Club Sports get access to the Pete Hanna Stadium
By Emma Hawkins
Ultimate frisbee — a sport that is what you make it. And for junior Grant Dickson, team captain of the club ultimate frisbee team, this sport is an outlet that nurtures healthy competition, breeds leadership- and fosters inclusivity. The team has the potential to expand their membership and strengthen their community: they are moving practices from the intramural fields across the street- to the Pete Hanna Stadium on campus.
The ultimate frisbee team has been around for years. When they host events such as tournaments, the crowd is flooded with alumni who have gone before them, sharing the same love for the sport.
When the team had to practice on the intramural fields, their attendance was fairly low. Other club teams already had that space reserved from 6 p.m. through the rest of the evening, limiting availability for practice times. Starting in the 2025 season onward, however, they will now train Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.- under the stadium lights. The intense glow and professional feel that the lights offer creates an environment to increase confidence and team morale.
When asked about the team’s strengths, Dickson had a lot to note. “We have incredible teamwork… we roll into tournaments believing in each other” he said, “We are a good place for leadership, are beginner friendly, and most of all, we have fun, I have never had a bad time playing.”
One of Dickson’s favorite aspects of the ultimate frisbee team is Frisbee Fridays — games they put on that are welcome to anyone and everyone, and are a great chance to try out the sport. Not only is the team strong in their sense of being welcoming to all students, men and women alike, they also come to win.
“I love being competitive, and everyone is encouraged to join me in that,” said Dickson.
When the news came out that there was a new practice space, the results were encouraging. Twenty-five students were present for the first practice, more than twice the usual size. Advertisement for this sport has increased significantly after the change, especially tailored to the new freshman class, as it is an excellent source of connection and involvement. Dickerson talks about how friendship has been found in this team. Self-perception has been altered for the better in this team. Sanctuary is found in this team. The accessibility of these qualities has been presented by this change.
“At the Tupelo, Mississippi tournament, I experienced one of my top three Samford moments, even though we didn’t win,” Dickson said. “I was hooked into this team the second I started.”
To the players, ultimate frisbee has not just been a game to play, a disc to throw or a time to socialize — it has been a place to forget stress and remember a good time.
“I do want to thank athletics and campus recreation for allowing us to play here… it is a big move for us and really shows the involvement [they] are trying to alter and promote. “We are really grateful for this opportunity,” said Dickson.
Ultimate frisbee continues to grow. What will this new change mean for the extended future? More training, more friendship, more to come.
