Ultimate Frisbee flings way into athletic hearts
by John Vittas, Reporter

   Picture yourself on an open grassy field in the midday sun, the blades of grass blowing along with a light, warm breeze.
   Of course, since we’re already well on our way to December, that might not be the easiest image to imagine.
   But many scenes just like this one are exactly what you’re in for when it comes to TCC’s newest sport, Ultimate Frisbee.
   “Ultimate Frisbee is an activity that burns significant calories. There are periods of high intensity exercise followed by lower ones, but you’re always moving,” Jason Wooten, Ultimate Frisbee instructor, said.
   Last fall, Wooten introduced this new sport to some of his classes on SE Campus as a change from the normal classroom routine.
   The reaction from almost every student was unanimous; it was a hit.
   Last spring was the first time he offered the sport as an intramural event, and now it has become its own one-hour credit class.
   Here’s a rundown on the rules of Ultimate Frisbee: Normally there are seven players to a side.
   The sport itself is loosely compared to soccer, hockey and football.
   The objective of the offensive team is to score a touchdown while the defense tries to make the stop or create a turnover.
   But there’s always a catch, and unlike the above-mentioned sports, Ultimate Frisbee allows no handoffs, and once you catch the Frisbee, you must come to a stop immediately.
   No need to worry about being tackled—it’s a non-contact sport.
   And for those who still aren’t convinced on the effectiveness of replacing normal exercise with a game of Ultimate Frisbee, Wooten offered a little more evidence.
   “Some of the fitness principles introduced in the class include cardiovascular endurance, interval training, target heart rates, body composition, fuel utilization and sweat/rate hydration concerns,” he said.
   “The students also gain an appreciation of team work and camaraderie,” he said.
   Registration for the class on the SE Campus has begun for the spring semester and will continue until early next year.