2008 AUFL Tournament Schedule

When: Sunday, August 10th...Round 1 begins at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park in Park Ridge (near Washington Elementary School)
What: The quest for eternal AUFL glory and some cash
Why: Because you paid money to in this league

Round 1 (12:00)
1. Godzilla Warriors
8. BYE

4. Untouchables
5. B-Town Titans

3. Huckstables
6. Lead-Based Paint

2. Ski Unit
7. Van Buren Boys

Round 2 (Semifinals)
Winner of 1/8
Winner of 4/5

Winner of 3/6
Winner of 2/7

Round 3 (AUFL Final)
Winner of Semi 1
Winner of Semi 2

Well, it's been a while since I made any kind of prediction for AUFL games, but I thought I'd end the season with a few picks for everyone. Round 1 will feature a bye, two blowouts and one interesting game. Ski Unit and Huckstables should advance easily but I expect a tight game out of B-Town (who always seems to play up in the big games) against the Untouchables. That being said, I'm going with the Untouchables to win 13-11.

In the Semi's, I'm picking Ski Unit to barely beat the Huckstables. The Huckers got some sweet talent, but Ski Unit is going to have a full squad for the first time, well, all season. That should be enough to put SU back in the Finals. On the other side of the bracket, DGW will face Untouchables in a clash of the titans...that aren't from B-Town. This game will be determined attendance. By that, I mean that if DGW can bring their ballers and Untouchables can bring theirs, it's going to be close. My head tells me not to count out the veteran Untouchables, but my gut tells me DGW will prevail.

Ski Unit makes it's glorious return to the AUFL Championship to play Godzilla. I honestly have no idea how this game is going to pan out, but I have a feeling that Ski Unit will win in overtime.

So you're 2008 AUFL champion will be...Ski Unit (honestly, what did you expect?)

Good luck to everyone this Sunday. Let's do it.

Week 8/9 resuts & Final Standings

Week 8
RD1
SU 13 vs. Un 11
Btown 13 vs. Gen 0 (F)

RD2
Huck 13 vs. God 10
Un 13 vs. Gen 0(F)

RD 3
God 13 vs. SU 10
Huck 13 vs. B-Town 9

Week 9
RD 1
SU 13 vs. Huck 6
VB 13 vs. Gen 0(F)
Un vs B-Town Tie/Draw

RD 2
LBP 13 vs. Gen0 (F)
VB 13 vs. God 0 (F)

RD 3
SU 13 vs. LBP 2
Un 13 vs God 0(F)
B-town vs. Huck Tie/Draw

Final Standings

1. Godzilla Warriors (10-4)
2. Ski Unit (10-4)
3. Huckstables (9-4-1)
4. Untouchables (9-4-1)
5. B-Town Titans (6-6-2)
6. Lead-Based Paint (6-8)
7. Van Buren Boys (4-10)

*Ties in the standings were determined by head-t0-head results.

Week 8 Preview

Round 1 (12:00)

Ski Unit vs. Untouchables

Round 2 (2:00)

Godzilla vs. Huckstables

B-Town vs. Untouchables(re-schedule)

Round 3 (3:00)

Ski Unit vs. Godzilla

B-Town vs. Huckstables

IMPORTANT INFO

1.) Genevites is no longer a member of the AUFL. For the remaining schedule, games against Genevites will be considered forfeit wins.

2.) All games will not be played at Centennial Park...which is only a few blocks north of Maine South near Washington Elementary School and the Park Ridge Community Center.

Week 7 Preview

Round 1 (12:00 pm)
Godzilla vs BTown
Untouchables vs VBB

Round 2 (2:00 pm)
Ski Unit vs Genevites
Huckstables vs LBP
Untouchables vs BTown

Round 3 (4:00 pm)
Ski Unit vs VBB
Genevites vs Huckstables
Godzilla bs LBP

***All games have been moved from Maine South to Centennial Park. The park is only a few block North of Maine South. Call Andrew, Matt or Kyle for directions.***

Week 4 & 6 Recap

Week 4
RD1
Godzilla 13 vs. SU 6
B-Town 13 vs. LBP 5
Huck 13 vs. VB 0

RD 2
Un 13 vs. Gen 0(F)
Godzilla 13 vs. Huck 5
LBP 13 vs. VB 5

RD 3
SU 11 vs. Un 11*
B-Town 13 vs. Gen 0 (F)

*Ski Unit vs Untouchables was stopped due to weather and will be made up during Week 7


Week 6
RD1
SU 13 vs. LBP 6
Godzilla 13 vs. Gen 0 (F)

RD 2
B-Town 13 vs. LBP 2
Godzilla 13 vs. LBP 7

RD 3
VB 13 vs. Gen 0 (F)
SU 13 vs. B-Town 8

Week 6 preview

After a week off for Fourth of July celebrations, the AUFL is back in action this week...although two of the top teams will be enjoying a bye week.

