After winning state in 2011 and placing third in 2010 and 2012, standards are high for the ultimate Frisbee program. The main season is actually March through May. However, this year’s ultimate team is already playing in tournaments across the state. The team played most recently in a self-hosted tournament Nov. 3 against Coppell, Hillcrest and Highland Park. Although they did not win the tournament, they won two out of three games and senior captain Tyler Niskanen said it was an important growing experience for the team.

“We really bonded as a team and got more chemistry with each other,” Tyler said.

Team chemistry will indeed be an important factor for the team this season as it has to replace five of the seven starters from last season.Tyleradmitted the season has been a struggle at times but he retains a positive outlook.

“We’re basically starting over from scratch with all of the new [players],”Tylersaid. “But they’re quickly adjusting to the game and are learning very fast, making it more and more fun to play as time progresses.”

Coach Robert Doyle also acknowledged the weaknesses and challenges the team faces but has confidence in his squad. He said that he expects the team to constantly improve, compete relentlessly and win games. He specifically noted the veteran leadership the team has (specifically captains Tyler Niskanen, Jake Niskanen and Trever Davis) in a time where the team has many new players. Junior captain Trever Davis said the keys to success this year are hard work, determination and perseverance.Tylersaid that, as a captain, there is much work to do before the state tournament in May.

“I need to keep [everyone] focused and geared in during practice…so they’re conditioned well enough and so that come state they are focused and ready and hungry for it,” Tyler said.

Although state is still a long way off, the ultimate team has many tournaments leading up to it. They will next be in action Dec. 1-2, as they compete in JBH, a Christmas tournament hosted by UNT.