Player Bio:

Name: Mike “Godfather” Greathouse
Captain Experience: 18 Seasons
Primary Positions: Excellent cutter, Excellent Worker, Can Handle
Special Abilities: Bump and Run Cut, Lefty Backhand, Clutch Hammer
League Trophies: 2 Champ Discs (Fall 08, Summer 04)

Your Ultimate resume is very extensive from being a TD, League Organizer, Finley Organizer, Open Coordinator, League Captain, League Champ, Able Lieutenant… etc., but not many people know how you got started playing. So, tell us a bit about what got the ball rolling in Ultimate:

Godfather: I started playing in 1990 in your standard hospital game at Norman, where chickenwing pulls and thumbers were all the rage.  There, I met a 19 year old Ted Kubisek.  Later, I graduated on to the Finley game, where jerks would yell at me for not holding a “force” or for playing off a speedy Kevin Keating, who I couldn’t keep up with.  This was around 1993 or 1994.  During this time, I had shin-splints, so I’d disappear for long periods of time until the pain went away.  In 1997 or so, I discovered aspirin, and found that if I took 6 before I played, that I couldn’t feel anything, and that was just awesome.  And since then, I’ve been a constant (for the most part) of JJF Ultimate and League.

For such a small area, the Gainesville League scene always seems to thrive. What do you think contributes to our success each season, compared to similar leagues in bigger areas like Orlando, Jax, and Tampa?  And what sets Gainesville apart from other leagues as well?

Godfather: I can’t speak for the other leagues, but the key to Gainesville’s success has been the college players, particularly the guys of High Level.  When Jim Martinez took over in the Summer of 2007, we were supported by many college players, including Ben Stone, Fernz, the Zhang brothers, and many more who deserve a mention.  Without our college players, we would have languished.  Basically though, I’ll do whatever I can do to take care of them, because they’ve been looking out for us for 3 years now.

Correct me if I am wrong but you’ve been Captaining League teams for 10+ years in Gainesville.  Why do you enjoy Captaining so much, and what distinguishes a good Captain vs. a bad Captain?

Godfather: Actually, I think I was randomly appointed as a Captain of the Finley-centric team in 2002 or so.  I have no clue how that happened, but I was terrible.  I then started running teams in 2007 for real, and have no intention of relinquishing my spot.  I like being a captain just simply so that I can have some control of my destiny.  Plus, I enjoy the process of building a team, and unlike others, I don’t see it as “work” or as a “pain.”

As for the differences between good and bad captains, here’s how I see it: Good captains keep their teams together, stay positive, lead by example, and keep their players informed.  The main thing that makes a captain “bad,” is failing to communicate with his or her own team or with the other captains or with the league organizers.  Wins and losses don’t have anything to do with it.  Forfeits, on the other hand, are a big indicator.

Your teams are known for having some of the most creative names in league, any team names your thinking about for Fall League 2010?

Godfather: I’m not sure that I’ve ever named a team.  Red Scare: my idea, but others pushed for it.  I wanted “My Bloody Valentine.” Dead Presidents: Lyle Brenner’s idea (I think).  Epic Pale: Lyle Brenner. Lightning Thieves: Leathers (suggested as a joke, but fully embraced). Merry and the Ents: Tiffany Waters.  For this league, I have no clear ideas just yet.  My goal, though, is to rip off a song name, album title, or group name.  Indy-college rockers are clever.  But then, if I draft Lyle again, we’ll just go with him.

In closing, we all know you’re a rivalry type of guy when you look at the list of Captains on the board whose the target for this season?

Godfather: I’ve got to be honest, this seems like a really chill slate of captains.  But what the hell, let me list them in order of who I’d like to knock off:

7) Andy Hwang: I like Andy, he’s a rook captain, and I’ve always had pretty good success against his teams.

6) Jim Martinez: As the Czar, and with him just coming off ACL surgery, it’s going to be hard for me to be excited about getting a win here.

5) TJ McCourt: Like Andy, it’s impossible to dislike TJ.  The closest we got to a “rivalry” game was our first game this last summer league.

