Easterns is Here

Finally, Ghetto Force is hitting the road again. After an exciting day one to Terminus, Ghetto has been dormant awaiting the next big day to look forward to, and finally it has arrived.

Starting Saturday, at 8:30, Ghetto Force will be taking the pitch against some of the best in the nation, including one of the perennial top programs, Georgia, as a sweet little wake up call to start the day.

With 20 teams coming in from all over, it's quite a batch of solid AC teams and regional powerhouses from the northeast and midwest. After playing Pitt, GaTech, and Tufts during Pool Play at Terminus, the daunting pool coming up this Saturday should come as no surprise. With two national qualifiers from recent years, it's certainly a five-some to be reckoned with. Dayton will have 4 big pool play games, starting, as mentioned earlier, against the overall one seed Georgia. After that, Dayton will be hard pressed against an East Carolina team that has been stovetop hot this spring, accumulating solid losses including a 9-11 miss against Michigan and a universe point loss to Notre Dame. Following ECU, Dayton will take on Kennesaw State, a Georgia team that benefits from playing a wealth of games, including bumping heads with Chain Lightning when they played in at Club Terminus. Lastly, to wrap up the bye-less run of four games, Dayton will square off against Williams, a National Championship qualifier in 2007. Whfew! It's going to be a busy Saturday of awesome Ultimate against some of the nation's best.

After having some time to kick back and watch other teams play, two of Dayton's vets, Addison Hoover and Evan Corcoran, will throw on the jersey of the North in the Eastern's North v. South All Star Showcase game.

It should be an exciting weekend of awesome Ultimate. And if you'd do your part, keep saying those Hail Marys and maybe the squad will get lucky and this awful rain will subside or miss the fields - a full weekend of play would sure be nice!!

Terminus 2009 - The Tornado Part II

Wow - what are the odds? Atlanta, not really known for consistently having crap weather throughout March, ends up being the biggest craphole two years in a row for College Terminus.

Last year we listened to Fudge and Mastro tell us the horror stories. A single game. That was it. After that it was thunderstorms, lightning, and yes, a tornado on a Rawberry overdose roaming through the city. What are the odds it could happen again? Would Mother Nature really slap Terminus with the ugly stick AGAIN?!?!

Making pitstops at the Bayers and Andersons en route to the Peach State, Ghetto kept hearing the news that weather looked bad. Like, real bad. Unavoidably bad. For those of you that didn't happen to catch the weather channel, the southeaster U.S. looked like it had a big green flubber thrown against it, stretching from South Carolina to southern Texas. It was unstoppable and Atlanta looked to be falling smack dab in the middle of the warpath. Ugh.

After arriving in Cumming (doesn't that sound weird), the crew shacked up in six rooms as a result of some quirky planning on the hotel's part. Little did the men realize the additional showers would be so valuable 24 hours later.

Starting Saturday, the Dayton men suited up and arrived at the fields accompanied by the expected early rains. With it around 45, the rain must have been close to freezing, making every warm up catch sting like we were practicing at NCR back in Dayton. So much for the toasty warmth of the south! Even with DVDA resonating in everyone's heads, manliness seemed to be sparse amongst all players in the rough elements.

Opening at 8:30, it felt as though the battle against Tufts started promptly at sunrise. Unfortunately Ghetto took a page from the '05 playbook and gifted Tufts a nice 3 point start to open the game. Not the way anyone wanted to get things going. Was Ghetto outmatched in a tournament like this? Questions of this sort were in the back of many minds. Ghetto had never been invited to Terminus, or any tournament of this kind of calliber - was Ghetto strong enough to compete? It still resulted in a loss, but to the would-be Pool D winner, Dayton battled back and produced enough defensive runs to make the game heated and competitive, eventually relinquishing at 9-13. Had Ghetto made some adjustments sooner, and come to the fields with a crisper start, this was one of those games that could have easily gone the other way.

