2014 ULTIMATE CANADA AWARDS Alex Hughes - Toronto, ON


Alex Hughes was truly a pioneer in Canadian Ultimate. He is a native of Dallas, Texas, where he was introduced to the game in 1976. He relocated to Toronto for work reasons in 1981. Although he was excellent at all disc sports, particularly Disc Golf and Guts, he quickly became a mainstay of the nascent Toronto Ultimate community. Gifted with speed, quickness, and fantastic jumping ability, he quickly earned the nickname ‘Sky Dog.’ Add in the throwing ability he showcased in the other disc sports, plus a very competitive nature, and you end up with someone who could dominate any facet of the game. Fellow Hall-of-Famer Ken Westerfield says, “As a handler, I always looked to Alex as a ‘go- to guy,’ not only because he would always get open, but because he could be counted on to make the play.”


But anyone who played with or against Hughes will mention not just his physical prowess but also his spirited play. “He was never confrontational and always played within Spirit of the Game,” says Westerfield. Hughes adds, “Fair play and sportsmanship, mutual respect; I love Ultimate!”


This spirited approach to the game made him an excellent ambassador for disc sports; he partnered


with Hall-of-Famer Chris Lowcock and freestyler Gary Auerbach to bring disc sports to thousands of youngsters through the 1980s.


In 1984 Hughes and Lowcock were added to the McGill University team that was the first representation for Canada at an Ultimate World Championships. He also competed for the Canadian Guts team at that tournament, and repeated this double in 1986 and 1988. He was also a member of the team that represented Toronto at the World Ultimate Club Championships in 1991 and 1997. He played for every Toronto open division team at the national championships from the first one in 1987 through the mid-1990s, including winning the first Canadian open division championship with Darkside. He capped his Ultimate career by winning a gold medal with the Canadian Masters team at the 1998 world championships.


These days, Hughes is back in his home state of Texas spending valuable time with his family, but you can tell how touched he is by this honour.


“I can’t believe I’ve been nominated, much less inducted! The players and organizers who have preceded me into the Hall of Fame are all heroes of mine already and I’m thrilled to even be thought of as a candidate.”


Alex Hughes demonstrating his athleticism 14


Photo: Toronto Ultimate Club Ultimate Canada Magazine - www.canadianultimate.com


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