Friday, August 22, 2014

Sharpen your horns and wipe off the dust

My Fellow Rhinos,

It's that time of the year that we need to get ourselves ready for another Rhino-tastic Fall season of Ultimate!  Before we revel into what a great season we will have again, let's relay a few announcements to remember some of the recent changes that have happened:


A moment of silence for:
  • Brit and Greg are still no longer here and think that being in Oregon is cool or something
  • Foxy and Justin left to also go to the west coast (#trending?) and have left the Rhino warmth
  • Dom left us to probably run around the country Forrest Gump style and we will remember his endless energy to run deep
  • The twitter feed was unsuccessful and will be abandoned (probably)

Cheers and hurrahs for:
  • A new Rhino couple has formed with one of our captains and a teammate, who doesn't like Sci-Fi.  (I know it's tough to keep the secret...)
  • Rhinos that have already tied the knot have kept it tight and others may be joining those ranks
  • The blog will look to be updated more frequently this year (woohoo!)

Other news:
  • The jury is still out for Woodle to see if he will show up to a game and grace us with his presence.  (I'm still hopeful and keeping my fingers crossed)
  • Whopper's aura of mystery has become transparent since is actual name has been revealed on the spreadsheet.  From now on, I'm throwing to a "Brian Cipperly"...
  • Pickles continues to love and adore pickles
  • Hopefully the Cornell contingent of the Rhino clan will continue to grow with new and good talent
  • Guardians of the Galaxy is a great movie!

Now it's time to clean your hardened skin (i.e. wash your jerseys), dust off your feet (i.e. get yourself some cleats), sharpen your horns (i.e. go touch a frisbee and remember how awesome it feels), and get your charging mind ready (i.e. be mentally tough, remember that Geoff is still our captain and it's not Brit).  Get yourselves pumped and ready to charge!! We'll steal those briefcases (read as: discs) from those poachers (read as: opponents)!!!


Thursday, May 15, 2014

Spring 2014 Playoffs Stats

Here are the statistical results from our Saturday tournament. Note that the program is limited in functionality so only goals-assists-Ds were captured in that order. The amount of spirit, heart, and fun you have/bring to the team was not measured.

The statistics show goals-assists-Ds.
Player
Legitimate Grape (2nd Half)
Snack Pack
O-Face
Total
Brad
0-0-0
1-0-0
0-1-0
1-1-0
Flash
1-0-0
1-1-0
N/A
2-1-0
Girlscout
0-0-1
1-3-1
0-1-0
1-4-2
Janie
1-1-0
1-0-1
N/A
2-1-1
Kate
0-0-1
1-0-1
N/A
1-0-2
Leslie
0-0-0
0-0-0
4-0-0
4-0-0
Lindsey
0-0-0
1-0-0
0-0-3
1-0-3
Megan
0-0-0
0-0-0
N/A
0-0-0
Micah
0-0-0
3-0-0
1-0-0
4-0-0
Pickles
0-1-0
0-0-1
0-1-1
0-2-2
Sean
0-1-0
0-0-1
N/A
0-1-1
Walko
1-0-0
2-1-0
1-1-1
4-2-1
Whopper
0-1-0
0-2-1
0-1-0
0-4-1
Winston
2-1-0
0-4-1
1-2-0
3-7-1

Monday, May 12, 2014

5/10/14 - Clique 1 playoffs (pool of 5, 4 games/1bye, top 2 advance)

This post will cover the details of what happened during our playoff games on Saturday. The next post later this week will showcase the awesome statistics captured by Geoff since the second half of the Legitimate Grapes game. Let's see some comments below on who YOU think did the best stat-wise in terms of Goals, Assists, and Ds! (Geoff - no guessing since you compiled the stats) The stats will be posted Thursday by 5:00 PM.

