Who are the best players in the Ohio Valley region? This is an open thread to discuss All-Region nominations, All-Freshman nominations, coaching awards, and more. Stay positive and keep it civil.
Aidan Martin-Weinbaum. He is so nasty, and only a freshman at Kenyon! I see great things in his future. Handsome too!
Hey all JM here coach at Messiah. Looking forward to another intense regionals in a couple of weeks! I’ll have more thoughts on the region as a whole and other teams after regionals and will definitely be posting here again. In the buildup to regionals I wanted to list some Messiah players who should receive consideration before regionals.
Cole Myers #1
Zac McIntire #37
Matt Siegrist #35
Colin Wages #95
Isaiah Cottrell #97
Daniel King #18
Gavin Kinch #43
Again I’m sure I’ll have much more to say after regionals. Have fun at conferences!
Hey, I’m Jacob from Cedarville (#24). Here’s a couple nominations who should definitely be considered for All Region this year.
#12 from Kenyon, not sure what his name is, but he ran the Kenyon offense and was an absolute matchup nightmare. His movement in the handler space was crazy good and he got open seemingly at will. We had to resort to running a zone with a dedicated guy covering just him and that still wasn’t enough.
#99 from Xavier (Liam or Leo maybe?) had some crazy good puts and was once again a matchup nightmare. Also was a big part of Xavier’s zone defense and made it hard to beat.
From Cedarville:
#17 Granite Lesko is still, to me, the best player in the region. He has the craziest throws in his bag, and can throw full field with both arms while placing it on a point. Also is lockdown on defense, trying to get open on that guy is impossible.
#51 Josh Kenniv, playing his first full season (after an injury his freshman year), was already one of the best players on the team, with crazy puts and insane bids. On defense, he was unbeatable in the deep space, forcing the other team to stick to short passes exclusively.
This is Max Schmiesing from Franciscan FATAL. I’ll add some thoughts on our opponents soon, but I’m going to start with my thoughts on my own teammates:
All Freshman:
- Taylor Lange- #17- Beast of a freshman, especially in the deep space, consistently comes down with contested discs in the endzone, is difficult to guard as a cutter, and can fill in the handle space against zone defenses where he consistently shreds.
All Region:
- Justin Wallace- #1- This guy has flown under the radar for way too long. He is statistically FATAL’s highest performing player, putting up numbers for D’s, Assists, and Goals in every single game. He is not flashy, but is so fundamentally sound and the numbers do not lie. He and Jude play almost every point and do not get tired. You can make an argument that he’s our best player, and with dudes like Jude Schmiesing and Matt Gregor on the team, that means he is insanely good.
- Jude Schmiesing- #63- Broski is him. He has an expansive throwing repertoire, and has to play against other team’s best defenders almost every game. He is also the main brain behind FATAL’s operations so from a strategic standpoint he deserves a lot of credit as well.
- Matthew Gregor- #51- Top scorer at Nationals last year? Short guy who skies dudes who are a foot taller than him? Yes and yes. He is such a dependable cutter with sure hands, and a great field-sense. So many toe-drag and layout catches. Very smart defender as well.
- Joseph Duerr- #14- Defensive powerhouse who comes in clutch in close games. Great layouts and catches, I can only imagine that he’s a pain to play against.
- Nick Canavan- #15- Another defensive powerhouse who is a handler’s nightmare, and a lynchpin in the frontline of our zone.
12 on Kenyon is Adam Blum. certified schnasty
Hey this is Liam (#11, tall, handsome) from Serf. OV was strong this year, lots of good players. I’ll shout some that stood out to me from regionals. GG Franciscan, good luck at natties. Y’all are a great team.
Fran: #1 (hat guy) very twitchy handler, drove the offense with break throws and uplines. Jude Gregor Max all strong per usual.
Oberlin: Ben (#4) and Ward (#23) are all region level for sure. Adam (#35) also very dynamic cutter and made a big impact in our games.
Messiah: always impressed by #43 and #35. Both strong defenders and main contributors on O
Dickinson: wish I had a chance to play you guys more than once, ggs. green clover pants handler and headband handler both very well rounded players.
And of course,
Kenyon: bunch of dawgs. Ryan Yarcusko (#18, solid 9.5/10 kinda short tho) and Nicky Forsyth (#23) from our d line earn a mention here, and y’all already know about Toby (15), Blum (12, 28), and Ethan (25). Aidan MW (17) roty.
Hey all, this is Aidan (#52) from Xavier Blob. OV always a lot of fun to play in, best of luck to Franciscan in Washington in a few weeks. A few thoughts after regionals this past weekend:
Oberlin: Ben (#4), as always, is a top-tier player. Always impressed by his game. #87 was also very solid all around, lot of fun to play against. Also have to shoutout their coach Drews (pretty sure its Drews). Love the spirit she brings and has continuously led Cows to be one of the most successful teams in the region.
