2008 Woodie Awards
Women's Ultimate Frisbee
With 15 new players, the HAGS are on a winning streak
Michelle Deutsch
Issue date: 12/5/07 Section: Sports
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Last year, Stanford's Ultimate Frisbee Team won the national championship; this year, The Humboldt State Women's Team beat Stanford in preseason, twice.
Kalyn Bocast joined the Humboldt's Ultimate Frisbee Team (the HAGS) this semester.
"The first time we played [Stanford], I didn't realize what a huge deal they were. I just went out there and ran my ass off," Bocast said. "Once we won, I realized we just beat national champions."
This year, the Frisbee women are committed. They practice through Humboldt rain storms. Even though the field has already frosted over from the cold, they practice in Redwood Bowl under the lights. They practice for two hours each practice throughout the week to prepare for their long matches.
Like most ultimate Frisbee games, the matches against Stanford lasted for two hours. With seven players from each team at once, the players battle on a 70-yard field until the first team scores 13 points. If neither team reaches 13, the game ends after two hours. Players are not allowed to run with the disc, only pivot in place. Offensive players without the disc make runs to receive a pass. Teams score points by catching the disc in the end zone while the defense tries to intercept or block passes. If the disc hits the ground, it is turned over to the defensive team. There are no referees in Frisbee.
Amy Lowe is a fourth-year player and captain for the Humboldt State women's team (the "HAGS"). "When playing Frisbee, you have respect for all the players on the field, whether they are on your team or not," Lowe said.
The Ultimate Frisbee Community doesn't want referees. Most players feel that when there are referees involved, players try to get away with illegal playing when the official isn't watching.
"Sure, we've had our share of verbal fights with other teams," Lowe said, "but it all works itself out, and the arguments never last for more than a minute or two because the clock is running."
Kalyn Bocast joined the Humboldt's Ultimate Frisbee Team (the HAGS) this semester.
"The first time we played [Stanford], I didn't realize what a huge deal they were. I just went out there and ran my ass off," Bocast said. "Once we won, I realized we just beat national champions."
This year, the Frisbee women are committed. They practice through Humboldt rain storms. Even though the field has already frosted over from the cold, they practice in Redwood Bowl under the lights. They practice for two hours each practice throughout the week to prepare for their long matches.
Like most ultimate Frisbee games, the matches against Stanford lasted for two hours. With seven players from each team at once, the players battle on a 70-yard field until the first team scores 13 points. If neither team reaches 13, the game ends after two hours. Players are not allowed to run with the disc, only pivot in place. Offensive players without the disc make runs to receive a pass. Teams score points by catching the disc in the end zone while the defense tries to intercept or block passes. If the disc hits the ground, it is turned over to the defensive team. There are no referees in Frisbee.
Amy Lowe is a fourth-year player and captain for the Humboldt State women's team (the "HAGS"). "When playing Frisbee, you have respect for all the players on the field, whether they are on your team or not," Lowe said.
The Ultimate Frisbee Community doesn't want referees. Most players feel that when there are referees involved, players try to get away with illegal playing when the official isn't watching.
"Sure, we've had our share of verbal fights with other teams," Lowe said, "but it all works itself out, and the arguments never last for more than a minute or two because the clock is running."
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