TL/DR –
U.P. Hardwood, a Marquette-based team, won the 66th annual International Frisbee Tournament championship match against Hancock’s Monte Carlo. The team, which is the first Marquette-area team to win the tournament since 1990, emerged victorious with a score of 21-19 and 21-16. Hogan Nemetz, a player from U.P. Hardwood, described the win as one of the best feelings he’s ever felt.
Marquette-based U.P. Hardwood Wins 66th Annual International Frisbee Tournament
Hogan Nemetz from U.P. Hardwood threw the disc during the first game of the 66th annual International Frisbee Tournament championship match against Hancock’s Monte Carlo at Hancock Driving Park. (Image: Houghton Daily Mining Gazette)
The championship match saw Marquette-based U.P. Hardwood emerge victorious, winning 21-19 and 21-16 against Monte Carlo, following rain delays. U.P. Hardwood became the first Marquette-area team to clinch the IFT since 1990.
Team U.P. Hardwood comprised of eight players: Hogan Nemetz, Connor Steer, Trevor Bratonia, Luke Lahtinen, Kurt Lahtinen, Jake Soucy, Derek Stone, and Brandon Kaski. For Nemetz, securing the IFT was a mind-blowing accomplishment.
Despite not facing Shottle Bop, U.P. Hardwood knew their contest against the formidable Monte Carlo team, featuring previous tournament MVP Rudy Tikkanen, wouldn’t be easy. Even though the Hancock team barely managed to defeat the Boomtown Saints 25-23 in their semifinal match.
A thrilling first game saw Monte Carlo take an early 3-1 lead, thanks to Stimac’s excellent throws. However, Nemetz from U.P. Hardwood quickly turned the tide, leading his team to a 6-3 advantage. Despite Monte Carlo’s comeback attempts, U.P. Hardwood secured the first game, with Nemetz sealing the win at 20-19 with a successful throw.
U.P. Hardwood took the lead in the second game despite trailing 5-4 initially. The game remained closely contested with Nemetz evening the score to 5-5 with a high throw. Hella and Stimac from Monte Carlo pushed the score to 12-9. However, U.P. Hardwood soon regained their focus, turned their two-point deficit into a lead, and pinned Monte Carlo to answer each catch. Eventually, U.P. Hardwood led 20-15, and despite Monte Carlo’s best attempts, Nemetz sealed the title for his team, making this a monumental win for Marquette-based U.P. Hardwood.
As the thrilling match concluded, Nemetz acknowledged the importance of staying calm and focusing on the fundamentals in the crucial moments.
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