Junior Michael Farrugia makes a catch during Saturday’s tournament.

On Saturday, March 11, the Blue Jay Ultimate Frisbee Club took on five other area teams in a tournament at Jesuit’s Will Clark Field. It was the first tournament hosted by the Jays in eight years.

Catholic High School, Brother Martin, Rummel, St. Paul’s, and Ben Franklin participated in Jesuit’s double-elimination tournament. Coached by John Zimmer ’11, the Blue Jays first played Brother Martin, winning 11 to 2. In their second game against St. Paul’s the Jays pulled out an 11 to 6 victory, but lost the third game to Rummel, 13-11. The two and one record placed them in third at the tournament. Catholic captured first, with Rummel taking the second spot.

“We lost eight seniors last year,” said Ms. Susan deBoisblanc, who moderates the team. “We have a young team, but they held their own.”

Led by juniors Michael Faruggio and Caleb Rogers, student players are largely peer-organized. As team captains, Faruggio and Rogers coordinate with teammates and send out weekly practice reminders.

“It’s also a great game for sportsmanship, particularly since the students self-referee,” said deBoisblanc. “Teams call their own fouls and then must come to an understanding or agreement with their opponents.”

For these reasons, ultimate frisbee is known for its large degree of student investment. Unlike other sports, there is no ultimate frisbee league or schedule among schools. Teams scrimmage each other on an invite-only basis, and — though there are fall and spring tournaments in South Louisiana — New Orleans does not host its own tournament.

“Everyone had a good time, and a lot of parents came out to watch,” said deBoisblanc. “We received many thank yous for hosting, so we hope to make this a yearly event.”