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RSSSchuda Revives Native American Custom on RCB Court
Debi Schuda produced a torrid summer on the Rollerchairball court and in the standings, but perhaps her most notorious and successful venture in the NLR in 2009 came from a practice not aimed at victory.
Schuda introduced the world of Rollerchairball to the ancient Native American practice of “counting coup.” In the days when Native Americans roamed freely on this continent, some warriors would engage in this unique custom during battle. When a Native American would place a hand or a special stick to the body of an enemy, he would count one coup. The maneuver was essentially a slap in the face to the opponent. The more coup you counted, the greater your bravery and cunning were revered.
Asked about the notion of bringing the tradition to Rollerchairball, Schuda responded, “Counting coup is pretty much the biggest disgrace you could bring to the enemy. Essentially you’re saying, ‘I could have killed you, but I decided to ridicule you instead.’ You can easily see how that fits into Rollerchairball. It seems to me counting coup was destined to become an integral part of our game.”
Schuda obviously employs the hand version of counting coup, as all types of sticks are illegal on the court during play.
To amass one coup-counted, Schuda places her hands near the back of an offensive player’s chair, mere inches from downing the player, but holds off and instead sounds the coup via a guttural emission. The play remains in action, which many claim to be a blatant hole in the strategy of demeaning an opponent.
Andrew Wood remarked, “Sure, I feel like a sissy when someone counts a coup on me, but they could have downed me and they let me continue playing. I even scored a touchdown on a play where Schuda could have downed me. Where’s the smarts in that?”
Schuda will have none of it, however. “The spirit of counting coup has nothing to do with scoring touchdowns or stopping teams on defense,” she explained. “Even if someone scores on me, if I got a coup on him or her, then they are mine forever. And I’ll never let them forget that.”
The practice became widespread over the summer. It was not unusual to hear several players counting coup during a game or even a play. Kyle Stout even took the whole thing one step further.
“I find the most humiliating thing in the world to be when you have the ball and, instead of attempting to score, you try to down the defensive player. Once Debi introduced counting coup, it was only a matter of time until I married that practice with my own. Now when I have the ball, I try to down the guy or gal guarding me and I let everyone know when I could have done it, but didn’t. More than once I’ve sent Doug Tatz away with his tail between his legs because I reverse-counted-coup on him.”
Will the practice endure? Schuda believes so: “I think counting coup is here to stay. It takes the embarrassment level of RCB to new heights. And that’s always a good thing.”
2008 US Open Results
Division A
1st – United Rollerchairball Club – $1000
2nd – Buddy Savage – $250
3rd – IDK Sisterhood – $100
4th – Team USA – $80
5th – Team Amanda Bynes – $50
6th – Princeton English – $20
High School Division (U-19)
1st – Princeton English – $100
2nd – Mean Greene – $60
3rd – Kwok Kwok Noon – $40
Ratings Update 07-15-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through July 15, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 07-01-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through July 1, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 05-06-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through May 6, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 4-22-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through April 22, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Wood Would TV Win 2007 St. Nick Classic
Wood Would TV (Kyle Stout, Becky Tatz) won the delayed 2007 Saint Nicholas Classic Division A title last week. The tourney, originally started in December, was postponed due to electrical issues in the venue. The event ended four months late when WWTV defeated Light, Heavy Expert (Maggie Cellar, Doug Tatz) in the finals 30-25.
Ratings Update 4-15-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through April 15, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Eckert War I – 11-29-07
Ratings Update 3-18-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through March 18, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 3-11-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through March 11, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
NLR Press Poll 02-19-08
The National League of Rollerchairball Press released their latest poll on February 19th. A resuscitation of an old tradition, the rankings aim to provide a more “human” take on rating rollerchairball players.
Ratings Update 02-19-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through February 19, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 02-05-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through February 5, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 01-29-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through January 29, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
NLR Unveils Super Elite Premier League
The National League of Rollerchairball rolled out the latest wrinkle in its evolving structure on Tuesday, as Director of Operations and Commissioner Kyle Stout announced the Super Elite Premier League. The league aims to be the most comprehensive competition of its kind ever created for any sport.
