kM iYis.b~ PRESENT AT nationals The members of the Apocalypse Frisbee team had worked hard to establish their reputation in the Ultimate Frisbee collegiate community since they were founded in 2003, consistently becoming a better team every year. Though changes were made before the season began, the team did not change their annual goal of placing in their tournaments. "Our goal last year, and it was this year, [is] to hold seed at every tournament we go to," senior Tyler Samuel said. "That's usually pretty tough. We succeeded in that goal at every tournament last year." The team's mission to remain seeded in regular tournaments led them to the Regional Tournament in Tulsa, Okla., in April 20 l 0, where they faced a record number of tournament games in a single weekend. "We had to play nine games that weekend," senior Ryan Rummage said. "But after advancing to nationals, it was all worth it." Since the team had never made it that far in the brackets, they did not have the funds to attend nationals. However, the donation of a generous parent enabled them to make the trip to Buffalo, N.Y "It was very nice of him because we did not have any money at the end of the year to go," Samuel said. The team began the journey to Buffalo shortly after school let out in May, driving during the day and stopping at teammates' houses on the way. They reached their destination on May 19, ready to play. Apocalypse participated in what tournament sponsors called "the best game of the year," competing against the Claremont team from Southern California. Apocalypse stayed ahead for the majority of the game, but Claremont came back in the final minutes of the game, tying the score. The Harding team came out of overtime victorious and ranked seventh in the nation. "That was one of, if not the best, games I've ever played in my life," Samuel said. Although they did not win the championship, the team finished the season tied for first in team spirit rankings with Rummage as one of the leading nominees for individual player spirit. The rankings acknowledged that a particular team or team member played with characteristics such as good sportsmanship and dedication. Samuel added that the team began every game with a prayer and also invited the other team to pray after the game ended. "That is our way of putting our Christian imprint on the Ultimate community," Samuel said. As for the upcoming season, Apocalypse already had one goal. "After being so close last year, our goal is simple: win the Division II National Championship," Rummage said. Mallory Davis 88Athletics Apoc.~Al~ps.e, f..-is.beA, Row 1: D. Sigle, L. Smith, L. Nossaman,J. Okra, M. Hardison, D. Cressy, D. Pruitt, K. Reynolds, S. Cancienne. Row 2: L. McMichael, A. Cochran,]. DeWitt, T. Goins, T. Samuel, R. Rummage,]. Sharp, N. Douves, Z. Petty,]. Molina, A. Trent, T. Duwe.
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