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{{Short description|Professional ultimate (frisbee) team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania}}
{{infobox sports team
{{infobox sports team
| team = Philadelphia Spinners
| logo = Philadelphia_Spinners_logo.png
| logo = Philadelphia_Spinners_logo.png
| pixels = 200px
| pixels = 200px
| founded = 2012
| league = [[Major League Ultimate]]
| league = [[Major League Ultimate]]
| conference = Eastern
| conference = Eastern
| founded = 2012
| history =
| history = '''Philadelphia Spinners'''<br>2012-present<br>[[American Ultimate Disc League|AUDL]]: 2012<br>[[Major League Ultimate|MLU]]: 2013--present
| stadium = '''Colonial Stadium'''<br>[[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting, PA]]
| city = [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| city = [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| stadium = [[Franklin Field]] (2012, 2014)<br>[[Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School|Colonial Stadium]] (2013―2015)<br>[[Sweeney Field]] (2014)<br> [[Villanova Stadium]] (2015)<br>[[Marple Newtown High School]] (2015)<br>[[Germantown Academy|Carey Stadium]] (2015―2016)
| colors = Blue, White, Red<br />{{color box|blue}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|red}}
| colors = Blue, White, Red<br />{{color box|blue}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|red}}
| championships = [[American Ultimate Disc League|AUDL]]: '''1''' ([[Philadelphia Spinners 2012 season|2012]])<br>[[Major League Ultimate|MLU]]: '''1''' (2016)
| general manager = Rusty May
| team = Philadelphia Spinners
| head coach = Darryl Stanley
| website =
| championships = [[American Ultimate Disc League|AUDL]]: '''1''' (2012)<br>[[Major League Ultimate|MLU]]: none
| website = [http://philadelphia.spinners.mlultimate.com/ philadelphia.spinners.mlultimate.com]
}}
}}


The '''Philadelphia Spinners''' are a professional [[ultimate (sport)|ultimate]] team based in [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania. They were previously a part of the [[American Ultimate Disc League]], or AUDL, but are currently a part of [[Major League Ultimate]], or MLU. Their home stadium is [[Sweeney Field]] at [[Saint Joseph's University]].
The '''Philadelphia Spinners''' were a professional [[ultimate (sport)|ultimate]] team based in [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania. They were founded in 2012 by Katrel Kelly and David Fitzgerald as a team in the [[American Ultimate Disc League]] (AUDL), but then moved to [[Major League Ultimate]] (MLU) in 2013. They played in the MLU until the league was suspended in 2016. The team played in various stadiums throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

Darryl Stanley is the current Head Coach and Rusty May is the current Head of Operations.


==History==
==History==
Line 24: Line 21:
====2012====
====2012====


The Spinners were established in 2012 as one of the original eight teams of the [[American Ultimate Disc League]]. Spinners owner Jeff Snader took control as head coach and general manager.
The Spinners were established in 2012 as one of the original eight teams of the [[American Ultimate Disc League]]. Katrel Kelly and David Fitzgerald developed the initial stages of the team but later gave their ownership to Jeff Snader who took control as head coach and general manager.


The [[Philadelphia Spinners 2012 season|2012 season]] officially began on April 14, 2012 with the team's home opener at [[Franklin Field]] versus the [[Buffalo Hunters]]. The start time for the game was originally slated to begin at 8:05 p.m., however a large crowd of fans still entering the stadium caused the opening pull to be delayed. The game concluded with the Spinners defeating Buffalo 26-14 in front of 1,800 fans.
The [[Philadelphia Spinners 2012 season|2012 season]] officially began on April 14, 2012 with the team's home opener at [[Franklin Field]] versus the [[Buffalo Hunters]]. The start time for the game was originally slated to begin at 8:05&nbsp;p.m., however a large crowd of fans still entering the stadium caused the opening pull to be delayed. The game concluded with the Spinners defeating Buffalo 26–14 in front of 1,800 fans.