Next up was Pitt, a team that mentally had Ghetto's number. Everyone knew the Pitt track record, and it showed. From the get go, Ghetto (minus perhaps Goose, CorcJuice, and the Killa) seemed to believe it was outmanned. Giving up break after break, Ghetto Force just didn't seem to have much pep in the step. Hoove only furthered the cause when he decided to do his best Bayer impression and drop a pull. Clearly the muff got in the way. Things were struggling to click. Although some nice deep puts connected and Ghetto rallied a solid zone-d break, Pitt stormed quickly to a 13-6 victory. More than ever, it was great timing to get out of the rain, listen to some DVDA, eat some animal crackers, and loosen things up. Ghetto needed a deep breath.

With Georgia Tech coming up after the bye, everyone relaxed in the warm vehicles and got some much needed dethawing in. Hard to say what was going on in Bayer's Landscape, but the van pretty much just listened to "Now You're a Man" for 2 hours - yelling lyrics, different articulations of MAanouhohgh, and adding in coordinated claps. Everyone utilized the song to realize one diffinitive conclusion - the gooder they crush, the better you want them. Which, in Jake Bayer lingo roughly translates into, "Ghetto is going to beat GaTech."

With this thought firmly in place, Ghetto got an awesome post-bye warm up in. Including some discs over private fences, double-plyo action, and some Asian-on-Asian hating, Ghetto circle-danced while waiting for Truman State and Minnesota to wrap up their 20+ turnover Universe Point game (catch your d's anybody?).

Tribe, as we all discussed, was solid. This was like their 15th tournament of 2009, and they were ready to squash the Pool's bottom seed. Unfortunately, the pre-game two step wasn't enough to change the tides. Ghetto, as the squad had done in the prior two games, started off behind, giving up the first two points of the game. Trailing 6-3, Ghetto was facing halftime when the o-line punched in a Co-Pilot to Main-Pilot huck, which ignited the missing puzzle piece - NASCAR! With the team shouting and yelling, Ghetto had lit a match and began to light the fire (finally). With the NASCAR chant officially unveiled in Georgia, Dayton began to steamroll. Co-Pilot Corc even helped himself to a full extension OB layout grab for no score. It was the best zero point layout of the day. Storming back, Ghetto's d-line began clicking and managed to battle all the way back to take half 7-6.

With another o-line score after half, the cap was already on (thanks to the long game prior) meaning the teams were playing to 10. After giving up the first offensive score to Tribe in over an hour, the Ghetto O-line retook the field with an 8-7 lead and the finish line firmly in place. The Show, wanting to give the love back to his Co-Pilot blasted a flick huck from half-field and Corcfest reeled it in to put the victory within one. With the NASCAR chant still titalating Mr. T, the d-line ran a swift box formation, got the turnover, and in a matter of swings, The Show went for the jugular, putting a wrapping flick to the Kansas in the endzone. Beating his man to the disc, Ghetto capped an outstanding 7-1 run to finish off Georgia Tech on their home terf. It was an awesome win that finally showed Ghetto gelling and coming together.

After another healthy bye and serious dose of DVDA, Ghetto took to showcase field #5 right in front of the main tent to play Florida State, a team that had upset both Weaton and Penn State in Pool C. Where to begin on this one. Awesome game on the whole. Back and forth from the start. With Ghetto getting breaks to begin, FSU battled back, eventually taking the lead. With a number of questionable calls (understatement) being made, the game proceeded to get more and more intense. With the game tied at 11s, Ghetto pulled, got a deep field turnover, and marched it into the endzone for a 12-11 lead, one point from victory. Florida State wasn't quick to roll over. With a tight zone-d pressing them on their goalline, FSU worked the disc, and without even a hint of a turnover methodically marched up field and tied the game at 12s.

