Passion for the Disc
The other day when I went to train at Xavier for Ultimate Frisbee, someone complimented me.
It was an end zone pass --- a pass that would have made them score a point, if not for me. I was persistently guarding my man, following him closely so as to defend against that pass. As the disc was high in the air, both of us try to grab for it. We both jump for it but I was able to tap it a bit before he could catch it, successfully defending him. He patted me at the back and said, "Grabe, taas mo tumalon." Now, I know that's not much and it may not even be true but it really made my day. I never really thought anyone would ever compliment mo on the sport.
It's been a year since I started playing Ultimate Frisbee. I still remember it quite vividly . It was July when I first learned of the sport through a poster I saw at our bulletin board at school. Since I had a lot of free time and I wanted to try something new, I decided to give it a shot.
When I started, I felt really out of place. Everyone around me was either good or getting good. I, however, sucked. It took me a long while to get used to throwing and since I wasn't really athletic, I couldn't run for shit. It was then when I heard from our coach that he would be forming a team. At that time, I hardly imagined myself being able to join the team. Our coach got me though. I don't know if he saw potential in me or if he was just lacking in players and desperately needed someone.
Being in the team really put pressure on me. Everyone, including the ones who started with me, was natural at it. I felt really insecure that I was the only one not improving. I thought to myself that I needed to do something about it. So everyday, I would ask our coach to train me. Even if it was outside practice hours, I'd practice my throws and run at the track and field oval; however, extra effort really didn't do anything. Everyone was still better than me. During games, I'd always be the last man to go in and that was only if we were leading.
When I was finally starting to fit in, something happened. Our team was already bonded by then but there were a few issues within the team as well. To cut it short, we lost our captain and eventually we lost a lot of our teammates. I, however, stayed along with some people. Since there were no other people to rely on, we had to step up. Every league, each of us took turns in being captain. Of course, we still lack skill to actually lead a team. Until now, we still have no permanent captain but stepping up really made us improve a lot. Now, I still train with the Xavier team every T-TH-S. Sometimes, I even go to Poveda to help with their Ultimate Frisbee club. I, along with my other teammates have indeed grown.
I think that what drives me to keep on going is my love for the sport. I'd really like to play as long as I can. It's just pure passion for the disc.