Submitted by Ferko

There are many factors that we can control to prepare for Nationals such as our fitness, pace of the game, possession, nutrition and hydration however there are many factors that we cannot control such as the location/travel and expense, weather/climate changes, field conditions and referee calls during the game. The Angels will be well prepared for all factors that are within and beyond our control:

1. To handle the location/travel and expense – the Angels were all very supportive of their teammates and making sure that we found a way to get all teammates to Houston no matter what. For those who needed help with funds other teammates were generous enough to help out to make sure that no Angel was left behind. We are a team and we will travel together as a team no matter what it takes to get everyone there. Also the pub and club was generous enough to help pay for the costs of vans and hotel fees.  Lastly, we have a website where friends, family or fans can help donate money to support the team.

2. To prepare for the weather/climate change in Houston the Angels will arrive in Houston one day in advance and we will have a light practice on Friday to help our bodies get adjusted to the climate change. Also I feel as if we are very fortunate that Pittsburgh has a variety of climate changes throughout the year. I feel like this will be beneficial in preparing our bodies for the weather in Houston. The Angels train, practice and play almost all year long (in the summer heat to the winter cold) therefore this factor should not affect us so much due to the many ups and downs in temperature that we see here in Pittsburgh throughout the year.

3. Field Conditions – again since the Angels will have a light practice on Friday we can prepare ourselves for the field conditions that we will have during the tournament.

4. Referee calls during the game - The Angels are working hard at practice to prepare ourselves for the many different Referee variations that we may see at Nationals. The Angels will come to the rucks going through the gate to make sure we are not offsides at the ruck.  The Angels will also be prepared to handle all penalty calls that may come up during our games. The Angels will retreat quickly by back pedaling and we will come up hard on defense to deny the quick ball play.

ANGELS THIS IS OUR YEAR

WE ARE UNDEFEATED THIS SEASON

WE ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT

IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED - PLAY HARD, STAY POSITIVE, STAY FOCUSED AND TRUST YOUR TEAMMATES AND COACH IN THEIR DECISIONS!

WE AS A TEAM HAVE MET OUR GOALS THIS SEASON SO FAR BUT DO NOT FORGET ABOUT OUR OVERALL FINAL GOAL:

TO BECOME THE NATIONAL DIVISION II CHAMPIONS

GO ANGELS!!!!!!!!!!!