Originally appeared on usqworldcup.com on April 12, 2015. (http://usqworldcup.com/2015/04/ut-texas-advances-to-final-against-lone-star/)
After overcoming a multitude of injuries and playing a marathon quarterfinal against Arizona Quidditch Club, the Lost Boys were dispatched by the mighty two-time defending champions the University of Texas at Austin, 180*-30.
From the beginning, Texas’ offense proved ruthlessly efficient, rolling out line after line of aggressive and confident chasers. The Lost Boys relied almost exclusively on a two-male beater set of Peter Lee and Chris Seto for defense. Undersized and exhausted, the Lost Boys’ chaser defense never truly had a chance. For perhaps a moment, the Lost Boys appeared to be in contention. Lee and Seto secured bludger control, and Browne hit a mid-range shot, bringing the score to 30-10 Texas. However, despite overwhelming crowd support, the Lost Boys could not stop a dominant shift from veteran Texas keeper Augustine Monroe, which brought the score to 70-20. Around the same time, Texas beater Michael Duquette applied heavy pressure on the Lost Boys, who eventually abandoned the two-male beater set.
All hopes for the Lost Boys faded with an injury to Browne. With limited options on the bench from a weekend of bruising quidditch, the Lost Boys lacked an answer to Texas’ onslaught of drives. Although Browne briefly re-entered, the Lost Boys were well out of range. The semifinal concluded with a snitch catch from Evan Carr and a final score of 180*-30.
The University of Texas advances to the final against Lone Star Quidditch Club. Texas will attempt to earn a third consecutive championship.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Lone Star Tops Texas State to Advance to Final Four Game Against Maryland
Originally appeared on usqworldcup.com on April 12, 2015. (http://usqworldcup.com/2015/04/lone-star-tops-texas-state-to-advance-to-final-four-game-against-maryland/)
A day after triumphantly defeating Lone Star Quidditch Club in the preliminary rounds, Texas State University – San Marcos altered its strategy, unfurled a tediously slow offense, and fell to the favored community team in the quarterfinals of World Cup 8. Kifer Gregoire caught the snitch to secure a 160*-60 victory out of snitch range.
At first, Texas State’s strategy appeared to be a stroke of genius. With little defensive aggression from Lone Star’s chasers, Texas State’s ball handlers could wait until beaters Ryan Peavler and Elizabeth Clementi created a no-bludgers opportunity. When Lone Star’s beaters fell into disarray, Texas State’s ball handlers exploded to the hoops, slicing through a scrambling defense. However, Texas State’s shots weren’t falling, and Lone Star slowly began converting on offense. Despite two fast break goals from Texas State, goals from Drew Wasikowski, Craig Garrison, and Sarah Holub lifted Lone Star to a 70-20 lead.
When snitch Mason Kuzmich entered the fray, the pace quickened slightly and both teams traded goals until the score reached 100-50. Texas State looked to be gaining momentum when Peavler was red carded. Peavler’s dismissal proved to be the game’s pivotal event. Soon after Kuzmich was handicapped, Gregoire pulled the snitchsock.
Lone Star will face the University of Maryland in the semifinals.
A day after triumphantly defeating Lone Star Quidditch Club in the preliminary rounds, Texas State University – San Marcos altered its strategy, unfurled a tediously slow offense, and fell to the favored community team in the quarterfinals of World Cup 8. Kifer Gregoire caught the snitch to secure a 160*-60 victory out of snitch range.
At first, Texas State’s strategy appeared to be a stroke of genius. With little defensive aggression from Lone Star’s chasers, Texas State’s ball handlers could wait until beaters Ryan Peavler and Elizabeth Clementi created a no-bludgers opportunity. When Lone Star’s beaters fell into disarray, Texas State’s ball handlers exploded to the hoops, slicing through a scrambling defense. However, Texas State’s shots weren’t falling, and Lone Star slowly began converting on offense. Despite two fast break goals from Texas State, goals from Drew Wasikowski, Craig Garrison, and Sarah Holub lifted Lone Star to a 70-20 lead.
When snitch Mason Kuzmich entered the fray, the pace quickened slightly and both teams traded goals until the score reached 100-50. Texas State looked to be gaining momentum when Peavler was red carded. Peavler’s dismissal proved to be the game’s pivotal event. Soon after Kuzmich was handicapped, Gregoire pulled the snitchsock.
