The Cat Fight 2013 tournament drew to a close on Sunday with Northwestern Ultimate battling it out for the championship against schools from across the country.
After going 3-1 on Saturday NUT had to face Valpoaraiso in an early match up before they could advance. Valpo put up little resistance as Northwestern made quick work of their opponents with a
13-1 win. In the next round they faced a much tougher challenge in the squad from Indiana. Unfortunately for Northwestern its chance for a title ended early in a loss to IU.
However, NUT redeemed themselves in the consolation rounds. Against Eastern Illinois they pulled off the 9-6 win to face North-Carolina Ashville for 5th place. That may have been the toughest game of the day for Northwestern as they came away with a close 13-10 victory and head back to Evanston with 5th place in hand.
College tournaments continue next week with the season building towards the conference and divisional championships in April. Western Illinois' Mass Hysteria, my former team from when I attended WIU, is participating in the Midwest Throwdown on March 2-3 in St. Louis, Mo.
Check back at NLS for results from Mass Hysteria and more college updates.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
As Saturday came to a close college Ultimate teams across the county were either on their home or resting up for Sunday.
The Northwestern mens club started the Cat Fight 2013 tournament in Lexington, Ky. with a 3-1 record on Saturday in Pool B. Convincing wins over Oberlin, Drexel and Dayton's B team got the team rolling, but a loss in the day's final game against Kenyon hurty NUT heading into the championship Sunday.
If they come away with a victory against Valpo in the first game of the day then Northwestern faces Indiana.
Drexel finished the first day 1-3 with its only win coming against 0-4 Dayton B. On Sunday the Dragons are playing for a shot at 13th.
Unfortunately for my friends at Luther College the Free State Classic in Kansas was cancelled because of the winter storm the blanketed the midwest on Thursday and Friday.
Looks like they'll have to wait a little longer to get back into the action.
Check back tomorrow for the final results
The Northwestern mens club started the Cat Fight 2013 tournament in Lexington, Ky. with a 3-1 record on Saturday in Pool B. Convincing wins over Oberlin, Drexel and Dayton's B team got the team rolling, but a loss in the day's final game against Kenyon hurty NUT heading into the championship Sunday.
If they come away with a victory against Valpo in the first game of the day then Northwestern faces Indiana.
Drexel finished the first day 1-3 with its only win coming against 0-4 Dayton B. On Sunday the Dragons are playing for a shot at 13th.
Unfortunately for my friends at Luther College the Free State Classic in Kansas was cancelled because of the winter storm the blanketed the midwest on Thursday and Friday.
Looks like they'll have to wait a little longer to get back into the action.
Check back tomorrow for the final results
Friday, February 22, 2013
From legend to rookie: Travis Pastrana rides into NASCA
A legend in extreme sports, Travis Pastrana has done it all. The man known for his gravity defying tricks has pushed the boundaries time and time again. Yet for a competitor like Pastrana being the best is never enough, and with the action sports world at his feet Pastrana is eyeing his latest challenge.
In a career highlighted by stunts such as his new years eve rally car jump over a river and the first ever double-backflip on a dirtbike during the 2007 X-Games Freestyle. Pastrana's latest career move seems tame by comparison.
The high flyer has decided to take on the world of NASCAR, and if his past is any indication then it won't be long until Pastrana is winning on the oval as well.
His first attempts at stock car racing saw the driver do something he hasn't done much of in his career and that's struggle. Injuries he suffered during the X-Games kept him out of the car in 2011, and while driving the No. 99 for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 he failed to crack the top 10 in the Nationwide Series.
Towards the end of 2012 he signed with Roush Fenway Racing, and this year he has a full time spot in Nationwide with RFR driving the No. 60 car.
While he is new to the sport, anyone who has watched Pastrana in the past knows the kind of competitor he is. Pastrana has attacked every jump and event with a desire to win that's unmatched among his competitors.
