Although players might recognize each other by voice, the unique design of each player's glow stick arrangement shapes their identity. Some are minimalist and use only a few sticks around their necks or on their shoes. Others try to cover their entire bodies by designing bracelets, jackets, belts and even capes. Yours truly was inspired by chain mail and employed the use of intertwined rings to create a solid torso vest. No two designs are the same. And of course, the structural integrity of the arrangements is quickly tested when playing and it is not uncommon to lose a few articles as you go.
The game itself is a reflection of everything ultimate should be. It is lively but fun. Players are far from bored but do not take it outrageously seriously. Like an all-star game in any sport, fouls are few and discouraged. This year's game -- my first -- was played on a bumpy and rocky grass field commonly frequented by the less responsible hooligans, leaving broken beer bottles and cans on the field. Most was cleaned off, but one can never be too careful, so layouts were not recommended. That being said, the risks were just part of the game and luckily, no one was seriously injured.
Beer served as a more popular fuel than water, but the game was no booze fest. The humidity maintained itself into the late hours of the night and the wind was nowhere to be seen. The strong threat of rain never materialized, although lightning regularly flashed in the distance. It was by far one of the most fun ultimate games I've ever played.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Shortly after midnight, our game was abruptly put to a stop by a pair of apologetic police officers. The combination of noise and drinking left them to cancel our game, but you could tell they didn't really want to. One officer repeatedly apologized for shutting us down, identifying our game as good clean fun. I would imagine they were pleasantly surprised that a noise complaint in this area brought them upon a bunch of easy going 20- and 30-somethings rather than a gang of unruly teenagers. As one of my friends told the officers, we were the most responsible delinquents they'd run into all night.
We cleaned up and gathered ourselves, many of us still in glow gear. And so we hopped on our bikes and made our way to the next stop in the night; the glowing convoy.
Happy birthday, Johnny, and thanks to everyone for a superb night.
