Daily Collegian Story - F.L.I.C.K.S. 2009

Ultimate Frisbee games draw crowds, benefit charity

April 6, 2009 - reprinted from the Daily Collegian

Diving for Frisbees while dancing to music, about 200 students took advantage of the sunny weather Sunday by participating in the inaugural Theta Chi FLICKS Ultimate Frisbee Tournament.

The tournament gave 20 teams the opportunity to compete against one another throughout the day in double-elimination bracket rounds.

Jason Chottiner (senior-energy, business and finance management), who helped organize the event, said it raised more than $800 for the Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

"It's kind of like a big brother program which gives foster children a voice in court," he said. Chottiner said Theta Chi's pledge class ran the event.

"We have a soccer tournament in the fall called KICKS, so this was just named FLICKS as an easier thing to remember," he said. "This is our new member class's --pledge class if you will -- project for the semester, so they are running this."

Teams competed on six available intramural fields behind Park Avenue, with two 12-minute halves between each game.

The tournament was open to all student organizations, with participants ranging from fraternities and student clubs to high school students.

Several teams consisted of both men and women, with a total of eight players allowed per team, but only five playing on the field.

Jeff Motter, a senior at State College Area High School, said he heard about the event through a friend and gathered a group of his friends to play.

"We like to play pick-up games here and there and this came up," he said. "It's a very friendly atmosphere, well-spirited along with some friendly competition, and it's all for a good cause.

Jessica Serra (senior-material sciences and engineering) said her team was out to participate and enjoy the weather.

"It's a gorgeous day and I'm ready to go outside and run around. I think it's a great turnout, with 20 teams showing up," she said.

Theta Chi fraternity members provided a range of different music for the participants to enjoy along with food donated by various sponsors.

Other members showed their support by participating in the tournament.

"I came out to support the new members, this is their philanthropy, and also I love playing ultimate Frisbee," said Theta Chi member Mike Cronin (junior-geographical science and civil engineering). "With the 20 teams here, I think it's a superb outing."