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.