Before I throw down the preview and predictions, I just want to draw notice to the fact that I have not updated the standings because I have not received results for Week 4 yet. Those should be coming soon however (Ski Unit and Untouchables also need to finish making up their 11-11 tie that was postponed because of weather).

Round 1
Ski Unit vs LBP
Genevites vs DGW

Two veteran teams against two rookie squads. The choice is pretty easy here.

Prediciton
Ski Unit 13, LBP 6
DGW 13, Genevites 2

Round 2
BTown vs VBB
LBP VS DGW

More of the same in Round 2. No problems here.

Prediciton
BTown 13, VBB 2
DGW 13, LBP 4


Round 3
Ski Unit vs BTown
VBB vs Genevites

Two evenly matched games here. SU vs BT should feature some sweet plays by both squads.

Precition
Ski Unit 13, BTown 0
VBB 13, Genevites 10

Week 4 Preview

OK, back into the "preview" saddle. I just want to make a quick note that "This Week's Schedule" is now posted to the right. Just an FYI for you guys.

Everyone's in action this week, so on with the show...

Round 1
Ski Unit vs Godzilla
B-Town vs LBP
Huckstables vs Van Buren

You can expect B-Town and the Huckstables to take care of business quite easily in this round. I would be quite surprised if the scored 6 or more points combined. Obviously Ski Unit and Godzilla is the featured match up here. They have had a rival brewing for the last few years and it looks like they will finally get to renew it on the field.

Prediction:
Ski Unit 13, Godzilla 0
B-Town 13, LBP 3
Huckstables 13, Van Buren 2

Round 2
Genevites vs Untouchables
Van Buren vs LBP
Godzilla vs Huckstables

Two evenly matched games this round make for an interesting afternoon. VBB will look to avenge an earlier loss to LBP a couple weeks ago. LBP has the athletes to win, but VBB has slowly been getting better. This may be the Boys' last chance to get a win in the regular season. 'Zillas against the Hucksters should be a great game. Both these teams have a bunch of experienced players...my only question: Who has the height to match up with Kevin Kelly?

Prediction:
Untouchables 13, Genevites 0
LBP 13, VBB 10
Godzilla 13, Huckstables 11

Round 3
Ski Unit vs Untouchables
Genevites vs B-Town

As expected, B-Town will take care of business ad should gain some valuable experience since they will be playing without captain Charlie O'Brien. The other game in this round is a rematch of last season's AUFL semifinal game in which Ski Unit upset the favored Untouchables. You can expect the Untouchables to be looking for a little revenge, but word on the street is that 50 Cent will be making appearance to drop some hucks (and by "hucks" I clearly mean bullets) on the guys from DG.

Prediction:
Ski Unit 13, Untouchables 0
B-Town 15, Genevites 2

Week 3 Recap

Round 1
Ski Unit 13 vs Genevites 0 (forfeit)
Huckstables 13 vs LBP 5

Huckstables taken care of business against LBP. I want to use this opportunity though to give some props to Lead Based Paint. So far, these guys (and a few gals) are much MUCH better than I thought they would be. With some practice and experience, they could be solid by the end of the season. Ski Unit gets the round off because the Genevites are a no-show...You guys are officially on the shit list for ditching. Amateurs.

Round 2
Untouchables 13 vs Van Buren 1
Genevites 0 vs Huckstables 13 (forfeit)

No surprises thus no comments.

Round 3
SU 13 vs Van Buren 1
Untouchables 13 vs LBP 2(?)

VBB played an uphill game against a strong wind and an experienced SU defense. Despite their scores, VBB is getting better and the players seem to understand the game a little more. From what I saw, LBP actually looked decent against the Untouchables considering they only scored two points.

Predictions record...Week 3 (Forgot to do them)...Overall (9-5)

Rest of the Season Schedule (Kind of)

OK, I'm really lazy right now and I have decided to instead of typing out the whole schedule, I'm just going to post the bye weeks and which teams have those byes.

