VERO BEACH — Ryan Hiser began playing Ultimate Frisbee with friends in his neighborhood when he was in middle school. Last spring, Hiser graduated from Vero Beach High School and by July he was competing in the highest level of Ultimate Frisbee competition for his age bracket: the World Junior Ultimate Championships.
Hiser and his teammates on Team USA only had a short five days of practice together in New York before heading to Lecco, Italy, to take the field. But their record in Italy made it seem like the team had been playing together for years.
One by one, the team picked off opponents in pool play. Then, they claimed victory in the quarter and semi-finals before finding themselves pitted against Canada in the final game.
In one of the most back-and-forth games of the tournament, the United States lost to Canada 17-16 after more than 106 minutes of play.
“We lost to Canada in a thrilling 17 to 16 game that was close the entire game,” Hiser said. “It was a memorable experience and one that I will cherish the rest of my life.”
As seen on the tournament’s highlight reels on www.skydmagazine.com, the final point scored by Canadian player Darren Wu was caught a mere inches from a Team USA block.
But as Hiser described before he left for the tournament, one of the most attractive parts of “Ultimate” is something he calls “the spirit of the game.”
In keeping with the spirit of the game — a commitment to good sportsmanship, positive attitudes, and trust event among opponents — Team USA was seen shaking hands and congratulating the Canadian victors on the field.
“After the finals match, the medals ceremony was held, then all the athletes took part in trading jerseys and other items. It was a great experience to meet and trade with guys from the other countries,” Hiser said.
After claiming his silver medal, Hiser and his family spent some time traveling through Italy together before returning home.
Shortly after landing back in Florida, Hiser’s bags were packed for his freshman year at the University of Florida, but his days on the Ultimate field are far from over.
As the only Team USA player to hail from the State of Florida, Hiser told VeroNews.com before the world tournament, he hoped his passion and skill would find him a slot on a collegiate team.
Now that dream is coming to fruition.
“I’m looking forward to playing on the UF Ultimate Frisbee team this year,” Hiser said. Practices are already underway.