Sectionals Preview 2009

For the second year in a row, the Illini head to Naperville to kick-off the UPA series. Two years ago, they told us we would never play on the polo fields again because of new construction. They were wrong. Thanks to a recession and an unruly city planning board, the Naperville fields (which are technically in Plainfield) will be open to ultimate for the foreseeable future.

Last year, the Illini came into this tournament as the heavy favorite. This year we’re seeded second, and even I’m not sure we deserve to be that favored. All of the top teams coming into this tournament have a chance to win it or blow it, but with seven bids up for grabs, I think that all those who expect to move on will do so.

Notre Dame comes into this tournament with the best record and best strength of schedule. They were the clear top seed for this section, but they aren’t invincible. Weather dot com gave a forecast of windy, chilly, and rainy. Expect a cup from Papal Rage if this be the case.

North Park gave us a good scare in the championship game last year, and I hear they’ve still got their height and hucking. I’ve also heard that they’re on a bit of winning streak. Their momentum and a little bit of luck could carry these guys to the final round.

Northwestern doesn’t have Teddy anymore, but that doesn’t make them any less of a threat. They were playing good ultimate at Huck Finn, so I have a feeling that they will surprise a few teams. Hopefully we won’t be one of those teams.

Indiana probably thinks they should be seeded higher than they are. I don’t. These guys are a decent team, but they’re not a good team. Considering the rest of the field, these guys should hold seed and advance.

So, which teams are going to get the chance to prove themselves in Oberlin? Notre Dame , Us, North Park, Northwestern, Indiana will get bids for sure. The other two spots are difficult to predict (notice how I didn’t say the “last” two spots). I’d love to say that our B-team will be in there, but I’m just not sure. It’s too close to call for the rest of the field.

The key to our success will be having fun and making plays for each other. Winning is always more fun than losing, but then again, nothing is easy.