By Simone Saraspi and Therese Bernal

Sprinting across the expanse of a leveled field, with one’s attention simultaneously trained towards the zipping of a flat disk through the sky, the earnest motions of your teammates, and the frantic crowding of your opponents—Ultimate Frisbee is certainly more than just a simple game of catch and throw. 

“It’s very open and inviting—even to someone who hasn’t even touched a disc.” 

These were the words of Ethan Aquino (SHS, 12-Acquaviva) upon sharing his journey and experience as a member and current team captain of the Ultimate Frisbee Team. A sport frequently hailed for its emphasis on speed, stamina, and agility, it’s no wonder why many have become enthralled with this complex game. For the athletes who practice it, however, their connection to the sport drives deeper than being a mere pastime—constituting many of their closest bonds and passions.

Initially inspired by his brother, Aquino pursued Ultimate Frisbee and “grew to love” the sport, expressing his admiration for the community for being one that is beginner-friendly, open, and “inviting, even to someone who hasn’t touched a disc”. 

“Just because of Ultimate, I have grown close to so many people inside and outside of Ateneo,” he says in a statement. “Even now, I am deepening the bond with my teammates that transcend the sport more into a personal level.”

Similar to how a disc sails across the breadth of a windy sky, however, Ultimate Frisbee is as challenging as it is unpredictable.

Although Ultimate is not a contact sport like basketball or football, Aquino expressed that it may still be physically demanding for its players—and uniquely can be thought of as a “big mental game”.

“I love how you have to constantly be aware of your actions,” the team captain shared, admiring the intricacies of the sport. “There are so many possibilities when it comes to Ultimate, like who you’re going to pass to, what throw you’re going to do, where you’re going to go next, and when you’re going to make your move.” 

On the other hand, rising up to the task of becoming captain after two long years of uncertainty and inactivity amidst the lockdown certainly brings with it its own set of trials and difficulties.

In addition to the challenges that come with being an athlete, Aquino also voiced out his struggles that come with being the team captain—worrying if he would be able to “carry the weight that comes with the title”. Moreover, he cites that the ongoing pandemic had “thrown the team way off course”, causing the players to lose roughly two years of possible experience in the sport.

While the team captain admits to having his fair share of mistakes and misjudgments, he still continues to willfully carry out his duties as a leader—from overseeing the progress of his teammates along with their team coach to pointing out areas for improvement and being quick to attend to the needs of his fellow players.

To Aquino, while being captain of the Ultimate Frisbee team comes with its own pressuring demands and burdens, he perseveres through the rewarding enjoyment of assisting the team and laying the foundations to help it grow and flourish.

“I want not only the best for myself, but for the whole team, and being captain means that I am one of the people who will need to spearhead the development,” he earnestly expressed. “However, even with all the challenges that come with it, I quite like being able to help out my team, especially when I see them enjoying the sport and their own improvement.”

The sky is truly the limit in Ultimate, and as the team is rewarded with new chances and opportunities to practice their skills, the sports scene is sure to witness the athletes’ talent and prowess in the coming months.

According to Aquino, the team has plans to join two tournaments which will take place from March 25 to 26 and sometime in the early weeks of June. 

Due to certain circumstances, however, Aquino had expressed that he will be unable to join the team in the first tournament. Despite this, he continues to trust in and support his teammates’ capabilities, expressing that: “Knowing the dedication and potential my teammates have, with enough diligent practice, they won’t rely on my presence and will be confident in their own abilities.”

An ever-open and inviting community, the team captain also invites students to venture into Ultimate Frisbee, especially those who wish to join the varsity team. Through careful guidance and hard work, he states that they are open to developing and honing the skills of their beginners, promising that aspiring athletes will be able to grow to a competitive level.

“At first glance, the sport may seem intimidating, but trust me when I say that after some time, you’ll grow to love it too.” 

One’s journey through Ultimate Frisbee will always be accompanied by varying complexities, sacrifices, and challenges. However, with the aid of passion, perseverance, and a strong support system—any athlete is sure to see the fruits of their labor, and ultimately be rewarded with the heartfelt fulfillment that only true dedication can bring.