Wright State’s ultimate Frisbee team, Airstrike, is coming off their first ever trip to the NCAA regional tournament last year and is primed for another strong season.
“Expectations are very high. We came off of going to regionals last year and we finished in the top ten,” club Vice President Joe Zurawka said.
The regional tournament combines the top teams from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and was the icing on the cake for Airstrike, who qualified for the first time in their history. Now, Airstrike is back for more.
What drove them towards success and should be a key factor this year is the bond between each of the players.
“We’re a really close knit team,” Zurawka said. “I could easily say some of these guys are my best friends.”
The season kicks off with the team hosting the Wright Wing Conspiracy tournament, which takes place in Xenia Sept. 22 – 23.
In addition to hosting their own tournament, Airstrike is looking forward to playing against their rival Dayton Flyers, who has historically beaten up on Airstrike in the past.
But that trend changed last season.
“We won against UD four times last year after never beating them before,” Mike Ames (Sr.) said.
The team mentioned Jack Kelly and Mike Ames as players to watch for the upcoming season. Airstrike nominated Ames as their player on Callahan Award watch for this year, an honor that goes to the top ultimate Frisbee player in the nation.
If you’re unfamiliar with the rules of Ultimate Frisbee, they’re similar to football. Teams are seven-on-seven and the goal is to catch the Frisbee in the end zone to score a point for your team. You can’t run with the Frisbee and any incomplete pass is an automatic turnover, giving the opposing team possession.
“It’s nonstop action,” Zurawka said. The team is looking for more players to solidify the team. Whether or not you have experience playing ultimate Frisbee, the team is happy to gain new members.
“We teach everyone how to play and how to throw,” Ames said.
The cost to join the club is $60 per year, which includes a jersey, entry fees for tournaments and hotel accommodations for overnight tournaments.
“It’s the least expensive club sport on campus,” Zurawka said.
If you’re interested in joining the team or just looking for more information you can email the team at wrightstateultimate@gmail.com.
“It’s a competitive way to continue athletics after high school,” Ames said. “And you can keep playing this sport for as long as you can run.”
