2011 Preview – St. Lawrence Ruckus BusT

by | November 29, 2010, 2:00pm 0

[stextbox id=”alert” color=”050505″ bcolor=”6cc3f8″ bgcolor=”ffffff” big=”true” image=”null”]School Name: St. Lawrence University
Team Name: Ruckus BusT
Captain:
Hilary Burt
Coach:
Cameron Lownie
Year Founded:
2010
Jersey
Colors: A brown/white/red thing that looks better than it sounds
2010 Record: 6-6
Score Reporter

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Ruckus BusT recently recieved a sponsorship from Five Ultiamte, you can learn more about the sponsorship and see BusT’s application video HERE.

Tell us about Ruckus BusT.
Cameron Lownie: Last year, after our mixed team came in 2nd at High Tide primarily on the strength of our women, it occurred to me it was rather a shame we didn’t have a separate women’s team. So without asking anyone, I signed up a team for Sectionals, then broke the news to the ladies that they had a team now.

How did BusT do last year? What was the highlight of your season?
Cameron: We went into Sectionals featuring a team with just eight players, who had played in just one tournament together. Needless to say, we were seeded last, eleventh out of eleven. We ended up taking third though, securing the final spot to Regionals. That last game between us and Ithaca for the third seed was amazing – the game was tied eleven-eleven, caps were going off everywhere, and it was down to universe point. After several turns by both teams, we got the disc in front of their endoze, called a timeout, and proceeded to win on a trick “zipper” play.

What do you bring to the team? What about BusT’s captain, Hilary Burt?
Cameron: Goodness knows that in my role as a coach of sorts I don’t do too much beyond organization, with occasional bouts of strategy. The real on-field leadership starts with our captain Hilary, certainly, but this is a group of friends that largely function as equals.

Are there players on BusT who deserve consideration for USAU awards?
Cameron : The fact that Eliza Cress didn’t win Freshman of the Year last year borders on silly. When you’ve got an inexperienced team, someone like Eliza with absurd handling skills who can take the whole team on her shoulders is truly invaluable.

What player is most likely to make a huge play?
Cameron: This year’s captain Hilary Burt was abroad last spring when the team was formed, and she was sorely missed. She bids, she hucks, even her smile alone has been known to inspire greatness.

Who’s a player you have to watch more carefully to see how valuable they are to your team?
Cameron: K.C. Olds is the sneakiest Ultimate player I’ve ever met. She might not blow you away during drills, but come game time she does a lion’s share of the scoring.

How does your team bring new players up to speed on ultimate?
Cameron: I stammer at people while scribbling on a whiteboard. Effectiveness varies.

Without giving too much away, what does your team like to do on offense and on defense?
Cameron: To my chagrin, the team runs a bit of a flow-O; there’s not much stack to speak of, vertical or otherwise. That said, it seems to work beautifully. With a bigger roster this season, we’re looking to have our Zone D invigorated by fresh legs.

Has BusT set any goals for this season?
Cameron: D III Nats or bust. As it were. We’re the BusT, you know? Ha?

What does your team do to get pumped up for a big game?
Cameron: We may not have invented parking lot dance parties, but may have perfected them.

Which Ultimate player makes you weak in the knees?
Cameron: It’s been proven by science that there is no more attractive team in the land than the BusT.

What is the club team to play for in your area?
Cameron: Not a good question for someone in upstate NY. Now, ask me about dairy farming…

What song would you pick for the soundtrack to your team’s 2011 highlight video?
Cameron: I’m campaigning for Africa or In Your Eyes, but facing stiff resistance.

What do you think about the USA Ultimate College restructuring?
Cameron: Considering the way it has paved a clear route to D III Nationals for us, I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the restructuring. But if I played in the new Southwest/California MegaRegion of Death, you might hear something different.

Which team has the best shot at winning the 2011 USA Ultimate College Championships?
Cameron: Men? Colorado’s been on a tear this fall. Women? My vote has to go out to my friends at Wisconsin.

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