[Alsfastball] Armour-Rise at ISC II TOC

[Al Doran]

From: "Tom" <t.vogel at verizon.net>
To: "Al Doran" <fastball at pmihrm.com>
Subject: Armour-Rise at ISC II TOC
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 01:17:05 -0400


Fargo, ND

August 22, 2004    The Armour-Rise team traveled to Fargo, ND to compete in 
the ISC II Tournament of Champions, finishing with a 4-2 record, good 
enough to place in the top 16. 35 teams from the USA and Canada converged 
at the Anderson Complex, their sights set for playing in the Championship 
game at nearby Jack Williams Stadium, a baseball stadium converted for 
fastpitch softball for the ISC World Tournament. There were 7 pools of 5 
teams each, and the 'Rise' came away with a 3-1 record, earning a #2 seed 
in the pool, advancing to the single elimination play-off round. The Rise 
team came away with a 1st round play-off win against Happy Hollow of Eau 
Claire, WI 4-0, and advanced to Thursday's game against Fargo's Chub's Pub 
Wizards. Chub's eliminated the Rise with a  13-6 drubbing, as the 
Pennsylvania squad couldn't hold off the strong offense of the home team.

     ISC II Vice President Bob McGowan and his competent staff ran a smooth 
tournament and no major problems seemed to arise throughout the week. With 
most teams playing only one game a day, there was plenty of time for 
watching games and site-seeing. Our player passes got us in to see a number 
of games at nearby Jack Williams Stadium and Mickleson Park to watch the 
elite play in the ISC World Tournament. The lone PA entrant for the World 
Tournament, the Quaker Riversharks, did very well in their 1st ISC, earning 
a #2 seed in their pool to advance to the elimination round. As the Rise, 
the 'Sharks' finished the tourney with a 4-2 record, being eliminated by #4 
seed Circle Tap from WI. The other PA entry into the ISC II TOC was 
Keatings Fitness Center, also advancing to the single elimination, 
finishing with a 3-3 record. Here's my overview of the ISC II Championships.

Tournament Format     There were 35 teams in this years' Tournament of 
Champions, compared to 40 teams in 2003. 7 pools of 5 teams each played 
each other over the 4 days of pool play to determine who would continue. 
The top three teams from each pool advanced to the elimination round, along 
with 3 wild card teams, for a total of 24 play-off teams. Pool #1 seeds 
earned a 1st round bye, as did the highest 2nd place team. This format 
seems to work well, just as it had in Appleton last year.   Score:  A-

Anderson Park Complex    The archetypical 4-plex was accommodating, as a 2 
minute stroll around the center building allowed you to take in game action 
on all 4 fields. Adjacent to the fields was another 4 fields that teams 
could use for practice on a first come basis. Very convenient! The ground 
crew took care of the fields after every game and were quick to keep the 
game schedule on time. Scores were posted on the master board as soon as 
games were completed and there was always a crowd viewing the 
results.    Score:  A

Game Coverage    All four fields had their own game announcer, a nice touch 
for a well-run tourney. There were a number of games broadcast live over 
the internet, courtesy of Sportsjuice.com. Jim Flanagan, editor of the 
popular FastpitchWest.com, along with ISC II commissioner Blair Setford, 
did the play-by-play and although I wasn't able to listen to any, these 
games are to be archived at Sportsjuice for the next few weeks so that the 
listening public may replay them. More on this later.    Score:  A+

Umpiring    The 'blue crew' were professional in their appearance and game 
control, and few problems seemed to arise during games played. You always 
seem to encounter some questionable calls, as the Rise did, but this is 
part of the game. Someday we will all be highly paid professionals and 
never make a mistake. (sic)    Score:  B+

ISC Pitching Clinic    I attended the ISC pitching clinic on Tuesday 
afternoon at Mickleson Park, run by ISC pitching instructor Doug Gillis. As 
there were only 8-10 pitchers taking the clinic, Doug was able to work with 
each one, assessing strengths and flaws that he was able to pick out. 
Videos were taken of each pitcher, and analyzed after all were done. Back 
on the field afterwards to work on what we learned and yes, I can make a 
ball rise!! Lots more work for me in the winter. For all that are 
considering taking-up the art of pitching (or if you're a seasoned 
veteran), Gillis is the man to see. Excellent!!    Score:  A+

Weather    Absolutely, positively, ........windy and cold!!!!! (for 
August). I have played in Fargo a few times prior to this tournament, and I 
just don't remember the conditions to be as they were. A couple of 
raindrops here and there during the week was the only inclement weather 
encountered, as the 40MPH winds seemed to take care of drying out 
everything in sight. Truthfully, aside from two days of Chicago-like wind, 
the weather was enjoyable.    Score:  B

Souvenirs    There was plenty of items to be had, all at your normal 
Championship tournament prices. The quality of goods sold was high, and 
there was something for everybody. The selection of souvenirs over at the 
World Tournament at Jack Williams Stadium was better, and special prices 
were to be had if you waited until near the end. There were a ton of items 
left when I exited Fargo on Saturday morning, so there may be goods 
available through the ISC website.    Score:  A

Concessions    After being spoiled with all that Kimberly and Appleton had 
to offer in the way of edibles, I (as many) were disappointed in the menu 
and quality of the concessions. The people running the stands were very 
friendly and helpful, and they served you what they had with a smile. At 
Anderson and Mickleson Parks, you could drink in a designated area only, 
were as in the friendly confines of Jack Williams, you could watch games 
and consume (moderately, as Fargo's finest were roaming around). Has the 
price of beer in a plastic bottle reached Major League stadium proportions? 
$3.00 a beer seems to be a bit high. (Yes, I bought one...just 
one.)    Score:  C-

Photography    Coverage of all games at the ISC II TOC and the World 
Tournament was provided by Best of Times Sports & Event Photography of 
Fargo. The quality of the stills was exceptional and you had a plethora of 
pictures to view. There were multiple touch screen viewing monitors at each 
park location, and game pictures were loaded as soon as they were done. 
Navigating the screens to find what you wanted was a snap, as even our own 
computer genius' found their pics.    Score:  A+

Championship Game and Awards Ceremonies    As in 2003, the Harriston, ON 
Mercury's repeated their performance in claiming the 2004 Tournament of 
Champions title, with a thrilling (albeit sloppy) victory over the 
Tavistock Merchants in a all-Canadian final. Game scores and all the 
tournament coverage can be found on the ISC website. Following the 
Championship game, the tournament committee assembled the awards 
presentation, and along with team trophies to the top 3 finishers, 
individual awards were given to the Champs and runners-up. The Rise was 
represented on the ISC II TOC All Tournament Team, as outfielder Andy Sabo 
was selected. Congrats Andy, well deserved!!.    Score:  A

     All in all, this was a well run Championship and something the Rise 
team wants to qualify for in 2005. I am sure that the directors in Eau 
Claire, WI will run a class tournament, for that is what the ISC and their 
following expect.

Yours in FastballTom Vogel Gm Armour - Rise Fastpitch Team 
<http://www.risefastpitch.com>www.risefastpitch.com
mailto:t.vogel at verizon.net





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