Cedarville: Granite (#17) continues to amaze me with his throws (left or right handed). Also one of the best spirit guys I’ve ever played against. Locks in defensively, almost impossible to get open on him. #51 was also extremely solid with his throws and catches.
Franciscan: Jude solid as always, throws are perfect and has such an impact on the field. #1 was also great, solid with all his throws and has some great vision and knows where to be on the field at all times.
Grove: Fun game, #52 was really good as a handler, deep throws were great, #11 was also good all around. Forced us to switch game plans a few times.
We didn’t get to play Kenyon this weekend but I’ll still shoutout Liam. Kid’s a baller. At sectionals, #23 and #15 also had some great puts and were strong players.
Finally, from Blob: Cooper Varone (#6) just balled out this year, crazy deep puts and became a beast in the handle set. #22 Colin Bruggeman also was able to make any throw he wanted. Both of these guys have one more year, confident in their ability to push this squad further. On d line, #66 Brian Huber and #93 Christian Geary play with some crazy speed and intensity, took control of defense and made the zone tough to play against.
This is Toby Hughes (15) from Kenyon SERF with some shoutouts. We didn’t get to play Grove City at all this year so I don’t know anything about them. Sorry this is long as hell I’m a yapper.
Cedarville:
Unfortunately I don’t know his name or number but the tall main handler (maybe 17?? wore a red hat during sectionals) was a really impressive player. Incredibly hard to cover and his throws really brought the offense to life, not to mention how he could consistently get it done himself on a strike cut into the endzone. Would appreciate if someone could give me a name.
Messiah:
43 was one of the best defenders we played against all weekend, and a super high effort player. Also lots of grit and talent from 35. They really seemed to be the backbone of their team. High level stuff.
Oberlin:
Huge huge shoutout to Ward (23). Dude is a crazy athlete with great spacial awareness who consistently makes big plays without flinching. His combination of speed as a downfield cutter and shiftyness in the handler space makes him all around one of the best players in the region for sure. And as a defender, he is lockdown on handlers. Would be a snub not to have him as all-region.
Also, as always, Ben’s (4) skill with the disk is just a joy to watch. He plays quick in the handler space and always provides break throws to open the offense up. When Oberlin gets to the end zone Ben is often the one to find that perfect blade or inside to make it a goal. A true handler.
Franciscan:
Really impressed by #1 when we played Fran in the finals. Perhaps the quickest player on the field, and really good throws. Would easily say he should be on the all region list. Great defender as well
Jude shows why he’s the commander of the offense with his creativity with the disc in his hands. Really good in tight windows and has a super consistent huck as well. On a team that shines with their size and athleticism in the deep space especially, he’s a perfect fit.
Dickinson:
I really don’t know names or numbers here, sorry about that. Very talented handlers on this team with some totally sweet inside backhand brakes. Wish I could shoutout by name, very deserved. Also easily in running for chillest Ohio Valley team. Go Dumptrucks, hope we can play eachother more in the future.
Haverford:
Emile Roth (number unknown) absolutely flew for a layout d in their game against Oberlin. Was actually so hype. He’s a threat fs.
I don’t know any other names or numbers of people who I saw showing out super hard, sorry. Hope to play you guys again next year!
SERF
I mean how can you not be hyped af about Ethan Wagner’s (25) return for regionals? Who else could be out with knee problems for months and return and after one week of practice be the fastest guy on the field against any team? His ability to will a D into existance is incredible. Layout, skying someone, he can do whatever his team needs, and shines in big moments.
Liam Savona really made a statement this year with his play (and good looks… mmm…drooling). Super deep throwing bag, timely over the top throws against a zone, and solid, calm handling no matter what (don’t forget hucks). Style? Unmatched. Completely the heart and soul of SERF.
Adam Blum (28) is just like that. Actually crazy how good his hucks are from a standstill. Puts those johns on an absolute platter. The number of times I’ve seen him whip a full-field flick right under a defender’s arm is just ridiculous. Have not seen anyone else do what he does with the disc in terms of hucks in DIII, especially flicks. Beast.
Ryan “the enforcer” Yarcusko is just so damn fast. In his senior szn he has added a super deep offensive bag to his defensive ability he was known for previously. Really good cutting instincts. So consistent. Cool sunglasses at all times.
Nicky (23) has incredible game instinct and altheticism to match anyone on the field. He didn’t play ultimate before Kenyon and already as a junior he has some of the highest defensive IQ I see from any player in DIII. He sets up most of our junkie sets and makes adjustments on the fly that allow us to gum up offenses. Also his dog is super cute and fluffy.
