DAY 2 Recap - Running Riot, Pt. 2, The Championship Version

(Ghetto-A, Championship Warm-up, OWU 2008)

As Saturday night began to fall, it was apparent that the OWU EMR Memorial Tournament would be a quick proving ground for many of the section's teams.

That being said, it was also apparent that one team took feelings, emotions, and the like, into absolutely no consideration.

As Saturday closed, Dayton's Ghetto Force proved their worth by absolutely crushing their pool, and earning the coveted first round bye on Championship Sunday.

Dayton-B, as mentioned in Saturday's article, struggled with some fundamental issues, and couldn't consistently get points to connect across the day. However, the successes of Ghetto-B were a plenty. With progress in handling and cutting readily apparent, Dayton-B's record wasn't the main factor...the real point was to give guys a chance to shine and really have some strong on field time.

With Sunday morning rolling around, Ghetto-B had a Pre-Quarters play in game against a gun-slinging Rochester squad, fresh off the road from the big NY. Utilizing two big play handlers and wealth of strong offensive cutters, Rochester put a pretty strong hurt on Dayton-B. Nonetheless, the value of getting guys on the field, against a very capable opponent, is immense.

Post the loss to Rochester, the Dayton-B squad took on another highly capable Eastern Michigan team. With a wealth of talent and experience, EMU would prove to again be a very challenging opponent. Though Ghetto-B may have been handed a loss by the Hellfish, they proved to their captains and themselves, that they have a load of heart, and all the workings to become a truly strong Ultimate team.

El Capitan, Patricio Del Toro, had nothing but positives to harp on after the weekend. Dealing with injuries and playing in harsh conditions are no easy task, but Ghetto-B battled to the end, and had a wealth of time on the field....both very important to the program. As Pat said, the team kept spirits up, fought hard, and though the W-L column maybe wasn't what everyone had wanted, the tournament did exactly what it was supposed to do. Get guys on the field, and let them showcase their skills.

With tenacity and strength, the squad fought the whole weekend...and that's what Dayton Ultimate is all about. As a program continually evolving and becoming better known on the national scene (as we will address more later!), it's absolutely imperative for the program to develop strong, young talent. And, on the whole, this weekend was a success on every front. To have a group of hungry guys fighting on Dayton-B, elevates the level of the entire program. It elevates intensity, furthers program growth, and shows everyone in the area (and beyond) that Dayton Ultimate is the real deal.

And, on that note, Dayton-A felt the hot breath of the Dayton-B, and responded by absolutely pounding the crap out of every team....(for an understatement, see previous sentence)

With the glorious OWU Wooden Paddle at stake, every Ghetto-A player arrived at the fields hungry to continue chewing up opponents and spitting them onto the ice and slush ridden pitch. With the domination of its pool, Dayton-A was afforded the chance to rest late and take advantage of the Pre-Quarters bye. Arriving for the Quarterfinals, Dayton-A began to look back on the day before. Reminiscing on Saturday's whoopings proved to be enjoyable for all to speak about. That was until team leader, Dan Simon, stepped up and spoke some serious words:

"We can't focus on yesterday. Today is a new day."

He couldn't have been more right. And with the desire to come to the fields with a broken cheek bone (mad ballerness), just to cheer on his teammates, everyone listened and obliged. As Pre-Quarters slowly came to a close, the team ran, threw, and stretched. Having the chance to think of more teams being served up as delicious sacrifices, only whetted the palates of the Dayton-A squad more.

Leading the rallying cry was Captain Corc, who stressed that we come out of the gates hard (go figure), and continue to feast on the OATBAG. Ironically, the most motivating quote of the early morning, came from a Hope College player (they'd be Ghetto's first opponent of the day). As Ghetto watched Hope's Pre-Quarters game finish, a Hope player relayed a humorous quote:

"Yea, the games tied, neither of our teams can score up-wind...so, yea, that's kinda how it's going to be today on this field."

Relieving Evan of his Moron status, will be the dude that offered up this quote. He would be the first of many to earn the highly sought after Noob Stamp. He earned the Mega Noob Stamp minutes later (after he won the flip), as he absurdly chose to start facing upwind. Ah-buh? Cheers to you, Mr. Hope-College-Can't-Score-Upwind-Quote-Guy.

