Ultimate beginnings: MSU-GSC squad makes noise in first frisbee invitational stint

Marking the rise of the sport and taking their maiden run on the disc game, the Mindanao State University–General Santos City (MSU-GSC) Ultimate capped the Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Invitational 2025 last September 6–7 at the Antonio C. Acharon Sports Complex.

With a 26-strong roster drawn from talents across every college in the university, the squad turned heads by securing a remarkable fourth-place finish in pool B on the second day of action, leaving a lasting mark on the tournament.

Shaking off their rookie nerves, the Ultimate’s first outing yielded just one win against two setbacks, but the team bounced back the next day with an almost podium-worthy run.

© Katrina Elises

“This first tournament has been both exciting and eye-opening for the team. It gave us the chance to test our skills, experience real competition, and see how much potential we have moving forward,” said spirit captain Kent Joe Maben Mamoca following MSU-GSC’s successful hack in the contest.

He then added that the experience was not simply about wins and losses, but about gaining confidence, growing as a team, and proving they could carry the university’s name with pride.

Earning accolades for their effort, the group claimed the Most Spirited Team award in the bracket, while Christie Gwyneth Jandonero and Ronald Mikkel Resolis were named to the Mythical 7, with Jandonero also taking home the Most Defensive Player Female honor. 

Moving forward, the competition served as a glimpse of what Ultimate could become in the future, as the squad showed promise by braving the odds in their starting venture, having only two months to build chemistry and grow as a team.

“In just two months, our chemistry has grown remarkably. We started as strangers, but over time we’ve become like a family—united not by blood, but by our shared love for the sport,” remarked Ultimate team captain Mill Christian Gunay, highlighting the spirit of the game that guided their preparation for the event.

Beyond this, the group has expanded its reach from the College of Engineering—the sole college that has traditionally featured Frisbee in its college week—to a unified squad now drawing players from across the different colleges of the university.

“Most of our players originally came from the College of Engineering, where Frisbee is traditionally played during Engineering Week,” explained Gunay. He further noted, “Over time, our team began to grow and diversify—we now have players from various colleges including Education, Fisheries, Business Administration, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Agriculture.”

Pursuing new avenues has been the primary goal of the MSU-GSC squad, and team leader Mamoca described this achievement as a ‘milestone’ for the university, opening doors for more students to get involved.

“It means we’re expanding opportunities for students, embracing new sports, and showcasing our talent in a wider arena. Competing in Frisbee marks a step toward inclusivity, diversity in athletics, and a stronger school spirit,” Mamoca emphasized.

The Frisbee community within the institution steadily gained ground and turned heads with every throw, while the team hoped the sport would soon receive formal recognition.

“I see Frisbee becoming more recognized and embraced as both a competitive sport and a community activity within the university,” Mamoca asserted, demonstrating that the growth of the program is key to gaining support and establishing the institution as a strong contender in future tournaments.