Teams are lucky that Micah (99) wasn’t able to play at regionals this year. Steady presence on O-line, gets open when needed, basically never turns it over, and gets sturdy on the line while waiting for a pull. I think he flies under the radar for lack of flashy plays, but in terms of numbers he just hardly ever makes a mistake. Plays strong handler d as well.
Aidan M-W for freshman of the year easy. Fit so seamlessly into our offense, and just roofed the shit out of people. I mean, come on now. Also, a great defender in deep space or against handlers. A real do-it-all guy. 3 more years? Damn.
Yo, what up OV this is Nicky (#23) from Kenyon. Here are my thoughts (Hopefully not too biased):
First Team (no order):
Jude Schmiesing #63 Franciscan
Justin Wallace #1 Franciscan
Toby Hughes #15 Kenyon
Ethan Wagner #25 Kenyon
Ryan Ward #23 Oberlin
Mathew Gragor #51 Franciscan
Liam Savona #11 Kenyon
Second Team:
Adam blum #28 Kenyon
Ben Fuguet #4 Oberlin
Max Schmiesing #36 Franciscan
Josh Kenniv #51 Cedarville
Matt Siegrist #35 Messiah
Green Pj pants on Dickinson
Aidan Martin-Weinbaum #17 Kenyon
Roty:
1.Aidan Martian-Weinbaum #17 Kenyon
2.Taylor Lange #17 Franciscan
3. Jacob Milne #24 Cederville
Coty:
Oberlin
I’d also like to give a big shout-out to the green guys and the wings for making this year great!!
Hey this is Aidan M-W from Kenyon (#17) wanted to offer up some thoughts mostly on some people I haven’t seen mentioned as much yet:
#1 on Franciscan: honestly one of the most difficult matchups I’ve taken in high school college, YCCs, or club. Super fast, super twitchy, legs for days, consistent break throws. Really important in keeping the disc moving for their offense.
#71 (I think) on oberlin: small, but super explosive and fast. Made plays all over the field including 2 chase down d’s on deeps against 2 of our fastest guys. Comes out of nowhere to make a great play, and so fast despite his size.
#1 on Messiah: works well in the cutter and handler space. Super effective in their dominator. Very fast and super effective cuts.
Now for some Kenyon people:
Liam Savona(11) one of, if not the best do it all guys on offense, effortless and deep bag of break throws, great hucks, can do it in the handler and cutter space. An amazing leader too.
Ryan Yarcusko: hands down the best handler defender in the region. Insane change of direction, super quick. Amazing small ball player in the handler space for our d line offense.
Nicky Forsyth: insane that he started playing in college. Super athletic , helps keep our d line offense moving. Great player in the air. Amazing mind for defense, masterminding some of our junk sets.
Matt Gregor (#51) here from Franciscan. Not the best with remembering names/numbers but will try my best.
1st Team All-Region
Jude Schmiesing #63 Franciscan
Justin Wallce #1 Franciscan
Toby Hughes #15 Kenyon
Dickinson Player, taller, great hands, good throws, but don’t know name & number (maybe 67?). Same dude Max Schmiesing is referencing
Zac McIntire #37 Messiah
Ethan Wagner #25 Kenyon
Ben Fuguet #4 Oberlin
Rookie of the Year
Taylor Lange #17 Franciscan
Honorable Mentions and/or Quality Performances
Aidan Martin-Weinbaum #17 Kenyon
Gavin Kinch #43 Messiah
Dickinson pajama pants
Adam Blum #28 Kenyon
Nicky #23 Kenyon
Liam Savona #11 Kenyon
Max Schmiesing #36 Franciscan
Joe Duerr #14 Franciscan
Nick Canavan #15 Franciscan
Andrew Carmody #4 Franciscan
Luke Updike #98 Franciscan
I apologize for any misspellings or wrong numbers. Please correct me on anything I have wrong or if you know the names of those I did not
Max Schmiesing from FATAL, back for my thoughts on other teams:
Top Players:
- Toby H #15- Kenyon- In my opinion, he is Kenyon’s best player. I was talking with my brother Jude afterwards, and Jude said he was one of, if not the best defender in the handle space. Toby is a beast, so composed on the field, and never stops.
- Tall guy from Dickinson…I tried everything to find this guys jersey number or name and could not for the life of me. The best I’ve got is that his off season white jersey was the Queen of Diamonds. He was a beast at everything though, especially good in the air.
- Ben F #4- Oberlin- Everyone knows Ben, great thrower, good sportsman, his throws look effortless and are so fun to watch.
- Zac McIntire #37- Messiah- All around great player. Can throw, cut, and defend very well.
- Liam Savona #11- Kenyon- jack-of-all-trades on offense, consistent, dependable component of their team.