Dayton, reveling in the thought of a team that couldn't score upwind, decided to come out hot and show this Hope team their tournament time would quickly come to a close.

With a voracious hunger for the OATBAG, the Ghetto O and D lines decided to begin feasting early...starting the game on an 8-0 run to take half. Including the end of play on Saturday, this half officially brought Ghetto Force to a 24 point run without giving up a score.

The second half was all of same, except for some Hope noobs wising up and scoring two points. Nonetheless, not much joy could be sufficed from Hope's two scores, and the game quickly finished 15-2, with Ghetto trouncing all of their.....uh, hope.

Ghetto, as it was the theme for every game, found they had finished off their opponent well before the rest of the field. Thus, the Force had to sit idly to find out who would be next on the offering table.

As Ghetto-B found out early in the day, the Rochester team had brought some serious players, and had quickly finished off their first two opponents of the day. This meant, that as their Quarterfinals game against OSU-B came to a wrap, they would make the dreaded Burma Road march over to Dayton's field of feasting.

Rochester, who was quickly sized up as perhaps the best opponent Dayton had faced on the weekend, showed strengths in the areas of handling and disc movement. It would be the first time Ghetto Force would be tested over the weekend, as the Semifinals would not be decided easily.

At least, that's was what we thought. Coming out with the hype and adrenaline pumping, Ghetto rolled the Monster-fueled Pain Train into town by leveling Rochester 8-0 in the first half, and again, bringing home the OATBAG in the first half. Hoover, having the best start of his life, used his Cactus Bomb cleats to pick up 6 assists in the first 8 points, giving Mark Latta a semi. Continuing the killtastic rampage, second half highlights included Foor bringing a sick layout D against two grumbling opponents. And, as if the destruction wasn't enough, Goose, Corbizzle, and The Name Brand began Air Alerting the Ho - big time. So much so, Brentastic dealt so many Deep Deep D's that everyone lost track of the final tally, (though we'd guess it to be between 10-15). Kid Ic chipped in a sick score-saving layout on a wind drifting disc intended for Mark Anderson, firing up the sidelines and further punishing the score. This only helped topple the Rochester beast, and further Dayton's unreal momentum. Rochester, realizing it was done for, decided to make a final stand, scoring it's only point in the game when Dayton reached 14...leaving Dayton OATBAG-less in the second half, closing out the game 15-1, and without the desired OATBAGel.

Nonetheless, Ghetto had done everything it had planned on doing. Step 1, win the pool. Step 2, put your junk in the box. Step 3, make it to the Championship Game. And that's the way you do it!

However, all of Ghetto was just a smidge surprised how everything had come about. A 52-7 point differential on Day 1 was certainly impressive, but was part of the team's goal for pool play. Continuing it into the Championship Game, at a whopping 82-10 point diff, surprised even some of the Ghetto-A players. Not to mention, that word had spread about how bad the beatings had been, and everyone knew that Dayton came to win and meant business (as well as meant to give the business).

Finishing the Semi (not to be confused with keeping a semi) in quick fashion, Dayton again had to sit, and wait, and wait. The other Semifinal, between OWU and Case Western, seemed to drag on and on, till finally, just after the hard cap sounded, CWR took the game 13-12. Leaving Ghetto just one final opponent, the Case Fighting Gobies (who lost the worst team name battle to the OWU Firedogs) in the Championship.

Since Ghetto had roughly an hour and fifteen minutes to watch some of the other Semifinal and prep for the Championship, the dirty dozen (or so) left standing, took full advantage and got a lengthy warm up and toss in prior to the start of the game. Case, all the while, had to pack things up quickly and mull over to the lion's den to start the final. As all the onlookers could tell, Dayton's legs had yet to be tested, and in the case of taking the field, it was obvious one team was ready to take the Championship.