The season continued with a 13-2 record (with the only loses coming to the [[Connecticut Constitution]] on the road and the [[Detroit Mechanix]] at home, and one postponed game that was not re-played) and about 900 fans attending each home game. The Spinners clinched the first seed for the Eastern conference and home field advantage for the conference championship match. The Spinners were originally to play the second place Connecticut Constitution in the eastern conference championship, but due to a [[American Ultimate Disc League#Controversy 2012 Lawsuit|lawsuit]], Connecticut was disqualified from the playoffs. The Spinners instead played the third place [[Rhode Island Rampage]], who they defeated 35-21. This advanced the Spinners to the AUDL championship in [[Detroit, Michigan|Detroit]] at the [[Silverdome]] on August 11, 2012. The Spinners defeated the western conference champions [[Indianapolis AlleyCats]] 29-21.<ref>Michael Vitez,[http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-19/sports/33262041_1_ultimate-frisbee-american-ultimate-disc-league-fans "Spinners win American Ultimate Disc League title"], ''Philly.com''>, August 19, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref>
The season continued with a 13–2 record (with the only loses coming to the [[Connecticut Constitution (AUDL team)|Connecticut Constitution]] on the road and the [[Detroit Mechanix]] at home, and one postponed game that was not re-played) and about 900 fans attending each home game. The Spinners clinched the first seed for the Eastern conference and home field advantage for the conference championship match. The Spinners were originally to play the second place Connecticut Constitution in the eastern conference championship, but due to [[American Ultimate Disc League#Controversy|legal problems]], Connecticut was disqualified from the playoffs. The Spinners instead played the third place [[Rhode Island Rampage]], who they defeated 35–21. This advanced the Spinners to the AUDL championship in [[Detroit]] at the [[Silverdome]] on August 11, 2012. The Spinners defeated the western conference champions [[Indianapolis AlleyCats]] 29–21.<ref>Michael Vitez,[https://web.archive.org/web/20140307073905/http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-19/sports/33262041_1_ultimate-frisbee-american-ultimate-disc-league-fans "Spinners win American Ultimate Disc League title"], ''Philly.com''>, August 19, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref>


Jake Rainwater represented the Spinners on the 2012 All AUDL team.
Jake Rainwater represented the Spinners on the 2012 All AUDL team.


On August 2, 2012, the Spinners played the NexGen ultimate team (a group of 15 college all-stars from across the United States) in an exhibition match. The NexGen team won 24-17.
On August 2, 2012, the Spinners played the NexGen ultimate team (a group of 15 college all-stars from across the United States) in an exhibition match. The NexGen team won 24–17.


===MLU===
===MLU===
Two months after winning the AUDL championship, team owner, coach, and general manager Jeff Snader confirmed in an interview with Steve Leinert he would be creating an new ultimate league, known as [[Major League Ultimate]]. This move was made after Snader and the made it aware that he had a dislike in how the AUDL was being run (the AUDL had each franchise individually pay expenses and received no help from the league).<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/04/philadelphia-spinners-leaving-the-audl-may-be-starting-new-pro-league/ "Philadelphia Spinners Leaving The AUDL, Starting New Pro League"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> Snader would become the commissioner of the league and Spinners organixation worker Nic Darling would become Vice President of Marketing.<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/09/exclusive-early-details-about-major-league-ultimate-the-new-professional-ultimate-league/ "Early Exclusive Details About Major League Ultimate, The New Professional Ultimate League"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 9, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> An agreement was made with the AUDL so that Snader could keep ownership of the Spinners name and logo, meaning that the team would transfer over to the new league.<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/10/audl-president-talks-about-2013-season-spinners-major-league-ultimate/ "AUDL President Talks About 2013 Season, Spinners, Major League Ultimate"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 10, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> However, several players from the 2012 season did not come over to the new league with the team (however, several did not join the new Philadelphia AUDL franchise either).
Two months after winning the AUDL championship, team owner, coach, and general manager Jeff Snader confirmed in an interview with Steve Leinert that he would be creating a new ultimate league, known as [[Major League Ultimate]]. This move was made after Snader made it aware that he had a dislike in how the AUDL was being run (the AUDL had each franchise individually pay expenses and received no help from the league).<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/04/philadelphia-spinners-leaving-the-audl-may-be-starting-new-pro-league/ "Philadelphia Spinners Leaving The AUDL, Starting New Pro League"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> Snader would become the commissioner of the league and Spinners organization worker Nic Darling would become Vice President of Marketing.<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/09/exclusive-early-details-about-major-league-ultimate-the-new-professional-ultimate-league/ "Early Exclusive Details About Major League Ultimate, The New Professional Ultimate League"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 9, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> An agreement was made with the AUDL so that Snader could keep ownership of the Spinners name and logo, meaning that the team would transfer over to the new league.<ref>Charlie Eisenhood, [http://ultiworld.com/2012/10/10/audl-president-talks-about-2013-season-spinners-major-league-ultimate/ "AUDL President Talks About 2013 Season, Spinners, Major League Ultimate"], ''Ultiworld''>, October 10, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.</ref> However, several players from the 2012 season did not come over to the new league with the team (though several did not join the [[Philadelphia Phoenix (AUDL)|new Philadelphia AUDL franchise]] either).

