State Championships are an essential part of the youth divisions development. First and foremost, playing in a state championship is a qualifies a team for Easterns - Easterns is the tournament for high school teams on the east side of the Mississippi. Easterns brings some of the best High School teams in the county for an amazing weekend of ultimate.

Second, it provides another opportunity for players to participate in a two day tournament. One of the biggest challenges in my early Ultimate career (besides learning the flick) was adjusting to the rigors of playing in an intense two day tournament. I thought I was in good shape but quickly found climbing a flight of stairs extremely difficult. The impact isn't just physical, however, maintaining the required mental focus is equally if not more difficult. Regardless of the level of preparation a team just isn't prepared for it until it has experienced it.

Finally, there is nothing like playing for a championship. Absolutely nothing like. Giving the teams the chance to earn the title of ILLINOIS STATE CHAMPIONS is one of the most important things our organization can do. I recently received an email from an Illinois high schooler begging for a chance to play the sport he loves, to have something to play for and an Ultimate community in which to belong. We think this tournament is the first step of increasing the sports exposure at the High School level, increasing awareness at the administration level and increasing the number of participants.

Ultimate is a beautiful, beautiful sport. There are few sports where all comers are welcome and encouraged to play regardless of skill, experience or athletic ability and Ultimate is one of them. Indeed Ultimate stands alone by making the rule "spirit of the game" matter much more than foot violations and founds. Players must play hard to win but the point total is not the only part of the competition. Ultimate never loses sight of that truth...and nor should its players.

I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. My sincere hope is that this is an unsurpassed Ultimate experience for the coaches, supporters and most importantly the players.

Peace, Love and Ultimate -

Matt Rotert - Illinois State High School Championship Tournament Director.