Ten LegalMatch Table Tennis Tournament Captains. Chosen for their abundant skill, their personalities and their abilities to get the job done around LegalMatch. These Captains are equipped to lead their teams to the height of Excellence as Greatness is just around the corner!
Let's get to know a little bit about these LegalMatch ladies.
Lisa Zanassi (CJ) - Team ‘King Pong’ - Graduate of Novato High School- I had a giant tortoise named Tomaso. Rumor has it that he was eaten by the neighbors after he escaped from our backyard. After Tomaso I wanted a Goose but never got one. – I went to Bartending School here in SF before I left for law school. I established a new record for fastest 12 drinks made. William Faulkner is my favorite author. I could read The Sound and the Fury 5 million times. My first Car was my aunt’s Mercury Capri. It died a long time ago. Most Acceptable Nickname – Cult Jam, Mouth, WOP, Tuo, Mona - I was the first girl in the Zanassi Family in 87 years. They strongly believed that I would be a boy and named me Christopher James. They changed it to Lisa after I came out. I always wanted to grow up to be like my uncle. He has always been such a moral and stand up attorney. He really sets the bar in terms of the type of attorney that I strive to be.
Ona Ahumada – Team ‘Tae Pong Doh’ - I went to Bear Creek High, or as our vice principal used to say Bar Crick High – While in school my favorite activities included backpacking, rafting, going to football games and playing volleyball – My favorite writer-Chuck Palahniuk/ Favorite athlete-Terrell Davis - Favorite Film star is Johnny Depp and my favorite Director is Quentin Tarrantino. Favorite quote: - If your opponent is drowning, throw him an anvil- James Carville – I was so bad in my 87 Ford Mustang - my first and best car. People say I am the greatest dancing machine.
Lara Dillon – Team – ‘Ping Dynasty’ - Attended Del Campo H.S. Fair Oaks, CA One of the suburbs of Sacramento (Sac town – for those in the know) – I love to swim, travel. Just put me on a plane and I’m there - though, i must say, wine tasting is my very favorite past time. Jerry Rice is my favorite athlete: I have been a Niner fan my whole life. Not only is Jerry a major and enduring talent, but a humble one. Favorite Film Star would have to be Michael Madsen: The ear scene in reservoir Dogs – can’t say much more then that. Director: Spike Jones is the best! “Being John Malkovich” and “Adaptation” both blew me away. My first car was an Acura Integra 1990. Got it when I tuned 16. Maybe I was a bit spoiled but it was the family car and they gave it to me. I had it for over ten years – through high school, college, and my first four years in the city – where I commuted everywhere. The best car ever – never a single problem with it. I cried when I sold it. Tan Booty? I won’t tell. –That’s in reference to my maiden name: Tanfani. Everyone thought it was Tan Fanny – even though it is not pronounced that way. Ahp, ahp. Don’t say it.
Tina Trexler – Team ‘Spin Doctors’ - Bishop O’Dowd High -Oakland, Ca – We had tons of pets growing up, my favorites were “gizmo” the guinea pig and “Garfield” the cat who my Mom accidentally ran over in her car one day, he actually survived and we had him for about 15 years! My first car was a 1972 Convertible VW Bug, it didn’t last too long because I pretty much ran it into the ground and it currently resides at “pick your own parts” yard. What am I proud of? Proud that my track team came in 2nd in a relay marathon in Guam which was a huge accomplishment because we beat the US Air Force and Marines that both had teams running in the marathon. My mom was a nurse and my Dad was a secret agent man, he’s in the FBI. It was pretty cool growing up but there were some downsides, like sneaking in or out of my house on the weekends was virtually impossible with my Dad on duty!