Ratings Update 01-22-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through January 22, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
NLR Press Poll 01-22-08
The National League of Rollerchairball Press released their latest poll on January 22nd. A resuscitation of an old tradition, the rankings aim to provide a more “human” take on rating rollerchairball players.
Ratings Update 01-15-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through January 15, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
NLR Press Poll 01-08-08
The first National League of Rollerchairball Press Poll for 2008 was released on January 8th. A resuscitation of an old tradition, the rankings aim to provide a more “human” take on rating rollerchairball players.
Ratings Update 01-08-08
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through January 8, 2008. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
Ratings Update 12-29-07
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through December 29, 2007. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
St. Nick Division A Bracket Delayed
The Division A portion of the National League of Rollerchairball’s 2007 Saint Nicholas Classic was delayed due to a freak electricity outage. Following the completion of High School Division- and Mixed Doubles-play, the juice to the league’s facilities mysteriously ebbed, leaving the courts in darkness. League officials attempted everything in their power to resume play, but a solution was not at hand.
Frog Prince Take 2007 St. Nick Mixed Doubles Championship
Frog Prince, Mackenzie Eckert and Kyle Stout, outlasted The Lost to win the Mixed Doubles title during the National League of Rollerchairball’s 2007 Saint Nicholas Classic. Eckert and Stout stormed to the finals without losing a game, but had to dig deep in the championship match, as The Lost – Andrew Wood and Taylor Greene – took game one of the double-elimination tournament’s last pairing.
Dumbledore Lives Win 2007 St. Nick High School Division
Dumbledore Lives, consisting of Douglas Tatz and Craig Eckert, nabbed the 2007 Saint Nicholas Classic High School Division title. Tatz and Eckert defeated Taylor Greene and Becky Tatz, aka The Pastels, 26-12.5 in the finals.
NLR Press Poll 12-11-07
The second National League of Rollerchairball Press Poll for 2007 was released on December 11, 2007. A resuscitation of an old tradition, the rankings aim to provide a more “human” take on rating rollerchairball players.
Ratings Update 12-11-07
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through December 4, 2007. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
12-04-2007 Ratings Update
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through December 4, 2007. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
11-27-2007 Ratings Update
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through November 27, 2007. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
NLR Press Poll 11-27-07
The first National League of Rollerchairball Press Poll for 2007 was released on November 27, 2007. A resuscitation of an old tradition, the rankings aim to provide a more “human” take on rating rollerchairball players.
11-20-2007 Ratings Update
The National League of Rollerchairball posted a ratings update that covers matches through November 20, 2007. The Top 15 players are noted on the home page at all times, but a full list of rated players can be found here.
2007 Halloween Contest Results
The National League of Rollerchairball’s 2007 Halloween Contest drew out the ghouls, the athletes, and even the omelets. With $50 on the line for first place, the middle-school and high-school division were out en force in hopes of lining their pockets.
Read more.
United RC Top Summer Series
Brandon Lock and Kyle Stout, the duo behind the powerhouse squad, United Rollerchairball Club, finished the 2007 National League of Rollerchairball Summer Series on top of the leader board. Lock and Stout teamed for each event during the summer circuit, finishing with the gold medal at every tourney. Both players finished the summer-long points standings with 4800 points.
NLR Creates Licking Valley Division
The National League of Rollerchairball held an exhibition in Newark, OH, last weekend and, based on the talent flowing from Licking Valley, has added another division to its roster. New players from Licking Valley took to the game easily and displayed raw, natural talent.
Greene Named MVP of Ohio St. Onslaught
With three finishes in the Top 3 at the Ohio State Onslaught, Taylor Greene was named the tourneys Most Valuable Player. The award is given to the player most influential to his or her team’s success at the event.
