Boomland's Travels

Returning

2010-01-20T15:43:00.001-06:00

Turns out the University wants to make my life a living hell and not let me graduate in May. Sweet
Whats this mean? Boomland still has the gangliest man in Ultimate. Regionals is mandatory this year men

Fartlek

2009-12-29T15:31:00.005-06:00

For those of you who ran cross country and track, you probably already know what a fartlek is. For those of you who don't, athletes often do fartleks to increase aerobic and anaerobic capabilities. The term "fartlek" was first introduced by a Swedish cross country coach, Gösta Holmér, and literally means "speed play."

Fartlek training is different from interval training in that it is continuous with varying increases in intensity. This type of training is ideal for ultimate conditioning because it incorporates varying spurts with continuous moving recovery in between. It's different from interval training in that you are not aiming to run a certain time for a set distance, with a set recovery time. With fartleks, you can run anywhere because you just have to run for a given amount of time.

Some common examples of fartleks that I did in high school are:

30sec on, 30sec off
1min on, 1min off

So what does "on" and "off" mean?

"On" can basically be any upbeat pace that you feel suits your training. Remember, you want to feel like your sucking air throughout this workout, so don't be afraid to push your limits.

"Off" does not mean stop and lean over with your hands on your knees gasping for air; "off" means jog. After you finish your "on" time, bring it down to a easy jog for a set time and get ready for the next "on" interval.

The glorious thing about fartleks is that you can set the pace to your own needs, and still run it with other people. If you're running the "on" intervals faster than the others, then after the interval is over, just start your jog back to pick up the others. Just because someone is running faster, it doesn't mean they are working harder than you, it just means they are at a different level than you, so don't get discouraged if you fall behind when running with someone else.

Here are some fartleks that I think could be beneficial for your conditioning...

- Any workout should start with a good warmup, so start with a nice 10-15min warmup
- Next, you can find a nice neighborhood that you feel like running your workout through. End your warmup at this neighborhood and stretch out any little things that need to be addressed.
- Now the real work comes...

If you're just starting out, you can do the 30sec on/off or the 1min on/off for a good 15-20min. If you feel like you want more speed endurance, you can adjust it to 1min on 30sec off or 90sec/2min on and 1min off. You can even incorporate a ladder type workout: 1min/45sec/30sec/15sec with 30 sec recovery for each. The possibilities are endless; do what you think is benefiting you the most.

For more information on fartleks:
http://www.time-to-run.com/training/methods/fartlek/definition.htm
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/tips/

Guess Who's Back?

2009-12-10T20:36:00.003-06:00

BOOMLAND'S BACK!

More to come when I get a break from studying....

Use the Claw

2009-09-07T10:48:00.002-05:00

Well friends, I feel the urge to come clean here. This may, in fact, be the last post of mine on the Boomland Blog. Shocking at the very least, I know. If we would have been a bit more on the ball about posting things there may have been another post but given our excessive time between post I don't really see another one happening.

So here's what I'm going to leave you with, some handy information that I've learned. Actually let's narrow that down to over the past week since I'm a fountain of knowledge.

1) Miley Cyrus will instantly turn a normal party into something more
2) It is never a good idea to mess with Mickey
3) It's illegal to layout on the quad
4) Putting off ME 350 homework is much easier with a blog to help use up the time (textsfromlastnight is also a good option)

And finally, in the words of the great Miles Corcoran at Lion Eyes last year, "I fucking love you guys." We were teammates all last year on Boomland together, if we're not all together again this year we're all teammates that are, or have been, part of Illinois Ultimate

Later doggys
Keenan

Criss-Cross-Crash Bios

2009-07-28T23:12:00.002-05:00

Alright assholes, here's the final bios

Joe Conerty - The token tall ginger of this team, Joe compliments his height with an insatiable hunger for burritos. Tackled the enormous burrito at some place in Baton Rouge. Debateably best rookie to have at a party that doesn't break stuff

Dana Caton - Dana was a stud swimmer in high school that decided Illinois was worth no scholarship. He's got some gnarly head fakes, on and off the field to boot. Next to Miley, one of the most likely to lose his shirt for the ladies, buzz word for that to happen has yet to be discovered

Jeff Gordon - Nascar has managed to perfect the art of the left turn cut he initiated last year. If he can find a way make it go right, and use the speed he showed in the combine he'll be a real NHRA hero

Aaron Yao - Uses his ability to wear a headband to full effect and perform the con of being a soccer player. One the Walden scale of honorability, he rates about a 7 with 1 being Mickey and a 10 for Walden

Rob Dreier - High school tennis super star, lost ability to smash 140 mph forehand in rubber match against Andy Roddick. Claims to be able to beat anyone on the team at Sesame Street Uno. These may or may not be truthful, but there's only so much I can do with the wrong-handed

Ryan 'Papa Bear' Kurnik - Rounds out car awesome for Mardi Gras managing to talk my voice hoarse during said trip. Second loudest on the team behind McLain, as a freshmen no less. Look to him to step up in the next 3 years and lead Fun Squad to new heights

Nik Patel - The heir apparent to the Indian title on the team. Nik isn't the loudest, maybe he's the quietest, leading to speculation on his non-Ultimate life. My goal for next year is to bring him out of his shell, and if not create a monster, then at least a force to be reckoned with

Steve Haake - Yet another Downers Grove product, honestly how many are there? Anyway, like Cozza, did gymnastics in high school but dont expect ill-advised completions just yet. Do expect a new heir-apparent to "GINGER SMASH" up and down the field, just as soon as he realizes he can run over skinny kids like me

Jacob Nelson - Arguably the most interesting running motion on the team, he appears physically in pain while in motion. Expect him to usurp the gangliest man on the team as soon as a graduate, a perfect replacement

Kevin 'Sprite' Cleary - Maybe the most party for the size. At 1 oompa-loompa in height, Sprite brings the thunder. He masqueraded as Chrysler's younger brother to work his charms on high schoolers. Is currently relearning how to play to the removal of his power source, Ernie the Hernia. RIP

Brandon Smith - I would call him mini-me, but that just isn't PC enough. So let's leave it at tall, awesome hair and pretty alright throws. Hasn't caught handleritis yet, but hopefully its inevitable onset won't be too significant

Jack Rabuck - The only person to submit an application to ride home with McKinley and I from Champaign after spring break. Possibly the funniest email I have ever seen. He excels at party games and uses his charisma to effectively 'Cheat to Win'

Charlie Ma - Although he doesn't show us, there are rumors aplenty he leads a pint sized Asian gang across campus that chalk complex transfer equations on the quad. Charlie also has bravery far beyond his size, he had his wisdom teeth taken out in Champaign instead of his native Boston, Mass.

Tim Pien - Another Boston native. Fun Fact - The Departed is his biography, Leonardo DiCaprio was forced to fill in for Jackie Chan to make it more 'Boston.' When not playing ultimate, Tim enjoys owning kids at Super Smash Bros. Watch out Troy

Adam Wright - Once spiked a dead disc at summer league. Once punched a hole in a wall after losing flip cup. Once enjoyed being hit on by cougars at Summerfest. Once ditched Mardi Gras for high school state wrestling. Many times threw scores. Knows numbers well enough to be a EE major

Kevin Bruns - Not much is known about this specimen outside ultimate. Might be Superman, its possible I suppose. More likely theory is that he was born to lead gingers to the promised land. Location yet to be decided, Atlantis at the top of the list

Bios Part Last

2009-07-02T20:20:00.002-05:00

Andrew Schmid	#99

Discovered:	11/24/1986
Title:	Schmoopy
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Mustelidae
Genus:	Mustela
Species:	M. mustela
Super subspcies:	A. Schmid M. mustela

Origin:	Created by his father's chemistry power and borne of his mother
Native to:	Downers Grove, IL
Wishes he were from:	Chicago
Height:	1.4 Oompa Loompas
Speed:	Quick to Fast, dependent on shins
OBP:	.871, he is only one man
Most common stance:	Camped out in front of the box with no shirt
Communication:	Uses entertaining words such as per se and slumber, holds record for most texts in a one hour period
Fraternity Life:	negatory
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark, varies from hippie long to army short
Body Type:	Jacked
Strengths:	Knowledge of the game, attendance of logo night at murphy's every week, NBA jam
Weakness:	Poetry girl
Highlight:	Shutting down Hands at sectionals, determining the proper flowrate of a beverage dispenser
Lowlight:	Breaking said beverage dispenser
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Installation of hangboard in apartment, usage of monstrous amp at parties to "rock it"
Fun Fact:	Has the ability to create a nickname for someone within seconds of meeting them, has younger brother at Illinois who has been confused for him by past roommate
See also:	Ultimate, Downers Grove, Long boarding, Halo Halo Halo

Matt Novak	#82

Discovered:	3/25/1990
Title:
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Perissodactyla
Family:	Tapiridae
Genus:	Tapirus
Species:	Tapirus terrestris
Super subspcies:	M. Novak Tapirus terrestris

Origin:	A movie theater, why? I need something good
Native to:	Aurora, IL
Wishes he were from:	Naperville, who doesn’t if you're from Aurora? Just kidding homie
Height:	Tall-subTall
Speed:	Faster than slow
OBP:	.132, but is super adorable
Most common stance:	Confused, but then asking how to do better
Communication:	Rare, leads to shy appearance
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Brown, minimal
Body Type:	Strength hidden behind baggy clothes
Strengths:	Intensity on the field, hilarious comments off
Weakness:	Looking goofy
Highlight:	Monster layout D against Western Michigan at Huck Hinn 09
Lowlight:	Poor showing at first Road House event
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Taunting McKinley on the first night of spring break with the two headed girl
Fun Fact:	May have a man crush on Andy, has him quoted on his facebook
See also:	Ultimate, Cubs, youtube, future sophomores of tomorrow

Jon Ogrodnik	#80

Discovered:	8/20/1987
Title:	Facial Hair God
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Mustelidae
Genus:	Gulo
Species:	G. gulo
Super subspcies:	J. Ogrodnik G. gulo

Origin:	Chuck Norris' beard
Native to:	Wheeling, IL
Wishes he were from:	A land without the ability to grow facial hair and be their god
Height:	Medium
Speed:	Not real fast, but not real slow
OBP:	0.198
Most common stance:	Looking intimidating, stroking mustache
Communication:	Twitches mustache in elaborate communicating system, if that is ineffective uses words
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark brown,close cropped
Body Type:	Unimportant, look at the beard
Strengths:	Backhand, ability to create spectacular custumes for theme parties
Weakness:	Need to shave every hour in order to tame the beast
Highlight:	Playing out of his mind D, several occasions (Ball State foremost)
Lowlight:	21st Birthday at Brothers, as in second Highlight highfive
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Ability to grow more facial hair in a week than all the freshmen combined
Fun Fact:	Has an extensive musical collection with an emphasis on new age and classic rock
See also:	Ultimate, Schick Quattro, The most interesting man alive

Dave 'Splash' Janociak	#77

Discovered:	6/23/1989
Title:	Mr. Splashtastic
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Cetacea
Family:	Delphinidae
Genus:	Tursiops
Species:	Tursiops truncatus
Super subspcies:	D. Janociak Tursiops truncatus

Origin:	The deep blue
Native to:	Lemont,IL
Wishes he were from:	Sea World
Height:	Medium-Tall
Speed:	Faster than you would think, for a land creature
OBP:	High, rumored at least .845
Most common stance:	Swimming through puddles after layout practice
Communication:	Laughter, if that fails echolocation
Fraternity Life:	No, but then yes
Natural hair color/shape:	Light brown, akin to a bowlcut
Body Type:	Normal, until you see his dorsal fin
Strengths:	Breathes water, will layout for a disc anywhere within 15 ft of person
Weakness:	Dry skin, crossfield hammers
Highlight:	Puddle jumping Mardi Gras 08
Lowlight:	Discovering that bad plays result in diminishing nickname (Splash > Splish > Drip > Sandy)
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Once lashed two sea turtles together with his own hair to create a raft in order to exact his revenge on Captain Barbossa
Fun Fact:	Recruited Andy and Brandon to play ultimate at Illinois, how he managed is up for debate. Scooby snacks viable option
See also:	Ultimate, Flipper, Ping Pong, Synchronized Swimming

