At ASU, some sports clubs are extremely competitive and serious. The Ultimate Frisbee club, however, takes a more laid-back approach.
"We're not the type of club that would cut anyone or call someone out for making a mistake," said club President Vince Noe. "No one is worried about stats or being the best; we just want to help everyone out."
The level of play varies from player to player. For Noe, it is a game of constant movement and a lot of passing. But he said it is a sport anyone can catch on to.
"It's one of the most beginner sports," he said. "Even if you can't throw a Frisbee you can flip it to someone. Everyone will help you learn."
History freshman Samuel Pierce said he decided to try Frisbee because it seemed interesting.
"My friends and I like throwing Frisbees, so we decided to come out here," he said. "It's more structured than I thought it would be. It's fun to hang out with friends and get in shape."
While the environment is very laidback, the club does compete.
Last semester it advanced from the sectional tournament to the regional competition held in San Bernardino, Calif. However, the club was unable to field a team because the competition was held during finals.
Noe said that missing the tournament was not too disappointing.
"Californians are known for their Frisbee," he said. "In all honesty we wouldn't have made it out of regionals."
The club, which has been on campus for 10 years, practices Monday and Friday nights from 6 to 8 at the band practice field.
About 30 people attend each practice. Right now, the club is co-ed, but it hopes to field a separate female squad soon.
While anyone can practice with the club for free, members who wish to compete in tournaments must pay $100.
The fee covers travel for four to five tournaments, jerseys, equipment and membership in UPA, the Ultimate Players Association. The UPA is the governing body of the sport.
The club travels the Southwest throughout the season. It competes in tourneys held in California, New Mexico and Arizona.
The Sun Devils' sectional opponents are NAU, UA and New Mexico.
In addition to practice and tournaments, the club works closely with the Phoenix Ultimate Frisbee team. The Sun Devils often scrimmage with these more experienced players as a way to help the club members improve.
Marketing and management junior Crystal Hall said she got involved in the club last year after being invited out by some friends. She added that after she tried the sport she was hooked and she knew that others would love it too.
"We want everyone to get involved in the game first," she said. "We'll get more into drills and skills later. We just want to get together and meet new people and have fun."
Reach the reporter at jeremy.a.cluff@asu.edu.