If you want a full schedule with all the match-ups, then ask your captains (they should have a Word file for you) or e-mail me at kbetts2@gmail.com

Scheduled byes (Week 3 and beyond)

Week 3: Godzilla/B-Town
Week 4: NONE
Week 5: LEAGUE BYE FOR AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY
Week 6: Untouchables/Huckstables
Week 7: NONE
Week 8: Van Buren/LBP
Week 9: NONE
Week 10: AUFL Tournament

Week 2 Recap

Round 1
Btown 13, SU-7
Huckstables 13, Untouchables 10

A mixed team of experienced and unexperienced players results in a rough first game for Ski Unit. Although they showed potential in the second half, Ski Unit has a lot of work to do. Nice upset for the Huckstables...to bad it came after the week I predicted them to win...asshats.

Round 2
Godzillla 13, Genevites 1
LBP 13, VB-0
Untouchables13, Btown 9

No surprises here. Yup.

Round 3
Huckstables 13, SU 3
LBP 13, Genevites 5
Godzilla 13, VB 1

About half of Ski Unit's team from Round 1 wasn't able to make it out for Round 3...hence about half the points were scored. LBP is showing some spunk, but beating up on less skilled teams is nothing to be proud of...yet.

Prediction Record...Week 2 (5-3)...Overall (9-5)

WEEK 1 MAKEUP: Untouchables 15, Godzilla 14

Week 2 Preview

OK, no actual "preview", just some predictions...

Round 1
Ski Unit 15, B-Town 0
Untouchables 13, Huckstables 10

Round 2
Godzilla 13, Genevites 5
LBP 13, Van Buren 11
Untouchables 13, B-Town 10

Round 3
Ski Unit 13, Huckstables 0
LBP 13, Genevites 10
Godzilla 13, Van Buren 2

Week 1 Recap

Here are the scores as reported to me for Week 1...

Round 1
Godzilla 13, B-Town 9
LBP 13, Van Buren 8

Well I got the Godzilla/B-Town game right but Lead-Based Paint went out and proved me wrong. I honestly expect this to be LBP's most dominant performance of the season. VBB, what's up guys?

Round 2
Untouchables 13, Huckstables 10
B-Town 13, LBP 0

My first upset pick of the season was a wrong one. I didn't get to watch this game (or any of the games for that matter) but I did show up later and see that the Untouchables didn't have who I have deemed the best player in the league while Huckstables had most of the guys who I thought would be there...maybe too much partying the night before? Oh, LBP. You had such a good first game and then the big goose egg. Sorry my friends, but I have a feeling this won't be the only one.

Round 3
Godzilla 13, Untouchables 13 (did not finish)
Huckstables 13, Van Burn 0

I showed up for about 5 minutes of this round and the weather was shitty, rainy and windy. I'm assuming this is the reason the game was not finished. No word yet as to how this will be settled. Huckstables taking care of business BTO style.

Prediction record:4-2

Like I said, the weather was pretty crappy with 40 mph winds (or so I heard on the radio). I suspect the weather won't be this bad at any other point this season, but who knows. Looking forward to next week when everyone will be in action.

Week 1 Preview

Before we get started here I just would like to mention that Hickleberry Fun (who I praised for their sweet name) has officially dropped out of the league. Thanks for making me look like a idiot d-bags...just kidding...kinda.

Anyway, let's get started with the Week 1 Preview. This is something I plan on doing every week and hopefully it will provide the perfect amount of banter for you guys to discuss while also hating me at the same time. Here we go...

Round 1
Godzilla vs B-Town
Van Buren vs LBP

We have match-up of two of the AUFL's giants and two of the newcomers. Godzilla and B-Town will likely be a sloppy first game for both teams but there could be some sick plays made in this game. If you're not playing this round then you should get a seat to watch Kevin Kelly go up against Charlie O'Brien. Both these guys are great in the air and both are know for their highlight-reel skies and D's. In terms of the overall game, I'm going to give the edge to Godzilla because they have more college-experienced players and their flow/throws should be more crisp. The other game features 2007 doormat Van Buren Boys against potential 2008 doormat Lead-Based Paint. Honestly, I don't know much about LBP but I do know they have some athletes. Again, I'm going with experience here (although I think LBP should be able to run Van Buren all over the field) and I'm picking VBB to grap the win.