That's why I believe that the X-Games gold medalist, and rally car champion can win in NASCAR. It's only a matter of time.
In a career highlighted by stunts such as his new years eve rally car jump over a river and the first ever double-backflip on a dirtbike during the 2007 X-Games Freestyle. Pastrana's latest career move seems tame by comparison.
The high flyer has decided to take on the world of NASCAR, and if his past is any indication then it won't be long until Pastrana is winning on the oval as well.
His first attempts at stock car racing saw the driver do something he hasn't done much of in his career and that's struggle. Injuries he suffered during the X-Games kept him out of the car in 2011, and while driving the No. 99 for Michael Waltrip Racing in 2012 he failed to crack the top 10 in the Nationwide Series.
Towards the end of 2012 he signed with Roush Fenway Racing, and this year he has a full time spot in Nationwide with RFR driving the No. 60 car.
While he is new to the sport, anyone who has watched Pastrana in the past knows the kind of competitor he is. Pastrana has attacked every jump and event with a desire to win that's unmatched among his competitors.
That's why I believe that the X-Games gold medalist, and rally car champion can win in NASCAR. It's only a matter of time.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Got any GUTS
So this is new.
I just heard of an Ultimate Frisbee game called "guts." I don't know much about it, and hadn't heard of it until this week. What I do know is that it's a game where pain and suffering are just an accepted part of it.
Apparently the game is the frisbee version of dodgeball. Two teams lineup across from each other, with one team throwing it as hard as they can at the other. The receiving team must catch the disc with one hand to score a point. If the don't then the other team scores.
This may seem easy, but with little time to react to the disc, catching is no easy task. Also, from what I'm told, the game is known for causing bruises on those who aren't fast enough to catch it or get out of the way.
I am anxious to give the game a chance, but something in the back of my head tells me that this is a terrible idea.
However, it may just be one of those ideas that is so bad I have to try it. At least once.
If anyone reading has heard of or played Guts please comment, and tell me what it's like. I want know.
I just heard of an Ultimate Frisbee game called "guts." I don't know much about it, and hadn't heard of it until this week. What I do know is that it's a game where pain and suffering are just an accepted part of it.
Apparently the game is the frisbee version of dodgeball. Two teams lineup across from each other, with one team throwing it as hard as they can at the other. The receiving team must catch the disc with one hand to score a point. If the don't then the other team scores.
This may seem easy, but with little time to react to the disc, catching is no easy task. Also, from what I'm told, the game is known for causing bruises on those who aren't fast enough to catch it or get out of the way.
I am anxious to give the game a chance, but something in the back of my head tells me that this is a terrible idea.
However, it may just be one of those ideas that is so bad I have to try it. At least once.
If anyone reading has heard of or played Guts please comment, and tell me what it's like. I want know.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Last weekend saw the continuation of the College Ultimate season with tournaments across the country.
Winners include the Illinois women and LSU in the open division at Mardi Gras XXVI. Iowa State and North Carolina also won their respective divisions at the Queen City Tune-Up.
It looks like my pals at Luther College are gearing up for the Free State Classic in Kansas on February 22-23. Other Illinois teams will also be participating in the same tournament.
Also, a shout out too NUT (Northwestern University men's Ultimate team) who according to their page made Valpo look plain silly earlier this season. They'll also be in action on the 22nd at the Cat Fight 2013 Tournament.
I'll be following Luther and NUT closely as I have a friend on Norse and had the opportunity to play with some members of NUT last summer.
Good Luck
Winners include the Illinois women and LSU in the open division at Mardi Gras XXVI. Iowa State and North Carolina also won their respective divisions at the Queen City Tune-Up.
It looks like my pals at Luther College are gearing up for the Free State Classic in Kansas on February 22-23. Other Illinois teams will also be participating in the same tournament.
Also, a shout out too NUT (Northwestern University men's Ultimate team) who according to their page made Valpo look plain silly earlier this season. They'll also be in action on the 22nd at the Cat Fight 2013 Tournament.
