Trials & Tribulations with Apocalypse Trivia

[korme]

Shane Ryan, an author and writer for pgatour.com started a trivia league (https://apocalypsetrivia.com/) a while back and on Twitter invited people to sign up for the next round a few weeks back. I signed up (along with my brother). Thought it might be fun to share my experience - honestly, I wish I had notified FOFC about this when he was asking for signups, this seems right up some member's alleys. At least it's on the FOFC radar now, and maybe you guys can get in next time he asks for more people.

There are a lot of sports writers in here so I expect to be below average. However, it's an incredible idea and I'm glad to be partaking!

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All Time Record 4 - 5 - 1
All Time +/- -10
Answer Rate 38%

Previous Finishes
Season League Finish
Fortnight VI Endtimes (Jr A) 6th

Hit Rate by Category
Category Count Hit Rate
Baseball 2 / 5 40%
Basketball 4 / 6 66.67%
Country Club 3 / 6 50%
Football 2 / 6 33.33%
Games 3 / 5 60%
Hockey 2 / 4 50%
Obscure 1 / 4 25%
Olympics 1 / 5 20%
Racing & Combat 1 / 4 25%
Soccer 0 / 5 0%

[korme]

Here is the general rules and structure guidelines of Apocalypse Trivia, (as seen on the front page of the website):

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the explainer for Apocalypse Sports Trivia, the head-to-head league taking the nation (read: a few sports nerds) by storm.

The simple explanation of our fair enterprise is that for ten days (M-F only), you will face a new opponent each day from within your ten-player division. The individual battles are "games," and the overall ten-day affair is a "Fortnight" (with apologies to the video game). Along with answering five questions in each game, you will try to stymie your opponent in an attempt to limit the damage he wreaks. If you get more points than your opponent that day, you win the game. If you don't, you lose. You can also draw! Three points for a win, one point for a draw, zero points for a defeat, just like European soccer.

Also just like European soccer, there is promotion and relegation from within your division. At the end of each Series, the top finishers in each division will climb the ladder, and the bottom finishers will be relegated to what lies beneath. New players will be placed in Junior Divisions, and their results will determine which division they enter for the next Series.

Now, let's dive into the details.

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1. What's to stop us from cheating?
Nothing, except the strength of your character. And really, why would you join a league like this, which features no cash prizes, and cheat? What's the point? Don't cheat!

2. Can I look up parts of questions that won't give me the full answer?
Absolutely not! Questions in Apocalypse Sports Trivia are meant to be answered using only the knowledge that's already in your head. So, if the question was...

Of the 21 schools to have won a Division 1 national championship in men’s hockey, only two are located south of 40 degrees latitude, including the team tied with the second-most titles. Name either of the two schools, which happen to be located in the same state.
...you would not be allowed to look at a map to see which states fall below 40 degrees latitude, even though this would not give you the answer. Or if the question was...

Fill in the blank from a 2011 New York Times feature: “‘________ are going to bite the thunder out of you,’ says 44-year-old Buster Garrett, who took part in the 12th annual Okie Noodling tournament.”
...you would not be allowed to look up the definition of 'noodling.' (In this case, it would give you the actual answer.)

3. Are the questions hard?
Our league-wide average in our first fortnight was 47%, 52% for Fortnights Two and Three, and just over 53% for Fortnight Four, so let that be your guide (the goal is to keep a rate slightly above 50%). In my opinion, the questions are hard but not impossible. Your mileage may vary, but we'll always keep up a certain standard of difficulty.

4. How long do we have to answer?
Twenty-four hours. The questions will come out at 9 p.m. eastern, and will be due by 9 p.m. eastern the next day, which is also when results will be available.

5. What if someone fails to answer in the time allotted?
That's a default, meaning the other player gets a three-point victory and the highest possible points for each correct answer. For the defaulting player, it just counts as a normal loss, but too many defaults (the usual standard is two within a fortnight) and you'll be booted from the league.

6. How are standings determined?
First by points for wins and losses and draws, then by differential of points within a match, then by correct answers.

7. How do points within a game work?
In each game, a correct answer is worth two points...with two exceptions. As you answer, you'll also mark one question with a K, and one question with an HR—that's baseball notation for strikeout and home run. If your opponent gets the question marked "K" correct, he or she will receive 0 points—you've effectively nullified the question. However, if he or she gets the "HR" question correct, it will be worth 4 points. Clearly, you want to assign a K to the question you believe to be easiest, and an HR to the hardest.

8. What's with the division names?
Each conference, starting with the original Armageddon Conference, will eventually be populated by 60 players, separated into six divisions of ten players each based on performance in past fortnights. The names of the six divisions—Premiership, Liga Two, Serie Three, Fourdivisie, Deildin Five, Sixligaen—are borrowed from European soccer. New players will be placed in "Junior" divisions for their first fortnight, with their performance there dictating which division they're placed in for the next fortnight.

9. What's the format within a fortnight?
The first nine days of each fortnight will feature round robin play within each division, with every player in a division facing every other player in that division in a head-to-head match. Based on the standings after those nine days, players will be matched against each other on Day Ten in battles for championships, promotions, relegations, and honor matches. The first nine days constitute the "regular season," while Day Ten is known as Championship Day.

10. What happens on Championship Day?
Based on a scheme set out before the Fortnight, and based on your finish after the first nine days, you will play a tenth match that falls under one of a few categories to help determine titles and other honors, and also to determine placement for the next Fortnight:

Championship, Third Place, Fifth Place Match: Can be within a division, or, in the case of multiple junior divisions, a championship for all juniors.
Ultra-promotion Match: Doubles with some divisional championship matches, with the winner being promoted by two divisions (and the loser still promoted by one).
Attack/Defense: If you're on defense, you'll be fighting to avoid relegation against a player from the division below you. If you're on attack, you'll be fighting for promotion against a player from the division above you.
Placement Match: For juniors only. For placement in division next Fortnight, with a win sending the player higher and a loss lower.
Relegation Match: Occurs at or near the bottom of divisions, winner remains, loser is relegated.
Ultra-Relegation Match: Occurs at the bottom of some divisions, with the loser being relegated by two divisions (and the winner still relegated by one).
Super-Relegation Match: Rarely used, and only when mixing in new junior divisions with existing veterans. Loser is relegated by three divisions, and winner still relegated by two.
Honor Match: Your place for next fortnight is already set, and the Day 10 match is for honor only.

11. What if I fail to play defense?
The website won't allow you to submit your answers without making defensive selections. It will return an error telling you what is missing, and allow you to make your defensive selections and resubmit.

