Horsecows suffer setback

The Oberlin Flying Horsecows got their hearts broken last Sunday when they lost to Ohio University 15-11 in Columbus. The game decided which team would get the section's fourth bid to club regionals - or at least the competitors thought it did. As it turns out, there never was any fourth bid to club regionals from the section. Too bad for OU, a real damn shame.

The game signified a major improvement for the 'Cows, who had lost to OU 13-3 on the Saturday of the previous weekend in Cincinnati at club sectionals. The Columbus game was a continuation of that tournament's second day, where lightning postponed what would have been the day's final game between Oberlin and OU.

The game began with OU jumping out to a 2-0 early advantage, but Oberlin got back on track and stayed close the entire game. Essentially trading scores, OU took the 'Cows to half with the score 8-6. Oberlin came out in the second half with several scores but OU's offense did not relent, either. OU took a commanding lead, and, despite a late surge from the 'Cows, OU's lead proved too great as they captured the contest.

The game included one other sad note, as well. It was perhaps the last contest of the 1998-99 campaign for junior Paul "Dang�" Pitcher, who this past week had shoulder surgery. The 'Cows, unfortunately, couldn't win one for the Gipper.

Following the exhausting let-down, the Whoring (or Horny) Cowflys, Oberlin's non-starters, lost a scrimmage against a half-starter Ohio State team. The score wasn't really important. "What really mattered was that we got to play," first-year Adam Marvel said. "And I got to stick my tongue out some more. Like Michael Jordan, only different."

Despite the disappointing outcome, the Horsecows were able to salvage some good from the contest. First-year Jake "Frodo" Schlessinger said, "[Captain senior] Ben Grubb played so well I want to marry him." Indeed, Grubb played some top-notch disc, hauling in several scores.

Other bright spots included the large amounts of solid playing time for several of the sophomores and first-years, which gives a team already flush with veteran experience just one more weapon in the remainder of the club season. "I really like getting playing time," first-year Isaac "Inky" Deter-Wolf said. "It gives me this warm fuzzy feeling inside, like when I'm sitting by an open fireplace, petting a fuzzy little kitten. You know what I'm talking about?"

The 'Cows next play on the first weekend of fall break, Oct. 17 and 18, in Ann Arbor. The tournament features many of the Midwest's finest college teams, including perennial superpower Carleton College. But if the first two weekends of steadily improving play are any indication, the 'Cows will show up to play.

-Jacob Kramer-Duffield is a member of the ultimate frisbee team.