2012 Guts Frisbee Championship coming back to Marquette
Togo’s, Wooden Nickel, and Stucko’s Pub and Grill proudly announce the 2012 US National Guts Frisbee Champions on Aug. 4th & 5th, 2012, at legendary Hurley Field, in Marquette, MI.
The top 20 teams from around the US will be in Marquette to battle for the coveted title of US Champion. “We have had a huge interest in the tournament this year, and we expect a record turnout for both teams and fans,” said Tournament Directory Kurt Lahtinen. “We also expect players from TEAM USA Guts who competed in the WFDF World Ultimate and Guts Championships earlier this summer in Japan to be here.” TEAM USA Guts finished 2nd to Japan.
But most of all, Lahtinen was excited about some newcomers to the game of Guts. “Last week we had a young ultimate Frisbee team from Oklahoma call me and told me they wanted to come to the tournament. They had seen Guts Frisbee on the internet, heard what a great time and great tournament Marquette puts on, and wanted to try it. Despite having never played guts, very little travel money and a 20 hour drive in front of them, they said they were going to be here. When the Guts Frisbee circle heard about these kids, some of the Guts players donated money to help fray the cost. That’s why I love the Guts Frisbee community!”
Last year’s defending US Champions, the Appleton Assassins will be back to defend their 2011 title. They beat Marquette’s O’Malley’s Alley in the finals. The Assassins are also coming off their first International Frisbee Tournament (IFT) win, held in Calumet, MI over the 4th of July weekend.
“The finals were one of the best in US Nationals history,” said Frisbee Hall of Famer Buck Buchanan and tournament advisor. “Both teams were young and hungry and put on quite a show for the crowd. O’Malley’s won the first game but wore down a little after a long fight through the loser’s bracket, and the Assassins regrouped after losing the first game and came back and won 2 straight games, to take the crown.”
According to tournament event planner Liz Beckman, “the growth of Guts Frisbee in Marquette is really taking off! We will have at least 7 teams representing Marquette, with 4 of the teams, less than 21 years of age. The future is bright for the game.” Tournament play begins at 10:00 on both days and will run to dusk. New teams can register on line or early Saturday morning. Teams entering their first Guts Frisbee tournament will only be charged a $5.00 entry fee per player. Concessions will be provided by Stucko’s Pub and Grill. Music and Tournament MC will be provided by WUPX, NMU Radio. Tournament shirts and Frisbee will be on sale. There will also be a player’s welcoming party at Hurley Field on Friday night with food provided by Togo’s Subs, followed by a players’ gathering at the Wooden Nickel.