12. What about spelling, and names, and all that?
Unless otherwise stated, last names are fine for answers. In fact, we've had situations where someone unnecessarily attempted a first name, bungled it, and got the answer wrong even though they had the last name right. Beware! Spelling is a little trickier. You don't have to spell your answer correctly, but it has to "sound" right even with the incorrect spelling. So if the answer to one question was "Jurgen Klopp," "Yirgin Clahp" would be fine, but "Klopper" would be wrong since it sounds different. Some of this comes down to a judgment call, and the commish has the final call, but that's the basic rule.

13. Any other minutiae?
Sure—if a question asks for one response, and you list more than one, your first response will count, regardless of what comes after. If a question asks for two or more answers, and you list only one, you will get the question wrong even if the answer you provided is correct—no partial credit.

14. Can defaults be a draw?
No. If you default and your opponent submits and gets zero correct answers, that will be a victory for your opponent and a loss for you. The opponent will be credited with the full three points, but zero correct answers and zero margin of victory.

[korme]

The Categories
Note: As you’ll soon discover, there’s a good deal of overlap between certain categories. Many of the sports covered in other categories are also in the Olympics, for instance. I’ll make sure to balance the questions accordingly, so that, for instance, if there are two tennis questions in the “Country Club” category, there won’t be any in the Olympics category. And if there’s a question about Olympic Hockey, that will likely go under the Hockey category to avoid having too many hockey questions in one Series.

Sub-Categories: Each set of five questions throughout a Series in a specific category will be separated into broad sub-categories such as history, current events, rules, entertainment, and business.

Football – Self-explanatory
Soccer – Self-explanatory
Baseball – Self-explanatory
Basketball – Self-explanatory
Hockey – Self-explanatory
Obscure sports – For the foreign and the uncommon.
Racing & Combat – An admittedly odd couple that includes motor sports, horse racing, boxing, MMA, wrestling, etc.
The Country Club – For sports we associate with money, from tennis to golf to lacrosse to polo to fox hunting. Expect many fox hunting questions.
Olympic Sports – Sports that are contested in the Olympics that generally don’t appear in another category, such as swimming or track & field.
Games – Another broad category which can include anything from billiards to chess to video/arcade games to cards.

[korme]

So that was the primer. Let me tell you a little about where I fit in to all of this.

The two main conferences are - AFAIK - like the AFC and NFC of the league. They are called Armageddon and Doomsday Conference, and the leagues are 6 tiers of 10 players each, like soccer, and those 120 players have played this game before so they have moved up and down with each fortnight.

The Commish started a *new* conference called the Endtimes Conference, with 6 tiers - Junior A, Junior B, etc. These are all the new players, so the tier doesn't really matter. I am slotted in Junior A.

Day 1 was yesterday.

[korme]

DAY 1

OPPONENT: Jonathan Gault
As per the rules, I have to assign him the "K" and "HR" to 2 of the 5 questions, so I needed to do some research. Jonathan Gault is a writer for run.com and loves trivia, according to his Twitter bio. Noted. So anything that has to do with running, I'd like to assign the K to, and I'll just pick what I feel is the hardest question as the HR.

To the questions:

QUESTION 1
What film was broadcast on NBC on Sunday, Nov. 17, 1968, at exactly 7 p.m. on the east coast?


Correct answer: Heidi

My answer: The Hustler
Opponent: CORRECT

I do not have a way of knowing what my opponent answered, just if they got it right or wrong, so moving forward they will be shown as CORRECT or INCORRECT.

So I start out with a miss. I had no idea, and was trying to think of the significance of 1968, but couldn't come up with a connection. I went with a movie that I knew was older than 1968 and sports related. Figured most people wouldn't get this one, but I was wrong. I put the *HR* designation on this one for my opponent, and he got it right, so that's 4 points right off the bat. He gave me the K for this one, but it didn't matter. The Heidi game is infamous for interrupting a Raiders/Jets game that was running long. I'll chalk this one up to age.

Hit Rate: 115 / 177 = 64.97%

*Of 177 participants, 115 people got this correction correct


QUESTION 2
Michael Phelps is the only Olympic with double digit gold medals (23, to be exact), but four Olympians have accumulated nine golds over the course of their careers. Carl Lewis and Mark Spitz are two of them. Name either the Russian female gymnast or the Finnish male distance runner who have also captured nine golds.

Correct answer: Larisa Latynina, Paavo Nurmi

My answer: Usain Bolt is Finnish, right?
Opponent: CORRECT

No shot. I had no idea. Of course my opponent is a runner so I hit with him the K here. He got it right, but got no points for it.

Hit Rate: 39 / 177 = 22.03%


QUESTION 3
Who was the last player on the winning team to touch the ball (in play, before the buzzer sounded) in the 2003 NCAA men’s Division 1 basketball championship?

Correct answer: Hakim Warrick

My answer: Carmelo Anthony
Opponent: CORRECT

We're off to a rough start. I remembered '03 was the 'Cuse year for sure. Having never played this game, I wasn't sure how tricky these questions could be. I figured if we could remember Syracuse, the odds are he's looking for a clever way to ask who the star of the team was. Nope, I was wrong. Of course my opponent nailed it.

Hit Rate: 47 / 177 = 26.55%


QUESTION 4
There are two leagues among the North American "big four" (MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA) in which California doesn’t have the most teams outright of any U.S. state, but is only tied for the lead. Name every team from one state that ties California in either of these leagues. (Note: You’re naming the teams from the other state, not California.)

Correct answer: New York Rangers/New York Islanders/Buffalo Sabres, Miami Dolphins/Jacksonville Jaguars/Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NY Giants/NY Jets/Buffalo Bills

My answer: Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Opponent: CORRECT

Your boy is on the board. I actually thought the Jets-Giants-Bills answer would be a trick question since 2 of those 3 play in Jersey, but all were accepted. Turns out I got the one that most everyone gets.

Hit Rate: 159 / 177 = 89.83%


QUESTION 5
In the Season 5 Grand Championship of American Gladiators, Wesley Berry broke the world record by finishing the Eliminator in 48 seconds. He would later win the International Gladiators competition representing America. What was Berry’s cereal-themed nickname?

Correct answer: 2 Scoops

My answer: Cocoa Puffs
Opponent: INCORRECT

Another question I had absolutely zero idea on, so I just had some fun with it. Thankfully, my opponent proves not to be a robot and misses one.

Hit Rate: 9 / 177 = 5.08%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 2(1)
JONATHAN 8(4)

I answered (one) question correct for 2 points, Jonathan answered (four) questions correct for 8 points.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 1 0 0 3 6 4 80 %
Timothy Graf 1 0 0 3 2 2 40 %
Jim Robbins 1 0 0 3 2 1 20 %
Ben Everill 0 0 1 1 0 3 60 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 0 0 1 1 0 2 40 %
Aaron Jorbin 0 0 1 1 0 2 40 %
Andrew Desnoyers 0 0 1 1 0 1 20 %
Brian Sandalow 0 1 0 0 -2 3 60 %
Drew Wilde 0 1 0 0 -2 1 20 %
Shane Kormelink 0 1 0 0 -6 1 20 %

I've got some work to do, but I also seemed to draw a very tough opponent on Day 1!