4) Lee Raney- I think it’d be fun to beat Lee, just simply because his team took my team out in the Quarters at Huevos.

3) Phil Nassoiy- I suspect Phil should be my number one rival, but he’s just not: I like him too much.  Plus, our philosophies are close, and with just a few exceptions, our teams tend to have good spirited games.

2) Patrick Douma- Patrick gets the two spot, only because our philosophies are so different.  Plus, Patrick always seems to play harder if I’m on the line opposite of him.

1) Scott Huffard- I’ll declare Scott as my arch-nemesis for Fall League, just simply, because I see myself as the Evil Emperor, while Scott is Darth Vader.  He’s played on a bunch of my teams, I love his style of play, and I love his competitiveness.  Plus, I suspect he’d love to kick my ass.  But it’s not time yet, my young apprentice!

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Player Bio:

Name: Patrick “Coach” Douma
Captain Experience: 3 Seasons
Primary Positions: Short, Mid, Deep Cutter, Handler, Popper
Special Abilities: No Look Passes, Push Pass, Extremely Quick First Step
League Trophies: 2 League Champion Discs

You’ve been around the Gainesville scene for a while.  Tell us in your eyes how things have evolved around Gainesville Ultimate play wise?

Coach: I started playing in late 1998 and really did play more than just pickup until four or five years ago, but have followed the tempo of Gville ultimate. I think the main stories are college and pickup.

College….  The success of the college teams has been the big story. Relative success was probably just waiting to happen (big public university in the sun), but the 2006 men’s captains sealed the deal. I don’t see Florida college ultimate not being a national contender on a year to year basis any time soon. I also think the women’s team at anytime could follow suit with their own national title. As far as the sport as whole on the college level… there is a lot of room for improvement.  Once a team comes along and does a UCLA move (basketball under John Wooden ….four or five consecutives titles) college ultimate will be on the fast track to the college scholarship realm. But, you need a Wooden (coach with long term vision, programmatic goals, and the knowledge to see where the sport is weak and exploit that weakness). The problem is that coaches of that caliber seem to be either hard to find or hard to keep around.

Gainesville pickup…..I don’t think a lot of players realize that the ultimate pickup scene is as fine as you will find anywhere. I usually go out to Washington and Colorado for the summers and although playing pickup there is always fun…the actual quality of “pickup” play is no better than in Gainesville. Gainesville is nice in that really being a small city there is not much room for separation of church and state (aka pickup and club/college). In some more urban areas you can get more exclusive sort of selection. (I.e. you must know someone to get on the private email list for a game). This is not so much the case in Gville and I hope it stays that way because it really is good for everyone. Truly,  it is the “pickup players”  in Gainesville that are the loyal fans of the college/club teams, so its best when these teams don’t go out of their way to create too much separation from the pickup scene.

Mike, Phil, and Jim have done a wonderful job of providing leadership within the Gainesville pickup ultimate community. It is one thing to play ultimate for yourself, but quite another to organize for the ultimate community as a whole.  There are others within Gainesville who are putting in their time for the community, but these three really have come forward in the last two or three years.

You’re one of the most physically blessed people I know.  Sometimes I feel like I am guarding a robot that never gets tired like the Terminator.  Talk about your background in fitness and what it takes to keep that extra step over younger players?

Coach: I have always enjoyed hiking, biking…even the weight room.  Ultimate has been a nice addition.  I don’t really see myself as an ultimate player per say, but I like the competitive component. As far as fitness goes, I appreciate just being able be active and healthy. Each year, I have a harder time reaching a continually diminishing level of fitness, but I don’t really mind. I remind myself to enjoy the life’s changes as they happen. As far a background in exercise and sport science… yes… that was what I went to grad school for, so like all people who think they know about something, I have some definite opinions on how to train for ultimate.

Like myself you take pride in Defensive play from your team, what is one of your favorite Defenses to run?