Honorable Mentions:
- Adam Blum #28- Kenyon- Guy is shifty and great thrower with fast releases. One of my least favorite matchups because he’s simply too quick for me.
- Nicky #23- Kenyon- Great player, I think he fills a very necessary niche and role for Kenyon’s team, defensively and offensively. He also has such good sportsmanship and composure. Sets a good example for me and everyone else he plays against.
- Aidan MW #17 Kenyon- Great cutter, difficult to defend and difficult to play offense against in the deep space.
- Ethan Wagner #25 Kenyon- I respect the return from injury and still being such an impactful player for the team, especially on defense.
- Ryan Y- Another sticky defender with great hustle. Makes you not want to have the disc in your hands.
- Cole Myers #1- Messiah- Super fast cutter, outlet player with good throws. Very difficult to guard.
- Long, dark-haired guy on Oberlin- I respect his hustle and is a pretty good lock-down defender. Bailing out his teammates with his cutting.
Dickinson guy is Warner Brockman I’m pretty sure. I’m surprised I haven’t seen his name in here more. But I’m fairly certain he’s the best guy on Dickinson.
Green clover Pajama pants guy is Tobey Patton
Griffin Meyer (4) and Kyle Boozer (69) lead the best chants in the OV and it ain’t even close. They’re a dual threat; a perfect combination of exceptional creativity and pitch, frightening opposing teams with chants about divorce, driving under the influence, new side etc. SERFin4.
OV first-team All-Tinder line
Henry Markwardt - too cool for numbers
Will Margeson - 3
Nicky Forsyth - 23
Jack Ross - 9
Please feel free to add your nominations below with the dawgs from your team
OV first-team All-Shotgun line (Busch lite regulation)
Ford Young - 45
Adam Blum - 12/28
Brendan Kolerich - 16
Nick Weber - 19
Kyle Boozer - 69
Nicky Forsyth - #23
Henry Markwardt - too cool for numbers
you simply can’t talk about the Ohio Valley without talking about Caleb Nelson. The 6’3 220 rookie from Haverford has turned the division on its head. His game IQ and pure speed are unmatched. His universe point Callahan at Bring the Huckus was just unreal. Word on the street is that he just signed a UFA deal for $100 a game, really impressive at his age. Although it must be said that his sportsmanship and body control need some work, I think his 4 red cards this season may be a record.
Wallace Livingston here from the Haverford team out of Haverford New York. My pick for top player in the region would have to be Caleb Nelson. Despite his small frame at 4’9 90lbs he has been doing incredible things, including throwing amazing low breaks by simply throwing his high breaks. Many have been calling him the Tiger Woods of Ohio Valley D-III College Ultimate scene, and I think I might have to agree. After I saw his universe point callahan I cried for three days.
Whattup up OV. This is Jack Ryan (#87) from Oberlin. another electric regionals love seeing yall every year. Some folks I wanted to shoutout that I thought were dawgs all tournament
SERF: That kid on Kenyon #17 balled out. Menace in the skies. Remember seeing him at the learnament and thinking he was gonna be a killer. Toby (#15) can do no wrong it seems. Liam (#11, tall, handsome) so explosive and smart. seems like a great leader too. Nicky (#23) also just such a solid player I wish he got more recognition here the dude can flat out play. Would love to party with him one day seems like a vibe. Matter of fact all of Serf seems like a vibe we gotta hang out more love yall.
Blob: #52 was also a beast man. Athletic as hell and loved playing against him. Great spirit.
Fatal: Yall already got enough going for you im not gonna stroke you off anymore. Good luck at natties go represent the OV. do it for Pope Francis
Scranton: 29 on Scranton had some absolute dimes all weekend. Felt like even when he overthrew his cutter it was just because the cutter slowed down. That spinny huck will haunt me for weeks.
Oberlin: My cows. You all know Ben (#4) I dont need to say much anymore. Bix (#55) needs to get on your radar. I dont think he has ever been skied. Funniest guy on the team, and has that friggin twitch you dream about in a cutter. So explosive off a jump cut and will box you out then roof you after you fouled him to get back in position. He’s an amazing player and person. Chiller, so to speak. Also Simon Korotzer-Mariani (#12) is the love of my life. He is flawless.
Here’s my crack at the first team all-OV. I wish I could put all of you. or at least most of you. actually only Nicky on kenyon i wish i could put him here.
First team
Jude Schmiessing 63 Franny
Ben Fuguet 4 Oberlin
Toby Hughes 15 SERF
Ryan Ward 23 Oberlin
Matthew Gregor 51 Franny
Justin Wallace 1 Francis
Bix Weissberg* 55 Oberlin
*yeah yeah call me biased whatever. he was injured for Sunday. you all were spared his wrath.
have a good summer yall cya at Force Freedom next year