With an errant pull, a bricked disc was in Ghetto's possesion for about a 4-count before a missed J4/Show connection left FSU with field position and the disc. Ghetto, knowing it was Universe point, clamped down on D. With FSU struggling to progress, everyone was in sync, knowing it was only a matter of time. As a shifty flickside lateral cut was made, Mother Goose saw the opportunity and took off like he worked for NASA. Horizontal, at what was likely 3'-4' off the ground, Jeff Giese dropped one of the nastiest full extension d's of the tournaments. Did anyone mention it was clean? Crystal clean. Giese might as well have had a shaved head and ear piercings, this shiz was a-ok Mr. Clean. And like clockwork, the most egregious strip/foul call is made (footage confirms its blatant horror). The unbiased onlookers, now readily focused and enjoying the game, collectively lost control of their bowel movements as they heard the call. It was obnoxious. Equally obnoxious (although way more justified in this scenario) was Goose's already legendary reaction. Yes, it's on film. Make some calls, send some money, kiss some ass, maybe you too will get to see it. It's the most out of control 3 minutes of Ultimate ever. In short, no one on FSU was willing to concede the bad call and as rules dictate, the "violently" contested disc was put back in the hands of FSU. After a number of passes, a break side disc worked its way into the endzone. It sucked. Dayton, with two leads at the beginning and ending of the game, lost a game on universe that left a pretty bad taste in everyone's mouths.

It's not the way you want to end a day, but crap happens. Winning isn't a product, it's a process. Lesson learned. We get the breaks before the game ever gets to 11-11 and we don't face the situation we ended up dealing with.

After being drenched in mud/wet-field camo, everyone worked their way back to the 6 showers in Ghetto's possession. Oh man those showers were good. Hot, and strong, they were about as good as the 2 hour meal the team feasted on at Golden Corral. After ButtRex used his A/V skills to get some needed Best Buy hardware, Ghetto enjoyed some team bonding rewatching the FSU game footage amidst Phil Broadcaster's commentary.

As fate would have it, the FSU game would be the last of Ghetto's 2009 Terminus trip. The rain didn't quit (not that any expected it) and the fields were just pounded without mercy. As the team arrived to the fields Sunday, it was quickly apparent that the jig was up. Ghetto grabbed a change of clothes and enjoyed some McDonald's over some lively debates over the number of syllables in the word "fire" (check into it, it's a stimulating topic). After some windy Deliverance roads through Georgia/Tennessee, the team was back in CovCath (WHAT!) territory to find UD as an 11 seed in the NCAA tournament. Whfew! College tuitions have again been justified for the class graduating in 2009!

It was a great Saturday against some serious Ultimate, and the team really began to come together late in the day. It's going to be an exciting couple of weeks leading up to Easterns!

BONUS FOR READING TO THE BOTTOM: As legend has it, as an argument raged on during the FSU game, an anonymous sidelined Florida State player told an anonymous Ghetto Forcer that their team had never read the rule book. Well ladies and gents, we have found the Weapon of Mass Distraction! It makes so much sense! How can your team have any time to read the rule book when you're so busy ghostriding the whip? If only this was made up. Classic.

http://www.fsultimate.com/members.htm

Ghetto on the Road: Terminus 2009

Ghetto Ultimate is about to embark on the 8+ hour road trip to Hotlanta, or as Nascar would call it, "The City of Lights". Tomorrow, Ghetto will start out against Tufts, the #2 in the pool, at 8:30 am. This will be followed by Pitt, the #1 in the pool, at 10:05 and GaTech in the closing Pool Play game at 1:15. After that, standings will be reevaluated and Ghetto will look to continue what will hopefully be a solid weekend. Check HERE for score updates!

Lets do some work Ghetto!

Pool Party! Have a Look at the Guest List!

College Terminus is t-minus 8 days away, and believe it or not, the University of Dayton is celebrating with nearly 60 degree weather today! WOOHOO! It's a mighty heavy relief to be experience some decent temperatures before one of the biggest weekends of the preseason.

With all the excitement beginning to build, like the Russian Roulette game that is letting Evan Almighty taking control of the school van - it's time to give things a quick look. For Ghetto Force, this is translates into a worthwhile breakdown of who happens to be in Pool D.

Taking a note from Jason the Bachelor, if we're not up front with the goods, shit is going to hit the reality fan. Oops.

So lets cut to the chase before this airs on national television. It's Terminus - are you surprised that the pool is going to be rough top to bottom? How surly a pool you ask? Pretty surly. For those that have been spending too much time watching The Tool Academy (don't look around like you haven't been) - here's a quick rundown of the crop of talent Ghetto Force has been paired up with for Terminus Pool Play.

