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A unique spin

While their friends might not understand, playing Frisbee is a serious sport say Thunder Bay Ultimate members. Derek Tessier, 31, Matt Adams, 24, and Tom Bragnalo, 24, all started with the ultimate Frisbee league when it first formed a year ago.
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Derek Tessier (right) goes in to catch a pass before Tom Bragnalo (left) intercepts on Saturday. (Jeff Labine, tbnewswatch.com)
While their friends might not understand, playing Frisbee is a serious sport say Thunder Bay Ultimate members.

Derek Tessier, 31, Matt Adams, 24, and Tom Bragnalo, 24, all started with the ultimate Frisbee league when it first formed a year ago. The three strangers came from different walks of life but became friends when they participated in the co-ed league.

Tessier, who works at EcoSuperior Environmental Programs, said he first time he heard about an ultimate Frisbee league was at a folk festival in Red Rock. Before that, he had never heard of a competitive Frisbee before, he said.

"I got involved because other people were playing and I like sports," Tessier said. "The first year was pretty successful for the Thunder Bay Ultimate League. We had a tournament at the end of the season with trophies."

The league had about 100 members with six teams competing last year. Each team consists of about 15 players with two teams of seven on the field. With the endurance of soccer and the precision of a football pass, ultimate Frisbee requires players to catch a pass in the opponents’ end zone to score points. Players can’t move while holding the disc or Frisbee but they can pivot and pass, similar to basketball.

Tessier said he hoped the numbers would increase further this season.

"This year we have started with eight teams so we’ve improved the numbers," he said.

The trio practiced some moves out on the at the Bora Laskin field on Saturday. Tessier said they hold pick-ups so people can try the sport for themselves.

Adams, from the Greater Toronto Area, enrolled at Lakehead University to complete his masters in environment studies. He said he was on his way home from class when he spotted the team playing. He joined in and then joined the league.

"I kind of thought this sport was a joke as first," Adams said. "But it quickly grew on me. I never took it too seriously but once I got started I became quite addicted."

Adams played as the teams’ handler — the player that starts the initial play after a turn over. Adams said two handlers work together to try to create a play for their other teammates.

Bragnalo, who works at True Grit Consulting limited, said his friends were involved in the league which sparked the interest for him to try it. He joined a team of all rookies but enjoyed it none the less, he said.

"It’s been lots of fun," Bragnalo said. "People are having a good time without getting too hardcore about it. We’re just running around and enjoying ourselves."

Bragnalo added no matter what skill level a person has, they skill can come and try the sport.

Pick-ups are on Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bora Laskin field.






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