Lone Star will face the University of Maryland in the semifinals.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Warriors Triumph Over Capital Madness
Originally appeared on usqworldcup.com on April 12, 2015. (http://usqworldcup.com/2015/04/warriors-triumph-over-capital-madness/)
In an intense Sunday morning matchup, the Warriors triumphed over Capital Madness Quidditch Club 140*-50, with Warriors seeker Andrew Zagelbaum securing the snitch catch. Both teams formed over the summer from the ashes of the NYDC Capitalists, a community team that disbanded after a highly disappointing performance at World Cup VII.
The opening minutes were characterized by a long scoreless drought. Although the Warriors’ offense appeared more threatening, Capital Madness’ defense stood strong, denying the Warriors goal after goal. With Madness coach James Hicks energizing his team, chasers Brennen Lutz and Steve Minnich turned up the physicality and clogged the middle of the pitch. Simultaneously, Capital Madness placed a beater behind the hoops to counter the Warriors’ passing game. Despite no real offensive threat from Capital Madness, the Warriors’ frustration mounted as goal-scoring opportunities were wasted. When Minnich retrieved a loose ball, raced down the pitch and dove through the small hoop, it looked like Capital Madness could pull off an upset for the ages.
“Both teams… were playing a lot more hesitant,” said Warriors captain Amanda Dallas.
As snitch George Williams jogged onto the field, the score was knotted at 20-20. Luckily for the Warriors, the snitch game distracted beaters, and Williams fended off the seekers. Line after line of Warriors chasers uncovered newfound energy, trucking through a tired Capital Madness defense. First-year Warriors player Mike Beloff notched several key goals, lifting the Warriors out of snitch range. With the scoreline widening, Zagelbaum added 30 points to take the Warriors’ total to 140 points.
“We have big guys that barrel through people,” Dallas said.
The Warriors improve to 3-2, keeping their bracket play hopes alive. After a valiant effort, Capital Madness falls to 2-3. Following postgame handshakes, the former members of the NYDC Capitalists united for one last “NYDC” chant.
In an intense Sunday morning matchup, the Warriors triumphed over Capital Madness Quidditch Club 140*-50, with Warriors seeker Andrew Zagelbaum securing the snitch catch. Both teams formed over the summer from the ashes of the NYDC Capitalists, a community team that disbanded after a highly disappointing performance at World Cup VII.
The opening minutes were characterized by a long scoreless drought. Although the Warriors’ offense appeared more threatening, Capital Madness’ defense stood strong, denying the Warriors goal after goal. With Madness coach James Hicks energizing his team, chasers Brennen Lutz and Steve Minnich turned up the physicality and clogged the middle of the pitch. Simultaneously, Capital Madness placed a beater behind the hoops to counter the Warriors’ passing game. Despite no real offensive threat from Capital Madness, the Warriors’ frustration mounted as goal-scoring opportunities were wasted. When Minnich retrieved a loose ball, raced down the pitch and dove through the small hoop, it looked like Capital Madness could pull off an upset for the ages.
“Both teams… were playing a lot more hesitant,” said Warriors captain Amanda Dallas.
As snitch George Williams jogged onto the field, the score was knotted at 20-20. Luckily for the Warriors, the snitch game distracted beaters, and Williams fended off the seekers. Line after line of Warriors chasers uncovered newfound energy, trucking through a tired Capital Madness defense. First-year Warriors player Mike Beloff notched several key goals, lifting the Warriors out of snitch range. With the scoreline widening, Zagelbaum added 30 points to take the Warriors’ total to 140 points.
“We have big guys that barrel through people,” Dallas said.
The Warriors improve to 3-2, keeping their bracket play hopes alive. After a valiant effort, Capital Madness falls to 2-3. Following postgame handshakes, the former members of the NYDC Capitalists united for one last “NYDC” chant.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Michigan Tops Ball State
Originally appeared on usqworldcup.com on April 11, 2015. (http://usqworldcup.com/2015/04/michigan-tops-ball-state/)
In a lengthy blowout, Michigan Quidditch defeated Midwest foe the Ball State Cardinals 290*-80. After losing on a snitch catch to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Round Three, Michigan clearly bounced back, reasserting itself with a dominant victory.
At brooms up, Michigan set the tone with a high-energy, smashmouth style of play. With coast-to-coast fastbreaks and tackle-breaking drives, Michigan’s array of large, physical chasers pounded through a helpless Ball State defense. Michigan’s beaters were often able to create valuable no-bludger opportunities, and Ball State’s beaters lacked the discipline to react. Michigan chaser Eric Wasser tallied eight goals, repeatedly walking through Ball State’s defense, dragging several defenders along and sending the score into triple digits.