Coach: In “pickup” I like to “try anything defense”… “if you have an idea, let’s try it… this is pickup.” As a league captain, sometimes I may be very vocal and sometimes sound like a pain in butt, but I don’t take myself so seriously that I forget this is for enjoyment. Anyone can call me out and I will accept my mistakes. I really want to make the game a fun place for everyone to be on a late Friday afternoon.

Outside of pickup (specifically college)  I really think that detailed scouting as well as using data collection instruments (situational behavior of your own team and the opposing team and its individual players) is really overlooked … this goes back to what I said about maybe needing a “Wooden.”  Zones have their place, but if this sport is to develop into something of a college scholarship sport, scouting and data collection need to be developed. Also very specific protocols for how older players recruit, retain, motivate, and coach up new players. Think Tebow/Brantley type model for player interaction overseen by Urban Meyer. Applying scientific principles to training protocols will also have to come to the forefront. It’s hard to argue that 1.superiorly conditioned athletes with 2.  scouting reports, and 3. working with teammates (dyads) on the side line (in a very specific directed manner) shouldn’t take precedence over developing nuanced zone defenses, but these takes more work/commitment. At the next level … it all works like that, there is a road map with someone or many someone’s constantly responsible for carrying out the road map.

You’ve played on several League teams over time in Gainesville with several different Captains.  What is going to be your biggest challenge going into this season?

Coach: There are no big challenges. Leagues is fun … I look at it like this, you want to win, but in league at the end of the day… you should be as happy if you win or lose. Honestly if you spend too much time trying to control outcomes in league then you are not seeing the forest for the trees.

In closing, you always seem to get everyone around you to play their A game, and it seems to come from you being so fired up to play.  So what FUEL’s you the most on the field?

Coach: Honestly I have a hard time getting “fired up” for games. As I age, I am losing the ego drive as well as testosterone. Also, I usually am playing ultimate against and with friends. The whole fired up thing is difficult for me, although occasionally it happens. . I also am not sure if I get people around me to play their A game. That was a nice complement and I appreciate it, but it may not stand the test of objectivity.

Written By: Patrick Douma and Philip Nassoiy

Fall League site: http://gvilleultimate.com/league/FL2010/

Sign Up: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/312743/fall-league-2010

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There comes a time when alliances are formed and forces join together to make the most spirited League team in History: All My Best Friends.  It happened over the Summer League and nobody will forget the flag, the cape, the twitter page that dominated something that has been widely forgotten.  Spirit of the Game is a value that is often over looked, but TJ McCourt is able to put together teams like no other Captain.  Women love him and Men want to be him – Ladies and Gentlemen: TJ McCourt!!

Player Bio:

Name: TJ “Hemingway” McCourt
Captain Experience: 5 Seasons
Primary Positions: Zone breaker, Short / Mid cutter, Handler
Special Abilities: Huge step out throws, Lay outs, has his own You Tube video w/ 2,500 hits
League Trophies: 1 League Champ (Summer 2008)

You’re playing history is quite diverse.  Tell us about your history in Ultimate (How you got started, teams played for, highlights..ect):

McCourt: The first time I ever heard of ultimate was back in 2003 or 2004, around my junior year of high school.  We were sitting around our friend Eli’s house one weekend, bored out of our minds… so bored, in fact, that we even consented to go play catch with a “Frisbee.”

As it turns out, Eli had spent a bit of time playing ultimate with some guys from around Palm Beach County who were putting together a club team.  They played once or twice a week, and sometimes did beach ultimate on Sundays.  I remember the sport being pitched to us, with Eli saying something like, “Oh you guys have got to start playing.  It’s awesome.  The people that play are so nice.  If you mess up, they never yell at you, they just say, ‘Hey, shake it off.  Keep it up, you’re doin great!’ ”  So, from the beginning, Spirit of the Game has been an integral part of ultimate to me.

