Albeit biased, if I could vote for an open division
candidate this year, it would be Dave Wiseman.
When casting their ballots, voters are to take the following
criteria into account when evaluating the candidates' play
during the season:
A. Overall Offensive and Defensive Abilities
I have gotten to know Dave over the past few years and have
seen him develop from quiet and uncertain, to being a
dominant defender, receiver, and thrower. I have never seen
anyone work harder to achieve these sorts of results--C team
to starting player on one of the most successful ultimate
teams in the country.
His impact on the Wisconsin D line is huge. His pulls are
unrivaled in the college division, he has control over in
even the most ridiculous of conditions, as demonstrated over
and over again. His throws are powerful, yet precise.
He has come back from what could have been a season-ending
back injury this spring strong as ever. People watching him
play now would hardly know that he spent nearly 3 months off
without running. Yet, he attended all practices and helped
his teammates improve, as another set of eyes on the
sidelines. His dedication can be seen in the improvement of
the newer Hodags this season, especially defensively.
B. Dedication to Ultimate and Leadership Ability
I have also had the the experience to watch him from an
outside perspective, before I really knew him. It was Dave
who challenged my beliefs about Open players at bigger
programs not really caring about the development of the
sport. I have seen him, first hand, work with more people
individually to improve their game, more so than nearly any
player I know. I cannot count a summer league game, a pick
up game, a pick up tournament, a skills clinic, that Dave
has attended and not stayed longer to help someone improve.
In fact, I have often been on the receiving end of his help,
as he has played a huge role in my personal improvement and
ability to bounce back after my third knee surgery in Fall
2010.
He has spent numerous hours traveling to high schools to
share his love of the game with several high schools in the
greater Madison area. He organized several high school
clinics during the 2011-2012 season alone, and has taken on
a mentor role for numerous youth players in the area. I do
not know many players who take the amount of time out of his
week to help others develop skills.
His passion for helping other people improve, much the way
he has, is inspiring. He challenges his friends and
teammates to do the same every single day.
C. Sportsmanship
What separates Dave from the rest of the competition this
year is his commitment to sportsmanship and Spirit of the
Game. Dave plays hard and plays physically. Yet, at the same
time, he is the first to help an opponent up after a great
bid, and pay a complement when it is due. In a game I played
with him, an opponent got a layout D on an errant throw.
Dave turned to him, helped him up and told him what a
ridiculous play it was. He is not too proud to admit when
someone else makes a great play.
Dave will shake his opponent's hand after a well-battled
point, regardless of the outcome. It is because Dave truly
enjoys playing the game, and honestly cares that others
enjoy the game as well. You don't see him making retaliatory
calls to spite someone, but you see him play hard through
it, and say "Nice point."
----
As someone who has developed much of my ultimate experience
to helping others, Dave challenges me every day to keep
improving and keep working hard to do more for other
athletes in the game. He is selfless and cares about his
teammates, his program, and his sport. These characteristics
are important to his teammates, his friends, and to me--and
that is why we endorse his candidacy without hesitation.
Vote Dave Wiseman.
Robyn Fennig
Iowa Saucy Nancy (2010-2011)
Wisconsin-Eau Claire (2007-2010)
Ultimate Enthusiast...and future Mrs. Dave Wiseman