Fall has ushered in a new season for Cooper Union Ultimate Frisbee, and with it, a difficult change. Team co-captain Joe Kimmel, who injured his knee earlier this year, is sitting out for the season.
The loss was felt recently at Cooper's first game against Columbia on September 22, in which Columbia won 13-8. The defense fell apart towards the middle of the game, but the team managed to make a noble recovery in the end. Alin Cosmanescu reflected optimistically, "We really pulled together at the end, so I'm sure we can beat them next time. However, Joe is probably our best player, so we're all anxiously awaiting his return in the spring."
The spring season is generally more active than the fall, when Cooper plays upwards of two games per month. When asked the reason for this, Alin blames the weather. "When the Frisbee hits your hand in the cold, it feels like it's going to fall off. It's much easier to play in the spring."
Instead of competing heavily, the team is currently focusing on restructuring their practices. They used to just get together and play, but now they are moving towards more organized practices and teaching strategies.
Another focus for the near future is the upcoming Frisbee sale. Cooper Ultimate is designing their own Frisbee to sell at tournaments to increase team awareness. According to Alin, "If it's a cool design, opposing teams will definitely buy it." The Frisbees will cost somewhere between $5-$8 dollars, and will be available to the Cooper community. Proceeds from the sale will be used to print new t-shirts for separate home and away uniforms. They will also be put towards tournament fees, and travel to other schools.
Away games are usually held at Rutgers or Princeton, but Cooper has traveled as far as western Pennsylvania to compete in the past. "We organize car pools, since we don't really have enough money to spend for a bus," says John Matthai. Cooper Ultimate favors away tournaments, where several teams compete in one day. "You get to meet a lot of cool people," says Alin. "At Franklin and Marshall, some other teams made up a cheer for us called 'Cooper Freaks,' sung to the melody of Super-freak."
When asked if having several engineers on the team gave Cooper an advantage over other schools, Alin was skeptic. "Maybe I have a deeper understanding of the aerodynamic principles governing the Frisbee, but that doesn't mean an English major can't kick my ass. Some of our best players are artists." Interested? Sounds like fun? Practices are held every Friday at three in East River Park. Beginners who are willing to make a commitment are always welcome. »»