Spenser Murakami	#66

Discovered:	12/23/1987
Title:	Style Patrol
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Eupleridae
Genus:	Fossa
Species:	Fossa fossana
Super subspcies:	S. Murakami Fossa fossana

Origin:	Hatched from the egg of an eagle, nursed to health by a wolf, and taught numbers by Einstein
Native to:	Naperville, IL
Wishes he were from:	A more normal origin
Height:	Medium
Speed:	Fast
OBP:	1.000
Most common stance:	Attempting one handed grabs with unnecessary jumps
Communication:	Uses hip glasses to lure people into conversations, then astounds with smartness
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	black, short
Body Type:	Ironman
Strengths:	Speed, style off the field
Weakness:	Minimal, sources close to the subject say dirt under fingernails
Highlight:	Roasting Chicago at sectionals for multiple scores
Lowlight:	Point against Texas at Mardi Gras 09, the point that would not end
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Repping Naperville likes its going out of style
Fun Fact:	Has introduced girlfriend on a bus, but has not been to a party (to my knowledge), smart play sir
See also:	Naperville, Ultimate, Speedness, quickeration

It's been another fun ride gents, I'll be seeing all y'all when we get back in August. Until then,
Unglockables,
Keenan

BIos Part 3

2009-07-01T21:07:00.001-05:00

Shane Randa	#57

Discovered:	6/9/1989
Title:	Shabbbby
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Amphibia
Order:	Caudata
Family:	Ambystomatidae
Genus:	Ambystoma
Species:	A. mexicanum
Super subspcies:	S. Randa A. mexicanum

Origin:	The land of clap catches
Native to:	Oswego, IL
Wishes he were from:	South Park, CO
Height:	Medium-Rare
Speed:	Quick, but not too quick
OBP:	.359, uses full powers rarely
Most common stance:	Looking adorable, before making knee breaking cut, then adorable again
Communication:	Will disagree with you out of spite, then not apologize. Hurtful
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark Brown
Body Type:	Strongly Strong, hidden beneath strongness
Strengths:	Strength, teaching math ability, fakes
Weakness:	Story telling ability (lie if you arent exciting, none of us are)
Highlight:	Any layout, more importantly the recovery after an ugly one
Lowlight:	The aforementioned layout upon impact
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	His ability to astound with knowledge one minute then tell a dirty joke the next
Fun Fact:	Once fit 18 dwarfs into his truck bed in order to prove that you can bring 2 baseball teams in one car
See also:	Ultimate, Oswego, Child Stars, Mathematic educators ate Tomorrow (MEAT)

Kevin Yee	#55

Discovered:	10/6/1987
Title:	Jelly Master
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Ailuridae
Genus:	Ailurus
Species:	A. fulgens
Super subspcies:	K. Yee A. fulgens

Origin:	A tube in the unmentionables section
Native to:	Palatine, IL
Wishes he were from:	Chicago for Da Bulls
Height:	Medium
Speed:	A quick asian!!! Brilliant
OBP:	0.198
Most common stance:	Discussing the validity of Chicago sports trades and player's stats
Communication:	High level sports, medium level normalcy, low level nerd-dom
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Black, buzzedish
Body Type:	Stringy
Strengths:	Sick cuts, dropping stats, dropping rhymes
Weakness:	Nicknames
Highlight:	Knocking around bizarro Yee on Wisconsin B, using rarely seen talent of heckles that leave subject in tears
Lowlight:	Huck Finn 07, we'll call it the K Shah incident
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Ability to keep up with 3 TVs at once at the 31
Fun Fact:	Has uncanny ability to run tables for hours on end, enter at your own risk
See also:	Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Ultimate, Three Legged Races

Kai Kosog	#51

Discovered:	8/29/1990
Title:	The woodsman
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Canidae
Genus:	Canis
Species:	Canis Lupus
Super subspcies:	K. Kosog Canis Lupus

Origin:	Raised by wolves
Native to:	Geneva, IL
Wishes he were from:	Montana
Height:	Medium-Well
Speed:	Quick, added by layouts
OBP:	0.576
Most common stance:	Flying through the air for a D
Communication:	Bilingual, knows both English and language of the wild
Fraternity Life:	No, one man wolfpack
Natural hair color/shape:	Blonde, medium
Body Type:	Gymnast
Strengths:	Being strong, no regard for own health, ability to seduce anyone
Weakness:	Foot fetishes (only speculated, maybe)
Highlight:	Crushing Belmont with layouts at Music City
Lowlight:	Losing a wrestling match with a bear
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Is the cousin of the boyfriend of a cousin of mine. Wowzers
Fun Fact:	Can tame and ride a wild boar within 24 hours
See also:	Ultimate, gymnastics, lifeguarding, woodsmanizing

Joe Kirchberg	#41

Discovered:	2/20/1988
Title:	Crazy Indiana Transfer Guy
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Repitilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Viperidae
Genus:	Crotalus
Species:	Crotalus basiliscus
Super subspcies:	J. Kirchberg Crotalus basiliscus

Origin:	East of Illinois in the state that shall not be named
Native to:	His facebook doesn’t say, lame
Wishes he were from:	Atlantis
Height:	Shortish
Speed:	Quickish
OBP:	Highish
Most common stance:	Laughing, then the quality stare down
Communication:	Uses clever words and phrases to confuse the weak minded, like a jedi
Fraternity Life:	Not at Illinois
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark, short
Body Type:	Strong through powers unimagined
Strengths:	Being underestimated then crushing, ability to eat massive amounts, spidey-sense
Weakness:	Knees
Highlight:	Being the best junior rookie of all year
Lowlight:	Still having to be a rookie even though he was older than the other rookies (Vets looked upon his situation favorably, most of the time)
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Ability to thwart my attempts to create a good bio by having little information available
Fun Fact:	Woke up at 5am and skipped class to make it to Mardi Gras first because it was also his birthday
See also:	Ultimate, Illinois > Indiana, Unconvential sporting events

Peter Lutz	#39

Discovered:	7/19/1988
Title:	Private Ultimate
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Vertebrata
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Felidae
Genus:	Panthera
Species:	Pardus
Super subspcies:	P. Lutz Pardus

Origin:	Born of the cosmic waste to bring harmony to the earth
Native to:	Glenview, IL
Wishes he were from:	Imaginationland
Height:	Tall guy
Speed:	Keenan-esque
OBP:	.390
Most common stance:	Jumping over someone
Communication:	Useful combination of words and utilization of ROTC powers if that doesn’t work
Fraternity Life:	yes
Natural hair color/shape:	Brown, army cut
Body Type:	Robocop
Strengths:	Being tall, being intimidating, grows stronger the more heckled
Weakness:	Kryptonite
Highlight:	Callahan against Kansas at Mardi Gras 09
Lowlight:	Arriving late to sectionals, but awesome once there
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Ability to protect me from the crazy people out in the world with supreme ninja powers
Fun Fact:	Can swim in water with full combat loading. Speculation remains on whether will still work in pudding
See also:	ROTC, ultimate, water balloon artillery

Bios Part 2

2009-06-30T21:11:00.001-05:00

Brian 'Pappy Jr' Pierce	#36

Discovered:	10/10/1989
Title:
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Sphenisciformes
Family:	Spheniscidae
Genus:	Eudyptes
Species:	E. pachyrhynchus
Super subspcies:	B. Pierce E. pachyrhynchus

Origin:	A pheonix from the ashes of pappy sr.
Native to:	Mt. Prospect, IL
Wishes he were from:	The moon, just because
Height:	Tall
Speed:	Quick for a tall guy
OBP:	unknown
Most common stance:	Throwing head fakes
Communication:	uses freshmen innocence to confound others, then strikes with full force
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Brown, short
Body Type:	Gangly
Strengths:	Being lefthanded, tree removal
Weakness:	Ability to heckle effectively
Highlight:	Driving the mardi gras car through the chase of mississippi to find those girls
Lowlight:	Lack of attendance at parties, must show more fun squad potential in the future
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Will share / listen to stories on long car ride. Drives the getaway car like a champ
Fun Fact:	Tried to be unnamed pappy jr, but was unable due to brian as first name
See also:	wrong handedness, ultimate

Chris 'Pecs' Kvistad	#32

Discovered:	1/25/1990
Title:
Scientific Classification:	Conan
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Scorpaeniformes
Family:	Psychrolutidae
Genus:	Psychrolutes
Species:	P. phrictus
Super subspcies:	C. Kvistad P. phrictus

Origin:	Burst forth from a tub of protein powder
Native to:	Schaumburg, IL
Wishes he were from:	Venice, CA
Height:	Height is unimportant with pipes like his
Speed:	You better hope your faster then him because its game over if he catches you
OBP:	0.823
Most common stance:	Flexing
Communication:	Uses a mixture of intimidation for males and strutting to attract females. Highly effective
Fraternity Life:	Yes, Fiji
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark, short
Body Type:	Muscley, see nickname for more
Strengths:	Strength, fakes, style points
Weakness:	Pickle jars, thumbers
Highlight:	Creating a dominate force in medinah ultimate, finding the handler groove
Lowlight:	Deciding drumline is cooler than ultimate
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	The debatably inappropriately tight shirts
Fun Fact:	When in doubt of location, a quick trip to the gym will yield Chris's location
See also:	Mr. Universe, ultimate, three legged races, conant high

Matt Kurley	#29

Discovered:	12/9/1987
Title:	"That's not my name" Kurley
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Vertebrata
Order:	Mammalia
Family:	Bovidae
Genus:	Saiga
Species:	Saiga tatarica
Super subspcies:	M. Kurley Saiga tatarica

Origin:	The land of lost names
Native to:	Champaign, IL
Wishes he were from:	Anywere that wouldn’t denote him as a townie
Height:	Average
Speed:	Fast, perfect for deep cuts
OBP:	1.000, although rarely seen
Most common stance:	Looking angry
Communication:	yelling at someone for doing something wrong or teaching the finer points of semi-conductors
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark blonde, short for a long haircut
Body Type:	High school superstar cross country runner
Strengths:	Cuts, button down shirts
Weakness:	In cuts, but they have now gotten to the point where it's harder to heckle
Highlight:	Shutting down kool-aid, joining the ranks of Boomland
Lowlight:	First attempt at a disc freshmen year
Keenan's Favorite thing:	The exchange with the girls next door
Fun Fact:	Has a dad who's a plastic surgeon and has radio ads. Ballin' in a word
See also:	Cross country, profanity, ultimate, competitive egg toss

Mark Hirschman	#25

Discovered:	2/7/1989
Title:	Marky Mark
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Canidae
Genus:	Canis
Species:	Canis Lupus
Super subspcies:	M. Hirschman Canis Lupus

Origin:	Naperville, IL
Native to:	Kansas
Wishes he were from:	Naperville, IL. It’s a surprise anyone lives in Kansas
Height:	Unimportant, will jump over you
Speed:	N/A, torn ACL
OBP:	.200, but only because he doesn’t normally try
Most common stance:	Pacing sidelines looking angry
Communication:	Refuses to be wrong, typically is correct
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Brown
Body Type:	Champ, since injury has turned upper body into a Greek God's
Strengths:	Always going to tourneys, coaching points, balancing Mickey
Weakness:	Knee, or remains of
Highlight:	Pregame speech against Kansas at Mardi Gras 08
Lowlight:	The day that shall not be named
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Ability to instantly charm females with his eyes, and if that fails the washboard
Fun Fact:	Once trained a tornado to save him from Kansas and spirited him to Champaign to get to school
See also:	Ultimate, Knee rehab, Kansas, Ares, awesome

Brian Chrysler	#22

Discovered:	2/6/1988
Title:	First team MVP to miss the most practice of all time
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Diprotodontia
Family:	Macropodidae
Genus:	Dendrolagus
Species:	Dendrolagus goodfellowi
Super subspcies:	B. Chrysler Dendrolagus goodfellowi

