The sport of Ultimate (lovingly referred to as “the Ultimate game” by its dedicated fans and players) is becoming increasingly popular amongst college students due to its competitive, yet easy-going nature. There are generally seven teammates on the field at any given time made up of three handlers and four cutters. The handlers are generally the stronger throwers and control where the disc goes on the field while the cutters stay near the end zone in order to complete the play and score for their team. Handlers attempt to move the disc into the opposing end zone by passing from teammate to teammate, unable  to move, only pivot while holding the disc.

With complex plays such as “The Callahan,” “The Greatest” and “Hammer Throws,” it is easy to be intimidated by Ultimate. Fortunately, Gustavus has a very warm and inviting Women’s Ultimate team, named the Outskirtz. This team was started in the 1999-2000 school year and found its permanent niche on campus when they went undefeated during the 2000-01 school year. Since then, the Outskirtz have gone on to win numerous games and even a tournament at Luther last year where they went 4-0 against other teams from the area.

This past weekend the Outskirtz competed in a tournament in Grinnell, Iowa. Most of the teams playing were also from the Midwest, however, some came from as far away as Missouri. Although they did not win any of the games, it was an important tournament for the team as a whole because it was a chance for the new players to get a taste for the game and put into practice what they’ve been learning.

“Since our team is rather small, everyone got a lot of playing time.  This really helped me learn how the game works, where to cut and how to read plays depending on the other team’s positioning.  Overall, I enjoyed bonding with the other girls whom I never would have met before.  The tournament really brought everyone together and helped us grow into a stronger team,” Saskia Raether, a new player on the team, said.

For Mary Patterson, a returner to the team, one of the most rewarding aspects of this past weekend’s tournament was seeing the team improve as a whole and bonding with newer players.

“Teaching the new girls the ropes is a ton of fun. I love that we get to share the joy of Ultimate, which for many of us is one of our biggest passions, while making new friends,” Outskirtz Captain Anna Nelson said.

Because the Ultimate season goes through the fall semester and into the spring, the girls have a lot to look forward to in the coming seasons. In the short term, they will be competing in a tournament hosted by St. Olaf, which they hope to do well in and continue the streak of improvement while still having fun.

In terms of long-term goals, the captains have plans to do well in their home tournament this spring and maintain a level of dedication throughout the year.

“Athleticism, skill and team work are the three most important things to focus on when it comes to Ultimate. If one person is less athletic, for example, they would work on becoming a handler and improving power throws. After all, the team is only as strong as its weakest link,” Outskirtz Captain Briana Mork said.