Andrew Wood Interview 5-22-07

Andrew Wood helped La Teeze to a second place finish in the Division A tourney at the War of Worthington. Wood and teammate, Doug Tatz, came up just short of being the first team to unseat United RC. The NLR sat down with Wood to talk about the tournament, the league, and Indiana Jones 4.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Video |

United RC win War of Worthington

United Rollerchairball Club, featuring Brandon Lock and Kyle Stout, defeated La Teeze in the finals of the Division A tourney to win the War of Worthington on Sunday. United RC trailed for much of the match, but imposed intense defensive pressure to end the game on a 10-2.5 run, winning 20-15. The win continued United RC’s undefeated streak. The duo has not lost a match since their inception in 1999.

La Teeze, comprised by Andrew Wood and Doug Tatz, won the kickoff and notably held the stagger throughout the first half, giving the team the first ever lead against United RC at halftime. La Teeze extended their lead to 12.5-10 before Stout and Lock upped the defensive aspect of the game. Tied at 12.5, United RC dug in as La Teeze moved the ball down the field. Stout applied close pressure on Wood, as he looked to hit Tatz downfield play after play. With Wood’s vision impaired, Lock established position against Tatz and managed to force a turnover, which resulted in a touchback.

Stout managed to quaterback-sneak the ball down the field from deep in Untied RC’s defensive zone to avoid a game-ending safety. The score gave United RC their first lead, 15-12.5, which they would not extinguish.

On La Teeze’s next possession, another heated series unfolded. United RC held the line of scrimmage just outside their end zone, as Wood and Tatz looked to even the match. Unable to penetrate the line on the ground, Wood eventually took to the air, but his pass to Tatz was deflected out of bounds. With the turnover, United RC took control of the match and pushed to a 20-15 win.

The victory gave the squad another championship, but it also marked the second straight tourney final in which a team managed to score 15 points, the highest total ever against United RC.

After the game, Stout commented, “That was the toughest game we’ve ever encountered. Sure, Jason Turner is a beast and is nearly unstoppable, but at least I know what to expect. He’s not going to pull any tricks; it’s merely a matter of slowing him down. Tonight, La Teeze gave us all we could handle. We were unable to slow their offense for the first two-thirds of the game. Their defense made things tough for us. Their tactics were intelligent and crafty. Tatz has improved to an elite level; Wood, as always, brings his best against us and it’s always an honor to compete against him. With the practice La Teeze have put in recently, it’s no shock they have improved to this level. I look for them to continue to push our limits. They are a great team.”

United RC will look to defend their title at the third stop of the National Rollerchairball League’s Summer Series in June.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

Doug’s Left Shoe scores HS Title

The War of Worthington raged through thunderstorms last Sunday. When the thunder and lightning settled on and off the court, Doug’s Left Shoe emerged with victory in the High School Division.

DLS, comprised by Doug Tatz and Cole Hughes, suffered a round-one setback, as they squandered a lead against Mark Roberts, which featured Johnny Wilt and Daniel Kelley. Up 12.5-10, DLS found themselves in a desperate situation, with Hughes pinned in his own end zone. Flustered, Hughes attempted to hit Tatz with a pass, but the ball landed out of bounds. Mark Roberts netted a half-safety and cruised to a 20.5-17.5 win.

The loss sent DLS to the Losers Bracket, where they had to battle past intense competition, including another match against Mark Roberts, who fell in the Winners Bracket Finals to The Originals. In the second game between the teams, DLS would not commit any foolish errors. The match was tight throughout, with neither team able to make a stop. At 17.5-15 in favor of DLS, Hughes and Tatz made a defensive stand, stealing the ball and scoring for the 20-15 win. The victory set up a match against The Originals, undefeated in the tournament.

The Originals, Taylor Greene and Debi Schuda, dispatched Mark Roberts in the Winners Finals thanks to a huge safety by Greene. DLS, remembering the earlier half-safety, guarded well against any big-point plays by The Originals. They would, however, have to win two games to take the title.

Game 1 was extremely close, with each team scoring on each possession. DLS won the kickoff and protected the kickoff stagger by scoring each time. DLS forced a second encounter, with a 20-17.5 win.

Game 2 featured a little more separation. The action was tight, but DLS took the win with just a bit of room to spare, 20-15. That victory completed DLS’ romp through the Losers Bracket, giving them the High School Division Title.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

Founding Father hosts charity tourney

Brandon Lock has been known for a lot of things when it comes to Rollerchairball. By the end of this month, he hopes he’ll be known as the Legend that cares. In a press release, Lock announced he will be hosting exhibition games on May 18th for charity. A day of games will be played at Maysville High School in South Zanesville as part of the American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life.”

