Players embrace new sport at North down Muegge Road after school towards Waplehorst Park to meet up with five or six other seniors for a workout. Those seniors, along with LaLonde, had all signed up to be members of the team and wanted to get some work in spite of having a team practice the day before. “We just wanted to hang out and practice our throws,” LaLonde said. “Throwing a Frisbee is a muscle memory thing, so it just takes practice, practice, practice.” These types of get-togethers have been common for members of the newly formed Knights. Within a week of the first practice, players were staying after the coaches left to get some extra throws in. Extra practices outside of the team practices were being scheduled, and LaLonde himself went from playing Ultimate Frisbee only four times ever to playing six times a week. There was a buzz in the air amongst this team, one that had both players and coaches excited for what was to come.
“We have a good group of kids,” Hodges said. “They’re probably one of the best starter teams I’ve seen in a long time. It’s awesome to see them going out there and loving the sport.” What was to come was a 3-0 record. The Knights, who consist of 9 seniors and 3 sophomores, have wins over Metro, Francis Howell Central JV, and Lafayette. Currently, they are halfway through their season in SLUJ (Saint Louis Ultimate Juniors) High School league, which consists of 21 teams from various public and private high schools around the Saint Louis area. With only three games to go before their State competition in May, the Knights are focusing on the making the best of the little time they have left. “I’m upset that we didn’t get this going sooner,” senior Conner Lalonde said. “I’m a senior, and I’m going to be missing out on this the next few years.”
Senior Jake Simms throws the Frisbee to senior Brian Hagee during the game on March 27 against Lafayette. The Knights defeated the Lancers with a 15-1 score, which made their record 3-0. This year is the first year North has had an Ultimate Frisbee team. (kelsey habighorst)
ABOUT THE
GAME
Ultimate Frisbee is a seven-on-seven sport played with a Frisbee. Players can only advance by passing to other teammates; no running with the Frisbee is allowed. A point is scored when one team passes the frisbee in the endzone. The first team to score 15 points and be up by two wins. There’s no time limit for an Ultimate game, so some matches can take upwards of two hours if the score is close. A unique aspect is the lack of referees; the sport relies completely on player officiating in what many call “Spirit of the Game.” “[Spirit of the Game] is the mantra of the whole sport,” Hodges said. You do not disrespect another player or team. Sportsmanship is key. Don’t disrespect them at all.”
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