Team Name: Fist
College: University of Illinois
City/State: Urbana Champaign, IL
Website: http://www.illinoisultimate.com

Coaches: Andy Zill, Xi Xia

Players:

#1 - Dave Swedler, Senior, 5'10"
#2 - Mike Clarke, Junior, 5'8"
#3 - Joel Koehneman, Freshman, 6'0"
#5 - Brian Benjamin, Junior, 6'0"
#6 - Bill Finn, Grad, 6'3"
#7 - Steve Mathias, Freshman, 6'1"
#8 - Brian Schmidt, Junior, 5'11"
#9 - Chris Hagen, Grad, 6'0"
#10 - Brian Korbesmeyer, Freshman, 6'0"
#11 - Matthew Clarke, Junior, 6'4"
#12 - Patrick Stephens, Freshman, 6'1"
#13 - Hernando Tellez, Grad, 5'8"
#14 - Jim Haan, Junior, 6'0"
#20 - Nick McDuffee, Senior, 5'9"
#24 - Matt Stupca, Grad, 6'0"
#31 - Sam Jennings, Junior, 6'0"
#42 - Cole Richter, Freshman, 6'2"
#43 - Jacob Segil, Freshman, 5'8"
#55 - Eric Richardson, Senior, 6'3"
#66 - Eytan Solomon, Grad, 5'5" (not playing)
#84 - Matt Welsh, Junior, 6'0"

TEAM HISTORY/SEASON RECAP

The University of Illinois Ultimate Team made their first appearance to College Nationals in 2002. After earning the Great Lakes its first strength bid and finishing tied for 9th that year, Illinois hoped to prove that their first trip was not a fluke. After a dominating 2003 season and three bids in the Great Lakes (GL) region, a repeat trip was almost a lock. This was secured with a victory over MSU in the backdoor finals of the 2003 GL Regionals. After a tough loss in the 2003 Nationals Quarterfinals, the forecast didn't look good for the Illini who were losing half their starting rotation for 2004. However, hard work and dedication have once again paid off. As the second seed out of the GL region, Illinois will be arriving at nationals in the fashion they play best, as an underdog with something to prove. Fortunately, the large number of graduating seniors did not include their two biggest play makers and captains Bill Finn(6) and Nick McDuffee(20), the heart and soul of the team. Other great returners include Matt Welsh(84), Sam Jennings(31), Eric Richardson(55), and preseason acquisition Matt Stupca(24). Up and coming rookies include defensive star Joel Koehneman(3), and Pat Stephens(12). Illinois also boasts a unique twin brother duo, 5'8" Mike Clarke(2), and 6'4" Matt Clarke(11) who are the shortest and tallest players on the team.