2011 Preview – University of Victoria UVictim

by | January 28, 2011, 4:00pm 0

[stextbox id=”alert” color=”050505″ bcolor=”6cc3f8″ bgcolor=”ffffff” big=”true” image=”null”]School Name: University of Victoria
Team Name:
UVictim
Captains:
Kevin Underhill, Graeme Barber, Jordan Tessarolo, Adam Rossi
Year Founded:
Re-established in 2005
Jersey Colors: Black, White & Yellow
Website: www.uvicultimate.com
2010 Record:
20-8
Score Reporter[/stextbox]

Captain Kevin Underhill with an unreal bid.

Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get involved with Ultimate at UVic?

Kevin Underhill: I am playing my 6th year of ultimate. I started in the High School ultimate league in BC. I came to UVic and I knew they had a strong team with excellent camaraderie. The captains of the past few years established a very strong program for us to carry on.

Graeme Barber: After placing 5th during my grade 12 year I thought I was hot shit and looked for an ultimate team at Uvic. I found the then ragtag group of guys who were trying to re-establish a competitive men’s team and realized I was really bad at ultimate. After really getting hooked during second year I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish my degree without ultimate.

How did your team do last year? What was the highlight of your season?

Kevin: Last year we peaked early dominating in February placing 5th at the Stanford Open then fizzled out near the end of the year. We still played strong in the spring and qualified for Regionals. I think we finished 9th at Regionals. Highlights included Stanford open and then a subsequent 4th place finish at PLU BBQ.

Graeme: Stanford for sure. We won 5th in a battle of a game and then raced back to our hotel to catch the overtime victory of Canada vs USA in the Vancouver Olympics while devouring 40 In-N-Out burgers.

Who is your favorite team to play against? Tell me about a memorable game.

Kevin : I would have to say Whitman is the team that I enjoy playing the most. We always have tight and competitive games. Not to sound too lame but our games usually exhibit extreme competition without sacrificing sportsmanship. I don’t have a specific game in mind but I think we won 2 games against them last year and they won 1 so we get to see them a lot, which builds the rivalry.

Tell us about your captains. What do they bring to your team?

Kevin: Our captains this year are brand new to that role. With the departure of the primary leadership crew from 2010, the four new guys had to step into unfamiliar grounds. I think each captain brings a strong suit to our team which provides a good, balanced learning environment.

Graeme: Speak for yourself Kev. Having taken many university courses on coaching and exercise prescription, as well as being a captain for Blackfish this past summer made it an easier role to step up into. Two key things I bring to the team are credit card roulette and intensity. To be honest, our team is extremely coachable and have the will to improve, just tell them how to do something and watch them apply it to their game.

David Morrow with a solid grab.

Kevin Underhill: I would say Graeme Barber and Jordan Tessarolo for All-Region without a doubt. We did steal some American talent as Freshman Colin Featherston took his talent north of the border. If he continues to work hard, and improve, I would say he definitely could be Freshman of the Year material.

Graeme: Kevin is pretending to be modest. His past 2 years on Furious George have given him the potential for All-Region for sure.

What player is most likely to make a huge play as a thrower? As a receiver? On D?

Kevin: For a thrower, look out for Graeme Barber’s break shots that he can get surprisingly deep. Taylor Nadon’s swilly high release BS is devastating to opponents’ zone-d (and annoying as hell in practice). As a receiver, the Northwest is about to meet Gustav Guzek. 6’’5’ of pure athleticism, Gus has shown tremendous early season dominance at all levels. On defense, Jordan Tessarolo’s great layout blocks always provide the d-line with the inspiration to get that break point.

Graeme: Don’t forget Jed Long who got more D blocks than anyone last season.

Who’s a player you have to watch more carefully to see how valuable he is to your team?

Kevin: Steady as a rock, Clay Howlett is returning for his final year. Howlett always plays solid d and offensively, he is a threat with and without the disc. Dr. Jed Long is another quiet hero on UVictim. Dr. Long plays terrific shutdown d never letting his check get the disc. His speed, athleticism and stamina always makes him good for a few late game blocks.

Graeme: David Morrow is a quiet champion. Routinely gets greedy gainers and makes sick stabbing catches on errant throws. Ben Donagee’s water polo cross training gives him the stamina to grind down his opponents.

How does your team bring new players up to speed?

