North Park Ultimate

Whitesmoke XV - Lost Boys

2010-10-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

The lost boys are at whitesmoke this weekend after Notre Dame switched their annual spring tournament to the fall. The boys took two teams, an X and Y. You can see their results here:

http://scores.usaultimate.org/scores/#college-open/tournament/7645

Fall 2010 Schedule

2010-09-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Lost Boy Tournament Schedule: Fall 2010

10.02/03 - Whitesmoke (South Bend, IN)
10.09/10 - Hucktoberfest (Appleton, WI)
10.16/17 - NoWisconsequences (Delafield, WI)
10.23/24 - Glory Days (Lowell, IN) OR
11.06/07 - Northcoast (Cleveland, OH)

Frostbite 2010 - Lost Boy HL

2010-09-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mardi Gras 2010 - Lost Boy HL

2010-09-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009 Alumni Game

2010-04-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

North Park B losses universe...

2010-04-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

To keep the blows coming, the B team just made it's way over to the A
team and let us know they lost universe point to Ball State B for the
last bid to D2 Regionals...

All three programs at North Park finished their seasons at sectionals.
Allihopa - 11th place
Lost Boys A - tied for 9th
Lost Boys B - 9th

-luke johnson

North Park finishes their season...

2010-04-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

The boys were up 14-10 on Wheaton in a game to 15. Because it is
simply too frustrating and sad to tell the whole story, Wheaton
managed to take 4 points to force the game to 16 and then rattled off
another two points to win the game 16-14.

The team decided not to play their placement game againt Eastern and
thus will earn a tie for 9th place. This will mark the lowest finish
the North Park men's team has had in 4 years.

Let this be a lesson to see what it takes. Let this be a fire under
your asses for this coming season or maybe you need to get used to
lossing to Wheaton...

Rise up. Work. Run. Throw. Run some more. And never feel that you've
arrived.

Lost Boys B v Ball State B

2010-04-18T11:59:00.001-07:00

The B boys are fighting for the last bid as well right now to advance
to D2 Regionals. Of the 13 teams in the B division, there are 8 teams
advancing to tr next level. Our boys had to win both games this morning.

Their first game against Chicago B went to universe point 14-13 and
they are now tied 7-7 against Ball State.

-luke johnson

Lost Boys v Wheaton

2010-04-18T11:56:00.001-07:00

The boys are on a tear and are up on Wheaton 11-4. And it looks like
it is a barn burner between Eastern and Loyola who are the other two
semi final teams.

-luke johnson

Lost Boys v Wheaton

2010-04-18T11:24:00.001-07:00

Score update: the boys came out hard and forced Wheaton to make some
bad decisions and allowed us to go up 4-0. We are now at 5-2.

-luke johnson

Lost Boys v Illinios State

2010-04-18T10:12:00.001-07:00

Half was just taken after a 25min point that the gnomes were able to
go upwind on and score for 8-7. But the boys took the opening point
going back up wind after half and it is now 8-8.

-luke johnson

North Park over U. Chicago 15-11

2010-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Game is over. Next up is either Southern or Western... Their game is
still going on.

-luke johnson

North Park v U. Chicago

2010-04-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Update:
In a game to 15, boys are up 12-8.

-luke johnson

Lost Boys vs U. Chicago

2010-04-18T07:46:00.001-07:00

Half time update:
The boys are in their first game for the morning and took half 8-6.
They are trading points and are still up 8-7 at this point.

-luke johnson

North Park Lost Boys

2010-04-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

Saturday proved to show just how hard our team likes to make it on
ourselves. The first game against Loyola started the day with 15mph
winds and a lost flip... North park would get the first break upwind
and protected the downfield one as well. Sadly though in the second
half Loyola was able to capitalize and get an early upwinder. Late in
the game to 11, park was able to secure another up winder right before
cap and only needed to protect it for the wind. Getting the turn on
their goal line it seemed north park would win the game but instead
they turned it and let Loyola march the disc into 20-25mph winds for
the eventual win.

The second game would be against Eastern Illinios and the frustrations
from before were too much and tr boys fell because of their fears and
doubts.

Now in the hole 0-2, North Park was about to loss any chance for
Regionals unless they would win their next games. They would manage
this alright with wins over Western and someone else... Their last
game of the day would be against Notre Dame who had gone 4-0 for the
day and didn't need the win. The win or loss for NPU didn't matter
either, but Lars and Grant refused to be given a game and demanded a
game. Notre dame played their subs and north park won 11-2.

So, the boys left the night having to play in the 7th place bracket.
The boys need to win 4 in a row and only then will they move on to
regionals. 4 games and no losses.

-luke johnson

Allihopa's Season is Over

2010-04-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

After failing to beat Illinois State despite beating Wheaton this
morning, our ladies were forced into the 8th place bracket. We'd have
to win two games in order to advance to regionals. In a difficult game
that was capped 24 seconds after we were down one against Loyola the
game was over. If we would have scored 24 seconds earlier, we could
have broken them to tie the game and then broken them at universe
point. Sadly, we could not. Dissapointing finish to a rough season
already.

-luke johnson

Re: Sectional: Allihopa Game 2&3

2010-04-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

We played purdue and then northwestern. First was a win and the second
was a loss... But our new girls got a chance to get some serious
playing time against a great team even though the loss was 2-13 and
the win over purdue was 9-3.

Bye now and then we have notre dame B.

Sectional: Allihopa Game One

2010-04-10T07:32:00.001-07:00

Frustrating game... Ladies trade points against Indiana the whole way
and then get the first two breaks with a steady wind growing at
10-15mph. We then come out in the second half rough and let two breaks
go with a downwind universe point to finish. They have a 20 yard pull
that we set up on. Throw away. And then they worked it up the entire
field and score it.

-luke johnson

In Memory of Peder Hedberg

2010-03-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

Frostbite

2010-03-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

The boys have all arrived and are now preparing for their first game
against Wisconsin Eau Claire. The weather is cold and the wind is
picking up.... Happy zone ultimate.

no new jerseys for frostbite

2010-03-10T19:07:00.001-08:00

So the printshop is a little behind on our order. Expect jerseys next week.

New Jerseys for Frostbite

2010-03-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

New jerseys will be arriving within the week. The team is currently on spring break until we rendezvous in Springfield, MO on Friday night to prepare for Frostbite 2010. Last year we took 4th place at this tournament. This is our first tournament since our trip down to Mardi Gras two weeks ago. Currently we are ranked 23rd in the country.

Bachelor Night with Allihopa

2010-03-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

This evening the ladies join kelly and me for a halarious night of watch the bachelor finale. We ended up having a few prizes based on the number of kisses each girl received in the last hour.

Summer won with 34 kisses.

The actual number of kisses were:

Tenley - 44

Vienna - 32

North Park University - 15th In the NATION

2010-02-20T08:16:00.001-08:00

For the first time in our program's existent, we have cracked the top 20 teams in the Nation. Lots on your shoulder boys, but you've got a lot of people behind you.