====2013====
====2013====


The Spinners 2013 season began away versus the [[Washington DC Current|DC Current]]. New head coach and general manager Bill Maroon led the team to an 18-16 victory. A victory the following week at the [[New York Rumble]] gave the Spinners a 2-0 record to start the season. The home opener took place on May 4, 2013 at Colonial Stadium at [[Plymouth Whitemarsh High School]] in [[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting, PA]] (which acted as home stadium in the 2013 season as [[Franklin Field]] was under rennovation). The Spinners lost to the DC Current 18-15. The loss sparked a 7 game losing streak. The streak ended on June 22, when the Spinners defeated the DC Current 19-18 I'm their final game of the season. The Spinners ended their first MLU Season with a 3-7 record, coming in last place in the Eastern Conference.
The Spinners 2013 season began away versus the DC Current. New head coach and general manager Bill Maroon led the team to an 18–16 victory. A victory the following week at the New York Rumble gave the Spinners a 2–0 record to start the season. The home opener took place on May 4, 2013 at Colonial Stadium at [[Plymouth Whitemarsh High School]] in [[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting, PA]] (which acted as home stadium in the 2013 season as [[Franklin Field]] was under renovation). The Spinners lost to the DC Current 18–15. The loss sparked a 7-game losing streak. The streak ended on June 22, when the Spinners defeated the DC Current 19–18 in their final game of the season. The Spinners ended their first MLU Season with a 3–7 record, coming in last place in the Eastern Conference.

====2014====
====2014====


The Spinners made many major signings during the 2014 offseason, including (but not limited to) bringing back Jake Rainwater and David Brandolph of the 2012 roster, signing Matt Esser of the [[Philadelphia Phoenix]], and the signing of four [[University of Pittsburgh]] players who won two back-to-back college championships. The Spinners announced on March 24, 2014 that the team's five home games would be spread out among three different stadiums: the first and last game would be held at [[Franklin Field]], the second game at Colonial Stadium, and the third and fourth games at [[Sweeney Field]] at [[Saint Joseph's University]].
The Spinners made many major signings during the 2014 offseason, including (but not limited to) bringing back Jake Rainwater and David Brandolph of the 2012 roster, signing Matt Esser of the [[Philadelphia Phoenix (AUDL)|Philadelphia Phoenix]], and the signing of four [[University of Pittsburgh]] players who won two back-to-back college championships. The Spinners announced on March 24, 2014 that the team's five home games would be spread out among three different stadiums: the first and last game would be held at [[Franklin Field]], the second game at Colonial Stadium, and the third and fourth games at [[Sweeney Field]] at [[Saint Joseph's University]].


After losing the season opener at home to the [[DC Current]] on April 12, 2014, the Spinners would start their season 1-2 with a victory over the [[New York Rumble]] on April 26. The Spinners would alternate between wins and loses for most of the season (including an upset victory at home versus the defending champions the [[Boston Whitecaps]]). Luckily, with a second victory at home over Whitecaps on June 15, the two teams were tied for the second place tie in the Eastern Conference. A Whitecaps loss versus the Rumble and a Spinners victory over the Current would clinch the second playoff spot for the Spinners. However, on June 21, the Whitecaps defeated the Rumble 21-16, meaning the Spinners would have to win later that night to bring up a tie-breaking scenario. However, the Spinners fell to the Current 21-19, ending their season.
After losing the season opener at home to the DC Current on April 12, 2014, the Spinners would start their season 1–2 with a victory over the New York Rumble on April 26. The Spinners would alternate between wins and loses for most of the season (including an upset victory at home versus the defending champions the Boston Whitecaps). Luckily, with a second victory at home over Whitecaps on June 15, the two teams were tied for second place in the Eastern Conference. A Whitecaps loss versus the Rumble and a Spinners victory over the Current would clinch the second playoff spot for the Spinners. However, on June 21, the Whitecaps defeated the Rumble 21–16, meaning the Spinners would have to win later that night to bring up a tie-breaking scenario. This did not play out, as the Spinners fell to the Current 21–19, ending their season.


Matt Esser was awarded the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year award for 2014.
Matt Esser was awarded the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year award for 2014.

====2015====
====2015====


The offseason was not in the Spinners's favor, unlike in 2014. While the Spinners managed to resign Esser, veteran Patrick Diviney, and Ben Scharadin, the Spinners lost key players, such as David Brandolph who left to coach the [[Philadelphia Phoenix]] who he played for in 2013, and three of the [[University of Pittsburgh]] players who were signed in 2013 that left to play for the new Pittsburgh franchise of the [[American Ultimate Disc League|AUDL]]. On April 2, 2015, the Spinners announced that for the second season in a row, three stadiums would share the five home games. Colonial Stadium would again host games (the first two), the third game would be held at [[Villanova Stadium]] (which would be the first game to feature luxury box seating), and the final two games would be played at Marple Newtown High School in [[Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania|Plymouth Meeting, PA]]. However, on June 15 the Spinners announced their final game was rescheduled to earlier in the day and moved to Carey Stadium at [[Germantown Academy]] in [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania|Fort Washington, PA]].
In the off season, the Spinners managed to re-sign Esser, veteran Patrick Diviney, and Ben Scharadin, but they lost key players, such as David Brandolph who left to coach the [[Philadelphia Phoenix (AUDL)|Philadelphia Phoenix]], who he played for in 2013, and three of the [[University of Pittsburgh]] players, who were signed in 2013, that left to play for the new [[Pittsburgh Thunderbirds|Pittsburgh franchise of the AUDL]]. On April 2, 2015, the Spinners announced that for the second season in a row, three stadiums would share the five home games. Colonial Stadium would again host games (the first two), the third game would be held at [[Villanova Stadium]] (which would be the first game to feature luxury box seating), and the final two games would be played at Marple Newtown High School in [[Newtown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania]]. However, on June 15 the Spinners announced their final game was rescheduled to earlier in the day and moved to Carey Stadium at [[Germantown Academy]] in [[Fort Washington, Pennsylvania]].