[korme]

DAY #2

OPPONENT: Ben Everill
As I will do every day, I look up my opponent on the world's most reknowned source, Twitter. Ben's bio tells me he writes for PGATOUR.com. Great, another professional!

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
In this iconic photo from the 1950 U.S. Open, what specific, unique club is Ben Hogan holding?

https://i.imgur.com/Mc7yQNM.jpg


Correct answer: 1-iron

My answer: Long Iron
Opponent: CORRECT

Of course my man that works for PGATOUR would get a golf question to start. I put the K on this question though, so he got the same amount of points as me - 0. Tough question to start. In my younger days I may have known about that, or heard about it, but golf has generally fallen off of my radar so I made a guess which I knew would not be correct. Fail.

Hit Rate: 112 / 178 = 62.92%


QUESTION #2
Baseball and softball coaches often use a specific kind of bat that is longer, thinner, and lighter than a normal bat (and that sometimes has tape on the barrel) in order to hit fielding practice. The five-letter word for this bat has been around since at least the 1800s, and may derive from the Scots language. What is that word?


Correct answer: Fungo

My answer: fungo
Opponent: CORRECT

Hey, I sport I know a little something about! Unfortunately, my opponent knew this one, too.

Hit Rate: 132 / 178 = 74.16%


QUESTION #3
“Walk down pit road on the day of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and it appears as if a group of small buildings have been erected. Actually, they are the pit boxes that each team has. Affectionately known as the “______ ______,” the pit boxes hold computers, car-monitoring equipment, spare parts, repair materials — everything vital to a team’s performance each week.”

Fill in the blank from this 2013 Scranton Times-Tribune story with the missing two-word alliterative phrase.


Correct answer: War Wagon

My answer: Turbo Towers
Opponent: INCORRECT

This was a tough one and another I had no idea about. Commish later wrote in an email that this was one of the hardest questions he has ever written.

Hit Rate: 8 / 178 = 4.49%


QUESTION #4
What was the name of the controversial official ball of the 2010 FIFA World Cup? The name, chosen by Adidas, means “celebrate” in Zulu.


Correct answer: Jabulani

My answer: Ubuntu
Opponent: CORRECT

I knew Ubuntu was the word that the Celtics used in their '08 championship run and had no other logical guesses as I didn't really remember this controversy. I thought this would be the most challenging question and marked this as the HR. Of course my opponent knew it, so he received 4 points for the correct answer.

Hit Rate: 66 / 178 = 37.08%


QUESTION #5
The dueling pawns you see below are animated versions of the official playing pieces for what "game of sweet revenge?" (The title of which has been artfully obscured in the image.)

https://i.imgur.com/5guum2J.jpg


Correct answer: Sorry!

My answer: Sorry!
Opponent: CORRECT

Hey, I knew this one! My opponent figured I would, so he marked this one as the K question, so I received zero points. Turns out most everyone knew this one, and the Commish revealed he was sorry! for posting such a layup of a question. Man, at this rate, I need these types of questions!

Hit Rate: 174 / 178 = 97.75%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 2(2)
BEN 8(4)

Once again I get my ass kicked by a professional sports writer and am firmly in last place by point differential after 2 days. Can I get an easier opponent, or questions more suited for me? Ugh, this is embarassing.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 2 0 0 6 8 8 80 %
Timothy Graf 2 0 0 6 6 4 40 %
Ben Everill 1 0 1 4 6 7 70 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 1 0 1 4 2 5 50 %
Brian Sandalow 1 1 0 3 2 6 60 %
Jim Robbins 1 1 0 3 -2 1 10 %
Andrew Desnoyers 0 1 1 1 -2 3 30 %
Aaron Jorbin 0 1 1 1 -4 3 30 %
Drew Wilde 0 2 0 0 -4 3 30 %
Shane Kormelink 0 2 0 0 -12 3 30 %

[Butter]

How did you not HR the American Gladiators question?

[korme]

Rookie mistake I suppose. I thought the Heidi thing was impossible, I did not realize it is pretty famous.

[korme]

DAY #3

SHANE (0-2-0) vs. ANDREW DESNOYERS (0-1-1)
First opponent that is not on Twitter, so no bio, and appears to not be a pro sports writer. Fantastic, but also, I have less to go on for defense.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
In the seven NHL seasons from 1968-69 through 1974-75, only two men—both Boston Bruins—won the Art Ross Trophy for most points in a season. Name both.


Correct answer: Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr

My answer: Bobby Orr, Art Ross
Opponent: CORRECT

I try to get cute here as I can't think of another old-timey Bruin, and go with the guy who the trophy is named for in hopes that it is a retroactive naming. Wrong, and opponent gets it right. Off to a rip roaring start yet again. Sorry to all hockey fans.

Hit Rate: 86 / 178 = 48.31%


QUESTION #2
In a certain game, the names of various “coups” span a wide range, from “Belladonna” to “Crocodile” to “Deschapelles” to “Merrimac” to “Morton’s Fork,” while the “Alcatraz” coup is an illegal variation. What’s the game?


Correct answer: Bridge

My answer: Settlers of Catan
Opponent: CORRECT

Went with a board game I've never played, turns out it was a classic card game that people with blue hair play at lunch. My opponents are awesome at trivia.

Hit Rate: 70 / 178 = 39.33%


QUESTION #3
From Aug. 17, 1987, when Martina Navratilova gave up the no. 1 WTA ranking for good to Steffi Graf, until March 31, 1997, when Graf gave it up for good to Martina Hingis, only three women held the no. 1 ranking; Graf for 377 weeks, Monica Seles for 178 weeks, and what third player for 12 weeks?


Correct answer: Arantxa Sánchez Vicario

My answer: Aranchez Sanchez Vicario
Opponent: INCORRECT

So I had a pretty good idea here but I wasn't positive. It was between her and Jennifer Capriati, and I went with the older name. Turns out I was right, and not docked for the butchering of the spelling of her name! HOWEVER, my opponent used his "K" here and I got zero points! I used my "HR" here and it worked as my opponent did not get this correct.

Hit Rate: 33 / 178 = 18.54%


QUESTION #4
On the list of the top 30 NFL players with the most career regular season receiving yards, only three have a last name that begins with a vowel. Terrell Owens, ranked third, is one, while Michael Irvin, ranked 28th, is another. The third player, ranked 15th, played from 1983 to 1998 for the Rams, Redskins, and Patriots. Name him.


