Hey everyone... I know it's been quite some time since I have been able to write on the blog, but I found a moment now so bare with me. As always, I would love if someone else is interested in writing anything related to the team or the sport on the blog.
TOURNAMENT RECAPS
The 2010 season so far has been the best we have seen as a team. We won our first tournament (Stanley Cup) with an X/Y team. Team X lost on universe point in the semis to the ISU alums while team Y won in the finals on universe point!
We then traveled to Whitesmoke with only 11 guys, another split team as we were far from a full strength squad. Most of the other teams we played that weekend had twice as many players as we did yet we only lost 1 game to the eventual winners (Illinois Y).
No Wisconsquences was a big step for our team, we got to play a very talented wisconsin X team and a nearly full strength Michigan State team, losing both games by around 4 points. What I think is important to take away from these games though is what our opponents did to beat us, the skill gap was not huge, we were trading points with both of those teams but issues like moving the disc, basic decision making, and weak defense were our downfall. After that because of the format of the tournament we faced mostly weaker teams with the exception of the Purdue game 1 day 2. We had a very tight game were we traded points in the first half but after a huge 7-0 run we showed some killer instinct and took that game soundly. We then went on to win out day 2 and take the 17th place bracket Which is the best we could have finished after going 2-2 day 1.
I wasn't able to go to Glory Days so it would be great if someone that did go would be willing to write a short recap of the tournament from a players perspective! From what I heard though we played really well considering the heavy wind and rookie heavy squad.
REAPER - RIGHT NOW
The biggest challenge Reaper has faced since its creation in 07-08 has been having the depth and commitment of the great teams we face. Right now guys... we have the talent... the potential to meet AND exceed our goal of making regionals in the spring. Now it just comes down to commitment, that involves coming to every single practice or scrimmage you can. We don't have the opportunity to practice everyday in the winter. Homework and studying for tests ARE NOT EXCUSES you can spare 2 hours in a day to attend practice and improve on a wed night and sunday morning, we all have homework, tests, hangovers or whatever other excuses we regularly get for people not attending winter practices/scrimmages. If we want to beat teams like Michigan State, Wisconsin, or Illinois we need to come together and work hard. We need every player that can be there to show up and push themselves.
THE FUTURE - Eyes on the Prize
Right now we are on break and are at this point in our season were need to get in shape, improve throws and field awareness against each other and be prepared for the spring. For all of you new players the spring is when we will be playing A/B squads. With our goal being regionals, and our main conference competition being Illinois, Northwestern, loyola, and Chicago we have to be in the mindset that we can't underestimate ANYONE, we need to want every point more than our opponents, regardless if we are up 3-0 or down 0-3 our success will be built on if we want it more and have the experience from working hard at practice.
Rookies, you are a huge part of this team.
Nearly half of the team is rookies or new players, players that will determine the future of this team in the coming years and the direction we go. While that is important and a few people have talked to me about it, THIS spring is our goal. What we do now determines how we will do come conference. As a team we have done better EVERY SINGLE YEAR since 07-08, lets continue that tradition.
Winter Tournament Schedule
Naperville Indoor Tournament - 1 day... not entirely sure if this is happening yet
Knox Indoor Tournament - Also still up in the air
Spring Tournament Schedule
Terminus (maybe)
Mardi Gras (maybe)
Chicago Invite
Home Tournament (Last Call 2011)
Huck Finn (maybe)
Conference
I will try to find more time to post regularly. I'd love any feedback good or bad from anyone! Have a great break everyone and see you when we return!
~James
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