On April 18, 2015, the Spinners played their season opener at home, defeating the [[Boston Whitecaps]] 22-20. After losing to the defending champions the [[Washington DC Crrent|DC Current]], the Spinners went on a four game winning streak to start the season with a 5-1 record. This streak ended on June 6 with a 26-24 overtime loss to the Current, the Spinners only home loss that season. After a second versus the [[New York Rumble]], the Spinners went into week ten tied with the Whitecaps for first place at 5-3, and one game ahead of the Current who were 4-4. A 17-14 victory over the Current clinched a playoff spot for the Spinners and for the Whitecaps who also won that week against the Rumble. The Spinners faced the Whitecaps in an away game that would break the tie for the first place spot and decide home field advantage for the Eastern Conference championship. The Spinners lost 26-13.
On April 18, 2015, the Spinners played their season opener at home, defeating the Boston Whitecaps 22–20. After losing to the defending champions the DC Current, the Spinners went on a four-game winning streak to start the season with a 5–1 record. This streak ended on June 6 with a 26–24 overtime loss to the Current, the Spinners only home loss that season. After a second versus the New York Rumble, the Spinners went into week ten tied with the Whitecaps for first place at 5–3, and one game ahead of the Current who were 4–4. A 17–14 victory over the Current clinched a playoff spot for the Spinners and for the Whitecaps who also won that week against the Rumble. The Spinners faced the Whitecaps in an away game that would break the tie for the first place spot and decide home field advantage for the Eastern Conference championship. The Spinners lost 26–13.


On June 27, 2015, the Spinners played their first playoff game in the [[Major League Ultimate|MLU]]. The game stayed close until the fourth quarter, when the Whitecaps won 21-16 to advance to their second MLU championship game.
On June 27, 2015, the Spinners played their first playoff game in the [[Major League Ultimate|MLU]]. The game stayed close until the fourth quarter, when the Whitecaps won 21–16 to advance to their second MLU championship game.


Billy Sickles was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year for 2015.
Billy Sickles was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year for 2015.

====2016====
====2016====


The 2016 offseason introduced some front office changes. Billy Maroon stepped down from coaching duties and as general manager. Darryl Stanley (the former assistant coach of the [[Philadelphia Pheonix]]) was announced as head coach, and Rusty May (former operations manager for the [[San FranciscoDogfish]]) was named head of operations.
The 2016 offseason introduced some front office changes. Billy Maroon stepped down from coaching duties and as general manager. Darryl Stanley (the former assistant coach of the [[Philadelphia Phoenix (AUDL)|Philadelphia Phoenix]]) was announced as head coach, and Rusty May (former operations manager for the San Francisco Dogfish) was named head of operations. [[Germantown Academy]]'s Carey Stadium was announced to be the sole home stadium.


On April 9, 2016, the Spinners defeated the New York Rumble 22–12 in their first game of the season. The next day, they won their home opener against the Boston Whitecaps 18–16. The Spinners would have a record of 9–1 for the 2016 season, their best record since the [[2012 American Ultimate Disc League season|2012 AUDL season]], in which they had a record of 14–2. The only loss was a 20–19 loss in Boston. This record clinched the Spinners the number one seed in the conference and home field advantage in the Eastern conference championship game.


