Talking with andrew Lugsdin
The road before, today and ahead
BY STEVEN TRAINOR
FEW PLAYERS have dominated the country’s open division like Andrew Lugsdin. With a record that includes: three
UPA titles as a captain on Furious George; repeat world championship gold medalist who has represented Canada on
many occasions; and national championships with Furious (Vancouver) and WaX (Ottawa), few have accomplished as
much. And that’s not counting dozens of other tournaments including our own Canadian nationals.
These past two decades, he’s been an elite player on the elite team in the nation. He’s a lock for the Ottawa Ultimate
Hall of Fame for his early career exploits in the city and he’s seen as one of the best captains and leaders in the game.
By popular demand, here’s an updated interview with Andrew.
How was the name Furious George created? One that is no more or less important than good times and banter between the old and the
Who is to be given credit?
any other role on the team. If the team thinks new. We actually got together two summers
This was before my time here so I don’t really that it will do better with someone else in the ago at the Ottawa No Borders tournament with
know the details. The team was formed in ‘95 leadership role then I would happily change to our team name appropriately changed to Wax
when Vertigogh (the old guys) and Evil Genius another role. A team having good leadership Museum. We had guys come from coast to
(the young guys) combined. I heard that they is about having a combination of good leaders coast in Canada, from Australia and from San
had a team vote on the final two names and the and good followers. If you don’t have people Diego. About five minutes into the tournament,
other name won. However, Khai Foo was the who will support the direction the leadership is it felt like old times (other than our play), same
one responsible for getting the team jerseys pointing, the team will not be successful. old jokes going round.
made and he vetoed the group and had them On Furious, we’ve been lucky that we’ve had Comment on the state of Open Ultimate
made as Furious George. Khai is the one who an excellent crew of guys who think of what in Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg,
created the logo. He’s a great artist here in is best for the team ahead of themselves. In Montreal, and other parts of Canada. Which
Vancouver. terms of how I lead, I focus on putting the team programs do you see as emerging rivals, if
Who brought you into the sport? first and by leading by example. After that, I any?
A buddy of mine, Dan Nichols, formed a just let my passion for the game and our team I think Canadian Open Ultimate continues
team in the Ottawa city league without telling guide me. to get better. Of course it has to if it wants to
any of us. None of us had heard of the sport Many of today’s players might not know you
before but he registered the team, and so we were leading Ottawa Wax to national titles
were committed to playing. That was the very before your days with the Monkey. What are
beginning but I probably got more interested some of your favorite moments as an Ottawa
in the game at McGill University where Steve player? Who are some of your favorite
and Eileen Wright were very welcoming to new teammates?
players exposing us to a higher level of play. Yeah, the Ottawa days are a little while ago
What’s your strongest asset as a player? now. I remember my Ottawa days very fondly.
I think my strongest asset is my competitive I think everyone remembers the early days as
nature. I like to compete and to win. In team something special and it’s the same for me.
sports there are many different dynamics I didn’t really know anything about the game
taking place. From my perspective it’s the then but we loved to play.
players who focus on the outcome and not on We had a bunch of young guys come up at
how they look while playing, who tend to be the same time who were hungry to get better
more successful. and every practice was so intense. The veteran
What’s your strongest asset as a leader? guys — Phil Rodger, Jamie Wildgen, Cliff
I think of myself as fulfilling a role on the Youdale, Dave Pelletier, Rob Bohnen — were a
team and it happens to be a leadership role. hilarious group of guys, so there were lots of
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