Saturday Stun

2010-02-13T12:59:00.000-08:00

It was just by one point, but today the North Park University Lost Boys upset the Wisconsin Hodags by the score of 12-11 in their second round game on Saturday morning. It was an early two point break that led to the eventual win, but I think a Mr. Eric Gustafson has a Callahan that helped a bit too. Congrats boys on the biggest win our team has ever posted. I feel honored to call myself a lost boy, and so should you!

Scores for the Lost Boys:

vs Alabama - [13-09]

vs Wisconsin - [12-11]

vs Florida State - [13-09]

vs Texas State -

Scores for Allihopa:

vs Emory [07-13]

vs Minnesota [12-6]

vs Iowa

vs Texas A&M

Frost at the Mardi Gras fields

2010-02-13T06:24:00.001-08:00

2 hours away from Baton Rouge

2010-02-12T19:16:00.001-08:00

The lost boys and allihopa ladies are nearly in baton rouge for the first tournament of the spring season. You can follow the action of Mardi Gras here:

OPEN DIVISION

WOMENS DIVISION

Stairs begin

2010-01-28T13:38:00.001-08:00

Today 14 ladies just started their first stairs work-out.

North Park Lost Boys - winter workouts

2010-01-25T17:46:00.001-08:00

Winter work outs began two weeks ago with two indoors a week with
running and small play on our amazingly small turf. Half of the boys
are also hitting the stairs twice a week in Carlson Tower.

Mardi Gra is three weeks away and most of these boys are juiced to get
playing... The returners know what's in store but the new guys have no
idea. Oh the joys of being a first year in the spring season.

Get jacked boys. Get jacked. The ultimate season is upon us and we are
ready to work!

Allihopa End of Season Party

2009-12-08T19:24:00.001-08:00

The girls gathered one more time at my place for awards and end of
season video. Once the video is finished it will be linked on here.

3rd Annual Chicago Invite - March 20/21

2009-11-20T22:23:00.001-08:00

The website and sign-up went live today! www.chicagoinvite.com

Allihopa Stats from this weekend

2009-11-09T17:16:00.001-08:00

I decided to take a small break from studying and made a couple graphics that reflect the stats from this weekend's tournament our ladies attended. You can click on the graphics in order to see them in their full resolution.

1. Turns vs. Touches (note: for those who were responsible for jacking the disc deep to get us field position, I counted this as a turn against you on Saturday but not on Sunday. I should have done what I did on Sunday, but was not thinking)

2. Goals and Assists

3. Ds Generated vs Points Played (compare these D's generated to the turns you were responsible for and see what kind of ratio you had)

Allihopa Finishes Fall 2009 Season

2009-11-08T14:13:00.001-08:00

This last weekend our ladies made it into the championship bracket after beating not only St. Louis but Illinois (something we've never done) on Saturday in pool play. But, in doing so we were placed into a bracket of the best 12 teams and we quickly found ourselves outmatched and out-skilled.

Our first game of Sunday morning would give us Wisconsin Eau Claire. With a rather simple offensive and defensive strategy (gain field position by jacking it deep, set zone and push for an early turn over), you'd think we'd be able to stop it... especially since it was our own strategy all weekend when the wind was more than 5mph. But, instead of figuring it out, we got flustered. Handlers stopped moving the disc to the open dump when working up wind. Cutters got confused to the point of standing still. And we ended up going down 1-7 at half. Our second half we rallied a bit more and were able to get three more points on the board but none of which were up-wind points. We lost 04-13.

We were now in the 9th place bracket with a game against Washington University, who our ladies played back in Hucktoberfest. Our ladies lost back then when Washington was playing us as a split squad so we knew this would be a challenging game. I played tight lines to begin things, but as soon as Wash. got the first break up wind I began to give our younger ladies a chance to make a difference. And it was a line that included 3 first year players that got the break back up wind to keep things close in the second half. With cap looming though, the point meant that we needed to score upwind within 3 minutes before the hard cap loomed... and even then we would need to score downwind to tie and then another upwind point to win it. We didn't score that upwinder and we ended up giving Washington the game 08-12.

Our final game of the day was against Ohio State. We were playing for 11th place, with the loser taking 12th. We were exhausted and our returners especially were gassed or bound from injury (Kyra's knee had taken a nasty hit in a lay-out in the game before, Joanna's tailbone was bothering her greatly, and a few others were bothered by nagging pain somewhere in their body). But, we weren't about to give up because of a few injuries, so we trudged on and decided to play. Ohio State, with their two coaches on either side of the field with walkie-talkies, was a strong team with a couple nasty athletes

. They had probably just as many freshmen as us, but either they had super human strength or just hadn't played as much as our girls throughout the tournament because they were wicked fast and simply out worked us on the field. Before we knew it we were in a hole. We would work the disc up-wind and downwind but somehow forced throwaways on the goal line. Next thing we knew we were in 2-8 half-time hole too deep to climb out of. We played 4-5 rookies each point and though they were unable to score again, the experience was something we trust was valuable. Ohio State would take the game 15-02.

So, what does a tournament like this do for us? It assures us of a few things:

1. We can play with the best teams in our Region and a couple outside of it (we landed in the championship division not because of luck but because we played well on Saturday)

2. We need to be a team that does well on both days of a tournament, not just Saturday. Losing all our games on Sunday sucks and I would rather not do that again.

3. We were out-skilled and out-run plain and simple.

4. Of those skills, we have some fundamentals that have to be learned by all players. But especially, every girl needs to be able to throw a flick and backhand into the wind for at least a 15 yard gainer. Every girl also needs to be able to throw to a reset dump without question. And every girl who wants to call themselves a handler needs to be able to throw flick, backhand, and have a hammer/blade in their tool belt.

5. We have a long off-season now and it is up to individuals to figure out numbers 3/4 above. Expect your extra-credit assignment before Friday this week.

As of today we finished the season 99th in the country and 11th in our great lakes region (GL).

Allihopa at Midwest throwdown

2009-11-07T12:55:00.001-08:00

Our Pool: (over all seed going in)
1. Iowa State (3)
2. Illinios (10)
3. St. Louis (15)
4. North Park (22)
5. Harding (27)

The ladies first game of the day went to forfiet but only because
Harding was in a fender bender on the way to the fields... So we
started with a 1-0 victory but Harding was seeded below us.

So our first real game then was against St. Louis and after battling
and trading the first two points we ended up getting the first break
and rode it to the end winning 8-6! This meant we broke seed and was
in contention to move into the championship bracket where only the top
two teams from our pool moved into.

Next up was our game against Iowa State and I took a different tack
with PT by giving our young girls tons of time. We scored early on and
then that was it... 13 points later and we had lost nearly by getting
bagled.

We regrouped and then had to play Illinois who we have never beaten. 8
points later and we had taken half 7-1!!! Holy crap and we were
playing with 2-3 newbies every point and against a zone defense.
Illinios came back a little in the second half by getting broken twice
after they scored an O point early on... We cleaned up and seconds
before hard cap we scored up wind and guaranteed a win by being up
12-5. We called a first year line and after 7-8 turns Sommar scored
the winning point after a crazy flick from Anna C.

