It was another joyous victory to be sure, but I also had the opportunity to document part of what goes on before we start the matches: the infamous Owl warm-up. So, without further delay, a photo-tour of what goes on before every practice and every match.

We have different players leading the warm-up each day, but on match day it’s usually a team captain.

Jack appears to be pretty excited about split-leg squats.

The Owl is an inquisitive bird and sometimes direct eye-contact with the camera is unavoidable.

It’s a deep burn.

Justin Palmer with an early lead over Brendon Nylen in the high-kick form category.

Brendon’s not having any of it.

An impressive retort from Brendon leaves the contest at a draw…for now.

The alpha bird assumes his rightful position at the center of the stretching circle.

The other birds carry on their business as usual.

But the alpha relishes his moment at the center of the circle.

Is that a challenge from freshman Owl Atty Roddick in the background? Very impressive trunk-twisting technique!

It seems that Brendon will receive no serious challenges on the day. Another victory.

Perhaps in the future freshman phenom Phillip Hicks will make his way to the middle.

Jack’s got the forward momentum working in his favor on this shot.

Martin Barnick shows us the work he’s put in during the off-season. Looking sharp!

Phillip shows us a nice kick serve: toss left, pushing up and left-to-right with a wrist flick at the end.

Phillip throws the kick-toss for the first serve…Noooo!!!

Patented Tristan Prinz kick-serve.