Starting downwind on O, Ghetto received the pull, and in a matter of moments (probably no more than 20 seconds) had worked it with ease into the endzone. As had been the case all weekend, Dayton relished playing defense and brought the punishing Zone-D and rattled off the next two breaks by getting turns and working the scores to Gieseapalooza. Dayton, unable to comprehend anything other than utter annihilation, pressured more and more, taking the first 6 Championship points, without fail. Dayton pieced together more d's and offense by working swiftly to an 8-1 half.

It was everything Ghetto had worked for, all coming into place. With a Chuck Norris Roundhouse kick-sized first half, Ghetto knew the Championship was in reach, and firmly set eyes on victory. Halftime was built on forceful words from Papa Corc and Coack Pak, focused on getting back out there and driving the game home. To keep the energy up, Ghetto players devoured purple Monster and some big helpings of hater-tots before taking the field with vengeance.

Starting with the same pattern, Ghetto scored early, and often, bringing the game to 11-1. Then, to the surprise of all, something happened. Case began to fight back, taking two points in a row (the first team to take two in a row from Ghetto, the entire tournament). Corcoran, appalled by Dayton's tomfoolery, insisted that the massacre must continue, and no time could be spared.

Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Papa Corc unleashed all his fury in the form of a full field flick to none other than the Name Brand. In doing so, the duo lit the fire again, producing instant hunger for carnage throughout the entire team.

Hungry for blood, Mark Anderson brought his D game, finding layout sexiness in every corner of the field, producing turn, after turn, after turn, from the zone mid mid position. Combined with the offensive prowess of the handlers, mixed with the desire to score from everyone (did anyone see Evan streaking deep?) the whole unit was hungry to be the one to finish off the bloodbath.

And, as if written, the finish proved to be picture perfect. Coming back to the field against doctor's orders, Joe Bayer entered the game for the final points, accompanied by his 8, "Pain Level 4" stitches, sewn just above his left eye. Ready to rock, Darth Bayder enlisted all of his Darkside Jedi Powers into finishing the tournament...which he aptly did, reeling in the final two scores of the day, leading Ghetto to a 15-4 Championship victory.

Lets just face it. Ghetto Force came to win the OWU tournament, and anything less would have been a complete failure.

Producing an astonishing 97-14 point differential, Ghetto came, saw, and pwn'd.

In all truth, it wasn't the best competition, however, the teams were solid Sectional opponents, and Ghetto did everything it was supposed to do. With wins over area competitors, Ghetto strove to make a statement, and in the winning style used, made a serious impression.

OWU, who, as I called days ago, ignorantly knighted themselves as the #1 seed in the tournament, didn't even make it to the Championship game. And in losing by one point, watched the team they lost to, go on and get punished 15-4. OWU will never have us back for anything again, calling it right now.

It was everything Ghetto Force had wanted, and in many ways, everything Ghetto Force expects. The best teams know they go into every game looking to pounce, and not let up, until the game is done. And with a program on the rise, it was exactly what Dayton did all weekend.

As the season goes on, Dayton will only see better competition (Boogie Nights, Roll Call, etc.) and needs to realize that this obliteration is just a step, and isn't going to be the foundation for bragging rights.

Ghetto Force is becoming what everyone wants it to be, a Regional contender and consistent threat, but we're not there yet. There is much work to be done, and the focus, drive, and intensity, must continue.

Great weekend Ghetto - across the board. From the bottom to the top, effort was huge in all facets and the Championship Paddle is a prize for the entire program. Let this be a focal point for when the practices are hard and morale is down. This is what we want to happen every weekend, and if that's going to happen, this is just the first piece in the puzzle.

Keep up the outstanding work, and lets keep this rolling!

Ghetto Force

The Ohio Wesleyan University Evan
Matthew Reas Memorial
2008 Tournament Champions

DAY 1 Recap - Stitches, Broken Bones, Broken Opponents, The Noob Stamp, and Some Serious Whoopings

Day 1 of the Ohio Wesleyan Evan Matthew Reas Memorial Tournament is done. And with that, the completion of Ghetto Force's step 1 of the season is complete. With strong A and B squads attending the tournament (in different pools) the team set its sights on arriving, and taking care of business.

Ghetto Force gave people the business.