I'll be following Luther and NUT closely as I have a friend on Norse and had the opportunity to play with some members of NUT last summer.
Good Luck
Snow, rain and Ultimate Frisbee
It was wet, raining, snow covered everything and for all intents and purposes it was a miserable day outside on Sunday. And still there was Ultimate Frisbee being played.
The Evanston Ultimate Club plays year round and was determined to keep playing through the Chicago area winter weather. The field was a messy combination of snow, ice and slush, but all that didn't stop them.
So, when I visited this past weekend I wasn't too surprised to hear they were playing, and I jumped at the opportunity to join in. I'm glad I did too, playing in weather like that is a reminder of why I enjoy the sport so much. It was a great learning experience, but it definitely wasn't easy.
With the rain and snow everything was a challenge. The conditions forced us to focus on the fundamentals of throwing, catching and cutting. I tried going deep at first, but it became clear that the game was going to be based less on speed and athleticism and more on experience and patience.
It was a challenge at first, but past experience and all those hours spent at practices got put to good use. Eventually things came together for me, and the team I was on.
We became more patient, and looked for the easy throws. Despite a slower pace we were able to keep the disc moving forward, and the defense on its heals.
Even though the slippery ground provided a challenge, it was also fun to play on. Sliding became a part of the game, and it was just something that we accepted as the game went on.
It sure wasn't ideal, but I'd do it again in a second. It was a great reminder of how important all the little things are in a game that can look easy when it's nice out.
The Evanston Ultimate Club plays year round and was determined to keep playing through the Chicago area winter weather. The field was a messy combination of snow, ice and slush, but all that didn't stop them.
So, when I visited this past weekend I wasn't too surprised to hear they were playing, and I jumped at the opportunity to join in. I'm glad I did too, playing in weather like that is a reminder of why I enjoy the sport so much. It was a great learning experience, but it definitely wasn't easy.
With the rain and snow everything was a challenge. The conditions forced us to focus on the fundamentals of throwing, catching and cutting. I tried going deep at first, but it became clear that the game was going to be based less on speed and athleticism and more on experience and patience.
It was a challenge at first, but past experience and all those hours spent at practices got put to good use. Eventually things came together for me, and the team I was on.
We became more patient, and looked for the easy throws. Despite a slower pace we were able to keep the disc moving forward, and the defense on its heals.
Even though the slippery ground provided a challenge, it was also fun to play on. Sliding became a part of the game, and it was just something that we accepted as the game went on.
It sure wasn't ideal, but I'd do it again in a second. It was a great reminder of how important all the little things are in a game that can look easy when it's nice out.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
College Ultimate
With college teams preparing for the spring Ultimate season I will be watching closely and posting updates about local and national tournaments.
Check back at NLS for the latest updates on Ultimate from schools such as Luther College, Illinois and other national powerhouses. With a friend playing for the Norse, I may even get the inside track on their quest for D-1 glory.
Also, if anyone else has information feel free to send me a message. Just as I did during the summer, my Ultimate goal is to be the central hub for all things Ultimate Frisbee.
Check back at NLS for the latest updates on Ultimate from schools such as Luther College, Illinois and other national powerhouses. With a friend playing for the Norse, I may even get the inside track on their quest for D-1 glory.
Also, if anyone else has information feel free to send me a message. Just as I did during the summer, my Ultimate goal is to be the central hub for all things Ultimate Frisbee.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
High Flying X Gamess comes crashing down
The death of snowmobiler Caleb Moore following a crash at the 2013 Winter X Games has shined a negative spotlight on the world of extreme sports and the dangers these athletes face as they fly through the air performing awe inspiring tricks.
Unfortunately, Moore's death is only the most recent incident in which an athlete in extreme sports has been severely injured or killed performing a trick. It's easy to take for granted the dangers of action sports. Whether it's on a skateboard, a bike or a snowmobile the best performers make the most challenging tricks appear easy.
