As the manager of the winning team, I feel like I should say a few words about the season. SPL is one of my favorite tournaments because it is the closest we can really get to a real life sports league in our game of Pokemon. The rivalries are fierce and the battles intense, which makes SPL a great tournament from start to end. This was my first season as a manager and I must say I really enjoyed the non-battling aspect of the tournament. While the battles are great, I think my favorite part of the SPL season is the comradery and friendships that arise from participating in a team. I interacted with a ton of people I never really had a chance to before and it is an absolutely amazing experience in that regard. Despite not having any All-Stars at midseason, we definitely proved that a team doesn't need "stars" to succeed, just the willingness to work together and have a never say die attitude. Even when we were down 1-4 on several occasions we managed to come back and win or tie most of the time. I was extremely fortunate to be part of such a fantastic group of guys, hopefully we can continue this success in the future.
MoP- I'm extremely glad you came to me before the season to ask about managing. You really helped create the culture of winning for this team and you always made sure everyone was ready and prepared for their opponent making my job a whole lot easier. I really hope this is the start of a dynasty for us in SPL, with your battle and preparation skills and my uh, something, we can be unstoppable!
BlueKirby- Did exactly what I needed you to (nothing). It is quite an accomplishment to hold both team tournament trophies at the same time and I swear to you I'll do my best in the WCoP.
Lady Bug- I was always confused by your choice of team, but you continually won with the oddest things and were always confident in your ability to do so. I was absolutely in shock when you used the gen 4 hail stall team for a pivotal game, then managed pull out a huge win.
Philip7086- My number 1 bro, you were probably the guy I absolutely had to have when I was creating my draft list. You help me out all the time and I know I can trust you with anything. On top of that you are an amazing player and an even better teammate always looking out for the rest of the team, helping wherever you can.
Eternal- To quote MoP, "all arin does is win." You weren't in #sharks all that often, but it seemed like every time you did join it was right after you had won. I loved when you used Garchomp because having our mascot hax/beat someone was always super satisfying.
DarkLucario- We kind of fell into you during the draft and I'm really glad we did. I knew very little about you pre-SPL, but your willingness to help the team by learning a new metagame, dedication to the Sharks and just being a swell guy to talk to made you one of the best purchases of the draft.
Sixonesix- A quiet, but fierce competitor you were my top choice to play VGC this season. I knew you would always be prepared and ready to win. It was usually a foregone conclusion you would add another W each week and your finals match vs Alaka was one of the most nerve-wracking matches this season, but like a champ you pulled through.
Smurf.- Drafting you was sort of out of no where. I woke up the day of the draft with a pm on irc from you saying to give you a chance. I decided to give you a shot and you surprised me by putting up a good record. Should also get some props for putting LN into retirement.
panamaxis- You were on my preseason draft board, and we couldn't get you but fate still put you on the squad. You're a fantastic competitor and like with BK hopefully we can defend that WCoP trophy later this year from the evil MoP and his new Team Asia.
husk- A late addition, but definitely worth it, you brought the Scooters winning ways to the Sharks and just adding you really upped the confidence of the team when it was looking like we might not do so well during the early season.
Conflict- Another dude I didn't know anything about but absolutely glad we ended up with. In addition to your stellar record, you're a stellar friend, enjoy the Pokemon retirement and good luck at university pal.
Carl- While your record was less than stellar in the regular season, you won when it was important, every single one of your wins was at an absolutely critical time. Getting our first win in the finals really set the tone, always glad to have you on my team (pass to me more).
Ala- The super sub, filling in at the last minute twice and getting us two very important wins when we needed them most. Definitely worth more than your 3k price tag for the absolutely clutch play we got from you.
Sapientia- I think you will forever be known as the guy who stopped two 10-0s, although we ended up taking you to the bench it was still a pleasure to have you on the team and like the rest of the team, you're a Shark for life.
Stone_Cold- Anyone else could've just given up after being traded from first place to a team nearly out of contention, but you kept your head high and like a true competitor still gave it your all. Another dude who is more that meets the eye, you have a reputation for being a jerky troll when in fact you're a class act, making that trade was one of the hardest things I did this season.
B-Lulz- I wish things could've been different, mostly because I never really gave you a chance to prove yourself, but like Stone you still went out and did your best when given the opportunity. You were still extremely helpful beyond the battling and I still feel regret I wasn't able to let you be more active in the weekly lineup.
lambasto- When your own teammates didn't know who you were when you got traded then you know there is a problem. In our time of need when we needed a sub, you just up and ignored MoP and me. I had faith you would be able to help us out and contribute, obviously my faith was misplaced.
Our fans- Jumpluff, Loven and anyone who ever said "Go Sharks!" I wish you could all get trophies as well, every one of you stuck with us through thick and thin. We appreciate the fan support and it means a ton, next season week 1 will be fan appreciation week for our devoted fans.
Zracknel- I really couldn't ask for a better logo, your work is amazing and the art definitely contributed to the Sharks swagger.
LonelyNess- While sometimes you make some questionable decisions, I'm glad someone took charge and made this tournament a reality last year. I'm also glad you finally realized the conflict of interest of you playing and being in charge of decisions. Here's hoping to more successful seasons in the future.
Synre- I love you like a brother, and I know I pissed you off a bunch of times this season but I hope you don't hold that against me. You gave me the inspiration to manage this season and without that I wouldn't even be in this position. It is a shame the finals didn't turn out how we initially wanted, and I didn't get revenge for that beating, but there is always next season (unless you want to be a Shark :D).
Ruiners- It was a good game both teams played hard.
Rest of SPL- Next year we're going to defend the trophy so no point in SPL3.