NPU 5th and 7th

2009-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

Our boys took fifth while our ladies took 7th. The boys had Illinios Z
in the first round and them took them 15-7 or maybe 8. Their next game
with Ball State didn't go well with gusty wind and they ended up with
a loss 8-15. They then had Kentucky for 5th and won on universe point
10-9.

Our ladies struggled hard today and would have won both their first
games of they had won the flip. Stupid wind. Stupid trading points.

Oh, and it should be said that the boys won another game over
Northwestern in a Hucking contest between Jinga and Lars. And Anna C
from the ladies team won herself a free dinner after having the
furthest pull into the wind at 24 yards.

-luke johnson

Allihopa and Lost Boys each go 4-0

2009-10-24T15:00:00.001-07:00

The last round of games for our ladies and boys went more than well
against Indiana and Illinios X. Our boys took Illinios X 13-3 or
something close to that. It might have also been one of the few games
that didn't go to cap. Our ladies pounded Indiana who honestly was
very talented. They ended up not having enough legs though with only
one sub all day. Our ladies went up 5-0 before they were able to
answer. Then we traded before going on another run to take the game
10-4 or something close to that.

Tomorrow our ladies don't have to play until 11, meaning we don't need
to get up until 8am.

-luke johnson

Third round

2009-10-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Allihopa remains undefeated at 3-0 with their last win over Purdue
10-3. The boys took it to St Lious University 9-7, but the game would
have been a blowout if we played our A line.

Both teams now are in position to take their pools and earn a better
and easier seed for bracket play tomorrow. Ladies have Indiana and the
boys have Illinios X.

-luke johnson

Next rounds

2009-10-24T11:20:00.001-07:00

Allihopa over last seed 9-6 and lost boys 9-7 over Michigan b.

-luke johnson

NPU first round update

2009-10-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

The boys and girls both took their first games 10-5, and 9-5
respectively over loyola and Illinois Chicago.

-luke johnson

Men vs Boys - Alumni Game

2009-10-20T06:10:00.001-07:00

Last night the 3rd annual alumni game took place on Holmgren field. After taking half 8-5, the current team began calling tighter lines and made a run back on us to bring it within two at 11-9. As the cap was looming, the alumni had four opportunities to win the game at 14-11, but simply could not put the disc in. The current boys came back and ran off four points in a row and took the game 15-14 over the alumni. Current Team 2 Alumni 1.

Oh, and I also got engaged.

-luke

No Wisconsequences

2009-10-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

The lost boys went 3-0 in pool play against:
vs MSOE - 13-10
vs Colorado State - 13-07
vs Gustavus Adolphus - 13-04

And then in the first round of the pre-quarters of the championship bracket they took on Arkansas who had just beaten Michigan State on universe point to take their pool. North Park came out tough and played their top 10 players to take the first two points. But Arkansas came back with three of their own and not until half did the lost boys get back on top. Points were traded after taking half 8-6, but Arkansas could never get back on top despite having such ridiculous talent on their team. North Park played smarter with their slightly deeper roster and eventually bested them 13-08 in a 3 point run at the end of the game.

Next up...? Oh, yeah... the tournament directors can't figure that out yet and haven't posted anything.

2009 UPA College Championship- Fugue

2009-10-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

For those interested, this is one of the strongest women's college teams from last year-

Oregon Fugue's story from the UPA College Nationals. Finishing tied for 3rd, Fugue was nothing but dominant and full of heart.
Disclaimer- These songs may have explicit lyrics.

2009 UPA College Championship- Fugue from glossjohnson on Vimeo.

New team....

2009-09-02T19:48:00.001-07:00

This is beautiful. I miss it already. Hail the lost boys.

First Practices

2009-09-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Lost Boys will be meeting every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoon from 3:30-6pm at the green space and then jogging to the strip. And then on Wednesday nights from 8-10pm at the turf. The first monday had 25 guys, a few less than expected, but still a great recruiting class. The athleticism continues to be growing with guys from various sport backgrounds.

The boys jogged to the strip did a few drills and throwing pieces before scrimmaging.

The ladies on the other hand had 29 girls meet at the green space. We learned the basics of the backhand and forehand before going into partner throws. Afterwards we learned a new game called Durango's Boot (a bit modified from the original game I learned), but it was a great way to introduce some elements of ultimate without yet playing. We then ended with santa cruz and were able to get 29 backhands in a row!

Lost Boy Practice Schedule:

M/Tu/Th - 3:30-6pm Strip

W - 8-10pm

Allihopa Practice Schedule:

M/W/Th - 3:30-5:45pm EastBank

Lost Boys - Interest Meeting (last week)

2009-09-01T06:58:00.000-07:00

last week the lost boys held their interest meeting. after getting more than 2 pages of names at their sign-up table, the lobby of burgh was filled with fresh young faces ready to learn of this amazing team called the Lost Boys. The new leadership, comprised of Lars Anderson, Grant Blankenship, and Cameron Hodgkinson, held their meeting for about an hour.

Allihopa Interest Meeting

2009-08-26T20:03:00.001-07:00

The first of ultimate is beginning! About 15 new girls were in the
room and showed interest in the team.

Another three join the rank...

2009-08-23T13:48:00.001-07:00

This fall, three lost boys will join the journey towards a masters
degree at North Park Theological Seminary. Here you can see both Peter
Anderson and Joel Johnson. Not pictured is Eric Ek who was sitting
somewhere else in the chapel...

Peter was a lost boy from 2005-2008, Eric from 2005-2006, and Joel from 2004-2006.

The Wedding of Mary Hakanson & Nick Wells

2009-08-20T15:31:00.001-07:00

Mary Hakanson served as the Allihopa captain from the fall of 2008 until the spring of 2009. She is now happily married to Nick Wells.

The Wedding of Mary Hakanson & Nick Wells from glossjohnson on Vimeo.

2009 DIII Nationals HL Video

2009-08-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

2009 DIII Nationals - NPU Lost Boys X from Luke Peterson on Vimeo.

Quicktime 720p: http://www.lostboysultimate.com/DIII09LBHL(720p).mov
iPod Video Download (option click & save): http://www.lostboysultimate.com/DIII09LBHL(ipod).m4v

Photos (from Ashley Bailey): http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleylbailey/sets/72157621812077095/

South Eugene High School HL Reel from Westerns

2009-07-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

2009 UPA HS Western Championships - SEHS (part 1) from luke johnson on Vimeo.

2009 UPA HS Western Championships - SEHS (part 2) from luke johnson on Vimeo.

Option click here to download the ipod version.

Finals of No Surf!

2009-06-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

We are facing MadCow in the finals. Yesterday we lost by two to them.

2009 UPA HS Western OPEN Championship - South Eugene HS Teaser

2009-06-09T21:32:00.001-07:00

2009 UPA Western Championships - South Eugene HS from glossjohnson on Vimeo.

Quicktime Download (720p), click here to download the ipod version.