Although Ball State keeper Blake Fitzgerald notched a few key goals to keep the score close initially, Michigan’s defensive effort proved to be overwhelming. Especially in the opening minutes, Michigan’s chasers lunged for every loose ball, diving across the turf to regain possession. Michigan’s solid defense continued as the game slowed, where the team defended the hoops ferociously.
Michigan will take a 3-1 record to Sunday, while Ball State will look to improve its 2-2 record.
In a lengthy blowout, Michigan Quidditch defeated Midwest foe the Ball State Cardinals 290*-80. After losing on a snitch catch to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Round Three, Michigan clearly bounced back, reasserting itself with a dominant victory.
At brooms up, Michigan set the tone with a high-energy, smashmouth style of play. With coast-to-coast fastbreaks and tackle-breaking drives, Michigan’s array of large, physical chasers pounded through a helpless Ball State defense. Michigan’s beaters were often able to create valuable no-bludger opportunities, and Ball State’s beaters lacked the discipline to react. Michigan chaser Eric Wasser tallied eight goals, repeatedly walking through Ball State’s defense, dragging several defenders along and sending the score into triple digits.
Although Ball State keeper Blake Fitzgerald notched a few key goals to keep the score close initially, Michigan’s defensive effort proved to be overwhelming. Especially in the opening minutes, Michigan’s chasers lunged for every loose ball, diving across the turf to regain possession. Michigan’s solid defense continued as the game slowed, where the team defended the hoops ferociously.
Michigan will take a 3-1 record to Sunday, while Ball State will look to improve its 2-2 record.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Texas State Wins Thriller Over Lost Boys
Originally appeared on usqworldcup.com on April 11, 2015. (http://usqworldcup.com/2015/04/texas-state-wins-thriller-over-lost-boys/)
A controversial last-second goal by Tyrell Williams, coupled with a snitch catch by Stephen Gralinski, lifted Texas State University – San Marcos over a surging Lost Boys Quidditch Club squad, 90*-80.
Early in the game, Texas State’s offense put on a clinic, executing its signature hand-offs and sharp off-ball movement. Facing mighty Texas State chaser Eric Reyes, the Lost Boys defense struggled to hold back an avalanche of goals from the World Cup VII runner-ups. However, momentum began to swing to the Lost Boys with a series of outstanding shifts from the Lost Boys beaters and costly cards on Texas State. With less bludger control, Texas State proved unable to stop a fearless effort from Lost Boys keeper Alex Browne. A seasoned veteran, Browne seized control of the game, blocking shots on defense and racing down the pitch for fast break goals. Despite frequently hero-balling on fast breaks, Browne finally connected with the Lost Boys’ off-ball chasers, who had struggled to catch and finish early in the game. Suddenly, the Lost Boys turned a 50-30 deficit into an 80-50 lead.
While the Lost Boys appeared tantalizingly close to the safety of a 3-0 record, a bang-bang play with the snitch on pitch and the score at 80-50 left one of Southern California’s oldest community teams to the uncertainty of a 2-1 record. As Williams, a Texas State chaser, desperately sliced through the Lost Boys defense with the quaffle, Gralinski lunged at the snitch. The crowd roared incredulously, wondering whether the quaffle had passed through the hoops before the snitchsock had been snagged. After conferencing, the referees confirmed a 90*-80 Texas State victory.
The Lost Boys will look to overcome heartbreak and injuries in the next round and Texas State will continue its quest for Swiss play perfection at 3-0.
A controversial last-second goal by Tyrell Williams, coupled with a snitch catch by Stephen Gralinski, lifted Texas State University – San Marcos over a surging Lost Boys Quidditch Club squad, 90*-80.
Early in the game, Texas State’s offense put on a clinic, executing its signature hand-offs and sharp off-ball movement. Facing mighty Texas State chaser Eric Reyes, the Lost Boys defense struggled to hold back an avalanche of goals from the World Cup VII runner-ups. However, momentum began to swing to the Lost Boys with a series of outstanding shifts from the Lost Boys beaters and costly cards on Texas State. With less bludger control, Texas State proved unable to stop a fearless effort from Lost Boys keeper Alex Browne. A seasoned veteran, Browne seized control of the game, blocking shots on defense and racing down the pitch for fast break goals. Despite frequently hero-balling on fast breaks, Browne finally connected with the Lost Boys’ off-ball chasers, who had struggled to catch and finish early in the game. Suddenly, the Lost Boys turned a 50-30 deficit into an 80-50 lead.