Graeme: Best way to deal with rookies: Build them up, break them down, and then repeat as needed. You know what they say: you have to break a stallion before it can reach its true potential right? All jokes aside, this year we have set high standards for our rookies and they continue to exceed them.

Taylor Nadon on the mark against Simon Fraser Clam.

What are you goals for this season?

Kevin: Our goal is to not peak too early this year. We hope to roll through the spring tournaments developing our young talent and come the series we will peak. We hope to win sectionals this year and more importantly advance to NW regional’s. We aim to play to our strengths.

Graeme: A number one goal for us to improve individually as much as possible. Also Party hard as team.

What tournaments do you plan to attend in the spring? Which one are you most looking forward to?

Kevin: Probably Stanford Open again, PLU BBQ and then the series. Obviously Stanford is a fun trip for us but I think the real fun will start come sectionals.

Graeme: I can’t wait for Regionals. It’s the true test of our whole season but at the same time it’s the simplest tournament: just play your heart out.

What does your team do to get pumped up for a big game?

Kevin: Think about how much fun it is when you devastate your opponent. Also Warm up.

Graeme: Remember that we’re here to shatter dreams and crush hopes, not just look unreal in our sick jerseys.

What song would you pick for the soundtrack to your team’s 2011 highlight video?

Kevin: The Push” by The Wilderness Crew

Which team has the best shot at winning the 2011 USA Ultimate College Championships?

Kevin: Aside From us: Pitt and Minnesota.

School Name: University of Victoria

Team Name: UVictim

Captains: Kevin Underhill, Graeme Barber, Jordan Tessarolo & Adam Rossi.

Year team was founded: Re-established in 2005

Jersey Colors: Black, White & Yellow

What company made your most recent jerseys: VC Ultimate

Website: www.uvicultimate.com

2010 Record: 20-8

Tell me a little about yourself. How did you get involved with ultimate at your school?

Kevin Underhill: I am playing my 6th year of ultimate. I started in the High School ultimate league in BC. I came to UVic and I knew they had a strong team with excellent camaraderie. The captains of the past few years established a very strong program for us to carry on.

Graeme Barber: After placing 5th during my grade 12 year I thought I was hot shit and looked for an ultimate team at Uvic. I found the then ragtag group of guys who were trying to re-establish a competitive men’s team and realized I was really bad at ultimate. After really getting hooked during second year I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish my degree without ultimate.

How did your team do last year? What was the highlight of your season?

Kevin Underhill: Last year we peaked early dominating in February placing 5th at the Stanford Open then fizzled out near the end of the year. We still played strong in the spring and qualified for regionals. I think we finished 9th at regionals. Highlights included Stanford open and then a subsequent 4th place finish at PLU BBQ.

Graeme: Stanford for sure. We won 5th in a battle of a game and then raced back to our hotel to catch the overtime victory of Canada vs USA in the Vancouver Olympics while devouring 40 In-N-Out burgers.

Who is your favorite team to play against? Tell me about a memorable game.

Kevin Underhill: I would have to say Whitman is the team that I enjoy playing the most. We always have tight and competitive games. Not to sound too lame but our games usually exhibit extreme competition without sacrificing sportsmanship. I don’t have a specific game in mind but I think we won 2 games against them last year and they won 1 so we get to see them a lot, which builds the rivalry.

Tell me about your captains. What do they bring to your team?

Kevin Underhill: Our captains this year are brand new to that role. With the departure of the primary leadership crew from 2010, the four new guys had to step into unfamiliar grounds. I think each captain brings a strong suit to our team which provides a good, balanced learning environment.

Barber: Speak for yourself Kev. Having taken many university courses on coaching and exercise prescription, as well as being a captain for Blackfish this past summer made it an easier role to step up into. Two key things I bring to the team are credit card roulette and intensity. To be honest, our team is extremely coachable and have the will to improve, just tell them how to do something and watch them apply it to their game.

Are there players on your team who deserve consideration for Callahan, All-Region, or Freshman of the Year? Tell me about them.

Kevin Underhill: I would say Graeme Barber and Jordan Tessarolo for All-Region without a doubt. We did steal some American talent as Freshman Colin Featherston took his talent north of the border. If he continues to work hard, and improve, I would say he definitely could be Freshman of the Year material.

Barber: Kevin is pretending to be modest. His past 2 years on Furious George have given him the potential for All-Region for sure.

