Leaders weigh in to set example - Marine Corps Community Relations

12
Ultimate
Kazumasa Sakata, a
player with T’Da Sinca,
passes to his teammate
while Robert White, a
player with Ultimate
Frisbee Gods attempts
to block the pass during
the Camp Courtney
Ultimate Frisbee
Tournament March 5.
Photo by Pfc. Daniel E. Valle
Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate
okinawa marine staff
Colored disks sliced through the air
as six teams competed in the Camp
Courtney Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
March 5.
The tournament, hosted by Marine
Corps Community Services Okinawa, was
conducted in a double-elimination style,
with teams competing until they lost
twice.
The teams competing for the championship
title were: Ultimate Frisbee Gods, Ultimate
Frisbee Okinawa, T’Da Sinca, Orca
Dragons, The Other Guys and Tango Delta,
and were compiled of service members,
family members, Okinawans and Status of
Forces Agreement personnel.
After a long day of tough matches and
landslide victories, UFO faced off against
T’Da Sinca in the championship game,
barely holding the lead following the first
half with a score of 8-7.
“We came into the second half confident
that we were on the verge of putting all the
pieces together,” said Shawn Green, a player
with UFO. “We talked about a change in
defensive strategy and taking our time on
offense.”
Each team consisted of seven players
and each match ended when one team
reached 15 goals or the one-hour time limit
expired.
UFO took control of the second half and
won the game with a score of 14-8.
UFO won the tournament undefeated,
despite that they only had three on the
bench compared to T’Da Sinca’s seven.
UFO has been together for five years and
consists of Department of Defense teachers,
service members and SOFA personnel. Together,
they have dominated all six tournaments
in which they have participated.
“Our defense frustrated T’Da Sinca and
okinawa marine | SPORTS | March 11, 2011
Team UFO slices way to victory in tournament
Mike Enciso, a player with Ultimate Frisbee Okinawa, maneuvers around his opponent to throw the disk
to one of his teammates during the Camp Courtney Ultimate Frisbee Tournament March 5.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Heather N. Choate
we were able to capitalize on turnovers,”
added Green. “We also did an excellent job
of maintaining possession when we had
the disc. It was extremely satisfying to win
the tournament, especially because of the
manner in which we did it.”
Graham Hill, a player with T’Da Sinca
and a previous player for UFO participated
alongside local ultimate frisbee players and
has participated in nine tournaments since
he joined the team more than a year ago.
T’Da Sinca is an all-Okinawan team with
the exception of Hill.
“The game is fun and exciting, and the
service members handled themselves very
well,” said Hill. “The Okinawan players
fun
love to come out and play with the American
teams.”
According to Taylor, ultimate frisbee is a
valuable tool for both physical fitness and
socializing with those who share a love of
the game.
“One of the things I like best about playing
is the spirit that is out on the field,”
commented Kevin Taylor, a player with
UFO. “There are fine athletes and marvelous
people to befriend. It’s energizing, and
I love being a part of it.”
To get involved in a sport or for more
information on recreational events and activities
MCCS offers personnel on Okinawa,
visit www.mccsokinawa.com.