Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Grumpy’s takes early lead in Ultimate

Week Two at Atkinson Park

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With a storm brewing in the north, Ketchum Ultimate players braved the fields to begin another week of spirited play Thursday at Atkinson Park.

KB’s (1-1) earned its first win 12-8 over Board Bin (0-2), while Grumpy’s (2-0) remained the only unbeaten team with a 13-5 decision over Wrapcity (1-1).

Here’s a wrap-up:

Playing without two of its stars, Board Bin rallied behind the return of Jim "Board Bin" Slanetz and quickly scored the first two goals, taking a 2-0 lead. Buoyed by the solid play of Chris McAvoy and newcomer, Stephanie Shapiro, KB’s rallied and took a 5-3 lead.

Board Bin’s efforts to get back into the game were thwarted by the inspiring defense of Scott Snakes.

Looking to pull with in a couple points, Slanetz spotted 6-4 Steve Hogan and lofted a hospital pass (a floating disc that draws a crowd and usually results in colliding players and injury) into the end zone. Snakes, focusing on the disc, sliced through the gathering crowd, elevated and knocked the disc away—and amazingly no one got hurt.

KB’s quickly marched down the field and connected with the hard-running Lexi Abel in the end zone to take a 10-6 lead that stood up down the stretch.

On the other field, Grumpy’s took control of the game over Wrapcity from the first pull.

Threatening thunderstorms and gusty crosswinds gave members of both teams the jitters. With key players missing from Wrapcity’s roster, Grumpy’s surged ahead 6-1 in short order. On top of its weakened roster, things were just not going WrapCity’s way.

Many unfortunate drops and just-off-target throws allowed Grumpy’s to take control of the disk much of the time—hard to believe considering Wrapcity’s much fancier team shirts AND their well-organized zone defense led by mark Tom "Gorilla Wing Span" Kennedy.

But even with perfectly timed horizontal defense from Bill "Taco" Sherrerd, a special guest appearance by the one and only Lisa Chang (who gave birth to the lovely Nina Elizabeth just FOUR WEEKS AGO), the blazing speed of Kristen Albright, and a one-point cameo by ringer Chase Fedder, WrapCity could not overcome its early deficit.

Even without WrapCity’s bad juju, it would have been pretty tough to beat Grumpy’s.

That’s because Jamon "The Fairfield Connection" Frostenson was virtually unstoppable, catching every bit of swill that came his way, and hitting every receiver he aimed at as though the wind were not even blowing—and all this after a long day of working the farm.

Grumpy’s was also very glad to see team member and Ultimate veteran Joel Mallet, who was out on injured reserve for last week’s game due to a stubbed toe. All healed up, Joel and his better half Gretchen were essential elements to the Grumpy’s victory of 13-5.

Coming up: Board Bin goes against Wrapcity Thursday, July 8 at 7:15 p.m., and KB’s plays Grumpy’s at the same time. Be sure to get to the fields by 6:45 p.m. to make sure you and your team are ready to get started. And bring $35 to the game, if you haven’t paid dues.

The league tournament has been scheduled for Saturday, July 24 at Atkinson Park.

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