Ultimate Frisbee

Coach: Tom Croskey (15th season)

2022 Spring Highlights: 14th place in PA State Tournament, 8th place in Philadelphia City Tournament

Key Players Lost to Graduation: Dan Beerhalter, Nico Blanco, Lucas Guinan (Capt), Noah Mackiewicz (Capt), Michael Nipper (Capt), Ryan Ott, George Vyzaniaris (Capt), Frank Zink (Capt)

2022 Spring Season Recap: The 2022 Firebirds competed in the first ever after-school league in the City Division, which was played in Fairmount Park. The team progressed well throughout the spring and worked hard to establish their identity as a heavy zone team relying on the pressure of their sideline trap zone and the presence of their deeps, which took away the opposing team's huck throws. The team successfully reached its goal of qualifying for States held in Pittsburgh over Memorial Day Weekend.

2022 Fall Outlook: The 2022 Fall Ultimate team will be led by a combination of veteran players and some young talent. Senior captains Evan Lutz and Nick Lutz will help lead the team over the course of multiple tournaments against the best teams throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.

2022 Fall Key Returnees: Chad Beaver, Joey Connor, Evan Lutz (Capt), Nick Lutz (Capt), James McKenna, Daniel Nipper, AJ Olczak

2022 Fall Sophomores to Watch: Carter Beaver, Mark Bonetti, Braden Wetzler

All students who are interested in playing ultimate this fall need to have all HGP Athletic Forms completed by the first day of practice. Please email tcroskey@holyghostprep.org for specific ultimate related questions, or to be added to the team's Schoology group to stay up-to-date on pertinent team information. Follow the team on Twitter for score updates and general public information. Follow the team's new Instagram account for pictures and videos. Review the 2022 Fall Ultimate Checklist to make sure you're ready for our first practice on Tuesday August 23, 2022.

2022 Fall Ultimate Checklist

Sports Forms https://www.holyghostprep.org/athletics/sport-forms
- CIPPE Sections 1-6, is completed online.
- CIPPE Section 7 (Physical - Completed by a doctor). A printed copy must be handed in to Mr. Jeff Jacoby (Athletic Trainer).
- Athletic Player Contract is completed online. Find here.
- Driving Permission Form is completed online. Find here.

First Practice - Tuesday August 23, 2022 on the Ultimate Practice Field (behind Cornwells Building) 2:45-4:45pm.
- Cleats - Athletic plastic cleats (soccer or low cut football) for running, jumping, and cutting
- Athletic Attire - comfortable shirt, shorts, sweats
- Water bottle - stay hydrated throughout the day

First Tournament - Sat/Sun Sept 17-18th
- HGP Jersey
- Navy Blue shorts
- Cleats
- Warmup sweats
- Water Bottle
- Food

Ultimate - Explained

Ultimate is a competitive, self-officiated sport that pits 7 on 7 on a field 110 yards long by 40 yards wide. Players in possession of the disc throw it across the field until a teammate catches it in the end zone (20 yards long by 40 yards wide). Players without the disc seek to intercept or knock the disc to the ground. Once a disc touches the ground, a turnover occurs and possession switches. Like soccer, the transition is fast and instantaneous resulting in some quick, exciting plays. Each goal counts as 1. Games are played until a team reaches 15 and wins by 2. This usually lasts about 90-120 minutes per contest.

Tryouts

All players will play either on the varsity team or the junior varsity team. All players should expect to start at the junior varsity level before being invited to compete at the varsity level. Coaches monitor practices, drills, and tournaments to observe each player's level of play. After which, coaches converse with players individually about playing at the varsity level or the junior varsity level and why. Movement between junior varsity and varsity is fluid through the season as players develop their skills and grow in their knowledge of the game. It is not surprising to see some players stick around the junior varsity level for multiple seasons to work on specific skills in preparation for varsity level competition, while some new players may move up to varsity very quickly.

Expectations

Ultimate is a different sport from the other sports offered at Holy Ghost Prep. There are no referees or officials. Players make their own calls on the field. Players are expected to abide by the Spirit of the Game rules: be honest, be fair, and have fun. Competition can get heated, but no one should intentionally cheat for an advantage. Support your teammates, respect your opponents, and know the rules.