One guy in particular, Andy Zillman, really put some time in to help us get better at the game.  (Hopefully he googles himself and finds this article one day, because I’d really like to thank him for that, let him know what an impact he’s had on us.)  Eventually, we put together something like a high school team, and even went to a tournament—where we were hopelessly dominated by every single team we played, including a women’s team or two.   Ultimate is awesome, though, and we kept playing.  Enough younger guys at our high school kept playing after we graduated, and as far as I know ultimate is alive and well among the student body at Suncoast HS, in Riviera Beach, FL.  That school (along with our cross-town rival, Wellington High) has turned out many players who have become keystone members of Gainesville’s ultimate community:  Gray Kirkmyer, Wes Cronk, Allison Walford, Travis Lynch, Shawn Higgins, Bennet Wachob (kind of), Casey Lemay, and Alek Hartzog, to name just a few.

Since then, I’ve played on different club-type teams from all around Florida (some make it to championship games, some finish dead last) and played every season for the last 3 or 4 years of League (again, I’ve won championships and finished dead last), but my main ultimate experience has been the 4 years I’ve played with UF’s B-team.  Everything about playing with High Level has been great.  I know it sounds like a lame canned response, but teaching new players the game, and watching, over the course of a season, as a team comes together—nothing beats that.  That’s my favorite thing for sure.  Getting to College Regionals would be nice, but we haven’t quite made it since I’ve started playing.  We beat other schools’ A-teams on a regular basis, and last season we were just a handful of points away from upsetting UCF to get the final bid.  But, there’s always next year…

As for raw highlights, though, everyone should check out my 2009 College Southerns MVP/Callahan Nomination Video. I’ve gotten around 2,500 hits so far… Man, that video is great:

You’ve been playing League for a while now, as a High Level player what do you think is the biggest reason to play League?

McCourt: As with any sport, the full college ultimate season can be a grind.  League is a great opportunity to step out of your normal role on the field and try some new things.  You get to play with new teammates, learn new perspectives on how the game should be played, compete against your friends, and meet some great people along the way.  Every season, I encourage the guys on High Level to sign up and play League.  It’s a great part of the Gainesville ultimate experience that nobody should miss out on.

Personally I thought the idea of All My Best Friends was genius, but when the news broke that Carlo was leaving it left you in a tight spot.  However, you still showed Spencer who his daddy was in the playoffs.  Are you going to be putting together a similar group this time around or will there be a completely different theme this season?

McCourt: All My Best Friends was a theme that defined the best League season I could have possibly hoped for.  There were only a handful of people on the team who the rest of us didn’t know too well (Jojo, Freedz, Jake) but within a couple of weeks it was as if we’d all been friends for years.  Team chemistry was off the charts, and I think it’s a fair assumption that we’ll go down in history as the most spirited league team of all time.

Luckily, we didn’t mind losing as long as we were playing with all our best friends, because at the end of the season we found ourselves in the last place game against Spencer’s team (which had, up until their epic playoff collapse, been ranked #1 all season).  We started that game when the semi-final round began, and were still playing after the championship game was over.  The game came down to universe point, tied 14-14.  As the sun was setting, after 3 hours and 29 points of ultimate, we scored the final goal to end the most intense League game I’ve ever been a part of.  We all rushed the field, hugging and jumping all over each other, doing every WorldCup-themed celebration we could think of.  That may have been the most satisfying victory I’ve experienced, ever.

Sure, you could say it was only a game to avoid last place in Summer League, but with All My Best Friends, it was much more than that.  We learned, that season, what’s most important about playing this sport—having fun with the people you love.  I also learned, though, that my best friends really aren’t all that great at ultimate…  So, this season, expect my draft strategy to be different.  No more B-teamers—and this time I mean it!

Being that you’ve played for several different Captains and now are in your fifth term as one, What do you feel makes a good Captain?

McCourt: There’s a lot of different ways to approach being a League captain.  It’s always an interesting situation, because at any point in time you’ll have people on the field who have a decade’s worth of experience right next to people playing the sport for their first time.  I think the most important thing a captain can do is try to bridge the gap between those players.  New players get frustrated when they’re overlooked, and experienced players get frustrated when people make rookie mistakes.  Finding a happy middle ground for everyone can be harder than winning the actual games, but in the end, it’s been my experience that the best teams in League each season are the teams where all of the players get along with each other.