Sundays @ 6
What was supposed to be a classic, drizzly DC day on a Saturday to ruin all ultimate games, instead turned into a fair day for ultimate: great temperature with a slightly overcast day.  The day started with a game against Sundays @ 6.  We had a pretty full roster of around 15 people and were ready to charge!  We had a new recruit in TJ, a friend of Woodle's, who showed up to dominate even though Woodle was still MIA.  TJ patroled the skies throughout this game coming down with huge hucks and putting his full 6'3" frame to full use.  Our defense was strong and offense was flowing as we took the half 8-5.  I don't remember many "highlights" from this game except that everyone played really solid.  We obtained over half of our points off of the quick transition after getting the D, really abusing the breakside and scoring in 4-5 throws.  Some sick break throws were thrown by Micah, Pickles, and Kate.  Winston had a lot of crazy hammer decisions attributed to some serious tunnel vision for anyone making the hammer cut in the end zone.  We took the game 15-12 in the end.  Bart had some sick one-handed catches all over the field.  THIS MARKED OUR FIST WIN OF THE SEASON and the playoffs!!


Legitimate Grapes
Our next game was against Legitimate Grapes.  They are the top seed of the pool and had a first round bye so were definitely well rested.  This team was significantly better than the previous as they had a few club players from Ant Madness on the roster.  We started off slow with a few silly turnovers to be down 0-3.  Then we realized we need to turn things around.  On a throwaway close to their end zone, Winston ran to the disc while yelling to Leslie, "come on babe. let's go!".... He picked it up and Leslie made a solid up-line cut for the score.  We were on the scoreboard at 1-2.  We got a few more points but they still came out on top to take half at 4-8.  The Lewis' were on fire though!  Some notable plays from the game:
  • Flash with a great sky on a huge tall dude with great inside body positioning and then ripping it from the air for a huge D
  • On a marathon point that was going back and forth after 2-3 turnovers per team, a deep throw to Janey where she skied her girl by inches and came down with it.  As someone with first row seats for it, it was freaking awesome.  She also had a high release backhand to Winston for the score, forcing him to jump up and get it with a sexy grab (according to Kate).
  • Leslie with a sick huck to a wide open Whopper who was just shy of the endzone. Some great puts to the endzone as well.
  • Micah who broke their poachy defense multiple times with an inside flick to Winston/Girlscout which allowed us to gain another 20 yards with quick give and gos.  (Although unfortunately we did not score either of those times :( )
  • Winston threw an inside out to Leslie who made a break cut.  She was going to catch it until Pickles called her off. He proceeded to catch it cleanly... but a foot or two out of bounds.  Could have been a greatest...


Ater half, we continued to push hard and really focused on our swings as we were getting trapped on the sideline a lot.  The wind also started to pick up so there were a lot of throws that would bounce over receivers/hucks that just didn't go as far as intended.  Our heads-up play was a bit lackluster at first, then we picked it up with some great clean-ups though.  Despite a strong comeback that was getting us closer, the game got capped so we lost 9-12.  With more time, we could have comeback but alas.


Snackpack
Next started our third game against Snackpack.  This team also came into the game right after their bye.  The team had a few really strong players that play on the open team, John Doe.  We started slow against this team due to being tired and losing a few players who had to leave.  (Bart and TJ during the second game / Megan and Kate during this game).  They got up to an early lead with some big hucks that we weren't able to stop and took half 4-8.  Some highlights:
  • Leslie took a more aggressive role skying some ladies in the end zone for scores.
  • Lindsey was a D-machine throughout and had some awesome hucks.  One that stands out in my mind is her flick huck down the sideline to me leaving me 10 yards out.  After which, a sweet hunnie pass for the score to Kate.
  • Megan was a trooper as she continued to push through this last game despite hurting in her legs.  She handled like a champ, always keeping the disc moving.
  • Brad had this sick toe-in layout score in the back of the end zone.  #disgustinglyridiculous
  • Pickles had this awesome D and saw Flash streaking to the end zone.  He looked off throwing the same third flick huck but decided instead on the huge hammer to him.  Despite going 30 ft into the air, it was caught right in his hands.  #lucky
  • Girlscout continued to try to throw same third hucks with limited success although they were some pretty nice throws.  
  • Winston skied the other asian on their team (a really short dude) leading to a quick give-and-go with Walko who threw it to wide open Girlscout for the score


Despite all this awesomeness, we still ended up losing 11-15.


