Ultimate Frisbee team rebuilds after seniors graduate

kate JESPERSON

The Rockwood Ultimate Frisbee Team was left in desperate need of new recruitments for this year’s season after losing 75% of the team.

Anish Paspuleti, sophomore, stepped in to become team captain and increase numbers.

Pasupuleti hung flyers and used social media to reach out to prior teammates and get the word out about the new season.

With Pasupuleti’s consistent effort, 20 interested athletes joined pre-season practices. The team ended up with 12 members once the season officially started.

“It has been a very different start to the season this year as we have had to work from the ground up in training the new athletes,” Pasupuleti said. “Yet, the work has been worth it as we have successfully built up our new team.”

New member Rohan Deshpande, freshman, said he appreciates how much emphasis Rockwood Ultimate has put on teaching the team the basics.

“Anish has done a great job getting new people to join Ultimate Frisbee,” Deshpande said. “I wasn’t here for a third of the season, but the team’s cohesive efforts have helped me grow significantly already in the sport.”

Lizzie Tilden, coach, said she was amazed with Pasupuleti’s efforts and commitment to the team.

“We had an army last year and when you have a team as big and experienced as we did, the energy creates itself," Tilden said. "When that’s gone, it can be challenging to recapture that same, fundamental energy, yet Anish has done an amazing job uniting a dedicated, outstanding team.”

Each practice is spent going over all the necessary techniques such as throwing the Frisbee to running targets or scrimmaging using offensive and defensive strategies.

The team hasn’t won a game this season, but Tilden said that is to be expected with only having a month to get the new team prepared for competition.

However, Tilden is optimistic to see the team succeed.

“I am really impressed by the morale and fight that these guys have,” Tilden said. “They keep their heads up, they listen to what I have to say, and they apply it to the next point. I hope that as things start to click a little more, we can reward their hard work with a win.”

Krish Rajpurohit, senior, is excited about his last season on Rockwood Ultimate Frisbee.

“I would love to see us make more progress as we work to pass the torch onto the rest of the team once we seniors graduate this spring,” Rajpurohit said.

The team will play next tomorrow at North Kirkwood Middle School and Sunday at Crestview Middle School.