Among the many sports clubs of North Atlanta High School, Ultimate Frisbee is one of the most popular with the student body. Every Tuesday and Thursday, a group of hardworking boys gather on the turf to sling the disc, preparing for the many matches during the fall to spring season. For those who may not be familiar, Ultimate Frisbee simply involves a disc and a large field where players pass the frisbee between each other, hoping to touch down in the endzone. The only catch, the frisbee can’t be dropped at any point during a team’s possession. With the season beginning in the next couple of weeks, the Warrior Frisbee team has its work cut out for them to build on a season that ended with a major tournament win last year.
Although the previous season ended on a high note, the frisbee posse incurred major talent losses with the graduation of the 2023 class. Senior star and team captain Ian Nock was among the players who concluded their high school career, leaving Ultimate Frisbee behind. Luckily, the future is bright for ultimate, with senior Matthew Kramer assuming the position of captain, hoping to lead his gang of frisbee flingers to a winning season. “The 2024 season is going to be one to remember,” said Kramer. “I’m ready to take down any challenge that arises as captain.”
With a new captain stepping up, the Ultimate team also has some new players ready to step up, especially the juniors. The Class of 2025 is stacked with raw frisbee talent with players like Ari Walsey, Sergio De La Cruz, and Noah Salzman all entering into a varsity role this year. “I like the guys we have this year,” said Junior Sergio De La Cruz. “The Juniors are prepared to take on big positions on the field, hopefully bringing us to another tournament win.”
With the season beginning soon, the Ultimate squad has a lot of work to do before they can enter the first game with confidence. To resolve this issue, they have engrossed themselves in a rigorous practice regimen every Tuesday and Thursday. The practices consist of the team throwing and catching drills followed by a scrimmage to get comfortable with in-game situations. Players are also encouraged to occupy themselves in the gym to get their bodies in top shape. “I’ve been working in the gym all offseason to improve my game,” said Junior Ford Underwood. “I can’t be left in the dust in our first game if I want to perform at a high level.”
As the dawn of the Ultimate Frisbee season approaches, North Atlanta is ready to take on the challenges that come with a fresh season. However, with the help of a new captain and new players stepping up, the future is bright for the frisbee program. The mission is to toss and catch their way to a second consecutive tournament championship.
