by Elise Goitia '18

For the first time in the history of the Knox College Ultimate Frisbee team, the "River Rats" competed in the D-III National Championships of USA Ultimate, placing fifth.

"We came together," said Dan Perez '18. "We went at it hard and kept winning. It was fantastic."

The sport of Ultimate Frisbee, commonly called 'Ultimate,' was created in 1968 and has gained recognition as a self-officiated sport that's both easy to learn and competitive. Rob Clark '95 started the Knox Ultimate Team in 1992.

"Nationals is just a benefit of putting hard work into our games," Said Perez. "Seeing everyone so focused on a goal is what gave us the determination to put in effort for the team."

River Rats captain Adam Schrag '16, who has played on the team since his first year at Knox, said that Nationals "validated the work that the team has put in over the years."

"To succeed with people I really care for is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life," Schrag commented.

Schrag hopes to continue playing Ultimate on a club team over the summer. He believes that with its great team culture, the Knox Ultimate team will make it to Nationals again.

For River Rats captain Harper Garvey '16, reaching the competition was exciting.

"Nationals has been the goal since I got here my freshman year," he said. "We've always been a contender, but never quite good enough to get out of the region. When we were able to get a spot, it was great."

Garvey has competed on Ultimate teams in the past, including the Minneapolis Sub Zero club team. Succeeding in Nationals and placing fifth, he said, gets the Knox Ultimate team a lot of recognition.

"There were teams from around the country, but not a lot had heard of Knox before," he said. "Now, anyone who follows collegiate Ultimate will know the name 'Knox College.'"