Ultimately perfect: a sport full of competition, hard work, and fun

Boys’ Ultimate had a great season this year, winning all their regular games except one, placing fourth and second in two big Massachusetts tournaments, and capturing the State championship for the 26th year in a row. 

Seniors Max Rogowski and Jensen GIlbert reflected on the season. 

Gilbert said there are a lot of standout athletes on the team, but he has respect for “Taylor Hanson because of his exceptional leadership and vast knowledge of the game.” 

He also noted that captain Hanson and co-captain Tyler Feeney work together  to convey “important information and help lift the team’s spirits.” 

Gilbert said the team practices four to six days a week on Stanley Street where they scrimmage and do drills to work on various techniques, throws, and defenses. “Our goal is to become the best team we can possibly be,” he said.

Rogowski noted that the team focuses on having a good time while also being competitive, which is difficult because of the team’s reputation for being a top team. “It’s important for us to maintain a positive mindset and enjoy the games,” he said.

Gilbert said that his teammates are amazing and he loves their ability to work incredibly hard during practice while also maintaining a happy and joyful mindset.  

With Amherst Boys Ultimate being at the top of the Ultimate food chain, the team has had some very important games. Amherst competed against the number four ranked team in the country who flew out from Utah.

Amherst also participated in a variety of different tournaments such as the Amherst Invitational and Pioneer Valley Invitational, facing top competition. To cap off the season Amherst captured the State Championship in a thrilling overtime win to end the year. 

When asked what they enjoy most about playing Ultimate, Gilbert noted that he enjoys the atmosphere of every game and the Ultimate community in Amherst. Rogowski said that he enjoys the friendships he has built and the good energy that the team gives off. 

Both plan to accomplish goals for themselves in the season. Gilbert aims to give his best effort every day for the team to help them win and Rogowski plans on improving his game all around to help improve the team. 

Rogowski and Gilbert, when reflecting on their season, said that they will miss the sport and friends that they made. 

Rogowski encouraged others to give Ultimate a try. “I’s an amazing sport with great people and coaches,” he said.