The Frisbee has expanded its influence beyond fetch with Lassie in the park.
Evolved from a casual game of toss, the familiar saucer-shaped disk is now the center of the growing sport of ultimate Frisbee.
ASU's Ultimate Frisbee Club recently competed in the Southern California Warm-ups Tournament in San Diego, Calif.
The collegiate competition hosted 16 southwestern teams.
The Sun Devils broke even with a 3-3 record but were never out of any game until the final play.
"We were able to stay and compete with every team taking part in the event," junior team captain Craig Myers said.
On the first day of the tournament, the team played four games (12-15, 12-15, 15-2, 12-13), finishing with a plus-six point margin despite going 1-3.
"Our 1-3 record the first day could have easily and should have been 3-1 or even 4-0," Myers said.
ASU won both of its matches on the second day before being forced to leave due to time constraints.
"In the past, we were able to win a few games, but never able to put up enough of a fight to beat the top teams," Myers said. "This year, we played possibly the three top teams in the tournament, and we were within striking distance each game."
That enthusiasm has begun to sprout in some younger players, as well.
"We can compete with any team out there," freshman Brady Blake added. "I can't wait to get back on the field in some tournaments and see how far we can go."
Blake's interest in the sport was first sparked through school pick-up games and a summer camp.
"Ultimate in college is much different," he said. "It is very competitive, intense and physical."
An ultimate field stretches 70 yards long and 40 yards wide, with 25-yard end zones on both sides. Each team plays with seven players in an attempt to move the disc down the field and into the opposing end zone.
"Ultimate combines the speed of soccer, the strength of baseball and physicality of football," Myers said.
The disc can only be advanced through passing; players are not allowed to run with it and only have 10 seconds to hold it before another pass must be made.
Incomplete passes or interceptions result in turnovers.
Each time a pass is completed in the opposing end zone, a point is awarded. The first team to score 15 points wins the match.
"More pure athletes play ultimate and choose ultimate over other sports now more than ever in the past," Myers said.
One of the most unique aspects of the game is the lack of official referees. The players are responsible for all foul and sideline calls, and must resolve any disputes over the judgment.
"We can teach anyone how to throw, but it is hard to teach someone how to be fast," Myers said. "It is a fast, free-flowing game, and that's why we love to play."
Myers, a civil engineering major, first started playing ultimate in high school in a region where the sport has more followers.
"Ultimate is more popular in the Midwest, so in about every outdoor situation, a disc is bound to be flying," Myers said. "Basically wherever we went we'd bring a disc to toss around."
Myers originally had his mind set on playing football and decided to try walking on at ASU as opposed to starting for a Division II or III school.
But injuries closed that door for him, opening another one in ultimate Frisbee.
"The reason I joined the club team was because I still wanted to compete in sports on a collegiate level," Myers said. "As a club, we are starting to gain more and more recognition, and we are a threat to win any tournament we enter."
Reach the reporter at :steven.bohner@asu.edu.