Correct answer: Henry Ellard

My answer: Henry Ellard
Opponent: INCORRECT

This one took me a bit longer than I'd like to admit, but I have played enough FOF historical replays that it didn't take long to jog the memory.

Hit Rate: 60 / 178 = 33.71%


QUESTION #5
As documented in the film Pumping Iron, the drama at the 1975 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition revolved around two contenders, one of whom subtly bullied and intimidated the other on his path to victory. Name both men.


Correct answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno

My answer: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno
Opponent: INCORRECT

In college my roommate was obsessed with Arnold and thankfully I watched Pumping Iron enough to know that it was him and the Hulk.

Hit Rate: 86 / 178 = 48.31%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 4(3)
JONATHAN 4(2)

TIE. I suppose I'll take it, even though it stings that I got more questions correct! My K/HR were both used on questions he got wrong, but he used his K on my tennis question so it evened us out. Here's a screenshot to show what I mean.

https://i.imgur.com/qtRwny9.png?1

Not sure if I am explaining that well enough, but my defensive choices on the left side are used for his answers on the right side, and vice versa.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 2 0 1 7 8 10 66.67 %
Ben Everill 2 0 1 7 8 10 66.67 %
Timothy Graf 2 0 1 7 6 6 40 %
Brian Sandalow 2 1 0 6 4 10 66.67 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 1 0 2 5 2 7 46.67 %
Jim Robbins 1 2 0 3 -4 4 26.67 %
Andrew Desnoyers 0 1 2 2 -2 5 33.33 %
Aaron Jorbin 0 1 2 2 -4 5 33.33 %
Shane Kormelink 0 2 1 1 -12 6 40 %
Drew Wilde 0 3 0 0 -6 4 26.67 %

Out of last place! :banana:

[korme]

Today's questions are impossible

[korme]

DAY #4

SHANE (0-2-1) vs. PETER BAILEY-WELLS (1-0-2)
Pete is an editor at bostonglobe.com so that's pretty broad, but he should know his stuff.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
In a 14-year MLB career, Tony Clark played for six teams, made one All-Star game in 2001, and retired with a career batting average of .262. What is Clark’s current job?


Correct answer: Executive Director of the MLB Players Association (anything identifying him as the players' union chief will suffice)

My answer: Bench Coach (K)
Opponent: CORRECT (K)

We both use our strikeout here rendering this question null, but he got it right and I didn't. That's on me for not keeping up with current events.

Hit Rate: 110 / 174 = 63.22%


QUESTION #2
Amanda Nunes is the current champion of the UFC women’s bantamweight division. Starting with the inaugural champion in that division in Dec. 2012, only three other women—all of them American—have held that title. Name two of the three. (Free hint: Cris Cyborg is not one of them.)


Correct answer: Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Miesha Tate

My answer: Ronda Rousey
Opponent: CORRECT

I just couldn't think of the other two women. As soon as I saw the answer, I snapped my fingers. Just couldn't think of it yesterday. Pete could, so he's winning.

Hit Rate: 100 / 174 = 57.47%


QUESTION #3
Among the nicknames of the Hungarian team that fell to West Germany 3-2 in the final of the 1954 FIFA World Cup—a major upset, strange as it seems today—were “The Golden Team” and the “Mighty” or “Magnificent” or "Marvelous" or "Magical" what?


Correct answer: Magyars

My answer: Maestros
Opponent: INCORRECT

Absolute no shot.

Hit Rate: 50 / 174 = 28.74%


QUESTION #4
“Military Patrol," an official Olympic sport in 1924 and a demonstration sport on three other occasions, was a precursor to what Olympic event that debuted in 1960?


Correct answer: Biathalon

My answer: Pass
Opponent: INCORRECT (HR)

If I had thought about it, guns = biathalon. But at the time I was completely lost and giving up hope.

Hit Rate: 110 / 174 = 63.22%


QUESTION #5
Chervin Jafarieh, the founder of the company CYMBIOTIKA—which sells herbal supplements designed to promote homocysteine balance—was able to bring his ideas (for instance, the molecular transformation of liquids via emotional projection) to a larger audience in late April with an appearance on the Instagram Live series “The Self Mastery Project.” Who hosted the show?


Correct answer: Novak Djokovic

My answer: Jose Canseco (HR)
Opponent: INCORRECT

Again, just no shot. I had no idea what the hell he was talking about.

Hit Rate: 41 / 174 = 23.56%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 0(0)
PETER 2(2)

If I get just *1* correct that isn't the first question I tie Peter. Unfortunately, I go 0-5. I wonder how many days Tony Clark had like that. This game is fun, but it's looking like I should be sent to AAA.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 3 0 1 10 10 13 65 %
Ben Everill 2 0 2 8 8 12 60 %
Timothy Graf 2 0 2 8 6 8 40 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 2 0 2 8 4 9 45 %
Brian Sandalow 2 2 0 6 2 12 60 %
Andrew Desnoyers 1 1 2 5 2 7 35 %
Aaron Jorbin 1 1 2 5 -2 7 35 %
Jim Robbins 1 3 0 3 -6 6 30 %
Shane Kormelink 0 3 1 1 -14 6 30 %
Drew Wilde 0 4 0 0 -10 4 20 %

I can't wait to play Drew.

[korme]

DAY #5

SHANE (0-3-1) vs. Aaron Jorbin (1-1-2)
Aaron doesn't have a Twitter bio, and I know very little about him. I'm rolling with my gut on defense.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
“They attempted to set up badminton, but no one could find the shuttlecock. They improvised with a perforated plastic ball, lowered the badminton net, and fabricated paddles of plywood from a nearby shed.”

This description of events that took place on Bainbridge Island in the summer of 1965 refers to the origins of what sport?


Correct answer: Pickleball

My answer: pickleball
Opponent: CORRECT

My new nieghbors have set up a little pickleball action in their backyard, so in some way or another pickleball crosses through my brain once a day.

Hit Rate: 137 / 177 = 77.4%


QUESTION #2
In the 1959-60 NBA season, Wilt Chamberlain won the NBA MVP award as a rookie. Nine years later, what Louisville grad became the second (and as of now, last) player to win the MVP as a rookie? This player never won an MVP again, though he’s no. 12 on the NBA’s all-time rebounding list.


Correct answer: Wes Unseld

My answer: Wes Unseld
Opponent: INCORRECT

This one was easy for me, as NBA is my number one and Wes Unseld is a legend. The mentioning of rebounding locked it in. Kevin Love's godfather and inspiration. My opponent put the HR here on me, so I got 4 points for getting correct, and I'm... winning.