The B squad, though ending the day with an 0-4 record, made many huge strides. Alex Frasz had a stand out day, showcasing his talent both on offense and defense. Frazzle Dazzle not only put on clinics in the area of handling and cutting, but helped contribute to the demoralization of many weak offensive players with his continually potent defense. The Dazz is an athlete and a half, and definitely made his presence felt.

The B team also had strong efforts from JoePa, Lattatastic, and KaiserRoll, all demonstrating their ability to handle and move the disc. JoePa gave some noobs some free lessons, busting a move all around his markers, both with his classy throws and swift cuts. Latta had a big time game cutting, swinging, and increasing the flow of the disc in a tough game against Oberlin-B. Kaiser, as a first year player, stepped up his handling game (who knew this kid was equipped with a cannon?!?) and ripped the biggest 60 yrd. flick of the day, to a laying out Pat "The Love" Bello, for a score. With the wind, snow-capped puddles, and slush consistently casing the disc, it was truly a site to be seen. Pa, Kaiser, and Latta proved they've got the skills to pay the bills, and they're ready to payup.

Though the day may have been a bit frustrating for Ghetto B, the squad showed a lot of heart and desire....not to mention some serious improvement. Z-Nizzle, Pegatronic, and all the other first year players definitely confirmed that the future of Ghetto Force is bright. Z, for one, busted his arse the whole day, laying out and gettin' sick with it, all the way up to the slush-soaked end.

The learning experience that comes with this tournament, proves the value of getting lots of playing time. I think all the members of Ghetto Force B walked away with a knowledge of what their strengths are, and what they need to focus on for improvements. All the pieces of the puzzle are there, and the signs of flow, speed, and consistency demonstrate the work Ghetto Force B has put in. With some focus on fundamentals and knowledge of the field/throws, Ghetto B is going to make some serious waves.

A couple fields away, Ghetto Force A showed up with a tenacity unparalleled at the tournament. Though there are no rabies-infected players on Ghetto A (you might be surprised), it was obvious the slew of talent was foaming at the mouth to ravish the unprepared opponents. And ravish would turn out to be an understatement.

With tough conditions, Ghetto made it a point to rip into opponents early, and continue to beat on them all game long. Playing OSU-B to start, the first point of the day set the tone. Though the two teams met a year ago at Sectionals (ending 13-0 on a Mark Latta Callahan), OSU-B was sporting new additions (including strong Miami grads) and was looking to step up their level of play. As OSU-A made the National Championships last year, the B-squad is full of players ready to step up to the next level. Unfortunately for them, Dayton wasn't having any of it. From the get go, Hoover and Simon made the sexy time connection, and they were off to the races. Becoming addicted to the sexy time, The Hitman and Danisourus Rex laid a beat down off the bat, as they connected for the assist and score, respectively, on the first 4 points of the game.

OSU-B utilized some strong handling and quick working of the disc to break the cup and take advantages of Dayton mistakes, breaking UD and tallying a few points in the first half. Unfortunately, JoeBa, who was desperately seeking the eye black and a D, decided to aim his brain for a backhand huck, and took one like a champ above the eye. Though he was pumped with the sick D, he was less pumped when he realized he'd need 8 stitches. You know our Ghetto Love for BayBay runs deep, and the Force was not about to let that fly.

Ghetto Force, stressing the need to avoid complacency, went on a 3-0 run to take half, 7-3. The halftime rally was focused on us coming out of the gate hard, and laying down a hurt. Sporting the "Do it for Bayer" rally cry, Ghetto took into the second half like raging bulls, and completed what would be the first of many OATBAGs of the day...ripping 6 straight to take the game 13-3. It'd be the start of many sick runs.

Coming second would be a vicious, and strong, Pittsburgh-B squad. At the urging of Papa Corc (err, Pop-A-Corc?), Ghetto had to stay focused, as this game would not come as easy as the first. Captain C-Money, is obviously a moron.