Origin:	Born from all the sleeves that have been torn off shirts
Native to:	Vernon Hills, IL
Wishes he were from:	A farm in order to take care of all the animals
Height:	Medium, but extra bouncey
Speed:	Fast
OBP:	1.000
Most common stance:	Catching scores, laying out
Communication:	Extensive communication skills with males and females, will use to advantage at every chance
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Hair unknown, speculated to be brown but is typically covered by a hat
Body Type:	Manly, but not quite Miles-esque
Strengths:	Socks, layouts, knowledge of disney characters
Weakness:	His archenemy, Sergei. Expect an earth shattering battle in the next 3 years
Highlight:	Winning at botecelli by using Reggie Rocket from Rocket Power
Lowlight:	Lossing all his piggies to a mystery disease
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Disney sing-a-longs
Fun Fact:	Chrysler hates not having fun, can on command think of better pick up lines than Mickey. See Tennessee for more info
See also:	Ultimate, veterinary, cubs, sleeveless wonders

Bios, part 1

2009-06-29T21:05:00.009-05:00

It's been quite a while gents, and I've completed enough of the bios that I won't look like a complete idiot by starting to put them up. Numerical ordered, so if you reside at the end they're going to take a little bit more time for me to get them up.
Special thanks to Cozza for creating mine.
Enjoy

Mike Cozza	#21

Discovered:	1/2/1987
Title:	The Bozza
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Carnivora
Family:	Herpestidae
Genus:	Suricata
Species:	S. Suricatta
Super subspcies:	M. Cozza S. Suricatta

Origin:	Conceived by the power of Downers Grove
Native to:	Downers Grove, IL
Wishes he were from:	Downers Grove, IL
Height:	Enough shorter than Kelly that it's entertaining but not unacceptable
Speed:	Quick off the draw, but slower at high speeds
OBP:	1.000
Most common stance:	Twirling discs while throwing fakes
Communication:	A clever combination of knowledge of ultimate and chemical engineering
Fraternity Life:	No, but he has seen the debacles that ensue at a fraternity
Natural hair color/shape:	Dark Brown, normal, short
Body Type:	Average white engineer
Strengths:	Completing ill advised hucks, finishing form of pulls
Weakness:	Process Design, power directly related to current events in Downers Grove
Highlight:	Any of the hammers completed for scores, being a reference for McLain
Lowlight:	Any of the hammers turfed, any white sox loss
Keenan's Favorite thing:	Man dates and a bottle of O
Fun Fact:	Home residence is on the street with the best block party in Downers
See also:	Downers Grove, IL, women's ultimate photography, ultimate couples

Andy Kilinskis	#16

Discovered:	9/20/1990
Title:	The preeminent music source
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Lagomorpha
Family:	Leporidae
Genus:	Bunolagus
Species:	B. monticularis
Super subspecies:	A. Kilinskis B. monticularis

Origin:	He was conceived where the music flows
Native to:	Downer's Grove, IL
Wishes he were from:	Wherever tight pants are made
Height:	Taller
Speed:	Faster than Keenan but slower than Sul
OBP:	0.76
Most common stance:	Rocking out
Communication:	Uses a complex form of pelvic thrusts and lyrics. Effectiveness minimal for males but females seem to fall for it
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Long flowing brown hair
Body Type:	Thin with a hint of muscle
Strengths:	Forehand, knowledge of indie music
Weakness:	Simple Plan
Highlight:	Throwing the furthest forehand in Boomland history
Lowlight:	Drive to Mardi Gras in which Chrysler and Myself filled in his history with out own theories, enter Simple Plan
Keenan's Favorite thing:	The pants
Fun Fact:	Doesn’t actually like Simple Plan, also responds to Annnndddddyyyyyy
See also:	Sisterhood of the traveling pants, ultimate, paramore, ridiculous forehand

Alex Komisarz	#15

Discovered:	8/9/1989
Title:	Montrose Beach Life Saver Guy
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Cercopithecidae
Genus:	Erythrocebus
Species:	E. patas
Super subspcies:	A. Komisarz E. Patas

Origin:	Chicago El platform nearest Montrose Beach
Native to:	Chicago, IL
Wishes he were from:	The suburbs so he could have a drivers license
Height:	Average to Moderate
Speed:	Quickish
OBP:	.452, but could increase at a moments notice
Most common stance:	Grabbing self
Communication:	Antiquated sailing flags used to tell danger on the beach
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Blonde, subpar for mohawk but attempts must be made nonetheless
Body Type:	Lifeguard
Strengths:	Uncanny ability to retrieve things the captains tell him to
Weakness:	Activating jump too early and wasting bounces over the guy he's guarding
Highlight:	Sectionals, that’s right, all of it
Lowlight:	Tie Dye team at Music City, mustache man in particular
Keenan's favorite thing:	The red flag from spring break
Fun Fact:	Has rare ability to remain in the sun all summer and not gain significant tan
See also:	Spring Break, Baywatch, Ultimate, America's Worst Drivers

Pin Chu 'Jasper' Wu	#9

Discovered:	Unknown
Title:
Scientific Classification:	Taiwanese night market salesman
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Primates
Family:	Tarsiidae
Genus:	Tarsius
Species:	Tarsius tarsier
Super subspcies:	P. Wu Tarsius tarsier

Origin:	Wherever the ancients gather to bestow their knowledge
Native to:	Taichung, Taiwan
Wishes he were from:	Middle America, just to show farmer's whats up
Height:	Medium
Speed:	Fast
OBP:	unknown, estimated to be high
Most common stance:	Befuddlement, rubbing in sunscreen
Communication:	Difficult at times, but readily understandable if you know him
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Black, but not the weird hair associated with many "trendy" asians
Body Type:	Stringy
Strengths:	Hard throws, emails to the listserv
Weakness:	Cole slaw, Cozza's name
Highlight:	Any layout D, the rare appearance at a party that inspires greatness in everyone around him
Lowlight:	Huck Finn 07, see weaknesses
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Inexplicable ability to be happy whenever seen
Fun Fact:	Is willing to attempt to gain tour of Chicago for a friend in exchange for her buying dinner for said tour guide. Applicants still welcome
See also:	Taiwan, Ultimate, Culturally enriching experiences

Kyle McKinley	#8

Discovered:	12/8/1987
Title:	El Capitan del grupo Boomland
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Odontoceti
Family:	Monodontidae
Genus:	Monodon
Species:	monoceros
Super subspcies:	K. McKinley monoceros

Origin:	January 29, 1843; Niles, Ohio
Native to:	Bartlett, IL
Wishes he were from:	Manchester, England
Height:	Slightly vertically challanged
Speed:	87 / 100
OBP:	0.895
Most common stance:	Looking intense, breaking clipboard on knee
Communication:	Typically uses phrases involving what you should or shouldn’t do. Ie - more catching, less sucking, etc
Fraternity Life:	No
Natural hair color/shape:	Wavy, brown, surfer dude style
Body Type:	Man of Iron
Strengths:	Pregame speeches,
Weakness:	2 headed girls, Mark DeRosa crush
Highlight:	Wrestling an alligator on the golfcourse, threats of knee breaks for dues
Lowlight:	First night of spring break 09, "daddy needs…"
Keenan's Favorite Thing:	Spending hours looking into his eyes, bailing me out when cuts go south
Fun Fact:	Kyle can kill two stones with one bird. Youre welcome world
See also:	Manchester United, Mark DeRosa, Ultimate, Parenting Tips

Tom Rudwick	#3

Discovered:	3/20/1989
Title:	King of Washington
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Family:	Camelidae
Genus:	Lama
Species:	L. glama
Super subspcies:	T. Rudwick L. glama

Origin:	Test tube
Native to:	Falls Church, Virginia
Wishes he were from:	Illinois to be like everyone else
Height:	Moderate
Speed:	Fast, but not at the combine level
OBP:	0.129
Most common stance:	Looking good as a O line long
Communication:	Uses an elaborate system of laughs and run on sentences to interact with others
Fraternity Life:	Negatron
Natural hair color/shape:	Brown, curliness up for debate
Body Type:	"Intimidating" white engineer
Strengths:	Willingness to taunt other team
Weakness:	Getting feelings hurt in return by other team, throwing things in his sleep
Highlight:	Returning from his hand injury, dominating as a starting long
Lowlight:	Being made to get food from late night with the rookies
Keenan's favorite thing:	Lack of claiming east coast is better than the midwest. Silly belief that the Nationals are an OK baseball team
Fun Fact:	Lives mere miles from Washington D.C. but claims no plans for world domination
See also:	Virginia, Taylor Swift fan club, Ultimate, Lawn Tennis

Joe Sidrys	#2

Discovered:	5/14/1989
Title:	Tall Guy
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Artiodactyla
Family:	Giraffidae
Genus:	Giraffa
Species:	Giraffa camelopardalis
Super subspcies:	J. Sidrys Giraffa camelopardalis

Origin:	A tale race of gingers somewhere over the rainbow
Native to:	Tennessee via Downers Grove
Wishes he were from:	Krypton
Height:	2 Sprites
Speed:	max 2nd gear
OBP:	.000
Most common stance:	Attempting to jump, but cheating by being tall
Communication:	enV2 he refuses to call people he doesn’t know with
Fraternity Life:	no
Natural hair color/shape:	Red, but has tried to attract females with purple mohawk
Body Type:	Tall, with a gangly emphasis
Strengths:	Height, intimidation
Weakness:
Highlight:	Destroying DeSmet at Huck Finn
Lowlight:	Getting pulled over on the way to Baton Rouge, then again in Baton Rouge serving as the valiant DD on the way back from New Orleans at Mardi Gras
Keenan’s favorite thing:	Running faster than Joe, barely, and its debatable
Fun Fact:	Has offered to use house in Illinois and Tennessee as a tourney stay, luckily has only regretted that decision once
See also:	Ultimate, Tall, Ginger, Minivan rolling

Keenan Hammel	#1

Discovered:	4/27/1988
Title:	Captain of the University of Illinois’s Men’s Ultimate Disc B-team, Boomland
Scientific Classification:
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Pelecaniformes
Family:	Sulidae
Genus:	Sula
Species:	S. nebouxii
Super subspcies:	K. Hammel S. nebouxxi

Origin:	His mothers womb
Native to:	Naperville, IL, 1st and Daniels
Wishes he were from:	Downers Grove as can be seen in his summer league allegiance and his roommate Andrew has tried to convert him
Height:	Taller than you, but not tall enough that you couldn’t sky him
Speed:	Average
OBP:	0.345
Most common stance:	sprawled out on ground after a layout
Communication:	Often will toss hat on ground to show frustration, if point is not received by other, will resort to taking shirt off. Who knows how far this species will go.
Fraternity Life:	Yes, now no
Natural hair color/shape:	brown/ball, not purple like first commonly thought
Body Type:	Average white engineer
Strengths:	Getting in trouble for phonebook debris
Weakness:	girls with annoying voices
Highlight:	Beating Ball State
Lowlight:	Dropping pulls (even though it was an improvement), Losing to DePaul for the 2nd and 3rd time ever
Cozza’s favorite shirt of his:	Cheer Up Emo Kid
Fun Fact:	Took the #1 after Don Charles retired
See also:	Ultimate, Potato sack races, Daily Illni Article about Unofficial, Phone book ripping, Team basketball watching

Huck Finn Postview

2009-04-06T20:31:00.002-05:00

The Boomlanders made the trip down to St. Louis last weekend to participate in Huck Finn, our very first Cultimate Tournament. It was a different setup than we were used to, but I'll include my thoughts on that at the end.

Coming into the tournament I felt we had a chance to go 4-2 out of pool play with a chance to do better if we were able to play well and steal a game or even two. For better or worse, I was correct in my prediction and a short recap of each game will sort of tell the story of what happened, or what hasn't been erased from my memory.