Hit Rate: 78 / 177 = 44.07%


QUESTION #3
In 2014, six European domestic leagues came together (with other parties) to form the Champions Hockey League, the latest iteration in the complicated history of European club championship hockey. Since then, despite participation from all over the continent, every semifinalist has come from one of the six founding leagues. Name three of the six countries these leagues represent, and note that Russian KHL teams do not participate. (Note: Your answer should contain three countries.)


Correct answer: Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Switzerland

My answer: Germany, Switzerland, Sweden
Opponent: INCORRECT

I did not know this answer or this league at all. I just took the clues given and picked three countries I figured would make sense. I use my HR defense here, and it pays off as my opponent misses.

Hit Rate: 104 / 177 = 58.76%


QUESTION #4
“Yeah, I’m pissed. But I’m ready to go on to Pocono, we’ll be alright.” Those words concluded an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon in late June, and were spoken by what athlete?


Correct answer: Bubba Wallace

My answer: Bubba Wallce
Opponent: CORRECT

Two months ago if I ever saw the name Bubba Wallace I just thought it was Rusty Wallace's son. And then the world happened, and you had to be living under a rock to not learn a little bit about Bubba Wallace. We both use our K's here, so neither of us score 2 points.

Hit Rate: 139 / 177 = 78.53%


QUESTION #5
On the list of the 59 Dominican-born baseball players who have reached the 1,000-hit mark in Major League Baseball, the last name that appears most frequently is Ramirez—Manny, Aramis, Rafael, and Hanley. None of them are related. What is the only last name to appear three times?


Correct answer: Alou (Felipe, Matty, Jesus)

My answer: Guerrero
Opponent: INCORRECT

This is more in line with the types of questions I thought I would be getting when I signed up for this league. What a great question, I'm pissed I didn't get it. Wilton Guerrero really let me down big time with his under 500 career hits.

Hit Rate: 68 / 177 = 38.42%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 8(4)
AARON 2(2)

First win! I got lucky with Q3 but it didn't seem to matter. Give me some more of these days! Out of the cellar, into the W column, all that. Nice to head into the weekend with a win.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 4 0 1 13 14 17 68 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 3 0 2 11 10 12 48 %
Timothy Graf 3 0 2 11 10 11 44 %
Brian Sandalow 3 2 0 9 8 16 64 %
Ben Everill 2 1 2 8 2 15 60 %
Andrew Desnoyers 1 2 2 5 -2 10 40 %
Aaron Jorbin 1 2 2 5 -8 9 36 %
Shane Kormelink 1 3 1 4 -8 10 40 %
Jim Robbins 1 4 0 3 -10 9 36 %
Drew Wilde 0 5 0 0 -16 6 24 %

I'm playing Drew today, hope I can climb higher in the standings, but many could say he's due.

[britrock88]

#5 a good question indeed. I went with Molina... but Jose didn't crack 600 hits and the brothers are Puerto Rican.

[korme]

DAY #6

SHANE (1-3-1) vs. DREW WILDE (0-5-0)
I'm hoping to build off my winning moment and seize the opportunity to beat someone who seems to be around my skill level.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
Name either one of the two schools that have appeared in at least ten Division III NCAA national championship football games. Between 2005 and 2015, these schools won every title, and faced each other for the championship in nine of the eleven years.


Correct answer: Mount Union, Wisconsin-Whitewater

My answer: DePauw
Opponent: INCORRECT

I could hardly remember NDSU as the kickass DII school, I definitely wasn't getting this one.

Hit Rate: 113 / 177 = 63.84%
Selected K: 14 / 177 = 7.91%
Selected HR: 10 / 177 = 5.65%

The commish added the K/HR rates too, so I'll paste them here as well.


QUESTION #2
Why has this photograph from the archives of Sport Magazine remained relevant for more than 50 years?

https://i.imgur.com/OEf7cBw.jpg


Correct answer: It was the photo used as the basis for the NBA logo

My answer: This is Jerry West and this became THE LOGO (of the NBA)
Opponent: CORRECT

As you will see a pretty easy question all around. Drew also gets it right and he uses his K here, so he takes a 2-0 lead.

Hit Rate: 171 / 177 = 96.61%
Selected K: 145 / 177 = 81.92%
Selected HR: 1 / 177 = 0.56%


QUESTION #3
Name three of the four clubs who will be playing in the UEFA Champions League semifinals later this week.


Correct answer: RB Leipzig, Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Olympique Lyonnais, FC Bayern Munich

My answer: Bayern, Paris, Ateletico
Opponent: INCORRECT

Not much of a soccer guy but I had heard something on TV or a podcast about Bayern and Paris and so I went with those two, and then guessed a soccer team for the last one. We both guess wrong and stay at 2-0.

Hit Rate: 105 / 177 = 59.32%
Selected K: 13 / 177 = 7.34%
Selected HR: 12 / 177 = 6.78%


QUESTION #4
In a cut scene from the Sega Genesis game Zero Wing, released in 1992, an alien cyborg called CATS delivers what ominous, though grammatically dreadful, seven-word message? (Note: Your answer must be exact.)


Correct answer: All your base are belong to us

My answer: All your base are belong to us.
Opponent: CORRECT

I luck out here as I distinctly remember this meme circulating pretty heavily before we knew to call them memes, sometime in the early 00's. Based on Drew's twitter picture he is around my age, so I go with my gut and place my K here - he gets it right, and is awarded 0 points for it. However, he assumes I will have no idea and puts the HR designation on this one, so I get the 4-bagger and take the lead.

Hit Rate: 69 / 177 = 38.98%
Selected K: 3 / 177 = 1.69%
Selected HR: 82 / 177 = 46.33%


QUESTION #5
There are three nations that have won a single gold medal, and no other medal of any kind, in the history of the summer Olympics. Interestingly, all three golds came at the 2016 Games in Brazil, where a judoka from Kosovo and a Taekwondo fighter from Jordan both won gold. The third historic gold medal came in a team event. Which nation won that medal?


Correct answer: Fiji (Men's Rugby Sevens)

My answer: Pakistan
Opponent: INCORRECT

No idea and I placed my HR here, which worked out as Drew did not know either.

Hit Rate: 37 / 177 = 20.9%
Selected K: 2 / 177 = 1.13%
Selected HR: 72 / 177 = 40.68%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 4(2)
DREW 2(2)

We both got the same two questions right, it was just a matter of me playing my defensive questions better. Two wins in a row baby.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 5 0 1 16 20 22 73.33 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 4 0 2 14 14 15 50 %
Ben Everill 3 1 2 11 6 18 60 %
Timothy Graf 3 1 2 11 6 12 40 %
Brian Sandalow 3 3 0 9 6 19 63.33 %
Andrew Desnoyers 2 2 2 8 0 13 43.33 %
Shane Kormelink 2 3 1 7 -6 12 40 %
Aaron Jorbin 1 3 2 5 -14 12 40 %
Jim Robbins 1 5 0 3 -14 11 36.67 %
Drew Wilde 0 6 0 0 -18 8 26.67 %

So I have faced the top three already, and two of the bottom 3. The rest of my week should consist of people around my skill level as it stands so far. I'm hoping for a top 5 finish at this point. That's high hopes, but that is what I'm going for.

