Guess what? A UNCW team has been national champions.

UNCW possesses a track and field team that has dominated CAA competition for years, the men’s and women’s basketball teams have been making a lot of noise on the national scene in recent seasons, and the men’s golf team was ranked No. 4 in the country two weeks ago.

But none of those teams have enjoyed the success of the UNCW Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team. Better known as The Seamen, UNCW won a national title in 1993 in the exciting, yet obscure sport of Ultimate Frisbee.

The Seamen have been a UNCW intramural organization since 1987 and quickly became a national power.

“We’ve played teams from all over the country and have even traveled to the West Coast where they generally have exceptional competition,” said Farzad Kapadia, who’s been on the team for four years. “During my brief four years here, we’ve attended the National tournament twice, in 2001 and 2002.”

This year’s squad features a plethora of talent, albeit, of the youthful variety.

“We have several players with many years of experience, but overall we are a very young team,” said Chris Lathinghouse, a member of the squad.

“Farzad Kapadia, … brings experience to the team and leads by example. Brant Hansil is a threat with his deep throws and excellent field sense.”

The team is paced by an exciting core of upperclassmen like Kapadia, Tim Garrett and Hansil, but some new players may also be key in UNCW’s pursuit of another title.

Ultimate Frisbee is open to any student or faculty member currently enrolled at UNCW. The team makes no qualms about recruiting new talent either.

“We really need as many interested athletes that want to play,” Kapadia said.

“No experience is necessary and we teach everyone the skills they need to know,” Lathinghouse said.

However, just because no experience is required, that doesn’t mean that just anyone can strap on shoes and play. This sport requires a wealth of athleticism and endurance, and The Seamen take much pride in their beloved sport.

The Seamen do not officially start playing their college schedule until the spring semester, and are competing in as many tournaments as possible until then.

The Seahawks plan to host their own tournament Dec. 7 at Brooks Field.

“We’re doing this event so people around town can see what a college tournament really looks like,” Kapadia said.