“Gimme an S. Gimme an E. Gimme an X. What’s that spell? Score!” With that cheer, the Biohazard Ultimate Frisbee team began the second half of their match against Duke University.
On Sept. 25, Biohazard participated in their first tournament of the season at Wake Forest University. The tournament consisted of five games against other schools. Guilford won the matches between Duke and Davidson, and lost to Wake Forest, UNC-G, and Elon.
The Ultimate team got its start back in 1993 and the name Biohazard from alumni, and current ceramics professor, Charlie Teft. It is one of Guilford’s many intramural sports teams.
Biohazard is a co-ed team which consists of 13 women and 18 men. The team practices Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All of their practicing shows on the field. “Watching the players you can get a sense of how dedicated they are, how hard they work.” Sophomore Melissa Narro said, after watching their game against Duke.
This year marks the first attempts of forming a women’s team. Along with participating in the current co-ed matches, there are enough women this year to play against women’s teams across the state.
Sophomore Katherine Rossini, speaking of the new-found women’s team said, “We have a lot of potential and strong athleticism. In a few years we’ll be really good.”
The tournament at Wake was called an open tournament, where a school can bring both male and female teammates. Guilford was one of the few teams that represented both sexes.
“We’ve been playing really well,” said senior and team captain, Jeff Shamp, during the game against Duke. “We’re going to be strong for the spring and really kick it up a notch.”
Shamp was elected team captain the previous spring by general consensus. As captain, Shamp has many responsibilities. He sets up each tournament and scrimmage that the team participates in during the season.
Shamp is in charge of the funding the team receives from Student Senate. They receive about $6,000 and this money is used for tournament fees, lodging, travel, and gas. The team members themselves are responsible for food and snacks during and after games.
The team and sport itself are growing in popularity. The funding they receive is appreciated, but it is not enough for their wants and needs.
“We aren’t able to have many tournaments this year because of lack of funding,” said Rossini.
Biohazard received many incoming first-years and generally retains most of their members from year to year. The team is growing and wants room to do so.
“It’s awesome. I had never played ultimate before and all the people who play are great,” said freshman Shepherd Lashley. “I plan on playing in the spring.”
Lashley had the winning catch of the game against Duke University; the final score was 15-13.
Biohazard’s next tournament will be on Halloween at Davidson College and they will be hosting a tournament at Guilford on Nov. 5 and 6.