On June 26, 2016, the Spinners defeated the Whitecaps 20–16, advancing them to their first championship game since 2012, and their first in MLU history.
==2012 Season with the AUDL==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 92%;" "align=center"
|-
! Week || Date || Pull || Opponent || Results || Team Record || Venue
|-
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 1
|style="text-align:center;"| April 14
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:05 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Buffalo Hunters]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 26 - 14
|style="text-align:center;"| 1 - 0
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 2
|style="text-align:center;"| April 21
|style="text-align:center;"| 8:05 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Connecticut Constitution (AUDL team)|Connecticut Constitution]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 22 - 16
|style="text-align:center;"| 2 - 0
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 3
|style="text-align:center;"| April 28
|style="text-align:center;"| 7:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Rhode Island Rampage]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 30 - 22
|style="text-align:center;"| 3 - 0
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#ffcccc"
! 4
|style="text-align:center;"| May 5
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Connecticut Constitution]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 23 - 29
|style="text-align:center;"| 3 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 5
|style="text-align:center;"| May 12
|style="text-align:center;"| 2:15 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Rhode Island Rampage]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 24 - 18
|style="text-align:center;"| 4 -1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Northeast High School (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)|Northeast High School]]
|-
! 6
|colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"| ''[[Bye (sports)|Bye]]''
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 7
|style="text-align:center;"| May 27
|style="text-align:center;"| 5:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Columbus Cranes]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 23 -20
|style="text-align:center;"| 5 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|-
! 8
|style="text-align:center;"| June 2
|style="text-align:center;"| 6:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Rhode Island Rampage]]
|style="text-align:center;"| Postponed
|style="text-align:center;"| 5- 1
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 9
|style="text-align:center;"| June 9
|style="text-align:center;"| 5:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Buffalo Hunters]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 33 - 16
|style="text-align:center;"| 6 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 10
|style="text-align:center;"| June 16
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Connecticut Constitution]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 29-19
|style="text-align:center;"| 7 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 11
|style="text-align:center;"| June 23
|style="text-align:center;"| 6:30 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Buffalo Hunters]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 29-18
|style="text-align:center;"| 8 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 11
|style="text-align:center;"| June 24
|style="text-align:center; | 3:00 pm
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Connecticut Constitution]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 24-20
|style="text-align:center;"| 9 - 1
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#ffcccc"
! 12
|style="text-align:center;"| June 30
|style="text-align:center;"| 5:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Detroit Mechanix]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''L''' 22-23
|style="text-align:center;"| 9 - 2
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 13
|style="text-align:center;"| July 8
|style="text-align:center;"| 2:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Buffalo Hunters]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 35-13
|style="text-align:center;"| 10 - 2
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 14
|style="text-align:center;"| July 14
|style="text-align:center;"| 7:30 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Indianapolis AlleyCats]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 19-16
|style="text-align:center;"| 11 - 2
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 15
|style="text-align:center;"| July 15
|style="text-align:center;"| 2:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Cincinnati Revolution|Bluegrass Revolution]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 27-17
|style="text-align:center;"| 12 - 2
|style="text-align:center;"| Away
|- style="background:#cfc"
! 16
|style="text-align:center;"| July 21
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:05 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Rhode Island Rampage]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 29-20
|style="text-align:center;"| 13 - 2
|style="text-align:center;"| Northeast High School
|}


On July 16, 2016, the Spinners defeated the Western Conference champion [[Portland Stags]] 14–11 at [[Franklin Field]] in Philadelphia to win the 2016 MLU championship. Charlie McCutcheon was the 2016 MLU Championship MVP.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mlultimate.com/charlie-mccutcheon-named-2016-mlu-championship-mvp/|title=Charlie McCutcheon Named 2016 MLU Championship MVP|date=2016-07-19|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-24}}</ref> The Spinners became the first professional ultimate frisbee team to win a championship in both the MLU and AUDL. Billy Sickles was named the 2016 Eastern Conference MVP<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mlultimate.com/billy-sickles-cody-bjorklund-named-most-valuable-players/|title=Billy Sickles, Cody Bjorklund Named Most Valuable Players|date=2016-07-08|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815175619/http://mlultimate.com/billy-sickles-cody-bjorklund-named-most-valuable-players/|archive-date=2016-08-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Head Coach Darryl Stanley was named the 2016 Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mlultimate.com/darryl-stanley-danny-quarrell-named-coaches-of-the-year/|title=Darryl Stanley, Danny Quarrell Named Coaches of the Year|date=2016-07-05|language=en-US|access-date=2016-07-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815101745/http://mlultimate.com/darryl-stanley-danny-quarrell-named-coaches-of-the-year/|archive-date=2016-08-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* The Spinners also played the NexGen team (a group of 15 college all-stars from across the country) in an exhibition match. The NexGen team won 24 - 17


After the season MLU announced its operations were being suspended indefinitely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultiworld.com/2016/12/21/breaking-major-league-ultimate-suspends-operations/|title=BREAKING: Major League Ultimate Suspends Operations|last=Featured|first=Charlie Eisenhood in|last2=comments|first2=News with 0|date=2016-12-21|website=Ultiworld|access-date=2017-03-27}}</ref>
===Post Season===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 92%;" "align=center"
|-
! Date || Pull || Opponent || Results || Round || Venue
|-
|- style="background:#cfc"
!August 4
|style="text-align:center;"| 7:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Rhode Island Rampage]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 35 - 21
|style="text-align:center;"| Eastern Conference Finals
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Franklin Field]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
!August 11
|style="text-align:center;"| 1:00 p.m.
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Indianapolis AlleyCats]]
|style="text-align:center;"| '''W''' 29 - 21
|style="text-align:center;"| AUDL Finals
|style="text-align:center;"| [[Silverdome]]
|- style="background:#cfc"
|}


