2009 HODAG LOVE SCHOLARSHIP

Unfortunately, there was only one entry for the scholarship this year. So the alums weren't able to spend the Vegas weekend reading various accounts of what Hodag Love means to various team members. Fortunately, the one entry that was submitted was excellent. Congrats, Tom!

TOM MURRAY

This past season I had to battle with the semi-unknown financial burdens that were ahead. Additionally having never played high caliber Ultimate before my parents weren’t exactly gung-ho about my seemingly delusional commitment to a game they confused with my pot-smoking days on the disc-golf course. They questioned my life choices, as all parents do, and as a result made asking for money more difficult than it may be this year. Bringing home the golden nugget doesn’t hurt from a parental perspective; I like to think they have accepted my hobby. They are certainly not shy to drop the National Champion card as a conversation piece around just about anyone. Regardless, I don’t like asking for money. I wish I could pay for every cent of my existence. Not being able to pay for something makes me feel like I’m failing as a member of society, maybe everyone feels that way. So why am I still ranting about money? Well, some of my biggest Hodag Love moments sprouted from financial roots and like the rest of the world money has been on my mind as of late.

Last spring break I found myself sitting on a bench on the porch with Shane. It was remarkably peaceful given the debauchery taking place inside. The fact that I remember this whole situation speaks to the sobering effect of the words he shared with me. He told me about the hurdles that he surmounted in order to experience Hodag Love. Aside from what I was aware of, being admitted to the business school and devoting himself to eating children, Shane told me he struggled with finances and skeptical parents. It was something he had figured out we shared, and he wanted me to know that the Hodag Ultimate was worth it. I appreciated hearing his story and knowing that he understood the difficulties I was facing. Like Shane assured me, devoting myself to Wisconsin Ultimate over the past couple of years has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I’d trade it for nothing.

Looking back at last season I’m still not sure how I ended up at the Stanford Invite. When I got the spring schedule I quickly realized my girlfriend (Mary) was planning on coming to Madison (from Ecuador) for a mid-semester break smack dab in the middle of the Stanford Invite. On top of that I knew I didn’t have the money so I figured I wasn’t going to make the trip. As the semester rolled on Mary wasn’t enjoying the jungle and pulled the plug. I got a call from her in a Vegas parking garage Saturday evening thereby relieving my obligation to skip Stanford. The problem was I still didn’t have the cash to dole out for a plane ticket. Apparently I wasn’t aware of this but when you needed a Frisbee loan last year you were supposed to go to the bank of Rebholz. I was reluctant. I knew I wasn’t going to pay him back in any reasonable length of time (I actually still owe him a bit for the ticket) but he was so willing I couldn’t say no. I was amazed he was so quick to stick his neck out for me, as though I were his brother or son. That favor showed to me that our team truly is a family; I was going to Stanford. Of all the decisions I don’t regret, accepting help from Reb is on the top of my list. The Stanford Invite was where I really came into my own, the systems made sense and I could just play. I loved Ultimate before that weekend, but after that weekend I absolutely loved Hodag Ultimate.

Reb’s favor and Shane’s understanding are symptomatic of the strong bond this team seems to engender each year. We are competing in a sport that is little understood and we often need to look within our own ranks to validate our work and our successes. When I look at each Hodag there is a tacit agreement that every ounce of sweat squeezed from our bodies is worth its weight in gold. Each season we (re)learn what it takes to be a Hodag and we love each other for our commitment to success. Despite the great loss in personnel we’re facing this year, there is already a seemingly tangible bond between each of us. I can’t wait to hit the battlefield in Vegas with my new family.

All things considered, I feel I have sacrificed much and worked hard to don baby blue. I believe our work and sacrifice is what makes Hodag Love so special. Having to work really hard to be a part of this program makes each of us appreciate it that much more; the work we each put into this team allows for Hodag Love to be incredibly strong. For me it has been dealing with finances, convincing my parents I’m not wasting my resources, beating the shit out of my body year round, and staying determined that one day I’d wear baby blue. This year, being a part time student, money isn’t quite as tight. However, I love reflecting and writing about things that I truly care about, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share my thoughts about this program. We each have a story, and I think you’ll find that the harder you work(ed) and the more you surmount(ed) to represent Hodag Ultimate, the stronger you feel Hodag Love.