Potlatch will be in full effect this weekend in Redmond, Washington, and I just wanted to say that I hope everyone has a great time, and that I hope more than a few people get a layout block on Ben.

I, unfortunately, will not be making it out this year. Sad, I know.

If you have a chance to, say hi to and thank a Huddle author. Their time and commitment to writing for the site makes it what it is. And if you have any ideas or input for the site, you can find Ben somewhere at the field. He’s the billy-goat looking one. With glasses.

Also, as we mentioned in our feature this week on Race In Ultimate, Downtown Brown will be opening up their circle to everyone for the very first time this year. Find the brown players wearing the orange, yellow, and brown, and say hi.

Lastly, check out this story from KUOW (NPR in Seattle). On The Conversation, Ross Reynolds interviews Bunny Bartram, DiscNW executive director about Potlatch. Near the end, in a moment that makes me proud, Bunny talks about “the coolest thing he ever saw at Potlatch:”

Well, last year there was team called Man Powered Submarine, and they in fact made a man powered submarine. And while it didn’t actually go under the water, they did in fact carry it eight miles down the trail to the park site to play at the tournament.

AWOOOGAH! So good luck to my team Man Powered Submarine, good luck to defending champs DropCop (née DropBull, née DropBear), and everyone have a great time. Wish I were there.

UPDATE
Ben here. A couple of notes on this year’s Potlatch:

1. This is probably the most competitive Potlatch ever, with Team USA/Canada, Jewbilation and Downtown Brown at full strength and with competitive rosters, a returning champ, a huge Seattle All-Star team called Wedding Party Diaper Sniper, not to mention Vagabonds from Oregon.

2. Man Powered Submarine versus Squid Squad. Showcase. Or not? Shhhhh…

3. DropCop, returning champs, is on a mission to save partying from those that do it poorly. To Protect and Serve Drinks. To make sure Potlatch happens again.

4. There have been Potlatch related parties starting last Friday, and tons of Potlatch related events in the last two or three days. Seattle always seems to be a little crazy, this is no exception (maybe the crazyiest I have ever felt it).

5. Last time the fourth fell on a Potlatch night was the year of the Flashflight Game in the midst of a fireworks show. That was a night that is still seered into my retinas (PS No fireworks on the field, please! As per Potlatch rules).

6. Potlatch is going to a no-under-18 model this year. For liability reasons? Too bad, but probably for the best. They are taking up a collection to benefit Seattle Youth Ultimate.