In the four years I’ve been attending the High Tide Ultimate Tournament as a Savage employee, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things happen — but 2020 is the year I know I’ll always remember. The spread of COVID-19 ended this year’s tournament two weeks early, and most of us also recognized it could mean the end of the college season as well. For many seniors, it was a heartbreaking moment.
There was a distinct shift at the tournament among players and staff as we all began to process what was about to happen. There was a deep feeling of mourning as news spread that not only was the tournament ending, but schools were closing their doors for the foreseeable future, effectively ending the college Ultimate season.
It’s natural for players to obsess over what didn’t happen, or what could’ve been. I know I’ve struggled with this myself. For some players, it may be the last time they see some of their seniors for a long time. For some seniors, it’s the last time they’ll be playing with some of their teammates.
But this is what I keep thinking about, and why I’m grateful that I was at High Tide at this moment in time: Witnessing the love players have not only for each other, but also for their opponents at this event, has been life-changing. This truly is a special sport we play. From seeing teams treat a fun Spring Break tournament like it was their last Nationals run, to crying with new players on my old college team, High Tide 2020 was unforgettable.
It’s painful to think about, but we ought to stay positive, keeping this in mind: Our family of Ultimate players may just be one of the most tight-knit sports communities in the world. I — and the rest of the Savage team — love to come to Myrtle Beach not just to interact with you all and see you play some of the wackiest “games” of ultimate possible, but to be reminded of how much we love this sport ourselves.
Seniors, addressing you all directly for a moment, we want to offer our sympathy for the abrupt end to some of your seasons. While this is the end of one chapter, we can assure you there’s so much more in store for you. Look forward to joining new teams, new players to befriend, plays to make, and yes, more tears to be shed.
For now, make sure you leave your teams in a better state than you joined them. Leave a lasting impression for the younger crowd, and continue to be the leaders you wanted when you started playing. While the season’s ending early can lead to questioning of what might’ve been, it’s pointless to wonder about the unknown. Try not to mourn the fact that this chapter is over. It’s better to focus on the incredible times we had, celebrate the fact that you got to experience it, and that you have so much to look forward to.
It’s crucial during times like this that we hold our favorite people and memories close to give us comfort. We can and probably will feel sad thinking about it, but remember: This community doesn’t end with college. One of the things I love most about Ultimate is that it’s truly a year-round sport if you want it to be. With almost unlimited access to seasonal leagues, club tryouts, and even just casual pickup, Ultimate has never stopped growing — and this will not stop it.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay Savage.
Written by Savage's Production/Order Rockstar, Nick Evans
What do you do when you see the following tweet first thing in the morning?
Of course, we jumped right in. Paul ended up being a member of the USA Ultimate Club Team Public Enemy out of Dallas, TX. Public Enemy made it to Club Nationals and they were in need of fresh new jerseys. With only a week to get something together, screen printed and fully sublimated items weren't an option... but spot sublimated whites could get done.
Step 1 - Get design ideas from Paul.
Step 2 - Have our Art Department work their magic.
Step 3 - Make rainbow magic happen!
Like what you see? These Lisa Frankenstein jerseys are now available for a limited time for only $20. Show your support of DUA's Mixed Ultimate Team Public Enemy.
College is a time where everyone finds the place they belong. Some people are fortunate enough to know where that is before they ever get to school, while others want to belong somewhere but just don't fit in. I was a different case; I thought I had my entire four years planned out. Thankfully, I was wrong. This letter goes out to the person who unknowingly made my college career the best experience it could have possibly been.
Dear Friend,
Let me start by saying thanks. If I didn't happen to run into and recognize you from my hometown, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thanks to your suggestion to, "come try it out," I discovered the sport of ultimate. Having never heard of ultimate in high school, I can guarantee I would've never considered it during college. Because of you, I was able to create four years of amazing memories with strangers who quickly became friends who slowly grew into my family. Memories like these:
Giving rookies their new nicknames only to forget their real names in the future. Not to mention, everything else we put them through.
The ridiculously long car rides to tournaments that involve heavy amounts of singing to keep the driver awake.
What it felt like to finally throw a decent flick for the first time.
Being an early riser and having to wake up the entire team on tournament weekends.
Having the entire dining hall stare at you in confusion because that one teammate is yelling ridiculous things during your post-practice team dinner
Having a dance off with another team at regionals to determine the "real" winners of the game.
And let's not forget the real reason any of us play ultimate, the parties!
I could sit here for the next few hours letting nostalgia and stupid gifs take over this blog post but that's not why I'm here. I am here to finally give you the thanks you deserve. Because of you, all these memories were possible. You introduced me to ultimate frisbee, an amazing sport with an even more amazing community which led to me discovering the company I work for today. I owe you way more than a blog post and I hope I can make you and the great sport of ultimate proud!
Sincerely,
That little freshman you who's life you changed.
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