The 1 Seed: Pittsburgh; Perennial Metro East power, Pittsburgh sits on a hotbed of PA talent and continues to reel in a crop of strong classes, producing consistent and competitive teams. From Roll Call to the Championships, many of Dayton's players have seen first hand how strong a team Pitt is up and down. And although many Ghetto Force players have paired up against their best via split squad games at fall tournaments, Pitt's a spring team that takes care of business, so don't get it twisted. They've got wins over Illinois, Stanford, and an absolute romping on UCSB 13-1, all at a windy Vegas. With another strong showing at Ultimax, Pitt is ready to have a coming out party at Terminus - don't forget it.

Pitt's 2009 Results

Pitt's 2008 Results

The 2 Seed: Tufts; Not sure where it's located? Try Massachuttsetts - typically an epicenter for awesome Ultimate, namely Boston. Although Tufts is technically located in Medford, these cats can play. Although their introduction into the 2009 season was a little rough in Vegas (2-7), they were playing some powerhouses, so don't look at the record and get fooled. The Tufts x-factor? They're likely to be hungrier than ever. Last year, as if getting rocked once wasn't bad enough, Tufts took it on the chin twice. The boys from Medford took the harsh path of losing two separate games that would have sent them to the National Championships. Probably the most bittersweet 3rd place Regional finish anyone can surmize - not the way anyone wants to wrap up a stellar season. So, the Tufts Emen, not to be mistaken as the Tuft Semen, are coming in with tight wins over solid programs Whitman and Las Positas and will be looking to establish themselves as a threat in the New England region.

Tufts 2009 Results

Tufts 2008 Results

Tufts 2008 Regional Tournament Summary

The 3 Seed: Georgia Tech; As alluded to earlier in a prior post, yea, these guys have already played 25 games! That's like 10 more than the average D-III Nationals qualifier. That probably stung, ouch. Tribe, benefitting from being in the south, has taken full advantage and has hit the road to a number of tournaments. Having attending key tourneys like the ACC Championship and Mardi Gras, GaTech has already faced some serious competition, and has walked away tried and tested. Although they've had strong wins over Illinois and Dartmouth, one of their most telling games was an 11-13 loss to Duke, proving to be a national threat. Tribe, could easily be a 2 seed in about any of the Terminus pools, they're conditioned and patient. They have several handlers who not only have good field vision for their cutters, but also take full advantage of opportunities to throw and go. Lets go ahead and call it right now, all of Pool D has a third round bye. Tribe and Ghetto take some time, grab a bagel, stretch well, then slather on the war paint. The most exciting game of Pool D will come in the last round between these two.

Georgia Tech 2009 Results

Georgia Tech 2008 Results

Georgia Tech 2009 Video Footage (check the UNC and Duke games)

Stay tuned for more updates!

The Huddle Goes Green - Poopy Green

Ok, not everyone will agree with what The Huddle posts on. In fact, there have been a lot of solid objections to the opinions and suggestions that have been provided. Nonetheless, it's hard to deny that The Huddle is providing a service currently not available in the Ultimate community - so like it or not, you've gotta respect it. Sorta like the new Buttco nickname - upgrade or downgrade, the ladies are sure digging it! Also, look at that picture - he's definitely not deriving his ups from his legs, look at that strategic body placement, this nickname is totally sticking.

On to more pertinent things. If you weren't at the first roughly legit outdoor practice today, you missed a wealth of new info on some new defensive formations and team-d strategies.

With Captain Evander Corkyfield marker-boarding like he was having some sort of Ultimate artistic seizure, the team took to the field for run-throughs of the defensive schemes.

For those in attendance, it was readily apparent that speed and experience were heavily influencing the capabilities of the 7 guys running downfield for D. However, the biggest trick to it all? Communicating and working for the d in every spot, in every role, in every position. Doing the role to assist the other 6 on the field is the real trick.

Like clockwork, Goose comes through with a sick layout swing pass wall D - justifying the need for team D. Jeff was in the right position, read the offense, and pounced once the defense had cut off all reasonable opportunities, forcing the O to make a throw they didn't want to have to make. The individual might get the momentary glory (did you get that D on film there Phyllis?) but the truth is, those d's are created via a full team effort - so get on board.