In the High School Division, Greene piloted Luscious Jelly and Jam to a second-place finish with Craig Eckert. She and Andrew Wood ended up third in the Mixed Doubles tourney, losing by one score to both first-place Frog Prince and second-place Steve. In Division A, Greene and Mackenzie Eckert produced the NLR’s biggest upset ever by defeating the second-ranked Andrew Wood Project on their way to a third-place conclusion.
Greene displayed adept aggressiveness, as she powered past male defender after male defender. Her games sent a buzz around the courts, as she played mistake-free and really left defenses little in terms of remedy for her wrecking-ball runs.
With their upset and third-place trophy from the Division A tourney, Greene and Eckert both moved into the Top 5 in the NLR standings.
United RC Nab Div. A Win at OSU Onslaught
Before the Division A tourney at the Ohio State Onslaught, United Rollerchairball Club found themselves the target of a lot of trash talk and speculation. The Italians, fresh off a win in the High School Division, proclaimed themselves ready for the big stage by predicting victory against the undefeated United RC. The second-ranked Andrew Wood Project, though more humbly, also deemed themselves confident that this tourney would be the one where they would break through against United RC. Despite some interesting games, by the end of the tourney, Brandon Lock and Kyle Stout had silenced all players and pundits.
In the Winners Bracket Semifinals, The Italians got their first shot at the number-one-ranked squad. United RC jumped out to early leads of 5-0 and 7-2.5. At the half, the champions seemed comfortable. Perhaps that comfort led to complacency, as The Italians played efficient offense and managed a turnover against Brandon Lock. They converted the turnover into points, pulling to within one score. United RC stymied all thoughts of a comeback, however, and managed to close out the game with scores on their final three possessions, winning 20-15.
United RC figured the win set them up with a date with Kevin Shaw and Andrew Wood, aka The Andrew Wood Project, in the Winners Finals. That match would never happen, though, as Cinco de Marco, the all-woman team of Taylor Greene and Mackenzie Eckert, stunned AWP in the Winners Semifinals.
Though Greene and Eckert played well in the Winners Finals, they were unable to compete with United RC. Stout and Lock cruised to a relatively easy 20-10 victory, though both players noted the improvement of Cinco de Marco. URC then got to sit back and watch as The Italians, The Andrew Wood Project, and Cinco de Marco tore each other to shreds in the Losers Bracket.
Perhaps the match of the tournament occurred in the Losers Semifinals, as The Italians and The Andrew Wood Project tussled. AWP seemed stunned by their loss to Cinco de Marco and began the match flat. The Italians came out of the gate hard, dominating the first half to the tune of 10-5. The start of the second half featured similar results, as The Italians pushed their lead to 17.5-12.5. AWP could not seem to find a solution to the flowing offense of The Italians. Wood and Shaw scored to make it a one-possession game, but more importantly they caught a break as JR Brewer was called for his third cheeking on the play. The result was a power play for AWP, who easily scored on the 2v1 to tie the game. Still, The Italians just needed a score to win. The momentum, however, was clearly with AWP. The 2v1 had enervated their defense and on game point they pinned The Italians deep in their own territory on the kickoff. First down made matters worse for The Italians, as they were downed just outside their own end zone. Hoping just to avoid the safety, Brewer and Ford moved the ball out on a quick move, trading the down for space. That play left them in a make or break situation, though, and the AWP defense seemed to finally be in place. Fate would not allow the second-rated team to prevail, however, as Wood slipped out of his chair as he hustled to put pressure on The Italians in the backfield. With a de facto 2v1 in place, The Italians easily scored to win 20-17.5.
The Italians then met Cinco de Marco in the Losers Finals. Both teams had only lost to United RC, so both felt confident. Cinco de Marco dashed to a quick lead off the opening play, as Taylor Greene showed savvy trickery, not leaning over to pick up the ball, but instead kicking it forward. Both players for The Italians were reaching for the ball and as it was poked behind them they had no chance to stop Greene, who walked in the score. The crowd roared, as the ladies took an early step to becoming the first all-female team in a Championship Finals Match. Cinco de Marco held the stagger for most of the first half, before making one mistake that allowed The Italians to seize the lead. Though the teams were largely even in the first half, the mistake put the gentlemen up 10-7.5. Cinco de Marco pressed in the second half to make up the stagger, but The Italians played vigilantly and mistake-free. In the end, the boys were just a bit too much for Cinco de Marco, winning 20-15. Despite the loss, the ladies achieved their highest finish ever and showed they are definitely a force in the league.