Charging hard, Ghetto continued the sickest run of the season by establishing the second OATBAG of the day, rocking a 7-0 first half. Unfortunately, the half came at a costly price. Danager the Manager made a stellar play to catch a score from JFoor, and was ramroded in the cheek from a bozo, Pitt player. Who obviously disregards the safety of everyone. Though Dan held onto the disc and the score, the immediate pain was unquestionable. Stampede Simon would walk off the field under his own power, but his obviously shaken demeanor showed everyone his injury wouldn't readily be shaken. As our second player in just over an hour to make a run to the ER, Dan has unfortunately been diagnosed with a broken cheek bone, and is pretty badly beaten up. All of the team's thoughts and prayers are with Dan, as we are all thinking of him, and hope he is doing well.

Identifying a quick trend, Ghetto proposed the new slogan, "Do it for Dan" when entering the second half. The Kozby Show, reveling in the slogan, got in the act, and scored the last 4 points of the game for UD. Basically, minus a stupid call-filled point where Pitt amazingly scored, the game was same old, same old. Dayton whooping tail, taking the game quickly, 13-1. Foor, upset he threw the disc to Danimal on the play he got injured, made a point to steamroll a full layout D against a weak Pitt player. Foor would like to make it clear, his issuing of this Mega Noob Stamp was dedicated to Dano.

Of both the opening games, perhaps the most amazing part was the fact that Dayton went on a streak where they played 16 points in a row, and broke the opponents and scored on all 16 points. It was a stat to be feared, and the opponents to come knew Ghetto deserved respect.

The third game of the day was a fun one, against Walsh University's brand new Ultimate team. It was filled with nice, and often really athletic, guys who were excited to be there and ok with the beating that was to come (The Kozby Show had aptly prepped them on the mantastic-sized blasting they would take). Luckily, the guys were really fun to play with, and seemed to enjoy learning the game and playing with a team of such skill. Dayton would take the game with ease, 13-3. (As one will see, this was the only team able to avoid the dreaded OATBAGing).

Coming into the last game against Earlham, Dayton went down good ol' Memory Lane to prep. Earlham was in the minds of all the returners as they surprised UD at a tournament a year ago, ruining what was to be an awesome tournament. Ghetto made a vow, that history, would definitely NOT repeat itself.

Coming into the game, Ghetto was pumped to exact some bush league revenge. Throwing it back to the California Penal League, Ghetto came out and in a ruckus, began what would be a beat down for the ages. Reveling the feeling of a good ol' OATBAG, UD decided to take half with nice 7-0 smoking. During the halftime speech, Ghetto talked about not letting up and keeping the pressure on. Basically, this all translated into in Ghetto going out and getting the 4th OATBAG of the day. And, to the dismay of Earlham, we would not be denied. Rocking what was an outstanding zone D, Ghetto lambasted the Moment of Violence team, and tore into them with a OATBAGle, finishing the game 13-0.

For Ghetto A, almost everything went as planned. If we could have avoided the 8 stitches and the necessary plastic surgery, and the losses of Darth Bayder and Dan The Man, the day would have been perfect. But our thoughts are with them both (BayBay seems to be doing pretty well) and we are excited have them back on the field when they're both ready.

Ghetto, with the Pool-winning, 4-0 running riot, earned the beloved first round bye for Sunday. Now, with the prize firmly in sight, Ghetto starts the day in the Quarterfinals at 11:00 am, with only three games seperating Ghetto and a championship.

Ghetto Force has its target in sight, and like Saturday's rompfest, Sunday's victory will not be denied.

OWU - Evan Matthew Reas Memorial, Friday Update *** Newest Brackets Posted***

(Click picture for full bracket)

With changes a plenty in the final 48 hours before the OWU EMR Memorial Tournament, updates are necessary. The reality is, Ghetto is beginning to get known, and some people, they just can't take the heat. In today's case, Edinboro, the #2 seed originally, has dropped out of the tournament. With a drop out in the final 48 hours, some questions are going to come to mind? Like, I wonder if Edinbaby remember when they about got whooped on their home turf by a Dayton Y split squad? And I wonder if they realized that the stacked Dayton A squad was breathing down their necks as a #3 seed? I wonder.

Nonetheless, things change, and the weekend goes on. And as of late last night, the highly sought after Dayton A and B rosters, we're publicly released. With the Edinbitches leaving the tournament, and Ghetto and The Sultans ready to wreck some young'ins, the weekend is ready to commence. To all the friends, family, and supporters, thanks for your continued efforts and we're ready to make you and the University of Dayton proud.

