The Nomads (Canadian champions in
2001,2004, 2005, and 2008) were based largely in Victoria, British Columbia, and were notable contemporaries of Vertigo, Evil Genius and WaX. They had been mak- ing regular appearances at CUCs for years among the top contenders. After Vancou- ver’s successful 1997 season, Nomads and Furious entered a longstanding symbiotic timeshare of players, and both clubs con- tinued to exist alongside each other, taking alternating turns at CUCs (Canadian Ulti- mate Championships) for over ten years. This relationship was the source of such future Furious stars as Mike Enns and Evan Wood.
The Altar Boys, established in 1996 as Furious prepared for Sweden, were Van- couver’s younger, second team at the time – an athletic pack of competitors led by standout Mike Grant. Their view of the Monkey was much more confronta- tional. “We just wanted to beat you,” Grant laughed upon Lugsdin’s retirement. “You were the old guys, and you had been there and done that, but we were next, and we were going to beat you.” Fittingly, the 1997 national champion- ship pitted Furious George against the Alter Boyz in the final, but the Monkey emerged once again victorious. Grant grudgingly swallowed his pride, and subsequently asked Lugsdin for a tryout for the fall UPA series. “I spent all day thinking about that phone call, and what I was going to say.” The Altar Boys disbanded and thereafter entered the fold. Mike Grant, Kirk Savage, and Marc Seraglia went on to win the three WFDF World Ultimate and Guts Champi-
8
onships (taking the bronze in 2000) while playing for Furious George.
“INSIDE EVERY CANADIAN IS A LITTLE ANGRY MONKEY” – TEAM CANADA OPEN 2004 DISC Since then, the history that many of us
know more familiarly has been laid bare for review on websites, blogs and even Wikipedia pages (perhaps straddling their notability criteria, but curiously still there, nevertheless). Over 15 years, Vancouver’s premier open club has accumulated 3 world championships on behalf of Canada, 3 UPA (now USAU) titles, and 7 national titles. Hundreds of players from across the country and around the world have at some point strapped on cleats with Furi- ous George. Since 2001, out of all three World Games rosters (including alternates), only one male player had not at some time played with Furious; all but two had previously played for the Monkey in multiple championships. And finally, the ubiquity of the Vancouver playbook is so thorough that Lugsdin frequently joked that he never needed to learn new plays when practicing with other Canadian teams – sure, the names changed, but he recognized every one he helped design. However, it is not in the nature of dynasties (least of all sports dynasties) to last unchallenged forever. The game changes; people change; rosters change. Vancouver began to falter in 2007, slip- ping outside the UPA quarter-finals for the first time in ten years. With the help of stars from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Calgary, the club rallied for a third
world championship on home soil, but subsequently failed to qualify for Sarasota in both 2008 and 2009. After their return to the USAU champi- onships in 2010, legends Andrew Lugsdin, Mauro Ortiz, and Kirk Savage announced their plans to retire from the sport. They will be sorely missed in the competitive scene where they dominated together for what seemed like ages. Nevertheless, their contributions to the Canadian game will be remembered and practiced by the next generation of Vancouverites, and by the many players across the country whom they have taught to play at the highest cali- ber. Directly or not, we are all better play- ers because of them and their team. After fifteen years, there is now a little Furious George in every Canadian club. May we all stay angry for another fifteen years.
TIMELINE
• 1995 – Furious George forms. Canadian National Champions
• 1996 – Canadian National Champions • 1997 – Canadian National Champions • 1998 – WFDF World Champions (WUC Blaine) • 1999 – Canadian National Champions • 2000 – Canadian National Champions • 2001 – • 2002 – UPA Club Champions • 2003 – Canadian National Champions, UPA Club Champions
• 2004 – WFDF World Champions (WUGC Turku) • 2005 – UPA Club Champions • 2006 – • 2007– Canadian National Champions • 2008 – WFDF World Champions (WUGC Vancouver)
Ultimate Canada Magazine —
www.canadianultimate.com
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