Ultimate is all about frisbee, community and social justice

Rain or shine, and sometimes in snow, students are found throwing Frisbees somewhere around Eastern’s campus

Dispersed throughout campus are a growing number of students who have taken throwing a Frisbee to a heightened level. Sophomore George Swank said, “The sight of a floating disk just makes me jump.”

Over 30 students, male and female, meet several times a week to practice and play Ultimate Frisbee. There are separate girls’ and guys’ teams, although they practice together for the most part.

Though not an NCAA sanctioned sport, ultimate Frisbee is growing among local college campuses. Any school can form a team and attend tournaments, as long as they are registered with Ultimate Players Association.

Official games are held on fields 70×40 yards wide. Each team can play seven people at a time. The goal is to get a player with a disk into the defense’s end zone.

The majority of tournaments entered by Eastern’s team are co-ed ,and most players get playing time.

According to junior co-captain Jonathan Wyatt, there are no tryouts and no exclusions.

“It’s really all about community and fun,” Wyatt said.

They have skills practices and do get competitive and serious, but mostly they try to just have fun and make everyone feel welcome.

In the fall they will attend an annual tournament at Houghton College in New York, which hosts an average of 15 teams. In December, the team joins efforts with the YACHT club to help the homeless in Philadelphia by hosting a tournament called, “Freeze your socks off.” Those attending are encouraged to donate a pair of socks. The socks are handed out to the homeless in Philadelphia by members of the YACHT club.

The team practices Tuesdays and Thursdays 4- 6 p.m. behind Doane and Saturdays from 9a.m.-11a.m. behind Doane. Sunday practices start at 2 p.m. on the turf field. For more information, contact Jonathan Wyatt at 703-994-5248.