==2012 Championship Roster==
==Logo and uniform==
===Logo===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Number || Player || Offense/Defense || Position || College
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 20 || David Baer || Defense || Handler || [[Shippensburg University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 28 || Mike Baer || Defense || Handler || [[Drexel University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 13 || David Brandolph || Offense || Handler || [[Arcadia University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 5 || Kevin Chiang || Defense || Cutter || [[West Chester University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 6 || Leon Chou || Defense || Cutter || [[University of Pennsylvania]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 4 || Dustin Damiano || Defense || Cutter || [[Messiah College]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 79 || Matthew Gallin || Offense || Handler || [[University of Delaware]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 14 || Matthew Glazer || Offense || Cutter || [[Ithaca College]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 8 || Alex Grintsvayg || Defense || Cutter || [[Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 33 || Jake Herman || Offense || Cutter || [[Middlebury College]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 7 || Nick Hirannet || Offense || Handler || [[University of Delaware]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 42 || Matt Jaffe || Defense || Cutter || [[Penn State University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 0 || Ben Johnson || Defense || Cutter || [[The College of New Jersey]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 25 || Trey Katzenbach || Offense || Cutter || [[University of Pennsylvania]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 31 || Patrick Lindsey || Defense || Cutter || [[Swarthmore College]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 71 || Ian McClellan || Defense || Handler || [[Penn State University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 81 || Sean Murray || Defense || Cutter || [[Louisiana State University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 15 || Greg Owens || Defense || Cutter || [[The College of New Jersey]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 21 || Michael Panna || Defense || Cutter || [[Neumann University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 27 || Jake Rainwater || Offense || Cutter || [[Dickinson College]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 16 || Arthur Shull || Offense || Cutter || [[Cornell University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 24 || David Stoddard || Defense || Cutter || [[The College of New Jersey]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 3 || Harrison Treegoob || Offense || Handler || [[Penn State University]]
|- style="background:#ffddoo; text-align:center;"
| 23 || Stephen Thor || Offense || Cutter || [[Penn State University]]
|}

==Logo and Uniform==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Philadelphia_Spinners_2012_logo.jpg|'''2012 AUDL Logo'''
File:Philadelphia Spinners 2012 logo.png|'''2012 AUDL Logo'''
</gallery>
</gallery>


For the 2012 AUDL season, the Spinners used a logo featuring a disc in a spinning tornado. The logo was chosen from several designs submitted to the team through their [[Facebook]] page. A fan vote on the AUDL's Facebook page ranked it as the best logo in the league. It was replaced before the 2013 season in order to reflect the Spinner's move to Major League Ultimate. The new logo featured a spinning "S" inside of a crest, a format utilized by all of the Eastern Division teams in the MLU.
==Sponsors==

The team is sponsored by Tech Tonics, Sussex Fitness Center, Philadelphia Sport and Social Club, Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center, Equipment Training Solutions, and K*Lyn Dance & Performing Arts Center
===Jersey===

The 2012 [[American Ultimate Disc League|AUDL]] jersey was chosen through a contest on the Spinners's Facebook page. The winning design was created by future player Nick Purifico. The home jersey was red with a thick lighter-red line running down the middle of the front. The front featured the team logo in the middle, and the player's number in blue on the upper left chest. The back had the player's name up top and the number in the center. The away jersey was similar with a white Jersey instead of red, and a light blue line. The kits had red and white shorts, respectively.


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
* http://skydmagazine.com/2012/03/philadelphia-spinners-tryout/
* http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/143544736.html


== External links ==
== External links ==
* http://philadelphiaspinners.com
* https://web.archive.org/web/20120409135333/http://philadelphiaspinners.com/
* https://web.archive.org/web/20130117071749/http://mlultimate.com/
* http://MLUltimate.com


{{Philadelphia Sports}}
{{Philadelphia Sports}}
{{Pennsylvania Sports}}
{{Pennsylvania Sports}}


[[Category:Ultimate (sport)]]
[[Category:Philadelphia Spinners| ]]
[[Category:Ultimate teams]]
[[Category:Ultimate Frisbee Association teams]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Ultimate teams established in 2012]]
[[Category:Sports clubs and teams in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:2016 disestablishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Ultimate teams disestablished in 2016]]

Latest revision as of 20:13, 31 October 2024

Philadelphia Spinners
Founded2012
LeagueMajor League Ultimate
ConferenceEastern
Based inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
StadiumFranklin Field (2012, 2014)
Colonial Stadium (2013―2015)
Sweeney Field (2014)
Villanova Stadium (2015)
Marple Newtown High School (2015)
Carey Stadium (2015―2016)
ColorsBlue, White, Red
     
ChampionshipsAUDL: 1 (2012)
MLU: 1 (2016)

The Philadelphia Spinners were a professional ultimate team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were founded in 2012 by Katrel Kelly and David Fitzgerald as a team in the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL), but then moved to Major League Ultimate (MLU) in 2013. They played in the MLU until the league was suspended in 2016. The team played in various stadiums throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

History

[edit]

AUDL

[edit]

2012

[edit]

The Spinners were established in 2012 as one of the original eight teams of the American Ultimate Disc League. Katrel Kelly and David Fitzgerald developed the initial stages of the team but later gave their ownership to Jeff Snader who took control as head coach and general manager.