2009 UPA HS Western OPEN Championship - Churchill HS Highlight

2009-06-06T10:02:00.001-07:00

05.16/17 - 2009 UPA Westerns - Churchill Open HL from luke johnson on Vimeo.

You can also download this as an ipod video format here (option click on this to download it): http://glossarchitecture.net/video/WesternsCHS09HL(ipod).m4v

Quicktime Download (720p), click here to download the ipod version.

Party at luke's 2. still bummed about dIII

2009-06-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lost Boys homeward bound. And good job luke j.

2009-05-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

A Match For 13th

2009-05-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

We sat there after the game some with cleats off some with jerseys
off. Luke, Grant,Lars all talking about the tournament and closing off
the season; some talking about the ride home and what to get for
lunch. But wait...what's that, the st johns capt came over and said
wanted decided to play us after all. So we strapped back on, got our
legs loose and played again. They got the turn and put one up deep in
the endzone, justin cut it off,elevated D'd it at the highest point,
but surprised he jumped so high batted at it rather than catching it
and it was caught by st johns. We would work hard on d get some turns
and capitilize on them. We closed the half after a great first half
consisting of a grant high release to luke j, o shreding their cup
spearheaded by luke p cuts and finished it tex to justin in the
corner. Second half had more guys stepping up making plays. Burkett on
d, abe on handles, ten brink cutting, carl on cuts, christian on deep
d's. Jake strapped up the cleats and worked their main handler and the
vertical game, lars used his length on both sides of the field, and
Mirza and Solie did well on o. They fought back and broke us twice
near the end and a deep huck with sick i-o from abe to justin as he
skyed his defender and brought it down. For the last point we needed a
break to win as we were up 12-7. Lupe and his man went deep, they both
went up lupe d's it gets hit in the eye and runs back. luke j to
justin on live side then to ten brink to lupe and hits justin on a
long strike to end the season. For luke j, lupe, tex, jake, and Solie it was
there last college tournament ended with triumph. For the man that
started this team, taught this team, and fought hard with this team
for five years, thank you luke Johnson.
-luke johnson

Sunday recap

2009-05-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

The game against Vasser resulted to a loss by universe point 12-11. We
Ended up on the 9th place bracket and we lost by 4 points ending the
game with 13-9. That's was a frustrating and ugly game. It was against
Wisconsin's Steven's Point. The team does not play by the way of The
Lost Boys. The last game was against

-luke johnson

Sunday Morning.

2009-05-31T04:34:00.000-07:00

Last night tex, Ashley, and I went out for pizza in some neighboring
town. On our way out we stopped by the fields to see if the format for
tomorrow had been figures out. The TD was just about to leave but let
us know we had gained the 14 seed overall. We checked the board to see
who would be the 3 seed overall and saw that Vassar had kept seed in
their cross over.

Vassar is from the Metro East Region and took their sectional
tournament but then tanked at regionals. They are a skilled bunch of
guys with six senior players. But they are beatable even with our X
team. It will all be about how hard we come out and how tight of lines
we keep.

For me personally I want to make it to semis. But that will mean
upsetting big time this morning.

Peterson and grant are my best friends. -luke Johnson

2009-05-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

Cross over vs Salsibury

2009-05-30T13:20:00.001-07:00

We started this game a little late... Sometime at least 20 minutes
after every other cross over. They were the A4 and had already gone
0-3 for the day. Because we were in one of the 3 spots, our point diff
for the day was being counted against us to see if we would earn one
of the 4 last spots in the 16 team bracket.

The game ended in our favor after some sick defense by both justin and
Mirza. The lost boys had found themselves again and were playing sick
offense and stiffling D. It didn't help that salsibury was playing
with only 9 guys of which one was semi hurt.

We closed out the last point and took the game 15-6 but the score was
recorded as 15-5... Hope that doesn't screw the other 3 spot teams.

We won't find out if we are in the championship bracket until tomorrow
morning, which is a bit ridiculous since all the scores were reported.
I'm kicking myself I didn't take a photo of the board...

-luke johnson

1-2 in Pool Play

2009-05-30T11:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I've not been updating the site, but my phone was taken to
buy cleats for both Solie (whose cleats were breaking) and Abram (who
forgot his)!

We started out sluggish against PLU and struggled most in finding an
agreed upon level of play. We talked a big game, but didn't match it
our play. PLU came out with the first break but we later got it back
and took half 7-6. We traded until getting our secod break and carried
it to 10-8. We let them score and then they got the break back. On
their pull to us hard cap came on and we were at universe point. I
jacked the disc twice (first was a foul), the second ended up getting
D'd and seconds later they took the win 11-10.

Our second game sucked because we weren't able to drop the last loss.
We came out even flatter and got broke and didn't score until just
before half. We struggled in the second half but made a small rally.
Jake had a sick sky and we ended with our second loss 5-13.

Our third game we wanted. Lars and grant, who had been calling lines,
decided to call them tighter and put in Jon TB, Abram, Jake, Lars,
Grant, Justin, and myself. We got the first three breaks and carried
those into half with one more at 7-3. Their only points came off lucky
up the lines. The second half was more of the same. We ended 13-5.

-luke johnson

Early Morning Breakfast

2009-05-30T04:33:00.001-07:00

We are in Versailles, OH at the last college tournament of this spring
2009 season. We are seeded 21st overall out of 26 teams. We have the
bottom spot out of the four teams in the D pool.

First game up is against Pacific Lutheran from the Northwest Region
(number 2 in our pool). This is where Andrew Sheridan goes to school
(former student of mine who graduated in 2007). These guys have been
fairly good this season finishing 12th at their regional tournament.

Then we will have Wisconsin Eau Claire (1st in our pool and 4 overall)
who lost first round at regionals to Carleton GOP. They ended their
UPA season tied for 11th with GOP. They are a tough and gritty team
who are wicked fast and a lot of fun to play.

And lastly we will have the 3 spot in our pool, Kalamazoo. They did
not even make it out of their section this year as they lost in the
game to go against Michigan's B team. They are a tall team with a huck
and run strategy.

The format for this tournament is pretty simple. There are 26 teams
divided into 4 pools of 4 and two pools of five. The pools of four
have cross over games between the 1/2 and 3/4. All the teams who go
4-0 and 3-1 today will move on to the championship division that is a
16 team bracket. These teams will only take up the first 12 spots, so
the remaining 4 spots will be given to the 4 of the 6 teams who went
2-2. They will choose the four based on their scores against and for.
A suck way to figure it out, but because there is no other method when
there are this many pools, it might be the way we either get
eliminated or remain.

So... To be guaranteed, we need to win one game and then win our cross-
over. Or we can win two games and be set. We could lose all our pool
play games and then win our cross over and hope for a better point
diff than the other teams in that spot.

2009-05-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Nationals!

2009-05-22T07:52:00.001-07:00

Lars, Luke and myself are in Columbus, Ohio at College Natties. Today
and Saturday is pool play, pool play, pool play! We are keeping an eye
on our region's teams as well as hitting up the top seeded team
matches. Right now we are supporting Miss Kimber Coles and the rest of
the Oregon girls (as Luke films them) while keeping the Illinois vs.
Carlton game in the background in ear.