In parting,  How many more seasons can you promise before you graduate?

McCourt: I’m starting my fifth and final season of college eligibility now, and I’ll miss it profoundly when I’m done.  The experiences I’ve had through playing with High Level will be some of the best memories I take away from my time at UF, without a doubt.  I’ve got at least three more years of grad school here, though, so I’ll be around town for a good long time.

Written By: TJ McCourt and Philip Nassoiy

Fall League site: http://gvilleultimate.com/league/FL2010/

Sign Up: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/312743/fall-league-2010

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Player Bio:

Name: Lee “Monsoon” Raney
Captain Experience: 1 Season
Primary Positions: Mid Cutter, Fill in Handler, Can go Deep
Special Abilities: Quiet confidence, Smart
League Trophies: 3 Consecutive Champ Discs (Summer 09, Fall 09, Winter 10)

You haven’t been playing Ultimate very long, but have exploded onto the scene in Gainesville tell us how long you’ve been playing, and how you got your start?

Raney: I played my first game in undergrad at FAU about seven or eight years ago. It wasn’t very serious at all, and none of us knew what we were doing. I probably didn’t play any more than ten times total until I moved to Gainesville for grad school. Once Erica Zuhr showed up in Gainesville, we started a math department pickup game. We played for awhile. Erica and Kevin Ekkebus joined league, played a few times, and then convinced me and Sebastian Wyman to pair up and join in Summer League 2009. We all played together on a team captained by Kevin Keating (a professor in our math department), and we even won that league. [Side note: This team was disgusting. Go look at the players on Maroon from Summer '09. That team would be a clear favorite to win any league now.] I was really nervous and very unskilled (I still wouldn’t consider myself a great player), but after I got comfortable, I was hooked.

What took you from just a casual player to a “die-hard”?

Raney: Just playing more and more often. As I started playing more, I got a better idea of how the game is played what one is supposed to do. I read about various strategies and techniques, and I listened to whatever tips I could get from more experienced players. Joining the JJFinley game was pretty big for me– it was accessible enough that I didn’t feel self-conscious about coming out with very little skill and ruining their game or anything, but it was also competitive enough so that I could get better by participating.

This is your second season as a Captain talk about what you learned from being a Co-Captain last season and where this will translate into your game plan this season?

Raney: At last league’s draft, it was apparent that Coleman and I had slightly different ideas about who to put on the team. We ended up with a weird mix of players and our team was lacked chemistry. My main goal is to end up with a team of players that I know can gel together.

Lee currently holds the record for winning 3 consecutive Leagues in a row as a player (SL 09, FL 09, WL 10), and for those who don’t know Lee is a really nice guy and perhaps suffers from the same condition I have of being “too nice.”  There have been cases of second year Captains who really set out to be the “bad boys” of league (ala Pilgrim from Winter League 2010) is this something you see yourself doing this season to get your first Champ Disc as a Captain?

Raney: Nah. If it happens, it happens, but I’m certainly not going in with that mindset. I’m a competitive guy (I turn it up a notch or two for league), but I play ultimate for the fun of it. A fourth champ disc would be nice, though, especially if I earn it as a captain. We’ll see. Maybe I’ll surprise everyone.

In parting what is the hardest part of being a Captain in your mind?

Raney: I’m still in the process of trying to figure out how to play to the best of my ability. For me personally, the hardest thing about being captain is really my lack of experience. Newer players on my team are probably gonna look to me for advice, and I might not have the best answer. At least I’ll be surrounding myself with enough experienced players that my lack shouldn’t be an issue.

Written By: Lee Raney and Philip Nassoiy

Fall League site: http://gvilleultimate.com/league/FL2010/

Sign Up: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/312743/fall-league-2010

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Player Bio:

Name: Scott “Dred” Huffard
Captain Experience: Rookie
Primary Positions: Mid / Deep Cutter, Popping
Special Abilities: High Release Backhand, Quick cuts
League Trophies: 2 League Champs, 2 Chump Discs as player

For those of us who might not know you too well tell us a little bit about where you’re from and your history with playing Ultimate (how you got started, memorable experiences, how long you’ve been playing etc..)

