Hello folks, it is that time of year and your favorite content writer is back at it again! This time he is previewing a battle between the top two teams in the Midway Conference, the Platteville Pioneers (UWP) and the Nebraska Cornhuskers (UNL). It has been a tradition the last few years for these teams to meet up for their first games and have at it. This year the tournament is being held on October 6, 2018 at the Colosseum of the Recreation Center (address is 841 N 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-1282). Below is the schedule for the day.
| Time | Team 1 | Team 2 |
| 9:00a.m.-9:30a.m. | Warm-ups | |
| 9:30a.m.- 10:45a.m. | UWP Varsity | UNL Varsity |
| 10:45a.m.- 12:00p.m. | UWP Varsity | UNL Varsity |
| 12:00p.m.- 1:45p.m. | UWP Varsity | UNL Junior Varsity |
Thoughts
Well, in all the times that I have played against the Cornhuskers, I have to say that this is the most excited that I have ever been to play them. I have high expectations for them this year and I think the matches are going to be very entertaining. This year’s team could be the best UNL team ever, which will make it tough for Platteville. Time will tell if UWP will be able to husk Nebraska or if UNL will “pix” a part the pioneers one by one.
In looking at the teams it is very interesting, UNL is returning a lot of players and so is Platteville. Platteville has lost several key players, but I believe the holes are being filled. They are taking a team with only two players with more than two years experience. The rest are all sophomores and freshmen. Will this inexperience hurt the Pioneers, it is hard to say. I know that I’m ready to play and back to my old self and ready to show UNL again why I’m the better dodgeball player compared to my brother. Platteville will be looking to make catches like it is their job (not a bad job to have)! One of the big questions I have, will this be the first tournament Ryan Wall doesn’t get hit in the face with a dodgeball (stay tuned for the recap article next week to find out)?
UNL this time around will not be an inexperienced crew on the court and will be led by Tanner Obermeier who is looking for a win against the Pioneers once more. They also have another talent on the court UWP will have to look out for and I expect big things from him this year. His name is Brennan Roberson aka “Moose”, he is very talented in catching, throwing, and has a killer smile. If Platteville is not careful, they could get distracted by this smile giving UNL enough time to strike and obtain several key outs. I’m also looking forward to see how Gwendolyn Johnson will play at this tournament. She impressed me last year and she did enough to be all American. My hope is this year she learns to grip the ball and develop that throw because if she can do that, in a few years she will be dangerous to play against.
Thoughts from Players
Grace Lonergan (UNL)
“Even though UNL lost a large part of their team from last year, our new recruits have a lot of promise. We have a fresh start ahead and we are ready for action. Last year, our rookie team was not prepared for UWP’s intensity. However, our team this year will be able to hold more than their own. I think the outcome will be 3-2 UNL. UWP is quick and have power to their throws, but I believe this year UNL can fire back with just as much power.
With the graduation of exceptional players on both teams, the players to watch will be the newcomers. From what I have witnessed, UNL’s returners such as Brennan Roberson, Rob Gabel, and Tanner Obermeier will be a force to be reckoned with. But there are a few freshmen that will surprise everyone. As for UWP, the Zander brothers aren’t going to give up to us easily. Their team is packed with passion for the sport and have been practicing just as hard as UNL. This tournament will be one to keep an eye on.”
Jacob Sebranek (UWP)
“UWP had a disappointing end to their season last year. Many on the team thought we could have done better. However, with a strong group of experienced returners and a large group of seniors UWP looks to take advantage of this weekend. Led by captains Mark Liedtke and Austin Kurey; as well as Logan Stevenson and Ian Pongratz who are red hot right now, UWP looks to make a commanding statement against UNL. UNL did really well at Nationals last year and made great improvement throughout the year. I believe Tanner has been itching all summer for a chance for UNL to beat UWP this weekend. My prediction UWP 4 UNL 3.”
Predictions
Colby Briceland– UWP def UNL 7-1 & UWP def UNL 5-2
Felix Perrone– UWP def UNL 4-3 OT & UNL def UWP 3-1
Final thoughts
These are going to be fun games to watch and more competitive than they have ever been. Who will come out on top is anybody’s guess and we would love to hear from you and what you think. Who is going to win and what will the scores be? As a reminder, these games will be live-streamed for all to watch.