“There has been a great amount of interest in the game and the league in southeast Ohio. This is a great way to get people involved but also help a great cause,” Lock explained in a telephone interview. “In order to play, you have to make a donation, and that money will be given to help fund cancer research.”

Lock stated that players’ contributions do not need to be more than a few dollars, but he hopes the event will be able to raise a sizable amount of cash. Games will start as early as 8:30am and should continue to at least 2:30pm. The league runs regularly scheduled games in Ohio every Tuesday evening free of charge and even staged a free-admittance tournament in mid-April. Despite the generosity, this will be the first time Rollerchairball has been played to benefit a charitable organization. Lock explained his excitement:

“It’s a great thing. I guarantee there are some great players in that area that have been waiting for their chance. Anytime you can sculpt new talent and help the fight against cancer you have a great opportunity.”

As for the previously mentioned talent, Lock could not help but fanaticize that this event might give rise to several future greats of the game.

“Man, it could be a great thing for the league. Who knows, just like current players idolize Cotter, Snow, and Mallet, future generations might aspire to be the next Lewellen, Lent, Denman, Maxwell, or Sidwell.”



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

Zanesville rookies ready for debut

For Aaron Hammers and Austin Dunn, the weekend can’t arrive soon enough. Although a weekend tournament might seem quite common to many seasoned veterans, it will be these rookies’ first taste of league action.

“I am really looking forward to it. I’ve been preparing for this for a long time. It’s exciting to know it’s finally here and all the hard work will pay off,” explained Aaron “Spanky” Hammers in an interview Monday.

This weekend’s action kicks off Friday in Zanesville and will continue with the “War in Worthington” tournament on Sunday. Although the jury is out on just how well the new teams and players will do, several league reports say that the next generation of RCB recruits could be the best yet.

“We’ve heard a lot of great things about this next group of athletes,” explained Andrew Wood, Director of Player Relations. “As new teams see action, you start really getting an idea of the talent level waiting to join in. I have no doubt these guys will be able to compete at a professional level.”

Optimism aside, there are several stories of promising young careers cut short by the pressure of the game. Wood offered some insight into the challenges rookies face.

“It’s a different kind of game. People you would expect to be extremely skilled end up not having as much success as they anticipated, others rise above expectations; it’s a different type of skill-set, that’s what makes it fun.”

As for those about to begin competition, the anticipation is almost too much to endure. Cameron Walker, a player just getting into the game summed up the emotions of several young athletes:

“I can’t wait for Friday, it’s going to be sweet.”икони



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

RCB Players Cash In

The National League of Rollerchairball inked an offer sheet for compensation packages with Doug Tatz on April 24, 2007. Although the league and Tatz have not finalized contracts, the move makes the Tatz the first fully professional Rollerchairball player.

The NLR then extended the same terms to nine other players. This first wave of professionals is headlined by Brandon Lock and Kyle Stout, who play on the top-ranked team, United Rollerchairball Club, as well as members of the second- and third-ranked squads, Andrew Wood, Kevin Shaw, Brandon Scherer, and Doug Zang. Several other top players signed offer sheets as well: Taylor Greene, Deborah Schuda, and Mackenzie Eckert.

Once finalized, the contracts will provide players with stipends and salaries. The players highlight the NLR’s Summer Series, a circuit of events from April to August 2007. Before the historic deal, players banked on tournament winning to support their travel to Rollerchairball tourneys.

The NLR’s Director of Finance, Brandon Lock talked about the offer sheets, “It’s a momentous day for the league. The deals guarantee the league will have the best players at every tournament. That’s good for the league, but it’s also good for the game and the players. The best teams will now face the best competition at every event.”

Kyle Stout, Director of Operations for the NLR, commented, “Until now we’ve relied on grassroots efforts and love for the game to make sure people attended tournaments. Now that we have professionals, each tournament will be top-notch. We’re looking forward to the intensity each bracket will feature.”

The Director of Marketing for the league, Brandon Scherer, thinks the move will make the league a hit in the mainstream. “I now have a powerful tool in my arsenal,” he said. “Professionals add marketability and excitement to the league. This is a great day.”

Terms from the offer sheets were not disclosed. The league and the new professionals look to sign on the dotted line by mid-May. The Summer Series kicked off on April 21 inNewark. By the second tourney on May 20 in Worthington, OH, professionals will litter the NLR.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

United RC Double Dips in Newark

Three undefeated teams collided in the Spring Tournament on April 21st: United RC, The Little Texas Thunder Chasers and Victorious Secret. Only one team could retain that record by the end of the long, heated battles that took place on the court at the season-opener of the National League of Rollerchairball’s Summer Series.