The 2012 season officially began on April 14, 2012 with the team's home opener at Franklin Field versus the Buffalo Hunters. The start time for the game was originally slated to begin at 8:05 p.m., however a large crowd of fans still entering the stadium caused the opening pull to be delayed. The game concluded with the Spinners defeating Buffalo 26–14 in front of 1,800 fans.

The season continued with a 13–2 record (with the only loses coming to the Connecticut Constitution on the road and the Detroit Mechanix at home, and one postponed game that was not re-played) and about 900 fans attending each home game. The Spinners clinched the first seed for the Eastern conference and home field advantage for the conference championship match. The Spinners were originally to play the second place Connecticut Constitution in the eastern conference championship, but due to legal problems, Connecticut was disqualified from the playoffs. The Spinners instead played the third place Rhode Island Rampage, who they defeated 35–21. This advanced the Spinners to the AUDL championship in Detroit at the Silverdome on August 11, 2012. The Spinners defeated the western conference champions Indianapolis AlleyCats 29–21.[1]

Jake Rainwater represented the Spinners on the 2012 All AUDL team.

On August 2, 2012, the Spinners played the NexGen ultimate team (a group of 15 college all-stars from across the United States) in an exhibition match. The NexGen team won 24–17.

MLU

[edit]

Two months after winning the AUDL championship, team owner, coach, and general manager Jeff Snader confirmed in an interview with Steve Leinert that he would be creating a new ultimate league, known as Major League Ultimate. This move was made after Snader made it aware that he had a dislike in how the AUDL was being run (the AUDL had each franchise individually pay expenses and received no help from the league).[2] Snader would become the commissioner of the league and Spinners organization worker Nic Darling would become Vice President of Marketing.[3] An agreement was made with the AUDL so that Snader could keep ownership of the Spinners name and logo, meaning that the team would transfer over to the new league.[4] However, several players from the 2012 season did not come over to the new league with the team (though several did not join the new Philadelphia AUDL franchise either).

2013

[edit]

The Spinners 2013 season began away versus the DC Current. New head coach and general manager Bill Maroon led the team to an 18–16 victory. A victory the following week at the New York Rumble gave the Spinners a 2–0 record to start the season. The home opener took place on May 4, 2013 at Colonial Stadium at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, PA (which acted as home stadium in the 2013 season as Franklin Field was under renovation). The Spinners lost to the DC Current 18–15. The loss sparked a 7-game losing streak. The streak ended on June 22, when the Spinners defeated the DC Current 19–18 in their final game of the season. The Spinners ended their first MLU Season with a 3–7 record, coming in last place in the Eastern Conference.

2014

[edit]

The Spinners made many major signings during the 2014 offseason, including (but not limited to) bringing back Jake Rainwater and David Brandolph of the 2012 roster, signing Matt Esser of the Philadelphia Phoenix, and the signing of four University of Pittsburgh players who won two back-to-back college championships. The Spinners announced on March 24, 2014 that the team's five home games would be spread out among three different stadiums: the first and last game would be held at Franklin Field, the second game at Colonial Stadium, and the third and fourth games at Sweeney Field at Saint Joseph's University.

After losing the season opener at home to the DC Current on April 12, 2014, the Spinners would start their season 1–2 with a victory over the New York Rumble on April 26. The Spinners would alternate between wins and loses for most of the season (including an upset victory at home versus the defending champions the Boston Whitecaps). Luckily, with a second victory at home over Whitecaps on June 15, the two teams were tied for second place in the Eastern Conference. A Whitecaps loss versus the Rumble and a Spinners victory over the Current would clinch the second playoff spot for the Spinners. However, on June 21, the Whitecaps defeated the Rumble 21–16, meaning the Spinners would have to win later that night to bring up a tie-breaking scenario. This did not play out, as the Spinners fell to the Current 21–19, ending their season.

Matt Esser was awarded the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year award for 2014.