-Kelly

Chicago Invite Teaser

2009-05-15T11:59:00.001-07:00

Chicago Invite 2009 Teaser from Luke Peterson on Vimeo.

Great Lakes All Region Teams Announced - Womens Division

2009-05-12T12:46:00.001-07:00

Not to be out done, our very own Kelly Marshall was also named on the Great Lakes All-Region Women's team!

To see the full list, head here.

Great Lakes All Region Teams Announced - Open Division

2009-05-12T12:45:00.001-07:00

The UPA released the official All-Region Teams this afternoon. It is a way of recognizing the most talented players in each of the 8 College Ultimate Regions.

This last weekend I attended Regionals for only the second time in my life. More than 7 years ago I had put myself on the first North Park University roster, but after our team failed to show up at Sectionals, we were disqualified and my name and North Park were a footnote on the statistics that year for our Section. But, this is what allowed me to play college disc the last two years with North Park (my clock started while I was still a youth pastor in Oregon and I began playing Club ultimate with Eugene's Darkstar open team).

In regards to the All-Region recognition, I have to be honest and say that as much as I wanted to make a personal impact on the college ultimate scene, my biggest hope was for our North Park team to go further than it had ever gone before. And as I sat on the plane in Houston Saturday morning of Regionals, and I recieved text messages from Grant that we had won our first round game. At that point, we were guaranteed a better finish than the last year. But there was still work to be done once I finally did arrive. We lost to Illinois in the second round, and with a double elimination format, we had one life left. We would beat both Miami Ohio and then Indiana in order to earn the right to play Notre Dame first thing Sunday. Sunday morning's loss to them was frustrating, but we had gone further than we had ever been. We would end up finishing tied for 5th at Regionals (missing out on a Nationals bid by 3 spots), a full 8 spots higher than last year's disappointing finish at this same tournament.

The fact that I have been voted on by my peers in the ultimate community as an All-Region player means so much (especially considering who else is on that list), but it will never over-shadow the fact I belong to a group of players who have supported me and made me the player who I am today. Do not forget that next to my name, I bear witness to a team...

The last two years of college ultimate have been an amazing journey. I have had the privilege of standing next to the greatest North Park players this team has ever produced. I have had the chance to grow with the team and be part of its' move to being Nationally recognized. I will take some responsibility for that, but the efforts of Peter Anderson, Dan Williams, and Lee Edwards cannot and never should be ignored or diminished. They kept the program not online alive, but developed an ethos that can only be understood if you have the honor of wearing a Lost Boy jersey. When they left, Jake Anderson, Stefan Fritz and I inherited the leadership mantle and took the team to where it is today. As both Jake and Stefan also graduated this year, their names must also be remembered for filling the shoes of their predecessors and making them just a bit bigger for our next generation of leaders. Grant, Lars, and Cameron; you have much to do and even more to be... Keep the legacy alive and move this team into places it has never been!

To see the full list, head here.

Teacher Luke

2009-05-10T17:42:00.001-07:00

Some of the Lost Boys are taught how to play Settlers the expansion
game! Luke is in his element, teaching away...

My prediction: luke wins, myself (Kelly) a strong second and Lars
close behind? We'll see as we begin playing now.

Regional Photographs

2009-05-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Jeff just got his Regional photographs up... all 982 of them. There is a healthy amount to go through, so enjoy the distraction people and put off those finals just a little bit more. Click here.

Sectionals Photos - Jeff Erickson's Set

2009-05-05T06:57:00.001-07:00

Jeff now has a pro account on Flickr and has been taking the most photographs for our team. Expect Regional photos shortly.

Sectionals 2009

More from our beach cook out

2009-05-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

End of Season Party

2009-05-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Foster Beach

Jeffrey drooling!

2009-05-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Regionals, we caught Jeff asleep... Look closely!

Final Recap from Stefan

2009-05-03T08:03:00.000-07:00

Well, today we played some ultimate frisbee. We arrived at the field
a bit tired and sluggish, and some were down from the celtics
dominating over the bulls. (go celtics) In true north park fashion, we
started slow against our old poridge pals notre dame, and they took
us 8-4 at half. We came out in the second half determined to play good
north park ultimate, and seniors would close out the game 15-8. While
we were beaten soundly, we finished strong and proud. I speak for all
of the seniors when I say the it has been a priveledge to has been
members in the greatest ultimate this side of the mason dixon line.
Praise God for this team and its continued success!

-luke johnson

NPU taken down by Norte Dame 8-15

2009-05-03T07:04:00.001-07:00

-luke johnson

Early Morning

2009-05-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

After a night of watching basketball, our boys woke up this morning
shortly before 7am. We just finished a continental breakfast and will
be making our way to the fields. And in an hour and a half, we will
begin our run against Noyre Dame.

-luke johnson

The Lost Boys are enjoying some fine cuisine...

2009-05-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

NPU over Indiana - 15-9

2009-05-02T15:03:00.001-07:00

North park moves on to play Notre Dame tomorrow morning at 8:30am...
We win that, we play the winner of Michigan and Chicago. And if we win
that, we play the loser of Ohio State and Illinois.

-luke johnson

North Park over Miami Ohio - 15-12

2009-05-02T13:00:00.000-07:00

This game was brutal and we struggled until finally putting it away.

-luke johnson

NPU is defeated by Illinois... 12-15

2009-05-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

In a game that was ours at half 8-5, we would let things slip through
our fingers once Illinois brought it back to 12-12.. Three breaks in
a row and yet move on to Michigan in the semis and we are now in the
2nd place Bracket with no lives left to lose.

-luke johnson

15-8 over Xavier....

2009-05-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

NPU up two breaks!

2009-05-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

The first scores are coming in while I'm about to take off. The team
started on D and is now up 7-4 on Xaiver in games to 15.

The format is double elimination, so even though we could lose this
game, Xaiver is the (12) seed and we are the (5), and it would mean a
very long road to come back...

-luke johnson

Regionals in the am...

2009-05-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

We are in Oberlin, OH. The Lost Boys start off dominant and are now up
8-3 on Xavier to take half.. The boys are playing without Luke, who
won't make it here until the third round thanks to stupid flight delays.

The girls were suprised by a first round bye and play Ohio at 10 and
then face the national attending team Michigan last.

Updates will be delayed for rounds 1&2

2009-05-02T05:22:00.001-07:00

The north Park team is currently battling Xaiver in the first round.
As of my last update, NPU as up 3-2, but I'm not sure whether we
started on O or D.

I am curretly in Huston, waiting for my flight to Cleveland. I should
arrive there in Ohio sometime around 11:30 their time, which is about
two hours from now.

If you're wondering why I'm not there yet, head over to my blog
(luketimjohnson.blogspot.com) for the reasons why I'm not alongside my
brothers...

-luke johnson

Aunie Benson - Assistant Coach of Minnehaha HS

2009-04-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to be in MN briefly and got to attend a practice
with the HS players from Minnehaha. Very cool to see her in action.
Keep it up.

new website coming...

