Middlebury Pranksters Headed to D3 Nationals

The Pranksters are competing in D3 nationals this weekend. We asked Dylan Salzman (captain and Ultiworld's Donovan Award shortlist) a few questions about their process and goals.

Q: How did you feel about regionals?

A: We felt pretty good about regionals. Our team was not at full strength due to injuries but we did a good job ratcheting up our intensity when we needed to, and we accomplished what we came here for. We had a blast, but it made us hungry for more.

Q: What are your goals at Natties?

A: Our goal all season has been to peak in our last game of the season. If that ended up being at regionals, so be it; if it's the quarterfinals at nationals, and we lose, so be it; if it's the finals, and we win, that's also great. That sort of process-oriented goal makes it easier to evaluate our progress throughout the season, rather than having a defined ending place that we want to achieve.

Q: What makes your team unique? 

A: We're unique because we love to have fun with each other. This may not sound unique--but I've never been a part of a team that loves each other more than this one. Every minute we get to spend together, on and off the field, is a joy.

Q: What is your team ethos or mantra?

A: Our team mantra is LIGMA: Love, Intellect, Grit, Maturation, and Accomplish. It sums up everything that we've wanted to bring to the table all year.