Moeller Ultimate Frisbee

Moeller scoring against Milford with a “Hammer” Throw by Spelman to Dennis Cowell; Photo by Jeff Spelman

Last spring, the Archbishop Moeller High School Ultimate Frisbee team had one of the most talented groups of players in school history. With senior captains Jimmy George and Donovan Duffy, the Crusaders had a strong chance at winning the 2020 state title, which could have been their second in three years.

Head Coach Zach Kaylor '08 responded to the cancellation of last year’s spring season. He spoke about the biggest impact being the loss of practice and game experience. He said, "We typically practice 100-150 times plus games during the school year, so that's a lot of practice that our players are not getting."

A key part in the development of Ultimate players is their throwing ability. The lack of throwing for a long period of time is very impactful on a players ability. "You'll primarily see the setback in throwing because it is very important to consistently make different types of throws and being in different game scenarios," said Kaylor.

Moeller/MND Team Photo 2019

Photo by Moeller parent

The Crusaders typically compete in both the fall and spring seasons. The fall season being a co-ed team with Mount Notre Dame, and the spring season being an all boys team. Some big tournaments that Moeller has gone to are in Indianapolis, Lexington, and Chicago. With restrictions on out of town tournaments this season, the Crusaders are dialed in on preparing to face growing programs with national level talent from Milford and Mason. Milford is the defending state champion and is a large program with a strong senior class. Mason is one of few teams in the city who has had the opportunity to continue to practice throughout the pandemic. Despite the harsh competition, Moeller's top notch coaches will be setting up the team for success.

Coach Zach Kaylor (left) and Coach Mike Kaylor (right)

Photo by Moeller parent

Last season, the Moeller Ultimate coaching staff announced that this season will mark the end of an era. The Kaylor Father/Son coaching duo has been a key to the Crusader's success. They have been coaching together since 2013. Coach Mike Kaylor has been playing the sport of Ultimate for over 40 years and has one of the most genius Ultimate minds. He has retired from coaching and passed down the team to his son. When asking Coach Zach about the loss of Mike he said, "Very sad personally, it was awesome to get to interact with my dad like that, that was really fun. This won't fundamentally change what we do in practices and games. Affects our program as a whole, especially the team spirit with having one less positive upbeat person on the sidelines. I'm talking to other people to come replace Mike's coaching spot, but it will be impossible to replace Mike Kaylor."

The Crusaders’ outlook for success this year is promising. "In the eight years I've been coaching, this is the most talented team I have ever coached," said Coach Zach Kaylor. With four-year seniors Ethan Kunz, Josh Radloff, Cannon Spelman, and Adam George, we have a strong chance at making a run for another state title.

Ethan Kunz will be coming into the season having three Youth Club Championship tournaments of experience under his belt. He has been playing Ultimate since the age of six, and can't wait to get revenge against Milford and Mason this season. Adam George, another four year senior, will for sure be hyping up the boys on the sidelines this season. Josh Radloff is a key component to our team's success with his leadership and skills. With Jake Callen, Brody Bayes, and some new first year seniors to come, their athleticism will come in clutch for games against athletic talents of Milford and Mason.