Kansas B: 13-12
If there is one team I refuse to, it's Kansas. After their sideline heckling and all around jerkiness at Mardi Gras we all wanted to prove that the first win wasn't a fluke. They came out in their 4 man cup, per usual, and due to the gusty crosswind we had trouble at times getting something going. The handlers struggled with swings and gave up 1 (2?) callahans. The D-Line came to the rescue and bailed their O-line homies out in order to pull out the win.
Fun Fact: Kansas has never lost on universe point...until now. suckers

Missouri State: 5-13
This was one of the games I was worried about. They had a great record coming in against some solid teams and definitely have some experienced players. We had a 3 man cup thrown our way but the handlers were able to more proficiently swing the disc. We lost intensity on both sides of the disc and drops (at least 6 by myself) in this game were the nail in the coffin to any streak we started putting together.
Fun Fact: Missouri State went on to take 4th place for the tournament

Saint Louis B: 13-7
I don't know what to say about SLU. They're a bunch of fun guys to play against, but it might be because they ran man defense and hte handlers found their hucks. The longs made some sweet cuts that may or may not have broken ankles in order to give the handlers someone to throw to also. The wind started to pick up a bit in this game, but was still ranked roughly a .5 on the Rantoul scale of disasters.
Fun Fact: Cozza skys the crap out of some dude, only to have a foul called on him. For photographic proof, ask one Mike Cozza for the evidence.

Demeat Jesuit: 13-5
The final game of Saturday was against a high school team. They had a couple guys who could play, but their minimal bench size was a major factor in how they played. We were able to cycle extra people throught the lines and give some of the higher time players a rest they would prove to need tomorrow.
Fun Fact: We all had to start playing ultimate at some time, let's just hope these kids don't take their 2+ year advantage to some school we hate, cough kansas, when they go to college

Wisconsin B: 13-7
The one B team that we have ever lost to, Wisconsin had the target on their back from the minute we saw the schedule come out. The early 8:30 game time sunday morning was rough, but it would prove to be some of the nicest weather of the day. Although I had to personal opinion of the pimpdags going into the game, they would raise my ire by the end of the game. The first reason would be their 4 man cheat cup. I understand I say cheat to win all the time, but all the furthest I take it is saying it. This was a double teaming, foulrific cluster that surprised even me in its nastiness. That said, we tore it apart. Swinging the disc exposed holes, and their upwind man defense was one of the strangest decisions I've seen especially after proving all the handlers could still get 40 yard hucks off.
Fun Fact: Yelling matches over cheating are most easily settled by yelling louder than the other guy. Provided that doesn't work, shut down the other guy on defense. That said, I believe that I won that little thing we had Turtle, if that is your name

Western Michigan: 11-13
This was the other game I thought we could have some difficulty with. After hearing our own little spy's scouting report, we knew the type of game we would be in for, a huckfest. Normally, I'm completely against this type of thing, or defense was carrying a ton of momentum into the game after Wisconsin and on the other end I was a gunslinger. Hucks to both Pappy Jr. and Chrysler were viable late looks on nearly every possession if nothing opened up. Our loss of fire in the middle of the game was made up for by the end of the game and the fire until the end, but was not quite enough to get the W.
Fun Fact: We would steal WMU's cheer, but we have already stolen a cheer similar to it. Sorry Darkhorse.

Depaul: 12-13
We know most of the guys on DePaul's team, and I'll admit I would have rather played someone we never had before than DePaultimate again, but this game turned into the most competitive of the weekend. The temperature dropped around 15 degrees right before the game and a wicked crosswind made things a little dicey at times. Easy drops would plague both teams and throws lost the accuracy they had shown earlier in the day. Boomland was down 9-12 when softcap went on. The D-line would get a break to bring it to 10-12. Our valiant leader McKinley stacked the next D-line and they brought another break home to get us to 11-12 as hard cap was called. Further stacking of the next line would have 6 vets of 3+ years with our rookie defensive phenom, Kai. We were able to take the break on a huck from McKinley after getting the D. Double universe would see several turnovers on both sides before a break side huck would be thrown by Depaul for the score and the win.
Fun Fact: At the completion of this game, Boomland would break seed finishing in 20th after the initial seeding of 34th.

Despite what the top tier teams are saying about the format of this tournament, I think that it worked really well for our program. We played a team to universe point for the best game of the weekend. Althought Florida drew Saint Louis (we beat them two weeks ago at Music City) for the final, the theory of matching teams for a valid game at the end makes sense. However, I would have to say a 2 tiered pooling system would work better to prevent a national #1 from playing a mid-level team who was also undefeated. As much as it pains me, Kansas A really should have been in the championship game to determine the champ. Brodie would tool KK all over the field, so it'd be ok.

This was our last tournament before the college series kicks off and has cemented the areas we need to improve in order to compete at a high level at sectionals to achieve our goal of making regionals. Keep everything in mind that we've talked about this year Boomlanders and we've got one hell of a shot at crushing some dreams.

Mardi Gras Postview

2009-02-23T18:23:00.002-06:00

I'll go through in order and then toss some thoughts in at the end from what I saw

USF-These guys were pretty good and all around good guys from the time we cohabited the field. They definitely had some experienced dudes that knew how to make the throws and catches.
We came out cold against them and it was 2-7 at half due to a ridiculous amount of drops. After a motivation speech of some happy thoughts and other outright threats, Boomland came out harder and played closer to our potential and lost 7-13. Major thought: 0 breaks the entire game

Oklahoma State-Another team out of the same mold as USF, good guys with experience who have been in situations before. We came out slow and again had trouble with drops and keeping our heads in it for the first half and were down 3-7. More yelling would follow and Boomland would begin to exhibit some of the fire the captain's knew was there taking the second half and repeatedly breaking OSU's offense. However there wasn't enough going on and we lost 10-13. Major thought: Too many free throws to the force side and not aggresive enough marking

Texas Christian- This was by far the most disappointing game of the weekend. Boomland came out on fire and took half 7-2. Second half TCU found a fire and we began to fall apart. Some A-team guys came by and helped to pump up the sidelines during their bye and the extra intensity helped Boomland continue to put it in (take it out). But the intensity was not to last throughout the end of the game, despite some sick layouts by the rookies and some physical play against 'red-hat-guy,' my new arch-nemesis who clearly has no idea what the 11th edition of ultimate is, we were broken 6 points in a row to lose 12-13 on universe point. Major thought: We lost intensity from the sidelines when the A-teamers left, we have to have that fire without them

Kansas B- The one game we had to win, we were unable to get Mark on speaker phone but after piecing together what was said last year by the vets a working replacement speech got the team pumped up. Before I go on, I want to say that none of us really had any problem with anyone on Kansas's team. Boomland would finally find the fire and punch their man D in the face, taking half 7-5. After half Kansas switched to a zone and Boomland had some issues breaking their cup, but were able to trade points and break them. Ridiculous heckles from the Kansas sideline and their A team members fired up the vets throughout the second half and after some questionable calls from Kansas (read bullshit), yours truly was pissed. A callahan by Pete fired the team up even further and we took the game 13-9, bringing the years head to head with Kansas (A/B) to 2-0 in favor of the Illini. Kansas also became my least favorite team in ultimate, and you can beat that I will continue to hit the gym so I can spike it on your face the next time you try to strip the disc from me. Major Thoughts: Beating Kansas felt good and we fixed our major problems from earlier in the day for this game

Black Ice- The first game of Sunday was against a Minnesota conglomorate. It was a bunch of high school kids, some college guys, and their coach. An outstanding layout and skying of their coach by Charlie Ma got Boomland moving. Evidently Austin's brother was on that team, the one who cleated Chrysler, the goon trait runs strong in that family. Boomland would take the game 13-11. Major Thoughts: We have to come out firing Sunday morning, take warm ups seriously and really get stretched out prior to playing

Texas B- I personally was looking most forward to this game after hearing that we would be playing them, a rematch of Kansas B would have most likely ended in bloodshed. Due to restrained time, we were forced to play a much shorter game than normal, but Boomland managed to fit a full game's worth of intensity into 12 points. After coming out with 6 breaks to start the half, we took half 7-1. Our zone looked sexy and a monster D by Chris got the team fired up out of our zone. An additional highlight was the Spenser point, affectionately named such after he had 3 hucks thrown to him in order to get that elusive catch in the point box. We would take the game 9-3. This also would mean that both the A and B teams would beat their counterparts on Texas at Mardi Gras. Major Thoughts: Our zone looked ballin' but the switch out of the zone into man and when we didn't have time to set it lead to some iffy situations.

Depaul(timate)- The only team we would play from our section this weekend. Put frankly, DePaul just came out harder than we did and took half 3-7. After letting the game run away from us the score dropped to 6-12. McKinley, Schmid and Sidrys all came out firing hard and each got at least one D. We would go to break DePaul 3 times and bring the score to 10-12 before finally running out of gas. Major Thoughts: This is a team we must beat to make it to regionals, use whatever might have happened you didn't like in that game and come out with the fire we found in the second half right of the bat on Sunday at Sectionals.

Boomland would finish the weekend 3-4 with several close games and not a single blowout. We would find the fire at some point in every game we played, but we only able to maintain it in 2 of those games, Kansas and Texas. We have to keep it going all day, every game; especially if we have 30 guys on the roster, anything less than 100% sprinting is unacceptable with those numbers. We were in every game, now we need to take those first points and ride it from there, we are a good enough team that we shouldn't have to come from behind to go for a win with the other team in position to already win.

Keep coming out to practice and lifting, we've got work to do in the next month so we can screw some people up at Southerns.

-Keenan-

Mardi Gras Preview

2009-02-19T17:09:00.003-06:00

So it's Boomland's first spring tournament of the 2009 college ultimate season. We're bringing some serious old and new talent to the board here, thanks to the Illinois A team continue to be ballin'. We're going to have to look to the vets to continue to improve and the rookies to find a play style that suits their abilities.
I don't have the advantage of knowing who we're playing on the same level that Rip does for his blog, but I'll try to make it entertaining and maybe get something right.

University of Southern Florida - The Scallywags. First off, sweet name; second off I really don't know anything about them. They played at Warm Up and managed to beat Florida Tech, UCF-B and two split Florida B teams with losses to Brown, Davidson, and Iowa. The only thing I'm able to determine from this is that they really didn't beat anyone and lost to Jake Bradley. I kid, Iowa is going to make some noise and with 4 bids to nationals in the central region he ought to be leading IHUC to Columbus. But that is neither here nor now.

Oklahoma State - Ultimato. What does that mean? Lame name. The have an entertaining website, but that means they're spending time on that and not practicing. It looks like they've got some serious numbers returning, so expect some sneaky moves. Based on the teams they've played this year, I can say they have an OK win or two, but none of the teams stand out to me based on my brief UPA browsing.

Kansas B - Horrozontals. I would say good name, but I would be lying. And Mark would choke the life out of me. Long story short, if we don't beat them again, I don't know what to say. This is the one game of our pool that it will be unforgiveable to lose. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Texas Christian - PEZ. Lame. Secondly, why isn't it the fighting Ladainian Tomlinsons? Or at least Horned Frogs, either would be better. They appear to have a fairly new program there, so expect most of us older vets to have more experience playing than anyone on their team. Now, I may be completely wrong, but another good website also leads me to this conclusion.

A final thought on Saturday: We have the potential to win this pool, we have the potential to sweep this pool. It's going to come down to us running hard. We practice 4 times a week, we lift at least once a week, both with a top 25 team in the country. Our statement for this season and this program starts on Saturday, be ready to put everything out there then.

Keenan

Do it

2009-02-11T00:18:00.002-06:00

How do we know we're a team? Not typically something that we consider when out on the field. But pause for a second and reflect on it.
Being on a team isn't about playing perfectly and being a superstar (although those moments are nice). Being on a team is about motivating everyone around you to hit that superstar status. Whether this is at practice or sunday afternoon at sectionals, the best thing you can do as a teammate isn't to worry about yourself. It's about how well you can get the 6 guys next to you on the field to perform at their peak; it's about motivating those 7 guys on the field while you catch your breath, its about yelling to finish to the 30 other guys doing sprints at the end of the worst practice of the year.
We've all played together for the past 6 months, some of us have played together for the past 3 years. You should know the guys around you well enough by now to feel comfortable to call them out on something they need to work on, and also understand that if you get called out on something its not a personal affront but a chance to make yourself and the team better. These guys you play with now will be around at least for the rest of your time at Illinois and a lot of them beyond then. We won't all be running for the same team then, but we'll always have been on a single unit that was greater than any one of us.
-Keenan

Get excited

2008-12-04T13:14:00.002-06:00

Things to be excited for in the spring about boomland ultimate

-Boomland
-Mardi Gras
-CiCi's
-City Museum
-Sectionals
-Regionals (Believe it)
-Workouts in Irwin
-And my personal favorite, calling simeone old

We've got a best looking team since I've been here and if we can play up to our potential we can surprise a lot of teams. Keep with it and we'll start dealing folks in no time.

