From the Rhodes Rowdies to the screaming supporters of club sports, Harding University athletics carry a large following. However Harding’s most successful athletic team often flies under the radar of many fans as it is not even an official Harding sport.
The Bison’s Apocalypse Ultimate Frisbee was ranked #1 in the nation throughout most of last season, while the Lady Bisons team is bringing in a group of newcomers that hope to continue to strengthen the team with depth.
For the Apocalypse Ultimate Frisbee team, one of the biggest things that sets them apart from other Harding athletic teams is their competition. While other Bison teams compete Division II, Apocalypse is a Division I competitor, and a legitimate competitor at that. Last year was one full of heartbreak for the men of Apocalypse after being ranked as the top team in the country but failing to win a National Championship. However, according to team leader senior Taren Goins, last year’s heartbreak does not define this year.
“We got caught up in all the rankings and hype of our team that we felt like we were entitled to something last season,” Goins said. “This year we are going to reflect back on our woes of last year and look to improve as a team.”
While the strength of last year’s team was often the larger players, this year the edge is coming from the other end of the spectrum. Three seniors who graduated last spring were more than 6 feet tall, but this year’s roster is built from smaller, more agile players.
“We have obtained a very speedy and athletic team, and we are focused on being a much better in-shape squad that will run a very fluid offense,” Goins said.
Apocalypse finished last season winning with a record of 14-1.
As for the women’s ultimate Frisbee team, their strength comes in sheer numbers and depth. There are many newcomers to the team along with a strong core of veterans that give the team an edge, according to team leader senior Sarah Hansen.
“One strength we have this year is in sheer numbers,” Hansen said. “We have many rookies coming in with natural talent and veterans who have put in a lot of work to improve their own skill. Overall, I think the depth of our team will be our strong point.”
However, while the depth of the roster looks to be the key strength for the team, Hansen also feels like exuding sportsmanship and a Christ-like attitude in competition can be an effective way to help build the chemistry needed to bring the team together with so many newcomers.
“We want tofocus on being examples of Christ to every team we come in contact with,” Hansen said.
