Now Playing on UVtv: Open Final - Rhino vs Dragon (20 minutes)

For the past few years, the North West region has been alternating between 3 and 4 open bids for the UPA Club Championships. With Furious, Sockeye and JAM consistently making the quarters and semis since 2003, three bids have been assured. What the NW hasn’t been able to produce is a 4^th seed capable of making quarters. That may change in 2006 with Rhino charging on to the scene.

Last year at NW Regionals Rhino took an 8-5 lead into half vs JAM, but they were not able to close the game and JAM squeaked out the 15-14 victory. In the end, they would lose to Sockeye 15-11 in the back door bracket. With only 3 bids from the NW, Kaos too came up short, losing to Sockeye by the same score. It was Kaos who had occupied the 4^th bid in 2004, but they were unable to crack the top eight, finishing 11^th.

Now, loaded with young talent from the OU program, this Portland based team looks poised to take the next step. Even with the loss of Aaron Richards and Brian Schneider, Rhino looked strong, top to bottom. Seth Wiggins has returned from a year off looking hungrier than ever, ready to match up with anyone. He was a deep threat all weekend and Dusty Becker had no problem finding him with the disc. (Highlights on UVtv)

Becker, a sophomore at OU, has the best deep throws I’ve seen since Jeff Cruickshank, consistently putting up flat hucks and allowing his receivers to make the play. (Highlights on UVtv) He is also a dangerous cutter, able to pull down discs over taller defenders. Despite a rocky finish in the finals, look for him to have break out season.

What’s most impressive about Rhino is the way they move the disc. Their constant motion O, and relentless cutting proved too much for Sockeye, who came to Eugene with a full roster and was my odds on favorite for the weekend. Despite some big plays by Sockeye’s usual suspects (Highlights on UVtv), they were unable to contain the young Oregon handlers, bowing out on double game point.

Rhino went on to battle Dragon in the Finals. Stay tuned for Finals coverage tomorrow.

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