Norse Force
Salem State’s Ultimate team is growing fast
By: Anthony Bevilacqua
Around Salem State University, no one would think twice about a couple of people throwing around a Frisbee. Most people do not realize there is an entire sport based around that Frisbee. Ultimate is played at over 700 colleges and high schools all over the nation. Salem State is the home to one of these ultimate teams.
The co-ed team dubs itself the Norse Force. Players range anywhere from freshmen to seniors or Spanish to Criminal Justice majors. Founded by a small group of students who had developed a love of the game before arriving at Salem State, the Norse Force has been around for three years, but they are making some major strides this year. For the first time ever, they have acquired a coach to help them get to the next level of play. Ben Naismith, Senior Psychology Major and team president said, “If the coach is with us in the future, he will help develop a strong program.”
The coach’s help seems to already be paying off. The team has started the season with a 5-3 record, better than any of the previous years. At their most recent tournament, they were able to defeat Keene State College 11-3. The Norse Force had never beaten Keene State’s team before.
Nick Everhart, a freshman Criminal Justice major, loves playing the game and everything he has learned so far. Nick said, “It is a great way to keep active and gives you a thing to do if you are free.”
Ultimate is a high intensity game played seven-on-seven that incorporates athletic aspects from soccer, basketball, and football. It is played on a 70 by 40 yard field with two 25 yard end zones. Ultimate features high flying, acrobatic catches, speed and endurance running, and dynamic passes.
The sport of ultimate does not have referees but is widely based on its “spirit of the game” rule. Spirit of the game is set to keep play from getting out of hand while still maintaining a high level of competition. At most tournaments a spirit award is given out to the player or team that has expressed the best sportsmanship.
The Salem State team can usually be seen practicing on the Alumni Field from 9p.m. to 11p.m. on Monday and Tuesday nights. Anyone interested in joining the team can email norseforceultimate@gmail.com or stop by one of their practices, as they are always welcoming newcomers.
Contributor’s note: Anthony Bevilacqua is a Public Relations major and a new member to the Norse Force Ultimate team.
Tags: frisbee