I Say BOOM BOOM BOOM!

2008-12-03T16:15:00.000-06:00

Now let me hear you say WayOh!

Thoughts on the Armory

2008-11-14T15:24:00.000-06:00

So we’ve all completed our first two weeks in the Armory, and I must say I’m very impressed by the dedication that the rookies have shown giving it all they can and the vets pushing themselves to the next level.

So what does all this mean from this point on? It means we’ve got another 3 months of the beauty that is running in a circle and pushing your body further than it thought it would in order to chase down a piece of plastic.

I guess the point I’m trying to make through all this is that the best thing you can do in order to get better is to keep coming every day and pushing yourself and everyone around you each time. The single most important thing that we’ll all discover in our time in the Armory is that everyone is in this together and I would be willing to bet that those guys who finish the cross fits first are the same guys who are there next to you urging everyone else to finish.

And the most important thing to remember throughout all this is that not finishing first isn’t like loosing. It’s unrealistic to think that we can all keep up with Kurley and McLain at the running or Lamp and Rip when it comes to the beasting portion. The most important thing to take away is that you should improve each week based on your performance previously not how by how you think you measure up to someone else.

In fact, the thing that has help me the most in my 2+ years of playing has been that I’m not the most gifted physically, or at all, out there because it has forced me to work on becoming a fundamentally sound player. Determining what it is that you can contribute from the team based on where you currently are is worth a lot more than where you’d like to be, because everyone wishes they had hollow bones and could fly but Pavan is the only one so far who has mastered that one.

The Armory is about becoming an Ultimate player that has the physical tools necessary to compete at a high level. But I would argue that this is the second most important thing to come out of the Armory. We all gain a bond from the late nights and hatred of Stupca and his crazy workouts later in the season. Without that bond we’re just a set of 7 guys out on a field looking to win a game of Frisbee.

Take our time in the Armory seriously and we’ll become more than a set of vets and rookies, we’ll be a team with a goal. And like any good team, our goal is to improve on our performance from last year, last year we made quarters at Nationals. Now it's our turn to get ourselves in the shape and mind set necessary to make a run at least that far again this year.

See you guys out there

Keenan

Tribute to McLain

2008-10-03T21:59:00.008-05:00

Hey boys, this is mark and wego posting for the first time on the boomland blog. We wanted to start by saluting Brain, the genesis of this blog. If you don't know Brian we like to compare him to another Mclain:

Brian

VS.

John

John may have singlehandedly foiled a terrorist attack on an entire office building in his bare feet, or crippled a plot to control the entire LA airport in an hour, or raced around New York defusing countless bombs, or taken down a helicopter with a car, but Brain, President of the Fun Squad, has killed a panther with his bare hands, scaled Mount Everest in three hours wearing a speedo, swam to Antarctica, and created a television using nothing but dental floss, coconuts, and spare toaster parts.

Think about it

Yipee-ki-yay, motherfucker!

Since no one is doing anything...

2008-09-12T11:54:00.000-05:00

I'm Out

2008-08-31T15:39:00.000-05:00

Fellas,

This is my last post as the Boomland Travel’s blogger. I seem to have an increased amount of work due to physical therapy, getting back into shape, and trying to get into law school or something like that. It just seems that I am unable to give you guys the kind of attention you deserve as respected men of the Ultimate community. I may have some random posts throughout the year, but nothing on a consistent basis. No worries though, your media crazed minds will be left in the extremely capable hands of Mark and Wego. I cannot think of a better tandem to take over this huge honor.

McLain

Ultimate: A Cultural Perspective

2008-08-08T20:02:00.008-05:00

I. Introduction

We all love playing the game of Ultimate or else we wouldn’t practice, lift, and workout every week. However, our love is not felt by the majority of the world. Keeping these two views of Ultimate in mind, let’s examine the question of whether Ultimate is a mainstream novelty or an accepted athletic endeavor.

What exactly does it mean to be inducted into mainstream culture? What even is the mainstream? The mainstream, as reported by Wikipedia, consists of the common and current views held by the masses. These ordinary and usual beliefs are tied to corporate or commercial entities. Mainstream culture is propagated by the mass media to the popular culture. For an activity to be considered a novelty of mainstream culture it must be dropped from popular consciousness in a fad-like fashion.

On the other hand, how does a sport become accepted by culture? To be accepted, a sport most be respected enough to be played by athletes that will further the game. To have people play a sport does not necessary ensure that sport’s success, they must be organized and passionate.

II. Disc and Ultimate History

1871 – 1958 = The Frisbie Baking Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut, makes pies sold in tins with “Frisbie” imprinted on them.

1920’s = Supposedly Yale students begin tossing the tins as discs.

1948 = Walter Frederick Morrison and Warren Franscioni invent a plastic version of the Frisbie tin.

1957 = WHAM –O buys the rights to the plastic disc and begins production soon after.

1958 = WHAM–O modifies its plastic disc and trademarks the name "Frisbee.”

1967 = The International Frisbee Association is founded.

1968 = Joe Silver designs a team disc game (the early form of Ultimate) at Columbia High School in New Jersey. The first game is between the Student Council and school newspaper.

(Side Note: There were no limits to the amount of players on the field, you could run with the disc, and it had a series of downs. Soon after running with the disc and the downs were eliminated. Also, defensive rules were made and fouls were defined “as any action sufficient to arouse the ire of your opponent.” Instead of Spirit of the Game, the players used the term “gentlemen’s game.”)

1970 = the first printed version of Ultimate’s rules were printed and sent to surrounding New Jersey high schools.

Nov. 7, 1970 = the first interscholastic game between Columbia high School and Millburn High School was played (43 – 10).

Nov 6, 1972 = the first intercollegiate competition was held between Rutgers and Princeton (29-27).

1974 = World Frisbee Disc Championships held at Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA.

1975 = the first organized Ultimate tournament is won by Rutgers.

1978 = Frisbee Disc "Hall of Fame" established in Houghton, MI.

1979 = UPA founded.

1980’s = Joes Cuervo sponsors several Ultimate tournaments throughout the nation.

1985 = First World Flying Disc Congress held in Helsingborg, Sweden with representatives from 19 nations in attendance.

1986 = Cub Scouts introduce activity badge for participation in Ultimate.

1987 = The General Association of International Sports Federation accepts the World Flying Disc Federation as a member.

1993 = The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports accepts flying disc sports as a new category for Presidential Sports Award.

2001 = Flying disc sports become part of the World Games in Akita, Japan.

2003 = CSTV broadcasts the College national Championships.

Information from: http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa980218.htm
http://www.whatisultimate.com/history/history_game1_en.html
http://www.frisbeedisc.com/about/history.html
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/04.11.07/ultimate-frisbee-0715.html

III. Reasons Ultimate Players Don’t Want Mainstreaming:

Purists believe that if Ultimate goes “public” much of the game’s tradition will be lost. They contest that the more popular something becomes, the more money will be a controlling factor in how it is seen and thought of. It is difficult to think of the media having a frenzy due to an Ultimate doping scandal or kids rushing out to buy some Air Korbesmeyers on the first day they come out. It recent years, the more well know sports have lost some of their allure due to situations like these. Also, society has gawked at Ultimate for decades, why give them the satisfaction? Many contend that because Ultimate started in a grassroots fashion, it should stay that way to keep its homegrown reputation.

IV. Evidence of the Mainstreaming of Ultimate/Ultimate Related Topics

These videos lend themselves more to the commercialization and mainstreaming of Ultimate than to its athletic acceptance (all of them except the Disney Channel one), but it’s still cool to see.

A. Commercials:
Nike

Michelob Ultra

I Don't Even Know What This is For

Other less impressive commercials:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHqUvgyGY5E = Frosted Flakes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-eq0v9779w&feature=related = Snickers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ovu-sp0Us8&feature=related = O2 (TV network)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZeuvT1L8Jc = Aquarius water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6Z9QIHODso = Jeep
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUulvQvbjpY = Country Insurance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG7N1ki4Zy0 = Fruity Pebbles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peV0saGddfs = German food

B. Television:
Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic

Disney Channel

C. Music:
Autopulver - Frisbee

D. Movie:
PCU

E. Video games
http://ultimatefrisbee.sourceforge.net/main.html
http://ds.ign.com/objects/898/898907
html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Games

V. Problems that May Arise in Athletic Acceptance:

First, many people believe that the pace of the game is too slow due to the self refereeing of games. A team sport that is self officiated is considered an oddity as call arguing on the field can hurt the flow of a game. Second, not enough people outside the sport may know about Ultimate, they just think it is a hobby for hippies. Third, a fear of change is an attribute of human nature. The big four sports (baseball, basketball, football, and soccer) are all played with balls, and as many of you know, Ultimate is not. A change in sporting equipment can be quite daunting. Last, many companies are fearful to get involved in Ultimate because of the suspected minimal return on investment. While there are some companies such as Discraft, Innnova, Five, and Gaia that have found their niche in Ultimate marketing, many larger firms remain skeptical.

VI. Conclusion

In the end, I think the UPA has been thinking about this issue and is trying their hardest to find a way to represent Ultimate in the best light. They certainly don’t want Ultimate to be just a fad and I think fact that it has been around for this long is testament to that. As ABC Family as is may sound, we view it as a true sport, but many don’t…so let’s become the best ambassadors we can be.

VI. Insightful Questions to Think About as Ultimate Grows:

Is it considered mainstream to become popular? If something becomes mainstream does that mean that it sold out?

Boomland Bios

2008-07-25T21:17:00.006-05:00

By Keenan Hammel

Cozza- The Mike Cozza plays for one thing, and one thing only: the love and affection of the women’s team. He always plays better when members of the opposite sex watch him on the field. Thriving on this attention at parties, he is one man you can always count on him to make a night out fun.

J Ko- The beloved B-Team coach sacrificed his body last year to land himself in coach-hood. This reflects in his huddle talks that inevitably descend into shouting at the huddle. Once he settles down he’s pure gold, our own Jekyl and Hyde.

McLain- The heart of the team, McClain brings his unique ability to pump up the team to the field every tournament. Finding Nemo and Aladdin speech topics manage to inspire confidence and enthusiasm, and if that doesn’t work watching him play with a pinched nerve in his throwing shoulder definitely will.

Jon O- The member with easily the most impressive facial hair, Jon O strikes fear into lesser souls with his manliness. He has nasty throws and poaches that are perfectly scoped in for lay outs. Look for a Merlin beard next year to yield a +2 to his defense.

Talon- One of the best looking guys ever in the world, with the hardcore determination that just makes the women swoon. Once his high socked, backward hatted head steps onto the field, the game has changed. His job on the field is never done as he will shut you down with nasty d and then burn you deep for the huck. Oh, and he is so good in the air.

Keenan- Gangly, gangly, gangly. Keenan is a tall drip of water and also has a very Cozza-like approach to women: Ultimate women all the time. He now has in arsenal the longest stretching forehand leans on the team and is a giant of a man but yet can get cruelly low to the ground.

K Hundo- The first recipient of a Pavan cleat gooning. Kevin is an integral part of the tree cup and plays angry. At 6’3” and a solid 100 pounds he brings a killer instinct and incredulous victims will not believe their pain as this stick figure attacks.

Sidrys- Part 2 of 2 of the tree cup, Joe is super long. He is approximately 2 J Ko’s in wingspan and utilizes this height and length to stupefy whoever he is playing defense against. Have I mentioned yet that he can palm a disc? That’s just silly.

Hatcher- Johnny Wego, sweet cuts. He plays like a man possessed and utilizes his football skills to snatch any disc near his person. He is a man of strong emotions, from the time spent talking to his girlfriend to when he lays out through you to grab that D.