The Italians then got another shot at United RC. Before the match, someone asked Kyle Stout how long was left before exhibition 3v3 matches would occur. He responded that only one more match needed to be played. Before the sentence could emerge from his mouth, Michael Ford chimed in, saying, “Two more games. Since we’ll have to beat them twice.” Since the tourney was double-elimination, Ford had predicted not only the first ever loss for United RC, but also the second. Whether United RC had waited to unleash the horses for the Finals or the comment irked Stout and Lock, Ford probably wished he had kept his mouth shut.
The Championship Finals were the most-lopsided in NLR history. United RC played tenaciously, pouncing on The Italians on every snap. At halftime, the champions led 10-0. The beat down would get no better for The Italians, as Stout applied hellish pressure during the second half, pinning both players deep in their zone at every opportunity. Ford and Brewer panicked, allowing Lock to make an interception. On the next possession, Stout kept both opponents stuck within their own end zone, at which point Lock swooped in for the game-winning safety. The Italians left the field dejected and embarrassed. The 23.5-0 win gave United RC the Division A title, their Summer Series win in as many events.
Though teams showed some promise against the dynasty, Lock and Stout showed everyone they have a long way to go. 23.5-0 does not happen every day in a Championship Match.
Cinco de Marco Provide Biggest Upset in NLR History
The Ohio State Onslaught featured the biggest upset in the history of the National League of Rollerchairball. Previous to the event, The Andrew Wood Project had solidified their spot as second-best team in the league, behind United Rollerchairball Club. Cinco de Marco, on the other hand, had never finished in the money. As the two teams met in the Winners Semifinals, most people thought AWP would stroll to a meeting with United RC. Everyone figured incorrectly.
Greene and Eckert played the game of their lives, while AWP seemed lackluster and out of sorts. Cinco de Marco grabbed the opening play and controlled the match early. The crowd showed great appreciation as Taylor Greene and Mackenzie Eckert led at halftime, but waited for AWP to wake up and take back the game. Eckert and Greene would not allow it, however, as they played attacking, yet smart, offense and managed two stops on the high-powered duo of Andrew Wood and Kevin Shaw.
With the score at 17.5-15, the crowd sensed a huge upset. Cinco de Marco needed just one score to advance to the Winners Finals. Greene and Eckert played cautiously, hoping to avoid a turnover. Their safe mindset paid off, as they pushed the ball across the end line, winning 20-15. Those watching all burst into applause, noting the great feat just achieved.
Though Cinco de Marco then lost to United RC and later The Italians, they finished a career-high third and announced their arrival into the upper echelon of rollerchairball.
Italians Take Onslaught HS Tourney
With reigning champions, Doug’s Left Shoe, out of the Ohio State Onslaught, the best team from Zanesville looked to pounce on the High School Division. The Italians stormed Columbus, looking to make a debut to remember. Michael Ford and JR Brewer looked to show the RCB establishment that the High School Division was not the sole domain of Columbus players.
In the end, they accomplished just that. The only team to threaten The Italians was led by superstar Division A player, Taylor Greene. Greene’s normal High School partner, Debi Schuda, did not attend the tournament, so she created Luscious Jelly and Jam with Craig Eckert.
In the Championship Match, Greene showed she merits a Top 5 ranking, as she took it to the upstart gentlemen of The Italians. Greene played aggressively, beating the boys to the spot on nearly every move she made. Throw in some clutch catches by Eckert and LJAJ were playing well. Unfortunately, their defense could not match the offense. Despite the inability to shut down Greene, Ford and Brewer methodically dismantled LJAJ, never ceding a turnover. The Italians managed a 20-15 victory, scoring the High School title in the process.
