2012 Chesapeake Invite -- Open Division Preview
Alexander Dagley
Posted: August 24, 2012 12:07 PM
Tanasi's Alexander Dagley looks forward and reflects back as he heads to Poolesville, MD:
The who’s who of the ultimate world will find themselves in Poolesville, MD this weekend for one of the most pivotal tournaments of the season. With the regular season in place and the promise of a tiered structure next year, this weekend is big.
| |
August 28, 2010 5:30 AM
I was having similar thoughts as I loaded my car early Saturday morning to make the two-hour trek from Charlottesville, VA. This was my second year playing for Tanasi, and I was starting my fourth year of college at the University of Virginia. I rolled down the windows, put some tunes on, and left C-ville with a big, goofy grin on my face. Everything was perfect. I had finally earned a starting d-line position on a team chock-full of talent. I was in the best shape of my life. I was at the front-end of a nine-month farewell party. All that separated me from becoming the happiest boy in the universe was the Potomac River. And then the entire world came crashing down. I had reached the treacherous White’s Ferry: probably a former Oregon Trail enthusiast’s malicious attempt at historical realism. My youthful grin had turned into an anxious scowl as this joy ride reached an untimely standstill.
|
2012 Chesapeake Invite:
This year’s edition of Chesapeake Invite will feature sixteen elite teams, most of which are vying for eight elusive wildcard bids for their region to Nationals—the top end for bragging rights and momentum.
For those hoping to find themselves in the top 16 after next weekend, this creates a do or die type setting, a product of the newly instituted regular season.
| |
August 28, 2010 8:10 AM
I have moved past two trees on a one-way, narrow road winding through a thickly wooded park. It has been forty minutes and the ferry has just now returned from a laborsome voyage to and from the opposing bank two stones throws away. My knuckles are gripped tightly around the steering wheel, and I am muttering choice words under my breath. I have fifty minutes until the first pull goes off. I climb out my window trying to see over the cars in front of me. I start counting, because it seems like the only thing within my power to do at the moment. There are fifteen cars in front of me.
|
Tanasi will have their hands full with this pool. Ironside enters the tournament as the overall #1 seed and comes in hot off of a dominant performance at ECCs. Word on the street is that 2011 Callahan winner, George Stubbs, is back in action. Make no mistake, Ironside is the team to beat.
Truck Stop hit a few road bumps at ECCs-- but with top talent like Sean Keegan and my former crush, Alan Kolick, I expect a strong performance from them this weekend.
Madcow has only one loss on the season (13-15 to Oakland), and I think they could make a run into Sunday. As I will get a chance to compete against all of these teams in pool play, be on the lookout for more in-depth analysis in my Saturday recap.
Having seen Chain in action at Terminus, I will tell you now—look out. This is a very strong team with in my opinion the best athleticism in the country. At times their offense can get stuck, and they are a bit reliant on the deep shot. Moving the disc quickly and effectively will be key for them this weekend. They are good for 4+ breaks a game. Jay Clark made a big splash at US Open, and it will be interesting to see how they use him. Jared Inselmann, formerly on Ring of Fire, is a huge pick up. Expect big plays from him.
PoNY lost five games by a combined total of eight points at ECCs. This is a quarters at nationals level team with something to prove.
The Condors sit comfortably at #11 in the rankings right now. Having only played five games, results from this weekend will be big.
Cash Crop earned their spot by winning Chesapeake Open, which took place earlier this month. They will need to prove that they belong in this field.
| |
August 28, 2010 8:30 AM
I am the last car onto the ferry. Words cannot describe how glad I am to be here. I consider revving my engine in celebration but am fearful of the woman in the orange shirt who has told me once politely and once with a deeper more aggressive tone to turn off my car. Thirty minutes until game time. I just might make this.
|
Ring of Fire has not played a tournament since making semi-finals at the US Open. I wonder if they will show some rust in the first couple of rounds on Saturday. It is worth noting that they were one of four teams to beat Nexgen as of Wednesday.
GOAT has had a tumultuous road so far with only three wins between the US Open and ECCs. As of now, they would receive the eighth and final wildcard bid for the North East region at #16 in the rankings. Their weekend epitomizes the do-or-die nature of this event.
Streetgang and Oakland both have few data points for the season. Like us, results at Chesapeake will play a huge factor in their end of season ranking.
The fact that Sub Zero is a one seed in a big-time end of season tournament should surprise few. This team brings back a number of players who have played in the past that were missing from the 2011 roster including former Carleton standouts Julian Childs-Walker and Grant Lindsley.
Southpaw has no results, as they played under the guise of the Spinners in the AUDL. They won the championship game in this league, but I think it means very little in terms of elite club ultimate. Still, this is a team with Nationals experience that has been playing competitively since early March. They will be ready.
Boost Mobile is another team with aspirations of earning their region a wildcard bid to Sarasota. They went undefeated at SoCal Slammer in mid-July.
Florida United is my sleeper pick for the weekend. They bridge the top players from Uproar (Tampa) and Omen (Orlando). I think they have struggled some with this transition, but they have the talent and athleticism to run with the best.
| |
August 28, 2010 8:55 AM
After an e-brake, Gran Turismo inspired parking job, I run towards my sideline. I arrive just as the team huddles to share final pieces of wisdom before taking on Truck Stop in round one. I made it.
|
Looking Forward
The addition of the regular season adds a tone that has been missing from pre-series tournaments in years past. These games have real meaning and will help determine the fates of many as we move into the USA Ultimate series. This year, there should be no anxiety or lack of volition as teams sit in their metaphorical cars waiting for the Nationals ferry to fill up. In the past, eight bids have been given to regions on the basis of growth and size. There will be no single file line with teams counting cars from rooftops. Now, a bid is earned through successes at premier tournaments. We are all gunning for a spot on that boat, and teams will be revving their engine this weekend—well before October.
| |
August 28, 2010 9:30 AM
I break my leg on my second point in the game on a sky against Keegan.
This ended my 2010 season. Anything can happen.
|
Chesapeake will mark my first elite club tournament since. I have been looking forward to this for the last 728 days. To everyone competing this weekend, break a leg. Stay tuned for my Saturday recap.
About Alexander Dagley: Alex played for Virginia Night Train in college. This will be Alex's third year on Tanasi and first year as a captain.
##