Shane- Shane may be the most adorable Ultimate player you will ever meet. He could date your sister and you couldn’t be happier for her. One time, Shay sacrificed day 2 of sectionals to go to Prom his freshman year. We’re working on his priorities, but there’s hope yet.

Peyton- Actually Ryan Tomchek, he is the benefactor of Joel forgetting names and assigning nicknames. This is due to his sweet throws and pale, gawky build. Luckily for him, he’s a Bears fan.

Sul- Scary. Sul is someone you would be wise to be intimidated by at first site. However, he’s like a giant teddy bear, cute and cuddly on the inside. He’s wicked fast, always comes down with the disc, and doesn’t consider his practice clothes clean until they’ve got a smattering of blood on them. Look for him to do some damage in the next 3 years.

Dave- Due to the confusion of having 2 Daves in the program, a certain Brian McLain took it upon himself to find a suitable substitute for Dave J. Inspiration would strike at Mardi Gras when he decided that puddle jumping was a good idea. Thus “Splash” was born. A layout legend will undoubtedly follow.

Nascar- Jeff Gordon is on our team. No, not the devastatingly attractive millionaire, Nascar is from a far off land. He makes devastating circle cuts and has never been to one of our parties. There is only room for improvement from here.

Mark- Mark spent the majority of his youth in suburban Chicago, but that changed one fateful day when the

family moved to Kansas. He would spend the next 3 years dreaming of Illinois and returning home. A promising handler, he holds a Rip-like hatred for the University of Kansas and plays with that passion. Add to that the ability for speechmaking and he is a force to be reckoned with.

Anthony- This young writer, the next generations Bettsy, had to quit the team to follow the women’s track team his freshmen year to write for the Daily Illini. His future skills will only be supplemented by his ability to get track girls to come to our parties. The ratio will well and truly be destroyed.

McKinley- Since the number of nicknames is directly related to playing ability, Kyle McKinley is a god. The recipient of no less than 3, to my knowledge, never gets called his given name while around the team. He’ll be the guy with the throws and D’s. Back to the name game, his girlfriend is Kyla, shenanigans indeed.

Max- The only man to drop his pants on Bourbon Street, Max Docauer will undoubtedly become an Illinois Ultimate legend. He’s got the squirrelly handler thing down too. Even after playing with him for a year, there are times when we’re left scratching our heads; leading the defense to have no idea what’s going on, just how he likes it.

Tom- He’s our mystery man. He comes to practice and tournaments and has been known to throw on the quad from time to time, but beyond that appears to not exist. Popular theories involve Batman and Transformers.

Michael- Old Man River. Michael Simeone could be some of rookies’ father. He claims to have invented Ultimate, discovered gravity, and thought of the wheel. Popular discussion topics involve UPA 10th Edition and the timing of when a pick is to be called.

For Those Who Gained some Summer Pounds

2008-07-22T23:13:00.001-05:00

Since school and practice are o going to once again commence in less than a month it might be time for some people to take a look at themselves in a mirror and evaluate their shape. I know that because of my shoulder surgery recovery I have gained a few pounds, and am looking forward to a time when I am allowed to do more than 5 mile walks. Along these same lines I recently came across an older article related to burning calories. What follows is a summary of some points I found most interesting.

In discussing which activity burns more calories running or walking, many believe that the two burn the same amount. The article’s author, Amy Burfoot, is Runner’s World’s executive editor. She states that running burns more calories than walking at a pace slower than 5 mph (12 minute pace). Running burns more calories because running has a more dynamic motion. The act of basically jumping from one foot to the other uses more energy than walking at say 4 mph (15 minute pace). Burfoot also mentions that during a run you burn more calories because your body is required to take in more oxygen. However, walking at 5 mph (12 minute pace) is said to go against the natural motion of the human body. This awkward movement causes the body to work harder and thus require more energy and burn more calories.

To calculate how many calories you burn during a run Burfoot offers this formula for net calories burned/mile: 0.63 x your weight (lbs.). For walking at a rate slower than 5 mph the net calories burned/mile is equal to 0.30 x your weight (lbs.). Net calories burned/mile is used instead of total calories burned/mile to incorporate the amount of calories that would normally be burned due to the basal metabolic rate. Once again, walking faster that 5 mph would burn more than running.

However, there are some discrepancies with the formulas. The proportion of calories burned could be higher or lower depending on the terrain being ran on, how efficient a runner’s form is, the altitude of the run, etc.

To read the actual article check out http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html.

With this new found information get out there and train so you don’t look fat when practice comes around.

New Positions

2008-07-15T14:46:00.003-05:00

It has come to my attention that beginning next season the Illinois program will be restructured. As with any reconstruction of an organization, be it a corrupt foreign territory after a coup d’ etat or nationally ranked collegiate athletic club, new faces need to be introduced. So just to keep everyone on the team on the same page, here is what your new Illinois Ultimate administration will look like in the fall.

Captains – Denis & Phelan

These fellas take care of us like mother hens on and off the field. They are inspirations to us all.

Junior Captain – Chuck

He is an "inspiration to us all" in training.

Presidents – Brad & Cozza

These guys do the administrative paperwork that keeps the team running smoothly. Their behind the scenes actions are imperative to keeping us on the field and practicing consistently.

CFO – Rip

Follows strict guidelines set forth through Sarbanes-Oxley and oversees the money fundraised, collected, and used by the program.

Treasurer – McKinley

Makes sure we have the money where and when we need.

Fundraising Chair – Me

I try to get money from sources other than the university and your pockets.

High School Outreach – Austin

I am not exactly sure what Austin will be doing this year, but I do know one thing. Austin loves making young men happy so he will do his best to make this work.

Website Coordinator – Somefield

We will once again have an up and running website to show the world what our program is about. The program's website will be a great addition to our Google Group and two Blogs.

Travel Coordinator – Brad

He will make sure we have places to sleep at tournaments that will hopefully be extremely comfortable and accommodating.

Social Chair – Miles

Probably the most important job out of all of those listed above. Miles is going to make sure we have people to party with and earn a spectacular reputation around campus.

Summer Training Motivation

2008-07-13T12:52:00.002-05:00

Staying focused on training during summer can turn out to be quite a task. The season seems like it is months, you may not be around your teammates, and your job may leave you feeling tired and impartial after a rough day at the office. Whether you are running, doing cross-fits, lifting, or tossing, sometimes you need that little extra push to get going. Here are some things to think about while you are determining whether or not you should workout.

- Train with friends – a 10 miler sucks a lot less when you can talk with someone. It is a whole lot harder to give during a hard workout when you are with a buddy. For some, the temptation to give up when solo is too much.

- You know your teammates are training – as good of friends as we are all, we all know that there are a finite number of spots on the field and on the team. Therefore, becoming paranoid and freaking yourself out by internally muttering, “I know Phelan’s training right now, so I need to be too.”

- Its awesome outside – take your shirt off and get a tan. You don’t want to kicking yourself because you fretted away the warmth of summer come cross-fits in the winter.

- Have a reward waiting after your workout – you worked hard, why shouldn’t be rewarded for sweat and determination? A nice glass of lemonade or a beer would be refreshing.

- Set goals for yourself – reach a new max on bench, map out a run on gmap-pedometer.com to try and PR, or anything else that can be measured. Make short and long term goals for the month, season, or year. Just remember that you might not achieve the goals right away, these things take time. Just keep working at it.

GlaxoSmithKline

2008-07-04T10:21:00.003-05:00

While searching for Ultimate videos on YouTube my friend came across this little gem. It is a whole lot harder than it looks. The University of Sussex Ultimate Frisbee Club, Mohawk, out of the UK, created this game. All you need is four friends, a soapy table, and a crappy disc (this game tends to bend the plastic a little). Once you get the hang of the spinning it’s a lot of fun to see how long your group can keep the disc going on the table. However, neither the video nor the team’s website explains any actually rules, but after playing a little I have these suggestions:

- Turn the game into two 1 v 1 games

- Those at the heads of the table (slappers) are the only ones who can score.

- A score occurs when the disc gets passed the opposite slapper

- The other two prodders are unbiased and do their jobs

How to Pick the Right Running Shoes

2008-07-01T10:47:00.004-05:00

While I disagree with Rip’s tactics in getting me to contribute more to this program’s summer reading, I do concur that more stimulus is needed. I would also like to publicly thank Rip for his encouraging words about my future law aspirations. Before beginning where I left off, I would just like to take this opportunity to apologize for my rudely extended absence from the Boomland blog. While I may not have been showing my love for the team, program, or sport in an online media form, I will assure you that all three were never far from my heart. Now on with the show...

Summer is in full swing which has always meant training time for me. To me, there is no better way to stay in shape than just running. To make sure that look great in short shorts when the indoor workouts start again, I like to get a good base in the summer so my quads really pop under the nylon clothing that pretends to cover them. One thing that can hamper even the most ambitious runner, though, is ill-fitting shoes or improperly determined shoes. Before we get started, let me just mention that I used to work at a running store so I am a credible source for this stuff.

When looking for the proper pair of running shoes my first suggestion is go to an actual running specialty store. At most of these stores they will assess your gait (stride) and foot strike to determine if you need a stability or neutral running shoe. Most specialty stores have higher prices that say a Dick’s or Sports Authority. Because of this I would go the a specialty store to get the name of the correct fitting shoes and then go to Dick’s and buy it cheaper. Better yet, go to Eastbay or Zappos and buy an older model of the same shoe. You will already know what shoe and what size to get from the running store so you basically have nothing to lose.

For those of you who don’t want to look like a rookie when you walk into a running store here are a few things to think about. When the sales person is fitting you for a shoe, forget about the color and style of the shoe (fits matters way more). In addition, don’t focus on specifically one brand because there are a lot of good running shoe brands that fit certain type of feet better than others. If they don’t have the shoe you like in your correct size don’t buy one that is too small or too big. If shoes are too big you will get blisters, if they are too small you will get black toenails.

While being analyzed you will be told if you are either a neutral runner, pronator, or supinator. A neutral runner is one who has even wear on the soles of his current shoes. This means that his foot strikes the ground on a flat plane. A person who pronates rolls his foot to the outside. This roll will cause irregular wear on the outsides of shoes. On the other extreme, a supinator rolls his foot to the inside causing wear on the inside of the sole. Supination is certainly less common than a neutral foot strike or pronating. Lastly, running shoes should be replaced either every 3-5 months or 300-500 miles, depending on the frequency and intensity of the running being done in them.

If you have any other questions about running or running shoes send me an email. I can also give you recommendations on stores near you and shoes for different foot types.

Poll Results

2008-04-24T10:02:00.003-05:00

Who would win in a deathmatch:
Supposing that the death match would be set up like the NCAA tourney bracket, Wego would kill Sul (only using his left hand) for the championship bout. Tying for third would be Mark's tenacity and Hundo's ridiculous reach. Everyone else would just be killed.

Who has the most fitting nickname:
Halvsies wins. Somehow Nascar got second with Old Man River coming in third. Rounding out the others is the Prez and Lefty in a tie for fourth.

Who would make the hottest woman:
There was a four way tie for first as the team believes that Talon, Joe, Mark and Denis would all make hot females. In an incredible tie for fifth is J Ko, Joel, Kurley, Jon O, and Pavan (all outstanding choices in my book).

Dear Boomland,

2008-04-22T10:34:00.000-05:00

I am honored that you chose me as one of your captains this year. I found this season full of challenges and excitement. I know that I learned so much and hope that all of you can come away from this season with the same feeling. You all poured your hearts out when it counted at Sectionals and I could not have asked for more out of any one of you. There is no reason to be disappointed in the way you played. This year, through the collective effort of the team, more people will respect not only our B-team but B-teams around the nation. We are part of a great program and to expect anything less greatness from even our B-team would be detrimental to the Ultimate program that Illinois players have worked so hard to create and maintain. I am proud to have played with you all and can’t wait to see everyone back out next season.

Boom,

McLain (Boring old Brian)

Sectionals Recap

2008-04-22T10:33:00.002-05:00

Boomland knew that sectionals was going to be an uphill battle this year and that their play would need to be stepped up to the next level if they had any chance at making it to Regionals.