What player is most likely to make a huge play as a thrower? As a receiver? On D?
Kevin Underhill: For a thrower, look out for Graeme Barber’s break shots that he can get surprisingly deep. Taylor Nadon’s swilly high release BS is devastating to opponents’ zone-d (and annoying as hell in practice). As a receiver, the Northwest is about to meet Gustav Guzek. 6’’5’ of pure athleticism, Gus has shown tremendous early season dominance at all levels. On defense, Jordan Tessarolo’s great layout blocks always provide the d-line with the inspiration to get that break point.

Barber: Don’t forget Jed Long who got more D blocks than anyone last season.

It’s easy to see when someone throws a huge huck or gets a layout D. Who’s a player you have to watch more carefully to see how valuable they are to your team?

Kevin Underhill: Steady as a rock, Clay Howlett is returning for his final year. Howlett always plays solid d and offensively, he is a threat with and without the disc. Dr. Jed Long is another quiet hero on UVictim. Dr. Long plays terrific shutdown d never letting his check get the disc. His speed, athleticism and stamina always makes him good for a few late game blocks.

Barber: David Morrow is a quiet champion. Routinely gets greedy gainers and makes sick stabbing catches on errant throws. Ben Donagee’s water polo cross training gives him the stamina to grind down his opponents.

How does your team bring new players up to speed on ultimate?

Barber: Best way to deal with rookies: Build them up, break them down, and then repeat as needed. You know what they say: you have to break a stallion before it can reach its true potential right? All jokes aside, this year we have set high standards for our rookies and they continue to exceed them.

Has your team set any goals for this season? What are they?

Kevin Underhill: Our goal is to not peak too early this year. We hope to roll through the spring tournaments developing our young talent and come the series we will peak. We hope to win sectionals this year and more importantly advance to NW regional’s. We aim to play to our strengths.

Graeme: A number one goal for us to improve individually as much as possible. Also Party hard as team.

What tournaments do you plan to attend in the spring? Which one are you most looking forward to?

Kevin Underhill: Probably Stanford Open again, PLU BBQ and then the series. Obviously Stanford is a fun trip for us but I think the real fun will start come sectiona

School Name: University of Victoria

Team Name: UVictim

Captains: Kevin Underhill, Graeme Barber, Jordan Tessarolo & Adam Rossi.

Year team was founded:  Re-established in 2005

Jersey Colors: Black, White & Yellow

What company made your most recent jerseys:  VC Ultimate

Website: www.uvicultimate.com

2010 Record: 20-8

Tell me a little about yourself. How did you get involved with ultimate at your school?

Kevin Underhill: I am playing my 6th year of ultimate. I started in the High School ultimate league in BC. I came to UVic and I knew they had a strong team with excellent camaraderie. The captains of the past few years established a very strong program for us to carry on.

Graeme Barber: After placing 5th during my grade 12 year I thought I was hot shit and looked for an ultimate team at Uvic. I found the then ragtag group of guys who were trying to re-establish a competitive men’s team and realized I was really bad at ultimate. After really getting hooked during second year I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish my degree without ultimate.

How did your team do last year? What was the highlight of your season?

Kevin Underhill: Last year we peaked early dominating in February placing 5th at the Stanford Open then fizzled out near the end of the year. We still played strong in the spring and qualified for regionals. I think we finished 9th at regionals. Highlights included Stanford open and then a subsequent 4th place finish at PLU BBQ.

Graeme: Stanford for sure. We won 5th in a battle of a game and then raced back to our hotel to catch the overtime victory of Canada vs USA in the Vancouver Olympics while devouring 40 In-N-Out burgers.

Who is your favorite team to play against? Tell me about a memorable game.

Kevin Underhill: I would have to say Whitman is the team that I enjoy playing the most. We always have tight and competitive games. Not to sound too lame but our games usually exhibit extreme competition without sacrificing sportsmanship. I don’t have a specific game in mind but I think we won 2 games against them last year and they won 1 so we get to see them a lot, which builds the rivalry.

Tell me about your captains. What do they bring to your team?

Kevin Underhill: Our captains this year are brand new to that role. With the departure of the primary leadership crew from 2010, the four new guys had to step into unfamiliar grounds. I think each captain brings a strong suit to our team which provides a good, balanced learning environment.

Barber: Speak for yourself Kev. Having taken many university courses on coaching and exercise prescription, as well as being a captain for Blackfish this past summer made it an easier role to step up into. Two key things I bring to the team are credit card roulette and intensity. To be honest, our team is extremely coachable and have the will to improve, just tell them how to do something and watch them apply it to their game.