Another recent example of a rider suffering a serious injury performing a trick is BMX competitor Brett Banasiewicz. While practicing on August 23 in Virgina Beach, Brett crashed and suffered a severe brain injury. Doctors placed Banasiewicz in a medically induced come to control the bleeding swelling on his brain. He was wearing a helmet at the time, but according the Athlete Recovery Fund the one he was wearing was not designed for bicycle use.
What is surprising is that he was allowed to get on the bike and ride and possibly even compete wearing a helmet that didn't offer the right amount protection. There is no doubt the helmet saved his life, but it's hard to imagine that his injuries would have been as severe if he had been wearing the proper gear.
More surprising is that apparently rules forcing riders to wear the right helmet were not already in place at feature events such as the Dew Tour and the X Games. Action sports athletes put themselves in harms way every time they step on the ramp, and for event organizers not to force riders to wear the appropriate safety gear is doing them a disservice.
A video posted by ARF shows the surprising difference between soft foam, the helmet Brett wore, and hard foam helmets which are designed to with stand the heavier impact of biking. The soft foam is more flexible, while the hard foam is rigid.
It is easy to see why a rider such as Brett would prefer soft foam. However, like in any sport, athletes need to be forced to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. It's easy to pick comfort over safety, I did the same while riding my mountain bike, but that doesn't mean it was smart. After reading Brett's story I have much more respect for the dangers I faced even though my wheels never left ground.
Thankfully he is making a strong recovery, and doctors expect him to recover fully. I first saw Brett compete at the Dew Tour in Chicago, and he won the event with ease. He went higher, and right away my friends and I knew this kid was something special.
I hope to see him on the bike once again, wowing crowds and changing the sport for the better. It is always a shame when it take an incident such as this one to bring about change. However, with any luck similar will be prevented as a result of the lessons learned.
Unfortunately, Moore's death is only the most recent incident in which an athlete in extreme sports has been severely injured or killed performing a trick. It's easy to take for granted the dangers of action sports. Whether it's on a skateboard, a bike or a snowmobile the best performers make the most challenging tricks appear easy.
Another recent example of a rider suffering a serious injury performing a trick is BMX competitor Brett Banasiewicz. While practicing on August 23 in Virgina Beach, Brett crashed and suffered a severe brain injury. Doctors placed Banasiewicz in a medically induced come to control the bleeding swelling on his brain. He was wearing a helmet at the time, but according the Athlete Recovery Fund the one he was wearing was not designed for bicycle use.
What is surprising is that he was allowed to get on the bike and ride and possibly even compete wearing a helmet that didn't offer the right amount protection. There is no doubt the helmet saved his life, but it's hard to imagine that his injuries would have been as severe if he had been wearing the proper gear.
More surprising is that apparently rules forcing riders to wear the right helmet were not already in place at feature events such as the Dew Tour and the X Games. Action sports athletes put themselves in harms way every time they step on the ramp, and for event organizers not to force riders to wear the appropriate safety gear is doing them a disservice.
A video posted by ARF shows the surprising difference between soft foam, the helmet Brett wore, and hard foam helmets which are designed to with stand the heavier impact of biking. The soft foam is more flexible, while the hard foam is rigid.
It is easy to see why a rider such as Brett would prefer soft foam. However, like in any sport, athletes need to be forced to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. It's easy to pick comfort over safety, I did the same while riding my mountain bike, but that doesn't mean it was smart. After reading Brett's story I have much more respect for the dangers I faced even though my wheels never left ground.
Thankfully he is making a strong recovery, and doctors expect him to recover fully. I first saw Brett compete at the Dew Tour in Chicago, and he won the event with ease. He went higher, and right away my friends and I knew this kid was something special.
I hope to see him on the bike once again, wowing crowds and changing the sport for the better. It is always a shame when it take an incident such as this one to bring about change. However, with any luck similar will be prevented as a result of the lessons learned.
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