With those thoughts in the back of their minds, the men of Boomland faced their first opponent of the day, UIC. Boomland looked passed their #2 pool seed and came out firing from the get-go. Boomland drew first blood as UIC put a loose cup on. With an easy fake from Cozza and a toss Talon the cup was broken. This situation would continue to be seen throughout the day. After breaking the cup a few more times, UIC went to man and Boomland had a little trouble getting through it. With the help of ridiculous defense from Wego, Shaby, and Big Joe; Boomland took the game 13-11 for probably the biggest upset in sporting history.

Coming off the intense upset against UIC, Valpo waited on the next field to be defeated. Boomland once again came out of the gates very strong. However, toward the end of the game emotions seemed to fizzle as Boomland let Valpo get back into the game. With the support of the A-team on the sideline and a cool rain hitting their brows, Boomland once again stood on the field victorious 13-9 and now undefeated in pool play.

Jacked up on pure adrenaline, Boomland looked over to the opposite sideline to see their next opponent: the A-team. Boomland looked upon these giants of the Ultimate community not with fear, but with respect for they were brothers. Not brothers from the same mother, but brothers in the sense of shared blood and sweat. As the lines for each team were called and both teams stood opposite each other on the field it seemed as though the world stopped and focused its gaze upon this one single field on the Naperville Polo grounds for this would be a game to end all games. After tricking the A-team into thinking they were receiving, Boomland received the pull and effortlessly marched up the field for the first score for the game. However, this score would only be one of three for Boomland as the A-team’s A-teamness was too much for younger and better looking Boomland team. The highlight of the game came in the second half as Jon O burned Lefty deep on Beta X for a money shot in the end zone for the score. Although there was a mutual agreement to not hurt anyone on either team, the A-team decided to break that covenant: Pavan air snaked Hundo in the face and Austin decided to test to see how brittle River’s old bones actually were. At the end of the game Boomland lost 4-13, but it was much closer than that on the field.

I wish the A-team game would have been Boomland’s last game of the day because Boomland lost the concentration they had worked so hard on maintaining through the first two games of the day. To make their lives easier, Boomland needed to win their last game against Purdue to get into the Championship Bracket on Sunday. Purdue had a very athletic team and Boomland had trouble containing their longs. Boomland’s hearts and heads just seemed to not be into the game as Boomland sadly lost 13-7. This loss would mean we would be placed in the 6^th place bracket and have to win four games in row on Sunday.

Saturday passed and Sunday came just as winter melts into spring. Sunday was an opportunity for rebirth and a bid to Regionals. Boomland’s first game was against Earlham. With Jesus on their side Earlham took control of the first half and got at least four breaks. Boomland did not give up though and through the exquisite play of Cozza, Talon, Wego, Rivers, Prez and others Boomland was back in the game. However, the breaks given up in the first half were too much to com back from and Earlham prevailed 15-13. (Sidenote: Earlham was one of the nicest teams ever, really great guys)

After the rumors of a Sunday ending on a “one and done” type deal Boomland began preparations to play Loyola. As with the game before, we had trouble getting into the game early on and breaks in the first half would eventually come back to haunt Boomland in a 13-15 loss to Loyola.

The last game of the day for Boomland was against Northern. These guys played a very similar game to what we played and it looked to be a great game. But going along with the theme of the day of having breaks come back to bit us in the butt, Boomland regretfully lost its last game of the season. We fought hard in the second half and brought it back within two points on several occasions, but just could not seal the deal. Boomland ended its season in placing 13^th in Sectionals.

Additionally...

2008-04-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

If we make it to regionals then the MVP as voted by his teammates will have the opportunity to shave my head. I am willing to part ways with my lovely locks for this glorious cause.

Sectionals Preview

2008-04-15T10:35:00.002-05:00

As it stands right now there are four other teams in our pool: the A-team, UIC, Purdue, and Valpo. However, this may change as Cole thinks Valpo may not be able to make it which would move Notre Dame-B into the five seed in the pool. To be in a position to make it to regionals we will have to break seed and beat one team ranked ahead of us.

Round 1: Since Judson dropped out, we have a first round bye. This means that we can’t come out flat because other teams have had games to work out the kinks. This means that getting a good and focused flow during warm ups is imperative.

Round 2: Our first game is against UIC. We lost 13-3 to these guys at Chicago Invite. This is going to be a tough game, but this will also be the first tourney where we will have our full squad. If we are able to play the type of Ultimate that we have been discussing all season, then there is no reason why this game should be considered an automatic loss. This is one of the three teams ranked higher that we will have to beat to play Ultimate for one more weekend in April.

Round 3: We will play either Valpo or Notre Dame-B depending on Valpo’s situation. At Whitesmoke we lost 13-10 to them, but we did not have our full lineup and from what I heard our play was not at all representative of what our program is about. This game is a must win boys.

Round 4: This game might as well be the showcase game for the entire weekend. We have a tradition of playing our hearts out against the A-team fellas. This game is all about pride. When we played the A-team at club sectionals we showed that we can elevate our game to a new level. I find it rather interesting that the A-team has not asked us to scrimmage them this season (fear?).

Round 5: Cozza and I feel this is the big game on Saturday for us. We need to beat Purdue, UIC, or the A-team for a chance at regionals. I don’t know too much about Purdue and we haven’t played them this season or played many of the same teams they have. Last year we tied Purdue for 11^th. Lets just beat them.

Cozza should be emailing out some notes to everyone today on things to work on. Come to practice so we can work some things out and get our gamed honed for this weekend. Be smart this week with getting your work done, sleep, and eating right. Tourney week, boys. Tourney week.

Boom.

Whitesmoke Summary

2008-04-09T17:24:00.002-05:00

I cannot think of a better analogy (http://youtube.com/watch?v=mZ7ZpLgkVxA&feature=related) for the weekend, nor a more appropriate one given our location about how the past tournament weekend went. I think we showed that we had plenty of heart http://youtube.com/watch?v=3JeLcP7Xa5o. There wasn’t a game in which we didn’t win a half, but we went 1-5. There were some lowlights of the weekend http://youtube.com/watch?v=IEpi6ZbM_nE, but there were also some awesome highlights http://youtube.com/watch?v=3MfLrw6NpJM. Lets take a deeper look into the weekend.

Game 1: vs Kalamazoo http://youtube.com/watch?v=fFv_PoZ2iP0

Our first game of the day against a team that was faster, stronger, and just a tad better. http://youtube.com/watch?v=oGECJP3phyY. Their pulls were always in the back of the endzone and we had a hard time jumpstarting the offense from that far back. Zone O and Zone D was good, I don’t remember much else. Lost 13-8 after 7-2 half?

Game 2 vs North Park X. It really was an X caliber team, as we easily took the first half and their players would routinely forget to stall, get broken, and just all the other stuff that goes with being a rookie. Second half, the north park vets started playing and shut us down. I think that’s all there was to it that game

Game 3 vs Valpo. We were up most of the time, at the end line calling was still a bit too loose for the situation. It was 10-10 at one point and then they ended up pulling it out (that’s what she said) http://youtube.com/watch?v=pwyznJ4U-pA. We will be them this weekend.

Game 4: vs St. John’s. What happened? They had 9 guys, one who happened to be 7-0 and muscular, but what does that mean? Nothing. We just didn’t show up.

Sunday

Goshen: The sole win of the weekend came in a 13 14 crossover. We won easily, but didn’t never closed the game completely. Not much to say about this game other than we were flat and should never let a team of this caliber keep with us.

Lewis: Highlight game of the weekend. They are a good athletic team and it was a good fight by both teams. We went down early. They scored 3 or 4 in a row to start and half was 8-3? We turned it on in the second half when Michael started getting pissed at how not explosive we were playing. He got a D and things went rolling from there. Everyone started getting Ds and making plays. Sidrys had a layout D, later Michael got a footblock in the endzone, disk went up in the air, and Kevin Hund was in the endzone and just snagged it out of the air. That second half showed how we can play. We just need to perform that way.

Notes for the future: Everyone learned something. Handler cuts were better, longs started cutting breakside, hucks to Chrysler never got old. It will be exciting to see how Illinois Boomland will perform this weekend in Naperthrill

Huck Finn

2008-04-03T14:18:00.001-05:00

Boomland entered in the state of Missouri and big smiles and big dreams. Upon our arrivial in the state of Pat, Denis, and Joel we opted for the non traditional route of making awkward comments and scenes at the Hooters in the parking lot.

Saturday started with the sounds of Anthony throwing up at 5:30AM. Then after a 45 minutes drive to the fields we were ready to play Wisconsin B. Wheaton described this game as “the battle of the best B-Teams.” We tried not to disappoint and played hard up to the closely scored half. But in the end, their four man cup was too much given the wind and our growing incapability to get our offensive moving and we lost 11-5.

Next we played Judson the six seed in our pool. After losing our first game, I was happy to see Boomland did not come out cold. We struck fist and never let up. Boomland took the game 11-1.

After working the kinks out, Wheaton was up. They were the first seed in the pool so we knew we were going to have to play with more gusto than previously. The first two games were played in an up-wind/down-wind fashion, but this field was turned the other way and allowed for actual Ultimate to be played. We started off slow and it looked like we were going to have a another game like Wisconsin B on our hands. That was, until we decided to take five straight points. They decided that we might be a threat and put in Weasel who Chrysler shut down for the most part. In the end we had dug too much of a deficit and lost 11-7, but we fight really hard for that loss.

We came out strong against Missouri-X, but for some reason lost a lot of steam as the game progressed. Their team was good, but in way should we have lost. We moved back to the up-wind/down-wind fields and hucked too much. I miss we could have seen them in the finals, but we needed to beat at least one team seeded ahead of us to make the Championship Bracket. We lost 11-7.

We lost to Beloit in our last game 11-9 and I would really prefer not talking about it. I can speak for everyone in saying we want to see them again, soon.

Sunday began with a nice “not knowing where we were going” drive through St. Louis. Once we figured out that we were using directions to get to the tourney party and not the fields, we fixed the problem. We played Wash U-B first. The fields were amazingly muddy from flooding and rain the night before. Jon O and at least three others were covered in Missouri mud before warm-ups had ended. From the start of the contest we took control of the flow and speed of the game. We started working on different defenses and J Ko called mixed up lines. After it was all over we won 15-2.

We played Judson again for the next match up. We didn’t take this game as seriously as we should have and the score showed it. We ended up only winning 15-10.

To determine the who got the 17^th place crown we had to play ISU. After two rounds the fields we officially screwed and it was one big mud pit. Sharp cuts were out of the question and I cant even imagine what the handlers were doing to deal with it. We started out sloppy and did not expect the aggressiveness and intensity that ISU came out with. At half we were down at least five. We had a lot of work to do in the second half. Lead by inspiring efforts by Jonny Wego, Cooza, and Chrysler Boomland battled back as best it could. With a little time before soft cap went on ISU was up 12-6. Boomland did not want to die like that and decided to friggin’ fight through everything to get that last point. The point was scattered with turnovers from both teams. Soon hard cap went on and the point had not yet finished. After fifteen more minutes of defense and cutting Cozza found McLain for a little ten footer to end the game. We lost 12-6, but am happy at how hard we fought to get that last point.

4x400 Time Trial

2008-03-12T16:31:00.002-05:00

Last night was supposed to mark the first of many A Team vs. Boomland competitions, but due to unforeseeable factors that was not that case. The A Team did, however, finish second among the four teams entered in the race. The makeshift half Boomland and half random guy relay got third, but hey we did beat the women’s relay. The first and longest leg of the 4X400m was started by Bonges for the A and my roommate, Jimmy, from last year. Bonges took the field out hard and made sure his presence was known. By the first hand off the runner relay had taken the lead, followed by Jimmy who passed Bonges with about 100m to go. Bonges finished with a 59 split. The runner relay had a 20m and the baton as the baton was passed to me. Miles was only a meter or two behind. Miles and I made up considerable ground on the runner team and put everyone basically even. I handed off first with a 55 and Miles handed off a second later with a 56 split. My team’s third leg had just run the mile and sadly it showed. Kurley passed him not very far into his quarter and began his pursuit of the runner team. Though he did not catch the runners, Kurley still boasted a 57 split. Some time after Kurley had handed off to Phelan for the anchor leg; Sul finally got the baton in his capable hands and went crazy. While Phelan was busy trying to catch the other team who was in range Sul realized the race was kaput and coasted it in. When everything was said and done the runner relay won, followed the A Team anchored by a 58 effort from Phelan, then Boomland with Sul’s 60 split coast, followed by the women’s team. Overall I had a good time and am looking forward to doing it again during the outdoor season.

