The football field at Wheeler High School has seen its share of action and excitement over the years. Last-second touchdowns, penalty kick goals, and even track meet finals have all taken place on this turf. Tonight, however, was for an entirely different sport: Ultimate Frisbee.
For the second year in a row, chapters of the Georgia Junior Classical League have gathered at this field for the annual Frisbee Tournament. The tournament is organized by our 2nd VP, Anita Singh, from Walton High School and hosted by the Editor, Eric Yao, from Wheeler High School. These two schools have a long-standing rivalry born from the multitude of loses Walton has received from Wheeler, but put their differences aside to make this event a reality. All the proceeds from registration go towards a charity, chosen by Anita each year. This year, thirteen teams from 6 different schools competed for the championship. Discs whizzed around the stadium as players warmed up their backhands and flicks.
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The rules of the game are simple. Pass the Frisbee among your team without dropping it until a touchdown is scored in the end zone. At the end of two halves, the team with most points proceeds to the next round. However, we add a little twist to it. When the final scores are tallied, the losing captain must smile, take a deep breath, and get pied in the face by the winning captain.
The stadium lights blazed alight as the semifinal rounds began on the field. Only four teams remained: Pace, Mountain View, Walton, and Wheeler. Pace soon eliminated Walton with a last-minute diving catch as the clock expired, and Mountain View fell to Wheeler in a decisive win. The stage was set for the final game of the night. Everyone in the crowd held their breath as the coin toss took place to decide who got first possession. It was a true story of David and Goliath. Wheeler was the reigning champion with years of experience. Still, Pace had proven themselves capable of an upset despite forming their team mere weeks ago.
The coin landed in favor of Pace, and the captains shook hands with determination, knowing that one of them would leave the field tonight with whipped cream on his face. Fierce scoring ensued, with both teams trading blows throughout the half. The score stood tied at 4 heading into the final minute of the game, with Wheeler walking the disc up to midfield. The captain looked for a short pass before catching sight of a receiver streaking towards the end zone. With a moment’s hesitation, he launched a prayer above the heads of all the players. Time stood still as Pace, Wheeler, and the crowd followed the flight of the disc, right to the waiting hands of the Wheeler receiver. The home bench erupted at this incredible score, and Wheeler soon closed out the game to secure another championship.
At the end of the day, Frisbee is a reflection of the JCL spirit. After the pieing and celebrations, everyone milled around the field. Mentions of discs and cleats were replaced by translation tips and certamen stories. Players from all teams helped gather up cones and scoreboards. Our love of the classics was what brought us together to this field, and everyone went home that night looking forward to another chance of glory next year.
ERIC YAO
2019-2020 GJCL EDITOR
ULTIMATE FRISBEE