Thinking about this, there was a lot of writing about Team D on The Huddle a few months back. Although not all of the articles are pertinent or worth the time, this one by chica Chow encapsulates a lot of areas Ghetto should be considering every time the D has to set up.

For those tired of reading, here are a few worthwhile points:

• "One way to think about it, is to have players answer the questions "where and how is the team going to get a turn?" This team defense philosophy shifts the onus from the individual player creating and getting a block to the team generating opportunities for everyone to get turnovers and, in theory, increasing the chances of any player on the field to earn a D."

• "As a final note, team D is firmly ensconced in the concept of deny and contain D. First deny the disc to the O-player but if the disc goes up and the D isn't 150% sure about getting the block, then he switches immediately to containment mode. This means the D-player no longer goes for the block but now works hard to get into position to ensure the designated force is put on the early on the imminent thrower. How many times have we seen a team break the force and the disc move quickly up the broken side for an uncontested score?"

Ok, so those snippets could be shorter, but, ahem, that last line......that only happened like 24 times (minor exaggeration) at today's practice - but yea, think about it - if you were there, you can probably think of at least 5 serious whoopsies that were just like that.

Click that Huddle picture and give some of those articles a look.

Don't let school interfere with your Ultimate education.

Five Ultimate - What the Sponsorship Brings

Yep - you've probably heard via a pumped young player, maybe a friend, or maybe you saw the news on the new Force website or on RSD - Ghetto Force has been selected as one of the 10 Open teams to be sponsored by Five Ultimate for the 2009 Spring Season.

In the case that maybe you haven't seen the mock-ups of the new threads, they've been posted all around for you visual enjoyment.

If you're one of the cats that'll be popping tags on the new gear, please remember, Captain Corc will be ransoming your gear until you get that sharp little insurance card copy and emergency contact information page into him. Honestly, don't be the foolio that forgets it, otherwise you'll be remembered for a serious Epic Fail.

In the meantime, grab a towel, wipe the drool from your face, and get excited to get your hands on the new gear.

Also, the Five Ultimate website is "in process" - whatever that means. Essentially it means that their set up is going to be ridiculously tight, but probably not for another month and a half because they're likely swamped with fresh March team orders, asking to get stuff done by their mid-March tournament - good one.

Tournament Sexy Time! - Ghetto Working Way to GA and NC

For those out there out of the loop, Ghetto Force will be attending two high caliber tournaments this March. As a moderate sized upgrade from Arctic Vogue, Ghetto will be off to Atlanta for College Terminus on March 14th-15th, followed by Easterns in Wilmington on March 28th-29th.

Pools have been put up for Terminus, and as you could guess, it's a blood bath of teams ready to beat each other silly with their Ultimate ugly sticks. Did we mention that Wisconsin took their Harry Potter Cloak of Invincibility off? Yep! Terminus is more up for grabs then ever. (As long as a tsunami doesn't wipe things out) With Notre Dame, Pitt, and Georgia (among other blazing hot teams) attending, battles are guaranteed to get ugly - like Kurt Huelsman free-throw-shooting ugly. Either way, as the pools have it, Ghetto will currently be matching against perenial Metro Least champion Pitt - who's played with solid success against some of the top programs. Also featured in the pool is a Georgia Tech team, who, just for kicks, happens to have logged 25 games by the time you're reading this - also while reading this, Dayton is in the process of dethawing.

Easterns, which will be celebrating its platinum anniversary, will be toasting to a roster of top notch teams. With the likes of Virgina and Middlebury being added late (for those noobs not up on their game, they had pretty hot Vegas weekends), the roster of squads is rounded out by teams like Georgia, Florida, Duke, and Dartmouth. Not to mention Dayton.

Leave that WSJ on your front porch and get your daily reading at the spiffy Easterns website. More updates are sure to roll in here soon as we get closer to hitting the North Carolina pitch.

Bottom line is anything outside will soon be high priority for Ghetto Force as these tournaments aren't just for show. These two are arguably the top two east coast tournaments of the season, featuring a crop of holy grail power, melt your face off competition.

Dayton is in go mode.