As a side note Kurley looked ridiculous because he had a headband on.

Chicago Invite Preview

2008-03-07T01:26:00.000-06:00

Who wants to play at 8am on a Sunday? I sure as hell don’t, 9:45 is more up my alley. So you may be asking yourself, “How do I avoid playing at 8am on a Sunday Cozza?” The answer is simple my friend, go 4-0 on Saturday. That includes, but is certainly not limited to eradicate Elephantitis, murdering Michigan Flint, nix the Ninjabears, and finish off FUNK. To quote John Madden “The team with the most points will win the game”, that could not be more true for our situation, but I would like to add my own addition, ß yes I know that’s overly redundant. “The team with the fewest turnovers will win the game.” Plain and simple, black and white, clear as day, right as rain. We have been drilling the basics, running through the disc, doing all the defenses, all of the offenses, and handler and long drills. I know it may have seemed boring, but that’s what we need to do.

I want everyone to look at this from last year

1 - Illinois A
2 - Indiana
3 - Notre Dame A
4 - Loyola-Chicago
5 - Northwestern
6 - Chicago
7 - Wheaton
8 - North Park
9/10 - UIC/Ball St.
11/12 - Illinois B/Purdue
13 - Illinois State 1
4 - DePaul
15/16 - S. Indiana/W. Illinois
17-20 - Earlham, Lewis, Hanover, S. Illinois
21 - Indiana St.
22 - Notre Dame B
23 - Northern Illinois
24 - Knox
25 - Illinois C
26 - Rose Hulman
27 - Lake Forest

The coming weeks will prove what we are capable of, Chicago Invite, Huck Finn, and Whitesmoke. It’s been over a month since we have all been outside, so next week get outside and throw in that Champaign wind we all know and love. Next week is a pretty constant high of 47. So get out and throw next week.

A Little Something to Think About...

2008-03-05T19:57:00.001-06:00

Part 1

Part 2

Keenan's $.02

2008-03-04T10:05:00.001-06:00

Gents, I’m here to give you a talk. No, not that talk.

This is about the team. No, this is about more than the team. This, gentlemen, is about the family we are as Illinois Boomland.

We’ve all endured crossfits and track workouts together. We’ve all spent time on and off the field with each other, and because of that we’ve become closer than teammates. We’ve become a family.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Who’s the daddy bear? And my response, quite simply is we don’t have one dad, we have two. McLain and Cozza. That’s right, we’ve got two dads, and we all love it.

We’re all the kids running around, breaking shit and shitting on shit. But those two head up this ship and we listen to them because they know their shit. We’re in this together my friends and the only way we can get through and accomplish what we’ve set out to do is continue to bring this family closer together.

So I ask you this, next time you are bored on some night, give someone else on the team a call. All our phone numbers are on the Google group, and the odds are good one of us is up to something if it’s a weekend. If you have questions on a homework, hit a vet up, chances are there’s someone on the team older than you in your major or who has taken a class you’re in that can help.

That’s my two cents for now gents, I hope that I’ve made my point. We’re a family, and we’ve got to keep that up and strong from here on out. Let’s kill some folks at Chicago Invite and prove that we’re more than anyone thought we are.

Boom,

Keenan

Poll Results

2008-02-26T14:40:00.003-06:00

The best place to eat after a tourney is Cici's. This fine eating establishment completely trumped all other challengers (20 votes). This domination is due to Cici's corporate strategy of making large quantities of pizza at a cheap price. The pizza is not the best tasting, but I would much rather a lot of something thats ok than a little of something that tastes great. Next in line is Arby's 5 for $5.95 deal (9), followed by Wendy's dollar menu (8) and then Olive Garden, Chiili's, and McDonald's.

As for the most hook-upable Boomlander there is a tie. I was not only surprised to see you voted me in the top two, but was also grateful. You guys make me blush. I am proud to share this title with Mr. Don Charles. For those rookies who don't know this man, ask a vet. I am sure that his tale of perseverance will inspire the most unambitious. Coming in next was Austin, but even though he has a full chest of hair, due to recent events he is now disqualified from the competition. Johnny Wego, Halvsies, and Mark are in the next tier. Once again though, Halvsies has to be disqualified despite him retaining the best qualities from his two ethnicities. Rounding out the field are Talon, Joe, Nascarm Gramps, and Somerfield (disqualified). Keeping all disqualifications in mind the final rankings are DCS/Me, Johnny Wego/Mark, and finally Talon/Joe/Gramps/Nascar. All good choices in my book.

Quick reminder that we will be having a meeting after the cross-fit on Thursday. Be there.

Fireside Chats With the Prez (Volume 1)

2008-02-21T17:04:00.003-06:00

My fellow Boomlanders; This marks the first of possibly numerous conversations I will have dealing with yet to be determined topics.

This Week's Topic; the search for Scoring celebrations that are hilarious, while not making us look like douche bags, or upsetting the other team too much. This has been an ongoing topic of conversation amongst several Boomlanders with few executions. The shoe shine has made several appearances thus far in practice (and maybe once during a game), but we have yet to have a culminating team-wide score celebration.

With This in mind, I've come up with some preliminary ideas

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rR89YByD9LE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=yRmqZRPgK1w

Check out the dudes in the yellow about 1:50 or so into it.

While These are enticing ideas, They lack the "spirit of the game" that many ultimate folks consider to be an important part of the game. Something slightly more low-key might be in order. With this in mind, incorporating the help of others will be key.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=3pL7DiTPKcw

Also, a little something extra; A preview of the Chicago Invite (Hint: Boomland is not the Leopard)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YhtYvQOZO4U

Possible Topics for next week;

- A Theme Song for Boomland

-I did it BECAUSE MARK TOLD ME TO!!

Sarver's Searches

2008-02-20T15:32:00.009-06:00

Google is probably the most well known search engine out there. And what are search engines for? They are for looking up stupid stuff like biographies of famous artists and the number of atoms in a mole and random stuff like that. But what they are also good for is seeing how cool you are compared to other people with your name. In this flagship edition of Sarver’s Searches, I will attempt to bring you the most ridiculous results Google comes up with when you type in a Boomlander's names.

This week we are honoring the eldest, wisest member of Boomland: Jordan ‘Grandpa’ Miller. Jordan has seen things we only read about in history books. Jordan lived through joyous events such as the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System, Windows 1.0 and the debut of the Mercury Sable and the Ford Taurus. He also had to endure such tragedies as the crashes of Midwest Express Airlines Flight 105 and Arrow Air Flight 1285, both in late 1985. He can still remember the terrible shock of seeing the disastrous scene on the news as he told me in this interview, “I can still remember the shock of seeing the disastrous scene on the news, it was terrible.” So, to pay tribute to Jordan before he goes senile, I have chosen to do the first search on him.

Amazingly, when I searched for his name, one of the first searches I found was ‘U.S. Figure Skating Champion’, so naturally I went with that one. Jordan Miller (not to be confused with Jordan Miller) began skating at age 4. Skating was his passion, and he was often teased for wearing his skin tight Lycra unitard to class in high school. He didn’t let that shatter his dreams of ice dancing to the Footloose soundtrack though. In 2003 he became a member of the State Farm/U.S. Figure Skating Scholastic Honors Team. He now judges U.S. Figure Skating competitions nearly every weekend. Jordan Miller’s interests include the television show ‘Lost’, Sprite, golf and cooking. He also has a strong passion for debate. He currently holds the title of ‘Apprentice Debater’ but he hopes to one day make ‘Master Debater’. Jordan lives alone with his 4 cats.

So when you see Jordan at practice, take a minute to appreciate him and remember he’s not just some old dude that plays Frisbee with us, he’s OUR old dude

Chicago Invite

2008-02-18T15:36:00.010-06:00

Alright guys, we are less then one month away from the Chicago Invite. There are going to be at least eight teams there from our sectional. This means that we will be getting a great chance to see some of our competition a month before sectionals. Of these eight teams, four out ranked us last year at sectionals with our tie for 11th: Loyola (4), Wheaton (7), North Park (8), and Chicago (tied for 9). Loyola suffered a huge loss as Denis now plays for us and I am not too sure about everyone else. Nevertheless, even if each of these retained all of their players from last year, Boomland has grown by leaps and bounds. We currently have a team full of guys who don't just dick around and play for fun. Don't get me wrong Ultimate is fun, but playing Ultimate and winning is even more fun. We have a solid opportunity this year to take a trip to regionals. We have been putting in the time running, pushupping, situpping, chinupping, and suffering through the process of getting better as a team. Each practice we are strengthening the bond that we have forged not through being born brothers, but through pushing each other harder than we could by ourselves. I hope that all of you out there feel what I feel.

In high school I came from a very tight knit and successful running program. I worked my ass off everyday not because I was told to, but because I knew the guy next to me was not going to give up so why would I? Last year, I didn't really feel that as an Ultimate player. I liked everyone, but that passion was missing. This is year has been completely different. I know that I am willing to sweat and bleed for each one of you and I can see that there are a lot of you who feel the same.

So lets keep working our asses off in the Armory and keep our heads and hearts in it at practice. I know that this team can accomplish great things this season, and I hope that throughout the season all of you will share that same vision. Always keep Chicago in the back of your heads, boys.

Newest Inductees

2008-02-16T13:40:00.011-06:00

Last night was a great night as four more Boomlanders, one girlfiend, and one roommate maned up to rip some phone books. Austin rolled through his first, then Jon O answered the call, then I boosted my stats, then our first female finisher (Maggie), then Halvsies felt the need to not be too outdone by his girlfriend. Towards the close of the evening Chrysler joined the ranks of the rippers and James Macatangay, long-time friend and supporter of U of I Ultimate, took a personal vendetta against The Yellow Book Co. and it subsequent entities. At the end of the night it was Jon O with four, Austin and Maggie with three, Halvsies with two, me with two more and Chrysler with one. I put a call in to Yellow Book and left a message asking for some more books, so we'll see what happens.

McLain (7)
Somerfield (5)
Jon O (4)
Austin (3)
Cozza (2)
Halvsies (2)
Chrysler (1)
Team Total (24)

Maggie (3)
Kevin - Jon O's roommate (1)
Friends and Family Total (4)

Let's keep up the good work boys.

A Little Mid-day Present

2008-02-14T10:41:00.002-06:00

The Outhere Brothers - Boom Boom Boom (1994)

New Traditions

2008-02-13T17:19:00.007-06:00

As with any established organization, U of I Ultimate is a hot bed of traditions. I was just informed that until recently we had a tradition of not liking the women's team. We gather to game during Drinktionals. New players have to tempt the fates chugging a disc to prove the truth in one of our mantras: everything in excess. I wish to add phone book ripping to this list of traditions. Over the last weekend Cozza, Somefield, and myself decided to maul a stack of twelve phone books that Cozza somehow managed to steal. The outcome was Cozza with two books destroyed, Somerfield crushing four of them, and me rocking five books (I realize that doesn't equal twelve, we sadly lost one). The only reason more books were not torn was we ran out too quickly. So if anyone feels like bettering themselves not only as a man of Ultimate, but as a man of the human race by all means get a book, rip it, and take a picture so that your glory can be forever immortalized on this blog.

The Time Has Come

2008-02-13T11:53:00.004-06:00

Gentlemen,

I was doing some reading on Rip's Blog and came to a realization. It's very much so geared not toward Boomland. Sure we have our little tourney summaries and other little nicknacks, but we, as Boomlandians, need to start to taking responsibility for producing our own brand of news. This blog is not an attempt to usurp Rip and his journalistic endeavors. It is instead a call to action for Boomland to reinvent itself not as the A Team's little brother but a team that is going to take sectionals by storm. The change train is gassing up boys, are you ready to ride it on the glorious path it was meant to take? Can I get a "Wayo?"

More to come...