Sue Hammer – Team ‘Hammer’s SlaHammers’ Great Neck North Senior HS in Great Neck, NY. 2 High Schools, North and South. I lived on the “North” side of town. – Guess what? I have only owned 1 car in my life (I know, isn’t that hard to believe?). And, YES, I still own it! It’s a 1984 Honda Civic but I admit it’s been garaged many of its years. You would be shocked at the mileage (around 80,000). It’s kind of a tool around on the weekend car now, but sometime in the not too distant future I may think of a replacing it. With my last name, most nicknames center around that. Early in my career, I was called Sue Hammer, the Programmer (they liked the rhyme). Sometimes I’m just called “the Hammer.” I am fond of Doug Ott’s phrase….”They call her….the Hamma!” -- I would say wine tasting in the wine country is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I can go out there and buy more than I can drink! -- When I was in college I won an award called “Rookie of the Year”. It was awarded to 1 person annually for their fund raising efforts. It was awarded as a surprise during a large dinner/ceremony, and I was definitely surprised! My mom still has the silver cup award. -- My dad was a career salesman in the costume jewelry business, selling to major department stores and retailers primarily in NY/New England. My mom was primarily a homemaker, although before she was married she did work as a French stenographer and later worked as a claims examiner for the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.
Diane Tran – Team ‘Bada Ping’ You can call me DEE, but don’t you call me DI! - D#M%T ! Yeah baby, I’m from the biggety “O” Oakland High – where me and my Chihuahua- Yo quero taco bell – ruled! Now my favorite pets are in my fish tank. Except one ‘Clown Fish’ got stuck in a rock cave. We gave him a eulogy and then we flushed him. This is where the tears come up. My favorite quote - “The only thing to fear is fear itself”- FDR My First car? Oh you mean April? My Dodge stratus 99 is currently ready to be sold. Any interest? Favorite weekend activity would consist of going camping, fishing, surfing, and biking, shooting photography… anything outside.
Patricia Rae –Team ‘Ping of the Jungle’ Boulder High School(Go Panthers) -- I liked to play golf, gymnastics, date boys and attend youth group. I also liked to drive around in my car playing music (I was a pretty weird kid) - I had a fish, actually three fish that got flushed down the toilet. I also had a smelly turtle named Mr. T My favorite quote? Joy is a choice, not a result - I had the BEST 1989 Honda civic, 4 doors, manual transmission, about 200k, red on the outside and inside. No air conditioning which sucks in CO. It was the best car ever, I cried when I sold it (out of joy because some sucker gave me $2000) - Tricia is my nickname and anything else is totally unacceptable – I enjoy going out with friends (boring) probably trying to find Bronco games at the boyfriends parents house. Go Jake the Snake. And playing cards - I was a weird kid (reiteration) too weird to be like anyone? I’m sure I would pick a housewife or Jesus. I feel that I am still young enough to “grow up” so I want to be like Jackie Kennedy -- As for awards…I don’t win awards, people don’t give honors to the best super Mario cart player. -- My parents are still alive and working. My dad works in probation (not on probation works in probation) and my mom is a food broker for General Mills
Ushma Multani – Team ‘Net Income’ - Villa Theresa High School, Mumbai, India My pets were Rabbits- whitey & pepper (they were soooooooo cute) – But they were baby eating rabbits and I had to give them back to the store when my little brother was born. Btw, I also have an older sister. My first car my dad bought me was a Maruti Esteem-- too bad it died on me sooner than later. Some call me “USH” and some call me the “Bombay Baller.” They called me “Cookie” in high School because I was always eating cookies. I really like to cook. And I travel for adventure. I’ve been everywhere. What award did I win that I am proud of? Yes, Well, that would be…Miss (I can’t tell you) of 2002. My dad, Sudir Multani, who is a successful international real estate broker, is my inspiration.
Lesley Murray – Team ‘Cheech and Pong’ Went to Redwood High School and grew up in Marin. "Apparently people think that Marin is snobby and weird and cultish --- but I babysat John Walker, and he had to go all the way to Afghanistan to get snobby and weird and cultish." Lesley enjoys hanging out with “Chili” (the coolest poodle you'll ever meet), and also puppy sitting, crossword puzzles, suspense books, horror films, and is blessed with a gift for drafting excellent players--- Doesn't have the attention span for movies, but loves Law and Order marathons. Hates reality TV. She can't stand tomatoes, so if you're planning on cooking for her, white sauce is the way to go… oh, and don't forget a bottle of merlot.