[korme]

DAY #7

SHANE (2-3-1) vs. TIMOTHY GRAF (3-1-2)
All I know about Tim is that he is a hairdresser. He has a better record than me, but over six days we have both answered 12 questions correctly, so we'll see.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
A July 8, 2012 ESPN.com story, a Feb. 6, 2018 Bustle story, an Aug. 10, 2016 EOnline story, and a Feb. 12, 2014 Us Weekly story all featured provocative tales from what locale?


Correct answer: The Olympic Village

My answer: Magic City
Opponent: INCORRECT

Now that I see the answer, I remember a few of those stories. Sometimes I wonder how long I should sit on the questions. I have 24 hours, but I usually submit my answer shortly after looking at them.

Hit Rate: 85 / 175 = 48.57%
Selected K: 41 / 175 = 23.43%
Selected HR: 29 / 175 = 16.57%


QUESTION #2
What alias did Michael Vick frequently use when undergoing STD testing and treatment, according to a lawsuit brought against him by a woman he allegedly slept with?


Correct answer: Ron Mexico

My answer: Ron Mexico
Opponent: INCORRECT

Thank you, FOFC probably? What a classic. We're on the board.

Hit Rate: 107 / 175 = 61.14%
Selected K: 71 / 175 = 40.57%
Selected HR: 18 / 175 = 10.29%


QUESTION #3
FC Barcelona Bàsquet’s Brandon Davies played in NCAA postseason tournaments in 2010, 2012, and 2013 (but not 2011) for which school?


Correct answer: Brigham Young

My answer: New Mexico State
Opponent: INCORRECT

I didn't have a clue and just went with a mid tier program. We both use our "K" advantage here, and it doesn't matter.

Hit Rate: 91 / 175 = 52%
Selected K: 23 / 175 = 13.14%
Selected HR: 20 / 175 = 11.43%


QUESTION #4
“__________ banged your girlfriend, mate. Sorry to tell you that.” These words, spoken by Nick Kyrgios to Stan Wawrinka at the 2015 Rogers Cup, came during a heated exchange and were justified by Kyrgios afterward when he said, “he was getting a bit lippy with me.” Fill in the blank with the missing player.


Correct answer: Thanasi Kokkinakis

My answer: Monfils
Opponent: INCORRECT

I like tennis to an extent and know maybe 10 of the high level guys, but I knew my answer was going to be wrong. We both thought this question was most difficult and served up our "HR" card and paid off as neither got it correct.

Hit Rate: 28 / 175 = 16%
Selected K: 11 / 175 = 6.29%
Selected HR: 83 / 175 = 47.43%


QUESTION #5
On Aug. 14, 1997, an electrical outage affecting a bank of lights at Camden Yards forced the Baltimore Orioles to postpone a game against the Seattle Mariners. Later, a conspiracy theory emerged that the Orioles had manufactured the outage as a means of canceling the game in order to preserve Cal Ripken Jr.’s consecutive games played streak. Ripken, the story went, had caught his wife in bed with another man that day, and was either too bruised from fighting the man, too distraught, or some combination of both, to attend the game. According to this now Internet-ubiquitous theory (which, it should be noted, is provably false), who had shacked up with Ripken’s wife?


Correct answer: Kevin Costner

My answer: Jay Buhner
Opponent: INCORRECT

I must have been a little too young for this and we didn't have teh internets like we do now, so this story did not resonate with me whatsoever. Funny story, though I'm not buying it. But hey! My opponent didn't score any points so that means...

Hit Rate: 64 / 175 = 36.57%
Selected K: 29 / 175 = 16.57%
Selected HR: 25 / 175 = 14.29%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 2(1)
JONATHAN 0(0)

Three wins in a row! I got off to such a bad start facing all of the best competition and admittedly have gotten lucky a couple days, but I'm settling in to a mid tier position.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 5 0 2 17 20 25 71.43 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 4 1 2 14 8 16 45.71 %
Brian Sandalow 4 3 0 12 12 23 65.71 %
Ben Everill 3 1 3 12 6 20 57.14 %
Timothy Graf 3 2 2 11 4 12 34.29 %
Shane Kormelink 3 3 1 10 -4 13 37.14 %
Andrew Desnoyers 2 2 3 9 0 14 40 %
Aaron Jorbin 2 3 2 8 -8 15 42.86 %
Jim Robbins 1 5 1 4 -14 12 34.29 %
Drew Wilde 0 7 0 0 -24 10 28.57 %

Like I said, setting in to the middle of the pack with two matches to go, one against the guy in 3rd and one against the guy in 9th. Lets go 1-1 at worst here!

[korme]

DAY #8

SHANE (3-3-1) vs. BRIAN SANDALOW (4-3-0)
Brian works for Sun-Times Sports, so we are back to the pros. Although our records are similar, Brian's answer rate is far higher than mine.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
From the 2010-11 through 2019-20 seasons, only three FBS football teams finished the season undefeated (including all postseason games, where applicable) but did not finish first in the final AP rankings. Name two of those three.


Correct answer: TCU, UCF, Ohio State

My answer: Central Florida, Boise State
Opponent: CORRECT

I imagine this is an affront to many people reading this dynasty/blog. The truth is, my interest in college sports has fallen off a cliff in the past decade. Still, living an hour south of Columbus, I probably should have gotten OSU here.

Hit Rate: 88 / 178 = 49.44%
Selected K: 78 / 178 = 43.82%
Selected HR: 12 / 178 = 6.74%


QUESTION #2
In a standard game of snooker, what color are the majority of balls?


Correct answer: Red

My answer: Red
Opponent: Red

I listen to an NBA podcast No Dunks and just recently one of the guys on there was talking about snooker and it prompted me to watch the youtube clip he was referencing. Cool.

Hit Rate: 131 / 178 = 73.6%
Selected K: 43 / 178 = 24.16%
Selected HR: 10 / 178 = 5.62%


QUESTION #3
Of the top 50 goal scorers in the history of Serie A, four are currently active and still play in the top Italian league. Two of them, Fabio Quagliarella (17) and Ciro Immobile (37), are Italian. Name either one of the two who aren’t. (Note: These are goals scored IN Serie A.)


Correct answer: Zlatan Ibrahimović, Gonzalo Higuaín

My answer: Pass
Opponent: CORRECT

Yeah, no clue. Only have a shot if it is an easy MLS or EPL I think. I picked HR defense here, Brian went yard.