Prediction
Godzilla 13, B-Town 10
Van Buren 13, LBP 8

Round 2
Untouchables vs. Huckstables
LBP vs. B-Town

In the battle of the "ables", two more AUFL giants will face off in a highly contested game. Like I said in my teams preview, the Untouchables are a league dynasty and probably have the best player (Phelan) in the league playing for them. However, I have received word from an inside source that Phelan probably will not be present. Because of this, I'm picking the upset and taking the Huckstables to win a VERY close game. In the next game, LBP will get its introduction to some serious ultimate and they will almost indefinitely have their hands full. This game shouldn't much of a challenge for B-Town.

Prediction
Huckstables 13, Untouchables 11
B-Town 13, LBP 5

Round 3
Godzilla vs. Untouchables
Van Buren vs. Huckstables

It's only Week 1 but we already have a potential AUFL Championship preview with 'Zilla against Untouchables (although it would be a more accurate preview if Ski Unit was involved instead). I predicted the Untouchables to suffer the upset in Round 2, but something tells me they are going to pull it together against the Warriors. Another close game going for the dudes in gray. Across the field, Huckstables should have a fairly lax game against Van Buren. VBB can expect some zone and a lot of hucks coming their way. Enjoy.

Prediction
Untouchables 14, Godzilla 12
Huckstables 13, Van Buren 6

Well there you have it. I won't be present for Week 1 and neither will co-commish Andrew, so that means Matt is in charge to answer all your questions. Everyone make sure to turn in your money and help Matt out with cleaning up. Good Luck.

Word.

The 2008 AUFL field

Sign-up day came as quickly as it went and the 2008 AUFL field is finally starting to take form.

With one week until the Opening Day, here is a quick list of all the teams signed up for this year's bloodfest...

Lead-Based Paint (Park Ridge)
Captain: Josh Sissman

This is one of the many new teams joining the AUFL and it looks like they are made up mostly of recently graduated high school seniors from Maine South. Traditionally, these teams have had their issues adapting to the game and I expect to see the same results here. Look for LBP to experience some growing pains, but I know they have several athletes on their team who could end up showing some serious disc skills in due time.

Genevites (Geneva)
Captain: Eric Young...No, not former Chicago Cub E.Y. of ESPN's "Baseball Tonight". I know, I was excited too.

Another new team to the league. There isn't much information about these guys, but they might be winning the award for longest distance traveled to play in the AUFL. Congrats.

Untouchables (Downers Grove)
Captain: Dan Fiorino

With a Final Four appearance last year, the Untouchables have only solidified themselves as one of the few remaining AUFL dynasties from yesteryear. Led by several experienced college-level players, the Untouchables feature Brian Phelan from the University of Illinois. He's quick, strong, and has crazy throws (trust me, I know this) and could be the most dominant player in the league. Of course, no one seems to be sure if he is playing or not so who knows what will happen. With My Little Ponies not returning, this could (finally) be the Untouchables year.

Godzilla Warriors (Deerfield)
Captain: Sam Fishman

Yet another team with several experienced players, DGW looks to forget about their disappointing finish last season. The Warriors dominated the regular season and received the #1 seed going into the playoffs. Unfortunately they had to play the eventual champions (and highly underrated) My Little Ponies, which needless to say resulted in a loss. Kansas captain Kevin Kelly brings height and leadership to this team, but like Phelan, his status is up in the air.

B-Town Titans (Batavia)
Captain: Charlie O'Brien

One word describes the Titans: athletic. Do they have the best throws? No. Do they have the most knowledgeable players? No. Are they amazingly fast and will run you all over the field? Yes. No player defines this team like captain Charlie "Superman" O'Brien from Illinois, who is without a doubt the most dominant player in the air that the AUFL has ever seen. He didn't get that nickname because he likes the dance. He just likes to sky people.

Ski Unit (Park Ridge and then some)
Captains: Kyle Betts and Andrew Bielenda

The boys in blue are back again and this time they are looking for gold. After making an appearance in the AUFL Championship Game last season, Ski Unit has completed its transformation from league joke to AUFL powerhouse. This team is stacked at handler and will look to run their offense through their throwers. Ski Unit will have weapons all over the field and can score at almost any given time. Their own worst enemy is themselves...and girls who try to mark them. Pop pop.

Van Buren Boys (Park Ridge)
Captain: Brian Enders

VBB had a tough season last year and received a lot of beat downs at the hands of superior players. It was a learning experience for a young team and hopefully they can prove that they have grown over the past year. At least it can't get any worse...right?