Bye
During our bye, we had a few more Rhinos that had to desert us for other pastures.  The Lewis' left and so did Sean.  We watched a critical game between Sundays and Snackpack where if Sundays won then we had a chance to the tournament weekend but if Snackpack won then we were out.  Unfortunately, Snackpack won that match-up with it being a really close game between.  Our game against O'Face was just for funnsies for us but if they won then they continue forward.  It also rained during our bye which was lucky for us not having to play in those wet conditions.


O'Face
The final game against the our nemesis, O'Face.  We went into the game with 9 people (7 guys and 2 ladies, Leslie and Lindsay).  Even though we were evenly matched by numbers, we were more tired than they were and had a tough time stopping their break-side flow from all the upside down throws from their 2 primary handlers (one was lefty and one righty).  Despite being savage, the ladies were tearing it up with their switches.  Lindsey easily chocked up another 2-3 D's from this game.  It wasn't enough since we weren't able to capitalize and the final score ended at 7-15.  A funny/ridiculous moment was that while being up 6-14, the other team did call a timeout because they were "tired".  To which, we were like "are you seriously calling a timeout?!?!?".  They retracted the call which did allow us to get one more point before they won.


Despite our record, it was a great day of ultimate and we didn't have to play during the rain, which happened during our bye.  A classic post game hangout at Woodside Grill and some #selfies.  Missing Lesie/Walko and Lindsey who all stayed until the end.  SUPER props again to those 2 ladies who played savage the last game!!  Also props to Geoff for capturing the first ever Rhino statistics and staying the whole time to cheer/heckle us!


#woodsidedeliselfie
<3 Always happy Rhinos despite the circumstances.  <3

Saturday, May 3, 2014

5/3/14 - Makeup game vs. O'Face

On a sunny day in DC (10:00 AM), Rhinos gathered at Brooke Lee middle school to do some charging and stomping.  They found themselves against some evil poachers called O'Face.  Being the weekend of Winston's bithday, the Rhinos were extra ferocious and menacing this day.  We wanted blood and were ready to take it at all costs.  

Winston with his bday present from Geoff (not safe to use until cleaned) (artsy slant shot on purpose)
We started really strong against the team going up by a few breaks early on.  We were able to take half on them around 8-5.  Some notable moments:

  • The mighty Will had returned to bring back huge flick hucks and crazy hammers that were put into use quickly.  
  • Winston got a flask (his first ever) from Geoff for his birthday.  Total sweetness.
  • The ladies maintained their high energy to play shut down defense and killer offense
  • Girlscout threw an awesome backhand huck to Walko who was wide open.  His first jump was just shy and then upon the second attempt he just macked it away... #sad #walkostilldidlotsofgoodthingstoo
  • Sean and Brad put their tricky lefty skills to use to break through the zone that was thrown upon us

After half, O'Face came down with a zone after playing man D all the first half.  This gave us some trouble at the beginning with them trapping one sideline and was effective for them to get a few breaks.  That coupled with a few unfortunate turnovers we caused after breaking through the cup really let them back into the game.  They also had a new guy show up who was a giant being about 6'5" and super lanky.  The compounding of these elements really hurt us in the end leading to a 12-15 loss.  We looked damn good though.

What a good lucking and charming team!

