Sarasota preview 4:Adam Sigelman

Adam sigelman (américain): Adam a joué plusieurs saison avec DoG(Boston) puis Ironside(2007-2009), il joue maintenant avec Truck Stop( DC).
Adam et moi avons joué ensemble dans un premier temps à Paris avec UV puis Rimini en 2005 avec UTI( Champion) et enfin Prague.
Il est le joueur qui m'a permis de venir jouer à Boston.


When did you play nationals? Which number did you wear ?

I played my first Club Nationals in 2005 with DoG. At the time I wore #12 since Fortunat Mueller had #8, my college number. When Fort retired in 2009 I changed my number back to 8.

Which team did you play for ?

I played with DoG in 2005 and 2006, Ironside in 2007-2009, and now I play with Truck Stop


How have you felt the first training? How was the level of the game?

I remember my first DoG tryout well. I was nervous and didn't know what to expect. We had to do a lot of physical training--Indian sprints, full field sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Thankfully, I was coming off a season of college ultimate and had a pretty decent cardiovascular base. The level of the game was much higher than in college. At the club level, players did all the little things right--they cleared space for their teammates, hit the swing pass, could break the mark easily. Plus the level of athleticism and skill was much higher, and, perhaps most significantly, players held themselves accountable for their mistakes.




How many trainings did you have per week? And how many practices a month before nationals?


In Boston, as you know Nas, we practiced for 3-4 hours Saturday and Sunday and had a track / conditioning workout during the week (including in October). Truck Stop only practices once a week. Personally, I usually do some sort of workout every day, spending most of my off days in the gym.

Which position did you play on your team? D line or O line?

I have always played the position of D handler.


Was it hard for your team to qualify for nationals?


My teams have never had trouble qualifying for Nationals, though we did come very close to losing Regionals in 2007. Luckily, Fort came up with a couple huge plays to solidify our comeback against GOAT.

Let's talk about Sarasota:

I've heard that Sarasota is the best place to play Ultimate? Is this true? Why?


Absolutely. As your other interviewees have said, there is ever-present feeling of excitement on those Sarasota fields. It's the most difficult tournament in the world to win, and it's the culmination of many months of hard work and aspirations. Plus, you can't beat the venue, the quality of the grass, and the weather. I look forward to it every year.

Can you tell me something about your first time there?

The very first time I touched the disc, I threw it straight into the ground. Luckily I was able to get it back on a block and ended up catching a 2 yard pass for the goal. Even though it was not a big point, I was so excited that I kick-spiked the disc.

The next day, in power pools, was also my 23rd birthday. Seattle Sockeye must have known because they threw me an easily intercepted pass for a Callahan. Thanks Sockeye!


How is the the level of the competition? Are all the16 teams really good?

Overall best in class. Though because of the way USA Ultimate doles out bids, a 2-3 very mediocre teams usually slip in.


What was your final ranking?

I've lost in quarters twice, semis twice, and in the finals once.


Do you think that a top european team could finish in the top 8?


I don't know the European teams too well, but I'd guess one or two of them would have a shot at cracking the quarters.


What did you like best about the tourney in Sarasota?

I love the game, and I love to compete. So playing and challenging myself on the field is always a pleasure. I also love the general drama and unpredictability of Nationals. Compared to earlier days of ultimate, the club game seems to be experiencing an era of relative parity. There's a handful of teams that can win it all, and another handful that could spoil it for any of the contenders. It's an absolute blast to watch, play in, and experience.

Next Lorenz Stauffer