Hit Rate: 66 / 178 = 37.08%
Selected K: 18 / 178 = 10.11%
Selected HR: 75 / 178 = 42.13%


QUESTION #4
Elena Delle Donne, the reigning WNBA MVP, had her request to opt out of the 2020 season for medical reasons denied by a panel of doctors. What chronic immuno-compromising condition does Delle Donne suffer from?


Correct answer: Lyme Disease

My answer: Lyme Disease
Opponent: CORRECT

Pretty big story if you follow hoops, Elena is a monster, and we both used our "K" advantage here. I cannot win this game.

Hit Rate: 114 / 178 = 64.04%
Selected K: 31 / 178 = 17.42%
Selected HR: 23 / 178 = 12.92%


QUESTION #5
According to an AP story, what common, low-tech buffering implements were the only objects lining the “unbanked turns” of a perilous street luge course that ran from the Cliff House to Ocean Beach in San Francisco at the 1999 Summer X games?


Correct answer: Hay Bales

My answer: tires
Opponent: INCORRECT

Ahh... Hay bales, that makes sense. Brian rightly used his HR here as I took a big whiff and my winning streak comes to an end.

Hit Rate: 66 / 178 = 37.08%
Selected K: 8 / 178 = 4.49%
Selected HR: 58 / 178 = 32.58%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 2(2)
BRIAN 8(4)

Outmatched through and through. He's a top 3 player in the division who has had some bad luck with ties. I was out from the start.

Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 5 0 3 18 20 27 67.5 %
Brian Sandalow 5 3 0 15 18 27 67.5 %
Ben Everill 4 1 3 15 8 23 57.5 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 4 1 3 15 8 18 45 %
Timothy Graf 3 2 3 12 4 13 32.5 %
Andrew Desnoyers 2 2 4 10 0 16 40 %
Shane Kormelink 3 4 1 10 -10 15 37.5 %
Aaron Jorbin 2 4 2 8 -10 18 45 %
Jim Robbins 1 5 2 5 -14 15 37.5 %
Drew Wilde 0 7 1 1 -24 12 30 %

On to the final day of the regular season. I can finish anywhere between 5th and 8th, and my opponent sits in 9th so we are hoping for a win. After that, it is on to the 'championship round' which means for me a seeding game to determine where I end up next fortnight.

[korme]

DAY #9

SHANE (3-4-1) vs. JIM ROBBINS (1-5-2)
Jim has been very good at hockey questions, and average in common sports and little else.

This is the final day of the regular season.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
The final round of the 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry is known today as the “Duel in the Sun.” Who finished second in that event?


Correct answer: Jack Nicklaus

My answer: Jack Nicklaus
Opponent: INCORRECT

I wrote Jack, then erased it and wrote Gary Player, then erased it and wrote Jack. Just a guess, why not? Oh, it worked. GREAT START.

Hit Rate: 103 / 179 = 57.54%
Selected K: 39 / 179 = 21.79%
Selected HR: 29 / 179 = 16.2%


QUESTION #2
What first name is shared by the active NHL leader in playoff goals (72), the active leader in playoff overtime goals (5), and the all-time leader in playoff minutes? (Please note the bolded sections: The answer requires a first name only, and the first two leaders listed are among active players only.)


Correct answer: Patrick (Marleau, Kane, and Roy)

My answer: Alexander
Opponent: INCORRECT

I thought about this one for a long time and though I could not think of any historic Alex's other than the active Ovechkin, I felt good about the name. I wouldn't have come to Patrick ever I don't believe. My opponent and I both used our "K" defense here, and it turned out futile for the both of us.

Hit Rate: 77 / 179 = 43.02%
Selected K: 25 / 179 = 13.97%
Selected HR: 20 / 179 = 11.17%


QUESTION #3
The two players selected 31st and 47th in the 1984 MLB draft later had their numbers retired by the same team...and those numbers were 31 and 47. Name both.


Correct answer: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine

My answer: Greg Maddux 31, Tom Glavine 47
Opponent: CORRECT

So this one took me a while but I got there. I started thinking about the number 31 but quickly moved my focus to 47 as it is more unique and probably a pitcher. I just went team by team, and landed on Atlanta.

Hit Rate: 86 / 179 = 48.04%
Selected K: 36 / 179 = 20.11%
Selected HR: 38 / 179 = 21.23%


QUESTION #4
Quinn Cook spent the first three years of his high school career at a Maryland Catholic school which boasts alumni such as Adrian Dantley, Mike Brey, Danny Ferry, Victor Oladipo, and Markelle Fultz. For his senior season, he transferred to a Virginia private school whose former stars include Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Jerry Stackhouse, and Rajon Rondo. Name either one of the prep powerhouses Cook attended.


Correct answer: DeMatha Catholic High School, Oak Hill Academy

My answer: Oak Hill Academy
Opponent: CORRECT

I had a picture of HS Lebron and HS Carmelo on my wall for a very long time, piece of cake.

Hit Rate: 141 / 179 = 78.77%
Selected K: 63 / 179 = 35.2%
Selected HR: 17 / 179 = 9.5%


QUESTION #5
A “solved game” is one whose outcome can be correctly predicted from any position as long as both players play perfectly, and a “weakly solved” game is one in which either a victory or draw can be secured from the starting position with perfect play. What is the most complex game—with approximately 5 x 10^20 possibilities—to ever be weakly solved? (It took between 50 and 200 computers a full 18 years to finally solve it in 2007.)


Correct answer: Checkers

My answer: Chess
Opponent: INCORRECT

Took me a minute to fully grasp the question, and once I did my answer was fixated on checkers. However, after staring at the possibilities, I came to the conclusion that Checkers was too simple of a game and I must change it to chess. One of the great failures of one's life is not relying on their gut, and I paid the ultimate price here.

We both used our HR tag, and both were successful as neither scored.

Hit Rate: 31 / 179 = 17.32%
Selected K: 16 / 179 = 8.94%
Selected HR: 75 / 179 = 41.9%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 6(3)
JIM 4(2)

This means I do not end the season with a losing record. Big congrats to myself.


Team W L D Pts +/- Correct Rate
Jonathan Gault 6 0 3 21 26 31 68.89 %
Brian Sandalow 6 3 0 18 28 31 68.89 %
Ben Everill 4 2 3 15 2 24 53.33 %
Peter Bailey-Wells 4 2 3 15 2 20 44.44 %
Andrew Desnoyers 3 2 4 13 6 18 40 %
Shane Kormelink 4 4 1 13 -8 18 40 %
Timothy Graf 3 3 3 12 -6 13 28.89 %
Aaron Jorbin 3 4 2 11 0 22 48.89 %
Jim Robbins 1 6 2 5 -16 17 37.78 %
Drew Wilde 0 8 1 1 -34 12 26.67 %

So Friday takes us to the championship match, or in my case, a seeding match to determine which level I will play at next year. I face off against old foe Andrew Desnoyers. The winner will be headed to the 3rd tier division, and the loser will be headed to the 4th tier.

