Yes, it mocks the game. Yes, Ken Dobyns' uniform for the first 4 minutes is a Stormtroopers of Death cutoff t-shirt. Yes, the cones marking the field should probably be used on I-75 construction. Yes, they claim the sport matters to only those playing. However, they are looking at footage that's from 1989 - so enjoy the humor, because when it's all said in done it's a good time. Not to mention, it's worthwhile to gain just a quick glimpse into where the sport started, and how far the sport has come.
I mean think about, we're not simply naming teams after tragedies, so that's a good start. Secondly, most of us (at least at UD) have our priorities a little more in line then Kennie Poo. So, in short, the game's going places.
Enjoy the random 3 minute commercial break in the middle. Enjoy the "Frisbee, FRIZbee, FRISBEE, FRISBAY, HEY FRISBEE, Hey FRIZBAY, don't touch me there" section. Enjoy the FCU-ICU chant accompanied by Scuba Helmet jerseys. Enjoy the best line in the clip - from the overdubbed kid lazily spinning the yellow disc - classic.
It's a random clip, poking complete fun at Ultimate, but it's enjoyable, so laugh and then smile, when you think about how awesome Ultimate is, and how great it is to be playing it with Ghetto Force.
For those of you reading this, it's likely your computer is either plugged into a working wall outlet, or your laptop battery has the uber charge and you're surfing away without a care in the world. If you're not reading this right now, you're probably a current member of Ghetto Force or any other citizen in the state of Ohio.
Yes, ladies and gents, the impenetrable fortress that is the University of Dayton is apparently readily susceptible to problems when it comes to wind - but then again, at 78 mph, what isn't? If you haven't heard, our little friend Ike made a pseudo-surprise visit to Dayton (and the rest of Ohio). Needless to say, life is continuing at UD, with things just being a tad bit darker than normal.
Ghetto's first weekday practice took place this past Monday evening, with roughly 30 in attendance, including both the elderly (aka Josh Foor, freshly 22 and AARP certified) and the fresher faces of The Force. Ghetto's next practice, which will be held with the assistance of SGA/Res Ed supplied flash lights, will be this Thursday, 5:30 at the NCR Fields.
Keep those cells charged and enjoy the free emergency meals Ghetto!
For those of you new to Ultimate....welcome to the excitement. For those of you not so new, this will provide an update on one of the best players in the Great Lakes Region, at least in recent years.
Matt Mastrantuono (Mastro) is a recent graduate of Miami U, and the former captain and big gun for the Miami Boogiemen, a top caliber program. Revolving around the dedication and effort of Mastro, the Boogiemen followed this All-Region player to multiple outstanding finishes in the GL Region.
Well ladies and gents, this former rival (and good friend of many a Ghetto Forcer) has taken some risks and managed to reach an all new level. Mastro, graduating in May '08, packed up his bags and on a prayer and a whim, moved out West in search of new beginnings, and a shot at the best Ultimate in the world.
For those of you still a bit naive, the North West region of the US is made up of many of the world's strongest Club Ultimate teams, including reigning champion Seattle Sockeye, followed closely by perennial powers Jam (San Francisco), Voodoo (Seattle), Revolver (Bay Area), psuedo World Champions Furious George (Vancouver), Invictus (Alberta), and 2007 National Champion qualifier, Rhino, out of Portland, Oregon.
So, lets get to the point here. Mastro graduates, wraps up Regionals with a great run in the GL with the Boogiemen, and with basically nothing but determination, packs up and moves to Portland. Without a place to stay and no job lined up, Matt works his magic and begins moving and shaking....and along the way, tries out and makes Rhino, a premier, elite Ultimate squad - nothing shy of outstanding!
Well ladies and gents, it didn't take this young'n too long to settle in. Within his first tournaments he was nearly flawless from the handler position, and was utilizing his enhanced conditioning routine (trust me, it's jaw dropping) to elevate his play on both sides of the disc.