Huffard: I started playing ultimate way back in high school as one of the founding members of my school’s team in Pennsylvania which I guess means I’m going on close to 10 years of playing experience.  I then played 4 years at the college level with Penn State, mostly at the B team level.  Since moving here for grad school I’ve been a regular at the Finley pickup game and I’ve played in many leagues and the occasional tournament.

Is there a contrast in the style of play in Florida vs. the way the game is played at Penn State, and which do feel is better?

Huffard: I honestly don’t have a ton of experience with the college teams in Gainesville, but from what I’ve seen the UF team likes to huck it a lot more. UF also has an extremely high level of athleticism. The Penn State team definitely had some athletes, but there was no where near the speed and size the UF team has. Apparently they take the whole conditioning part of the sport more seriously than we did in college.

You’ve played league several seasons in a row, what is the big draw to league for you?

Huffard: For me the big draw in league is how competitive it can get. I’m more competitive than I look, and ultimate gives me an outlet for that side of my personality. That being said, I think the league does strike a nice balance between competitiveness and being welcoming to new and less experienced players. Its also hard to beat the heckling, the camaraderie and the keg of sierra nevada at the end of every season.

What made you want to become a Captain this time around?

Huffard: I’ve always been curious about being a captain, and I think it would be fun to pick who I play with for once.  I’ve also been around the Gainesville ultimate scene for a few years and I feel like I have a pretty good sense for which players share my philosophy on playing quality ultimate.

In your collection you have a couple of League Championship discs as a player.  How hard do you think it is to get one as a Captain and why?

Huffard: I honestly have no idea how hard it will be to be a championship captain.  Often it seems a certain team will just catch lightning in a bottle in playoffs and ride that to a championship, so I’m hoping my team can make a similar run.

Any parting advice for newer players?

Huffard: I’ve got two pieces of advice for new players.  First of all, hustle on D.  No matter how worthless you may be on offense, you can still earn lots of playing time by running hard on D. I’d rather have a player who saves energy for defense than one who runs himself ragged making cuts and gives up big plays on D. Secondly, just play within yourself on offense.  If you don’t have a 50 foot flick, don’t try to throw one.  Just know your throws, avoid throwing turns and look to the dump early if you are uncomfortable holding the disc.

Written By: Scott Huffard and Philip Nassoiy

Fall League site: http://gvilleultimate.com/league/FL2010/

Sign Up: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/312743/fall-league-2010

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First up is Rookie Captain Andy Hwang aka Disc Flicker:

Photo by Jim Martinez

Player Bio:

Name: Andy “Disc Flicker” Hwang
Captain Experience: Rookie
Primary Positions: Handling, Popping, Cutting
Special Abilities: Lay Out D’s, Extremely Fast Flick
League Trophies: 4 Chump Discs

Interview:

For those who don’t know you, tell us about where you got your start in playing Ultimate and some background of your game:

Hwang: I started playing ultimate as a freshman in high school in central New Jersey.  In the first tournament I went to, my team only had 8 players, but I was so bad that I only played 2 points the entire weekend.  I like to play defense, catch pulls, and lay out.  I started laying out after watching an Ultivillage DVD that my sister gave me.

As a first year Captain are there any fears going into the season?

Hwang: Really big spiders that lay lots of eggs at once and bottomless pits.

You’ve got a couple of Chump Disc’s in your collection but no Champ Disc’s, going into this season what is you plan to take it to the house this year?

Hwang: A couple?  By my count, I have four!  They seem to be the only discs that I never lose, probably because they rarely leave my closet.  My plan for victory this year is to draft a team that will play hard, stay focused, and improve throughout the season.

Photo by Arinn Bolin

Your team last season (Gangrene) struggled all season long, but in the playoffs seemed to really get fired up and take it to the next level.  Talk about that and what contributed to this late season run?