Are there players on your team who deserve consideration for Callahan, All-Region, or Freshman of the Year? Tell me about them.

Kevin Underhill: I would say Graeme Barber and Jordan Tessarolo for All-Region without a doubt. We did steal some American talent as Freshman Colin Featherston took his talent north of the border. If he continues to work hard, and improve, I would say he definitely could be Freshman of the Year material.

Barber: Kevin is pretending to be modest. His past 2 years on Furious George have given him the potential for All-Region for sure.

What player is most likely to make a huge play as a thrower? As a receiver? On D?
Kevin Underhill: For a thrower, look out for Graeme Barber’s break shots that he can get surprisingly deep. Taylor Nadon’s swilly high release BS is devastating to opponents’ zone-d (and annoying as hell in practice). As a receiver, the Northwest is about to meet Gustav Guzek. 6’’5’ of pure athleticism, Gus has shown tremendous early season dominance at all levels. On defense, Jordan Tessarolo’s great layout blocks always provide the d-line with the inspiration to get that break point.

Barber: Don’t forget Jed Long who got more D blocks than anyone last season.

It’s easy to see when someone throws a huge huck or gets a layout D. Who’s a player you have to watch more carefully to see how valuable they are to your team?

Kevin Underhill: Steady as a rock, Clay Howlett is returning for his final year. Howlett always plays solid d and offensively, he is a threat with and without the disc. Dr. Jed Long is another quiet hero on UVictim. Dr. Long plays terrific shutdown d never letting his check get the disc. His speed, athleticism and stamina always makes him good for a few late game blocks.

Barber: David Morrow is a quiet champion. Routinely gets greedy gainers and makes sick stabbing catches on errant throws. Ben Donagee’s water polo cross training gives him the stamina to grind down his opponents.

How does your team bring new players up to speed on ultimate?

Barber: Best way to deal with rookies: Build them up, break them down, and then repeat as needed. You know what they say: you have to break a stallion before it can reach its true potential right? All jokes aside, this year we have set high standards for our rookies and they continue to exceed them.

Has your team set any goals for this season? What are they?

Kevin Underhill: Our goal is to not peak too early this year. We hope to roll through the spring tournaments developing our young talent and come the series we will peak. We hope to win sectionals this year and more importantly advance to NW regional’s. We aim to play to our strengths.

Graeme: A number one goal for us to improve individually as much as possible. Also Party hard as team.

What tournaments do you plan to attend in the spring? Which one are you most looking forward to?

Kevin Underhill: Probably Stanford Open again, PLU BBQ and then the series. Obviously Stanford is a fun trip for us but I think the real fun will start come sectionals.

Barber: I can’t wait for regionals. It’s the true test of our whole season but at the same time it’s the simplest tournament: just play your heart out.

What does your team do to get pumped up for a big game?

Kevin Underhill: Think about how much fun it is when you devastate your opponent. Also Warm up.

Barber: Remember that we’re here to shatter dreams and crush hopes, not just look unreal in our sick jerseys.

What song would you pick for the soundtrack to your team’s 2011 highlight video?

Kevin Underhill: “The Push” By: The Wilderness Crew

Which team has the best shot at winning the 2011 USA Ultimate College Championships?

Kevin Underhill: Aside From us: Pitt and Minnesota.

ls.

Barber: I can’t wait for regionals. It’s the true test of our whole season but at the same time it’s the simplest tournament: just play your heart out.

What does your team do to get pumped up for a big game?

Kevin Underhill: Think about how much fun it is when you devastate your opponent. Also Warm up.

Barber: Remember that we’re here to shatter dreams and crush hopes, not just look unreal in our sick jerseys.

What song would you pick for the soundtrack to your team’s 2011 highlight video?

Kevin Underhill: “The Push” By: The Wilderness Crew

Which team has the best shot at winning the 2011 USA Ultimate College Championships?

Kevin Underhill: Aside From us: Pitt and Minnesota.

Comments Policy: At Skyd, we value all legitimate contributions to the discussion of ultimate. However, please ensure your input is respectful. Hateful, slanderous, or disrespectful comments will be deleted. For grammatical, factual, and typographic errors, instead of leaving a comment, please e-mail our editors directly at editors [at] skydmagazine.com.