While the Lost Boys appeared tantalizingly close to the safety of a 3-0 record, a bang-bang play with the snitch on pitch and the score at 80-50 left one of Southern California’s oldest community teams to the uncertainty of a 2-1 record. As Williams, a Texas State chaser, desperately sliced through the Lost Boys defense with the quaffle, Gralinski lunged at the snitch. The crowd roared incredulously, wondering whether the quaffle had passed through the hoops before the snitchsock had been snagged. After conferencing, the referees confirmed a 90*-80 Texas State victory.
The Lost Boys will look to overcome heartbreak and injuries in the next round and Texas State will continue its quest for Swiss play perfection at 3-0.
Monday, March 30, 2015
Swiss Format and #MatchupMonday
I was skeptical. Too set in my ways. Not ready for change. I liked pools. Pools could have served World Cup 8 well. Why fix an unbroken system? Indeed, I was ready to ruin all the fun of #MatchupMonday with a scathing anti-Swiss format article.
However, like gingerbread and candy canes evoke anticipation of Christmas, Martin Pyne’s colorful mosaic of teams signals the coming of World Cup, the highlight of my year. As each matchup was announced, my rusty quidditch analysis brain delved into details and raced to conclusions. I dreamed up intriguing late round matchups, zeroed in on potential Cinderellas and imagined the intensity of fighting for a spot in bracket play. Almost immediately, I abandoned my reluctance to accept the new Swiss system. Why waste time lamenting the old when you could be enjoying the new? Live in the moment. Find the good in everything. Enter each new experience with an open mind.
Unexpectedly, I’m excited for the Swiss system. I’m excited for World Cup 8. However, if the Swiss system clearly endangers players or damages the overall quality of gameplay, I will definitely notice and make my opinion heard. But right now? With 12 days until World Cup 8? I can’t wait for my fifth year of surprising twists and turns of quidditch!
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Join the Quidditch Media Coalition
Does the quidditch community seem relatively quiet to you? Isn’t there something really huge going on?
World Cup 8 is approaching quickly, with the promise of an innovative format, thrilling competition, riveting underdogs and a new champion. From the final practices and preparations of contending squads to the scouting reports and schemes of the championship favorites, the last month before World Cup can make or break a team. Once the quidditch community descends on Rock Hill, a season of dramatic storylines will conclude. Underrated players will step into the spotlight and x-factor performers will suffer untimely injuries. Regions will exceed expectations and regions will choke. The current rankings will implode as triumphant wins and stunning losses alter perceptions. Strategies will be unveiled, perfected and screwed-up. Intense emotion will be on full display. Lifelong memories will be made.
And the Quidditch Media Coalition wants you to capture the magic of World Cup 8!
On Monday, March 9th, a historic agreement between The Eighth Man, the Quidditch Post and US Quidditch was announced, forming the Quidditch Media Coalition. Inviting all unaffiliated quidditch journalists, the Quidditch Media Coalition proclaimed a unified journalistic approach to World Cup 8, aiming to produce the best and most extensive coverage ever.
I was selected to lead to the Quidditch Media Coalition and promised to recruit an unrivaled staff of quidditch journalists. Because of my background, I'm heading the effort to recruit writers!
FAQs
Why should I join the Quidditch Media Coalition?
- determine how the quidditch community remembers World Cup 8
- give back to the sport of quidditch by spreading its reach on the sport's most important weekend
- participate in a fun community of writers
- legitimize quidditch by mimicking the coverage of ESPN
- get your writing retweeted to thousands and thousands of followers by universities and news outlets
What will I be writing?
Short game recaps that can include summarizing game trends, commenting on standout players, detailing strategy, capturing emotion, listing basic statistics and gathering quotes. Each writer is encouraged to implement his or her own stylistic preferences and journalistic interests.
Check out my portfolio from last year for a better idea of the basic template. http://jackthephan-quidditchblog.blogspot.com/2014_04_01_archive.html
Join Now! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-OEog66X0br41lYua2voZurlmHlAAX4GH1Y4O4Nx1GM/viewform?usp=send_form
Join Now! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-OEog66X0br41lYua2voZurlmHlAAX4GH1Y4O4Nx1GM/viewform?usp=send_form
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