2009-04-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Former Players: Flashback

2009-04-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

I have a few pretty funny photos from back in the day. Here you can see Jon Jenkins (your friendly mailroom director), sporting the famous original V-neck North Park Extend jersey.

David Hwang Photos up

2009-04-20T11:11:00.001-07:00

David's photos are now up with a few from our three teams... Go ahead and check out his gallery here.

Our Regional Tournament

2009-04-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

1. Notre Dame - 100 scored / 30 allowed in 8 games (130 total points)

average: 3.75 per game allowed

2. Illinois - 110 scored / 51 allowed in 9 games (161 total points)

average: 5.6 per game allowed

3. North Park - 101 scored / 76 allowed in 9 games (177 total points)

average: 8.4 per game allowed

4. Indiana - 101 scored / 59 allowed in 9 games (160 total points)

average: 6.5 per game allowed

5. Northwestern - 94 scored / 70 allowed in 9 games (164 total points)

average: 7.7 per game allowed

6. Chicago - 85 scored / 75 allowed in 8 games (160 total points)

average: 9.37 per game allowed

7. Ball State - 108 scored / 98 points allowed in 9 games (206 total points)

average: 10.8 per game allowed

1. Michigan - 97 scored / 33 allowed in 7 games (130 total points)

average: 4.7 per game allowed

2. Michigan State - 80 scored / 36 allowed in 6 games (116 total  points)  average: 6 per game allowed

3. Michigan B - 86 scored / 78 allowed in 8 games (164 total points)  average: 9.75 per game allowed

1. Ohio State - 102 scored / 46 allowed in 8 games (148 total points)

average: 5.75 per game allowed

2. Dayton - 107 scored / 65 allowed in 9 games (182 total points)  average: 7.2 per game allowed

3. Miami Ohio - 125 scored / 66 allowed in 10 games (191 total points)  average: 6.6 per game allowed

4. Xavier - 123 scored / 63 allowed in 10 games (186 total points)  average: 6.3 per game allowed

5. Kenyon - 109 scored / 104 allowed in 10 games (213 total points)  average: 10.4 per game allowed

6. Western Kentucky - 104 scored / 57 allowed in 10 games (161 total  points)  average: 5.7 per game allowed

Sectionals Day 2

2009-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Oh what a day... Sunday morning started a little later than we wanted with some difficulties with getting the entire team to the fields on time. The rains had already beaten us there and a constant drizzle was upon us with patches of light rain. The sky never broke over the 12 teams with a chance at regionals. We had earned the right to play in the championship bracket after a 5-0 performance from Saturday (despite a few game that were really close).

While we got started in our first quarter final match-up against Indiana who's only lose from the day before was to Northwestern (11-5), the other quarter match-ups took place with the following results:

Notre Dame vs Purdue - [15-01]

Northwestern vs Chicago - [14-11]

Illinois vs Western Illinois - [15-02]

Quarters vs Indiana

It would be both Indiana and us who were on the fields first this morning, showing that both teams wanted this game as we both knew that a win here would mean a guarantee to advance to Regionals. We would come out strong and much tougher on defense getting the first break after trading the first set of points. We would carry the momentum into the second half and after a dicey set of calls, I brought all 14 players on the field together in order to calm spirits and make sure we played the game out with more greater integrity. From this point on we dominated and I don't think got scored on. The game would close out with us winning 14-7 right before soft-cap came on.

Semis vs Illinois

While we were still playing, Illinois was able to relax and wait for us to move down to their field. They had had no challenge in the game before and were eager to get a more proper warm-up before their desired championship game with Notre Dame. We decided we wanted to spoil that plan, but struggled early in the game with nerves. Our d team would get the first opportunity to get the break, but an uncharacteristic throw away would lead to Illinois scoring and setting themselves up for the first break. We would trade after they took the lead 3-1, but before half would let on more break go after another stupid set of mistakes by our offense. Unlike the day before where we struggled the entire way up the field, this time we were playing at a much higher level (Lars Anderson decided to play his game and came down with every disc either myself or Kuni put up). And our defense simply made it too easy on their O to be a enough of a factor by the end of the game. We could not keep up with the speed of Illinois' horizontal stack movement, and they were able to beat us deep a few times on the exact same play with the exact same people... But then our defense came alive. Somehow with our trappy zone defense we were able to get a string of two breaks and then another set after being down 7-12. With a massive sideline watching if North Park could avenge the loss of last year, we pulled the disc being down 12-14. We fought as hard as we could, but couldn't get the turn. Illinois would win 15-12 and move on to play Notre Dame as expected. After they would lose in the finals 15-10, I could not help but wonder if we had something to do with that.

2nd Place Bracket

The losers of both semis would meet, meaning we would get Northwestern. Before stepping on the field I was honestly wondering whether we'd be able to muster double digit numbers against these boys. We had played them way back in the early part of the spring and they were super impressive. Though we had not had the chance to see their games the day before other than the very tail end of their the one with Indiana, I was confident they game would be close and an extremely difficult one. The first half started much like the one with Illinois with hard fought points and solid defense and offense from both teams. But then something happened. We were able to get some kind of fire under our butts and our defensive guys really stepped it up. We clamped down on their cuts and with no resets we forced turn after turn on swilly hucks at high counts. Nearly every time we came down with the floating disc and time and time again it would lead to a break. This only got us more jacked and they seemed to just crumble. They didn't trust their cutters and our defense fed off it. We were up 8-4 at half and didn't look back. We would go on to win the game 15-8 with solid play from every player.

The final game would be against Illinois where we would get one more point than last round; loss 13-15.

NPU B: Nomads

Our North Park B team also had a great day going 1-1 with losses to Purdue-B and win against Southern Illinois. Their final game against Valpo would be a funny experience of putting everyone's jersey into a bag and randomly choosing one. This mixed up game would be a great way to end the day and was an awesome experience for the boys.

NPU: Allihopa

Our ladies might have a write-up coming, but for now they played solid with a barn-burner of a game against Notre Dame for the 2nd Place Bracket. Getting the first break point, they were then unable to fend off a swarming and amazing set of 3 breaks by Notre Dame who would take the game 14-12. The ladies would then have to play Loyola and while they were able to go up a significant amount in the first half, Loyola had a late game swing and got things close before our ladies closed it out 12-9.

Final Finish:

NPU A - came in 3rd and left 3rd

NPU B - came in 18th and left tied for 22nd

Allihopa - came in 4th and left 4th

Sectionals in the books.

2009-04-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

NP A finishes 3rd and Allihopa finishes 4th, both staying as seeded.

A more detailed writeup will come from Luke later...

-Kelly

Sectionals: Day 01 in the books

2009-04-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

The first day of sectionals is done and over with. The weather stayed sunny for most of the day and kept between 60-70 degrees... perfect ultimate weather and great for the fans who came out to support us. Most of us arrived shortly after 7:15am and while I and a few others were getting tables from Naperville Covenant, Lars got both teams warming up. We knew that we had to start well and we seemed to be mentally prepared, but somehow, somewhere things did not start well for us...