I'm out of town for the weekend, so I'll update Friday's results on Monday, if anyone is reading.

[Chas in Cinti]

Reading and enjoying, please keep it up!

[Butter]

I too thought Bubba Wallace was white and probably related to Rusty Wallace. Oops

[korme]

Just got back from Chicago so I'll probably take another day to write the final match.

However, I did just get an email from the commisioner asking about the next fortnight, they are taking new players. He says just contact him about Fortnight VII shane AT apocalypsetrivia.com

[korme]

DAY #10

The Seeding Game

With the season over and us being in junior divisions, all of us have been seeded to a division comparable to other opponents. That means we are playing for a spot in Division III, with the winner beginning next season in Division IV.

SHANE (4-4-1) vs. ANDREW DESNOYERS (3-2-4)
Andrew was my only draw back on DAY 3. I answered one more question correctly than him, but we still ended up with 4 total points. This could be considered a rubber match, then.

To the questions:

QUESTION #1
A 2003 study called “Social and Economic Value of Sport in Ireland” found that although soccer has the highest participation rate among citizens in the Republic of Ireland, both soccer and rugby fall behind two team sports in terms of annual attendance by spectators. Name one of those sports.


Correct answer: Gaelic Football, Hurling

My answer: basketball
Opponent: CORRECT

I'll be honest here, I was quickly getting ready in the morning to take a mini road trip and fired through these answers. I knew the season was over and didn't mind the idea of playing in Div 4, with easier competition more at my level. Still, winning and getting to Div 3 would be great, but lets just know I didn't think too long or hard about any of these.

Andrew got it right but wasted his K here as I missed it.

Hit Rate: 108 / 177 = 61.02%
Selected K: 43 / 177 = 24.29%
Selected HR: 11 / 177 = 6.21%


QUESTION #2
List the following implements—presented here in alphabetical order—by the length of their current world record throws, from longest to shortest: Discus, Hammer Throw, Javelin, Shot Put


Correct answer: Javelin, Hammer Throw, Discus, Shot Put

My answer: Javelin, Hammer, Discus, Shot Put
Opponent: CORRECT

I did some good educated guessing here, was confident but not cocky on this one. Unfortunately Andrew also got this one correct.

Hit Rate: 82 / 177 = 46.33%
Selected K: 47 / 177 = 26.55%
Selected HR: 17 / 177 = 9.6%


QUESTION #3
For an NFL game to end on a hail mary—defined here as a pass that travels at least 40 yards in the air and is thrown up for grabs into or near the end zone as time expires—is very rare. Give the first name of the player who threw the longest game-ending, game-winning hail mary in NFL history, and the first name of the player who caught it. (Note: Your answer should consist of two first names. I'd ask for their last names, but that would be redundant.)


Correct answer: Aaron, Richard

My answer: Aaron, Roy
Opponent: INCORRECT

I remember it being Aaron Rodgers, I think against the Lions? I couldn't come up with another Rodgers I was happy with, and settled on good old Roy. I was wrong, but so was my opponent, as I wisely used my "HR" slot here.

Hit Rate: 93 / 177 = 52.54%
Selected K: 55 / 177 = 31.07%
Selected HR: 21 / 177 = 11.86%


QUESTION #4
One of the most tragic events in professional boxing came in a 1982 WBA lightweight championship bout. Kim Duk-koo (often written as Duk Koo Kim), the challenger, was knocked out in the 14th round, and fell almost immediately into a coma from which he died four days later. Kim’s mother killed herself three months after that by drinking pesticide, and the match referee, Richard Green, committed suicide the next summer. Kim’s opponent fell into a depression afterward, blaming himself for the death. Who was that opponent?


Correct answer: Ray Mancini

My answer: Roberto Duran
Opponent: INCORRECT

Just picked a small boxer from the 80's here. I feel like I've heard the Ray Mancini story before, but couldn't think of it then.

Hit Rate: 44 / 177 = 24.86%
Selected K: 6 / 177 = 3.39%
Selected HR: 65 / 177 = 36.72%


QUESTION #5
A specialized (and fairly rare) soccer tactic called Il cucchiaio ("the spoon") in Italy, cavadinha ("little dig") in Brazil and penal picado in Argentina is widely known in the English world by the last name of the man who made it famous at the 1976 UEFA European Championship. What is that name?


Correct answer: Panenka

My answer: Maradona
Opponent: CORRECT

Andrew hit me with the HR here so it's too bad I didn't know who Panenka was. Old school soccer has gotten me every time. I knew, however that Andrew was pretty good with soccer so I gave him the K here canceling out his points.

Hit Rate: 53 / 177 = 29.94%
Selected K: 26 / 177 = 14.69%
Selected HR: 63 / 177 = 35.59%


FINAL SCORE & STANDINGS
SHANE 2(1)
ANDREW 4(3)

And there it is, Andrew gets the best of me and will be slotted in division 3. I will be in division 4 - along with my brother, so that will be an added twist for me next time around. Thanks for reading, maybe I'll do these recaps again.

All Time Record 4 - 5 - 1
All Time +/- -10
Answer Rate 38%

Previous Finishes
Season League Finish
Fortnight VI Endtimes (Jr A) 6th

Hit Rate by Category
Category Count Hit Rate
Baseball 2 / 5 40%
Basketball 4 / 6 66.67%
Country Club 3 / 6 50%
Football 2 / 6 33.33%
Games 3 / 5 60%
Hockey 2 / 4 50%
Obscure 1 / 4 25%
Olympics 1 / 5 20%
Racing & Combat 1 / 4 25%
Soccer 0 / 5 0%

[britrock88]

Just got back from Chicago so I'll probably take another day to write the final match.

However, I did just get an email from the commisioner asking about the next fortnight, they are taking new players. He says just contact him about Fortnight VII shane AT apocalypsetrivia.com

I will take you up on this.

[korme]

Great! I'll vouch for anyone as needed.

[korme]

I will take you up on this.

Did you get in? Starts Sunday

[britrock88]

Did you get in? Starts Sunday

Sure did! Looking forward to it.

[britrock88]

Nice 8(4)-0(0) win to start things off yesterday.

Today... the degree of difficulty swing just seemed wild. All but one question required multi-part answers, which seems a little excessive. Managed to get one/two parts of three of those answers, but not all of any of them.

[korme]

I am a perfect 1-1-1 after three days.