Andrew Lugsdin

I mostly played as a primary lane cutter on our offensive line (O line). On Furious, we typically ran our offense through two main lane cutters, I was one of these two main lane cutters. While my primary role was on our O line, I would also double up on our defensive line (D line) as much as possible, especially in important games. My usual role there was to cover either the other team’s main handler or main lane cutter. In some games, because of matchups or circumstances, I would play most of the game on the D line and double up on the O line.

My main accomplishment was being part of a core group of players and leaders that built Furious George (and Team Canada) up to being one of the top teams in the world. I’m also proud that we were able to sustain this level for a relatively long period of time. This resulted in winning the UPA championships three times (2002, 2003, 2005) and the World Ultimate Championships three times (1998, 2004, 2008). Beyond those championships, we made the finals or semifinals a number of other times.

I suppose that I am most known for being a strong offensive player, specifically getting open for big yards, starting our offense, throwing the disc upfield and scoring goals. Personally, I took just as much pride in my defense and always wanted the most difficult matchup. Whatever the role that was required, I was a very competitive player who tried to win every individual battle. I think that both my teammates and my opponents recognized this and respected how hard I played the game.

In addition to the playing roles mentioned above, I was the captain for both Furious George and Team Canada, including when they were considered amongst the top teams in the world.

I think I was at my most athletic during the early years of my career (’92-‘99); however, I feel that I was at my most impactful level from 2002-2006. I was the “stud” (or one of a few “studs”) for my teams from the early ‘90s until I retired in 2010 from open ultimate, but my level of play declined somewhat the last couple of years (2008-2010) due to injuries and declining athleticism. I still played much of the same roles, but I was just less effective than before. Specifically, I became more of a goal scorer and less of a thrower (due to a shoulder injury), and, defensively, I spent more time covering handlers and less on lane cutters. My last year playing open competitive ultimate was 2010.

When I retired from Furious, I returned to coach the team for a few years. I was also the coach for the first three seasons of the Vancouver Nighthawks of the MLU.

I was involved in the early organization of the Canadian Ultimate Players Association (CUPA). I have organized and run a number of clinics in different cities for both youth and adult players. In addition to the coaching the teams that I was on, I also helped coach other competitive, youth or recreational teams. I have been asked on a number of occasions to participate (and did so) in think tank or planning sessions at both the international, national (Canadian) and local levels on various topics.

I don’t think of it in those terms, I believe that it is up to others to determine if I’m worthy of being in the Hall of Fame. It would be an honor that I would very much appreciate. When I do look back on my career, I feel that I gave everything that I had to the teams that I was a part of.