Never in Llama Dodgeball history has a season begun with such hope and anticipation as the 2008-09 Winter season. After taking home the title over the Summer, DL White reached the finals once again in the Fall yet failed to complete their task. All four teams reached the playoffs that season, finishing with a .500 record or better, yet there was still that final hill to climb over.

With 30 teams entered for the Winter season, the path would be much more difficult, yet everyone took it in stride, even as their teams struggled a bit more than the Fall. White once again claimed the #2 seed and reached the Gold playoffs, as did Black with the #6. Blue and Green clinched spots in the Silver playoffs, finishing #16 and #21, respectively.

The night began with the Silver bracket, as Green struggled a bit, yet held their own ground. As a team comprised mostly of young dodgeball prospects, they took their struggles as a lesson in humility and played the upset card in the final week of the regular season, going 7-3 and kicking teams out of the Silver playoffs. Mimi Drozd and Brent Soncini made vast improvements to their throwing skills, and Elizabeth Swanson provided much-needed leadership. Though they were eliminated in the first round, their confidence should carry over to the Spring.

Blue’s path through the Silver Bracket was a difficult one, but they stuck with it and made it all the way to the bracket finals. Without captains Mike Bizier or Jared Calise to lead the team, it was up to the rest of the squad to band together. Joe Tice made most of the stunning plays on the night, but it was Khristopher Miller’s patience and confidence that kept them in each and every game.

The Gold playoffs began late, and Black’s impatience to get things started showed as they took a 2-1 lead on their first round opponent. Rookie Kevin Neville was a great addition to an already-talented roster, and captain Brad Bodell kept the many skilled players in check. Their season ended quite unsatisfactory, yet the team’s dedication will surely carry into the next session, as the entire roster but 1 will be returning.

After the other three teams were eliminated, they settled in for the long road as White stormed through the Gold bracket. Winning their first two series 3-0, they were put face-to-face with their league rivals, the Guerilla Bombers. Captain Tom Boates orchestrated a the attack, while Erin Calamari, one of the best dodgers in the league, found herself in the end of every game. Although they were defeated in the championship game for the second straight season, the team’s will and determination should put them in a great spot for next season as well.

Great job by all four Llama teams, and good luck in the Spring season as DL goes for a 5th straight Finals appearance.

2009 kicked off with a bang as nearly fifty Llamas packed the Verona Restaurant in Watertown to celebrate the 2008 Golden Llamas award winners. Thank you for everyone one who made 2008 great, and here is looking to 2009 as a year that will eclipse it.

If you were unable to make the festivities, here is a rundown of the 2008 Golden Llama recipients:
Llama of the Year - Thomas Boates
Dodgeball Player of the Year - Shane Knowles
Softball Player of the Year - Jen Kuzmick
Soccer Player of the Year - Andrea Nykiel
Volleyball Player of the Year - Caitlyn Cassara
Basketball Player of the Year - Patrick Brown
Rookie of the Year - Scott Tarentino
Captain of the Year - Dave Claffey
Most Inspirational - Caitlyn Cassara

Most improved:
Dodgeball - Mike Bizier
Softball - Victoria Catalan
Soccer - Mark Goodman
Volleyball - Thomas Boates
Football - Danielle Sullivan
Ultimate - Erin Calamari
Basketball - Matt Guerra