B Pool: (with overall seeds)

(2) Illinois

(8) Purdue

(9) Loyola-Chicago

(15) Rose-Hulman

(18) North Park B

(23)Illinois-Chicago

C Pool: (with overall seeds)

(3) North Park A

(5) Chicago

(12) Ball State

(14) DePaul

(19) Illinois-B

(22) Purdue-B

Game01: NPUA vs Illinois-B

This game remained tight all first half until we were able to keep both breaks going 6-4. The second half showed our team playing much cleaner offense and more challenging defense. We went on a 5-1 run closing out the game 11-5. As the first game of the day, we were so frustrated that we played the second to last team in our bracket so badly, but throughout the day we saw how well they played others (going 3-2).

Game01: NPUB vs Illinios

Game02: NPUA vs Ball State

We started on offense this game and even though we had a couple chances to break, we traded points until half 6-5. These guys had just lost to Chicago 7-11, so the fact that we were having so much trouble was getting under the nerves of a few of us. Second half was more of the same with solid offense coming from Ball State. Somehow we could not stop them going deep and when they wanted to reset, they did so at will. 9-9, 10-10, 11-11, and we were in the only game going to 13. We were receiving at 12-12, and though we nearly turned the disc, Josh would end up with the winning disc in his hand and the 13-12 victory... Our sideline was huge, but people were there watching Ball State to see if we'd get upset.

Game02: NPUB vs Illinios-Chicago

Game03: NPUA vs DePaul

Regathering ourselves and lighting a much bigger fire under ourselves, we came out and blitzed DePaul. This game went quickly and began showing us a much higher level of play. Though we'd give them 4 points, we closed the game out much quicker than any of the first two.

Game03: NPUB vs Loyola-Chicago

Game04: NPUA vs Purdue-B

Not much to say here about this game. We wanted to be done quickly and we did this. The game ended 11-2 and most of the work was done by our first and second year players. Way to go boys.

Game04: NPUB vs Purdue

Game05: NPUA vs Chicago

This game was ridiculous and awesome despite there being a bit of animosity between Hirsch and a few of their players. We would get the first break and again after starting on offense, we kept a 6-4 lead. The second half would be more of the same tough fought points. Their dominate handler and deep cut #40 were amazing and gave us a serious run for our money. Justin and I took our turns on the handler while Josh pretty much shut down the crazy fast cutter. Next thing we knew, we were up 10-8 receiving for game point. Hirsch would get the final point and after spiking it would be called out. The tension at the end was high, but the game was awesome!

Game05: NPUB vs Rose-Hulman

All 3 NP teams stay seeded!

2009-04-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a successful day at Sectionals all around. Lost Boys A went
5-0, Lost Boys B went 1-4, coming from a 3-8 behind to score 8
straight points for the 11-8 victory! Allihopa played dominatly all
day, going 3-1, only having lost to the number one seed Illinois in a
point trading game that ended with multiple breaking, an 11-8 loss.

Tomorrow might bear rain, let's pray for sunshine!

-Kelly

Chicago Invite - First Year

2009-04-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

03.21/22 - ChicagoInvite 2009 - Lost Boys (First Years) from luke johnson on Vimeo.

Chicago Invite - Returners

2009-04-17T17:27:00.000-07:00

03.21/22 - ChicagoInvite 2009 - Lost Boys (Returners) from luke johnson on Vimeo.

Done!

2009-04-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

Piece if cake. Make sure you look for the friendly brick marks this
weekend!

Take two

2009-04-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are out lining fields for our upcoming Sectionals this weekend to
help out. After mastering a different system, we hope to accomplish
lining these 22 fields in one day. We started around 11am and are
going strong... No hospital visits yet!

Allihopa - Mudbowl 2009 Video (finally up)

2009-04-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

February 07/08 - Mudbowl 2009 - Allihopa from Kelly Ann Marshall on Vimeo.

Whitesmoke Recap: Open Division

2009-03-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Arriving on Friday evening, we all stayed at the local Lutheran Church about a mile away from the fields. We watched a little basketball and then went to bed before midnight. Both our A team and ladies had a first round bye, but we all decided to get up early enough to see our B team play Goshen.

This first game against Goshen showed our B team that they needed to work better together and not waste the opportunities that were given them. Countless times our B team would work the disc all the way to the endzone only to throw it away and then seconds later be beat deep. They would end up losing to Goshen in a frustrating loss, but wouldn't let that game set the tone for the rest of the day. Having just 10 guys, our B team would have to work together and they did this well in their next three games.

The second round would give the B team a bye, while our A team would get Loyola. In the weekend before we were able to beat Loyola 13-6 at our very own ChicagoInvite. This game was a must win not only for this tournament but because this was our last opportunity to prove what seed we deserve at Sectionals in three weekends. This was not talked about much, but it was clear that the better we did at whitesmoke, the better the seed we would receive at Sectionals... Games against anyone in our section were hugely important! We took this seriously and point after point against Loyola made it clear we were ready to make a run. 13-0 and Loyola was shocked. Staggering dump defense led to turn after turn. We were then able to convert each of these turns in an average of three passes!

The third round put our B team against Purdue-B. The game got started before our A game, so we were able to watch the first couple points. The game looked like is was going to be close through and through-out, but after things were tied up at 3-3; our B team started playing more aggressive cutter and dump defense and by the time I came over to check the score at half-time, our B boys were about to take the game 13-5!

Our A team in this same round got DePaul. Resting on the fact that we beat Loyola 13-0, we came out slow and slacked on our defense. We went back to poaching and got beat deep... Letting 4 points off in the first half, we rallied in the second half to go on a 6-1 run winning 13-5.

The fourth round would put out B team in a position to play a cross-over for the Championship division if they could win over Grand Valley. Grand Valley came out flat and didn't care, letting our B boys take the game fairly easily. This would be a mixed blessing because, with now only 9 guys as injuries were sinking in, they would have to play Loyola in a cross-over game for the Championship division.

The A team would meet the Notre Dame Alumni team, arguably one of the best teams at the tournament; who came out hard. With a few solid club players, the alumni hurt our boys early and were able to beat us deep and in pretty much every other place on the field. We managed to trade for most of the game but never got into our own rhythm and thus we played their game, not ours for the entire first half. The second half though proved we could make a run, but it was too little too late as our run ended just moments before cap. The alumni would punch in the last three points straight to claim the game 13-11.

Following the games all our players gathered on the fields to wait for pizza to arrive. The weather had yet to give us the rain it had promised, but by the time we had all had a couple slices and seen a few points of the Rage vs Age game, we were ready to head out and see some NCAA basketball. We finally agreed upon Buffalo Wild Wings and once there spent a good amount of time recounting the day and licking our respective wounds. The ladies couldn't let go of their last round loss to Ohio State, the B team couldn't let go of the fact they were so short players, and the A team still steamed from the aggravating loss to the Notre Dame Alumni. Fortunately food does wonders and soon we had forgotten the day and were ready to head back to the church for some more basketball and sleep.