With a surprise to none but perhaps the most naive Rollerchairball fan, United RC again claimed victory, overtaking not only the other two undefeated teams, but also destroying The Andrew Wood Project in the championship match.

Despite playing several heated matches and going the entire distance in the tournament, the team quickly re-entered their chairs to begin playing in a second tournament.

Following some early setbacks, including an injury to the right hand of Brandon Lock during a collision with Brandon Scherer of the Little Texas Thunder Chasers, United RC still managed to win every game by a decisive margin, including the championship game against Black on White Crime (Jason Turner and Jason McMannis).

This title brings the team’s tournament record to 15-0, while outscoring their opponents by a margin of 111.5-42.5 in April.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |

Rollerchairball’s Sizzling Summer

Get ready Rollerchairball fans, tournament time is back and better than ever. Fresh off of winter break, the league’s big wigs have announced the most ambitious tournament schedule to date. Planning at least one tournament a month, dates have been set from April through August. Although there is plenty of chances for any RCB fan to get their fix, it’s well worth checking out the teams and players that need to be brought up in any proper Rollerchairball discussion.

Of course, let’s start with the marquee team of the league the last few years, United RC. The Black Knights of Andre is the combination of Rollerchairball royalty; Founding Father Brandon Lock, and league’s in-house savant; Kyle Stout. From its inception, this team has been billed as ‘the greatest team ever assembled,’ and has managed to actually live up to that title. Two undefeated seasons, two Ohio Challenge trophies, the Holiday championship, and the dual Easter Tournament wins all make awfully good highlights for United RC’s resume, but can they be knocked off?

Here’s a look at some possible teams and their players that might challenge United R.C. for the title this Summer.

Scherer and Stone:

Any team with Scherer has a good chance at challenging for the championship. One of the most important parts of Scherer’s game is his offense. As a long-time quarterback, Scherer knows the game, and when he’s on, no one can beat his placement. Thrower-to-receiver, almost no one in the league can match Scherer’s accuracy and skill. When he’s on the other end of passes, his physical play has been the most important improvement; and the holiday tournament is evidence of that.

Stone’s first tournament showed she had much greater skill than many of the experts thought. Speed, toughness, and intelligence, Stone has a great shot at becoming the league’s next great female player. Inexperience is the one thing standing in her way, but once the game count increases, so will Stone’s skill.

The Andrew Wood Project

The second place team from both the Holiday and Easter tournaments with two of the most well respected players in the game. All of these factors should make the combination of Kevin Shaw and Andrew Wood the heavy favorites to challenge for Summer tournaments and league title. However, a string of tough losses make the path to the top much less easy for these talented athletes.

Confidence and inconsistency might come into question, however, Shaw and Wood have the skill and knowledge to make a run deep into any summer tournament. Wood tends to spend most of the time at quarterback, where under the tutelage Kyle Stout, he has made great leaps forward when it comes to time and situation management. Kevin ‘Kee’ Shaw has also seen time a QB, but has been demonstrating extremely strong knowledge of strategy on the defensive side of the ball. Once this team can get the losing monkey off of their back, they should be able to be the force everyone expected them to be. Look for them to make the finals of nearly every summer playoff, and don’t be surprised if they’re there with one loss; this team bends but does not break.

Cole and Doug

If this team pairs up for the entire summer, they should easily break into the top three in every poll. Inexperience has been the problem area for many teams, but Doug Tatz and Cole both have tons of playing time under the belts. Time playing together, however, might be limited, but they have shown a terrific ability to adapt and overcome. Keep in mind both of these players see multiple games every week, meaning their bound to be sharp.

Tatz took the Eddie Cotter trophy in the Holiday tournament for the best overall player, and is looking to springboard that success into another championship. The good news: Doug and Cole should be favorites in every high school division. The bad news: Division B is closed off to them, meaning if they want to make a run at winning two brackets, they will have to play in Division A, which gave Tatz headaches last time around.

Tatz with Brian Vincent made a great pairing, but Cole’s experience could make this team be even better. Cole has the size, strength, and speed to become quite possibly the best player in the game. Under pressure, this team has a tendency to force plays, which often creates costly turnovers or defensive miscues. Eliminating the mental errors could be this team’s key to summer success.



Posted on May 26th, 2007 by kyle and filed under Coverage |