Oregon Ultimate Pursues National Title
This weekend, the damp scent of freshly cut grass will linger across the Ultimate fields, while players clad their cleats prior to sprinting upon the serenity. The first Frisbees will slide and dive through the air like barn swallows. Soon, the sidelines will rambunctiously shout and cheer as the games begin. As Saturday breaks, Oregon Ultimate players will warm up for a two-day tournament of non-stop action in their quest for the national title.
The University of Oregon’s Ultimate Team pursues its goal of reaching Nationals for the third consecutive year by starting the College Tournament Series on April 12, 2008, in Eugene. The games will be held on campus and the Southbank Fields. The Oregon/Northern California Sectionals tournament is Oregon Ultimate’s first stop to Nationals, and it gives Oregon Ultimate one final opportunity to refine the skills that it has developed over the year-long season.
“Our whole team has concentrated and played with so much determination this year,” said Oregon Ultimate Captain Dusty Becker. “After losing a couple of key individuals after last season, I know our team will step up and play some serious Ultimate for us to qualify for Nationals.”
A little-known sport, Ultimate was born as a hybrid from soccer, lacrosse and football. Players use a Frisbee instead of a ball. Ultimate blends many sporting elements, creating a montage of sport rules and athletic abilities. Ultimate players and fans recognize it for its fast-paced movement and the finely honed skills that players need.
During a game, seven players on each team dart across the field, coordinating every cut and weave. Moving with the disc, players skate across the field like an air hockey table with 14 pucks. The offensive team elaborately choreographs its players to keep the Frisbee ever-moving. Meanwhile, the defense earnestly chases every disc movement, trying to cause a turnover. Each movement in a game presents an opportunity for players to dive into the air, flying like Superman, if only for a moment.
“We have some extremely talented athletes on the team this year, willing to put their body and heart on the line for Oregon to advance to our goal of Nationals,” said Becker. “Luckily, our team is able to start out our bid to Nationals with home field advantage.”
This Sectionals tournament marks the first time in several years that Oregon Ultimate does not have to travel to Chico, Calif., where the Oregon/North California Sectionals tournament is normally held.
The College Ultimate Nationals Tournament occurs in mid-May and selects the top 16 men’s teams in the country for competition. Oregon Ultimate has not won the national title since 1992. Five years ago, Oregon Ultimate took second, losing only to Wisconsin in the semifinals.
Spectators can attend both days of the tournament and cheer for the Oregon Ultimate team right from the sidelines. Assuredly, Oregon athletes will be catching plastic in a way possible only at an Ultimate tournament.
Ben Benson attends the University of Oregon and studies public relations and economics. He has played Ultimate for the university since 2005.
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