Published September 29, 2026
BY MADELEINE WILLFORD
The Ultimate Frisbee club is quickly becoming known at Carmel High School for its originality, bringing students and teachers together for the spirit of the game and a friendly match.
“We’re just playing the game for the love of it,” says senior club president Niko Rachuna.
Rachuna was introduced to the concept of the spirit of the game by a friend. At the start, Rachuna did not believe it to be a big deal, but after joining the club, he began to show up even more, gaining greater passion for the game and looking forward to showing up to play a friendly match every week.
Ultimate Frisbee is a low-stakes sport, which allows an environment with no stress, more teamwork and entertainment. On a prep sports team, pressure can fixate on improvement and instruction, whereas in a club fixated on sport, there is more focus towards connection and having fun.
Teachers Jason Maas-Baldwin and Juan Gomez throw frisbee with club members at the field every friday. Photo by MADELEINE WILLFORD
“The club opens a door for students and teachers to have something in common,” says club adviser and math teacher Juan Gomez. “It allows me to talk about something non-classroom related and learn more about them.”
Not only is this a sports club, but also a club that facilitates good relationships with teachers. This little interaction between students and educators creates a more inclusive school environment.
Many CHS teachers participate in this club, including Kevin Buran, a biology teacher; Marc Stafford, a social studies teacher; Juan Gomez, a math teacher; and Jason Maas-Baldwin, a science teacher.
“Mr. Buran and Mr. MB are absolute beasts,” says Gomez.
Though there has been talk of turning it competitive, the club does not focus on instruction or teaching of the sport. However, they are workshopping this idea and hoping that with the right amount of funds and passion, the club may turn into a sport in the future.
Ultimate Frisbee will be held on the football field every Friday at lunch. All students are welcome to join, and no knowledge of the sport is required.
