Another season of Ultimate in Grand Forks’ schools is about to wrap up and the coaches say they couldn’t be happier with the progress players and the game have made.
The unique sport, combining elements of football, volleyball and basketball – but using a frisbee – has grown in popularity among students at both Dr. D.A. Perley and Grand Forks Secondary School, said Kristy Kuromi, who co-coaches with husband Keith Kuromi.
This year was the first time there was a middle school team, with Grades Six and Seven making up the team.
The sport has come a long way since they started in Grand Forks last year, Kristy said. That team had 28 members between Grades Eight and 12. They went to provincials as a single-A division team, without the Grade 12 players, played against teams made mostly up of double-A Grade 12’s and beat all of them.
“That was amazing to see and definitely a source of pride for us,” Kristy said.
The growing popularity also meant the enrollment grew, with 85 players between Grases Six and 12. This allowed them to send a senior team and a junior team to the B.C. Ultimate High School Championship May 25-28.
The seniors won third and also the most spirited team award, which Kristy said is a coveted prize.
“It’s a big deal in Ultimate because of the rules of the game,” she said.
The junior team won fifth, which is a huge accomplishment, she said, considering they were up against larger, higher-ranked school teams.
The appeal of Ultimate is easy to understand for the Kuromis. Kristy explained the success they had the year before prompted more to sign up. The high school also was very supportive, with game announcements and live streaming of competitions.
In general, Ultimate appeals to a broad range of people of all abilities and ages. Preteens and teens can play a competitive sport without a great deal of equipment.
“Good sportsmanship is written in the rules,” Keith said. “It’s open to all ages. Everyone is encouraged to be supportive of each other and enjoy the game.”
For a while people believed Ultimate was another form of disc golf, Kristy said. Now, they know it’s a much more organized and competitive sport, but still encourages fun.
While the school Ultimate team season is winding down, club team season is getting started. This year 14-18 year-old athletes are joining with fellow teens in Kelowna to make one regional team, Khaos. That season runs June to August. Also in July and August, there will be Ultimate summer camps for younger children to learn the sport.
It’s going to be a busy season for provincial teams, as both provincial and national championships are being held in Surrey.
“This is a pretty cool opportunity for kids to compete at a high level very close to home,” Kristy said.
Keith added last year’s provincial team had four Grand Forks players. This year they may have up to 16 boys and eight girls if all of them pass tryouts. Each club team has up to 26 players.