So, where is this going? Well, the little Miami captain that could has gone from ripping flicks against Ohio schools at Fall Brawl, to ripping flicks against, and eventually hugging, the German National Team (not to mention every other premier team in the U.S.)! It's a pretty awesome story! Also, if you haven't seen this footage yet, you need to check it out. Also, if you're a young gun, unfamiliar with Mastro, check the footage out as well, as it showcases some utterly outstanding play! Enjoy!
PS. Mastro isn't rocking the leggings that allow him to wick to the 5th dimension....but you can spot him in the #2 gear. Also, he's the first person to take the score down against Furious George in the Sockeye Invite vid, and in the Disco Calientes tape, check the 3:25 point where Matt rocks an "amateur" backhand high release fake, and it's totally eaten up by the marker......like poetry in motion baby!
As usual, summer seems to find ever-creative ways to fly by. For Ghetto Forcers, summers were spent doing service overseas, working for Fortune 500 companies, playing Ultimate, and getting prepped to rejoin the squad at turn of August.
With the heat still rising at the start of September, the Ghetto Fraternity has quickly come back together to begin the uphill climb.
With Ghetto Force's returners spread out over the map this summer, it's amazing to see what people have been up to. For starters, we've got kids getting into some serious Ultimate. First, there were six Ghetto returners that stuck close to Dayton this summer and played with the area's new club team, Enigma. Beyond that, you have El Capitan, Evan Corcoran, leading Forge, the Elite-level club team from Pittsburgh that's currently Top 30 in the nation. Of course, summer wouldn't be complete without some Ghetto patrons indulging in some beach Ultimate, and as always, Ghetto Forcers made memories. Beyond these fun Ultimate endeavors, you've got Ghetto vets Mark Latta and Eric Krissek committing to service abroad in Ecuador and Zambia, respectively. In more ways than one, it sort of makes Ultimate look like small potatoes. Very cool and both repped Ghetto in all the finest ways - way to go fellas!
No matter how you cut it, though, Ghetto kept busy this summer, and it shows.
Ghetto made quick work of the school year, leading into the semester by hosting a series of open pick up games. Although not necessarily always beautiful, each session opened the sport up to new players and vets alike. Providing time to see improvement in those coming back to Ghetto, as well as a chance to see the future of the program come out and begin to show off their stuff.
And when it comes to the future - Ghetto players, alumni, family - get excited! Ask any veteran of the program what they think about the last few weeks, and consensus is really clear - Ghetto is continuing to grow and harvest new talent. The program is truly on the rise.
With three slated tryout sessions, the first starting on the evening of Labor Day, Ghetto Force began to really work in the new and old players, pushing everyone to accelerate and elevate their level of play.
Tryouts wrapped this past Saturday, culminating in an outstanding Light and Dark scrimmage. With the teams evenly split, the new and not so new were all on display. With everyone making an effort to leave it all on the field before the end of tryouts, the game came to a classic conclusion. With the sides tied at 8, Universe Point brought on an Eric Kaiser 40 yard flick bomb to the heavily bearded Pat Bello, capping a come from behind victory for the Light squad. It was an outstanding showcase on all fronts.
Saturday evening brought on the congratulatory cookout out for all those in attendance at tryouts. Hosted by the returning players, everyone at tryouts was invited over to THE 912 Alberta residences for hot dogs, cornhole, the occasional pool cannonball, and some quality bonding. It was a great break for everyone to get to chill, hang out, and for the new players to get to know the returners (and vice versa) away from the intensity of hill sprints, ladder circuits, and in-cut battles. A good time was had by all.
As was the case last year, this blog will gain a lot more steam as Ghetto Force picks up the pace entering the Fall Club and Spring College seasons. To whet your palates, take note that Dayton players are not only going to be attending the East Plains Open Sectional Championships, but this year, they'll be doing it on three teams. Enigma, coupled with players on a duo of Ghetto split squads will all be hitting the pitch on September 27th - 28th in Versailles, OH.
As the days get closer we'll take a close look at this year's Ghetto line-up, perhaps a brief moment to focus on some UD's fresh faces, and a look at some of the awesome things to come.
