Commitment. Hard work. Dedication. Time management. Practice.
These are just a few words that come to mind when it comes to school and sports. But when it
comes to Ultimate Frisbee at Buffalo State College, it’s a way to get away from both.
“It’s not a full-time commitment,” club president/player Bruce Mason said. “It’s a chance for
students to have fun without the rigorous schedule that comes with classes in college.”
It’s only been two years since it formed, but the Buffalo State Ultimate Frisbee club has started
to generate buzz around campus. Ultimate Frisbee gives men and women an opportunity to
compete and have fun doing something they love.
The club is in its infant stages, but that doesn’t stop them from being involved and participating
in multiple tournaments.
“On a good day we’ll have 9-10 people show up, but it’s very variated in that we have girls and
guys” Mason said.
The club plays in a league during the fall semester, where it plays in multiple tournaments
held in and out of New York State. In those tournaments, the team usually plays 3-4 games per
tournament.
“The teams ranged from Hornell, Fredonia to UB and local colleges,” said Brendan Strawberry,
a player on the team. “The environment depended on our opponent. When we played Hornell
the environment was very competitive, while with other teams it was all about fun so there was
definitely a balance competition wise.”
Another participant, Tom Murphy, added, “The environment was competitive, but friendly. No
matter who we played the teams were friendly and it made the play that much better.”
Even after its recent success, the club wants to broaden its brand by passing out various flyers
around the campus during Bengal Paws and other social events.
“At this point we’re two years in and we’re really looking to get more recognized than we are
now,” Mason said. “Like I said before we have some numbers, but it’s not where we want it and
we’re trying to encourage more people to join.”
“It’s a chance to meet new people and to bond with a close group of people,” Strawberry said. “I
myself never played the sport before Buffalo State, but since joining it has truly been a fun and
great experience for me.”
The club practices at 4:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at G-Lot.
You can also go on Facebook and search Buffalo State Ultimate Frisbee. On the club’s page, you
can interact with players and students from Buffalo State.
“If I could only stress one thing, it would be that no experience is needed and most important it’s
just a chance for students from Buffalo State girls or guys to just come out, compete and have
fun playing ultimate Frisbee” Mason said. “It’s a chance to get away from the hectic college life
for a couple days a week.”
Aubrey Gibert can be reached by email at gibert.record@live.com.