“Fight, fight, inner light, kill Quakers kill!” This is hardly the cheer expected from a Quaker college. Yet players assure me it’s just the Quakerly way of making fun of aggressive, macho sports teams. However, this year’s Ultimate Frisbee team, “Biohazard”, certainly appears a bit aggressive. Despite the joking, their competitiveness will promise a great year ahead for this club sport. Senior Jay Gregory, captain and a four-year veteran of Ultimate, says this year’s team is better than last year’s. “Its awesome, there’s more new people than I’ve ever seen before”.

Last year the Ultimate team was ranked as high as 132nd in the nation (out of about 300 college teams that played at least five games). This year they look to continue to dominate teams such as UNCG and Greensboro College.

Drew Austell, a Guilford grad and last year’s captain, could not believe this year’s turnout. “It’s impressive, a lot more interest in the sport.” The team increased from 7-10 players two years ago to 18-25 this year.

When asked what impact the new players had, Jay had a positive outlook. “Although sometimes it’s frustrating, or overwhelming, and even though we lose a few, the new players are quickly picking up the structure of the game.”

There are nine returning players, as opposed to five last year. They are a prime force, helping new players pick up the sport. Sophomore Ted Fetter, saw the group’s range of skill as a huge advantage.“There is a lot of variety. Each player brings different talents;it all meshes well into one solid, powerful team.”

Sophomore Aliene Howell has a stunning ability to score a lot; Ted Fetter offers extra speed and exhilaration; and a key player is Troy Unverdruss, who carries a lot of experience and full-steam energy.

Transfer student Summer Starling never played Ultimate before. On the third practice she collided with another player and got a concussion, yet within two days she was out on the field again. This is the kind of dedication the team thrives on.

The lineup for this season includes some large tournaments in Savannah, Georgia, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Although the spring semester has a lot more tournaments, this semester should be outstanding.

This Saturday, on Parents Weekend, there will be a scrimmage against UNCG. The team loves support, so everyone is encouraged to come out and cheer them on.

Note: Although being a member of “Biohazard” is a big time commitment, everyone is encouraged to participate in the informal pickup games on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. on the fields next to the science center