The sprints, the leaps, the bounds, and the squats - they've all been done up to now, so tomorrow is just fun. We'll get a great chance to see where we're at in the Section, and see if we're really as strong as most of us believe we are.

Ghetto's got a fever, and the only prescription is more pwnage.

Ghetto Gets Ready for Evan Matthew Reas Memorial

With the winter still bearing down outside, Ghetto is finally beginning to taste the start of the 2008 Spring Season. Although many players, some for the first time ever, experienced College Ultimate while down in Tennessee, Ghetto hasn't started the season as normal.

For the first time, at least in recent years, Ghetto has had enough talent, and more than enough in numbers, to fulfill two full squads. Thus, to best serve the program, Ghetto has been split into A and B teams. The squads, which had been announced just prior to the cancellation of the Ghetto Invite, will both be playing this weekend at Ohio Wesleyan's poorly titled Evan Matthew Reas Memorial Tournament.

With more talent than you can shake a stick at, Ghetto Force looks bring the pain this weekend.....serious pain....like taking Dorothy Mantooth out for a nice seafood dinner, and never calling her again, kind of pain. The itch to start hitting the grass, to really wear the jersey, and to showcase what all the hard work is for...it's ever-present right now. Ghetto is focused on....keeping the focus....with all the weather issues and the indoor practices (limiting the hucks, just a wee bit). It's time to make the first step, and believe me, it's going to be a big one.

In the mean time, I best update all you foolios out there. If you're not in the know on Mssui (pronounced Mus-oWee) then you're missing out. As the hottest thing in Ultimate, since the high-release, no-look, scubber, you need to get on the up-n-up and start checking out Mssui. They do major damage on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and cover Ultimate in a serious way...it's like the ESPN, for Ultimate. I highly recommend the recent articles on Trouble in Vegas and college rivalries. You need to check this stuff out!

Lets just hope that everything pans out correctly for this weekend....we all need to pray to the patron saint of Ultimate weather, Saint Dorothy Mantooth. Of all things Holy, this weekend cannot get canceled. However, at least in the meantime, we have plenty to read on Mssui. Ghetto is going to keep the focus, and get ready to scissorkick the entire field in Delaware, Ohio.

PS. If you're with Ghetto, and you haven't figured out your ride/where you are staying, please make a comment below. If you're not in the know, we need to know. So keep us up to date if you're at all confused about travel arrangements for the weekend. Gracias.

PSS. Have you seen this freaking catch?!? Your boy from Arizona, Joseph Kershner, is no joke. He took on leading Callahan candidate, Kurt Gibson, mono e mono, on Universe Point no less, and straight pwned him. Kershner showed up to Trouble in Vegas, put on his big boy pants and started choppin' broccoli. Don't believe me, scope the vid.

Pwn Fest 2008, Official Release of the Noob Stamp

(The Mark Anderson Show, Wright State 2006)

Winter in the Ghetto, didn't happen. Mother nature must have figured someone would get injured, and it just wasn't the right time for that. So she gave us a little time to reflect, practice, and get our strategery together for next weekend - Ohio Wesleyan University's Evan Matthew Reas Memorial Tournament.

Lets not be confused. No one died...there is no real memorial. It's just OWU, and you know how they love to showcase their noob pride. Which might be why they did the tournament seeding, and placed themselves as the #1 seed. Go figure. If you're a Ghetto vet, your probably could have seen it coming.

Nonetheless, it's a weekend Ghetto has been salivating for. Decent competition and a Dayton-A #1 seed in Pool C, provide a golden opportunity to crack out the 2008 Noob Stamp on a host of weaklings. Ghetto's got absurd amounts of talent (see Mark Anderson above) and the most ridiculous lines the program has had since the turn of the Millennium. (Not to mention the talent in Dayton-B is ready to initiate some Ultimate pledges with a frat sized paddling against the competition in Pool A - including Hope College, Rochester, and OWU.)

It's going to be a showcase of aggression, wrath, and pure annihilation. Ghetto is ready to lay a whooping...and we will not be denied.

The OWU Tournament Pools and Results Page