and points were being scored, but Dayton just seemed to be getting them through the fundamental faults of ONU....not so much through pressure or energy.

Then, ONU took a huck deep immediately after a pull, and Coach Ed Mack went ballistic. Knowing full well how easily tides of games can turn, he was putting his heart and soul into energizing the Ghetto lines. Unfortunately, the team still continued to run on autopilot. Dayton, receiving the pull, began working it downfield when the ONU defense fell apart and the O was in a foot race to score. Taking it across the field, Hoover swung to Corcoran, who, while sporting the backwards Rush hat (I STILL choose Free Will), nearly immediately ripped an open side flick for the score.

However, as soon as the throw was released, ONU's Texas-sized punk thought it in the best Spirit of the Game to battering ram Capitan Corc during his follow through. Not only was it unbelievably dangerous, it was completely deliberate and utterly intentional. There are a lot of asses in the sport of Ultimate, but this kid, he's pretty freaking high up there. To fully be aware that you're going to commit a foul, endanger another player, break every rule that Ultimate has been founded on, and still follow through with it, is absolutely outrageous. To the player, his coach, and anyone that condones this style of Ultimate, you should be ashamed. For a sport trying to grow, you're the leach that sucks the fun and spirit from this game. Get off our turf.

Corc, who's Ghetto thick and thin, wasn't about to play games and immediately stepped up and called this punk out. It might not have been his best display of emotion and spirit, but lets be honest. When someone plows and hacks you intentionally, you're instincts are going to turn to intensity, not so much passive aggression. And, Ghetto, showing its true colors, had its captain's back fully.

Coach Mack, stepping in appropriately, helped defuse the situation and separate the lines and the tension. ONU took a time out, hoping that Ghetto's new found fire would ware off, and Ghetto went to a huddle to get everyone on the same page. Ghetto plays Ghetto Ultimate. We're never going to stoop to some lower level, and that was reiterated throughout the time out. However, our energy had been down, and now it was exploding, and Captain Rush wanted all of it to be used on the field. Coming out of the time out, Mohawks were flaring and eyes were burning with the passion for D's and obliteration. Corboy, who lives with Corcoran (they may be legally brothers, we're not sure yet) was about to go ape shit as a form of repayment for the prior shenanigans. This, for those that aren't getting the drift, translated into full tilt sexy time layout Ds....4 of them in the first half alone. Ghetto, hopping on board the Corboy Pain Train, rampaged a couple breaks in a row and rolled ferociously to half.

In the second half, the punishing would continue. Walcheezian (who secretly has a tat that says I HEART CORC) made a conscious decision to start playing Ultimate beyond the realm of physical possibilities, and began the 2nd half storm by going Mr. Bombastic on his pulls. One of which, yes, was dropped (Karma anybody?). Ghetto worked in every player on the team, and in doing so, gave everyone an opportunity to consume Ultimate revenge. One of the most bloodthirsty was Mastro Leggings Josh Foor, who came on for a D point starving for action as his leggings efficiently wicked to the 5th dimension. His appetite was only furthered when he realized the aforementioned jerk-off had come back into the game (Again, a weak move on their part...why play a guy with such poor spirit that doesn't apparently represent your program? Weaksauce.). Foor, disapproving of his being on the field, began to think hard on the subject. In the end Foor, decided to celebrate Festivus by doing a defensive two-step on this kid, exclaimed to the line "I've got him." As the point progressed, 4$ let his Meatloaf powers coax this kid into making an in-cut. Bad decision. Foor, releasing all hell, put the fully horizontal lay out D hammer down, proving once and for all, Ghetto hits 'em where it hurts. Unlike this kid, who just hits.

This act of fully committed forced penance was greatly appreciated by the sidelines, especially by The Admiral. Knowing what great titillation comes with sick D's, The Admiral stepped in and laid a sick nasty foot block down. The ONU handler, realizing foot block egg had just been smeared all over his face, quickly thought about what he should do, and called a foul....naturally. As he explained his case, he mentioned that after he let go of the disc, he hit Pat's foot with his hand. WHAMMY! As soon as he said that, the 11th Edition aficionados of Ghetto Force pounced. Having just articulated that the throw was off and not affected by Patricio Del Toro, the 11th Edition quotes began to fly, and the D was rewarded. Revenge, is a disc best served on Pat's foot.

After the D, Ghetto continued to ride the defensive train to Pleasure Town. From there on out, everyone chipped in the Defense Fund for the Support of Evan Corcoran and Ghetto rolled to a 15-7 win.

DAYTON v NORTHWESTERN, 4:30 pm

This would be the final game of the day for both teams. With the 2nd place bracket being played out, the winner of this game would get a shot at Ohio State Sunday morning. The loser would have a shot to play for the 7th place.

