52nd International Frisbee Tourney hits Hancock this weekend

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HANCOCK - Frisbee players from across the nation will reconvene at the Hancock Driving Park this weekend for the 52nd Annual International Frisbee Tournament.

Defending champion Cupola Bandits from downstate Michigan will return to defend their crown and to claim the Julius T. Nachazel Trophy.

Teams expected to challenge Cupola include a hybrid Boomtown Saints/Riding' High team, also from downstate. Boomtown was runner-up last year. Also contending will be Blame the Dog from Wisconsin, Marquette, and Chicago, and the local teams: Monte Carlo, Breakers, Coasters, and a Calumet-area team.

A youth movement is afoot in Guts: at a recent Wisconsin tournament, one-quarter of the players were in their first tournament, and the young Appleton (Wis.) Assassins finished third. Cracked Disc is another Wisconsin team to watch, and Frisbee organizers expect between 12 and 14 teams total.

The teams play guts Frisbee, where two teams square off at 14 meters (15 yards) and hurl the orange Professional Model Frisbees at speeds up to 80 mph. The disc must be caught with one hand and must be within reach of the receiving team. The games are played to 21 points.

Food and soft drinks will be provided by Jim's Pizza, and play will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Organizers believe the guts action will be a nice addition to the Fourth of July festivities, as the tourney has always been held on the weekend closest to the Fourth.

This tournament weekend will also mark the induction of three new members in the International Frisbee Hall of Fame, which will be located in the Houghton County Arena. Gary Ciaglaski of Motor City, Jimmy Dinser of Cupola Bandits, and Keith "Green Man" Moher of the Air Aces will join two dozen other players, founders, and friends of Frisbee in the hall.