The win cemented their claim that Zanesville players can hang with the best of RCB. Hopefully, the next few tourneys will pit the dynamic duo of Doug’s Left Shoe with The Italians to determine the best High School team. That match will definitely be one to watch.
Frog Prince Win Inaugural Mixed Doubles Tourney
The Ohio State Onslaught, stop number three of the National League of Rollerchairball’s Summer Series, featured the first Mixed Doubles tournament in league history. Some of the best male talent in the league paired with the cream of the female crop, looking for cash and glory.
The undefeated powerhouse of Division A play, United Rollerchairball Club, provided the pre-tournament favorites. Despite separating for the mixed play, most analysts predicted Brandon Lock and Kyle Stout would produce the best teams for the tourney. Stout teamed with tour veteran, Mackenzie Eckert, to form Frog Prince. Although Brandon Lock is one of the best rollerchairball players in the history of the sport, some analysts worried about his ability to make a deep run in the Mixed Doubles tourney due to the fact that he decided to play with a rookie, Brianna Stout. Due to this inexperience, some pegged the duo of Andrew Wood and Taylor Greene to reach the finals. Wood and Greene are both ranked in the top five and have chemistry with each other. Lock and Brianna Stout, sister to Kyle, would have to overcome both teams if their team, Steve, wanted to taste victory.
Things looked daunting at first for Steve, as Frog Prince and The Lost, Wood and Greene’s team, met in the Winners Bracket Finals. In fact, things looked bleak for both members of United RC, as The Lost overcame the kickoff stagger to take the lead in the Winners Final. Though The Lost could never separate from Frog Prince, they did manage to keep scoring. The game went back and forth until Frog Prince tied the game at 17.5. Needing a stop, Frog Prince applied extensive pressure to The Lost. Wood and Greene attempted to keep the ball moving on their final possession, hoping the defense of Stout or Eckert might falter. Instead, The Lost bungled a pass, leaving the ball on the ground. A frantic melee ensued, with Eckert finally snatching the ball. Frog Prince found themselves on a 2v1 fast break, as The Lost had extended themselves in hopes of recovering the fumble. Frog Prince scored, winning an amazing contest 20-17.5 and moving to the Championship Match.
With the high level of play put forth by The Lost in the Winners Finals, Steve had to feel the pressure. They would need to defeat The Lost and then overcome Frog Prince. The task would be daunting, especially with a rookie. Lock, however, rose to the challenge. With calculating play and a surprisingly steady performance from Brianna Stout, Steve managed to defeat The Lost 20-17.5. That victory set a date with Frog Prince in the Finals.
Like the Winners Finals, Frog Prince nabbed the ball on the opening play. Unlike the Winners Finals, Kyle Stout and Eckert would not give the stagger back. Offense dominated the game, as both teams scored on every possession. With the stagger in hand, Frog Prince edged Steve 20-17.5 and took the first Mixed Doubles title in NLR history.
The match was doubly historic. Along with the first Mixed Doubles title, the match also featured siblings playing against each other in a tourney final for the first time. With the title, Frog Prince jump to the front of the Mixed Doubles standings. With such even play amongst the top three teams, however, nothing is in the bag.
NLR Announces Ohio State Onslaught Details
The National League of Rollerchairball is pleased to announce details for the third stop of the 2007 Summer Series, Ohio State Onslaught. Each NLR tournament has increased exponentially in terms of excitement, stature, game play, and, of course, the prizes. For the June tourney, prizes have reached an all time high.
The tourney will hit Ohio State on Saturday June 30th. For all the details on the event, please visit the Ohio State Onslaught Directory.
The National League of Rollerchairball hopes to see you there!
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.
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.
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
“There has been a great amount of interest in the game and the league in southeast
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
“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.”
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
“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.”
RCB Players Cash In
The National League of Rollerchairball inked an offer sheet for compensation packages with Doug Tatz on
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
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.
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
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
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
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.