Latin’s ultimate frisbee team, known as Colossus, qualified for the state quarterfinals after a 12-4 victory against Evanston Township High School this past Wednesday. With nearly 40 students, parents, and teachers lining the Lincoln Park turf field, Colossus, seeded sixth in the state, displayed a dominant combination of tactics, teamwork, and athleticism.

With a season record of nine wins and five losses, the team has grown tremendously since the beginning of the year. “[Our season] got off to a great start, and we’ve only gotten better since then,” junior Nate Weldon said. “We had a couple of tough losses, but we learn from our mistakes and get better.”

The team’s emotions were high before the game, and they started the game off strong, tallying four unanswered goals in the first six minutes of match play.

“Excitement and eagerness,” junior Roland Criswell said, explaining the team’s start. “This [was] only our third home game, so we definitely wanted to show out.”

Senior Richard Heller achieved a pair of early scores, including an acrobatic diving grab in the endzone, while senior Ethan Weiss and Roland each secured a goal early in the game.

Following a goal from the opposing team, Colossus proceeded to score a second series of four consecutive goals, highlighted by a blazing-fast, knee-sliding goal from senior Sam Bayer and a toe-tapping catch from junior Jeremiah Wheatley in the corner of the endzone.

Holding a comfortable lead heading into the second half, Colossus maintained their high-energy, tactical approach. Despite Evanston’s three goals in the second half, Latin continued to dominate, delivering one highlight play after another.

Sam reeled in a deep throw over an opposing defender, Nate and Roland controlled the midfield, and sophomore Scarlet Gitelson nearly snagged a one-handed goal in the corner of the endzone. Exemplary performances from junior Zoe Cartwright and senior Gideon Heltzer also helped lead Colossus to victory.

“The game went amazing,” Roland said. “I’m so proud of this team, we’ve really come a long way.”

Another key to the team’s success was junior Myles Levine, who, throughout the entire match, exhibited complete control of the field, compiling eight assists, two goals, and forcing three defensive turnovers.

Additionally, freshman Julian Heller maintained a poised playstyle, working tirelessly on the defensive and offensive ends, and finished with one goal, one assist, and a 100% catching rate.

“The team played clinically,” Upper School math teacher and Coach Chris van Benthuysen said. “We played the kind of offense I know our team can play. Our defense played incredible defense.”

Colossus looks to equal the best finish in Latin history with a win in their next game, the Illinois State Quarterfinals. “One game at a time—we are trying to make the State Semifinals next,” Coach van Benthuysen said.

Roland spoke of a loftier goal. “Coach Van said let’s try and get top four now … but I’m trying to win State!”