The “Ultimate” Escape

Combined Frisbee team proves fun and competitive

Jacob Boren, Staff Writer

Ashton McMahan is one of several Highland students on the Frisbee team
Ashton McMahan is one of several Highland students on the Frisbee team

There’s nothing quite like competition; sweat dripping, adrenaline pumping, its moments like these that define an athlete. Every Saturday morning a large group of 40 men, women and children gather together to face off. Discs soar, as does the friendly competition. However for many of these elite athletes, it’s not the glorifying moments like scoring the game winning goal that draws them in, it’s the idea of a team family.

Ever since its creation nearly three years ago, the “Krakens” have drawn in athletes seeking more than just the thrill of competition.

“It’s not just the competing that I like about playing ultimate,” freshman Krakens player, Ashton McMahan said. “It’s the community surrounding the sport that really draws me in.”

For those searching for a meaningful extra-curricular activity, Frisbee is the sport for you.

“There’s nothing quite like ultimate,” says McMahan. “I am lucky to be a part of such an awesome thing.”

Although a pretty intense sport in itself, it does not have the same level of time commitment that regular high school sports have, with practices only happening twice a week and light hearted matches taking place every Saturday.

But don’t let the friendly atmosphere deceive you, beneath the smiles and high-fives there lies a thriving spirit of animosity. It’s all fun and games until the opening pull.

“It’s usually a fairly friendly sport,” McMahan says. “Of course people occasionally can get a little carried away.”

It’s this spirit of friendly competition that draws in athletes and spectators alike. If ever one is bored of the typical world of American entertainment ultimate provides a captivating spectacle that can be appreciated by all walks of life.

For these “ultimate” athletes they have truly stumbled upon an opportunity of a lifetime.

The relationships formed, and lessons learned, rival any knowledge that can be acquired in the classroom.

The “krakens” hope to be around for years to come providing youngsters with wholesome fun and experiences not found anywhere else.