2015

[edit]

In the off season, the Spinners managed to re-sign Esser, veteran Patrick Diviney, and Ben Scharadin, but they lost key players, such as David Brandolph who left to coach the Philadelphia Phoenix, who he played for in 2013, and three of the University of Pittsburgh players, who were signed in 2013, that left to play for the new Pittsburgh franchise of the AUDL. On April 2, 2015, the Spinners announced that for the second season in a row, three stadiums would share the five home games. Colonial Stadium would again host games (the first two), the third game would be held at Villanova Stadium (which would be the first game to feature luxury box seating), and the final two games would be played at Marple Newtown High School in Newtown Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. However, on June 15 the Spinners announced their final game was rescheduled to earlier in the day and moved to Carey Stadium at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

On April 18, 2015, the Spinners played their season opener at home, defeating the Boston Whitecaps 22–20. After losing to the defending champions the DC Current, the Spinners went on a four-game winning streak to start the season with a 5–1 record. This streak ended on June 6 with a 26–24 overtime loss to the Current, the Spinners only home loss that season. After a second versus the New York Rumble, the Spinners went into week ten tied with the Whitecaps for first place at 5–3, and one game ahead of the Current who were 4–4. A 17–14 victory over the Current clinched a playoff spot for the Spinners and for the Whitecaps who also won that week against the Rumble. The Spinners faced the Whitecaps in an away game that would break the tie for the first place spot and decide home field advantage for the Eastern Conference championship. The Spinners lost 26–13.

On June 27, 2015, the Spinners played their first playoff game in the MLU. The game stayed close until the fourth quarter, when the Whitecaps won 21–16 to advance to their second MLU championship game.

Billy Sickles was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Year for 2015.

2016

[edit]

The 2016 offseason introduced some front office changes. Billy Maroon stepped down from coaching duties and as general manager. Darryl Stanley (the former assistant coach of the Philadelphia Phoenix) was announced as head coach, and Rusty May (former operations manager for the San Francisco Dogfish) was named head of operations. Germantown Academy's Carey Stadium was announced to be the sole home stadium.

On April 9, 2016, the Spinners defeated the New York Rumble 22–12 in their first game of the season. The next day, they won their home opener against the Boston Whitecaps 18–16. The Spinners would have a record of 9–1 for the 2016 season, their best record since the 2012 AUDL season, in which they had a record of 14–2. The only loss was a 20–19 loss in Boston. This record clinched the Spinners the number one seed in the conference and home field advantage in the Eastern conference championship game.

On June 26, 2016, the Spinners defeated the Whitecaps 20–16, advancing them to their first championship game since 2012, and their first in MLU history.

On July 16, 2016, the Spinners defeated the Western Conference champion Portland Stags 14–11 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia to win the 2016 MLU championship. Charlie McCutcheon was the 2016 MLU Championship MVP.[5] The Spinners became the first professional ultimate frisbee team to win a championship in both the MLU and AUDL. Billy Sickles was named the 2016 Eastern Conference MVP[6] and Head Coach Darryl Stanley was named the 2016 Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.[7]

After the season MLU announced its operations were being suspended indefinitely.[8]

Logo and uniform

[edit]
[edit]

For the 2012 AUDL season, the Spinners used a logo featuring a disc in a spinning tornado. The logo was chosen from several designs submitted to the team through their Facebook page. A fan vote on the AUDL's Facebook page ranked it as the best logo in the league. It was replaced before the 2013 season in order to reflect the Spinner's move to Major League Ultimate. The new logo featured a spinning "S" inside of a crest, a format utilized by all of the Eastern Division teams in the MLU.

Jersey

[edit]

The 2012 AUDL jersey was chosen through a contest on the Spinners's Facebook page. The winning design was created by future player Nick Purifico. The home jersey was red with a thick lighter-red line running down the middle of the front. The front featured the team logo in the middle, and the player's number in blue on the upper left chest. The back had the player's name up top and the number in the center. The away jersey was similar with a white Jersey instead of red, and a light blue line. The kits had red and white shorts, respectively.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Michael Vitez,"Spinners win American Ultimate Disc League title", Philly.com>, August 19, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  2. ^ Charlie Eisenhood, "Philadelphia Spinners Leaving The AUDL, Starting New Pro League", Ultiworld>, October 4, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  3. ^ Charlie Eisenhood, "Early Exclusive Details About Major League Ultimate, The New Professional Ultimate League", Ultiworld>, October 9, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  4. ^ Charlie Eisenhood, "AUDL President Talks About 2013 Season, Spinners, Major League Ultimate", Ultiworld>, October 10, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-11.
  5. ^ "Charlie McCutcheon Named 2016 MLU Championship MVP". 2016-07-19. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  6. ^ "Billy Sickles, Cody Bjorklund Named Most Valuable Players". 2016-07-08. Archived from the original on 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  7. ^ "Darryl Stanley, Danny Quarrell Named Coaches of the Year". 2016-07-05. Archived from the original on 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-07-24.
  8. ^ Featured, Charlie Eisenhood in; comments, News with 0 (2016-12-21). "BREAKING: Major League Ultimate Suspends Operations". Ultiworld. Retrieved 2017-03-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
[edit]