Walter VanderSchraaf

In junior high school, high school and college, I was a handler. On NY NY, I took pride in playing D. In the zone, I played middle middle. When summoned, I played offense as well. Post NY NY (Cojones,WSL etc), I got back to playing both O and D.

— Winning six open national championships, five worlds, two masters championships and two great grandmasters championships.

— Always playing with passion and love for the game.

— Teaching and mentoring players.

— Being an ambassador of the game for 40 years, always leading by example and always respecting my teammates and opponents.

I felt I could match up against anyone. My only weakness was playing in the air above the rim. I made up for that by never giving up on a play, knowing\observing my opponents tendencies, taking advantage of those tendencies and creating opportunities. I wasn’t the fastest guy on the field, but I was quicker than most and had the endurance to run forever. I was known for getting blocks and never dropping the disc. I always had the competitive fire and could play the game at any level. I played passionate and intelligent ultimate. I had a lot of fun. Most thought of me as having great spirit; although playing for the evil empire padded that reputation.

Late in games, there was no better feeling than running down on D, slapping on the zone and seeing the fear in the offense’s eyes. I played middle middle.

The NY NY (1987-1993) and Cojones (1994-1995) years were the peak years of my career. I left my “stud” status back in college and in high school. I became a “soldier” when I joined NY NY. After my peak years, I got back to playing more O and D. I was fortunate to mentor players. I felt I had a unique experience to share, having started in the 70’s, played for grassroots teams, won consistently at the elite level and then kept playing when most would retire. I stopped playing open at age of 39, as covering 22 year olds became difficult. I last played masters when I was 46, but now I’m back playing in the great grand masters division now that I’m in my 50’s.

Sorry, always a player.

I was part of the Mike O’Dowd and Masa Honda teaching group that went to Japan (we may have taught them too much). I have been coaching my kids and their friends when they are not playing their scheduled sports (soccer/basketball/baseball). At some point, I’d like to bring my family and teach with Ultimate Peace.

Someone has to be the first non mega superstar. There are more deserving than me. For 32+ years I never cheated the game of ultimate – I played every point with passion, always focused in the moment and never brought baggage from off the field into the game. I made those around me better. I like to believe I was respected by my peers for this. When I first started playing ultimate in the 70’s, they told me wearing cleats was against Spirit of the Game – it gave me a competitive edge. I told them I wasn’t going bare foot and was allergic to bees. They let me wear cleats and the rest is history.