Laurie Ziffrin – Team ‘Lords of the Ping’ – Went to Moline High, In Moline Illinois. I was a Drama Geek, but loved Golf, amused myself by torturing high school cheerleaders, and was always atop the leader board in putt-putt golf. Pets? You name it. Jacob the Hamster. Of course, the pets that every kid dreams of; the chameleons Green 1 and Green 2. We had a Schnauzer named Molly and numerous unnamed fish. You could find me reading from Author: Christopher Moore (Recommended reading: Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, Practical Demon keeping) or watching my favorite athlete Walter Payton. My first car was a ‘79 Plymouth TC3 for quick get aways. My favorite quote would be “The world is divided into two kinds of people: those that say ‘Yes!’ and those that say ‘No.’ Those that say ‘Yes!’ are rewarded by the adventures that they embark upon, and those that say ‘No’ are rewarded by the safety that they attain.”
MAY THE BEST TEAM DEMONSTRATE THEIR GREATNESS!
The LegalMatch Ranking Committee Brings Order to the Draft Table. Before the players were drafted by their Captains, the Ranking Committee; consisting of Claudia Picanco, Steve Chastain, Devyn McDonald and Jonathan Lott have prepared the divisional rankings. This sets up the list of eligible draft-able players and where those players rank amongst the body of 50 players within the 4 divisions.
Jonathan Lott presses his point to the committee as Steve Chastain and Claudia Picanco listen in.
The Draft
Now, to get to "Greatness" The Captains will need to draft for Greatness. This means they will need to review the ranking results from the 'November Challenge Matches' and pick the players they believe can build enough 'Team Points' to walk away with the "2005 LegalMatch Client Matching Plaque". The Draft, held under the supervision of 'Queen Dana Buccheri,' was filled with drama and controversy. Since 6 of the top 10 players were already locked in as "cinch" picks it called for clever strategy on the part of each Captain to find a way to get the players they wanted and needed to fill out their roster. Some players selections had to be settled over a game of "Rochambeau."
Players to watch out for-
Chas Peter Chris Grace
Matt Michael Mike Sharon
Ray Benny Augie Teejay
Josh Marsh Ben Jay
Alex Frank Sammy Randy
David Kenny Max Arthur
Here's what happened this week- The LegalMatch Penthouse Table Tennis Tournament got off to a great start with the 6th seeds trying to hold their rank position against the 7th seeds. All four Divisional 6th seeds did manage to hold their own; as Lisa Zanassi, Pamela Wu, Michael Gutman and Yuri Gelman all won their matches scoring 10 points each for King Pong, Lord of the Pings, Ping of the Jungle and Cheech & Pong. Tonight, it's the # 8s versus the # 5 seeds. Among the more exciting match ups from that group will place Division 'A' #5 ranked Randy Wells against #8 David Merritt. These two had some very heated battles during the November Challenges. Expect this match to go down to the wire. Week 2 > Team Point totals -- King Pong - 60, Tae Pong Doh - 20, Ping Dynasty - 10, Spin Doctors - 20, Hammer SlaHammer - 60, Bada Ping - 30, Ping of the Jungle - 20, Net Income - 50, Cheech & Pong - 40, Lord of the Pings - 70. Virtual Pingpongers Team Owner: Dr. Jim Claunch If you haven’t met Dr. Jim yet, I suggest you take the time to introduce yourself. Dr. Jim is a LegalMatch legend. Attorneys who were boarding up their offices in preparation for Hurricane Ivan took the time to talk about the future with Dr. Jim. And Dr. Jim offered them the solace and security of LegalMatch memberships. Some people call him ‘the Doctor.’ In New Member Services, we call him ‘the Hurricane.’ But, we had no idea that he was a veteran ping pong player whose skills were honed at Davidson College in North Carolina, before he joined fantasy ping pong. “When I was in college I wasted many--- many hours playing ping pong on the back porch of my KA fraternity house at Davidson College in North Carolina. Great memories--- Most of the time I was also fully clothed as well. Drinking Beer while you play makes you think you are fantastically good at the game and even if you lose you could care less. Under even the most bazaar conditions I did not fall off the back porch of the fraternity house including games in the rain and snow. There were some close calls including one diving back handed save which was hit just inside the back line while my partner was gone for another beer. I think the other team was still playing. College taught me many valuable lessons most of which helped me to crush at Ping Pong the poor little youth group members of the many churches I served for over twenty years. They never saw what hit ‘em!! God Bless ‘em!!” As Michael Guttman’s Supreme Court jersey said “So help you God,” when you come up against the Virtual Pingpongers in the Fantasy League! *Good luck to all the Fantasy Pongers * Week 1 Can I get a Whit-Ness is in the lead with a dominating 70 point total in week 1! Fantasy Team Captain Whitney Merrill owes much of his success to real life team captain Sue Hammer whose team Hammer-SlaHammer dominated the tables this week with a record high score of 40 points! Clearly week one is Hammer Time! Following close behind Can I get a Whit-Ness are Josie and the Pussycats who managed to rack up an awesome 60 points. Josie came up huge in the draft by picking up Lisa Zanassi, the mind behind the menace that is King Pong. Congratulations Whitney and Josie! Week Two. What a difference a week makes! Mad Dogs in the Fog; LA Pongers and Smashing Elbows are caught in a three way tie for first place. Fantasy Coaches Jon Lott, and Ann Colness are thrilled with the performance of Lord of the Pings and those who chose LOTP coach Ziffrin for their captain are ecstatic about the 70 points the hobbits put up on the board. Commissioner Lance Burton gave props to the franchise he calls home saying “the “Lord of the Pings” have snuck up on the other 9 teams and taken the lead with 70 points.” In week 2 of Fantasy Ping Pong Lauri Ziffrin is Lord. The individual play of Kurt Jerdon’s Smashing Elbows combined with 60 points from King Pong’s captain Lisa Zanassi helped him edge his way into the top three, but as Lance put it “this week belongs to the *Lord*.” Week 2 Team Name - Pts.-- Team Owner -- Captain Pick Virtualpingpongers 60 --Dr. Jim Claunch -- Tricia Rae Jumping Jack Flash 80-- Lance Burton -- Ushma Hollywood Pong 80--Josh Thompson -- Ushma Mad Dogs in Fog- 110--Jon Lott-- Ziffrin WallaWallaBingBong- 100--Dana B -- Ziffrin L.A. Pongers- 110--Ann Colness-- Ziffrin Nuance Factor- 90--Stephen Lee-- Tricia Rae Legal Eagles- 90--Serenella Leoni-- Hammer Smashing Elbows 110 -- Kurt Jerdon-- Zanassi The Pussycats- 100--Josie Rodriguez-- Zanassi Can I get a Whit-Ness- 80--Whitney Merritt-- Hammer ********************************************************************* Team Owner Dana Buccheri Team - PingPongWallaWallaBingBongs “Oh jeez, the pressure!!!!!!!!!! I'm soOOOOO streesssssssssssssssssssssed!” So Said Dana B. last week, when I asked for an interview. She is definitely pressed for time, profiling attorneys, managing the PingPongWallaWallaBingBongs, plotting a LegalMatch Tiki Brouhaha for the culmination of the Tower Tournament. If it was up to Dana her entire Fantasy Team would be eating Wonton soup from Lee’s deli with rice noodles to carbo load before games. She’s counting on Coach Ziffrin to lead her players to a winning record to boost her team’s fantasy points. Dana’s players know what’s up “The PingPongWallaWallaBingBongs are gonna be tough to beat ************************************************************* Ona Ahumada - Fantasy Ping Pong Commissioner *************************************************************Look for more updates here as the weeks continue to produce results.