Having dropped two key playmakers, Dave Hayson and Joel Brand, by this point in the day, Ghetto was beginning to wear down, and Northwestern (the only Central Plains team to break seed) was obviously going to be a difficult opponent.

The two teams, playing in one of the most ferocious crosswinds ever, were in a battle for momentum. The team that could jump out in front would have a clear advantage. And unfortunately, Northwestern was the team to jump out early, starting the game with 4 consecutive breaks.

It was a horribly sloppy beginning, for which Ghetto paid a hefty price. Although the turn-heavy game got within 2 and 3 points, Northwestern kept the momentum throughout, and never relinquished the pressure. There were of course the wind-induced highlights. Some notables include Lebron Corcoran (or Beau Corcoran if you prefer) going up for an errant disc, which resulted in more hangtime than most birds can handle....which he followed up with prettiest strike throw ever. How pretty you ask? lets just say, that the marker turned, watched the disc fly, and proceeded to say 'whoa'. Following Evan's lead, The Show decided to hop on the highlight reel by bringing a sick nasty catch layout D. With all that sexiness though, Dayton's lines were getting haggard and the flow never piqued. Northwestern took the game, 15-10.


SATURDAY NIGHT

With trail mix in hand and the Gatorade Bazooka provided sustenance, Ghetto gathered around to relish in what was truly a great day. Sure, 3-1 would have been better, but 2-2, with an upset over the #6 seed, tends to leave a pretty good taste in your mouth. Everyone huddled around Corcoran as he sang lyrics to Peg, and we all thanked the parents for their constant support. Without the support of our friends and family, Ghetto wouldn't be all that it is. Everyone congratulated each other on an awesome day and expressed how we should all be pumped to take on Michigan State the next morning in the 7/8 game.

Getting to play national caliber teams truly shows how far Ghetto has come. A couple years ago, Dayton couldn't place in the Top 20 at Sectionals. Now, Ghetto is not only making Regionals, but coming and playing, and in some cases beating, the top Regional contenders. It's an awesome feeling to know your efforts are producing results, and unlike the other half of the teams heading home, you and your boys get to wake up on Sunday morning and hit the pitch. Most don't get that satisfaction.

Ghetto broke it out one last time, and everyone cleaned up their garbage as we made ways to our cars en route to the showers. A couple cars headed off quickly, in an effort to clean speedily so the team could head off to dinner promptly. The last two cars, Ed Mack's and The Brand's stood around and relished in each other's presence. Corco did some odd dancing while reciting lyrics to Steely Dan. Addison asked what everyone's favorite Rush song was. Andy asked if anyone knew who Lucius Delicious was. Oh silly Andy.

Wait, who the hell is Andy?! Literally, as the two cars were hanging out, laughing and talking, this guy named Andy pulled up in a jeep and hopped out. Noticing our flawless Dayton Ultimate Nike swag, he stopped to give us some news. Although, we were pumped to battle it out for 7th place, former national powerhouse Michigan State, was feeling a tad wimpy and decided to skip town and not return. Even better, they really didn't care to tell anyone, other than a couple people, one of which was Michigan State grad (and pseudo-T.D.) Andy. The news was a major disappointment. Playing on Sunday is a big accomplishment, and it's a serious bummer when a team backs out like that. Especially when the team in question is SO close to the tournament. It's not like they drove 7 hours from Illinois or anything.....it was Michigan State! Anyway, their loss. It would have likely been a great game, and it's too bad they didn't want to play it.


With the news coming that we weren't going to be getting up early to play ringing fresh in our ears, our attentions turned to celebrating. After get the whole crew cleaned up, Ghetto hit the road with a Red Robin in sight. The entire squad, including family, alum, and friends, were all in attendance. The group, with much thanks to the Giese and Maloney family, was able to eat on a picked up tab....to have dinner paid for, was really a treat. Starting a new tradition, the entire group indulged in high-fives and cheers prior to the meal, in what was a classic moment for all past, present, and future members of the program.

Unlike teams that deal with scholarships, or money, or politics, Ghetto Force really is a family. Made up of players, alum, parents, siblings, friends, and supporters, Ghetto Force has again become known in the realm of Ultimate, but more importantly, has instilled a bond in all of its members thats beyond anything I can articulate here. Not much beats winning, that's for sure. But beyond the final scores, getting 7th place, or anything like that, nothing beats being able to spend time with your best friends. To accomplish goals, work hard, share the blood, sweat, and tears, all with your closest group, is really what it's all about.

It was an amazing weekend for Ghetto Force.

To all the friends, family, and other supporters, all of Ghetto Force thanks you.

And to you, the members of Ghetto Force, those in attendance and those not, just look at what we did this weekend. Look at what we can do, and how when we set a goal, how we can reach it. This is an absolutely amazing time to be part of this program. Enjoy every minute of it, because it doesn't get any better than this!!