The seduction and sexiness of the Rhinos.  Probably the most people we had for one game this season.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

4/19/14 - Regular season against Shamrock and Roll

Rhinos found themselves on a tiny dust bowl field in the heart of DC.  They faced an army of competing antagonistic animals that looked like leprechauns and were super green: Shamrock and Roll.  They brought with them an army of males/females that was close to 21+ people.  Our trusty rhino herd of 10 had a tough battle ahead of them (savage on ladies too).  The landscape provided numerous challenges that Rhinos quickly took advantage of such as the overhanging trees on the home-side and the very narrow field.  Zone was a natural choice.  The game started off really well with both team's trading points.  We obtained a few breaks that were crucial for us to take half on them 8-5.  Some key moments to remember:

  • Kate threw up a monster bomb to Janey who had a 1-on-1 jump ball against Brice (a supposed defensive specialist).  Needless to say, Janey took it to him and skied him.  She was too noble/humble to wipe him with the disc despite Brice having wiped it on Girlscout a few points earlier.
  • Pickles was a monster deep in the zone generating multiple Ds.
  • Bart was a fierce cutter that continued to get open and score time after time.  Despite being his first game with the Rhinos, he was a natural fit and did not hold back.
  • Pickles when going up for a D, clobbered a guy underneath him.  This guy had told us before that he had proposed to his now wife at this same field about 4 years prior... Needless to say, his wife was not pleased and got quite snappy at us.

The start of the second half started off pretty well for us too by scoring the first few points right off the bat.  Then, we hit an unfortunate lull where their numbers and energy outmatched what we had left.  They went on a run that we just couldn't come back from.  This ended in a 12-15 loss for us.  


The gang chilling in the dust storm.  The best. 
Creating a dust storm and Kate trying to be a dinosaur(?) while Brad looks sharp for the camera

Proud of the dust storm we have created.

They hate me for wanting them to do it again... the guys on the left are strolling along happily though

CHARGGEEEE!!! Rhinos love stampeding through dusty plains.
Afterwards though, a few of us went to Micah and Sonja's for games where we determined who was the king/queen of Tokyo.  After 2 vivacious battle for that large city of delicious sushi and Japanese people, 2 key things were revealed.  1) Brad's strategy of going for points was not getting him anywhere and 2) Women are just too vicious when it comes to battling for a city... Sonja and Kate won one time each.  #womenwanttoruleeverything

We also ordered pizza, then when delivered thought it wasn't ours, so we called to complain, and then upon talking to the guy and describing what was on the pizza... realized they were the correct pizzas.  (Great story Winston.)  ((Thanks guys...))

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Team poll (please comment below with answers):

Which of the following Doctor Von Rhino players will be at finals?

a) Woodle

b) Justin

c) Becca

d) The Walkos

Monday, November 4, 2013

11/02/13 - Ouch, that's hot!

Game versus: "This Is Why I’m Hot"

In Anacostia

They went up 1-0 on a big huck on the first throw. We hucked to Geoff and then to Zach on consecutive points, each of whom needed just a little extra throw to get it in. 2-1 us. They tied it up, and then we turned out game on. At that point we realized they were playing only a deep game, and if we shut that down, they would have no game. We shut it down, and they were flustered.  Matt got a great run-through D on one of the first real in-cuts they made during the game and we started to put up points, forcing turns by taking away easy throws on defense and forcing them to turn over easy throws. They threw it away on the goal line more than once, and we worked it back, with Will and Micah putting up several hucks to the end zone apiece. The halftime score was 8-3, and we were riding high.

We came out after half on offense, but they threw a zone. We weren’t expecting it, and didn’t really have the sort of handlers we normally would want for a zone; we turned it over close to our line, and they scored. The next point was no better, as Geoff dropped it when switching grips, and they quickly capitalized. While we had a nice couple points spurred by the return of Justin, the prodigal son with his prodigious speed, we were unable to get the kind of sustained pressure we had had in the first half. There were highlights, I remember specifically a fantastic Janey catch of a high blade-y over-the-top throw, but many of us (Geoff!) quickly had run out of steam by the end, and were not able to keep up with their more well rested village of a team. We ended up losing 15-13, though we know that it is a game that will spur us to play harder against them next time.