Sunday morning came way too soon, and the fact that we had to be out by 8:30am made things even worse when considering 2 of our 3 teams had first round byes. But, we all sucked it up and got up to make it to the fields in time to see that there was no tournament central set up, no cones lining the fields, no food out, and in fact... no Notre Dame player to be seen. They had somehow forgotten that their tournament schedule had games starting at 9am and simply did not show up. The disrespect this showed all those who did have games at 9am is something unacceptable, but apologies were made (albeit a bit late and without a good excuse). Anytime a tournament forces teams to play with endzones marked with their own shoes is a bad one...

Regardless, this gave our B team a bit more time to warm up in their game against Purdue-B who they had already played the day before. The score would stay close as the B team struggle to find legs to run with, but in the end would close the game out 14-10. They would then go on to play Hysteria, Western Illinois' team. This game would be close the entire way through end at cap force a universe point. Sadly, I was only able to catch this last point, but it was a sweet one. With the disc in our possession and 30 yards from the endzone, Riley sent the disc deep from the middle of the field to Neal (who had come down to play along with Tyler). Neal's defender tried to keep up, but somehow got caught up inside Neal's legs. The defender would go down, but not Neal. Still running for the disc, a second defender now was closing in on the floating disc from the other side of the field. Neal, quicker and stronger than this next defender as well, went up hard and skied the crap out of the Hysteria player. Foul was called I believe on both players and after some kind words from Neal, the disc was sent back to Riley. The disc would then be turned, but then as Hysteria moved the disc up the sideline, they got caught with Tyler on the mark. The stall count rose and a clear and audible "10" could be heard from my side of the field (opposite that of both the thrower and Tyler) before the thrower release his blady huck. Neal was deep and knocked the disc down. Somehow a foul was called on Tyler, and the disc went back into the hands of the thrower. This time a full two seconds passed before he threw it again and again Neal knocked the disc down, but had to twice after tipping it the first time... The intended receiver, who this time was build like a Mac truck and twice the size of Neal, called a foul on Neal for somehow touching him in the disc that Neal had position on. The disc went back again, and somehow they were able to break the mark and score the winning goal. But, instead of hanging their heads, our players laughed off the ridiculousness of Western Illinois and said thanks for not having to play another game.

During this last game the A boys were taking on Purdue. The snow started to come down hard and the field we had sucked with more dirty visible than grass. Purdue was hungry for a win against us and came out determined to do us harm. We traded points until I believe we were able to get the first break. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold onto this break as they scored upwind and quickly broke us back. This led to a second break of theirs and we were in a hole 8-6 at half. The second half showed mother nature's fury as the temperature sank further and snow turning to painful sleet. We dug deep and decided as a team we would not be going home early and that our purpose was to get to the game with Notre Dame and that meant taking out Purdue first. We rallied hard and fought back before the cap 10-11 Purdue in a game to 13. We were able to tie things before Purdue went ahead again 11-12, but the points were slow since they were all going upwind. Cap was looming but it didn't matter since we knew we had to score or be done. We pushed through the upwind point and as we prepared to pull the disc at 12-12, we all knew that the defensive stop was within our grasp.

The pull rolled out the back of the endzone and we set up tight and aggressive dump defense. With burke on the mark and me on the live side dump, I was unable to stop the first reset, but as the count got high on my thrower he turned to his dump. Burke covered him completely and with no cuts and no throw to make my thrower tried to bend it around me backwards and to his fading dump. Burke might have gotten a hand on it, but regardless, the disc fell to the muddy ground and moments later was in my hands for the game winner after Burke lightly tossed it my direction. North Park 13-12 over Purdue in a game that should have been won by a much higher margin...

With the weather picking up more wind; now up to 25mph gusts, the semi final match up with Notre Dame looked to be nothing more than a 'who can get the first up wind point' match. With weary legs and doubtful heads, we walked on the field beat up and tired from the last match-up. Nothing could rally us, and the few of us frustrated from the game before could not shake how poorly most of the team had played. We beat ourselves before we even walked on the field. We doubted each other and we lost to Notre Dame before the discs were even flipped to decide who got choice on pull or side...

I would personally strain my rib again in a disc thrown behind me when the game was still even at 2-2. I would try to play another point, but quickly felt the pain in every step and every throw... I was done. And worse, my doubts and frustrations were visible to those who needed to step up. Nothing could be said to change the minds of those playing, and with the exception of very few, everyone gave up. It was now just a matter of time before the game would be done and we could walk off the field and into the comfort of warm cars. Notre Dame for their part never let up. They played us solidly and rolled over us 15-6. That said, they have many 'chinks' in their armor, but those I will save for our team and our private meetings for sectionals preparation (and maybe, just maybe for our run at nationals).

Recap for Allihopa

2009-03-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our ladies ended up going 2-2, with a first round universe point loss to Loyola. They then went on to capture two solid wins, with a 10-6 win over Valpo. This win would become super important at the end when Valpo beat Loyola by three. A three way tie was then set and the Allihopa ladies came out on top.

Earning a first round bye like the A team would have been enjoyed this morning, but sadly we had to be out of the church by 8:30... The girls then went on to play Wheaton first round and took them handily 15-1 as the weather began to turn more and more ugly. By the time the ladies were to take on the Notre Dame Alumni (who were the number one seed overall and undefeated), the weather had gone from ugly to nasty. 20mph gusts and sleet were now ever present. The Notre Dame girls saw our ladies warming up and immediately approached them with the request to forfiet. Our ladies gladly accepted and in doing so received multiple hugs and thanks. Our ladies were given a birth to the 'ship!

They took the time that would have been played against the Notre Dame alumni to come and see our boys take on Notre Dame in the semis of the Open A divison. They left before our boys were out-gunned and out-manned by Notre Dame 15-6.

The ladies would take on Ohio State who had just beat Notre Dame 13-7 in a capped game. The weather was getting no better, but our ladies didn't care. They wanted another chance to play Ohio State who had taken them 12-9 the day before. Our ladies had gotten the first up wind break point the day before, but had then let things slip uncontrollably... Today would be different because this was the Championship Game.

Our ladies came out hard and smart taking the upwind position. They were able to capture the first three points and break Ohio State. They captured the first one fairly easily because they had the wind, but the second was the one that seemed to capture the game. With the wind howling and sleet making it hard to see more than 40 yards, our ladies played strong strategy and turned the disc deeper and better than OS. They also ran a zone defense both up wind and down wind that forced Ohio State to consider punting through our point and dump positions in the cup. Ohio tried to move the disc around our cup and did so many times, but were left with no where to go on the sidelines because our ladies moved fast enough to prevent any movement inside to the middle. The three strong handlers from Ohio State were able to keep the disc moving and their star deep was able to get the disc a few times in the middle... but then had no where to go.

Off the transitions, our ladies were able to move the disc better off the Ohio State zone because our middles found openings and handlers were able to get the disc back with speed. The movement our team had was twice as fast and proved to be the difference in the game. Final score 8-5 North Park!