ANW: Mid-South Finals Recap

In a very strong Mid-South Region, you half-expected to see a Brian Orosco-like upset, but it would not be. All competitors (with reputations) lived up to their reputations - most especially Paul Kasemir (pictured left) and Brandon Douglass. Kasemir looks to be an even stronger competitor than last year which spells trouble if your name is Mount Midoriyama.

The one ninja who might be disappointed in his Finals run is Jake Smith. A newcomer to the scene last year, Smith burst into the picture with excellent performances throughout camp and a strong effort in Japan. This year his competitive side has shown through and he seemed a little too focused on beating his Colorado brethren, Paul and Brandon. With time on his mind, he lost focus and had a couple slip ups (most notably on the Salmon Ladder) that led to an exhausting run for 10th place. 

I will never understand why time is so important in these rounds to some ninjas, aside from the friendly competition of it. There is definitely something to be said for slowing down and focusing on each obstacle. Just take a look at Tremayne Dortch. He knew he could beat the course and didn't let time affect his strategy as he climbed the cargo net in just over five minutes, over double the time that Paul Kasemir used. To each his own, I suppose.

As mentioned above, the Mid-South Region is very strong with veterans (Kasemir, Douglass, Smith) and rookies (Khalsa, Toure, Pondrom), alike. I would not be surprised to see the first American Ninja Warrior to come out of this group:

1. Paul Kasemir - Finished in 2:23.22 
2. Brandon Douglass - Finished in 2:29.41 
3. Brian Arnold - Finished in 2:30.72 
4. Jaret Salas - Finished in 2:43.41 
5. Kevin Klein - Finished in 2:56.28 
6. Sat Khalsa - Finished in 2:56.90 
7. Ahmed Toure - Finished in 2:59.70 
8. Josh Lobeck - Finished in 3:04.64 
9. Lorin Ball - Finished in 3:20.52 
10. Jake Smith - Finished in 3:45.40 
11. Bob Pondrom - Finished in 3:48.06 
12. Nathaniel Spencer - Finished in 3:50.80 
13. James Wyatt - Finished in 3:57.82 
14. Tremayne Dortch - Finished in 5:19.63 
15. Alan Connealy - Got through the Salmon Ladder in 1:38.11

What do you think of this region? Is the first American Ninja Warrior's name listed above? Share your comments!