Hwang: Firstly, Michael Duckett found his groove on defense and came up big for us a LOT, getting a ridiculous number of Ds in our last two games.  Other than that, our team’s offense really came together at the end.  We stopped holding the disc for very long.  Moving the disc around the field really benefited our offense because our team was deeper than any other team in the league.  I don’t think any team had a sixth guy who matched up well against Mike Duckett, Rob Kern, or me.  Few teams had a second woman who could cover Cynthia or Cari well.  Also worth an honorable mention: ball breaking negotiating with Royal.  Without an upset in quarters, we would have been taking it to the next level in the 9/10 game.

In parting, you are known for being a fiery quick handler type of a player.  Do you like the long ball style of offense that Florida runs or more of the quick movement style that High Level is more notable known for?

Hwang: I think Florida moves the disc as quickly as and maybe quicker than High Level does, and at the same time incorporates the deep game very well, which opens up more opportunities in other parts of the field, as teams are constantly reminded that the next pass could always be a score.  The more versatile an offense is, the harder it is to defend, so I pick both.

Written By: Andy Hwang and Philip Nassoiy

Web: http://gvilleultimate.com/league/FL2010/

Fall League Sign Up: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/312743/fall-league-2010

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Regionals 2009

After such a disappointing season in 2009 we were all so determined to win it all this season.  At the beginning of the season I think we were almost too determined.  We played with very little respect for our opponents and sometimes even to our teammates, myself included.  I went through a really bad breakup at the beginning of the season that didn’t help my mindset and I was battling some spiritual issues, as well.  It just came to a point in my life where I didn’t like the person I had turned into. I needed to take a step back from everything in my life.  I was not happy with how I was running the team and I felt as if I was letting them down not as Ultimate players, but as my friends for how I was leading them.

Chris Gibson skys 2 CUT players Nationals 2010

During my weeks or so of absence from the team Chris Gibson took over and did a fantastic job.  I didn’t mean to put all the weight on his shoulders, but he took it all and really did an amazing job.  During my time off I really got to learn a lot about myself and life.  I had countless talks with Chris and Sage.  We ended up one night talking for about 3 hours outside my house when it was far too cold to be outside at all.  I started seeing the love my friends had for me and I started to think differently about how I lived.  That was probably the biggest turning point in my life.  I started to live my life no longer for myself, but for the Glory of God.

Sage at Nationals 2010

I held a team meeting and basically talked about a whole lot of stuff that won’t leave that room, but basically I said I want to come back.  However I said some things would have to change.  We would begin to just have fun and enjoy the fact that we’re able to play such an amazing sport.  We would respect each other no matter what and more importantly respect our opponents.  From that moment forth the team had a whole different chemistry.  Chris laid down all the groundwork and I think I just added a little icing on the cake.  We started to just enjoy competing with our best friends.  And the rest is history.  We rolled into Nationals and played our hearts out.  You could see that by all the tears in our eyes at the end of it all.  I just want to take this opportunity to thank Chris and Sage publicly because without those boys I don’t know what would have happened.  I love them so much, love my team, and love being a Gator.

As far as where I am know.  I’m currently looking into some work in the Gainesville area and I’m going to be involved with Campus Crusade and Younglife.  I will be playing with Doublewide this Club season with Chris and Kurt.  It looks to be another good season ahead of me.

I guess I will end it with this.  Ultimate is an amazing sport and I am so grateful for all that it has taught me over the last 5 years, but don’t get caught up in it.  That’s what happened to me and I missed out on the important stuff.  Here is a quote I really like and it certainly applies to my life.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Written By: Brodie Smith

2010 College Nationals Champs!

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Meg makes a huge layout at Regionals (photo by Bill Bolin)

Phil's PS Version

More examples of Meg-a-licious!

What a bid! (photo by Eli Hosen)

Meg at Sunshine State Games (photo by Jenna Dahl)

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Kuhse skys the trash out of #27 Regionals 2010 (photo by Bill Bolin)

Phil's PS Version

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Pav goes up, up, and away to bring down this disc (Photo by Bill Bolin)

Phil's PS Version

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