- Pawel Janas
Note: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the WUL.
The talking heads are off partying in Ibitha this week, so today is an excellent opportunity to answer some spicy letters to the editor. Thank you, everyone, for sending in your questions and concerns - you can always reach the West Perspective editorial desk at pawel.janas8@gmail.com.
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DEAR PAUL: I must inquire about the Utah Wild of the Western Ultimate League, for I have recently heard of this team's prowess on the field of sport. As a gentleman of the highest order, I am most intrigued by the notion of athletic competition, particularly of the Ultimate variety. Couldst thou provide me with any information regarding the Utah Wild, such as their players, tactics, or record of success? I am most eager to learn more, and to perhaps witness a match firsthand. — WILDIN IN SALT LAKE
DEAR WILDIN IN SALT LAKE: I’ve always wanted to communicate, albeit virtually, with a 17th-century Brit, so thanks for the opportunity. I am delighted to hear of your interest in the Utah Wild.
The timing of your letter could not have been better. Week 7 (tomorrow and Sunday) is the Wild Wild Weekend, with LA/Colorado/Utah/SF competing across four games at the Judge Memorial High School in Salt Lake City. With SD already qualifying for Championship Weekend, it’s coming down to that second spot in the Southwest. For all intents and purposes, LA needs to win both games (against CO and UT) to have a shot - their minus-20 point differential is not looking too hot; otherwise, the winner of AZ vs. SF is in the driver’s seat. There is still a lot we don’t know about the Wild (played only two games), or the Northwest race for the 2nd spot after Seattle, so this weekend is pivotal. Keep your eye out on #58 Kercher and #48 Songer. According to head coach Michael Aguilar, the best seven players in the league are on the Wild - we’ll see about that.
If you are able to witness a game firsthand, I encourage you to do so. You can find all the info here. I'm sure you will find it to be a most enjoyable experience. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.
For this letter, I gift you the following:
-Pawel
Editor-in-chief
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DEAR PAVEL: My teenager is obsessed with the WUL, and I have to admit that I'm getting tired of hearing about it. But now they're talking about these "top players" in the league, and I have no idea who they are or why they're so important. Can you give me some insight into who these players are and what makes them stand out? I'm hoping to find some common ground with my teen and maybe even learn to appreciate this sport a little more. – JADED PARENT
DEAR JADED PARENT: I can understand your frustration with your teenager's obsession with the WUL, but I commend you for wanting to learn more about the sport and its top players. Ultimate is a fast-paced, exciting game that requires skill, athleticism, and strategy, and the top players in the league are some of the best in the world.
I encourage you to check out our blog from last week where we lay out the case for All-WUL ballots after the first half of the season. There is a lot of talent in the league on both sides of the ball, and you can watch every game live and playbook on our YouTube channel. Like and subscribe!
By learning more about the sport and its top players, you may find a newfound appreciation for Ultimate and the passion it inspires in your teenager. Who knows, you may even find yourself cheering alongside them at the next game!
For this letter, I gift you the following:
Best of luck,
Pawel
Editor-in-chief
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DEAR PAWAL: Okay, so I was at the game the other day, and like, it was soooooo boring! The same teams keep winning over and over again, and it's just not fair! Like, where's the parity, you know? It's like, why even bother playing if you already know who's gonna win? How can we get more teams to be competitive and make things more interesting? I'm so over watching the same teams dominate every time– DRUNK AND DISILLUSIONED
DEAR DRUNK AND DISILLUSIONED: I can understand your frustration with the lack of parity in the league. It’s an issue (for some, not me) that we talk about every week here at West Perspective. It's no fun to watch the same teams (Seattle, San Diego) win all the time (again, for some - I love it), and it can make the games seem predictable and unexciting. However, it's important to remember that building competitive teams takes time, effort, and resources. Many of the top teams in the league have invested heavily in their players, coaching, and infrastructure to achieve the level of success they enjoy.
At the same time, you have to remember that some of the best players in the West/Mountain West are not currently in the league. How good would Colorado be with Molly Brown players? How about Fury on the Falcons? The prospect of watching club semis-type games on a weekly basis in 2024 and beyond is tantalizing, to say the least.
Ultimately, as we discussed in our inaugural column, it's up to the league and its stakeholders to determine the best path forward.
For this letter, I gift you the following:
Grab a Suja juice and sober up,
Pawel
Editor-in-chief
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DEAR POWELL: I recently visited the San Diego Super Bloom and was blown away by the incredible beauty of the flowers. However, I couldn't help but feel guilty about the impact that so many visitors might be having on the delicate ecosystem. I'm worried that too many people are trampling the flowers and disrupting the habitat. Should I be concerned about the impact of so many visitors, or is the Super Bloom robust enough to handle the crowds? What can I do to minimize my own impact and still enjoy this natural wonder? - FLOWER FOLLOWER
DEAR FLOWER FOLLOWER: While this is not my area of expertise, it's great that you're aware of the impact that visitors can have on delicate ecosystems like the San Diego Super Bloom. While it's true that large crowds can cause damage to the flowers and habitat, there are ways to minimize your impact while still enjoying the beauty of the area.
First, stay on designated trails and avoid stepping on any flowers or plants. It's also a good idea to avoid picking any flowers or disturbing any wildlife you may encounter. Additionally, be sure to properly dispose of any trash you may have, as litter can harm the environment and wildlife.
Finally, consider visiting during off-peak hours or less popular days to help reduce crowding. And if you're interested in doing more to support the environment, consider volunteering with local conservation organizations or donating to conservation efforts in the area.
For this letter, I gift you the following:
Best of luck,
Pawel
Editor-in-chief
This Week’s Contributors:.
Pawel Janas (he/him) is the curator of West Perspective, so send your complaints his way. He plays for the Los Angeles Aviators in the AUDL and Chicago Machine in the USAU Men's Club Division. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram at @secondarypotato.