Subliminill (?)
Captain: Dushan Yovovich

***UPDATE: We have received word that Subliminill will NOT be playing in the 2008 AUFL. So there will be 9 teams in the league unless someone new joins***

Hickleberry Fun (Hinsdale)
Captain: Kenny Legan

Honestly, I already love you guys. Your name is amazing. Much respect. I don't even care how good or bad you are. That's just awesome.

Huckstables formerly known as Blades of Glory (U of I)
Captain: Brian McLain

The team once known around the league as Blades of Glory has changed its name and has a new identity (I hear there uniforms are gonna be sweet...you guys better not disappoint). Last year, this team had a solid regular season and was eventually bounced in the first round of the playoffs by Ski Unit. Looking over their roster, I see a lot of familiar names and these guys have the potential to be something special. They quite a bit of experience and their players have spent the last year practicing together. Watch out.

Notable absences and changes: Last year's champion My Little Ponies will not be returning to the AUFL to defend their crown. Too bad. I was looking forward to being trashed talked by a guy named Sparkle...The dynasty known as the Whiskey Discs (a compilation of the great SNAG and Liquor Boxxx teams of the past) is no more. Their star player, Mike Hastings, will continue to be in the AUFL as a member of Ski Unit. You guys still owe me money. And you thought I forgot...Untouchables/Brian Korbesmeyer rival FNT is also not returning. They were actually a very solid team last season but they kind of disappeared. Not sure what really happened to them but they were never a friend of Ski Unit so perhaps they were "eliminated" in a drive-by or something. Just sayin'.

With the teams basically set (I say "basically" because we are all waiting on you Subliminill), look for the schedule to be posted VERY soon and a pre-season prediction on how things will play out in 2008.

Word.

SIGN UP NOW

Sign your team up for the 2008 AUFL season now.

E-mail aufldisc@gmail.com to reserve yourself a space in this summer's upcoming season.

Seriously. Do it now.

aufldisc@gmail.com

Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth...

I know you guys check ESPN everyday to see if there is any news about my status as commissioner of the league, well I won't keep you waiting any longer. Yes, I am retiring as commissioner of the AUFL for the 2008 season.

I've had a great time running the league the past few seasons and I'll really miss trying to collect money from you guys and reschedule your games every week. I'll cry myself to sleep every night thinking about the good times we've had.

Seriously though, the AUFL has been very very good to me. I've loved being a part of it and organizing everything that has gone into making the AUFL what it is today. Over the past few years, Ultimate has become big part of my life and I'm glad I've gotten to share it with all of you. The best part of the whole league has been making connections and friendships with people from all different schools and suburbs. It's awesome to go to tournaments across the country and see other AUFL guys there. I hope this never changes. You've all been great. Thank you for everything.

The new commissioners will take over effective immediately after you finish this sentence. Yes, I said COMMISSIONERS. The new heads of the league are Andrew Bielenda and Matt Dillon. Both these guys have been playing on Ski Unit for the last few years and they are true ballers for real.

Andrew is the guy who introduced me to Ultimate and got me involved with the AUFL back during the Woo Reign of Terror. I owe him my entire Ultimate career. You may also know him as "The Glove" or "Cracker" from Ski Unit. He has an unbelievable passion for the game Ultimate and will do anything to make sure the AUFL thrives.

Matt Dillon is a freshman at Winona State University where he is a member of the Ultimate team. He sat out last AUFL season with a pretty serious knee injury, but I have seen him play for Winona on several different occasions and he is showing the potential we always knew he had. This kid is going to be something special in college Ultimate.

I hope you guys show Andrew and Matt the same respect and passion for the game that you've shown me. They are really awesome players and friends. I know they will take care of the league but they can't do it without the help of every member in the league.

From now on, any questions or comments about the AUFL will be directed to them. You can reach them at their e-mails or at the league e-mail that I am creating for them (I recommend the league e-mail). Here are their contact information:

Andrew: skiunit44@aol.com, andrew.bielenda@trnty.edu
Matt: mdillon06@winona.edu
AUFL: aufldisc@gmail.com

As for me, I will remain a member of Ski Unit and I will be a "consultant" of the league as well as the main contributor and custodian of the website. Basically, I will help out when needed with organization and stuff, but for the most part, I'm going to remove myself from decision-making responsibilities and only look after the website where I will write fun little stories for you all.

Enjoy the 2008 season and remember these three things:

1. Pay your team fees
2. Don't skip your games
3. Ride 'til you die

Thanks again guys. Word.

Kyle Betts
Ski Unit #10